Pets of the Week

Hello, my name is Oreo! I am a three-year-old male black and white lab mix. I currently weigh 50 pounds and am pretty much finished growing.

I have been in a home for the last year and my previous owners couldn’t care for me any longer. I am fully house-trained and will let you know when I need to go potty.

I know how to sit, lay down, stay, off, and wait. I am a real love bug, and I enjoy cuddling on the couch or in bed for hours! I am also great on a leash and love to play with other dogs in the play yard here at the Shelter.

I have been tested with cats and I do great with them too. My favorite toys to play with are squeaky balls and hard bones. I do tend to get a little anxious when I am left alone so I will need to be crated.

If you want to get to know me, please come to Have A Heart Pet Shelter Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm.

This sweet thing is Cinnamon!

Cinnamon and her three kittens were dumped at the Shelter in early February. Originally, we thought Cinnamon was part of the whole litter of kittens. Shortly thereafter, we realized she was actually the mother, just a very petite one.  Cinnamon is a tortie point Siamese and has beautiful markings. She also has a cute little feature – her tongue sticks out! All of her kittens have found their forever homes so Cinnamon would love a home of her own now that her babies are all cared for.

One thing we noticed was that the teeth for all these kitties were not in good shape. During their sterilization surgery, the veterinarian was able to pull any that were loose on everyone. This kitty family was dealing with an issue of which a potential adopter would need to be aware. They all were diagnosed with stomatitis.

Stomatitis in cats is a disease that causes severe inflammation of the entire mouth, including the gingiva (gum tissue around the teeth) and mucous membranes. The cause of stomatitis in cats is unknown. It’s most likely an exaggerated response to a virus or bacteria, but the exact cause remains a mystery.

The current recommended treatment is partial or full-mouth tooth extraction surgery. While this may seem like a drastic measure, it is currently the best way to achieve substantial and long-term comfort for cats with stomatitis. Studies have shown that 90% of cats that undergo partial or full-mouth extractions have shown complete resolution of their stomatitis symptoms. Once the gum tissue has healed, many cats are even able to eat kibble again. Pet parents often see quick improvement in their cat’s attitude, appetite, and quality of life once their mouth is free of the pain and inflammation of stomatitis.

If you’d like to meet Oreo, Cinnamon, or any of the other adoptables, please give Have A Heart a call at 870/449-7387 or stop by the Shelter located at 657 Highway 202 West in Yellville during our normal business hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm. We hope to see you soon!