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All posts for the month March, 2014

We do things a little differently here.

Posted by SPCA of Solano County on March 30, 2014
Posted in: Animals, Pets, spay/neuter. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The SPCA of Solano County has a low cost spay neuter clinic. Many people have an idea of what they think that means.

Surgery Room

What our low cost spay neuter clinic means…

  • It means that the cost to have your pet “fixed” so they can’t produce unwanted litters is affordable for most people.
  • It means that we are able to spay and neuter many animals each day which ultimately reduces the number of animals taken to  shelters.
  • It means that we only do spays and neuters and we do it very efficiently which is good for the animals in our care.
  • It means that we are here as your pet recovers and to answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Low cost does not mean substandard.

The spay -neuter clinic at the SPCA of Solano County has all brand new state-of-the-art equipment.  This is due to a clinic grant from Petsmart Charities.  Animals are monitored for heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, temperature and oxygen saturation with monitors.   Anesthesia is maintained n new anesthesia machine with oxygen concentrators.  The clinic is equipped with the latest brand new equipment.  patient monitorAll procedures are performed by licensed veterinarians and well trained experienced technicians. The veterinarians that are doing  the surgical procedures have over 20 years experience.   This is not a volunteer run clinic or a training facility – we only do spays and neuters and we do it well.

 

We only do spays and neuters.

We do not perform other procedures except for the removal of the occasional baby tooth or umbilical hernia repair during the spay surgery.  Because we don’t do other procedures we have developed a rhythm within our medical team.  Everyone has a job to do.  It is a very efficient process.  We want to make it as quick for the animals as possible.  With each surgery taking between 5 – 20 minutes (male cats are quick female dogs take the longest) the idea is to have the under anesthesia for the shortest length of time possible.

 

Your pets health and well being is the most important thing to us.

If a pet comes in for surgery and exhibits any symptoms of illness or distress the will not be placed under anesthesia and their surgery will be rescheduled. We will not take any chances with your pets health.   We have a policy of not doing surgery on pets past a certain age.  The reason veterinarians recommend pre-surgical blood work is to determine if their liver and kidneys can handle the anesthesia.  If the animal has an underlying illness and goes under anesthesia it can cause serious problems for the pet.  Older animals should receive IV fluids during and after the procedure.  This is why we feel it is better for the pet to have the surgery performed at a general veterinary practice.

After surgery…

After the procedure they are monitored by technicians until they have recovered and are active and awake and ready to go home.  They are given a dose of pain medication to make them comfortable before being discharge.  Dogs are sent home with a prescription of Tramadol for a few days while the cats are all given an injection of slow release buprenorphine that last for 3-4 days.  We want to be sure your pet  is as comfortable as possible while they recuperate.

At discharge the technician will give you any instructions, pain medication (which is included in the cost of the surgery), and they will answer any questions you might have.  You will also receive your paperwork and the size e-collar your pet needs.

Not the cone of shame!!!

e-collar, cone, cone of share, bucket

Pets are not automatically sent home with an Elizabethan collar also knows as; e collar, bucket, cone of shame, cone and many more.  The cone is to prevent your pet from licking at the incision site.  The main cause of an infection is due to the  pet licking and chewing at the surgery site.  We do recommend that you purchase one for your pet but the decision is up to the owner.  We carry them in our store at the SPCA.  The prices for the cones are very reasonable (again the idea is to make it affordable) with the smallest cone costing $4.99 and the largest $11.99.  They need to wear the cone for 7 to 10 days after surgery.  Some pets need to wear them longer if they just will not leave the site alone.

They will adjust to earing the cone!!!  They will try their best to convince you that they can’t possibly  eat, sleep, walk, or drink while wearing it.  They will deal I promise!!  Be strong!

 

The Aftercare.

So what are you supposed to do when you get home and you remember all those great questions you meant to ask but completely forgot at pickup?  The surgery site doesn’t look “quite right” but maybe its fine but you aren’t sure.  Now what?  Do you make an appointment with a genera practice veterinarian?  The whole idea was to make this affordable.  We understand so we have created an email address specifically for post op questions.  When you pick up your pet you will be given the email address for questions.  It is monitored by one of our veterinarians and there is no such thing as a “stupid question.  We know you are devoted to your pets and want to help you give them the best care possible.  Maybe you have a quick question that can be answered by email or a phone call and others may need to bring their pet in for a recheck.  All at no additional charge.

Coming to the SPCA of Solano County Spay/Neuter Clinic doesn’t mean that we perform the surgery and then you are on your own.  We will be there for questions and concerns all along the way.

To schedule an appointment:

 

 

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Happy at Home with the perfect pet.

Posted by SPCA of Solano County on March 21, 2014
Posted in: Animals, Good news, kids, Pets, Rescue, Volunteer. Tagged: , , , , , , , .
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Levi and Tucker will work for snacks!!

