IN THIS ISSUE: 

1. Emergency Medical Fund Saves Devon
2. Virtual Neighborhood Pet Watch - New Way to Report Lost/Found Animals
3. Angus & KC Update
4. First Impressions
5. SPCA Dog Finds New Life in Korea 
6. Spay/Neuter Special & Low Cost Vaccination Clinics
7. SPCA Now Microchips Every Adopted Pet
8. Safe Exercise for Senior Dogs
9. Vet's Corner by Cindy Skidmore, DVM
10. Pet-O-Meals in Collin County
11. "Ask Tammy" by Tammy Kirkpatrick
12. SPCA Collin County Spay/Neuter Clinic Extends Hours of Operation
13. Chronic Renal Failure in Cats
14. Kibbles & Bits - Updates, Reminders & Happenings
15. VIP Animals in Need of "Forever Homes"     
    

DID YOU KNOW ...

There are 21 dogs and 16 cats designated as VIPs - Very Important Pets - awaiting adoption at the SPCA adoption centers right now.  These great critters have been at the SPCA of Texas for 30+ days which is such a long time!  More often than not, animals become VIPs because they are one of dozens of animals that look the same, and as a result, get looked over. Black Labrador Retriever mixes, German Shepherd mixes and tabby mixes often become VIPs. There is nothing wrong with them, and in fact, many of our VIPs have surprised their new families by being housebroken, knowing some basic commands like "sit" or being extremely affectionate lap cats who follow people around purring.

Pictured here is our special VIP - Butch, a medium sized border collie mix that has been with us since June 9th ... we really need to find him a home!  Please help us!  Butch may be visited at the Dallas facility and his receiving number is # 58086.  If you have questions, email Kelli Jeray or call 214.651.9611, extension 115.

CLICK HERE to search for one of these special creatures online.  If a VIP has caught your eye, congratulations! Come down, spend some time with your VIP and discover why VIPs are often the best companions around.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL FUND SAVES DEVON
What an ordeal one sweet little black and white three-month-old female boxer mix went through is anybody’s guess. The facts are few, but from the moment she was carried through the doors of the SPCA’s Dallas Animal Care Center, everyone knew she was special. Little Devon, as she soon came to be known, was brought to the SPCA by a caring person who had seen her running around their neighborhood with what looked like a serious injury on her back.

 

Devon's Pre-Surgery Wounds	Devon in Surgery w/Dr. Skdmore	Devon Wrapped to Protect Stitches

As it turned out, she had been badly burned on about 10% of her body. The large gash of a burn covered almost her entire back, all along her spine.  The wound had scabbed over, but from the first moment SPCA Veterinarian Dr. Cindy Skidmore saw her, she knew the little dog would have to live with an enormous hairless scar for the rest of her life if something wasn’t done immediately.

Dr. Skidmore spayed Devon, excised the burned area, closed the wound and things started looking up for the little puppy. With plenty of extra skin to compensate for the area that had been removed, Devon experienced the itching common with incisions, but very little discomfort. 

Sweet little Devon sailed through surgery and has been recovering well and is now in the arms of a wonderful family.  Pictured are Nickie & Tina Maxon (Nickie on the left and Tina on the right) of Ft. Worth ... two sisters who saw Devon on Fox 4.  Devon will be joining a Boxer/Lab mix named Sophie.

Without the Emergency Medical Fund to cover the $810 cost, Devon's fate may have been different.   If Devon's story inspired you, please consider making a donation today - for as little as $5 another animal like Devon may be saved.

VIRTUAL NEIGHBORHOOD PET WATCH - A NEW WAY TO REPORT LOST/FOUND ANIMALS



The SPCA of Texas is proud to unveil its Virtual Neighborhood Pet Watch Program.  Many of you are aware of our Neighborhood Pet Watch Program, modeled after one incredible neighborhood, Dallas Crime Watch # 1078.  Well, we're taking this innovative program to the next level and we need your participation to make it work.

The concept is simple:

• Virtual neighbors register on our website, providing their zip code;
• Individuals may report lost and found animals to the SPCA via email (lostfound@spca.org) or by online form. 
  • Required information: Description of animal (male/female, breed, color, etc.), contact information (name, email and/or phone number) and zip code where lost/found animal is located. 
  • Optional information: Two additional zip codes (surrounding areas of primary zip code) and picture of the animal (.jpg or .gif format only).
• When a report is received, an email alert will be sent to Virtual Neighbors in that zip code (& 2 surrounding zip codes, if provided in the report).  The report will specify "lost" or "found" as well as the animal's description and contact information of the person making the report.

