The Daily Bark

Celebrate Spay Day USA!

2010-02-21T18:08:00Z

We Just Want One Litter…

Spay Day USA

Tuesday, February 23^rd is the 16^th Annual Spay Day USA. This is an annual campaign by The Humane Society of the United States to highlight the importance of saving animals’ lives by spaying and neutering. This year, Western Plains Animal Refuge, The Animal Health Center of Hays, and Colorado Animal Rescue Express are teaming up to provide a “Pay What You Can” spay/neuter event for 35 animals!

But just because this day is the day set aside as a reminder to spay and neuter your pets doesn't mean it's the only day to do it. It's important to do this act of kindness no matter what the day!

In every community, in every state of this nation, homeless pets can be found. Every year in the Unites States, three to four MILLION pets are euthanized—not because they are mean or sick or injured—simply because there are not enough homes for them.

Many people believe their beloved pet’s babies would never become homeless and end up in a shelter. Even if your pet's babies find homes, those could be homes that would have rescued an already homeless animal, and how can we know whether those babies go on to reproduce another generation of homeless animals or not?

Fixing your pet is the only 100% effective method of preventing unwanted litters of animals. By doing this one simple act, we can save over 3 million animals every year in this country alone!

Find out more about us at www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org.

Remember: The leading cause of death in domestic dogs and cats in this country is euthanasia in shelters because there are too many animals and not enough homes.

Western Plains Animal Refuge No-Kill Animal Shelter Video - Check It Out!

2010-02-11T05:52:00Z

Our video is complete! Special thanks to our Facebook fans who donated their personal pet photos for this video. How wonderful to see how much your pets are loved!

Please remember those pets who do not yet have a home. And, as always, don't buy ... ADOPT!

For more information on us, or to see how you can help, please visit us at www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org.

I Rescued a Human Today

2010-02-06T03:13:00Z

This beautiful story was written by Janine Allen CPDT for Rescue Me Dog, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness for shelter adoption. We loved it, and we think you will, too!

I Rescued a Human Today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peeringapprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew Ihad to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn'tbe afraid.

As she read my kennel card, I hoped she wouldn't feel sadabout my past. I only have the future to look forward to, and want tomake a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and madelittle kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head upagainst the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck;she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her check and Iraised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that Iinstantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. Iwould promise to always be by her side. I would promise to doeverything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

Iwas so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are outthere who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.

Atleast I could save one.

Let a dog adopt you today!
Visit us at www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org, or find a pet near you at www.petfinder.com.

Coping with the Loss of a Pet

2010-02-04T16:03:00Z

Compared to most of us,our pets live relatively short lives. The death of a furry friend can affect some of us more than the death of a relative or friend. Few people are not touched by a pet, and especially their passing on.

How we handle our pet’s death varies widely from person to person and depends on what that pet has meant and/or represented to us. Pets love us unconditionally. They are faithful, welcoming, and patient even on our worst days. They may take the place of a child never conceived or a companion no longer around. They can mean many different things to many different people.

With the loss of a pet, we grieve. We travel through the exact same grieving process we would for the passing of a dear relative. Surrounding yourself with other people who understand this loss is very helpful.

There are also several things you can do that may alleviate your pain:

Write a letter to your pet expressing your feelings.

Create a scrapbook, journal or collage of your favorite memories.

Plant a tree, shrub, garden or flower bed as a permanent growing 
memorial to your pet.

Add your pet's identification tags to your key ring.

Create a memory box. Use an old shoe box, decorate it and 
put special things that remind you of your pet, such as collar 
tags, photos, special toys, leash, etc. You may choose to write
a poem or story about your pet and keep it in the box as well.

Volunteer at an animal shelter.

Make a donation in your pet's name to a local veterinary hospital
 or favorite  animal charity.

Have a portrait of your pet drawn from a favorite photo.

Purchase a book, perhaps a children's book, on coping with the 
loss of a pet and donate it to your local library or school. Ask the
librarian to place a label inside the front cover inscribed 
"In memory of (your pet's name)."

Decorate a candle and light it in memory of your pet.

Observe National Pet Memorial Day on the second Sunday in 
September.

Allow yourself to express your grief in whatever creative way comes
 to mind, whatever feels right for you.

