Mews and Pupdates
- Jan./Feb. 2020
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Busy Day Every Day
Hello Fellow Animal Lovers,
I
can report that things have been quite busy at OPHS as we closed out 2019 and jumped head-long into 2020. And, what a year we had!
In 2019 we had 1506 animals come through our doors. WOW!
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Let's break that down a bit. We are open to the public 247 days a year (closed to the public on Sundays and Wednesdays and 5 holidays). So, that equates to OPHS taking in
6 animals every single day
- almost one animal for every hour we are open! We are the largest animal caregiver on the Peninsula and do not reject any domestic animal, regardless of health or temperament. Every single animal is important to us and deserves a second chance.
Each animal has a comprehensive profile created with historical and identifying information and receives an immediate initial health assessment. It is placed in a holding pattern to ensure good health, being free of non-communicable disease and, in the case of a stray, to wait to see if the owner can be found. In addition, all the daily cleaning, walking, feeding and laundry takes place. Medications are charted and given to those in need. If an animal requires emergency treatment, either our in-house vet administers to the animal, or, in the case of a treatment that we cannot provide due to lack of equipment, our outside vet partners are contracted and the animal is transported for immediate care.
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Vaccinations are given, microchips are inserted, behavioral assessments are conducted and typically 40-50 dogs walked, and as many cats are socialized and/or playfully engaged. And, even though we are closed to the public 2 days a week and holidays (and snow days like we have had recently), all the daily care takes place 365 days a year!
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Oh, and before every adoption, the dog or cat is spayed or neutered to further protect their health and control overpopulation.
OH YES, OPHS IS A VERY BUSY PLACE!
February is National Spay/Neuter month and OPHS is devoted to measurably reducing pet overpopulation. Our next email will tell you all about our special programs to do just that.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We need every volunteer hour and/or dollar you so graciously provide.
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Cynthia Linden from Best Friends Nutrition presented Nicole Patrick, Development Manager for OPHS, a $350 check and a trunk-load of supplies from their collection campaign.
Thank you, Best Friends!
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Radius - Another Life Saved
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The date was November 30
th
. It was early evening, and darkness had already fallen on Clallam county. One of our volunteers had received word of a stray cat with a very badly injured leg that desperately needed help. Without hesitation she jumped in her truck to retrieve the cat and deliver him to OPHS.
One quick look at this handsome and stoic black and white tom cat hanging out in the transport kennel reminded me of just how amazing cats are at dealing with pain and injury. His attitude was as if he didn’t actually have a near traumatic amputation of his right forelimb. As he casually snacked on some cat kibbles, he would occasionally peek over at us getting his medications ready. He was just as patient as can be.
This cat did not need xrays to determine the extent of his injuries. There was no question his leg was broken, you could see both the radius and ulna protruding from the open wound! We were thinking that he may have caught his leg in a foot-hold spring trap – which are illegal to in Washington State. And, since Ulna is not really a very good name for a cat, we chose to name this big boy Radius.
Radius was set up in our treatment area that night with a nice comfy bed, fresh food and water, his first dose of antibiotics, and a nice dose of pain medication to help him get a good night’s sleep. He needed to rest as he had a big surgery coming up to remove that irreparably damaged leg.
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DID YOU KNOW . . .
We have our volunteer training online so you can get started helping us at the shelter quickly and easily? Interested to see all the ways you can help? Check out the introductory video here:
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Save the Date!
Sat. April 25th
Last year sold out! Tickets available starting February 15th at
www.OPHumaneSociety.org/MandM
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The following Monday, Radius went to a local clinic that was willing to donate their time for the surgery. And, in addition to removing the useless leg, he also had two other needless pieces removed so he could go up for adoption (he, ahem, got neutered).
Radius healed beautifully from his procedure; all the while keeping his charming and laid-back purrsonality. He had several people that were interested in adding this guy to their home, but he finally was able to pack his bags and move in with a family that needed him to be an emotional support cat!
So, while Radius began his journey through OPHS due to a snap of relative back luck, he sure is lucky that he was found and brought into the shelter where he could receive treatment and get the chance to live the kind of life that all cats deserve!
Dr. Suzy Zustiak
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