Our efforts to renovate the Shelter and create a healthier, safer environment for our furry friends, as well as those visiting in the hope of adopting an animal into their home, continue at a deliberate pace. I have previously described the newly constructed pole barn, asphalt paving of the parking lot and pouring of cement for the catios. As part of Phase 2 of the project is concerned, new kitchen walls have been erected inside the Shelter as our renovation task force continues with efforts to reconfigure the kitchen and laundry areas into one space to free up other space needed for Phase 3 of the project- which will focus on creating segregated facilities for felines and canines, the latest innovations in holding facilities and maintaining state of the art veterinary equipment.

We at the Humane Society remain committed to our mission to rescue sick, abandoned, and mistreated animals in Stark County. In recent weeks that commitment has severely taxed our financial, physical, and veterinary resources. Our hardworking, dedicated, highly skilled and courageous staff, employees and volunteers have confronted an inordinately high number of particularly egregious animal cruelty incidents. They have worked long hours in preparing comfortable surroundings at the Shelter for these abused animals, while working with veterinarians both within and outside of the Shelter who have graciously volunteered their time to restore the health of these animals. Our efforts to address these situations have often included cooperation with law enforcement and providing the testimony needed to support local criminal prosecutions or civil litigation efforts.

We appreciate the fact that fulfilling our mission requires the steadfast support of the community. We recognize that the tremendous support you have shown for our fundraisers and special events has played a critical role in our success and we are determined to continue to make every effort to demonstrate we are worthy of that support. We pledge to continue to be good stewards of the resources you provide and humbly request your support of our Annual Fund Appeal, the Mutt Strutt at the Shelter on Sunday, September 29, and the Octoberfest Event at the Massillon Eagles on Friday, October 11.

In these coming Fall months, we at the Stark County Humane Society will continue to do everything we can to effectively and efficiently pursue our rescue operations, veterinary care endeavors and adoption procedures so that our furry friends can find loving adoptive homes. We hope to be able to convince the residents of Stark County that we continue to merit your support as we strive...

"Speak for Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves."

Jim Fidler, Board President

Please do some research if you are considering adding a new pet to your home. People who are not home a lot may find a new dog requires a lot of care and as a result may not fit well into their lifestyle. For these people perhaps a cat/kitten would be a better choice. Cats can use litter-boxes to relive themselves and as a result can be left alone at home for longer times than a dog.

Also remember the cost of adding a pet to your household. Many young animals require a series of vaccinations to prevent serious diseases. Then there is the cost of spaying or neutering them. Also regular preventative medications for heart-worm and flea and tick prevention may be needed.

If you are considering a purebred cat or dog do some research. Many purebred animals are prone to certain breed related illnesses. Many of these illnesses are genetic in nature and can be screened for with special tests. As always your local veterinarian is your best source of information for what to be on the lookout for when selecting a pet.

Once all of the pros and cons of adding a pet to your home have been considered, then you can make an informed decision as to whether or not a new pet will be a good fit. This can prevent future time and financial stress and result in a lifetime of enjoyment for you and your new pet.

Sincerely,
C.A. Heller III, DVM

So, what are the signs of illnesses in our pets that owners should be aware of? Most of the signs that indicate something is wrong, are minor changes in their behavior. Things like sleeping more, taking longer to eat their food, drinking more water, urinating more, weight loss that occurs with no obvious reason, not wanting to go for walks like they used to, all of these can indicate something is wrong.

If owners notice any changes in their pets behavior a trip to the veterinarian is in order. To investigate these subtle signs expect that your pet’s veterinarian will need to do diagnostic tests. Things like a complete blood count (to look for evidence of infection or anemia), a metabolic panel (to look for kidney and liver disease as well as electrolyte imbalances), a urine sample (to look for kidney disease and diabetes), X rays (to look for intestinal obstructions or cancer). It might seem like a large expense to run all of these tests but since our pets can’t talk to us and tell what is wrong it is the only way to find out.

Remember, you as your pets owner, know what is normal for your pet and if you are worried that something is wrong a trip to the veterinarian is needed.

Have a healthy spring and summer with your pets!

Sincerely,
C.A. Heller III, DVM

Treatment up to now has only been to provide supportive care. IV fluids to correct dehydration, anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea medications and antibiotics to prevent sepsis. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease treatment involves hospitalization, often for many days. Despite this intensive treatment one third of infected dogs may still succumb to the effects of the virus.

