Does Your City/Township Have an Agreement for After Hour Care for Animals

Do you think it is right to put your police officers in the terrible position of shooting an injured animal because your city/township doesn’t have an agreement with an after-hours clinic. The other night a dog was hit by a car in a nearby community. The person who hit the dog contacted the police. The police arrived and because their city had no contract with an emergency animal hospital, the police were going to humanely shoot the dog to avoid him suffering at the police station until the animal control shelter was open. Upon learning this, the woman insisted on taking the dog herself to the emergency hospital where Gina works. She was actually willing to pay for some of the costs but Gina insisted that 4P1H pay for the medical needs which included treating for shock and some minor abrasions and bruising. The lady contacted the police to let them know the whereabouts of the dog and 24 hours later, the dog walked out the door with his owner. Had this caring woman not taken matters into her own hands, this dog would have been dead and not to the fault of the police. ANIMAL LOVERS, if you care, contact your city/township and find out what happens in your community. AND don’t let anyone tell you a story that sounds good. Ask questions and dig for the truth. Most cities/townships do not have contracts with REAL after-hour emergency hospitals. I’m not talking about hospitals that are open a few hours longer than others or have a 1/2 day week-end service. I’m talking about places like the Animal Urgent and Critical Care Center in Harper Woods, Wilson’s Veterinary Hospital in Romeo, and I’m sure there are a few others. Sure it will cost your community a little more but isn’t this the moral thing to do. This dog could have been your poor animal who was accidentally let out of his house/yard. We can make a difference! ~ diana

Boaters Practice Safety for Your Pets

7/4/12 Keep in mind if you have an animal in a boat always make sure they’re safe and restrained somehow. A Labrador jumped out of a boat today and got caught in the propeller. Owners were absolutely devastated. This was a terrible ACCIDENT that ended fatally. Never assume that it can’t happen to you. Always pay close attention to your animals safety… ~ Gina

 7/5/12  How many times have we talked about animals who are allowed to roam freely (mainly dogs) in a car, stick their heads out of the windows (or sunroofs as I saw the other day), or sit on their owner’s laps. If you’re a boater or happen to dine or visit on the water, how many times have you seen dogs walking around the boat or sitting on the bow unrestrained. We, as responsible pet owners, need to take responsibility for the safety of our pets. I feel so very bad for this family but, if you care, you must consider putting the same rules in place that you would for your children. ~ diana
 Lori Jobak(4Paws Health & Wellness)  And, if I may add the following advice: please buy a doggie flotation jacket for the docks and for boating!! Not all dogs know how to swim and when panic stricken, can quickly drown. Strong water/waves/currents can lead to fatalities. Certain breeds and body structures cause some dogs to be “sinkers”.

Dodger – Thrown from a Car on I-94

This is Dodger. On June 17, 2012 he was thrown from a car on I-94. One of the staff at the Animal Urgent and Critical Care Center witnessed the incident and rescued him. Dodger lost several teeth, bit his tongue in half and his lip was torn away from his jaw. His jaw appeared to be broken but he is now healing well. Dodger was taken in by Venus and her husband, Jeff, who were very willing to pay for his injuries. 4P1H insisted on paying for the medical treatment and they are keeping this 13 week old baby until she can be adopted out. They are currently working on trust issues with him. Let us know if you are interested in adopting him at a later time. ~ diana