HEATSTROKE CAN KILL, AND FAST

Most pet owners realize that keeping pets in hot cars can kill them…but not many realize just how quickly the effects of heatstroke can set in for a dog or cat. Heatstroke is a condition animals begin to suffer gradually, but it accelerates quickly; it’s easy for early signs of heatstroke to go unrecognized, and for the pet to be in an emergency situation within mere minutes.

On warm days, a vehicle acts like an oven.  It holds the heat inside, and that heat becomes very intense even on days that don’t seem too warm. On an 85-degree day, for example, even with the windows open, the temperature inside a car can climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 120 degrees in 30 minutes.  With the humidity we experience here on the shore, it may go even higher.  Because a dog’s normal body temperature is 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, he can withstand a body temperature of 107-108 degrees for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage…or death. (more…)

In times of crisis, people are often told to leave their homes for a “short time,” only to find that they cannot return for days or even weeks.  As a result, community animal shelters are overwhelmed with lost and separated pets following a disaster.

“Helping our residents and pets during an emergency is extremely important to our organization.” Said Patty Quimby, Executive Director of Talbot Humane.  “The Talbot Animal Disaster Services  Team has been in place and ready to assist our residents during weather or other catastrophic emergencies where an emergency shelter would need to be opened since 2010.  Providing the tools to our residents to be prepared in the event of an emergency is a priority.”  Quimby adds, “Preparedness saves lives.”

Talbot Humane suggests families build a Pet Emergency Go-Kit and store it with the rest of the family’s emergency preparations:

• Basic first aid supplies
• A 3-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food, held in a waterproof container
• Safety harness and leash
• Waste clean-up supplies
• Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical records
• List of veterinarians and local pet care organizations
• List of the pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
• Comfort items, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help keep the pet calm and comfortable

They also recommend the following Tips to Help Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency:

• Ensure your pet’s identification by using a microchip or collar ID tag, and make sure that your contact information is up-to-date.
• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
• Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when frightened. Finding your pet quickly will help you evacuate faster.
• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
• Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.

For more information on emergency preparedness for your family and your pets you may visit ready.gov , HillsPet.com/PetPrepared, or contact Talbot Humane at 410-822-0107. 

What a deal- our microchip service fee has been cut IN HALF for a limited time! 

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. This is a sad statistic, but it’s true! Your dog and cat cannot tell us their name, address or phone number- that is without your help!

Talbot Humane wants to increase the chances of reunited lost pets and owners.  One safe and effective way to provide identification is through having your pet microchipped.  In recognition of Pet Identification Week which is the 3rd week of April each year, Talbot Humane will be offering microchipping of your dog, cat or ferret for only $10 for the entire month of April. This includes the registration of your chip with HomeAgain and an identification tag.  Now when was the last time you even purchased a collar for $10?

Even if your cat doesn’t go outside, or your dog is always on a leash, accidents happen. Make sure all of your pets are properly identified so they can get home to you in the event of an unforeseen emergency! 

For more information or to schedule an appointment call (410)822-0107 today.  Appointments are available between 11A-4P Monday-Friday 1P-3P on Saturday.

While our mission speaks to preventing pet overpopulation, preventing acts of cruelty and neglect and providing a safe haven for animals of our community, another important goal is pet retention. All too often pet owners do not reach out to their local shelters, trainers or veterinarians. Talbot Humane wishes to be a resource for pet owners.

In cooperation with our local veterinarians, trainers and other animal related resources in our area, our hope is to offer solutions in order to help loved pets stay in their homes.  Issues such as inability to afford acute medical care, litter box issues, inappropriate barking, destructive behavior, socialization, even life circumstance changes which may lead owners to need some assistance with feeding and care for a period of time. Our ultimate goal- pets stay in the home and reduce the number of animals entering local shelters. 

If you are a pet owner experiencing problems and are in need of guidance or have considered surrendering a pet due to life circumstances please contact us today. Please email Dayniese Hurley at Dayniese@talbothumane.org or call (410)822-0107 and state that you are calling regarding tour retention services. We want to help keep the 2 and 4 legged members of your family together!

Talbot Humane is so proud to announce we have joined forces with fellow Maryland  humane and animal control facilities to place 2,000 cats and kittens in new homes during the month of July!  Fees will be waived at all of these facilities and each one will have other special incentives. 