Eddie of the Hut! Eddie works as the honorary bouncer at his families store. http://www.tweedhut.com

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A little over 3 years ago we found Zooli’s picture on Pet Finders. We came to Vacaville and much to our joy, you let us adopt her. Her name at that time was Luna but we gave her a new name because Luna was too close to the name of our dog that had died of cancer a month earlier. Anyway, I wanted to let you know how much we love our precious pet. She takes us for a walk EVERY morning and to the dog park several times a week. We can’t imagine our lives without this wonderful, loving addition to our family. Thank you so much for entrusting her to us

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Bella and her new little brother Dogzilla. Both were adopted from the SPCA of Solano County

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Vanna was adopted from the SPCA of Solano County and has turned out to be the perfect companion.

We have had a lot of different pets come through the SPCA of Solano County in the last few years. 

Some I remember and some I don’t.  There have been so many that it is interesting when I find old pictures and see familiar faces.  Sasha the Golden Retriever/Rottie mix that was returned several times through no fault of her own, just a victim of circumstance. Mama kitty, the Siamese cat that I fostered and had her kittens in my shower, Daniel our housecat that got adopted out twice and found his way back, twice!

The question I get asked the most is how do you keep from taking them all home?  The short answer.  A great deal of self control and the knowledge that we will do everything in our power to make sure they go to their forever home.  That is the goal.  Every animal to have a permanent home with a nice warm bed and a family that loves them.  The reality is that we don’t always succeed the way we would like but we do make sure that they are happy and loved while they are with us.

We have had animals, dogs and cats with us for a year.  People may question if that is fair.  If those animals had been in a different shelter they might not have had a chance at a forever family.  Honeydew was a very sweet female pitbull that we pulled from the county shelter. She had cropped ears and looked intimidating, combined with a standoffish personality (she wasn’t going to waste her time on someone not worthy) made for a difficult adoption.  A year after she arrived she found her forever home and she still comes to visit. 

Cuba

Cuba

 

Steve was a cat with us almost the same duration.  He became a favorite fixture in our cat adoption trailer.  He even has a room named after him.  He was another one that you had to earn his attention.  It takes just the right home.  They make amazing pets put they don’t make it easy.

Some of them jump right out and say TAKE ME!!!!   LOOK AT ME!!!!!  That works for a lot of them.  Then there are the people who want the one that isn’t so outgoing.  The one who takes some time to get to know them. 

So how do you know which one is the right one?

That is the question.  How can you be sure?  Everyone seems to have an idea of how to choose or what they are looking for, other people wait to be chosen.  Still others  want their current pet to choose.  The most important thing….

Listen to the people who know the animals best!  The shelter or rescue staff spends a lot of time with the animals.  They know their different personalities.  We hear all the time, “ I had a dog just like that when I was a kid”  We don’t doubt that and we know that most likely you know about that type of dog but you don’t know THIS dog.

If the staff says the dog isn’t good with kids, cats, other dogs, small animals etc. it is because we have noticed behaviors that indicate there could be a problem.  We can’t predict what any animal will do in all situations, but we do our best to make sure that everyone is as safe as possible.  This is our SPCA dog not the dog you had as a kid.

One incident comes to mind. A few years ago we had a very cute miniature dachshund that was surrendered because it wasn’t good with the owners toddler.  We knew it was a problem so we needed a kid free home for this dog.  We made sure to stress that fact when we talked to anyone about the dog.  I had a young couple come in and say they had recently gotten married and were looking to get a dog and wanted the dachshund.  I mentioned that the dog wasn’t good with kids. Their response? We don’t have kids.  So  my next question…  “Are you planning to have children?” The response, well of course but not for a year or so.  How do you respond to that? 

We as shelter/rescue staff get attached to them. Some people can handle fostering, some can’t.  We want to make sure they don’t come back to the shelter.  We ask a lot of questions and try to let adoptive families know as much as possible about the pet they are interested in.  Adoption is a big commitment.  It is very hard on everyone when it doesn’t work out and it is very frustrating when it doesn’t work out because the people adopting didn’t listen.  We don’t have all the answers but we can give you a good starting point.  If we recommend a crate, make sure they are in a crate when alone.  The dog is getting used to your house and it is a much safer way.  Dogs have been returned because the people got them home turned them loose in the house and went to work.  That is a recipe for disaster.

Morgan

Morgan

 

We recommend that you introduce cats slowly to each other.  It isn’t a good idea to just put them in a room together with one food bowl and one litter box.  Nobody will be happy.  Sometimes it works, often it doesn’t.  The cat comes back and we hear, it won’t use the litter box, hiding under the bed, fighting with the other cat.  I bet. The cat went from the place where it was comfortable and familiar and dropped into hostile territory without warning.

The easiest adoptions take work.  There is always a transition period, some short, some long.  It will be worth it in the end.  Listen to the adoption counselors or talk to the trainer that they recommend.  They all want it to work and will do everything in their power to help you be successful.

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Happy at Home!