You do not need society’s approval to mourn for your pet. If you are having
difficulty coping, there are many areas to receive help. You could talk to someone
at your veterinarian’s office—we have all lost pets and know exactly what you are
going through! (You can always contact us! Our contact information is at www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org).
There are grief counseling hot lines specifically dealing with pet loss, and many
books out on the subject.

Remember, your life is, and will continue to be, better because of the time you
shared with your pet.

A Three-Legged Adoption Update

2010-01-06T17:20:00Z

Here's an update on a dog who was adopted this past year. When Sammi came to us, her leg had a horrific injury and had to be amputated. She also had heartworms. Either issue would have been a death sentence for her, either at the Humane Society, or on her own. But we love a challenge, and we love happy endings! We fixed Sammi up and sent her to a rescue in Colorado, where she found a fantastic home with someone from the Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue, which is one of our great partner organizations. Here's the lastest from her family:

Dear WPAR,

Since we did not get our Christmas Greetings out on time, we thought that we'd say Happy New Year!
Sammi is doing great! She just had a check up with the vet. Her tumor has grown back, but the vet says that it is not "active". He is pleased with her. If it does become "active" we will try steroids next, but the vet is optimistic that the leg will be fine now that she has stopped chewing on it. I thought she might end up living in one of those Victorian collars forever!

Ours runs have slowed down a bit. We have more snow than usual in Grand Junction so the roads are just not all that safe. I took a tumble that has made the thought of going out for a run less than a happy thought. We did go cross country skiing with the dogs last weekend, but the snow was too soft and deep for Sammi. She got a long ride in our sled. I think she enjoyed it for the most part.

Sammi is becoming the world champion "catch" player. We have been working on that in the cold weather. She can jump up and grab a tennis ball in mid air. I'm not claiming that she gets the air that Michael Jordon would, but she does manage to get "air"!

She has also clearly demonstrated why she is not to receive any stuffed toys - Christmas evening she managed to get into the toy box of our friend's Goldens. She destroyed every stuffed toy except a three-legged reindeer. After her destructo mode, she curled up and slept with the deer. It was kinda funny...

Well, if you come across any other three legged dogs please let us know. My husband would like another. Sammi has been such a hit with patients. Also, it gets hard to take one dog and leave the other home. Both have separation issues.

Happy New Year - Ann Wiemert-Slater & Sammi (& Ollie and Dan)

--

Volunteer
Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue
www.rockymountainlabrescue class="word_break">.com

The Christmas Gift That Keeps On Giving!

2009-10-30T15:29:00Z

If you're like me, you may wait until the last possible second to scour the stores for holiday sales to stock up on Christmas gifts. I always end up dodging all of the other last-seconders (mostly men!) and choosing between four or five different things that no one else wanted earlier!

This year, you can make your gift truly meaningful, and it's as simple as clicking your mouse! For a $30 tax-deductible donation, you can give someone the gift of giving.

With each $30 donation, you, or someone you love, will receive a really, truly cool Western Plains Animal Refuge t-shirt and a personalized thank you letter to put in their stocking! You can donate in the name of your friends, family or pets. And what's most exciting is that you'll be helping us to provide care for more homeless animals!

We are in the process of making big changes at WPAR and we need your help. WPAR will be buying the current land and facility occupied by both us and the Animal Health Center of Hays. The cost is just $200,000, which is about $150,000 less than the current value of the property. Once we own the clinic, we can start providing low-cost medical services for those who need it, similar to what the Animal Health Center of Hays currently does on Pay What You Can Day each month. We will be able to help more animals, and house more animals for adoption.

So please help us to help more animals! Make your $30 donation to WPAR by calling us at 785-621-4222, sending a check to:

Western Plains Animal Refuge
3340 E. 27th
Hays, Kansas 67601

or by using PayPal by clicking HERE. If you are using PayPal, use the notes section to tell us what size shirt you'd like (Childrens' S, M, L or Adult S, M, L or XL) and who you would like it to go to. Also, please specify the color you'd like.

Green shirts - "Peace, Love, Pets"
Yellow shirts - "Peace, Love, Cats"
Blue shirts - "Peace, Love, Dogs"

Happy holidays to each of you! Thank you for your support! It means so much to us, and to the animals we serve!

