The “trouble” that kittens can get themselves into is legendary.  Most often, their playful antics cause little more damage than a tipped over vase or water dish.  When Scoot arrived at the RHS in mid-June, it was obvious this little fellow had run into some real trouble.  In the course of his short 4 weeks of life, little Scoot had managed to suffer a badly broken hind leg.  While we don’t know what caused the trauma, the break was serious enough that RHS Veterinarians felt that amputation would be the safest and best option for Scoot to help him on the road to a good quality of life with as little discomfort as possible.  So, at just 5 weeks of age, he became the youngest amputation patient our clinic has ever had.  The RHS Veterinary Team took wonderful care of Scoot from start to finish, and within hours he was up and about like nothing had ever happened (see the video below!).  He spent several weeks with a wonderful foster family before beginning another journey – to find a new home.

Having become a bit of a social media star during his time with the Shelter, Scoot found his new mom in no time, and it was off to more, and hopefully safer, adventures.

It is only your support of the Society that makes happy stories like this possible.  On behalf of Scoot, all the other animals who are safe and loved because of your support, we thank you.

Getting Ready for Surgery

Post-Surgery

6 Hours After Surgery

With many of us spending the past several months working from home, our pets may have become used to having us around all day.  But, what happens when the time comes to return to the office or classroom?

Separation anxiety, especially with dogs, can be a problem!  It’s triggered when a pet is upset by being separated from their guardians and the people they are attached to.  It can bring about undesirable behaviours such as barking, inappropriate defecation or urination, chewing, digging or trying to escape.  While most behaviours are relatively mild, some can be more severe resulting in injury or household destruction, especially around exit points such as windows and doors.

There are some steps you can take ahead of returning to work or school to help avoid or reduce anxiety in your pet when they are alone:

Don’t be too quick to eliminate old habits.  If your dog had been used to you being away for a certain period before, try to ensure that at least a few times per week you are away from them for a similar time.  This can be done by placing your pet in his or her kennel or another separate space or room where they cannot see or hear you.

Implement an “ignore policy” for at least two hours each day.  Even if you are stuck at home, there will be a time when your pet does not have access to you physically or verbally – just like when you are away.

Spend some time physically out of the house.  Whether it’s gardening, cutting the grass, taking a long walk, shopping or attending to some errands, exit the house for a while.  When you leave, say goodbye to your pet just as you would when you depart for the day.  This will help your pet get used to you being away and that you will be back.  A tasty treat or chew will also make your pet realize that good things can happen too when you leave!

If you haven’t crate-trained your dog, now is a GREAT time! Even dogs who are fantastic loose in the house can benefit!  There may come a day when your dog needs to be kept at the vet, boarded at a facility or transported by plane and they will need to be comfortable in a crate! If you’re home now, you can break the training into little pieces.

If your pet does get a little upset when alone, don’t worry.  Many dogs will give up barking or crying after a few minutes.  If they persist or escalate, you may need to knock on the door to distract them and say “Quiet”.  After a few minutes of being calm, you can let them out or give them a treat to reward their good behaviour.  Work on gradually extending that quiet time until it becomes natural and normal.

If your pet does take a step backward here or there, it is important not to punish or scold them as this may only serve to increase their anxiety.   The behaviour is not a result of poor training or spite, but rather a result of them trying to cope with a great deal of stress.  If the problem persists, consult with your family veterinarian about other possible solutions.

The important goal is that your pet routinely spends time away from the family while you are working from home and that your dog is not distressed during those periods of alone time.  With a little time, patience and focus, you and your dog can continue to be happy and content when you are back to your regular life and routine!

Shortly after being brought to the Shelter by RHS Animal Protection Officers in late June, Graham, a two-year-old tabby, began showing signs that something was not quite right.  He seemed to stare into space and “feel his way around” more than simply watching where he was going.  While he got around fine and played with toys like any other young cat, it appeared our fine feline friend was blind.

RHS Animal Care staff alerted the Shelter’s Veterinary Team and further investigation was done.  Graham was blind, likely due to retina detachment and glaucoma, which would cause quite a bit of discomfort for this cuddly boy.  Ultimately, bilateral eye enucleation, the surgical removal of both eyes, would relieve his pain and offer the best possible quality of life for their furry patient.

Graham’s surgery went extremely well and shortly afterward he was off to foster care to heal and prepare for the possibility of a new home.  We see many animals come through the shelter and their resilience is awe-inspiring.  The loss of eyes, a limb or tail usually slows them down little, and they continue to romp and play as if nothing had changed.  Graham was no exception.  His foster family reported that he loved to play and somehow always knew where the toy was.  He truly was a joy to watch and be with.

In time, Graham healed and it was his turn to find his forever home.  It was one of the Society’s social media posts about Graham that caught the attention of a very special family.  As it turns out, one of the children in the family, Deacan, is visually impaired.  When he heard Graham’s story, he knew this cat was the pet for him – his kindred spirit.  Within no time the two new buddies were on their way home, ready to take on the world of adventures that they will share – guiding each other every step of the way.