We like to think of this program as the pet's answer to the Amber Alert system.  The email alerts will be sent to the 'virtual neighborhood' within a matter of hours ... one of the fastest ways possible to get the word out about an animal in need.    We will also provide a copy of the report to the SPCA of Texas' Animal Care Centers in case an animal matching the description ends up at one of its facilities.  This innovative program is a win-win for all involved ... it's free, fast, simple and most importantly, life-saving!

If you have already registered on our site, please check your profile to make sure that you provided your zip code & current email address.  Please be assured, your personal information is held in strict confidence and will never be shared with anyone.  Below you will find your username and password in case you have forgotten or misplaced it:

Username: kckozf@netscape.net
Password: gap333hat

If you do not wish to participate in the Virtual Pet Watch Program but still want to receive other SPCA publications, click here.

As Mr. Rogers would say ... "Won't you be our virtual neighbor?"  We'd also encourage you to get other family members and friends to sign-up on our website to participate in this life-saving program!

Should you have questions about how this program works, please email Charla Easterbrook.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
People say you only get one chance to make a first impression.  Recently, SPCA President Warren Cox reminded staff that it is important that we look our best—act our best—and say the best things.  He said, “The way we act, the way we look, and what we say affects the animals we are here to serve and protect.”

SPCA DOG FINDS NEW LIFE IN KOREA 
A once orphaned pooch from the SPCA of Texas will journey to Korea where she will begin a new life as a therapy dog at Samsung, the world renowned electronics manufacturer.

The 6-month-old female Jack Russell Terrier named Lucky was adopted June 14 by Ju Yeon Lee, also known as Ms. Queenie Lee, a therapy dog program coordinator with Samsung's Office of International Relations in Yongin City, Kyunggi-do, Korea.  Queenie and Lucky departed on the first leg of their flight to Korea on July 16th. 

Queenie participated in this summer's Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) course at the University of North Texas under the direction of Prof. Cynthia Chandler where she qualified as an AAT specialist and Pet Partner by Delta Society. Queenie and Lucky's experience is expected to help Samsung's therapy dog program reach the standards of Delta Society; Lucky will be trained to qualify as a therapy dog for Samsung's Visitor's Program and in-house therapy sessions.

Samsung's focus-like the SPCA's-is to improve understanding and awareness of animal welfare. Samsung's Pet Ownership Program, where lovingly reared dogs can be adopted by Samsung employees, illustrates the emphasis Samsung places on making dogs part of the family unit. In 2002, 57 dogs found homes through the Samsung's Canine Center for Companionship, which has been operating since 1992. Some 150 dogs at the center are cared for by Samsung staff and resident veterinarians who live with the dogs to create a family environment, thus easing the transition to their
new homes.

Samsung currently offers five key programs including a Guide Dog School for the Blind, Search and Rescue Dog Center, Canine Center for Companions, Assistance Dog Service, and Riding for the Disabled.

We wish Queenie & Lucky all the best!

SPAY/NEUTER SPECIAL & LOW-COST VACCINATION CLINICS

Dog Days of Summer - Big Dog Spay/Neuter Special

The SPCA of Texas will offer discounted spay/neuter surgeries for dogs weighing over 50 pounds from Monday, August 11 through Sunday, August 31st.  There will be a $10 discount on the spay or neuter of any dogs weighing between 50 - 74 pounds and a $25 discount for dogs weighing 75 pounds and up.

The spay/neuter special is offered by appointment only and there are limited spaces available each day.  Surgery appointments available Sunday through Friday each week.  No surgeries on Saturdays.  The staff will weigh each animal prior to surgery on the clinic scale and the discount will be applied as determined by the animal's weight.  Please note, additional charges will apply for females in heat or pregnant, and for cryptorchid males.  All animals must have proof of current vaccines or pay for them at the time of surgery. Additional services such as heartworm testing and vaccinations will be available at additional charge.

Regular prices for these surgeries would be: 

• Dogs between 50 - 74 pounds:  $65
• Dogs between 75 - 99 pounds:  $80
• Dogs 100+ pounds:  $95

Therefore, prices for surgeries after discount will be:

• Dogs between 50 - 74 pounds:  $55
• Dogs between 75 - 99 pounds:  $55
• Dogs 100+ pounds:  $70

To take advantage of this special offer, call 214.651.9611, extension 116 in Dallas or 972.562.7297, extension 105 in McKinney to schedule an appointment.  Should you have questions, email MJ Hall in Dallas or Nicole Jones in McKinney.

