2208 Connolly Road

Fallston, Maryland 21047

(410) 836-1090

www.harfordshelter.org

 

Media RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact:      Humane Society of Harford Co.

                  410 836-1090, ext 101

                 

The Humane Society of Harford County update:

Harford vets provide their expertise; "Whiteford 73" now 80; free Lab (tests)

Fallston, Maryland May 31, 2006- Dr. Tom Lomax, of Festival Veterinary Clinic, took one look at the "bunkhouse" and calmly remarked, "It looks like Katrina." Having spent many days on the Golf Coast caring for the lost, injured and abandoned pets in that hurricane's aftermath, he would know. Overnight, our quiet little shelter was transformed into an evacuation center for neglected pets. Dr. Lomax quickly made a couple of phone calls to Antech Diagnostic Laboratories, a company that worked with him in Louisiana. The good folks at Antech answered his call for help.

So, this Sunday morning at 9:00, community veterinarians will help the "Whiteford 73", collecting blood samples and performing various diagnostics. Dr. Amy Hubbard of Festival, who has been lending a hand and expertise at the shelter almost daily, and Dr. Dan Hopkins of Churchville Vet Clinic, who was at the shelter on May 13th just a few short hours after the arrival of the 69 dogs and 4 cats, examining them and assessing their condition, hope to be there, as well as other vets that volunteer in the "Shelter Rotation Program" provided by the Harford Veterinary Medical Association. In addition, vet techs that work in these clinics are donating their time to assist in collecting blood samples from the older pets found in two abandoned buildings and a garage in deplorable conditions on May 12. Doing "geriatric" blood tests for diseases or conditions of aging pets is a valuable and necessary part of their care and is tremendously helpful for prospective adoptors. If your vet participates in the program, please take a moment and thank him or her for us and for the animals… UPDATE: Ownership of the 69 dogs (plus 7) and 4 cats seized from properties in Whiteford, Maryland, has been signed over to the Humane Society of Harford County! This is great news for the animals, their potential adopters, and the Society as each animal may now be placed into a loving forever home. Of course, many other wonderful dogs, cats and small animals are ALWAYS available for adoption at the Society! The Humane Society of Harford County will begin accepting applications for the pets known as the "Whiteford animals" on June 7, 2006 at 1pm until Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 5 pm. See "Adoption of Whiteford Animals", attached.

And finally, Lucky, the hound dog that came in from those wretched conditions "in the family way", who is currently residing in the Society's volunteer room, now transformed into a quiet comfortable "maternity ward", just gave birth to seven beautiful little puppies. Spaying and neutering ALL pets is a very important way to reduce the pet homelessness problem, we are grateful she was able to wait until she was safe at the shelter before she delivered. As of the writing of this update, mother and babies are doing well.

The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501 c 3 charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 6,000 animals that come to us each year, and to all the animals in our county. We are not a county agency nor are we affiliated with any national organization. Your tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events such as this one are crucial to our life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals of our community.

69 Dogs in Whiteford Animal Cruelty Case

Fallston, Maryland   May 14, 2006—The Humane Society of Harford County is caring for the 69 dogs and 4 cats seized by the Harford County Sheriff’s Department and Harford County Animal Control as the result of the execution of a search warrant on two properties in Whiteford, Maryland.   In response to the overwhelming support and interest from the public we are providing this update.

We are lining up physical therapy sessions with Interstate Swim Center in Aberdeen, Maryland for those dogs who have lost muscle tone and for bodies atrophied by being crated for possibly weeks, months and even years on end.  Mobile groomers continue to assist our staff in shaving down dogs matted in their own hair and feces.  In concert with Harford County Animal Control and Harford County Sheriff’s Office, one critically ill little dog with uncontrolled diabetes, was placed into emergency care with a local veterinarian who’s staff recognized the dear little creature on television as one they had treated in the past.  Then there are the emaciated, starving ones who are being placed on a special recipe weight gain diet that increases their weight and strength without belly upset as well those with thicken, raw skin, open sores and itching from which they have had no relief due to flea infestation, now quieted and healing. 

At the Humane Society of Harford County, we’ve seen it before, and we treat and care for pets just like these.  We’re prepared, just not for such a volume!!  The animals have our help.  And they need yours too!  The outpouring of volunteers and monetary donations are gratefully appreciated now and in the future as we struggle to get these dogs healthy. 

