Last week Have a Heart hosted another Volunteer Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic. Over 100 animals were spayed and neutered during the 3 day Clinic. Thank you to all the folks who signed up and had their pets sterilized and thanks to the volunteers who make this happen. Each time HAH holds a clinic their efforts prevent the birth of literally hundreds of unneeded kittens and puppies in our area. We seem to see a surge in litters of kittens every spring, which is why spring is referred to as “Kitten Season” at the Shelter. Puppy litters don’t seem quite as seasonal. We receive phone calls about unplanned puppies throughout the year. It was a good week for adoptions of several of the “kitten season” kitties at the Shelter. Blossom, Larry, Thumbelina, Princess Leia, Toffee, Poppy, Latte and Joey were all adopted last week. Thanks to the adopters who opened their homes to these sweet little kittens.
Recently, one of our volunteers saw on social media that one of our previously adopted cats had died of Bobcat Fever. Have a Heart would like to remind all cat owners to be aware of this deadly tick borne illness. At first it may seem like your cat is just “not feeling good.” The initial signs include sluggishness and loss of appetite. Once the onset of the infection starts, the cat will deteriorate rapidly. Early symptoms are seen 5-20 days after the tick bite. After that, it takes only a few days for the disease to progress to the final stages and if not treated early, almost always results in death. There is no vaccine for Bobcat fever. The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent the ticks. Treat your cat for fleas and ticks and also check by hand for ticks. Indoor cats are not as high a risk as outdoor cats. If your cat exhibits any of the early symptoms, you should get them to the vet as soon as possible. The earlier this disease is detected and treated, the better the chance for survival. We have info at the Shelter if you would like to learn more about Bobcat Fever.
This week’s featured dog is Sarah. Sarah is an adult black Lab mix who was brought to the Shelter by Summit Animal Control. Her owners moved away and left her behind. Sarah is a very sweet girl that deserves a better life. Stop by HAH to meet Sarah. She may very well be the new best friend you are looking for.
Our featured kitty this week is Sammie. Tiny Sammie is beautiful little girl with huge emerald green eyes. Tragically, her owner died and Sammie was alone for several weeks. She was found hiding behind a washing machine starving and dehydrated, with severe flea dermatitis. We believe she was undernourished as a kitten and was not able to grow to a typical adult size. She is shy, but just needs love and reassurance that she is important.
You can meet Sammie, Sarah and our other adoptable cats and kittens by visiting HAH during regular hours, Thursday through Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm. Have a Heart is located at 657 Highway 202 in Yellville. Phone 870-449-7387.