Dear Tiffani,
I was wondering what happens to animals that come to The Stafford Animal Shelter injured or very ill with no people to claim them. Can you help them or do you have to put them down?
Signed, Wondering and Worrying
Dear WW,
This is a very interesting and timely subject to bring up. While our Mission is to help every animal in need, until recently, treating animals with special medical needs has been more than challenging. For each animal arriving at the Shelter, we provide basic care such as a general health exam, fundamental vaccinations, food, shelter, and prior to adoption; spaying and neutering. We struggle to raise enough money for these basic procedures and we do not have the funds to go above and beyond to help those animals that, with a little extra help, could become happy, healthy, and adoptable animals. In the past, when we have received animals that need special surgery or medical treatment, we’ve had to do specific and time-consuming solicitations to raise the funds to pay for their treatment, and the animal is usually suffering during this process.
Not anymore! We have just begun a wonderful new program called the “Rosie Fund”. This is a special account where people can make donations that will be used exclusively for the medical care of animals with special needs. The fund is named after a heroic dog that arrived at the Shelter 3 ½ months after she had been hit by a car without her serious injuries ever having been treated. Brave Rosie had to wait until we could raise the funds to have her irretrievably damaged tail and leg amputated. She was in pain, but still had a wonderful attitude and high spirits while she awaited her surgery. The day after her operation, her improvement was remarkable; she was in such high spirits, it was easy to see that she felt much better. Hard to imagine this incredibly sweet dog getting sweeter, but she did! She is healing well, thanks to her generous benefactors, and ready for a new home.
So if you, or anyone you know, would like to contribute to this ongoing and worthwhile cause, please mail your donation to: The Rosie Fund, Stafford Animal Shelter, 3 Boulder Business Park Road, Livingston, MT 59047. Or stop by for a visit Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to meet Rosie, or call us at 406-222-2111.
Thank you for your concern, Tiffani
Dear Tiffani,
My cat seems especially eager to play at night when I’m trying to sleep. Since I work all day, I do prefer to sleep all night. Is there something you suggest I can do with her so I can get a peaceful night’s sleep?
Signed, Groggy
Dear Groggy,
This is certainly a common occurrence because cats are nocturnal creatures. You are wise to seek advice because there some things you can do to get an uninterrupted night’s rest.
Since cats usually hunt and roam late at night out of instinct, we need to steer them towards behavior alternatives more suitable to our schedules. If your cat is an only animal and you are gone most of the day, she probably sleeps all day because there is not much else going on. When you come home, she gets active because she finally has someone to interact with.
A great option to keep your cat active and occupied while you are gone is to supply her with interactive toys. There are motion detector toys that will move as she walks by, encouraging play throughout the day. These are found at most animal-friendly stores. You also want to rotate her toys every few weeks because cats get bored with their toys and will lose interest fairly quickly. Keep things exciting for her!
The next step is to play with her when you get home. Interactive toys like strings with feathers or fake mice on the end are fun. Be careful, though, not to leave these types of toys unattended with your cat because they can get tangled up in the string and this can cause serious injury.
If you do not free-feed your cat, feed her before a big ‘play date’ and then she should be ready for a good night’s rest. Many people find essential oils helpful with their pets - both calming scents in sleeping areas and invigorating scents in play places – I recommend talking to a vet, naturopath or herbalist about their recommendations.
Another option is to get a playmate for her. Cats often enjoy the companionship of a feline buddy, and you would have twice as much fun and activity, warmth and love in your home. Of course, we have many wonderful cats waiting at the Shelter to be companions. Do keep in mind that this option does double your food, litter, and veterinarian costs. But consider that your productivity at work may increase due to more rest, and you may get that promotion you’ve been working for!
Good luck and sweet dreams, Tiffani
Tiffani Zimmerman is the Behavior Specialist at the Stafford Animal Shelter, Humane Society of Park County. Email questions to her at behavioradvice@imt.net or call 222-1312.