Low Cost Vaccination Clinics

August 16th:
Cities of Lucas, St. Paul & Parker
Lucas City Hall
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
151 Country Club Road (Lucas, TX)

Cities of Josephine, Lavon & Nevada
Community Middle School 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
615 FM 1138 North (Nevada, TX)

Rabies shots: $5;  all other vaccinations: $15;  heartworm test: $20;  microchips: $25;  heartworm and flea prevention tablets available;  adoptions - $134 for dogs and $50 for cats (or 2 for $80).  Registration and license for dogs and cats: altered: $7, unaltered: $10.

For information on the low cost vaccination clinics, email Nicole Jones or call 972.562.7297, extension 105.

SPCA NOW MICROCHIPS EVERY ADOPTED PET

In an effort to reduce the number of lost pets in the Metroplex, the SPCA of Texas is now microchipping every adopted pet before leaving the SPCA for their "forever" home.  The cost of the microchip is included in the standard adoption fees so adopters are not out any additional money to benefit from this great service!

Microchipping is a quick, non-surgical process that involves injecting a sterile microchip - about the size of a rice grain - between the pet's shoulder blades.  Each chip has an unalterable ID code that emits a signal on a specific radio frequency that enables animals shelters to locate owners should pets become lost.  The implanting procedure is painless, much like receiving a routine vaccination, and animals can't feel it afterwards.  The chip also antimigration cap that prevents movement in the pet's body. 

Each microchip has a 10-digit code that becomes part of a database.  When an animal arrives at a shelter or animal control facility, staff scans the animal.  If he or she is microchipped, the special number is read and cross-referenced with the database to reveal information such as name, address and the medical history of the animal.  The information is recorded on a registration form when the microchip is implanted and must be updated by the owner if his or her contact information changes.

All animals microchipped by the SPCA of Texas will be stored in a local database so that if and when the need arises, the owner can easily be located.  For an additional $12.50 - payable direct to the American Kennel Club - the microchip can be registered in a national database as well.

The SPCA of Texas' clinics in Dallas and McKinney also implant microchips for private patients for only $25.  If you are interested in having your pet microchipped, email MJ Hall in Dallas or Nicole Jones in McKinney for additional information. 

SAFE EXERCISE FOR SENIOR DOGS
*Source: Dog Fancy Aug '03 / Michelle Iten

Help keep your active senior dog safe and comfortable with these tips!

• Scale back (but don't stop).  If you've always enjoyed jogging with your dog, consider walking instead.  Choose shorter hiking routes.  If it's time to retire from competitive agility, set up some of the easier obstacles in the backyard so he can still work a course every week.
• Keep an eye on time.  Make sure your senior dog gets frequent breaks during activities for rest and water.  Plus, keep activity times shorter overall.
• Visit the veterinarian more often.  Twice a year will help him or her stay abreast of changes in your dog's health and address developing problems earlier.
• Upgrade the dog bed.  Consider investing in an orthopedic dog bed to provide extra cushioning and support for your senior athlete's bones.  Some beds use technology similar to what's used in orthopedic mattresses for humans.
• Avoid cold starts.  Whether you're heading into the agility ring, out in the field, or to the lake, warm up your senior dog with a moderate walk to get his muscles loosened up before he charges into more active work or play.
• ... and cold endings.  Make sure he has a warm, draft-free place to rest after an activity.
• Get in touch.  Gentle massage can help ease stiffness and pain.  Check out a book on canine massage, such as Dog Massage by Maryjean Ballner (Griffin 2001, $11.95), or ask your veterinarian to help you find a canine massage therapist who can give you some pointers.

Travel Tips

With fall right around the corner, many families are planning last minute vacations before the hectic school year begins.  And because most of us consider our pets as part of the family, we wish for them to participate as well in our plans.  But before you take off on your last minute trip, there are several things you should take into account before including your pets.

First and probably most importantly, if your pet is a poor traveler, LEAVE HIM AT HOME!  If you prefer not to put him in a kennel, hire a neighbor or a pet sitting service to visit him two or three times a day.  While this is a hard choice for many of us, the stress of travel on some pets is just too hard on both their physical and mental well being.  The resulted stress could ruin both of your vacations!  They, in the long run, are better off being left in their normal environment.

