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FREE MOLLY - HELP HER WALK AGAIN!

7/28/2021

Molly came to MHC at the end of June with two other dogs, Princess and Jojo.

A kind citizen had rescued them from out in the County were people are known to dump unwanted animals. They were given shelter and food for as long as possible.

However, taking care of too many unwanted dogs became too much for one home and they needed a helping hand.

Thus, Molly and her bunch ended up in MHC's care in hopes of securing forever homes.

This is Molly's story and the beginning of her journey to wellness!

Sweet Molly is an 8 year old Chihuahua with perky ears, bright eyes and an exuberant spirit!

These days, Molly has been feeling down in the dumps. An old ACL injury* has been giving her a lot of pain in her right hind leg, which has decreased her ability to move around and be her happy little self.

*WHAT IS AN ACL INJURY? A torn ACL in dogs is actually a torn CCL, or cranial cruciate ligament. Although this ligament performs a similar function to the ACL in humans, a dog’s anatomy is different. The CCL connects the back of the femur to the front of the tibia and stabilizes the knee joint. Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is a serious condition that could permanently hinder a dog’s mobility.

If your dog develops a sudden lameness in a hind leg, it could be a torn knee ligament. This is a very common injury in dogs. Some other symptoms include sitting abnormally, swelling of the knee, and stiffness or clicking sounds while walking. See your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

The vet has recommended for Molly to get surgery done to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Not wanting Molly to suffer any further, we promptly scheduled her in for a surgery on August 5th (the estimated fees for this type of surgery is $1200).

We think little Molly deserves a chance to live a pain-free, active life. She can't wait to get on with her life and find a forever home!

Help us help Molly! Donate to our Vet Care Funds so we can help Molly get the surgery and rehabilitation that she needs.

Thank you for your help.

Donate for Molly

Midland Humane Coalition is honored to be a recipient of the PetSmart Charities Adoption Preparation Grant for 2021.

With the help of this grant, we are able to prepare rescues for their new homes!

Thank you, PetSmart Charities!

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ADOPTION STORY: The Charmed Life of Pi (the cat)

7/28/2021

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ADOPTED FROM MHC: JULY 4, 2021

Pi hasn't always lived a charmed life. In fact, this former homeless cat was returned to us 3 times! Luckily, in Pi's case, fourth time's the charm.

Pi (the cat) first came to us in November 2020. He was a raggedy stray picked up by a Good Samaritan who saw something special in him.

After a bit of pampering, the 3 year old medium-haired cat cleaned up quite nicely.

Truth is, Pi became so desirable that he had 3 adoption attempts.

Sadly, Pi was returned 3 times within a 6-month period. It was not at all due to any fault of Pi's; allergies were the culprit. It seemed that this darling cat just couldn't seem to catch a break.

The last time he was returned, our hearts broke for poor Pi, who must have been terribly confused and disappointed with all the changes.

Thankfully, the last time he was at MHC, it only took him 9 days to finally find his forever home.

The moment we let Pi out of the kennel to meet his forever family, we knew it was just meant to be. We knew Pi had finally caught his big break.

Thank you to Brian, Loralyn and Kathryn Carter (proud parents to Pi, Princess Zelda, Mercy and Molly) for giving Pi a home!

Below is a lovely little update from his new family.

We are enjoying Pi very much! He is so soft and cuddly and he always has a smile on his face! He has his appetite back and we are very pleased to say that he is eating a can of cat food in the morning and a can at night. He loves cheese! We got him to eat by putting a few pieces on the food. He now follows us to the refrigerator and stares at us every time we open it up, in hopes of getting a few more cubes. We hope that he will start putting on a little bit of weight soon.

Pi has started playing with the cat fishing pole toy. He has started zooming around the house, like a kitten! He still sits on the chair with my husband at night, while my husband winds down from the day. He loves sitting in the rays of the sun through the windows and the sliding glass doors. He shares his adoption blanket with his new sisters, Princess Zelda (4 year old long haired cat) and Mercy (3 year old short haired cat). He has overcome his fear of our dog, Molly (who is a 15 year old black lab/cocker spaniel mix of only 25 lbs.).

I have attached some photos of him lounging around the house, along with his siblings. He is such a joy to have. I am so grateful we happened by the PetSmart on July 4th! He is a wonderful addition to our family. He is definitely at his forever home with us, as he is loved and cherished for who he is! He fits right in with our other silly adopted pets.

Thank you for having such a wonderful organization!

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WATER SAFETY FOR DOGS

7/27/2021

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Summer is here, and that is the time many pet owners head to the beach, river, pool, or local lake and take their dog with them. Water is a favorite place to beat the heat on a warm summer day and is also one place to have a lot of fun with your pooch (if they like water).

But remember, each year around 40,000 pets die in drowning accidents, and not all dogs can swim, and many may fear the water. Never force your dog into the water.

