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​Paw Prints

A blog by the friendly folks at ​Midland Humane Coalition

NOTES FROM MHC: Billy Boy's Plight

1/24/2022

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NOTES FROM THE ADOPTION CENTER is a blog series where we will be sharing some of our rescue stories and our day-to-day challenges & successes at the Midland Humane Coalition Adoption Center(inside PetSmart) and The Joe and Van Mabee Animal Rescue Center (our new rescue facility). ​​

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Billy Boy was first spotted roaming around a mobile home park in Midland. 

He looked very skinny so a concerned citizen (Thanks, Michelle L!) tried to help him out with food, water and some warm clothing. Upon closer look, she realized that the dog was  injured. 

She couldn't take him in, so she put out a call on Facebook (West Texas Pet Detectives) for anyone who can help.

So we got to work quickly to try to locate this dog. 
 
It took a bit of time and patience, but with the help of staff and folks from other rescues, we were able to find him again. 

We named him BILLY BOY.  He's a 2 year old Pitbull who somehow ended up living on the streets. During this time, he was injured and his left hind leg became severely infected.

We took Billy Boy to the vet immediately and found out the news:  they are going to have to amputate his leg! His knee is completely twisted around and is affecting his mobility - the poor dog is in so much pain.  His wounds are also infected and he's running a fever, so he needs to get better before we can schedule him in for a major surgery. 

The good news is that after the surgery, with a little nurturing, Billy Boy will be completely  fine. Once he's healed up from  surgery and is back in good spirits, he will be able to live a good life once we find him a wonderful home.   


Thank you to everyone who helped.  Because of the actions of compassionate individuals, this dog didn't have to suffer and perish outdoors. 

Billy Boy's amputation will cost  around $1,200.  We will do what we can to ensure that he gets the surgery that he needs. Please donate if you can. Thank you! 

~Vanessa Medina, MHC Executive Director

WE APPRECIATE & NEED DONATIONS!  With rescue work, we never know what situations we will have to deal with each day. Having a steady flow of funds enables us to be ready for whatever challenges we may encounter as we help cats & dogs out of desperate situations.  Help us help pets like Billy  Boy. 

​
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NOTES FROM MHC: Sweet Pea

1/22/2022

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NOTES FROM THE ADOPTION CENTER is a blog series where we will be sharing some of our rescue stories and our day-to-day challenges & successes at the Midland Humane Coalition Adoption Center(inside PetSmart) and The Joe and Van Mabee Animal Rescue Center (our new rescue facility). ​
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Earlier this week, we rescued a  young puppy that was abandoned at a local business. 

We named her Sweet Pea (because she is truly a sweetie).  

At first glance, she seemed healthy and had no symptoms whatsoever. However, when we got her examined, she tested positive for Parvovirus. Luckily, she was still in isolation, so hasn’t been exposed to any other dogs. 

Sweet Pea  is now staying at the Town and Country Veterinary Hospital to get the best treatment she can get to survive and recover from this illness.
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Parvo is a terrible disease. Thankfully, it is preventable through vaccination.  Learn more about Parvovirus below. 


Please help us cover Sweet Pea's treatment, which will most likely add up to a hefty hospital bill. 

~Vanessa Medina, MHC Executive Director

WE APPRECIATE & NEED DONATIONS!  With rescue work, we never know what situations we will have to deal with each day. Having a steady flow of funds enables us to be ready for whatever challenges we may encounter as we help cats & dogs out of desperate situations.  Help us help pets like Sweet Pea. 
DONATE FOR SWEET PEA

WHAT IS PARVOVIRUS?
The Canine Parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs.  The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite (anorexia).  The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death.  The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.


Symptoms: Watch out for these symptoms: Bloody diarrhea (often severe), Fever, Lethargy (lack of energy), Loss of appetite, Malaise (discomfort associated with illness), Rapid weight loss, Vomiting


How your dog get infected: Parvo is transmitted in two ways. The first is by direct contact through the nose and mouth with infected poop, which can happen when a dog sniffs or licks a surface or another dog that has been contaminated with feces. The second is indirect transmission which occurs when a puppy comes into contact with a contaminated person, object, or environment. The virus can survive on clothing, equipment, on human skin, and in the environment.


Who is most susceptible: All dogs are at risk for developing canine parvovirus. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult dogs are also at risk.

Vaccinate your pet against PARVO and other preventable illnesses!
Learn about Common Pet Diseases & Vaccinations 
Book an appointment with a Midland Veterinarian Clinic  
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How Cold is "Too Cold" for Your Dog?

1/11/2022

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Dealing with extreme heat in West Texas is a given. But what about extreme cold?

Another unfortunate situation that we witness during the winter months is dogs being left outside in temperatures that are too cold for comfort and often for survival. 

A common misconception is that dogs don't get cold because they have a fur coat. While it's true that their coats offer better insulation, it does not make them impervious to extreme cold. 

What we really like is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ thermometer: “If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your dog.”  

The American Kennel Club says use this “rule of thumb” to determine how long a dog may be outside in the cold, even if it is having a great time romping in the snow:

Puppies fewer than 8 weeks old: Keep indoors during cold weather
Toy breeds: Keep indoors during cold weather
Brachycephalic breeds (i.e. dogs with short noses, like pugs and French bulldogs and many other flat faced breeds): Keep indoors (especially when exercising)
Smaller breeds: Limit outings in temperatures below 32ºF to 10-15 minutes
Larger breeds: Limit outings in temperatures below 32ºF to 30-60 minutes
Arctic breeds: Can stay outside in the cold indefinitely, as long as they are acclimated

Keep your pets safe and warm this winter! 


