Dogs Needing Homes

I'm glad that something's being done, & I know that while that there may not have been many reported cases, I'm concerned about those that have not been mentioned. That's all. And while a "few" instances may not seem like much, it's still a big deal, especially having experienced this first hand (& it's still not over for us). I just feel that people should be made aware of the possibilities & while kennel cough may be the most prevelant issue, that also can turn into pneumonia if not treated properly or quickly.
You all rock, I have the utmost respect for what you all do, truly, I do!! And I'm glad that there are changes being made.

and fyi, regarding diptemper, dogs up to the age of 2 that are not vaccinated are susceptible to it. That should be mentioned to the kennel staff.

Shannon, that is no problem! I understand everybody's concern because I had the same question myself, and I am glad efforts are being made to change the condition. As Bunny said, it is probably impossible to completely get rid of the diseases, but with their daily efforts, I think they will start seeing a difference.

I appreciate everyone's support and encouragement.

Wow...this is the first time I have read this thread and it stirs many different emotions in me. The greatest being relief and happiness that things are changing for the better down there. In some weird way, I feel bit of sympathy (empathy?) for the kennel staff. I know this sounds really bad, but let me explain: When I was an employee there, my day was so crazy and filled with work that sometimes it seemed impossible to get the basic needed activities done, like cleaning kennels. They are severely understaffed and on top of that, most of the employees are fueled by loyalty to the shelter because, trust me, it is definitely not the pay. So, you have a group of underpaid, over-worked folks who have now been told that they need to do more work. I know that this is their job, but I have walked in their shoes and I know what they must endure everyday. I am still emotionally scarred from that place; some nights I struggle with insomnia because I can't get what I have experienced there out of my head. On the other hand, we all know that some of the employees are FAR from perfect--I've seen it first-hand. My beef is not with the employees, though--it is with the City. The City is giving them straw and expecting them to make it into gold (to take you back to the storybook days before you knew about things like disease and death). I don't know...I think that I am just missing that place so much lately. My heart will never stop breaking over the fact that I am no longer welcomed there. Just had to unload...

The only way the shelter can make changes permanently is to get more budget from the City and hire more staff. If they don't even get enough money to provide basic necessities for the animals, like food and decent shelter to protect them from elements, how the heck are they going to do other things? The shelter is severely understaffed and takes in way more animals than it can handle, and it is very obvious if you look at the ratio between the number of staff members and the number of animals they have to take care of daily -- it is beyond ridiculous. This is a really tough situation for all who care, unless changes come from the above.

lrouth

I can't imagine what your insomnia is like after working there....I haven't slept a decent night since I first went there...It's so hard. It's not just the city that is responsible, it's the citys that contract with the shelter. I've tried contacting the other city's city council and have not had any response. I encourage everyone to complain to all of the cities.

irouth , why did they tell you that you couldnt go down there any more, i lost on that part that is not right ..

dd i lost your number and email and karens also if you have it will you send it to me, when i reformated the hard disk * vista) i lost it all, thanks

diamond, click on DD's screen name, the info is there...

i will thank you ,

how wild i have been with rim for 4 years now i think and i just updated my profiil i didnt relize we even had this ,, good to find out..

This is a question for Bean414. I was in to the shelter in mid-April to discuss Daisy's death. At that time Jennifer showed me a poodle in bad shape. She had eye discharge, was severely matted, imbedded foxtails and something going on with her chest where she had lost the hair. I didn't feel at that time that I could adopt her after just losing Daisy. However, I can't seem to forget her, as she was SO sweet and truly needed help.

I seem to remember that you had posted about getting a similar (hopefully the same) poodle out of there shortly after I was there. Could it be the same one? I was just wondering how she is and hoping that she made it. I still am not in the position to adopt her, but just would like to know that she made it. Hope you don't mind the question!
THANKS!!

I will send this link to her email address in case she hasn't seen this.

I think that was the dog Bean rescued on her own.. As far as I know, she survived and has a great home with a vet tech. Bean can confirm, though!

Yes, it has been confirmed by Bean that the dog is now in a wonderful home.

animallvr

Thank you for caring about my sweet Gracie. I love her. I had her here for only 10 days. She had to have 4 hours of surgery to remove the fox tails. I had no idea what fox tails where all about. A few got in her veins and it was so bad. Bunny got to meet Gracie and she couldn't even stand and she would just moan. After the surgery she got better every day. One of the vet tech's who assisted on her surgery wanted to adopt her, so she did and she is now caring for her. She had to have one more surgery. I guess fox tails can keep being a problem. She is in good, loving hands. I am going to see her on Monday. I can't wait.

Bean414:

Thanks for responding. I am really glad to hear about Gracie. She seemed so sweet and in such bad shape. I was so hoping she got out! I really wanted to help, but wasn't able to then. I am so glad that she had someone like you to give her a chance.

I had a Husky years ago when I lived in Moreno Valley. He got a foxtail in his ear. With all the hair, I didn't notice at first. Apparently it worked it's way down into the ear canal. It was quite a challenge for the vet to get it out. I remember he said that even though they are weeds, once they are in the skin, they "work" their way deeper and deeper. Who'd have thought?!? It makes it sound like a bug or something.

Anyway, thanks again for the response. Best wishes for all the help you give these poor animals!