If your pet travels fairly well but suffers from motion sickness or mild nervousness, consider medications to reduce his anxiety and upset stomach.  Dramamine, for example, is safe for most pets but always discuss the proper dosage with your veterinarian before administering.  Depending on his health status, your pet's doctor may think a prescription medication would be better suited for your pet and his particular travel situation.  A few favorite toys or comforts from home may help alleviate some of his symptoms as well.

While we are on the subject of home environment, many of our pets have extremely delicate digestive systems or suffer from diseases such as diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome that even slight changes in the normal diet or water may upset their delicate balance.  In these cases I recommend bringing along his own food and water or purchasing bottled water for his consumption.  Don't forget his medications, if any, as well.

If traveling by air or across state lines by vehicle, you will need a health certificate from your veterinarian stating that his vaccinations are current, he is free from disease, and that he is not under quarantine for any reason.  It will also state air temperature requirements the airlines must follow to prevent endangering his health.  To stay within these guidelines it is best to book your flights in the early morning or late evening during the summer, or the afternoon in the winter.  Small pets should travel under your seat if possible, in an airline approved carrier.  If he must fly as cargo book direct flights if possible, to prevent missed connections or extended layovers that could add additional stress to your trip.

One final point I always recommend is carrying a recent photo of you with your pet should you become separated or lost and his rightful ownership should be questioned. 

Have a safe & happy trip,
Dr. Skidmore 

P.S.  For additional travel tips, go to Air Travel or Car Travel on our website!

PET-O-MEALS IN COLLIN COUNTY
SPCA of Texas & Meals-on-Wheels staff and volunteers celebrated the launch of "Pet-O-Meals" in Collin County, a partnership between the SPCA of Texas and the Collin County Department of Aging. SPCA volunteers provide pet food
to Meals-On-Wheels based on clients' needs while Meals-On-Wheels volunteers deliver food directly to clients.

Meals-On-Wheels, a program of the Collin County Committee on Aging, serves more than 400 nutritious meals each day to people all over Collin County.  Most clients are over age 60 and homebound; some choose to buy pet food rather than purchase their own medications, or they feed the food intended to them to their pet.

Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Rust of Weston and Blackie, their 93-lb. Husky/shepherd mix (shown) were the first Pet-O-Meals recipients. Joining them in this photo are Warren Cox, president of the SPCA of Texas and Marilyn Stidham, Executive Director of The Collin County Department of Aging.

Click here to make a donation to the Pet-O-Meals program.

For additional information, please email Leticia Rippy or call 972.562.7297, extension 135.

"ASK TAMMY" BY TAMMY KIRKPATRICK

Dear Tammy:

I have a three-year old male cat that has stopped using his litter box.  What should I do?
Signed:  Litter Box Blues

Dear Litter Box Blues,

There could be one or more reasons that cause this situation.  First you must rule out any possible medical problems that could be causing this.  Urinary tract infections or crystals in the urine can be painful and are very serious.  The first step is to schedule a visit with your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

Once the cat is given a clean bill of health the real detective work begins.  Aversion to the litter box:

• The box is not clean enough
• He has experienced painful urination due to a medical problem
• He has been startled by a noise while using the box
• He has been “ambushed” while in the box either by another cat, child or dog or by you.
• He associates the box with punishment

Keep the litter box very clean, scoop daily or if you live with multiple cats have more than one litter box and scoop 2-3 times a day. Placing a litter box in another location may help as well. Change the litter every 4-5 days or if you use scoopable litter you may need to change it less often.  If you can smell the box, your cats are even more offended, which could cause them to not use the box.  Try not to place the litter box near any appliances such as an air-conditioner or furnace.

Think about any changes that recently happened in your cat’s environment.  Is there a new cat or dog in the house?  Is there a new human family member?  Have you changed the brand or type of litter you were using?  Sometimes it can be as simple as a new type of litter that causes these problems.  Cats generally prefer un-scented litter, but we prefer scented. 

Your cat prefers to go on the carpet instead of the litter box.  Animals do have preferences for surfaces they like to eliminate on. To discourage your cat from using “off limit” areas you can cover the entire area with upside-down carpet runner or aluminum foil or place citrus-scented cotton balls over the area.  You can also place a litter box in this area and once your cat is using it consistently for over one month, gradually move it to a more convenient location at a rate of one inch per day. 

If you catch your cat in the act of eliminating outside the box, do something to interrupt him like making a loud noise, be careful not to scare him.  Praise him whenever he uses the litter box. Never punish your cat for eliminating outside of the box.  This will only make him more afraid and the incidents will get worse. 

