“The Pet Pulse” Winter 2014 JACKSON HITS THE JACKPOT! Dear Friends of AAF and Animals, Many of you may have met me. I was formerly known as Lotto at the Animal Adoption Foundation from 2012-2014. You see, I was abandoned in a box, scared and confused. Kind people took me in and took care of me for two years. One of the volunteers named me Lotto. She said that I must have hit the lottery because I was rescued. The staff and volunteers always said that I would hit the real lottery when I was adopted into a family of my own. I was happy to hear from the other AAF kitties that I lived with that my life was not in danger anymore and that I was safe. They also told me that many nice families come to the shelter looking to adopt cats and that I was going to be just fine. Next, I’ll tell you the story that my parents like to tell me over and over. It makes my big kitty heart smile every time I hear it, and I just want all of you to know I’m such a grateful and happy boy with a family of my own now! First of all, my parents renamed me Jackson and I like it! I have two sisters, also adopted from AAF; Special Agent Bishop (formerly “Fiona”) and Detective Beckett (formerly “Sarafina”). I love them very much. Where did my name come from, you may ask? I am named after an NCIS character, Special Agent Gibbs’ father, Jackson, a World War II veteran. My parents knew I had a rough life prior to coming to the shelter and then not having a family of my own for almost two years, so they thought the name was very fitting. My mom tells me that before they adopted me they first came to the AAF looking for a dog. My dad wandered off to my cat room and was drawn to my enormous size (I’m 16 pounds) and my purr-sonality. He thought I was cool because I was somewhat grumpy and rough around the edges, but he could see beneath that how much of a softie at heart I really am. My parents left that day without adopting a dog or a cat. I hoped that the kind man would return. I thought we made a connection and I was right! My mom tells me that dad checked the AAF website for three weeks after the initial visit just to see if I was still available for adoption. On May 21, 2014, my mom came home from work and found a cat carrier with the exact amount of cash for a cat adoption set in the carrier. My mom also tells me that she smiled and knew exactly what to do. She headed straight to the AAF and officially made me a part of their family. I was a little shy when she first brought me home; however, I was able to finally relax. I share my cuddles and affectionate side with my human parents every day and they remind me all the time about how loved I am and how I’m such a special part of their family. Those words are music to my feline ears and words every kitty waiting for a home dreams of hearing. You will read about several featured cats and dogs in this issue of the newsletter that have been at the Animal Adoption Foundation for too long. Please consider taking a cue from my parents and adopt a rescue pet. They are all waiting for caring people like you to give them some space in your home and love. They will not ask for much and you will be saving a life. You will also save an additional life because a space will open up at the shelter for another homeless pet. These pets you read about are my friends who are patiently waiting for special people of their own. I used to be one of them and they are in my thoughts. Happy Holidays! Purrs and Meows! Jackson (Lotto) OFF THE CUFF . WITH DR. DUFF! Focus on Heartworm Disease How does a dog get heartworm? A dog gets heartworm from being bitten by a mosquito infected with parasites called Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworms are worms that live in the heart and major blood vessels of the lungs and can grow very large, up to a foot long. How is heartworm disease transmitted from one pet to another? Adult female heartworms living in an infected dog, fox, coyote, or wolf produce microscopic baby worms called microfilaria that circulate in the bloodstream. When a mosquito bites and takes a blood meal from an infected animal it picks up these baby worms, which develop and mature into “infective stage” larvae over a period of 10 to 14 days. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another animal, the larvae exit the mosquito's mouth and are deposited onto the surface of the animal's skin. The infective larvae can then actively enter the new host through the mosquito’s bite wound. Once inside a new host, it takes approximately 6 months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. Once mature, heartworms may live for 5 to 7 years, and because of their longevity, each mosquito season can lead to an increasing number of worms in our pets. How can I tell if my dog has heartworm disease? Early on, many dogs show little or no symptoms. The longer the infection persists, the more likely symptoms will develop. Clinical signs depend on the number of worms in the dog’s heart and major blood vessels, the dog’s lifestyle, and any other health issues the pet has. In dogs, signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure. Your veterinarian can perform a simple blood test to determine whether or not your dog has heartworm disease. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. How can heartworm disease be prevented? The good news is that it’s easy to prevent heartworm disease! There are oral and topical products available that are effective when given every month year-round. If you don’t already have your dog on heartworm prevention, or if you have questions about what products are available, please ask your veterinarian. If you would like to read more about heartworm disease, check out The American Heartworm Society’s Website at http://www.heartwormsociety.org Dr. Jodi Duff is a We want to thank the local veterinarians companion animal who have helped AAF pets over the years veterinarian at Oxford through their generosity: Veterinary Hospital. Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital She was born, raised Oxford Veterinary Hospital and attended Animal Care Clinic in Oxford veterinary school in Ohio. Okeana Veterinary Clinic Harrison Animal Hospital West Side Animal Clinic in Hamilton Woodridge Veterinary Hospital Our goal is to make sure that you and your pet are together for as long as possible and regular visits to your veterinarian are essential to achieve that goal. Prevention is always the key to any successful endeavor. We thank you and your pet thanks you. “The Pet Pulse” When “Odd” is Even Better! You may have heard the expression “A circle can’t fit where a square should be.” This is a story about “Huey,” not only a beloved shelter dog but also a sphere of inspiration that fit squarely into his new home. Huey is a German Shepherd Mix that came to the Animal Adoption Foundation in March of 2014. He, along with his brothers Dewey and Louie, were rescued from the Franklin County Animal Shelter in Indiana where conditions and time were not on the side of these sweet but shy pups. Upon arrival at the AAF, it was very clear that the three dogs had very little previous socialization and more than likely had always lived outdoors. Dewey and Louie quickly learned to adapt to their new, plush environment and were adopted by wonderful families after only a short stay at our shelter. Huey, on the other hand, was a bit different. He was a bit “odd.” Now when we use the word “odd,” we mean that in a purely loving and nurturing manner, of course. Huey quickly became a volunteer favorite because he loved the company of dogs which made him the perfect “play partner” for the other dogs in the shelter. We always try to pair up dogs so that they can have that dog-to-dog interaction that proves so valuable after adoption. We quickly learned that Huey loved ALL dogs, and we used this knowledge to help him come out of his shell with the human aspect of shelter life. Slowly but surely, Huey started to trust volunteers, but there was always that part of him that would not open up to human socialization. In September, Huey met a gentleman from Northern Kentucky who was looking for a canine to call his friend. He took Huey home for a short time to see how Huey would react to life in a home. Of course, Huey loved to go for walks and loved to be outside because that is where he was comfortable. Unfortunately, once Huey would come inside the house, he would completely shut down and revert back to his timid ways. Huey came back to the shelter after only a few days. The AAF staff and volunteers were not deterred.