It’s summer in lake country which means it’s the perfect time of the year for family visits, boating, and rounds of golf. Of course, the summer holiday of July 4th is right around the corner, and with that will come the fireworks displays. Even though these celebrations are loved by humans, they can be distressing for our four-legged friends. The flashes of light, loud noises, and smells of fireworks can be incredibly stressful for many dogs. Below are some tips to keep your furry family members safe this Fourth of July!
 

• Did you know that more dogs run away on July 4th than on any other day of the year? This is because they become frightened by the fireworks and their instinct to get away from the cause of their fear takes over. Therefore, it is imperative that your pet is wearing a collar with proper identification before the fireworks even begin. 

 

• The most important thing you can do to keep your animal safe during the fireworks is to ensure that he is inside. Ideally, they will be in a home far away from the fireworks, either in your own home or in the home of a family or trusted pet-sitter. 

 

• If you are unable to keep the dog far away from the fireworks display, at least keep him in an interior room of the house, with his crate or safe space available. White noise machines or music played on a speaker in this room can help to drown out the noise of the firecrackers.  
  

 

• No matter where the dog is during the celebrations, it is best to have a human available to them to calm them down. Remember that dogs pick up on the emotional state that their humans are demonstrating. Be sure to appear relaxed and be ready to soothe your pet, so he knows there is nothing to be afraid of. It is okay to offer treats one at a time during the displays in an effort to distract and create a positive association between the loud noises and food. 

 

• Thundershirts, or tight jackets, can be worn by dogs during fireworks or loud thunderstorms. Some animals find the compression soothing and it is worth a try if you have a pet that experiences anxiety during loud noises. Put the jacket on before the fireworks begin, as they are not as effective once your pet is already experiencing high levels of stress. 

 

• Some companies sell supplements that they claim will calm a fearful animal. There are mixed reviews of these products, and different potencies, so it is important that you never give such a supplement to your pet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

 
We hope that these pointers will ensure that every member of your family has a safe and happy holiday. Happy Fourth of July from everyone here at Oconee Regional Humane Society!

Dogs have owners.  Cats have staff.  If you work well with others and need an executive to head up your staff, the month of June is the perfect time to find the perfect cat!  June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month and at Oconee Regional Humane Society (ORHS), we’re pretty sure we may have just the cat for the job! 

Adopt a Shelter Cat Month was established by the ASPCA to promote the adoption of cats from local shelters.  It’s estimated that 3.2 million cats enter animal shelters every year and many of them never find a home.  If you’ve been thinking about adding a kitty to your family, June is a great time because ORHS offers a reduced adoption fee of $25 for all cats over one year old—this fee includes a test for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS, spay or neuter surgery, age appropriate vaccinations, deworming, flea control and a microchip.  

Here are some reasons you may need a feline executive to head up your staff:

• Shelter cats prefer leading staffs with heroes.  Since you’d be saving a life, you’re a hero!  You’re especially so if you adopt an older cat, including a senior (usually has more staff experience and a resume that is easy to interpret—what you see is what you get), a black cat (may work harder since they often get a bad rap for being spooky), or a special needs cat (often has a lovely spirit to go with that less than perfect body).
• Cats can enrich your life.  Research shows there are health benefits associated with owning a cat. Having a cat can lower blood pressure and decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Having a cat can lessen loneliness and depression.
• Your shelter cat could become an internet staffing sensation!  Many famous kitties came from shelters!  So, get photographing your top-notch staffer! 
  

You know your staff is floundering without a leader—so come on over to ORHS and take a look at our amazing kitties!  Do you need a cat who is outgoing or more introverted?  How about a cat that sits in your lap while leading your staff?  We know the personalities of all our kitties and can talk you through the kitty that works best for you!

When we decide to have a pet we take on a complex responsibility and covenant to protect and be there for it — in every way. The time may come when he or she grows sick or infirm, and it is our unavoidable duty to do what is best for the pet, despite the heartbreak that may bring to us, personally. In doing that, euthanasia is our last and most profound act of love and stewardship. In making that terrible moral decision we must step beyond our own feelings, and do what is best for the pet. And it now all comes down to quality of life.

The death of a beloved pet can be so tragic for us. That is such a hard concept. But if they outlived us who would care for and love them when they die? Maybe somehow, this is the best way.

Nobody wants to live forever. And when we can also somehow put that into perspective for our dear animal companions, it makes a lot of new sense. They have their own strong sense of dignity, too. Unfortunately, that is too often overlooked.

One of the most common complaints we hear is that people fear they may have waited too long — or not long enough — before having their beloved companion animals euthanized. If it is feasible, we suggest filling this scale out three times, on three successive days, to get a more accurate appraisal.

We can be too emotionally involved and subjective to easily make a clear decision. The following Quality of Life Assessment System is a means designed to help you make a more objective evaluation.
It is strongly suggested that you confer with your veterinarian, in deciding on that last accommodation.