Dog of the Week: Zelda

Julia D Dog of the Week

The lovely Zelda is still available and waiting for her forever home. This little girl has a lot of love to give!! Zelda is a four-year-old female German Shepherd mix, currently available for adoption.

Zelda is loving and affectionate with adults and older kids and good with dogs. Zelda is looking for a home with older kids 12 and up, would do best with male dogs or as an only dog and must be crated during car rides because of anxiety.

Zelda is crate trained, house trained, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations.

As you can see by the video below, Zelda is good at and loves to play fetch.

Zelda’s adoption fee is $250.00 which includes spay surgery, being up to date on vaccinations, a microchip, and a free obedience class. If you’re interested in Zelda, please complete an application HERE or email adoptions@adopthope.org.

Cat of the Week: Gotcha

Julia D Cat of the Week

Hello!  My foster Mom dubbed me “Gotcha,” after months of trying to catch me from a stray life.   I started showing up to her feeders then and I was a very hungry and skinny boy.   I was a bit fearful of humans but my foster mom and dad taught me to trust by continually giving me yummy food, water, and places to get out of the elements.   My foster mom tried catching me multiple ways with a trap and just with a kennel baited with food.  Finally one night I was caught and was I ever grateful!   Hence, my name, Gotcha! My foster mom and dad have been so good to me!    I am a super sweet laid back 2-year-old boy with gorgeous grey tabby markings and handsome gold eyes! I like other cats and kids!   I am so glad they felt I deserved an indoor forever home.

Gotcha’s adoption fee is $85 which includes neuter surgery, microchip, and being up to date on vaccinations. If you’re interested in Gotcha, please complete an application HERE or email adoptions@adopthope.org.

Dog of the Week: Lacey

Julia D Dog of the Week

My name is Lacey! I am about 6 yrs old and I love to cuddle with people big or small. I also love stuffed animals and walks. I like to play outside or in, but can also relax and take a nap. Lately, I have been learning how to walk on a leash and try not to pull too hard. I am working on that. I am selective of my doggie friends because I like to be top dog,  but I might be ok with a submissive smaller male.    I may be fine with cats if they don’t run much. I would do best with a fenced yard that I could run around in and explore.

Lacey’s adoption fee is $250 which includes spay surgery, being up to date on vaccinations, a microchip, coupons, and a free obedience class.

If you’re interested in Lacey, please complete an application HERE or email adoptions@adopthope.org.

Happy Tail: Eddie

Julia D Happy Tails

While searching for a dog to adopt, Mary Dee came across Eddie’s picture and bio and knew she wanted to meet him. She says the process to adopt was thorough but only took about a week although, like a kid at Christmas, she was eager to get Eddie home so it seemed to take much longer!

Once Eddie came home she considered changing his name but then she found out he was named after a character in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation she knew she should keep the name because it’s one of her favorite movies. And the name Eddie just seems to fit him. Mary Dee has joked that his mobster name is Lefty because his right ear stands up but his left ear flops! And, like the other dogs she’s had in her life her brother calls him Spot.

Mary Dee says the transition was pretty smooth when she brought Eddie home. He had two minor accidents in the house but it’s been smooth sailing since then. She works for her family’s business so she’s lucky to be able to bring him to work with her. He has bowls and toys there and it’s like a second home for him.

As you can tell from his pictures, he’s very cute and Mary Dee says she’s taken him to the pet store a few times and people comment on his cuteness. Besides that though, she says he’s very intelligent and has an amazing personality and eyes that can touch your soul.

Eddie loves to chase his ball and he’s very good at it although Mary Dee reports that he’s not so good at the “give it back” part of fetch! He loves his toys but also loves to just cuddle and give kisses.

Mary Dee adds, “I can’t say enough good about LHAR.  Although people may be put off by the adoption requirements like references and home visits, it’s because you really love the animals and have their best interests in mind.  A big thank you to all of the fosters also – such a great program – and they do an awesome job. Finally, tell anyone thinking about getting a pet that if they wrap their hearts around a rescue their lives will be enriched in ways they can’t even fathom.

Sounds like Eddie and Mary Dee are a perfect pair! Thank you for giving Eddie his forever home and loving him like he deserves!

Cats of the Week: Blackie and Panther

Julia D Cat of the Week

We have two wonderful cats to feature this week: Blackie and Panther. We would like to see them go to a home together (though not required) because we feel it would make the transition smoother.

Blackie and her buddy Panther are presently living in a foster home. Her foster mama prefers to call them Silky and Shiny. Blackie has the shiniest fur and loves to have it petted. She loves belly rubs and rolls on her back while kneading her paws in the air. Blackie is very timid and shy yet is very gentle and lets you pick her up without any protest. She has one of the loudest purrs we’ve heard. She enjoys playing and pouncing fleece ribbons. She is very good with other cats and children but would need an adjustment period to rambunctious children. Loud noises tend to make her hide.

