Welcome to Coopers Corner
October 2012
Woof! I’d like to chat with you about two serious matters – Parvo Virus and Desexing.
It’s coming to that time of year when owners need to be aware of how deadly Parvo Virus is for dogs. It is easily transmitted and highly infectious. Symptoms can present within 48-72 hours of exposure (the acute illness begins with depression, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some dogs have no fever, while others have high fever (up to 106°F, 41.1°C). Pups with severe abdominal pain exhibit a tucked-up abdomen. Diarrhea is profuse and contains mucus and/or blood. Dehydration develops rapidly)The best prevention for this disease is vaccination. Not only is your dog at risk against Parvo but you will expose other dogs through direct and indirect contact.
Kitten season is upon us each year and we deal with too many abandoned and unwanted animals – especially kittens. They arrive in the world unplanned and unwanted. The only way to prevent the overpopulation is to desex. The SPCA can offer discount on desexing cost to Community Card holders. If you are in serious financial hardship come and speak with us before it’s too late.
September 2012
Woof!
WHY DESEX YOUR PETS?
There are many medical and behavioural benefits in having your pet desexed:
HELPS DECREASE THE OVERPOPULATION PROBLEM
One male running loose for just a few hours can impregnate many females adding to the serious problem of unwanted puppies and kittens.
By not bringing more unwanted puppies and kittens into the world, rids you of the worry of what to do with unplanned litters of puppies and kittens.
CONVENIENCE TO OWNERS
Eliminates oestrus or “heat” periods; no bloody discharges.
Reduced dog registration fees each year will quickly cover the cost of the operation.
Usually stops tomcats from “spraying” foul-smelling urine in the house.
Reduces the annoying and embarrassing urge of male dogs to “mount” the children and adults’ legs.
Reduces aggression against other animals. It reduces fighting, thus saving you expensive veterinary bills and aggravation.
BETTER HEALTH FOR YOUR PET
Eliminates all the problems and potential risks involved in pregnancy and birth.
Eliminates the common problem of cancer of the uterus as the pet gets older.
Decreases the possibility of mammary tumours.
Eliminates your pet’s desire to seek out the female and reduces the risks involved with a free-roaming animal (car accidents, etc).
Reduces the risk of prostate problems and testicular tumours later in life.
ELIMINATES SEXUAL FRUSTRATION
A male sensing a female in heat is nearby can break down doors, and jump fences in the desire to mate.
Eliminates the scent that attracts males. No need for confinement. .
Eliminates the frantic pacing and crying by the female while in heat (cats are especially vocal at this time).
Your pet will be more relaxed and enjoy being part of the family.
MYTHS
Neutering will take away the “guard dog” instincts.
NOT TRUE. Neutering a dog does not reduce its ability as either a guard or watch dog. They will still be as protective of their territory as they were before the surgery.
Neutering makes pets fat.
NOT TRUE. Neutering does not make your pet fat or lazy. Too much food and not enough exercise is the main cause of obesity.
Neutering will hurt him.
NOT TRUE. Neutering is a safe and relatively painless operation done by a registered veterinarian.
She should have one litter first.
NOT TRUE. It is actually better for her not to have a litter or a heat period before being spayed.
Spaying will hurt her.
NOT TRUE. Spaying is a safe and relatively painless operation done by a registered veterinarian. Your pet will appreciate the freedom from sexual frustration or repeated parenthood.
The consequences of not been able to find homes for the puppies or kittens.
- You may be able to place your puppies and kittens but are they “good” homes? And remember each time you place one of your puppies or kittens somewhere else a shelter animal like me is less likely to find a home.
Cheers Cooper
May 2012
Woof! Harvey the 2 year old brown Lab was rescued after been hit by a car. He is having an operation to have his leg amputated Tuesday 1 May. Some really nice people have been very kind to donate money towards his surgery. Thank you to all those people! We will post further comments on Facebook on how is doing during the week.
Just a reminder to all dog owners be warned, Parvo virus is still around – please make sure your best friend is fully vaccinated.
Cheers Cooper
April 2012
Woof! So you may be considering getting a dog or puppy? or you may have adopted a dog or puppy over the summer! Hopefully your new family member is settling in well and you are loving all the attention!
As a puppy I can tell you we need to learn what is expected in our new environment so below is somewhere to start.
If you have questions or issues that you need assistance with ‘Dogs 101’ is a good place to start. This is a 90 minute session run through the continuing education department at the university and covers the basics of how to integrate a new dog into your home.
The next course is on the Thursday 19 April. There is a small Koha to attend and bookings are through the continuing Education department, Waikato University 07 858 56000.
Also if you would like to check out some excellent resources we recommend these links;
http://drsophiayin.com/resources
Cheers Cooper
March 2012
Woof! Kids Cooper here. I get lots of requests to pat or play with me, so I thought I’d pass on a few tips. When you see or first meet a dog (or puppy) check with the owner if you can pat it. When its O.K. let the dog come to you and sniff the back of your hand – sometimes we don’t feel like meeting people. We prefer to be patted under the chin or chest if we don’t know you it can be scary letting a stranger pat our head.
We can get excited easy so if you run around or start shouting it freaks us out and we will react the way we are trained. And my last tip is to leave dogs alone when we have food. We get protective, so let us finish our food and then we’ll be ready to go play!
Cheers Cooper
February 2012
Woof!
Come visit me at the Haven over the SPCA Valentine Adopt-a-thon Weekend 11 & 12 Feb lots of my mates are looking for their 'Forever Home' they will promise love, affection and lots of sloppy kisses.
Every Adopter during the Adopt-a-thon weekend will receive an Animates voucher for a $20 discount off any purchase over $50. We look forward to seeing you
An important reminder to all dog owners be warned, please make sure your best friend is vaccinated.
The Haven has recently dealt with an outbreak of cainine parvovirus the virus is fast-evolving and left untreated is usually fatal.
The message is simple get your dogs vaccinated and keep them up to date.
December 2011
Hi I’m Cooper, I was brought to the Haven in September with my brothers. We were pretty skinny and scared about what was going to happen to us. This lady at the Haven let me spend a few nights with her. I was so happy when she took me home forever!
Now I volunteer for the SPCA I visit lots of different places as the ambassadog they make me wear this silly coat but I get lots of tummy rubs, which I really like after food! (Can I mention a big thank you to the Hills Science people who supply food for the animals).
When I was at the Haven last Thursday my good friend Libby has found her forever family she is so happy! I overheard people talking about the two dogs Zepher and Izzy that came in the other day, you know they were really scared and sad when they came in but everyone has been so nice and friendly. They both had surgery and are doing really well I’ll let you know how they are next month.
So woofmas is here and I’d like to share a few tips from us animals please make sure if you’re going away that there is good shelter and water and someone to feed and walk us. Of course we’d really rather go away with you we love to play and be there and enjoy holidays with you.
I hope everyone gets a big treat for woofmas.
Cooper
