My Long Lost Friend

I never thought this would ever happen but I miss a dog. A dog named Bear- in particular. Well let me tell you a little bit about Bear’s story.

One afternoon a lady came in panicked carrying a pillow with this dog just lying on it- not even moving. I jumped on the counter and watched the brown dog; he was too weak to stand and was so skinny. I felt sorry for the little boy and felt even worse once I heard the story from the lady.

It was early January and freezing cold outside. The owner of the house had to go to the hospital for a month. Meanwhile the landlord went ahead and boarded up the house not knowing there was a dog living under the house. And there he lived for an entire 4 weeks. He lived only on eating snow for hydration and possibly some rats for food. Finally after the owner came back, he heard the dog moving under the house. So his daughter went under the house and took the dog out. He was so skinny and only weighed 26lbs. My heart just sank; I couldn’t believe how small he was.

Kelly took him in the office and just placed him on the warm bed, his tail wagged slowly and she told him that everything will be okay now, and named him Bear. Several months later you couldn’t recognize Bear; he had gained 20lbs and looks great. Bear stole all of my attention from everybody and at first I didn’t like it, but Bear grew on me and we became buddies. Kelly and Kayla taught Bear everything, of course while I supervised.

He was incredibly goofy and loved to play with everyone. Bear was adopted 3 weeks ago and I miss him terribly who would have thought. Bear if you only know how much I miss you.

 

Green-eyed Girl

Mondays is usually quiet and relaxing around here- but this Monday was something special.

It started out a slow typical morning. I ate some delicious food, slept, ventured around, and slept some more. I watched as the manager, Kelly replied to a bunch of emails and answered phones. So I dozed off one more time, only to be woken by the door bell that someone has came in to visit us. It was about 1:30 in the afternoon, and a nice lady and her son walked in carrying a cardboard box with something in it.  Well of course me being the boss of the facility; I had to take a look at what was in the box. I crawled over the counter to take a peek and saw this sad little puppy face looking back at me. She was a small brown shepherd mix with these saddest green eyes looking back at me. I knew as soon as I saw her; Kelly was going to fall in love.

I could just see the fleas jump off of the little puppy, she was infested and filthy. Kelly and a volunteer, Kayla gave the new puppy a couple baths to get her nice and clean. They named the green-eyed girl, Chloe. Chloe was scared of people and didn’t want any interaction.

It’s now a few days later, and the scared, flea infested puppy that came in is a completely different girl. Chloe goes home every night with a volunteer and gets treated like royalty. She is no longer timid and she told me that she really enjoys people now- I think it’s because she gets lots of love and attention. Chloe is in the process of learning to sit and I think she is doing great! I watch her play everyday with the tons of toys that cover the office floor and of course play with Bear.

I will never forget the scared puppy that came in a cardboard box that quiet Monday morning and I will surely remember the exuberant girl that she is today.

 

Mae- a scaredy cat

A few weeks ago a very shy cat named Mae was surrendered to the shelter by her owners.  She is a Himalayan cat with blue eyes.  I told her she’d be fine here, but she wasn’t convinced.  If I were Mae, I wouldn’t be either.  In Mae’s former home she didn’t have much contact with her owners; in fact, they let her hide out in a closet all the time.  Then when they tried to engage her, Mae lashed out to protect herself; when you’re shy and scared, that’s what you do—defend yourself.

Being shy and not having contact with humans is not an option at this shelter.  The staff and volunteers work hard to make each animal’s time here pleasant and help the animals to become more adoptable.  Mae gets brushed every day, and she has learned to love it!  I told her it was a big perk of living here…  Each day this cat becomes more affectionate and loving.  She actually wants human contact now.

Mae reminds me of two other cats I’ve had the privilege to know, Beau and Max.  Beau was a Norwegian Forest brought found wandering a neighborhood.  A volunteer spent months feeding him and building his trust enough to catch him and bring him to the shelter.  Then he was so scared that he would eat only in her presence.  Max, a gorgeous Maine Coon mix, was rescued from the pound.  He’d claw and bite anyone who would come near him and had to be handled with thick gloves.  These cats became two of the most loving and sweet cats I’ve ever met.  Max would throw himself against his cage to be petted and held when his favorite volunteer arrived; when he first came to the shelter, he was terrified of this same volunteer and tore into her hand with his claws.

Mae, Beau, and Max—three of the most beautiful cats ever to come through this shelter (not counting me, of course).  All Beau and Max needed was love.  All Mae needs is love.