For the month of July, Talbot Humane FELINE adopters will receive:

• No adoption fee

• Free post adoption wellness exams from participating veterinarians:  All Pets Veterinary Hospital, Easton Veterinary Clinic, Community Animal Hospital, Mid-Atlantic Cat Hospital, Spay Now, Inc., Pet Health Clinic.

• Starter bag of food

• Cat goodie bag
  

Our open admission shelter could not do all we do without the support of adopters, donors, volunteers and well wishers.  If you are considering adoption of a new cat or kitten, July is the right time to fall in love! We can’t wait to break this number and place these needy pets in loving homes, with your help!

The Following Shelters are Participating: 

EASTON MIDDLE SCHOOL PRESENTS HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL ANNIE

Under the direction of Richard A. Vitanovec, Easton Middle School proudly presents the Broadway musical Annie. Show dates are January 23, 24, 30, and 31 at 7:00 pm and January 25 at 2:00 pm at the Easton High School Auditorium. This is the 10th anniversary of Vitanovec’s first musical at Easton Middle School, which was Annie back in 2004. This production involves over 50 students from 3rd grade through 12th grade, as well as some Easton Middle School faculty.

To give his students a unique experience, Vitanovec was also able to contact Bill Berloni, animal trainer for Broadway and Hollywood, and he will be bringing one of his dogs, Mikey, to play “Sandy” in the production. Mikey played “Sandy” in the 30th Anniversary National Tour of Annie and was the “Sandy” understudy on Broadway. Berloni will be coming with Mikey to work with the cast. He has trained ALL of the “Sandys” on Broadway as well as the Sandy in the newest movie of Annie that came out this past December. The students and Vitanovec are very excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity.

This is a big-hearted musical for the whole family. Come see Annie January 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:00 pm and January 25 at 2:00 pm at Easton High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children/students. Advance tickets can be purchased at Easton Middle School, Crackerjacks, Little Rascals, Reeser’s Pharmacy, and Rise Up Coffee Roasters on Dover Street.

“SANDY’S PANTRY”- Bring 4+ cans of cat/dog food or a bag of cat/dog food to the show and you will be entered in a raffle for a special prize. The cat and dog food will be donated to Talbot Humane to help all the “Sandys” that find their way there.

Remember! Hand picked cats have had their adoption fees waived, and cats featured and adopted during their hand picked week go home with a starter kit full of items needed to bring home a new feline friend! Check out all of our feline friends HERE!

FOR A LIMITED TIME

• Are you a Talbot County resident?
• Is your cat between the ages of 8 weeks and 3 years old?
• Does your cat go outside or does he or she live outside all the time?

If you answered “Yes” to all of these questions you are eligible for this very special program. Project Feline Fix is targeted to prevent litters of kittens from arriving in Talbot County and eventually at Talbot Humane. Thanks to a generous grant from The Snyder Foundation for Animals all cats 3 years old or younger, that are indoor/outdoor or outdoor only pets and owned by Talbot County residents will be spayed or neutered for only $10- this includes the rabies and distemper vaccinations! Lets prevent more litters of unwanted pets from entering our shelters and get your Feline Fixed. To sign up for this program call or email Ashley Marshall at ashley@talbothumane.org or  (410)822-0107 today!

Family Dog Class to Benefit Talbot Humane

• Instructors: Brenda Hasbargen and Bonnie Baker

• Where: Talbot Humane 7894 Ocean Gateway, Easton MD 21601

• When: Beginning May 15th at 6:15PM-7:15PM

• Cost: $95.00 Donation to Talbot Humane

Who can participate:

• Dogs 12 weeks or older which have received AT LEAST 2 rounds in the vaccine series.

•  Dogs 16 weeks or older rabies vaccine is required.

• Bordetella vaccine is recommended but not required.

• Proof of vaccines must be provided at time of registration

 Do you want to have a dog that is easier to have in your home? Not only will your dog learn better manners, you will be donating your tuition to TH for the care of the animals!

By the end of the 7 week session, you and your dog will be introduced to sit and down stay, greeting people, wait, recalls, and leash walking. Come join us for this special training experience!

First class is Thursday May 15th, NO DOGS THIS DAY. This is lecture only.

DUE TO HIGH DEMAND THIS CLASS IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVED.

UNPAID SPOTS WILL NOT BE HELD

Registration is available at the Talbot Humane front desk

For more information please contact Brenda at 410 364 5047 or Bonnie at 410 634 2018 today!