By Melissa Frank – Shelter
Manager, Bucks County SPCA, Upper Bucks Shelter
Originally posted to DVH Blog, October 2013
I have spent the majority
of my adult life pampering very well cared for canines in Bucks and Montgomery counties.
Working in an upscale grooming salon and a luxury pet resort, where loving pet
parents sent their "babies" for a monthly spa appointment or on a 10-
day resort vacation, was the best training to prepare me for my position as Shelter
Manager with the Bucks County SPCA Upper Bucks Shelter.
Before I started working
for the Bucks County SPCA, I thought I knew them pretty well. I had adopted
pets from them and had the pleasure of knowing Anne Irwin, the Executive
Director (who spoils her baby at Holiday House Pet Resort). I was also a foster
mom for some wayward pregnant pups. I quickly discovered there was a lot more
to the organization than I first thought.
Some of the first things I learned
were:
1.
Each SPCA (Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals) is independently funded and operated. ALL of the monies
received are from donations. We receive no funding comes from the federal,
state or local governments.
2.
SPCAs across the country are only connected
in name. Some organizations have multiple locations so it’s best to ask someone
within the organization.
3.
People surrender their beloved pets for many
reasons—it doesn’t matter if it’s a purebred Pomeranian, a sweet middle-aged Lab
or an all-American mutt, from 8 weeks old to 16 years old…we see them all walk
through the doors.
Living at a shelter can be
a confusing and stressful time for an animal that once shared a home and a bond
with one family. Placing pets in a foster home is not always an option, so I
wanted to create a more pleasant environment for the animals and positive adoption
experience. One of the first things I implemented at the shelter was soothing
music played for every animal. From sun up to sun down, music can be heard
throughout the shelter, and most of the songs on my I-pod were designed to
comfort animals. Some of the songs are clinically proven to soothe the savage beast
(Through a Dogs Ear).
I ordered Homeopathic drops used for generalized
anxiety, fear of noises and storm stress. I also implemented off-leash playgroups.
It’s important to introduce the dog into a social group as quickly as possible,
so twice a day we send the dogs outside into our gorgeous, fenced-in grass play
yard to RUN!!
 |
| Blubell is a 4-year-old Coonhound available for adoption at the Upper Bucks Shelter. She is great with other dogs and would love a Forever Family with a brother or sister. |
A tired dog is a happy dog
and happy dogs get adopted faster and transition more quickly into their new
home. We also use alternative therapies such as Reiki and animal communicators to
help each animal’s transition in and out of the shelter as smooth as possible.
As
we celebrate National Adopt-a-Shelter Pet in October, I’d like to offer some
helpful tips if you are new to adopting a shelter pet:
First, fill out an application and have it put on file; most times, the first time you visit the shelter you may not find the type of pet you’re looking for.
• Talk with a shelter staff member about what traits appeal to you in a new pet. Be patient. Sometimes we have a dog or cat that best fits your lifestyle and family, and sometimes, if you’re looking for something specific, it takes a few weeks or months. Be realistic about what you're willing to work on with your new pet and what boundaries you’ve set.
• Some dogs and cats are "special-needs adoptions" which may require multiple visits to the shelter, hand feeding the pet from outside of their suite, behavior consultations or follow-up training sessions. However, adopting one of these pets can be especially rewarding.
• Consider visiting the shelter at different times of the day. The animals, especially the cats, may be more active during the morning or evening hours. When the cats are napping, you’re not really seeing their personalities shine through.
• Talk with a shelter staff member about what traits appeal to you in a new pet. Be patient. Sometimes we have a dog or cat that best fits your lifestyle and family, and sometimes, if you’re looking for something specific, it takes a few weeks or months. Be realistic about what you're willing to work on with your new pet and what boundaries you’ve set.
• Some dogs and cats are "special-needs adoptions" which may require multiple visits to the shelter, hand feeding the pet from outside of their suite, behavior consultations or follow-up training sessions. However, adopting one of these pets can be especially rewarding.
• Consider visiting the shelter at different times of the day. The animals, especially the cats, may be more active during the morning or evening hours. When the cats are napping, you’re not really seeing their personalities shine through.
Lastly, ask how you can
help support the organization. We would not be able to care for the animals and
prepare them for a new forever family without the help of volunteers and
donors! Even if you are not able to adopt a pet, everyone can make a difference
to an animal in need. From sewing dog
beds and cat pillows, being a kitten foster parent, representing us at outreach
events to walking a dog, spending quality one on one time with a shelter cat,
or sharing an adoptable pet on Facebook, love and caring come in many forms.
The Bucks County SPCA has
two shelter locations: 1665 Street Rd, Lahaska PA and 60 Reservoir Rd, Quakertown
PA. The public is able to visit adoptable animals during our business hours.
Please visit the Bucks County SPCA website for more details.