There is a new treatment coming that may change this situation. This new drug is a monoclonal antibody treatment. This drug is given intravenously once. This single treatment can reduce the parvovirus’s ability to cause such severe symptoms. Less severe symptoms means shorter hospitalizations. Since this is a new drug it may not be available at all veterinarians.

Remember the best treatment is prevention. This illness can easily be prevented by making sure that your puppy receives it’s vaccines once every four weeks until the age of four months. Boosters after that should be given as advised by your veterinarian.

Wishing you and your pet a wonderful Autumn.

Sincerely,
C.A. Heller III, DVM

Years of Ohio winters and weather have resulted in parking lot settling and drainage pipe collapse. Unfortunately during heavy rains, the shelter lobby and office area are taking on rainfall run off as water enters the front door. As with everyone’s homes and businesses, storage space is at a premium. The shelter needs to free up storage space to allow us to move forward with animal housing improvements.

The above two concerns are being addressed in a project that has been underway for over a year. Regrading the parking lot along with replacing the drainage system will correct the water issue and the building of a pole barn for storage will free up space within the shelter building to create new animal housing. After months of surveys, rainfall/drainage/runoff calculations, permitting, soil samples and estimates, this project should break ground this Summer with the cooperation of the weather.

Already underway is the planning for our next phase, animal flow and housing improvements. We have electrical, plumbing, and exhaust drawings in the works that will allow us to consolidate two laundry areas into one. This space along with the now open storage areas will result in the relocation and creation of dog housing units. We can then upgrade our cat housing resulting in a new standard of pet care and complete species separation.

Please join us in this endeavor with your continued and greatly appreciated support.

Sincerely,
C.A. Heller III, DVM

Lots of pets enjoy eating grass. This normally occurs in the early springtime, when the grass comes out of it’s winter dormant state and starts growing rapidly. Pets are attracted to this lush grass. They have not seen it in a while and it looks like a tasty salad to them. Most pets will eat a mouthful or two and then wind up vomiting. This vomiting is oftentimes alarming to the pets owner. If your pet has been eating and drinking normally, as well as behaving normally prior to eating the grass, there is most likely no cause for alarm. Simply try and limit your pets exposure to the grass so that they do not eat enough to cause the vomiting. However, if your pet was not eating and drinking normally as well as not acting normally before eating the grass, I would consider contacting your veterinarian. Some pets when not feeling well will eat the grass in order to induce vomiting. The theory is that if they ingested something bad for them this is natures way of expelling it from their body. As a result, in this type of situation, this behavior could be an early sign of illness.

The other thing that owners notice in the late spring or early summer are circular areas of dead grass. These will occur in the areas where their pets urinate. These circular areas of dead grass can be very distressing to owners who pride themselves in having a healthy green lawn.

This dead grass is caused by uremic waste that is normal in urine. If the urea is too concentrated it will burn and kill the grass. Much like if you applied too much fertilizer to your lawn. Teaching your pet to eliminate in a far off corner of the yard is one way to combat the issue. Also encouraging your pet to drink more water will help. This dilutes the amount of urea to the point where the grass will not die. Watering down the area that was just urinated on will also dilute the urea and prevent the death of the grass.

Enjoy the warmer weather!

Sincerely,
C.A. Heller III, DVM

Someone who has limited mobility may find it best to consider adding a fish tank or a pet bird. These animals can be easily enjoyed in one location. They also do not require walking outside for exercise and eliminations.

Another person might be very busy and not able to be at home a lot. For this person a cat might be the ideal pet. Cats are very independent and do not mind being alone. They do not require much in the way of training. They perform all eliminations in a litter box and as a result do not require walks. Because they graze when eating, they can be left with plenty of food and water and it will last the day.

For people who have more time available a dog might be the correct choice. They do require a higher level of training in order to get them housebroken. They also need to be taught some basic commands like how to sit, come when called, stay in place, heel when walked and drop unwanted things from their mouth. There are lots of other things that they can be taught to do, it is just a matter of time and effort. Remember that dogs come in all sizes and energy levels. Someone who has a very active lifestyle can select a breed that is very active and requires a lot of exercise. The next person may require a laid back and calm dog. Your local veterinarians are excellent sources of information about what pets may or may not fit into your home. Please do not hesitate to ask for their input before making your selection. Many dog and cat breeds are known to have genetic susceptibilities to certain illnesses. Your veterinarian can provide you guidance to help minimize selecting an afflicted individual.