You can also keep him confined to a smaller area such as a bedroom, until he consistently uses the litter box, but this can sometimes cause more stress so watch him for any signs of stress.

Cleaning Soiled Areas:

Because animals are highly motivated to continue soiling an area that smells like urine or feces-and because cats’ sense of smell is so much stronger than humans’-it’s important to thoroughly and properly clean the soiled areas.

Best of luck,
Tammy

SPCA COLLIN COUNTY SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC EXTENDS HOURS OF OPERATION

In an effort to further reduce the pet overpopulation problem in Collin and surrounding counties, the SPCA Collin County - located at 8411 F.M. 720 in McKinney - is now offering spay and neuter surgeries on Sundays, by appointment.  Drop off time for surgeries will be 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and pick up will be 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

To schedule your pet's spay or neuter surgery, please email Nicole Jones or call 972.562.7297, extension 105.  And, don't forget to take advantage of the Dog Days of Summer Spay/Neuter promotion (as mentioned above)!

Please help us spread the word about the new hours ... we want to spay & neuter as many pets as possible!

CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE IN CATS
* Source: Cat Watch July '03 / Tom Ewing

Chronic renal failure is an incurable condition that mainly afflicts middle-aged and older cats. It occurs when 75 percent or more of functional kidney tissue - that which contains the nephrons - has been destroyed and replaced by scar tissue.  Unlike acute renal failure, the onset and progression of this condition (called interstitial nephritis) is gradual, extending over many months or years.

According to DVM David Polzin, chronic renal failure is usually an idiopathic condition.  That is, the exact causes are unknown, although the debilitating loss of healthy kidney tissue may be a natural endpoint for several readily recognizable conditions, ranging from a variety of kidney infections, inflammations and obstructions, to dermatitis and advanced dental disease.

By the time a cat is showing signs of chronic renal failure, the underlying cause is for the most part irrelevant, since the loss of healthy kidney tissue will preclude effective treatment of that cause.  In some cases, little can be done to prolong the life of a cat diagnosed with late-stage chronic renal failure.  On the other hand, Dr. Polzin observes that with proper veterinary care, "it is quite common for a cat to live for one to three years following diagnosis - and in some cases, as long as six years or more."

According to Dr. Polzin, the early signs of a failing kidney include a marked increase in water consumption (polydipsia) and in urination (polyuria).  "The cat will also lose weight," he notes, "and become more finicky about her food. Sometimes there's vomiting, but basically, the tendency to become dehydrated and drink more water are the clearest signs of a decline in kidney function."  If these signs are observed, the owner should seek immediate veterinary consultation, urges Dr. Polzin.

If kidney disease is suspected, the veterinarian will perform blood tests and a urinalysis.  The former will determine the blood levels of substances that would normally be shed in the urine - especially blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.  Elevated levels of these substances will indicate that the kidneys are not adequately filtering metabolic wastes.  The urinalysis will provide additional information on the extent of kidney damage and whether an infection might be responsible.  Further tests - involving X-rays, ultrasound, and even a kidney tissue biopsy - may be required to confirm a tentative diagnosis of renal failure.

Researchers are constantly striving to refine methods for diagnosing kidney failure.  According to Dr. Polzin, the most promising recent advances have centered on improved methods of gauging kidney filtration rate by injecting certain substances and measuring their rate of disappearance from the bloodstream.  "These methods allow us to get extremely accurate measures of kidney function," he says, "especially in cases of early-stage renal failure."

Treatment for renal failure is generally determined by the type of disorder causing it - if the disorder can be identified - and the extent of kidney damage sustained.  Acute renal failure requires emergency treatment.  If caused by any type of urinary tract blockage, the obstruction must be removed immediately.  The use of any suspect medication must cease, and intravenous solution infusions must be administered without delay to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances in the blood. 

On the other hand, the vast majority of chronic renal failure will be addressed with what Dr. Polzin terms "conservative medical management."  Diet therapy is at the heart of this treatment method.  "The major components of the diet are reduced phosphorous, protein and salt, and sometimes increased vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acides," says Dr. Polzin.

In rare cases, surgical removal of a malfunctioning kidney may be recommended, but only if the remaining organ is strong enough to carry out both of the kidneys' many tasks by itself.

