Nov 21, 2016

Help Our Pets Find their Best Friend for Life

Meet Raccoon and Frankenkitty. 



These two cute balls of fur and love are best friends for life, but it wasn’t always that way. If it wasn’t for the San Antonio Humane Society, this friendship might never have happened. 

In early September 2016, a friend of the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) found a small kitten. He noticed this poor kitten was not able to walk normally so he decided to bring her to the SAHS. The staff at the SAHS immediately went to work to help heal and find a foster home for little Raccoon. 

While Raccoon was at his foster home, growing and recovering, another kitten was brought in by a good Samaritan. This person found a severely injured kitten and knew that if it didn’t receive medical attention soon, the kitten would not survive. Although able to walk, this kitten had severe injuries to his tail and back end. After a thorough evaluation by the staff at the SAHS, the affectionately-named Frankenkitty was treated and began his road to recovery. 

Raccoon soon returned to the SAHS and needed a place to stay and was paired up with a new resident at SAHS. This new roommate was Frankenkitty. Although both are still recovering from their wounds, these two rascals became the very best of friends. Raccoon’s leg eventually healed to the point where it no longer needed surgery and Frankenkitty, recovering from a medically necessary amputated tail, remains a loving companion to both human and animal alike. 

Raccoon and Frankenkitty continue to recover in foster care together and remain best “fur-riends” to this day. 



None of this would have been possible without the support of donors. Without our Humane Heroes, there is no telling what would have happened to these two. Please take a moment today to become a Humane Hero to our needy pets by making a contribution to the Humane Heroes Annual Fund

The cost of caring, feeding, sheltering, and medically treating the pets at the SAHS costs the shelter, on average, $35 each day for each pet in our care. Every donation to the Humane Heroes Annual Fund helps ensure pets like Raccoon and Frankenkitty continue to benefit from the resources needed to be saved, cared for, and adopted.

Your support is essential in saving the lives of animals like Raccoon and Frankenkitty and your generosity can help them find their future best friends for life. 

In the words of Bill Watterson, author and creator of Calvin and Hobbes: “Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.”


Nov 15, 2016

You Can Be Jennie's Humane Hero

Jennie’s journey off the vulnerable streets of San Antonio began 6 months ago. She, like many pets in our community, was born as a stray. Despite being only a few months old, she was forced to survive through her homelessness by roaming each night in search of food and shelter, a search that would eventually lead her into harm’s way.

When Jennie was brought into the shelter, it was with old and debilitating injuries. A good samaritan found her lying helpless and alone in the streets and they brought Jennie to us in hopes that we could help her live a full and pain-free life. Though her injuries were healed, at 3-months-old, it was clear Jennie had suffered great bodily trauma. As to the source of her misfortune? Judging by the extensiveness of her poorly healed injuries, our staff guessed it ranged anywhere from physical abuse to being struck by a car.

When x-rays performed on Jennie revealed the crippling fractures along her hind legs, our surgery staff decided surgery was necessary to improve her quality of life. For though her legs had healed on their own without medical intervention, it was clear that every step for Jennie was a painful struggle. 


After two lengthy surgeries and six weeks of cage rest, Jennie was moved into foster care to allow her body and mind time to heal.

 Jennie made her return to the San Antonio Humane Society after a month of home life in the care of her foster parents. Although her recovery time was lengthy and difficult, all that’s left of her old injuries is her charming and unusual gait. Her attitude is positive, her energy is full, and her heart is filled with love and excitement for visitors and staff alike, all due to the kindness of a stranger and the care of our staff.


Jennie is still searching for her forever home, and her story is just one of many at the San Antonio Humane Society. Support from donors through our Humane Heroes Annual Fund make it possible to save lives just like Jennie’s, and we are asking for your support.

Do it for Jennie!
A gift of $35 helps cover a single day of feeding, sheltering, and medically treating one pet at the San Antonio Humane Society, and every donation to the Humane Heroes Annual Fund helps ensure Jennie and other pets like her continue to benefit from the resources needed to be saved, cared for, and adopted.



Oct 28, 2016

Why You Should Give Sophie a Chance

Sophie's not much of a greeter. She doesn't jump at the sound of jingling keys or wrap herself around your legs when you first walk through the front door. No, it's very unlikely you'll see Sophie leave the cushiony comforts of her kitty bed, and we're searching for an open-hearted person who'll have no trouble accepting her as is... 
...flower child and all.
When you first see Sophie lounging on her overly cushy bed in the sun room of our kitty pavilion, you may not give her much thought.

Who hasn't seen a snoozing cat?

But Sophie's choice to veg out (and lay like broccoli) isn't necessarily a lazy lifestyle choice. You see, 10-year-old Sophie has pretty severe arthritis in her knees and elbows, and pain related to her unfortunate condition discourages her from making any 'unnecessary' movements away from her comfort zone (i.e. her blankets and pillows). 

What are these blushing intruders doing in my zone?

Don't misunderstand! Sophie is perfectly capable and willing to leave her bed for food, water, and potty breaks in her litter...