Even while we care for these 69 little ones, there are dozens of others at the shelter every day, waiting for their new families.  Our commitment to the homeless animals of Harford County is unwavering, and our primary goal is not take the lives of any dogs because we run out of space.  Together, as a caring community, we can do it!  Our secondary goal is to find them all the loving forever homes they so deserve and to see them happy at last.  And still another goal is to prepare as many as possible to take part in HSHC’s June 25, 2006 Bark in the Park walkathon in Rockfield Park as adopted, healthy and loved alumni of the Humane Society of Harford County.   

 

For more information about how to make a donation, visit http://www.harfordshelter.org/donations.html or click on one of the ‘Make a Donations’ buttons located throughout our site.

* UPDATE *


Thank You and a Special Wish List

The most amazing things have been happening at the Humane Society recently. Our once quiet little shelter has suddenly been launched into the middle of one of the largest dog hoarding cases in Maryland. Because HSHC, a private non-profit, works closely with and provides holding facilities for Harford County Animal Control, we received 69 dogs and 4 cats to care for and house until this case can be resolved. This more than doubled our population of dogs at the shelter. While we had choices to make regarding how we would handle caring for this number of dogs in our already full facility, we knew without a doubt that any solution would safe, sound and above all humane. We also knew that caring for this number of animals was not something we could do alone. We asked for your help and boy, have we ever received it. Every time we asked for a donated item or for volunteers to help with a litany of tasks, we were met with caring, compassionate people willing to give of themselves for the animals. We asked for food, and you responded. We asked for dog walkers and handlers, and you responded. We asked for large size crates and you responded. We asked for bedding, again you responded. You have also responded to our need for financial contributions to help offset the cost of caring for the Whiteford animals in addition to and as well as the 6000 other homeless, abused or abandoned animals that will enter our shelter this year. For all of your generosity we would like to extent our most heartfelt thanks. It is your compassion, your concern for the most vulnerable members of our society, the animals that allows us to save lives every day.

Many have stopped by, called or emailed and asked what items are currently needed. Here are a few.

  • Park Benches: These allow volunteers and staff to take a quiet moment with their charges in a relaxed setting at various locations around the Humane Society's beautiful grounds.
  • Kuranda Beds: Kuranda beds are the preferred beds used by many kennels and shelters. They afford the dogs a comfortable platform off the ground on which to rest. HSHC uses Kuranda beds in our kennels and larger crates when they are available. This is a lasting donation that will benefit many homeless dogs, as the beds are very durable and easily cleaned. Please go to www.kuranda.com/shop/donate.asp to donate a bed. Kuranda is a local company out of Annapolis, with which The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc. is a registered as a recipient shelter. As such, your donation is at a discounted rate and will be shipped directly to HSHC.
  • EZ - Up Tents: The tents allow us to provide shade and shelter for the animals as well as their handlers.
  • Kennel Runs: Free standing kennel runs or pens, allow us to give the animals time out of their crates to socialize with one another, bask in the sunshine and smell the fresh air. This is particularly important for some of the caution animals, who are not able to be walked by volunteers.


Update 5-25-06

We are seeing many, now familiar faces, strangers become friends, visiting HSHC in some cases daily. They come to help walk dogs, they clean kennels, they care for cats, they fill dishes, they cuddle and cajole and have been a lifeline for the animals as well as for the staff and the organization. Many have their favourites, some hope to adopt, if and when that becomes an option. All are here because they care. They care about the animals and want to help those so long neglected; those with broken bodies and spirits recover to be loved again.

Their efforts are amazing as is their compassion and the results are dramatic. Yesterday I watched as a dear little one named Snickers was brought out for a walk. As HSHC staffer, Marc, handed his leash to a waiting volunteer, the little dog eagerly danced, anticipating a walk around the grounds, playtime and plenty of cuddling. Snickers like so many have settled into a comfortable routine. They are beginning to regain their house training skills. They eagerly await and thoroughly enjoy the attention lavished on them by volunteers and staff alike. When they return to their bunkhouse in our training center is to clean bedding, a soft place to rest, fresh water, plush toys, chewies and plenty of cookies and other treats. All day long these precious animals are cared for and loved by willing volunteers and dedicated staff. Every day brings remarkable improvement and new hope for these once hopeless creatures. HSHC is honoured to be here to help them and so very grateful for the support of this community. Together we can and will provide a happily ever after for them all. Thanks to everyone who has supported HSHC and helped save the animals.