Posted by SPCA of Solano County on March 20, 2014
Posted in: Pets.
Eddie of the Hut
Zooli Queen of the house!
Gray and his new family
Vanna the Rock Star
Levi & Tucker love SNACKS!!!
Bella & Zilla
Where the ball??
Hello. Nece to meet you
Cuba
On an adventure
Kenny the SPCA of Solano County resident office cat
Champion in the tub
Harley. Head of SPCA Security
Come play with me
Where are all my staff???
Honeydew the water dog!
I want to play but I am exhausted

Always get a bounce house!!

Posted by SPCA of Solano County on March 16, 2014
Posted in: Animals, Contest, Events, Harley-Davidson, Hotdog, kids, Pets, Rescue, Volunteer. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The SPCA of Solano County is lucky enough to have an amazing special events coordinator.  We had a ton of fun events last year and we are just getting started this year.  First event on the schedule and it begins this coming Saturday March 22nd.  Come and join us for “Biker’s Best Friend” SPCA adoption day at Iron Steed Harley-Davidson in Vacaville!!   Come out and say hi, visit with our adoptable animals and have a free hot dog lunch plate!  You just might find your new best friend or perhaps the new Harley you have had your eye on!

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This brings  us to event #2 3rd Annual Spring Family Fun Day! Featuring…. The Easter Bunny!!!!!

 

 Saturday April 12th, 2014

12:00 – 3:00pm Rain or Shine!

$20 per car – includes parking and entry in any and all events.

No pets at this event please

this one is for the human kids this time!

Please see the flyer for complete details!!

Saturday April 12, 2014

Saturday April 12, 2014

“Gray” A senior dog get a second chance at forever

Posted by SPCA of Solano County on March 9, 2014
Posted in: Pets. Tagged: , , , , , .

“Gray” came to the SPCA of Solano County when our pet therapy group was visiting at one of the assisted living facilities in Vacaville. His owner had passed away and there was nobody to take care of the dog. Our group was asked to take him so they did. He needed some dental work and some extra care but he has now found his forever home with a new dog brother and sister! We are very happy for them!!!! 🙂 #happyathome

Does anyone else turn the channel when the animal cruelty commercials come on??

Posted by SPCA of Solano County on March 8, 2014
Posted in: Pets.

We have all watched the commercials on television.

The sad music that plays while pictures of neglected animals in cages shows on the screen.  It is a very sad truth.  Animals are neglected, abused, and abandoned every day.  There are rescues and shelters in every community that spend long emotionally draining, and frustrating hours rescuing these animals.  We haven’t really even started to make a dent in the problems.  Communities have to work together and it starts at the beginning.  We have to stop the problem before it starts.  We have to have funding to do that.  You can make a difference.  You can help.

 

SPCA of Solano County

While those commercials are very powerful the truth is that the money donated to those organizations keep the money that is donated.  Many people think that all shelters are somehow connected and all get a share.  This is not what happens.  The money donated to them stays at that organization.  The ASPCA is a shelter located in New York.  They do great work, in New York.  The animals here in our community need help just as much.  If you want to support the local shelters and rescues please donate directly to that charity.

Stella feeding

 

We need the financial support of our community to continue to grow and offer more needed services. The question we get asked the most is “How can we help?” There are many ways. The SPCA always needs the donation of old blankets, towels, office supplies, lawn equipment, etc. If you have used it at your home we most likely need it at the SPCA. We have five acres we have to maintain for the animals!  We have a wish list posted here!
Another way is by donating an unused car, boat, RV, etc. The person donating takes the tax write-off and the company that handles the program for us picks up the car and sells it at auction giving the SPCA the proceeds. If you have a vehicle that you would like to donate the phone number is 888-686-4483 and be sure to tell them the Solano County SPCA is your charity or you can click here.

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You can donate to our general fund meaning the donation goes to the daily care of the animals in residence at the SPCA of Solano County. The other option is you can donate to a specific project or area. Some of our donors want to help support the cats, or get beds for the dogs, etc. Then there is the opportunity to help fund a big project. We currently are raising money to expand the deck on our spay/neuter clinic and putting in two public dog parks!! We have big plans for our community and we need the help to make them a reality.

To donate by mail

SPCA of Solano  County  PO Box 356  Vacaville, CA  95696

To donate in Person

SPCA of Solano County  2200 Peabody Rd, Vacaville, CA  95687

To donate online:

Click here to donate online!

Click here to donate online!

We can’t do our lifesaving work without the generous support of our community!
Thank you for all you do for the animals.

Pet therapy volunteers go visiting.

Posted by SPCA of Solano County on March 6, 2014
Posted in: Pets. Tagged: , , , , , .

 

 The SPCA of Solano County also now has a pet therapy group that takes animals to visit our senior citizens at local assisted living facilities.  Many of these people had to give up their pets and love to have our pets and volunteers come spend some time where they can hold a cat on their lap for a little while.  This particular program is starting to take on a life of its own.  We are getting more and more people and pets wanting to join the program.  It is very rewarding for everyone and the program is run completely by volunteers.  It was developed by Derek Palm as a school project and is a very popular one.  Our pets and volunteers go every Sunday to different homes to spend time with the seniors.  This video is just some of their adventures!