What am I? Some kind of animal? 
But other than the necessities, Sophie pretty much limits herself to her bed, and we're looking for a home who'll care for her and let her do just that. She's already currently on pain management and joint supplements, and this would need to continue when she went to her new home. Because of her arthritis, Sophie is very sensitive and reactive when touched anywhere lower than her neck. But she loves a good chin and head scratch if you're willing to offer it to her.

That's the spot!

We're betting there's someone out there willing to welcome this senior tabby (and her bed) into their home, and until then, you'll have no trouble spotting her in our cozy sun rooms in our kitty pavilion. 


We are open everyday, 12pm - 7pm. 

Sep 2, 2016

The Little Rat Terrier That Could


UPDATE: Smartheart-Bear has been adopted!

Before they were first brought into our shelter, the 14 little Rat Terrier mixes from the Karnes County hoarding case had spent most of their lives with minimal human contact. They were fearful, shy, and would not approach our staff or volunteers of their own free will--even with a handful of treats.



August 11, 2016

A little over three weeks later and little has changed, although you'd be surprised what a handful of treats can do now. 

Can you guess who has the most treats here?

However, they still mostly avoid the sight of a leash.
If I can't eat it, I don't want it.

They have all come a long way since they were first brought into the shelter, and they all have longer still to go. While they all receive a regular dose of socialization every time our staff comes in to clean and feed their empty bellies, our volunteers also drop in to generously donate their time (and doggie treats) to help get these pooches where they need to be. 

Cheer-Bear knows what's up. (Yes, they're named after Care Bears!)

Introducing: Smartheart-Bear,
the Little Rat Terrier That Could

Of the remaining 13 Rat Terriers, Smartheart has made the furthest and fastest progress. 

Walking on a leash? No Problem!

Gently take a treat? Easy!
We've had a lot of firsts with Smartheart and we're hopeful that it's a promising sign of things to come. Not only for her, but her other Rat Terrier family and friends too.

High-Five? Done.

Although already aware of her treat-taking abilities, Volunteer Dog Trainer Laura (pictured above) was happily surprised when Smartheart-Bear did not shy away from an approaching leash. In fact, Laura found that she was able to gently pick up Smartheart and place it easily over her head. 

Cuddles? Novice-soon-to-be-Pro!

We're so proud of Smartheart's progress, and we readily spoiled her with treats and sweet talk!

Good girl Smartheart!

Of course, like the other Rat Terrier mixes in our care, Smartheart still has her hurdles to overcome.

For example, she's still overly afraid of door frames.

 But we know slow and steady wins the race. 
And we'll get there.


One dog at a time.



Smartheart is 6-years-old and came to us from the hoarding case in Karnes County involving over a dozen other dogs currently awaiting adoption at the San Antonio Humane Society. They have all come a long way since they first came to the shelter, and they have longer still to go. They came to us in early August and we have spent every day since helping them to become more and more socialized. A few have progressed more than others, but they will all need dedicated families (with preferably quiet homes) willing to give their time and patience in continuing their transformation from mistreated victim to happy furry family member. 

For more information on this case, please click here.

Interested in becoming a Guardian Angel for these and other pets? Please click here.






Aug 23, 2016

The Kitties Currently in Control of our Sun Rooms

 For those of you who don’t know, the fabulous felines of the San Antonio Humane Society are in fortunate possession of three cozy and well-furnished sun rooms within the Cat Pavilion. They're in constant comfort, and they enjoy lording it over all of us while we clean, feed, and pamper their overall well-being.

Here are the five kitties currently in control of our sunny pavilion rooms and currently available for adoption. 
   
 Opal 

Opal is a fun and spunky 2-year-old and she enjoys chirping and rolling around her kitty condo. If you're lucky enough, she may reach out to you as you pass by. Cuddles with Opal is by invitation only! 


But don't worry, she hands out a lot of them. 


April

Opal shares her domain with April, who can be just as chirpy and vocal as Opal about getting a little attention.

Though admittedly, April can be slightly less demanding than her head-bonking roommate. She's a 3-year-old tabby-colored beauty. She sits with her front paws tucked in and enjoys following you around the room until you sit down for a few good pets. 


She and Opal enjoy their roomy digs, but they're ready for slightly larger and more permanent homes. 


Amy
When I last dropped in on Amy, she was currently residing in her sun room alone, but not by choice! She welcomed me in with open paws and a few good mews.  



In fact, she was so lovable and silly, she wouldn't leave my hands alone long enough to snap a portrait grand enough to show off her majesty. And for you black cat/dog owners out there, you know how tough it can be to get the perfect shot! 

She's an elegant, cute-as-a-button, 1-year-old tortoiseshell charmer. And these photos don't do her justice. 
Guests should be inclined to pay her a visit in person.


Dotty

Dotty, on the other hand, had no problem in the photo department. Though she hopped from floor to cat tower in search of more pets, she is a cat quite conscious of a good photo op. 



