Clearwater Humane Society News, Sherrie Chambers

Summer days are here. A lot of us love going on vacation but cannot take our pets with us. When considering either a friend or relative to care for your pet while you are away there are some things to keep in mind.

Know that your pet will miss you and your family no matter that they know the person you have chosen. Always have a collar on your pet, whether a cat or dog. Always make sure the collar is snug enough that it cannot slip over their head. Test the collar after you have adjusted it to make sure it is snug enough. Make sure their pet ID tag and rabies tag is securely attached to the collar. Most dogs that do not have tags do not make it home.

When we get a stray dog that has only a collar, that collar tells us nothing. We need to know your pet’s name, address, and phone number so that we can connect your pet back with you. Many times a citizen will see your dog or cat. Ninety five percent of the time that citizen will try to contain the dog or cat and call the owner if they see tags affixed to the collar. The tags also tell whoever sees your pet that you care enough to have identification. Make sure whoever is keeping your pet has a secure and contained area for your pet.

In the case of cats, keep them inside only. For dogs, please walk your fence line to make sure there is no area where they can get out. It is always a good idea when you are letting the dog out to potty to go out with the dog. If you have to leave make sure the dog is contained where it cannot possibly get out. No matter how much they like you they want to go home. Keeping that in mind will help you make the safe decisions while caring for your friend or relatives pet.

If the pet does get out, call us right away. That way if someone finds the pet we can get your pet right back to you. Tell all your neighbors also. We want many eyes watching for the pet. Call your local veterinarians. Have a picture of the pet handy. Using your digital camera is fast and simple. Take that picture when you get the pet. That way we know exactly what the dog/cat looks like.

If I ask ten people what the dog or cat looks like, they will all describe the pet differently. The picture is exactly what we need for accuracy. Go looking for the pet. Have friends or relatives help. Together we can hope for a good outcome, which is getting your pet back. Always call us back if you do find the pet.

All stray dogs and cats are vaccinated upon arrival for their safety and the safety of the other dogs and cats. They are also neutered and spayed on the sixth (6) day. All costs are the responsibility of the owner claiming the dog. Strays are held for five (5) days and then are for adoption.

***We need large stainless steel bowls for water.*** We also need treats for training. Small milk bones and other tasty treats are great.

**Please donate kitty/cat food.** We have 11 cats/kittens now. Dry kitten food, Purina kitten food is ok. Friskies canned food, ground only, is also greatly needed! Please help us help them.***

We really need canned and dry cat/kitten food and litter right now. We also need small ceramic bowls for the kitten and cat food. We also need covered litter pans.

We need towels to bathe our dogs and cats. Please don’t throw your old towels away—we will put them to good use.

***We need nylabones and tug toys for the dogs/puppies and toys for our cats/kittens right now.***

You can drop all donations of food, toys, blankets, etc. at Orofino Builders Supply. Steve and Leila Crockett continue to be animal lovers and great supporters.

Remember, your donations are tax deductible. Thank you for thinking of us!

Our mailing address is: Clearwater Humane Society, P.O. Box 2063, Orofino, ID 83544.

For any information on any of our animals, call 476-9823. Please leave your name, telephone number, and the reason you are calling. Please speak clearly and slowly.

Pictured. Two female beagles were found July 12 about four miles outside Kamiah. Neither one had a collar or tags.

If you find a stray dog, please contain the dog or cat, if you feel it is safe to do so, and then call. Many times I get a call from someone that has a stray but by the time I get there the person calling says the dog ran off.

Please contain in a yard or tie the dog until I get there. We want to keep these poor dogs safe and either find their owners or get them a wonderful lifetime home.

All stray dogs and cats are vaccinated and wormed upon arrival for their safety and the safety of the other dogs and cats. They are also neutered and spayed after a five (5) day waiting period. All costs are the responsibility of the owner claiming the dog or cat. Strays are held for five days and then are up for adoption.

If you recognize any of the above strays and know who the owner is, please call. We want to get these wonderful dogs and cats back to their homes. Call 476-9823.