Clearwater Humane Society News, Sherrie Chambers

For those of us who have dogs that are afraid of thunderstorms we recognize the panting and pacing with their tails tucked between their legs that starts with the first spotted lightning and the rumble of thunder. Our dogs will try to climb up on us or run to the bathroom to hide. They are shaking and terrified.

If any of this sounds familiar you know how worried we get when our dogs display this phobia. Be sure to have your dog checked for any illness. A sick dog can become more sensitive to sounds and no amount of behavior modification will help if your dogs fear is medically based. Having a checkup by your veterinarian will let you know if your dog is medically ok.

Always let your dog take refuge inside. Storms aren’t as loud and scary when inside your home. This also ensures that your dog won’t blindly, being terrified, try to escape and run loose.

Sometimes having human company calms your panicked dog. You can turn on the TV or radio (music that is calming), or turn on a fan to muffle the sound of thunder. Closing the drapes also keeps the sight of lightening out of sight.

Sometimes distraction with a stuffed Kong toy helps. You can also play by letting your dog see you put his/her favorite treat down and follow you to different areas. Try playing with your dog’s favorite toy.

If none of these techniques work with your dog, you can consider anti-anxiety medications that your veterinarian will prescribe.

A technique called desensitization and counter conditioning can also help. This requires an audio recording of a thunderstorm to help your dog become accustomed to the sound of thunder while associating good things like treats and toys.

Keeping your dog inside during thunderstorms ensures that your terrified dog is safe and not at risk because they are running.

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 21 cats and 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.

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.