Dotty is a 2-year-old sweet heart, and she'd much rather you'd sit down with her for a long affection session than a photo session. She dominates her space! Jumping up to the top of the cat condo or moving in between legs to get attention...


You'd almost assume she was the only kitty cat in the room...

Brooke

Here's a few photos of Brooke taken a few minutes apart. 


 Don't expect any casual introductions. 


Brooke is Dotty's current roommate, and she's pretty interested in keeping to herself. A rather good reason to have our kitty's in the sun rooms isn't just because they demand it to be so...

...her orange eyes blazing with confidence!
It's also a prime opportunity to help get our pets socialized. Brooke's a sweet and very handsome grey and orange torbie, but living the shelter life just isn't cutting it for her. She's in want of a patient and loving home. 

Perhaps one with plenty of blanket forts?

Though our feline overlords are pretty content sunbathing the days away in their warm pavilion, they don't fool us one bit with their apathetic eyes! Because once you walk into the sun room...


All eyes are on your treat-giving, head-scratching, home-welcoming hands. 

Interested in visiting or socializing with the sun-room cats? Don't hesitate to ask our kennel staff to unlock their doors so you can drop in!

Visit all our cats and dogs 12pm - 7pm everyday!








Jul 1, 2016

Falling in Love with a Pet is Easy...


There's no reason to argue it. We fall in love with our pets everyday! 
But caring for them, sheltering them, tailoring our everyday lives around them--it's a commitment. One that can last 10, 15, or even 20 years. 

'til death do us part buuuudy!
It's a message we try to emphasize, highlight, and underline everyday to adopters who come into our doors looking for a new pet to bring into their home. The Humane Society of the United States even has a page on their site dedicated to the questions potential adopters should ask themselves before considering pet adoption.

It's a hot topic with all shelters and rescue groups. We love our pets. 
We love it even more when they go to their forever homes. 
And It breaks our hearts to see them come back...

 Mason - Available For Adoption!

2-month-old Mason

Mason came to us as a playful stray puppy from Animal Care Services. He was adopted not long after coming to us and fit perfectly in his new home until his adopter made the move from their previous home into an apartment, where Mason was, unfortunately, not allowed.  

4 years and 4 months later...


Mason is back with us and is still his cheery and affectionate self. He enjoys sweet talk and treats (though not necessarily in that order). 

When in search of a pet, care should be paid to your home restrictions, lifestyle, and a potential pet's personality and temperament.  But attention should not be limited to the adoptable pet, you should also consider family pets already at home. 
Pet introductions can be stressful times, and they don't always work out. 

April- Available for Adoption

2-month-Old April
Looking quite impassive, even as a kitten, April was surrendered to us by a samaritan who also brought in two of her siblings. Like most of our puppies and kittens, April didn't stick around very long after intake.

3 1/2 years later... 


April is back with us. New additions to her adopter's family made it difficult to keep April in their home, so she's back here trying to find a more suitable one. See, April is an independent lady: she's not particularly fond of other felines. 

Of course, she enjoys her family's attention.   (As of July of this year (2016) April is currently sharing a sun room with other adult cats. Socialization does wonders!)

When her family grew by one, April had difficulty adjusting and, according to her adopters, she acted out by eliminating outside the litter box. 

Stress and anxiety can can happen to our pets too, and it can lead to unwanted or concerning behaviors...


Spring- Available for Adoption Adopted!

2-month-old Spring

Many people are surprised when we point out an adorable puppy who was found as a stray. However, we are a city with an over-abundance of puppies and kittens (and yes, it's a problem), and that is how Spring came to us. And like the many puppies and kittens before her, she was adopted in no time. 


3 years and 5 months later...


This sweetheart is back with us and we've come to learn: she's not a huge fan of being left alone. Spring gets pretty accustomed to her care takers, and currently, our Animal Behavior Specialist believes she has separation anxiety. She loves treats, affection, and walks, but once the loving is gone, the apprehension sets in. 

Her previous adopter did not believe she was happy in her new home, but any disruptive behavior from Spring may have simply been the result of this anxiety. According to the ASPCA, dramatic changes to a dog's environment can lead to the development of separation anxiety.   Dogs such as Spring need a caring, patient, and understanding home willing to help Spring work through her anxieties. 

It's a commitment. 

But it's a rewarding 


 and worthwhile commitment. 


When adopters make the difficult decision to return pets to our shelter, it can be for a variety of reasons and complicated circumstances. We're grateful that, if they must be returned, they are at least returned to us, where they will have a guaranteed [second] chance at finding their forever home. 

Adopting a pet should never be an impulsive action. As we said earlier, falling in love with a pet is easy! They're loyal and furry companions who enrich our everyday lives. They're like children who stay young forever: they'll always be dependent on you for love and care... and patience. Especially patience!

And in return?
Honestly, what more could you ask for? 



Spring, April, and Mason are currently available for adoption at the

Open from 12-7 every day (except major holidays), so don't miss your chance to meet your match.