Before Surgery

Post-Surgery

With Deacan

For those who have a dog, the talk is all about morning walks, playing fetch, learning tricks and other ways to make the home environment fun, exciting and filled with all that a dog loves.

But, how can you do the same for your cat?

You can help ensure that your feline is feeling fine all day long by providing a few amenities that will help them exercise, play and engage in some of their natural behaviours to keep them healthy and happy.

Hide and Seek

We’ve all talked about how a cat will take any opportunity to jump into a box.  There is a good reason for this.  Cats love to hide – on a chair under the table, cat trees, cat pods or the box the microwave came in.  providing some spaces as cozy hideaways will always be appreciated by your cat.  But, try not to let them be completely isolated, especially if your cat is a little shy as this may not help them gain confidence easily.

Toys

Play provides cats with the mental and physical exercise they need. It can also build confidence in a fearful cat, and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Cat toys can be purchased or home-made from items such as pipe cleaners, plastic bottle caps or balled-up socks with a pinch of catnip to make it more interesting.  You learn how to make cat toys on our website here.

A Place to Rest

Just like people, cats should have a comfortable place to rest and just hang out.  These can include a cat bed, platform on a cat tree or even a safe shelf somewhere in the home.  Be sure not to clean it very often as a cat will be comforted by its own scent – making the resting spot even that much more special!

Vertical space

Cats are built to climb and perch! Be it the top of the cat tree or perhaps on top of your kitchen cabinets, cats love to survey their world from above.   They may also seek higher ground when they encounter a new person, object or situation as it can allow them to feel more safe and secure as they watch their surroundings to “see what happens” or for perceived threats.  Be sure to have a few spots where they are allowed to climb unhindered and as much as they like.

Scratching posts

Cats scratch for many reasons and it’s a natural and ‘hard-wired’ behaviour.  Scratching helps to spread pheromones, remove old claw material and even communicate!  They will scratch so it’s crucial to provide a place where they can easily do their scratching, which will also help avoid them doing so on the new couch! It’s best to provide multiple scratching places such as cat posts and trees and scratch pads.  Offer both vertical and horizontal options for your cat and with different materials (carpet, cardboard, etc.) and make the places you want them to scratch as alluring as possible by rubbing it with a little catnip for extra appeal!

Puzzle feeders

If you’ve ever watched Animal Planet, you may have noticed that in the wild, felines spend most of their waking hours hunting and eating.  Our domestic cats are usually fed a couple of times a day from a bowl – pretty easy-peasy!  Not having to hunt can also leave a large part of their day free to get into trouble.  Puzzle feeders make it a challenge to get at a piece of food.  Whether rolling a ball so a kibble falls out of a hole or uncovering hidden nuggets of food in a tray, puzzle feeders help cats exercise both physically and mentally – and can provide some wonderful entertainment for you.  Dozens of styles of puzzle feeders are available commercially or you can make your own with items you already have such as ice cube trays, egg cartons or toilet paper rolls.

TIP: A quick online search will give you plenty of ideas on how to make your puzzles!

As we move into the busy summer months, and restrictions begin to ease on gatherings, we may finally be able to get out into the sunshine more to enjoy all that the season has to offer.  Much of this might also include our pets.  Here are a few things to keep in mind while you enjoy your summer fun!

Have fun at a safe distance  

Be sure to continue to follow provincial public health guidelines and practice physical distancing. Avoid large group walks, wash your hands before and after you venture out and keep your animal from interacting with others if possible.

Ticks the Season!

While early spring is peak tick time, those little bugs can be active all summer.  If you walk your dog through brush or tall grasses, give him a quick once-over to ensure he didn’t pick up any unwanted hitchhikers along the way.  You may even want to consult your veterinarian on ways to avoid tick exposure and any tick-related diseases.

Who doesn’t love the park!

If you plan on bringing your pooch along to picnics, snacks in the yard or while you BBQ, make sure to watch your food and be sure to keep them away from chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions and the sweetener Xylitol. Xylitol can be found in sugar-free candy, sugar-free baked goods, and sugar-free gum. Dogs ingesting Xylitol can suffer a drop in blood sugar that can be fatal in some cases.

Keep alcoholic beverages out of your pets’ reach. Alcohol effects animals far more than it does humans. When consumed in large amounts, it can cause a drop in blood sugar and blood temperature. This can lead to seizures and respiratory failure.

Make sure your pets are a safe distance away from your grill.  Hot coals and ashes could cause serious burns. Always be sure the barbeque is cooled down once you’ve finished cooking and never leave pets on their own around it while it’s still hot. You should also keep your pets away from matches or lighter fluid.

Always be aware of your dog’s condition.  Running and playing outside on hot days may cause your pooch to overheat, which can be dangerous.

Signs that a pet could be in trouble from heat exposure include exaggerated panting, salivation, lack of co-ordination, convulsions vomiting, and collapse.

