The Fur (& Feather!) Flyer

Typically when we think of "stray" animals, a lost dog or cat comes to mind.  But a few other species come into HAWS as strays every once in awhile - and whenever that happens it is difficult to reunite them with their owners.  While dogs and cats often wear collars with I.D. tags, or even have identifying microchips, companion pets like birds usually do not have I.D.!

We have been able to reunite lost pet birds with their owners, but it is usually more from luck than planning.

Many birds that are kept as house pets have their wings clipped.  Doing this will keep the animal from going too far, if the owner keeps up with clipping, but it will not ground them completely.  Don't be fooled into thinking you can take your pet bird outside on your shoulder and expect it to stay put, either.  Any animal can be startled at any time by just about anything.

Bird owners can do a few things to assist with the recapture of their pet if it goes missing.

• Take plenty of pictures - not only is this fun, but it will help with identifying.  While Cockatiels, Love Birds and Parakeets are common, not everyone knows what they look like.
• Know your bird - be able to give very accurate and complete descriptions, not only of how your bird looks but of it's actions or particular habits.
• Keep track of the digits - if you do have a banded or microchipped bird, keep those numbers handy, and when you give a missing report be sure to mention them!
• Get the word out - as soon as your bird goes missing, let as many places and people know as possible.  Cover your neighborhood with posters and flyers so people keep an eye out for your pet.  Call us, local pet shops, vet clinics, even bird hotlines.

When a bird goes missing in our area, it's chances are not good!  Our climate and area wildlife make the outdoors an unsafe place for companion birds.  So, being prepared and acting quickly are the best ways to ensure a happy ending to a scary situation.

By the way - the fireworks are coming!  Even the most well-adjusted dog or cat can be afraid while the rockets red glare - keep your pets inside during fireworks displays in your area.  If your pets must be outside, have them securely tethered to a leash - with you on the other end as reassurance.

With the warmer temperatures marking the return of summer in our area, we at HAWS "celebrate" another momentus occasion:  It's KITTEN SEASON!

No, really.

For whatever reason - be it evolution, Darwinism or simple common sense - mother cats in this area seem to limit their breeding to the warmer months.  The result is that about April 1st we start to see our first newborns, and by early June HAWS is literally crawling with cats.  If you want to bring a kitten into your family, now is the time - every color and hair-length imaginable arrives at the shelter, making it easy to find just what you're looking for.

But, the very sad down side to this time of year is that the adult cats in the shelter often get overlooked.  Sure kittens are fun, but they are lots of work - while most of the adult cats are just ready to settle in with you and be loved.  Another advantage to adopting an adult cat is that their personalities are known.  Is this cat social, playful, or a lazy lapcat?  No need to wonder how the adult cat will "turn out."

If you're in the market for a feline, please don't look past that gorgeous, well-mannered 6 year-old and fixate on the cute little bundles of fuzz.  Try them both on for size and consider all your options.  You may be surprised at what you fall in love with.  Addy, Clarence, Fritz & Rosie, Missy, Milo, and Isabella are just a few of the cats that would love to meet you.

By the way - lately the dogs from the Michael Vick case have been in the news, as some are now going up for adoption.  Amazing what love, socialization and training can do for a very misunderstood breed!  If you're a Pit Bull fan, or would like to meet some great members of the Pit family (other than Brad and Angelina), stop by our shelter and say hi to Bruno, Princess and Will.  And ask Tracey how Hannah is doing!

Uncle, we say, uncle!

We've been very fortunate at HAWS that we are not in an area that has standing water or flooding issues - thank heavens for higher ground.

Although, a flood in our building right now would be par for the course for our spring so far!  Apparently the prevailing wisdom is we've been through enough for the time being.  Whew!

We can't miss this opportunity, however, to remind dog and cat owners of a few serious issues that can greatly affect our pets.

HAVE A PLAN 
Do you have a disaster plan in place that includes your pets?  If and when you may need to evacuate in the time of an emergency, don't forget arrangements for your animal family members.  During the Katrina evacuation it became very apparent that there are not many places that will welcome both people AND their pets in an emergency.  The best thing you can do is to check into facilities that will welcome your pets, before it is needed.  What hotel chains welcome pets?  Are there boarding facilities that will accept "drop-offs" without a reservation?  What vet care/vaccinations are required for your pet?  For helpful hints on planning, check out this link to the Humane Society of the United States' website.

SPEAKING OF VET CARE...
Annual exams and vaccinations are a must for your pets.  But, maybe more importantly:

DON'T FORGET HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE!!!!!

Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos - and with all of the water pooling around us lately, there is plenty of fertile ground for our state bird to reproduce.  Humans aren't the only ones bothered by the bites - if your dog or cat isn't on heartworm preventative and is bitten by a mosquito carrying the disease, it can be fatal.  (And it isn't a pleasant experience for them - just ask your vet to see pictures of an animal's heart infested with heartworm.  You can visit Wikipedia for some basic starter info - but don't stop here, go to your vet for the best, up-to-date info!)  

Don't forget, too, that even if your cat is always inside the house, that isn't a guarantee against mosquito bites.  Somehow those pests manage to find their way in.  Unfortunately!

By the way - we're having a party!  Stop by the HAWS shelter at 701 Northview Road, Waukesha this Wednesday, June 11th between 5-7:00pm and join us as we thank EVERYONE for helping us through our recent dog illness.  There will be food, fun, and some special guests - don't miss it!

We were unable to have the Parade of Adoptables at our Walkathon this past May...so here's an electronic version!  All of these featured pets are available for adoption at HAWS - stop by any day to visit!  We are open 7 days/week beginning at 1:00pm for viewing.  Log onto our website for adoption information and a downloadable application.

BLANCHE
Blanche is a raven beauty.  As a former stray, her past is mysterious, but we've found her to be a wonderful sweet cat.  She has been spayed, and we believe her to be about 6 years old.

LARRY
Meow-wow!  Larry is about 8 years old, neutered and ready to take up residence on your couch.  A short hair, he will also require little grooming - just daily petting and attention and he'll be all set.

PEGGY
How can you resist that face?!  Peggy is ready for fun - this active girl would love to find a forever home, possibly with a doggie playmate.  About 5 years old, Peggy is ready to show you how much love Pit Bulls have to give.  Peggy has been spayed.

REX
Rex is an adult male Mini Rex rabbit.  He has been neutered.  House rabbits like Rex make fabulous companions - do your research and find out the joys of house rabbit ownership.  Did you know rabbits can be litter trained?!  Wow!

By the way - be sure your pets are on heartworm and tick preventatives - we have loads of mosquitos and ticks in our area this summer - an ounce of prevention is definitely worth the pound of cure when it comes to your pets!!!