Is It Little Dog Syndrome, or Just Socialization?

2009-10-27T16:28:00Z

I recently received this question in my inbox. It's a common problem, so I thought I'd share the answer.

Question: My terrier mix, Sam, has Little Dog Syndrome and is a real stink around other dogs. He tries to attack them. I grab him by the scruff and firmly tell him "no" immediately, but he doesn't care. So what do I do?

Answer: AAAHHH! The age-old dilemna of how to make your dog behave!

Unfortunately, there is no magic skill or saying or pill to make a dog behave whether they are dominant or not. And the majority of the time, dominance in dogs is over-diagnosed. Most of the dogs with 'little dog syndrome' actually aren't dominantly aggressive dogs at all--they are terrified dogs and like the puffer fish that puffs up to scare preditors, they act big and bad and hope no one calls their bluff!

Success in dog training is to have your dog listen to you when you tell them to do something, like "quit barking." However, they have to learn to listen to you ALL THE TIME! This means that you CANNOT let your dog walk you, have the best spot on the couch, jump all over you whenever they want to, etc, etc, etc, but then expect them to sit or be quiet every time you tell them to. If they don't respect your space or directions the majority of the day, they are not going to do it when you really want them to either!

So how do you acheive respect from your dog (I know we all want love, but respect will actually get you more and gentler love!)? This starts with the simple act of walking your dog correctly (Watch Cesar Milan--he is the master at correct walking!). If you walk your dog daily (yes! every day!), and you make them sit to put the leash on, sit before they follow you out the door (just like that!) and make them walk beside or behind you, you are creating a dog that will respect and listen to you! For some dogs this is all you need to do! If you are consistent with this, they will listen to you in other situations as well.

If your dog becomes unruly at certain times (like when another dog approaches while you are walking), there are some simple steps to follow. First, you need to pay attention to your dog and the surroundings. Your dog will give you plenty of notice about an approaching dog if you watch their body language--their tail will straighten and their ears will go up. THIS is when you get your dog's attention; make them sit and focus on you rather than the other dog. Do not baby talk to them or try to reassure them that everything is okay. This reinforces their bad behavior! You must do this BEFORE they enter the crazy-barking-lunging zone. Once they have entered this zone, you cannot reason with them. While your dog is sitting calming and focusing on you rather than the other dog, then give them lots of praise either with words or treats so they understand the behavior you want.

Yes, it really can be that simple, if you are calm, assertive, and providing your dog with exercise and discipline! However, some dogs do require the help of a veterinarian with experience in behavior or a certified behaviorist.

And All the Creatures were Blessed

2009-10-06T16:08:00Z

Our first ever Blessing of the Pets October 4 was a success! Pastor Jerre Nolte from First United Methodist Church of Hays blessed 15 dogs and one cat. Thirty five people attended the service, which was held in East Frontier Park. There was a short service about St. Francis, and each pet received an individual blessing and St. Francis medal. Then we had cookies and water!

The weather and the animals all cooperated. In fact, the cat only escaped once!

I'd like to thank all who attended. It was a great way to get out and see some fellow animal lovers, and to do something meaningful for them. We hope to see you again next year!

No More Puppy Mills!

2009-09-30T16:44:00Z

Ask any animal shelter worker what one of the biggest sources of frustration are for them, and puppy mills are bound to come up. These irresponsible breeders frequently have dozens, or even hundreds, of dogs kept in unclean and inhumane conditions and repeatedly breed them for the sole purpose of using these poor animals to make money. There is often little to no medical care, and female dogs often suffer from infections and even death due to the constant stress on their reproductive systems.

Dogs in puppy mills are not socialized. They are often inbred with no attention paid to genetic traits that can potentially be a big problem for new owners. In fact, dogs bred in puppy mills have a higher percentage of serious problems, such as hip displasia, deformities, and potential for congenital diseases and conditions than the general canine population.

In recent years, more and more puppy mills have been exposed and shut down. There has been a big movement by many animal lovers to boycott pet stores that buy their animals from these unscrupulous breeders. Positive things are happening, but there are still plenty of puppy mills out there, and animal shelters are full of purebred dogs that were raised in puppy mills and are no longer wanted.