If your pet shows signs of heat stroke, take the following actions:

• Gently move the animal to a cool, shady place
• Wet your pet with cool water (not cold)
• Fan vigorously to help cool
• Do not apply ice which can inhibit blood flow and cooling
• Allow your pet to drink luke-warm water
• Take your pet to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible

Let’s all have a safe and happy summer!

Has your cat been itching to get outside for some fresh air and sunshine? There’s a purrfect solution – the Catio – a patio for cats that provides wonderful enrichment for your feline companion.  Your cat can enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and safety!

While cats do love the outdoors, allowing a cat to free-roam outdoors presents a host of risks that can often result in your beloved pet cat never making its way back home.

These dangers include but aren’t limited to:

• Fights with other animals (dog attacks, cat fights)
• Cars and traffic
• Poisonous plants or chemicals
• Disease
• Wildlife
• Abuse from humans

Catios allow cats to spend time outdoors, without encountering any of the risks of being outdoors. Catios can be custom built, or purchased ready-made. They can be as simple as enclosing a balcony with wire mesh or they can be their own free-standing structure.  Some cat owners even develop elaborate tunnels and direct entry from a house window so cats can come and go as they please.

The best catio provides:

• Lots of vertical space
• Enrichment items such as toys and cat friendly plants or grass
• Fully confined so the cat cannot escape
• Access to both shaded, and sunny areas
• Free access to fresh water

If you think this might be a fun option for your cat, check out this video for some inspiration!

Tiny Tazee’s life started with tragedy.  He was born during the final days of March, and while his own birth went well, his mom was struggling with delivery of a sibling and was in distress.  Unfortunately, the complication was too severe to his mother and the other pup, and sadly neither could be saved.  At just minutes old, Tazee found himself an orphan, with no mother to care for him.

The outlook for a puppy in this situation is grim.  But thanks to your support, the Regina Humane Society Veterinary and Animal Care teams were ready and waiting when he was delivered to the shelter. Newborn puppies require around the clock attention to  feed, clean, and keep them warm.  When their mother is not there to provide this critical care, humans need to step in.  It is always best for these littlest of souls to move out of the shelter environment and into a quiet home setting where they can grow and thrive. This is where the Society’s Foster Care Program comes to the rescue.

Two of the Society’s foster caregivers, Velda and Murray, immediately stepped forward to offer their home and their hearts to the fragile puppy.  Tazee is the 101^st  animal that they have fostered since joining the Foster Care Program in 2008.  Each of those pets needed a helping hand to heal, grow, and in some cases, simply to survive.  We knew Tazee was in good hands.

In the weeks that followed, Tazee grew into a fine little puppy.  While he didn’t have his mom, he did have Velda and Murray!  At 8 weeks of age, Tazee was old enough to return to the Shelter.  To everyone’s surprise, Velda and Murragy decided to make their 101st  foster pet a permanent member of their family! We salute and thank Velda and Murray for their years of dedication and sacrifice to help homeless animals.  And, we know if the animals could, they would too.

You can learn more about joining the RHS Foster Program here.

It’s been a rough couple of months, for sure. But through all of life’s challenges, our pets are there with unconditional love and comfort. They help us get through it. They are there for us.

And thanks to you, the RHS can be there for them, should they ever have no where else to turn…

Off leash dog parks can be a great outing for you and your dog.  But, ensuring everyone – dogs and people alike – have a great time, takes a little consideration, planning and etiquette.

Do your part to ensure off-leash parks remain safe and enjoyable for all by following a few easy tips:

• Watch your dog at all times when at the park. Off-leash time means your dog will interact and socialize with other dogs which can be a good thing!  Ensure you set boundaries for your dog’s behaviour with praise for good behaviour and play activities and clear commands should your dog misbehave.  Be ready to intervene should your dog show signs of trouble such as baring of teeth, threatening growls or offensive posturing.  City of Regina bylaws dictate that an owner must have full control of their pet at all times, either by leash or voice command.  This applies to off-leash parks as well.
• Dogs play best when each has an equal role in the game. For example, one dog chases the other for a time, and then it is the others turn to do the chasing. If your dog is doing all the chasing, he or she may not be popular with the other dogs for long.
• If your dog has socialization, fear or aggression issues, the off leash park may not be the best place to be until you have had an opportunity to work on these behaviours. There are many qualified dog behaviourists in Regina who can help you help your dog be his or best when around other dog.
• Bring bags to clean up after your dog.
• When using toys such as throwing ball or other toys from home, be mindful should your dog become possessive of it. This could lead to an unwanted confrontation or fight with another dog.
• Be sure your dog is spayed or neutered. Free roaming pets, even in an off-leash park, can and do create offspring.  Ensure you and your pet are not part of the pet overpopulation problem!
• If you have young children, you may wish to avoid bringing them to the park. If you do, keep them with you at all times and avoid giving them toys or food when at the park.  Many a child has been bitten by an over enthusiastic dog grabbing at a bag of potato chips or other food item in the hands of a child.

Have fun at the park, but be safe!