The Kittens are Coming! (And They Need Foster Parents)

We are looking for people interested in fostering kittens until they are old enough for adoption. If you are interested, please note that you must be Skagit county residents and that you must come to the shelter to apply. Not everyone who applies will be selected, but if you are, you will need to be prepared to foster as the need arises. Come see us, or email or call for more information.

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Thoughts on Correction Collars

I was a little taken aback when I saw this "training collar" on a special offer at one of my favorite online shopping sites. As always, I launched into research to try to get a clearer understanding of why such a thing exists. I expected to find polarized views in favor and against the use of what I would call correction collars. Surprisingly, I found that, even on sites and forums on which people contended that these could be used effectively, they almost always warned of the dangers associated with an untrained person trying to use one of these and of common circumstances that could result in injury to the animal. Likewise, they noted that the use of correction collars is complicated, as dogs may associate the pain inflicted not with their behavior, but with the environment, other animals, and even people, which can actually result in aggressive and/or fearful behavior in your dog. If you are considering using something like this with your dog, please consider that there are much safer and humane ways to elicit appropriate behavior from your pet.

More information can be found at http://www.peta2.com/lifestyle/safe-dog-collar-harness-guide/ 
and at http://www.howtoteachadog.com/?s=training+collars

Steve H

Plan Ahead for the Future Care of Your Pets

Animals make wonderful companions for people who live alone. A special pet can bring joy and comfort to its owner. However, it is very sad when an owner passes away or can no longer provide care for a pet, and the pet is brought to an animal shelter. Often, these animals are used to quiet homes, and they may be older and have health issues. The animals will often be frightened and depressed by the sudden change in their life, which makes them appear less adoptable to many visitors to the shelter.

Fortunately, there are ways to plan for providing ongoing care for your pets if you are unable to provide that care yourself. The ASPCA has information on their website to help you plan:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/informal-vs-formal-arrangements

The ASPCA also notes that, although people may include arrangements for the care of pets in their will, it may take time for the estate to be settled, and the intended care for the pets may not happen as this process occurs. One promising option is to have a Pet Trust put in place. More information about this and other options can be found at: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/pet-trust-primer and at
http://www.forbes.com/sites/barbaramarquand/2015/12/01/provide-for-pet-after-death-insurance-trust/#28b8c522c208
as well as at other animal care websites, such as
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Wills.php

See Our Dogs and Cats on Your Cellphone

Scan the QR codes with your phone or

open the dog browser at

skagithumanedogs.blogspot.com

and the cat browser at

skagithumanecats.blogspot.com

on your phone's internet browser

And bookmark them for fast access!

Want them on your home screen?

Follow these directions for placing a shortcut on your phone or tablet's home screen. 
(See example below.)