Panther has the softest and the silkiest fur and loves to have it petted and groomed. Once she gets to know you and feels comfortable in her surroundings, she will start purring and come to greet you as soon as you’re home or enter the room. Panther will follow you everywhere and loves to watch out the window. She doesn’t mind being picked up or held like a baby but would prefer to sit next to you rather than directly on your lap. She also loves pouncing and attacking fleece string and ribbons.

If you’re interested in Blackie and Panther please complete an application HERE or email adoptions@adopthope.org.

Volunteer of the Month: Lori Arbuckle

Julia D Volunteer of the Month

Over 10 years ago Lori was working for Friends of the Shelter in Vinton when she met our founder, Sonia. Sonia asked Lori and her husband to foster a very ill dog, Lottie. Week after week Lottie got stronger and stronger and was able to live a happy life for about four and a half years and was adopted by Lori before she had to make the tough decision to let her die with dignity. Lori has since become a foster home for many animals that are not adoptable because of extreme health issues.

Lori is on the Board of Directors who make decisions about the direction Last Hope is moving, they set processes and procedures for foster homes and lead fosters, and they educate families in the community. She also is the Medical Coordinator for Last Hope which includes scheduling all animals for medical treatment, arranging spay/neuter surgeries, making sure they all have their vaccines on schedule, and testing for heartworm and Felv-Fiv. Lori also orders all the medications that are needed and picks up the meds. She makes sure all animals have received the necessary veterinary care before they are made available for adoption and helps with the financial record keeping for all the healthcare. And Lori also works with the foster homes when they have health issues arise with their foster animals.

Lori says, “Last year Last Hope spent over $200,000 for veterinary care and without our great donors and grant money we would not be able to do what we do for the animals. You can always go to www.adopthope.org and make a donation to help us care for the animals. Last Hope is a 501C3 organization and we run on donations and grants and have no paid employees.”

She also helps with fundraising and has implemented two new fundraising events and has written grants when we needed additional funds. The two new fundraisers include the Foster Paws $150 Challenge which will begin February 17th and the Rescue Ride which takes place this year on June 30th. The Foster Paws $150 Challenge is a two-week period during which we challenge our foster homes and leads to raise $150 in two weeks. If you want to participate by making an online donation, the donation must include “In honor of [volunteer’s name] foster challenge” for the volunteer to get credit for the donation. At the end, the person who raised the most money gets a great prize! The Rescue Ride this year will include custom rods along with the motorcycles. It promises to be another great time this year and more information will be provided as we get closer to the event.

When KJay First Came Into Lori’s Care

As if all that isn’t enough, Lori also fosters animals that are in end-of-life hospice care. These are the animals that are too sick or disabled for adoption. She makes sure they have a comfortable and loving end. She also is a foster lead for homes that provide hospice care for animals.

KJay After Being In Lori’s Care

So why does Lori do all this? According to her, “I love animals and making sure they get the care they need, a home that they can call their own, and that their life has meant something to someone. Every animal deserves a home, someone to love them, a warm place to lay their head, a full tummy, the medical care they need, and in the end someone who cared. We have a great team of people who put the animals first above all and work tirelessly every day to accomplish what is needed for the organization and the animals in our care.”

Lori is such a dedicated volunteer and we truly appreciate all that she does for Last Hope and the animals!

 

The Importance of Dog and Cat Dental Care

Julia D Article

It’s estimated that 85% of all pets have periodontal disease by the time they are three years of age. Periodontal disease is a progressive disease of the supporting tissues surrounding teeth and the main cause of early tooth loss.

Periodontal disease starts when bacteria combine with food particles to form plaque on the teeth. Within days, minerals in the saliva bond with the plaque to form tartar, a hard substance that adheres to the teeth. The bacteria work their way under the gums and cause gingivitis — inflammation of the gums. Once under the gums, bacteria destroy the supporting tissue around the tooth, leading to tooth loss. This condition is known as periodontitis. Gingivitis and periodontitis make up the changes that are referred to as periodontal disease. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can also travel in the bloodstream to infect the heart, kidneys, and liver.

A professional veterinary dental cleaning is the only way to remove tartar from the teeth and under the gum tissue to protect your pet’s health. With a professional dental cleaning and follow-up care, gingivitis is reversible. Periodontal disease is not reversible, but diligent at-home dental care and regular veterinary cleanings can slow down the progression of the condition.

 

What Is a Dental Cleaning?

During a dental cleaning (sometimes called a prophylaxis), plaque and tartar are removed from a pet’s teeth, and the health of the entire mouth (tongue, gums, lips, and teeth) is assessed. A thorough dental cleaning can be accomplished only while the pet is under general anesthesia. Anesthesia keeps your pet free of pain during the dental procedure and allows your veterinarian to fully inspect the teeth and remove tartar from under the gums. During anesthesia, a soft plastic tube is inserted into the trachea (the main airway in the throat) to support the patient’s breathing. Placement of the tracheal tube also prevents inhalation of bacteria that are aerosolized during the dental cleaning.