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Shelia Huffman, Contributor/MHC Board 
​

Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.
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New TX Law to Help Make Life More Humane for Pet Dogs

1/11/2022

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Over the summer, a bill that would protect dogs from being chained in inhumane conditions was vetoed. Thankfully, a revised bill regarding chaining dogs outside got a second chance due to the voices of Texas pet advocates. The new law was passed  in October of 2021. 

Although the updated bill may not be restrictive enough, we are always grateful for all laws that help make life a bit more humane for animals.

The law, effective January 18, 2022, will make regulations about chaining dogs more specific to help prevent animal abuse and neglect.

The new law states that dogs cannot be tied up using chains or heavy restraints. Their restraints should never be shorter than five times the dog’s body length from nose to tail.

Also, their collars must be made of a material that’s designed for a dog’s neck. Ropes, wires, etc., cannot be wound around a dog’s neck. (Hard to believe, but people do such deplorable things.)

Dogs must also have access to shade, shelter from inclement weather, and access to drinkable water if left alone outside. (Drinkable water is fresh, cool and in a clean bowl.)

The new law also allows law enforcement to get involved with a chained animal situation immediately. Before, they had to wait 24 hours. 

Violators of this new law will now face consequences. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor (fines up to $500) and becomes a Class B misdemeanor (second offense could mean up to 180 days in jail and a $2000 fine with a Class B misdemeanor) if it’s a repeated offense.

We truly wish that no dogs have to spend most of their lives tied or chained. (We are not talking about a recreational or temporary tethering situation. I’ve restrained mine with a tie down while setting up my camera for a photo shoot or putting out food and supplies for a picnic.) We are talking about those unfortunate dogs who are tied or chained and left alone and basically live outdoors exposed to the elements.  A sad, unfortunate life!

We can only hope that this new law changes the behavior of people and their treatment of dogs in their care. ​

​Try as we may, we are unable to educate all the people in humane treatment of animals or control the inhumane behavior inherent in many, so we must continue to make and enforce laws on behalf of the animals. But it takes a village to look out for and stand up for those who have no voice but ours.
​

If you see an animal being abused or neglected, please contact an animal resource in your area. They will know who to contact regarding the incident.

Learn more here>>


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Shelia Huffman, Contributor/MHC Board 
​

Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.
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NOTES FROM MHC: MJ's Story

1/10/2022

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NOTES FROM THE ADOPTION CENTER is a blog series where we will be sharing some of our rescue stories and our day-to-day challenges & successes at the Midland Humane Coalition Adoption Center(inside PetSmart) and The Joe and Van Mabee Animal Rescue Center (our new rescue facility). 
​
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When rescues arrive at MHC, we never know what to expect. Sometimes they are fit as a fiddle and ready for a new home.  But more often than not, they need proper care, treatment and space to recover before they can be placed in their forever homes. 

This is MJ.  When she arrived at MHC, she appeared to have just been in an accident with a  road rash and a fractured pelvis. She also had UTI. 


We got her immediate help the day we got her. We took her to see our vet at Town & Country Veterinary Hospital who said that her fracture may be able to heal well on its own because she is, fortunately, still so young. 

We will have her re-examined at the end of the month. If her fracture on her pelvis isn’t healing right, they will have to do a surgery that will help promote healing. 

In the mean time, we are ensuring that MJ is in good hands and extremely comfortable while she recovers in foster care. 

Stay tuned for updates on MJ! 

~Vanessa Medina, MHC Executive Director

We appreciate/need donations. With rescue work, we never know what situations we will have to deal with each day. Having a steady flow of funds enables us to be ready for whatever challenges we may encounter as we help cats & dogs out of desperate situations.  

CLICK HERE TO DONATE>>
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    Hello! Welcome to our blog, pet lovers! We hope to share some helpful information regarding pet  care, health and wellness here. Stay tuned for updates!

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4206 West Loop 250 N
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Adoption Center: 432-557-3405

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Midland Humane Coalition is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to partner with the Midland Community to end euthanasia of and to find Furr-Ever Homes for healthy, adoptable Dogs and Cats.

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  • Home
  • Adopt
    • Adoptable Pets
    • How to Adopt >
      • Before Adoption
    • Senior to Senior Program
    • HAPPY TALES
    • RESCUE STORIES
  • Volunteer
    • Foster
    • Adoption Center
    • Special Events
    • Online Volunteer
  • Donate
    • Our Sponsors
  • Resources
    • Vaccinations
    • Microchips
    • Spay/Neuter
    • Lost & Found Pets >
      • Lost Pets
      • Found Pets
    • Re-homing a Pet
    • Kitten Care
    • Helping Stray/Feral Cats
    • Midland Vet Clinics
    • Shelters & Rescues
  • Events
    • Blog
    • Hot Dog Run 2023 >
      • HDR 2023 Sponsorships
    • Furr Ball 2022 >
      • Sponsorship Opportunities
      • 2022 Sponsors
    • Pawtrait Auction
    • In the News
  • About Us
    • The Mabee ARC
    • Our History
    • Our People
    • SHOP
    • Contact >
      • Hours & Location
      • Jobs
      • FAQ
      • Contact Form