Here are a few tips to ensure a perfectly safe time by the water:

Sun Protection: Some breeds – hairless, short-coated, light-colored breeds and dogs with pink noses – are more prone to getting sunburn. Pet sunscreens can be found at most pet stores or online. Be careful not to buy sunscreen that contains zinc! If ingested, it can be toxic. Your dog might also be tempted to lick the sunscreen. To avoid that, avoid products with fragrances.
Seawater and freshwater: Many dogs will find drinking saltwater very enjoyable, but it can lead to stomach irritation, vomiting, and dehydration. Teach your dog not to drink seawater or discourage him by offering him a bowl of freshwater. Also, when leaving the beach, an immediate freshwater rinse will wash off the sand and salt and help keep your pooch’s coat and skin healthy.
Waves: Unless your pup is the Kelly Slater of canines, he’s probably not a great surfer! Make sure you are aware of rip currents and undertows. Even if dogs can be great swimmers, water currents can be very strong for dogs, just as with humans, putting them in danger.
Boating: Wishing to go on a leisurely cruise with your dog? Make sure your dog has a life jacket on! In case of an accident, even good swimmers can tire and may struggle to keep afloat. On the boat, make sure there is a secure area available, but not tethered, away from the edge where you can keep your pet safe if the ride gets rough or your dog has the tendency to jump.
Pools: Pools are much more dangerous for dogs than they appear. Your dog will probably merrily jump (or accidentally fall, especially if trying to get a drink) into the water for a swim, but if he doesn’t know where the stairs are, he’s in trouble! Don’t let your pet play near a pool if you’re not 100% sure he knows how to get out on his own. Visible pool ramps are also a good idea and can be purchased online and in most pet stores. Don’t force it: dogs are like people in so many ways. Some love water, some hate it. Also, make sure he doesn’t have any major health issues or physical limitations that would make swimming more difficult.

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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TAKE A HIKE - WITH FIDO!

7/27/2021

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Hiking with your dog not only provides health benefits to human and pet, but also helps deepen your bond.

A dog can be the perfect companion for all your adventures — they’re always willing and ready to spend time with their favorite -- you.

But before you head to the great outdoors, be sure you and your dog are prepared to hit the trail to get the utmost enjoyable experience!

Here are some helpful hints for hiking with your pet:

Are dogs allowed? Check to see if the trails or park you are going to allows dogs. Be sure to obey any restrictions concerning areas that are off limits — dogs can leave a predator scent behind that disrupts wildlife (i.e. nesting and feeding activities) so please respect these important rules.
Leash up. When exploring new & unfamiliar terrain, keep your dog on a leash to ensure that you are able to control them at all times. It prevents them from chasing wildlife, running off, getting lost or damaging wildlife habitats. It will also help other hikers feel comfortable on the trail that you all share.
Keep your dog away from other hikers and dogs. It’s best to avoid any confrontation with aggressive dogs or hikers who may feel threatened by your dog. Prevent injury, accidents or unpleasant interactions by simply keeping your dog under control and away from others.
Protect from parasites. Before your outdoor expedition, treat your dog with heartworm preventative medication as well as insecticides to prevent flea and tick infestation. Make sure your dog has up-to-date vaccinations as well (especially rabies).
Never let your dog overheat. At the first signs of overheating while on the trail, find shade and provide hydration immediately. Let your dog rest and cool down. Don’t leave your dog in a closed vehicle either thinking it provides adequate shelter from heat — on the contrary, a vehicle's interior can reach oven-like temperatures very quickly.
Gear up. Don’t forget to pack for your dog’s needs: food, water and accessories -- to help make their trek comfortable and safe. Here are a few things your dog would need:

Collar or Harness + Leash
Identification Tag or Microchip
Water - Pack enough water for your trip. Don’t let your dog drink from standing water like murky ponds and puddles which can be a cesspool of bacteria and parasites that can make your dog sick.
Food
Collapsible Bowl
Plastic Bags for waste - Be sure to pick up after your dog!
Canine First Aid Kit
Reflective Jacket, Collar, Leash, or a Small Light - Increase your dog’s visibility in low light or from a distance
Clothing - Check weather conditions before heading out to determine what items your dog would need, such as: bandanas, canine flotation devices, or insulating jackets.
Booties can help protect your dog's paws when walking on really hot ground, sharp rocks, or areas with flora that can be irritating to your dog's paws (for instance, grass seeds, foxtail plants and thorns can get infected if not treated).

With ample preparation, you and your dog can have a marvelously stress-free bonding experience in the glorious great outdoors!

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Paw Prints

FREE MOLLY - HELP HER WALK AGAIN!

ADOPTION STORY: The Charmed Life of Pi (the cat)

WATER SAFETY FOR DOGS

TAKE A HIKE - WITH FIDO!

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FREE MOLLY - HELP HER WALK AGAIN!

ADOPTION STORY: The Charmed Life of Pi (the cat)

WATER SAFETY FOR DOGS

TAKE A HIKE - WITH FIDO!

Welcome

Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter

Archives

Categories

EXPLORE

Location

ConNECT WITH Us

SEARCH THE SITE

sign up

Paw Prints