When last I posted from Good Shepherd, Apollo had had his surgery and returned to us. He is still at the shelter, and while he is making progress, his recovery has been slow. Staff perform physical therapy on his leg two times daily, and more often as time allows, and we have several volunteers who have been working with him on his walking. The biggest challenge that we face with Apollo is that he is still quite fearful of strangers, although once he gets to know someone, he is an affectionate and loving companion. So for now, we're still waiting for the right "forever" family to come along.
During the month of August, we've been running a cat special "pick a cat, pick a price". It's a sort of "name your own adoption fee" on adult cats. We've had enormous success, and although the final tally won't be until after 5 pm tonight, as of right now we've had 27 cats adopted and 29 dogs--close to a record for us, and certainly much better than the adoption numbers earlier this year.
Good Shepherd will be continuing the "pick a cat pick a price" for the month of September. We've still got lots and lots of really wonderful younger and older cats waiting for their forever families to come. Every cat adopted frees up space so we can rescue others from our waiting lists. So, if you know anyone thinking about adding a family pet, why not encourage them to consider a cat? Better yet, encourage them to come down to Good Shepherd and spend some time in the Lighthouse on the couch with some of our feline friends. It's a refreshing way to spend a hot late summer day.
As we gear up for fall, lots of activities are beginning. Good Shepherd will be hosting another vaccine clinic on October 4, from 10am until 1 pm in Eureka Springs (venue undecided yet). Call the shelter for more information. The shelter is also planning a "howling" good time for Halloween, with fun and games for everyone. Stay tuned for more information.
Then, of course, the 34th annual Doggie Style Show is set for November 11 at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. As always, watch the papers for more exciting details. In a change from prior years, NO animals allowed this year however.
Yes, it's hard for us here at the shelter to believe that the summer is almost gone. Seems like it just warmed up! But we have had some other great things happen during the summer. Earlier this year we received a grant from The Binky Foundation (www.binkyfoundation.org) in support of our "Peaceful Beginnings" project. With the grant, we have been able to purchase noise-reducing mats for the inside dog kennels. Although we've only gotten half of them installed, the staff have noticed a substantial decrease in the noise and echo on the backsides of the dog runs.
Back in July, we were also honored to have Stacy Moore "The Muttman" in Eureka Springs to hold dog training clinics. Mr. Moore held two clinics for the public at the shelter, plus he scheduled private lessons.
Those attending his sessions at the shelter were attentive and pleased with the classes. The two photos above show the attendees watching the demonstration and then working with their own dogs.
Mr. Moore also held a special clinic for the staff of the Good Shepherd at no cost to us, which was quite wonderful! A huge shout-out to him in thanks.
Using funds from a private donor, the shelter has been able to replace all of our old dog kennels in the front of the shelter. These kennels are used during the day to allow the dogs some fresh air and exercise while staff are cleaning cages inside. The front area of the shelter looks much spiffier now, and the dogs are happy with their new abodes.
There are still several projects that need done at the shelter. We have gotten most of the building repainted, but there are still some areas needing painted. We are also looking for volunteers to help us install a front perimeter fence when the weather cools down. I also need volunteers to put skirting around our outdoor cat buildings before winter to help make the buildings warmer for a feline residents. The Eureka Springs Fire Department has also discussed doing a "Firewise" project at the shelter, so stayed tuned for more information.
As always, we need volunteers at the shelter and donations. Staff use lots of peanut butter for the dogs, giving meds to them. We can also always use dog biscuits or treats, trash bags and bleach, scrubby sponges, copy paper, and other items. If you'd like to buy a bag of dog or cat food for the shelter, we get our food at Powell Feed & Fuel on 21 N--the store's Value Pac red label 50 lb for dogs, and Diamond Naturals Indoor Cat food (18 lb bags).
Till next time!!!!!
Janice