Warning Signs of Kidney Disease:

• Increased water consumption and urination
• Weight loss
• Dull coat & excessive shedding
• Intermittent vomiting or diarrhea
• Bad breath
• Decreased appetite
• Mouth sores
• Lethargy
• Blood in the urine
• Stiff gait & hunched back
• Blindness

KIBBLES & BITS - UPDATES, REMINDERS & HAPPENINGS

The SPCA's Offsite Adoption Team will be at VISIONS: The Women's Expo at Market Hall in Dallas from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 23 & 24.  Featured along with furry friends in need of "forever homes," will be our great line of merchandise for pets and their human companions!  Be sure to stop by for a visit!

The SPCA is extending its June Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat specials at all three of its Metroplex shelters and satellite adoption centers in select Petco and PETsMART stores through August 31st.  A donation fee of $100 for any pair of cats or kittens, like Toby & Keith pictured left,  or $50 for one cat or kitten, is requested.  Fee includes spaying or neutering, all age-appropriate shots, de-worming, rabies tag and cat carrier.  The donation fee for cats and kittens is normally $80. 

Here are the results of the SPCA's "Petriotic" Photo Contest:
First place: Meghan Leap, 12, and her dogs from left: Ginger (3-year old boxer), Gracie (2-year old pomeranian), Chloe (10-year old miniature dachshund), and Lucy (1-year old heeler/pointer mix).  Meghan is the daughter of James & Lorraine Leap of McKinney.
Second place:  Sam Hatch, 9, of Denton, and Lady, a 4-year old English Setter.  Sam is the son of Mike & Diana Hatch of Denton.  Lady belongs to Jennifer Rackle, 18, daughter of David & Elizabeth Rackley, of Allen.  Lady, was rescued from the streets of Collin County, pregnant with nine puppies and heartworm positive, more than three years ago.  Today she is spayed, heartworm free and "Queen of the Roose," according to her family.

Don't forget to check-out "The Dog Show" at Dallas' Conduit Gallery (1626 C Hi Line Drive / Decorative Center Dallas).  The exhibit, running through August 30th, blends both the world of art and canines into a creative experience, with net proceeds benefiting the SPCA of Texas!  Click here for more information.

Come to the best happy hour in Texas where you can bring your dog!  BARKaritaville at the Sweet Tomato in McKinney (107 S. Church) meets every month and benefits the SPCA of Texas.  Tell your friends to join us at the Sweet Tomato Restaurant!  There'll be great fun, food, drinks and treats for your doggie supplied by PETsMART.  10% of the proceeds for the evening will go to the SPCA.  The next happy hour is Tuesday, September 2nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  We hope to see you there!

VIP ANIMALS IN NEED OF "FOREVER" HOMES
Here are more fluffy friends in search of "forever" homes.  Please keep in mind, these animals may be adopted at any moment (which is what we're hoping for) so you should contact the listed shelter to make sure he/she is still available.  You can also search our pet adoption database online for available pets.

First up is precious Sandy, a 9-month old Shepherd mix.  Sandy's receiving number is 56766 and she's waiting to meet you in Dallas.  Here are a few WOOF-WOOF words from Sandy:

I'm full of puppy energy and brimming with love.  I'll learn anything you can teach me!  I am heartworm positive and am looking for a sponsor in the amount of $265 (please email Melissa Humphries if you'd like to sponsor my heartworm treatment).  Let's grow together.  Once a stray, I've been waiting for a home of my own since May 5th. That's such a long time ... please give me a chance and I'll melt your heart!  For additional information, send my friend, Kelli Jeray, an email or call 214.651.9611, extension 115.

Next up is one-of-a-kind Sabrina, a 2 1/2-year old domestic short hair kitty. Her receiving number is 58357 and she is currently residing in Dallas.  MEOW-MEOW's straight from Sabrina:

I'm as prim as a kitty can be and completely lovable!  I like the company of other kitties and simply adore humans!  I've been ready to meow my way into your heart since June 14th!  Please come visit me .. I promise to be your purrfect pal!  If you have questions about me, email Kelli Jeray or call 214.651.9611, extension 115.  

If the timing isn't right for you to help one of the deserving VIPs, perhaps you could play "matchmaker" ... forward this email to a family member or friend!  Princess and Camilla really do deserve another chance!

Until next month, please practice kindness & compassion.  And, don't forget ... I'm always looking for ways to improve the Paw Street e-Journal so feel free to drop me an email with your comments and suggestions! 

Woof-woof,
Festus

P.S.    Please help!  The Dallas Animal Care Center is in great need of newspaper which is used in puppy playpens. 
          Newspaper donations may be dropped off at 362 S. Industrial Blvd. in Dallas.  If you have any questions, please
          email Terri Hooks.