Above all do not rush the process! Take your time and the right pet will eventually find you.

Sincerely,
C.A. Heller III, DVM

The shelter has a wonderful walking path on our property, it is used daily by staff and volunteers exercising the dogs. The love the opportunity to get out and spend time with a handler. Along the path we have several “paw-tios” that were constructed from memorial bricks, purchased by you.

The PAWS wing is now complete-we received a generous donation from PAWS.com to start the project and with help from you it was completed. It is a wonderful addition to our building, featuring extra large kennels and a indoor play area.

But we still need your help. The SCHS was constructed more than 30 years ago and it has met our needs in every way. Generous donations from you have filled many areas of the shelter that could be put to better use. We are creating a 10 year plan to better use our building to best keep our cats and dogs comfortable while awaiting their forever home.

In order to achieve this we are going to have a pole barn constructed on property that can house “cold storage” items so the interior of our building can be better utilized.

This is where we need your help. With the pandemic of 2020 carrying into 2021 our major fund raisers have been put on hold. We were fortunate to hold our Reverse Raffle in June and just recently enjoyed the Mutt Strut at the shelter. But we need to raise funds for our pole barn. Please consider making a donation to our “Raise the Roof” fund. If you wish you can mail us a check or call the shelter with a credit card number, but be sure and tell us it is for the pole barn. You can also donate through our website, but please make a note that it is for the “Raise the Roof” fund.

If you donate to help us complete this project you will be invited to the SCHS to write your name on our “wall of donors” in our pole barn once it is completed.

I thank you for your support of the Stark County Humane Society, and I want each of you to know how important you are to our continued work in the community.

In appreciation,
Kathy Cowgill,
Chair Social/Ways and Means

The best way to determine if your pet is too heavy is to simply run your hands over their back and sides. If it is not possible to just barely feel the backbone or the ribs your pet is too heavy. Conversely if your pet is too thin you will be able to see the ribs from a distance. If you can’t feel the ribs and backbone decrease the amount of food your pet is eating. If you can see the ribs increase the amount being fed.

Most pet's are not active enough to eat the amounts of food that are recommended on the food bags. As a result you should use these recommended amounts as a general starting point and then tailor the amount to your individual pet's needs.

By maintaining your pets’ proper weight you will be helping them live a longer healthier life. Enjoy your summer and have fun with your pets.

Sincerely,

C.A. Heller III, DVM
Animal Care Clinic

What do we know about this virus’s effects on our animals? Just like with our human knowledge, our level of understanding of the virus is constantly changing as time passes and we learn more about it. We do know that there have been scattered reports of cats and dogs who had symptoms consistent with respiratory infections, who when tested were positive for Covid 19. These animals were found to be living with their human owners who were sick with Covid 19. It is felt that these animals were exposed to large populations of Covid 19 virus from their owners and then became sick. There has been no indication, that these positive animals were able to infect other negative Covid 19 humans.

So if you are sick from Covid 19 what steps can be taken to protect your pets? You should not only self isolate from your family but also from your pets as well. Wear masks when you have to be around your pet. Avoid close contact when grooming, feeding or letting your pet eliminate. Once you test negative for the virus it is then safe to resume normal activities with your pet.

The only animal that has been found to become infected with Covid 19 and then go on to pass the virus to none infected humans are mink. It is for this reason that the commercial mink farms in Denmark were depopulated of all mink. At this time I do not know of any vaccine that is in development for use in animals.

Keep up all current precautions until we are told that it is safe to do otherwise. Be well!

Sincerely,
C.A. Heller III, DVM

Blue Green Algae can produce toxins that can affect people, livestock or pets, that swim or drink from water where Blue Green Algae is growing.

Two toxins are produced by this algae. The first one is Micosystin. Mycocystin is a liver toxin. It is capable of causing vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the feces, weakness, pale mucus membranes, siezures, disorietation, coma and even death. The second toxin is Anotoxin. This is a neurologic toxin. It can cause salivation, muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis and death.