Our shelter is no exception. We have several most-likely purebred Chihuahuas that were taken from the home of a hoarder, and we just received six Cocker Spaniels that were taken by the state from a puppy mill in Kansas. There were actually 158 dogs in total at this particular puppy mill. The state rescued a total of 122. We don't know what happened to the rest, but we can guess.

You can help stop puppy mills. The biggest thing you can do is adopt your pets from no-kill shelters! There are thousands of purebred dogs in shelters, and many others that have the same traits of calmness, intelligence, and eagerness to train that you may have thought was common only to a certain breed. And, when you adopt from a no-kill shelter, your fees (which are nearly always about the same as adopting from a Humane Society and much, much less than buying from a breeder) will go toward supporting that shelter. Best yet, when you adopt an animal from a no-kill shelter, you're making room for another animal that would most likely be euthanized at other shelters. No-kill shelters often take animals that need minor medical care or socialization. Many, like ours, take the time to work with the animal, providing medical care and socialization so that the animal is a wonderful, adoptable pet.

Please don't buy pets from "at home" breeders unless you know them well. Even then, there is no reason to bring more animal lives into the world just to make money when there are so many lives that will never see the happiness they deserve.

Cody is Back! Are You His Forever Home?

2009-09-28T16:04:00Z

Many of you were listening when, several months ago, we told Cody's story. He is an absolutely adorable Pomeranian whose owners brought him in because "something was wrong with him." That something was a maggot-encrusted skin infection that resulted from severe neglect. (See the original story HERE ... warning: graphic.)

When we first anesthetized Cody and cleaned his wounds, we weren't sure he'd live. His infection and infestation was one of the worst we'd seen - and probably the worst we'd seen in a small dog. It was truly awful. He had to have been in such an incredible amount of pain for a considerable amount of time. But he did live. Not only that - he became a real joy around our clinic! He made himself at home and played with donated toys. He slept in a bed donated by a little girl who'd asked for WPAR donations at her birthday party. He even played with all of the other cats and dogs. He became a very happy little dog.

After he'd healed completely, Cody was adopted by a wonderful woman who instantly fell in love with him. She said she'd been praying that God would lead her to just the right pet, and she knew Cody was that dog. They really were a great match, and we were very happy. (See that story HERE ... just scroll down til you find his success story.) But last week we got some very sad news. The woman who adopted Cody is now gravely ill and unable to take care of him. We're so sad for her, and for Cody. He's now back with us, and he needs a new home.

If you know of someone who has room in their heart and home for this great little guy, we'd love to hear from you. Please call us at 785-621-4222 or visit us at 3340 E. 27th in Hays, Kansas. An adoption application is available on our website, www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org. Just click on "Adopt a Dog."

In the meantime, we'll be showing Cody all of the love we can! Thank you all for your support!

Look at the Difference You are Making!

2009-09-21T16:15:00Z

The WPAR Yard and Bake Sale was a huge success, thanks to all who donated and all who came out to support us on Saturday, September 19!!

With your help, we raised over $2000 and sold oodlles of baked goodsand great yard sale items! For our animals, that will pay for:

* An emergency surgery for an injured dog
* One month of food for one great horned owl, barn owl, OR red-tailed hawk
* Electrolytes and colostrum for five baby deer
* Two weeks of food for 2 baby blue jays
* Three weeks of milk replacer for 3 baby raccoons
* Heartworm test and prevention, vaccinations, deworming, and spay/neuter for ten abandoned dogs
* Four weeks of vaccinations, deworming, testing, and food for eight litters of five kittens!!!

We sincerely thank each and every one of you who supported us thisweekend, and also those who continue to support us! You are trulymaking a difference in the lives of abandoned and injured animals. (See some great success stories here.)

WPAR is in the process of purchasing (at far below cost) its currentbuilding location so that our shelter can expand and provide reducedcost medical and health services to animals throughout central Kansas.If you would like to donate, please visit our web site,www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org, and click on the donate button!

October Pay What You Can Day to be Spay and Neuter Day!!

2009-09-09T20:35:00Z

OK. So this is big.