A dental cleaning may include the following:

  • Removal of visible plaque and tartar from the teeth
  • Elimination of plaque and tartar from under the gum
  • Probing of dental sockets to assess dental disease
  • Polishing to smooth enamel scratches that may attract bacteria
  • Dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate problems below the gumline
  • Application of fluoride or a dental sealer
  • Removal or repair of fractured or infected teeth
  • Dental charting so progression of dental disease can be monitored over time
  • Inspection of the lips, tongue, and entire mouth for growths, wounds, or other problems

How Do I Know if My Pet Needs a Dental Cleaning?

Regular inspection of your pet’s mouth is important to catch dental disease in the early stages. Tartar may appear as a brownish-gold buildup on the teeth, close to the gumline. Redness or bleeding along the gumline may indicate gingivitis. Other signs of dental disease include:

  • Bad breath
  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Loose or missing teeth

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning removes not only the visible plaque and tartar on the teeth surfaces but also the bacteria under the gums. This eliminates potential sources of infection to the mouth and other organs and protects your pet from pain and tooth loss.

What Can I Do to Keep My Pet’s Teeth Clean?

Once a dental cleaning has been performed, you can take a number of steps at home to keep your pet’s teeth clean and lengthen the intervals between dental cleanings.

Your veterinarian may recommend a plaque prevention product — a substance that you apply to your pet’s teeth and gums on a weekly basis. The product adheres to the teeth surface to create a barrier that prevents plaque from forming.

Just as in people, daily brushing can help remove food particles from between your pet’s teeth. You can use a child’s toothbrush or purchase a finger brush from your veterinarian. Human toothpaste should be avoided because they contain ingredients that should not be swallowed by your pet. Your dog or cat may like the taste of pet toothpaste, which is available in flavors such as chicken, seafood, and malt.

Several dental diets and treats can also help keep plaque and tartar to a minimum. The diets tend to have larger kibbles to provide abrasive action against the tooth surface when chewed. Or they may contain ingredients that help prevent tartar mineralization. Ask your veterinarian which diets or treats are appropriate for your pet.

As you can see, dental care is very important not only for a healthy mouth but also an overall healthy pet. Left unchecked, bacteria can travel to organs in the body and cause internal infections. Do your pet a favor and make sure he gets regular dental checkups!

Dog of the Week: Rocket

Julia D Dog of the Week

Hi, I am Rocket! My friends call me Rocket Man because I love to run around and play with toys. I like most other dogs and would love to have a confident dog in my new home to help me with my confidence. If you are looking for a fun loving, funny guy to make you laugh I am your guy!  I am good around cats too.  I can be a little nervous and startle easily around kids so I should not have kids in my new home.  I walk a little funny on my back legs, but I was born that way and it really doesn’t slow me down but it does cause some incontinence.  A physical fenced in yard is required. Rocket is looking for that special family that can help him build his confidence and understand his special needs.

Rocket’s adoption fee is $250 which includes neuter surgery, being up to date on vaccinations, microchip, and free obedience course. If you’re interested in Rocket please complete an application HERE or email adoptions@adopthope.org.

Cats of the Week: Silas and Ivory

Julia D Cat of the Week

Silas and Ivory are presently living in a foster home. These little fluff balls were outside cats that were rescued and had some interaction with people. They are timid and shy yet very gentle cats. If you take it slowly with them, they will start to become more comfortable every day. They are brothers who enjoy napping together during the day and are active, playful boys by night! Silas is a handsome looking prince who is the more dominant of the two. He is very curious and an explorer. Ivory is gorgeous and gentle as can be. He is submissive and a laid back kitty. They love good pets to the heads! Silas and Ivory will need an adjustment period. They are nervous around people in the beginning and need time to feel comfortable with their human friends. They are becoming more affectionate every day in their foster home. They love wet food, toys, and treats! They would adjust better in a quiet home and a home without young kiddos! They get along great with the other kitties in their foster home. Because they are a bonded pair, we feel it would help the transition better if they went to their forever home together.

If you’re interested in Silas and Ivory, please complete an application HERE or email adoptions@adopthope.org.

Dog of the Week: Nino

Julia D Dog of the Week

Nino came to us in October in bad shape.  He was obviously extremely underweight, and it soon became apparent that there was more.  See, Nino was dealt a bad hand in life.  He has very few teeth, a skin condition, and his ears…  Let’s say that this poor guy most certainly endured a lot of pain. But, Nino luckily got dealt a new hand, and he has been lovingly nurtured back to health by the wonderful dog volunteers at Last Hope!  He’s at a great weight and his skin is healing up nicely.  He’s very affectionate and loves nothing more than lots of scratches (especially his hiney!) and snuggles and cuddles and hugs.  He will definitely try to climb up on your lap!   And boy, does this guy love his treats! We’re looking for a family for Nino that will give him nothing but love and attention.  He is very selective about his doggy friends.  We feel that he will be fine with older kids.  No cats, though!   Please meet Nino!  You’d never know by his sweet disposition that he was heartlessly abused.  All you see is a beautiful, healthy 2-year old blue pit ready to live the rest of his life with love and dignity!

Nino’s adoption fee is $250 which includes neuter surgery, being up to date on vaccinations, microchip, and a free obedience class. If you’re interested in this great guy please complete an application HERE or email adoptions@adopthope.org.