Juneau Animal Rescue's monthly newsletter

Happy Tails

Monthly Newsletter from Juneau Animal Rescue

January 2023

Hello fellow animal lovers!

With the start of the new year, it is time for Alaskans to apply for their 2022 PFD! While filing, everyone has the chance to support Juneau Animal Rescue and our mission by pledging a donation through Pick.Click.Give.

While applying for their PFD HERE, Alaskans can choose to Pick.Click.Give. in increments of $25. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will receive tax documentation from the State once their donations have been processed. Permanent Fund Dividend applications are available from January 1 to March 31, though Alaskans may choose to add or adjust their pledges online through August 31.

The Pick.Click.Give. program is run by The Alaska Community Foundation in partnership with the Rasmuson Foundation, The Foraker Group, and the State of Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Division.

Donating through Pick.Click.Give is a great way to support local Alaskan nonprofits, like JAR, that make an immediate difference in our communities. It also allows you to donate without paying anything out of pocket; for those who find it difficult to have funds in their personal budget to donate. Pick.Click.Give. is an opportunity to give to JAR and support pets in need.

In a time when fundraising efforts are still facing obstacles and restrictions, Pick.Click.Give. provides supporters with a way to contribute to the care, sheltering, and health of pets in need in the Juneau and Southeast community by donating to JAR. We appreciate your continued support; donors like you make our work possible. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Samantha Blankenship

Executive Director

Pet Story of the Month

Bob is Ready to Settle Down

Right now, Juneau Animal Rescue has some wonderful animals looking for homes.

Animals like Bob...

Bob came to JAR earlier this month, when his owner determined they didn’t have the time to properly care for him. While he was a bit timid, he was a sweet bundle of love from the start. As he got to know JAR staff, he became quick to greet people and request attention.

During his initial examination, clinic staff determined that he was doing quite well for a senior cat. While age is not a disease it is not uncommon for elderly animals to have health issues and concerns that often result from untreated minor health issues worsening over time.

For example, cats who do not receive regular dental cleanings may have a severe buildup of tartar and/or badly infected or even chipped and fractured teeth. It is important to have your pets regularly checked and evaluated for any possible health issues before they become larger concerns. This is especially true with cats and dental issues, as cats are very adept at hiding pain. As natural predators, they do not display their pain outwardly to avoid becoming a target for other predators. This does not in any way lessen the pain they are experiencing, however.

Luckily, Bob seemed to be healthy, and his twelve years only made him more of an adoring couch potato.

Senior pets are often more difficult to find adoptive homes for. While everyone loves how cute kittens and puppies are, and that their personalities may not be as well established, adult pets are often much easier to adjust too. Adult pets, especially senior pets, are potty trained, often are less likely to have destructive tendencies, and are socialized.

With senior pets, the personality you see is what you can expect from them, so once they settle into your home, you know what sort of pet you’re getting. In Bob’s case, he was a sweet boy who just wanted someone to snuggle with!

There are plenty of reasons to adopt a senior pet, including JAR’s Seniors for Seniors program. This program was established to make it easier for senior citizens to bring a pet into their lives. For people over the age of 62, the adoption fee for cats 10 years old or older is waived, meaning a senior can adopt a cat like Bob free of charge!

As a senior cat, Bob was fairly low-energy and was content to laze around. He was fine with calm dogs that will let sleeping cats lie. Luckily, Bob's laid-back attitude helped him get adopted just yesterday! However, other senior pets have a harder time getting adopted. If you’re looking for a sweet pet that is generally more laid back and relaxed, a senior pet is always an awesome choice!

If you are interested in adopting one of our amazing pets, check out our adoption page HERE.

Juneau Animal Rescue can house and care for cats like these for longer time frames through funding from our Greatest Need Fund. You can help us maintain this valuable fund so that we can continue to help harder-to-adopt animals that may require longer-term housing and care.

Will you please consider contributing to our Greatest Need Fund? Just click on the button below and be sure to select Greatest Need Fund from the (Optional) "Use this donation for" drop-down menu. Your donation goes directly to help pets like Bob while he patiently waits for his forever home. Help us help them by donating today.

Samantha Blankenship

Executive Director

DONATE TO JAR NOW

Cautious in Cold

Knowing Their Limits

Cold weather is a given part of living in Alaska, but some winters can present more challenges than others. With this particularly cold and snowy winter, it's helpful to know what you can do to keep your pets safe and comfortable.

The ability to which your pet can enjoy the snow with you often varies based on their breed and age. Many dog breeds are predisposed to life in colder climates, such as Alaskan Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. These dogs may want to frolic and play long after you've reached your limit and head inside. While it is good to give them time to enjoy the cold, it's important to keep in mind that all animals are still susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia: no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather without access to adequate shelter.

Shorthaired dogs are more prone to cold, as are small breeds, since their bodies are closer to the ground. Animals with arthritis tend to have a harder time moving around in cold weather, as do elderly pets. They are more prone to slipping and falling on ice, so booties that provide some grip can help them on outdoor excursions to keep their footing and prevent injury. Some conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease, can prevent pets from properly regulating their body temperature.

Cats in the Cold

While it is always safer for cats to be indoor pets to avoid accidents with cars and wildlife, pet cats fare better as indoor pets during the winter. Felines left outdoors in winter will often seek warm places to hide. This can commonly be beneath recently running cars or in cooling engine compartments. If drivers don't notice the cat before starting their car and going about their business, it can cause lethal injury to the pet. If you live in an area with feral cats, honking your horn or hitting the hood of your car can spook off any feline basking in the heat.

Cats who are indoor/outdoor cats and come and go as they please may be more prone to getting lost in winter: snow cover can hide scents that your cat uses to orient themselves and find the way home. Without the familiar scents and landmarks, they may end up further from home and unable to find their way. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, keeping up-to-date identification on your cat, and having them microchipped can help them get home to you faster. If your cat (or dog!) has a microchip that is not on file with Animal Control and Protection, you can add that information to your account by calling them at (907)789-6997 during business hours.

Keep Clean

Lots of antifreeze and ice melt products build up on roads and walkways during the winter months. Chemical products will be picked up on your pets' paws, legs, and belly when walking outside. After bringing them inside, wipe them down with a damp cloth, or give them a quick bath to keep them from licking their fur and ingesting the chemicals.

Many dogs with long or curly hair will collect snow and ice as they run around outside; these clumps in their fur can be painful, pulling on the skin and creating cold patches. To clean your dog of snow and ice after adventures outdoors, use a balloon whisk to gently shake off the clumps, detaching them from their fur.

If your dog doesn't regularly wear booties, be sure to monitor their paws after time spent outdoors. The cold can dull sensations of pain that would otherwise prevent injury on hazardous surfaces, and snow and ice can build up between the toe pads, creating painful pressure. Salt and ice melt can dry out paws, in addition to lower humidity levels on colder days, so paw pads are more likely to crack in winter. Wipe off paws and ensure they're free from snow and ice buildup after coming inside and use a pet-safe paw balm to keep paw pads hydrated, if your dog doesn't wear boots outdoors.

Find more cold-weather safety and tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association HERE.