On the third Thursday of each month, the Animal Health Center of Hays holds Pay What You Can Day. People can bring their pets for check ups, vaccinations, heartworm testing, ear cleaning - whatever they want, pretty much, and pay only what they can afford. It's a good way for pets to receive preventative care in a way their owners can pay. The other neat thing is that all of the money paid for services that day is given as a donation to Western Plains Animal Refuge.

Which is pretty cool.

October of 2009, Pay What You Can Day will have a different slant. October 15 will ONLY be for spaying and neutering pets. You can bring your cat or dog (or other animal) into the Animal Health Center of Hays, and pay what you can afford to have your pet spayed or neutered. That includes barn cats, the stray that you've been feeding for three years, or your loved family pet. This month's event was made possible thanks to a wonderful, wonderful donation from our friends at Colorado Animal Rescue Express (CARE). If you get a chance, go to their site (here) and give them a big shout out of thanks!! We truly appreciate them!

We have long been advocates of spaying or neutering pets (if you have any doubts, check out one of our recent blogs here), but in the past, the Animal Health Center of Hays hasn't been able to offer those services as part of PWYCD because they simply cost too much to provide at reduced-cost prices. Don't get me wrong, there are super low-cost clinics all over the country, but typically staff isn't necessarily well-trained, the equipment may be outdated and not particularly sanitary, the surgery itself can be rushed through in ways that cause the animal more harm than good, and recovery facilities for these animals can be in need of a good slathering of germ killer. Low cost programs are helpful, but some (not all) are kind of a crap shoot with your animal's life. The Animal Health Center has highly trained technicians, safe and clean facilities, and a fantastic record for safe surgery and procedures.

And, best yet, all donations from that day will still go to Western Plains Animal Refuge!!

Animal Health Center of Hays is located at 3340 E. 27th in Hays, Kansas.

To make an appointment for October 15's PWYCD, just call 785-628-8603.

Spaying and neutering your pets is so important. Not only does it reduce your pet's chances of getting certain killer cancers and other diseases, it also helps tremendously to decrease the number of unwanted pets. These poor victims often have difficult, short lives. Those that don't die of diseases or injuries often end up on the long list of animals euthanized in animal shelters each year.

Western Plains Animal Refuge is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter and wildlife rehabilitation center located in Hays, Kansas. For more information, visit us at www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org!

Blue Heron Blues

2009-09-09T16:45:00Z

A great blue heron under tremendous distress was brought in today. His wing was broken at the base, and it was full of infection and necrotic tissue. In the wild, his injuries would have meant a death sentence, probably within hours. We're still not sure he'll survive (injured birds are not as hearty as many other creatures), but at least we're giving it a good try.

We put the bird under light anesthesia so he would not be in additional pain. Even the stress of doing this could have been too much for him. Once he was subdued, we were able to take a closer look at his injury. It was not only infected, but it was full of necrotic, or dead, tissue. Necrotic tissue cannot heal. It has to be removed in order to prevent additional infection and to allow the surrounding tissue to heal. Because this tissue was at such a critical juncture of his wing, the only option we had was to remove the wing.

The wing as removed, and he is recovering, but we don't know if he will survive. If he does, he will utilize our swimming pool and flight pens, and will be able to live out his life at the Hutchinson zoo here in Kansas.

Great blue herons thrive in ponds, marshes and lakes. They're often mistaken for sandhill cranes. The easiest way to distinguish them is that the heron flies with its neck folded, not extended like that of a crane.

They've long been a part of Midwestern literature and art. They're beautiful and peaceful to watch in nature. Ironically, though, they break the peace themselves by emitting loud, obnoxious squawks.

We hope we can save the life of this beautiful creature. It's only thanks to people like you that we can even try. Thanks for all of your support.

Be sure to check out some of our other wild animal rescue stories at www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org.

To Spay or Not to Spay

2009-08-31T15:54:00Z

As a veterinarian, I can't help but be a huge proponent for spaying and neutering pets. And as a founder of Western Plains Animal Refuge, my feelings are even more strong. You can't help but wonder why people let their pets have litters when there are so many innocent animals euthanized each day. We're a no-kill shelter, but we know too much about other shelters that euthanize animals because they are the wrong color, the wrong breed, or they're just one of too many other animals of that species. It breaks my heart.