There are no known antidotes for either of these toxins. If you think that your pet has been exposed to Blue Green Algae, the first step would be a good bath. The second step would be to consult with your pet’s veterinarian. The only treatment is aggressive supportive and symptomatic treatment in the hospital.

If you see any algae in a body of water that you or your pet is going to swim in, it would be best to just assume that these toxins are present and look for another location to swim.

Have a good year and keep yourself and your pets healthy.

Sincerely,

C.A. Heller III, DVM
Animal Care Clinic

Neutering is the surgical removal of a male dog’s or cat’s testicles. It is performed under a general anesthesia. In dogs, it is performed through a single incision, just ahead of the scrotum. Your veterinarian may or may not use sutures that need to be removed 10-14 days later. In cats, it is generally performed through an incision on the scrotum directly over each of the testicles. Sutures generally are not used in the male cat.

From a shelter viewpoint, neutering is done to help prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. Shelters are usually overwhelmed with a seemingly endless population of unwanted animals. Anything that can help reduce the tide of unwanted animals is a great help in the situation.

From the pet’s perspective there are a number of health benefts. Neutering helps prevent roaming in both cats and dogs. It can reduce unwanted urine marking. In dogs it can prevent enlarged and sometimes abscessed prostate glands. It can also prevent perianal adenomas in dogs. Perianal adenomas are benign tumors, that grow near the rectum, in response to hormones that are present in un-neutered dogs. Un-neutered dogs can also develop perineal hernias. These hernias form in the distral part of the colon. Once this type of hernia forms, feces accumulate in the herniated portion of the colon. Affected animals will strain and be unable to pass feces. Once a perineal hernia develops, it requires invasive surgery to correct.

For all of these reasons, it is very important to have all non-breeding male animals neutered. It is for this reason, our shelter strives to have all male animals neutered prior to being adopted.

Sincerely

C.A. Heller III, DVM
Animal Care Clinic

1. When the kittens are brought home, set up the box with the heating pad in the bottom, followed by puppy pad and then hand towels or small thin blanket. (Heating pad should be positioned so that the kittens can maneuver away from it.)
2. Set the heating pad to low, at frst to gauge the temperature. It should not be hot, since it could burn the kittens.
3. Follow instructions and mix the formula making sure not to have lumps in the liquid. A whisk will work very well in mixing the formula. Mix up enough formula for several feedings.
4. Warm the bottle with formula in a glass/cup of hot water until it achieves the warm temperature. Formula should be warm not hot when given to the kittens. Do not microwave the formula.
5. Keep the unused formula either in a container or bottle in the refrigerator until next use.
6. Kittens that are newborn to two weeks should be fed every one to two hours. Newborn kittens to three weeks old should be awakened to eat.
7. Two to three week old kittens will eat every three hours.
8. As soon as a kitten has eaten, use some toilet paper and stimulate the anus of the kitten. The toilet paper may be dampened in warm water before use. Discard toilet paper in trash or toilet. Be sure to wipe the kittens face with a wet-warm cloth before stimulating kitten.
9. Kittens should urinate and possibly have a bowel movement after every feeding. Kittens will urinate more frequently than have a bowel movement.
10. Place kitten back in the plastic tub with the heating pad on.

At four weeks old, add rice cereal to the formula. Mix it according to the instructions. You can also start putting soft canned cat food into the mixture at about four weeks also. Use whisk to mix in.

The shelter does not enforce a time limit for the animals in our shelter. The animal(s) may remain at the shelter as long as they stay healthy and friendly. There are three main factors when euthanasia has to be considered. The first being an “owners request” this is when an owners pet has become very old and poor physical health warrants this. The second is when an animal has been at the shelter for an extreme long period of time and begins to show signs of “cage psychosis” in this event a veterinarian will make the diagnoses. The third reason would be due to illness, particularly ones that are highly contagious, and the severely injured animals that we pick up, usually from being hit by a car.

The Board of Directors and the staff have worked over the past several years to implement a new Veterinary Care Protocol & Policy in which the shelter follows diligently. Training programs have been provided by area veterinarians for the staff. Audits of the animal cards and medical charts are performed by Board Members on a regular basis.

Animal sheltering is one of the most difficult fields that one could choose to go into. The Board, employees and volunteers that are associated with the shelter do so willingly, so rest assured, the care and love given to the animals is truly the best we can give.