So, if all of that doesn't make you want to spay or neuter your pet, maybe knowing the threat to your pet's health will. Fact: There is a direct link between spaying and neutering your pet and decreasing their risk of several types of the most commonly seen cancers in pets. And, Fact: Cats and dogs that are not spayed have a much bigger risk of getting uterine infections, called pyometra, which are, um, nasty.

Pyometra is commonly diagnosed in most veterinary practices. After a cat's or dog's oestrus (heat) cycle, the lining of their uterus becomes less able to fight off harmful bacteria. The uterus becomes an incubator for millions of nasty bacteria. The word 'pyometra' literally means 'uterus of pus.' Disgusting. And dangerous.

When an animal has pyometra, they are often brought in because they're just not "right." They are lethargic, may have a fever, don't want to eat, and are very thirsty. If this goes on too long (which can be a relatively short amount of time), the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, and the animal goes into shock. Pyometra often becomes a life or death situation.

Last week, a cat was brought in to our veterinary practice for a routine spay. The owner hadn't noticed a lot of symptoms yet (although with cats, it can be hard to tell), but during the surgery, it became evident that she would have been in serious trouble within a few days if she hadn't been spayed.

The photos below show, first, a normal feline uterus. It's kind of wishbone-shaped, and pretty small. Because the cat we spayed had had kittens a few times, her uterus would have been slightly larger, but not much. The second photo shows this cat's uterus. It was full of pus and infection. A uterus is not supposed to look like a sausage!

So if you weren't convinced that spaying or neutering your pet was the best choice, I hope you are now!!

For more information on pet health and to see our animal shelter at work, visit our websites, www.animalhealthcenterhays.com and www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org.

Don't Touch That Animal, Part III!

2009-08-31T15:20:00Z

I know I've written several times about the importance of not touching, feeding, cuddling with, bringing home, making pets out of, and all that stuff people do with wild animals. But just in case you know someone who hasn't heard, here's one more reminder that wild animals are exactly that - wild.

Last week, an injured deer was brought in. It had been "living with" some people since May. They had domesticated it to the point that it can't be released back into the wild, so now it will spend its life in a kind of animal limbo ... it can't be free because it no longer knows who and what to fear, but it will never be tame like a dog or a cat - because it's (say it with me now) a wild animal.

This deer was injured playing with the family dog. Its leg was broken, so we're mending it up. We've found placement for it at the Hutchinson Zoo. It's sad that it will be forced to live a life in captivity. I'm hoping that maybe someone will be able to think of its story and use it as an example if they find a baby deer or other wild animal.

We help a lot of wild animals through injuries, and help baby animals that have been orphaned or abandoned. If you find such an animal, call us!! Don't touch it or try to feed it or any other course of action. Many times, they can be left alone and will be fine (especially baby animals - often mom is somewhere nearby), but when we rehabilitate a wild animal, we avoid human contact whenever possible. It's tempting to want to hold and cuddle with many of the animals, but to do so can mean a death sentence - or a life of captivity - for them.

So please remember ... don't touch wild animals!!!

Western Plains Animal Refuge is located at 3340 E. 27th in Hays, Kansas. Call us at 785-621-4222.

First Annual WPAR Yard and Bake Sale!

2009-08-26T16:37:00Z

Everybody loves a bargain, and we've got plenty for you!!

Join us for our First Annual WPAR Yard and Bake Sale Saturday, September 19 from 10am to 4pm. We'll have some delicious homemade food, plus clothes, household items and other great miscellaneous stuff! And the best part - everything you buy helps a stray, abandoned or orphaned animal!

Come see us at the Animal Health Center, 3340 E 27th, in Hays, Kansas. We are still accepting donations, so give us a call at 785-621-4222 if have something to donate. We can even do local pick-ups if you give us a little notice. In the event of bad weather, we'll hold the sale at the National Guard Armory in Hays.

See you there!!

Pay What You Can Day Nets $240 in Donations

2009-08-24T20:02:10Z

Every third Thursday of the month, the Animal Health Center of Hays (inHays, Kansas) holds "Pay What You Can Day." The purpose of this eventis to give people a chance to get services for their pets at reducedcost (hence the name), and it's also a fundraiser for Western PlainsAnimal Refuge.

On August 20, Animal Health Center of Hays donated $563.30 in services, helped 14 pets feel better and be healthier, and made $239.51 in donations for WPAR.

On a disappointing note, the appointment schedule was completelybooked, but several people did not show up. When this happens, it's theanimals in the shelter who ultimately suffer, because WPAR loses out ondonations.

The next Pay What You Can Day will be held Thursday, September 17. You're welcome to make an appointment by calling 785-621-4222.

Cody Needs a Home!

2009-08-14T17:54:00Z

We've been keeping you filled in on Cody the Pomeranian's progress ... he was rescued after he was so neglected that hundreds of maggots had deeply burrowed into his entire back and neck. It was one of the nastiest wounds we'd treated, and we didn't know if he was going to live.

See his story here.

Well, live, he did! Cody is one of the cutest dogs to ever grace our hallways. He loves toys, cats, dogs, children and about anything else that comes his way. He's completely healed, and now he needs a loving home. We love Cody, and we know you will, too!

Cody behaves well and loves attention. He's done very well with house training, and would really like to wake up each morning in a home where he will be loved.

If you would like to adopt Cody, give us a call at 785-621-4222, or come visit us at 3340 E. 27th in Hays, Kansas. There's a map on our website ... www.westernplainsanimalref class="word_break">uge.org. Let's have a happy ending for this little guy! He's been through so much!!

Playing Host to a Mississippi Kite

2009-08-06T17:17:00Z

Welcome to the Daily Bark, our blog for Western Plains Animal Refuge!

The City of Hays Animal Control brought in a Mississippi kite today, and she will be staying with us for a couple of weeks. She's too young to be out on her own, but she'll be ready soon.

Nothing is wrong with this bird, but she had been staying in the front yard of someone who was afraid of birds. Chances are that her mother was somewhere near, and had she been left alone, she would have been fine. Next time, maybe the momma bird will choose her neighbors more wisely!

Mississippi kites are increasingly common in the Plains states, and they're pretty easy to spot here in Kansas. In some states, though, they are listed as endangered or threatened. They nest in trees, and as trees were cleared for farm fields in the Midwest, their habitat began to vanish. In the mid-1900s, early conservation laws were put into place, and their numbers began increasing.

They eat insects, and catch their prey while they fly. When they nest, they lay 1-3 eggs. Like bluejays, they are very territorial of their nests and will attack people who come near.

We will be releasing this kite within a week or two. In the meantime, she is a good source for education for anyone who comes in our doors!

Time to Rally!

2009-08-04T20:17:00Z

We see a lot of animals who need homes, and occasionally, one breaks our hearts. You'll probably want to break out the kleenax on this one.

A couple of weeks ago, one of our volunteers noticed a sign hung on a bulletin board advertising a red and white pit bull someone was trying to give away. Today, that same dog was brought in to our animal shelter by a very nice farmer. The farmer found him on his land. Big Lucky Jack is very lucky to be alive. He is very skinny, infested with ticks, and, worst of all, he has been shot in the leg.

Big Lucky Jack's owner had apparently decided he no longer wanted to go to the trouble of finding a home for him.

Big Lucky Jack is now being taken care of at our facility. We're attaching photos , including one of his ear, so that you can see how badly he is infested with ticks. We're going to take care of him, but we need help to cover his medical expenses. He will require at least one relatively major surgery on his broken leg, as well as repeated x-rays, medication and care.

Linda Fox of Colorado Animal Rescue Express (CARE), an awesome volunteer transport organization we work with frequently, donated $100 towards his surgery. We need to raise about $500 more to cover his expenses.

AND ... when it rains, it pours. Duke came in this morning as a stray. He is a Lab that is in need of surgery immediately. His testicles are ripped and hanging out. Our current space is limited, but we are squeezing him in and need help with his medical bills as well.

If you would like do donate to help these dogs, please click here:
http://site.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org/Donations.html
The donation link is at the very bottom of the page.

For those of you who don't know, Western Plains Animal Refuge is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter. We don't euthanize animals unless they are so injured that they cannot be healed. Every time you adopt a pet from us, you are making room for us to save another animal. Many of our animals have medical conditions or other issues that would mean a death sentence for them at other shelters.

Most importantly, it is only through donations and help from people like you that we can do the work we do.
Thanks for your support! We truly appreciate you!