 

Animals are good for People

A lot of people out there think animals aren’t good for anything or only serve functions like keeping mice and rats away, serving as protection, or herding cows or sheep. Animals provide a lot more than this to humans, and I should know.

We get a lot of magazines at the Robeson County Humane Society, and they’re full of articles about the benefits of pet ownership. I’m sure you’re thinking about companionship and that dog who went everywhere with you as a child or the cat who slept right beside you, but there’s a lot more to the equation. Research indicates that benefits of pet ownership include: a reduction in stress and cholesterol levels, decreased feelings of loneliness. In fact petting an animal can cause the human’s body to release more dopamine and serotonin, which combats feelings of depression. Science is showing what we animals have always known—that we’re good for humans. Think about it—pets are in senior centers and retirement homes. Pets are used to rehabilitate people with chronic conditions and injuries and people in jail. Animals are good for your people’s heart due to stress and cholesterol reduction. Dogs, in particular, may help improve the heart muscle. After all, what is walking a dog but exercise? Now there’s a way to get the benefit of walking a dog without owning one. This is pretty neat because I overhear a lot at the shelter, and I’ve come to realize that there are a lot of people who like to be around animals but don’t want or can’t have the responsibility of pet ownership.

One of the shelter volunteers, Alayna DeFalco, had a great idea to help these people. Using her background in Exercise Physiology, she started a program called “Saving 2 Beating Hearts”. People with chronic health conditions can come in to our shelter and walk dogs that have been certified by the program (as easy to handle on a leash) around a designated path outside the shelter. They’re provided with pedometers, and Alayna tracks their changes in weight, body composition, blood pressure, and overall behavior. People get a workout partner to make them more accountable, and dogs get more exercise. Everyone wins. The best thing about this program is that it’s not only at our shelter. Any shelter that wants to participate in the program can—Alayna can help set up everything.

 

The story of a scared Dalmatian

As many of you already know, I enjoy being lazy in the front office. I can hear everything that goes on, all the stories people tell and all the stories of the animals that the people hear. But there is this one story I will never forget. It all started with a photo of a scared dalmatian named Zack.
I watched one morning as Kelly came in and did her usual routine- walk Bear, feed Bear, clean up puppies and finally check emails- which usually can take awhile. But this morning was beginning to be very different. The phone rang very early and Kelly answered. I could easily hear the panic voice on the other end. I stared at her as she became visibly upset. She hung up the phone and sat for awhile. Something was wrong there was a lot of tension in the air as she called Kayla, her assistant. They began to speak of a rescue that needed our help. They were needed to do an evaluation on a dalmatian that was deemed very aggressive at a facility close by. They said that the dog may be very dangerous and they needed to take extra caution when going to see him. Of course they agreed to take a look. I would obviously never let them not try to help an animal out.
They began to fuss over something on the computer- and of course I had to find out what it was. I snuck over the countertop and took a peek. There on the screen was a photo of the most scared and nervous Dalmatian I had ever seen. His eyes were pure panic and he was very thin and dirty. You could tell this dog was absolutely terrified, he did not show an ounce of happiness. They spoke quietly and nervously about this dog. And started to read some of the comments on the picture. He was not far from us and they decided to go over and see the dog in person. They flew out the office and were on their way.
A few hours went by before they arrived back. I was very anxious to hear what they had to say. I propped myself on the desk and sat back and listened. They spoke of a dog that needed alot of work- a very scared, nervous boy. They talked about how they gave him tons of cookies to try and tried to make him happy but nothing seemed to completely break him out of his shell. They said he would need an experienced person to work often with Zack and how he would benefit from being in a quiet environment. A couple days went by before they saw Zack again. But the next time they did it was a life or death situation.
They studied the computer to see if anybody had raised enough funds to help Zack out. The manager knew Zack didn’t have enough time to wait around for money to may or may not come in. So she called- and the news was terrifying. Kayla called about 11 am in the morning just to check on Zack and see if anybody has helped him out. Nobody had- and he was being euthanized in less than hour. Again the manager flew out of the building and was on her way to save Zack. I was so nervous and paced and paced around the building.  Then I heard the car pull in the driveway; they arrived- with the scared dalmatian following slowly behind them. I was so happy to see that Zack was safe! I tried to comfort him and let him know that everything was gong to be okay. They took the skinny dalmatian back to his new home, to let him relax and adjust.
The few hours, I sat and just watched Zack. He seemed to be transforming into a completely different dog than the sad nervous one on the computer. He was happier, lively, and seemed to be smiling. His tail began to wag faster and faster and Zack started to whine. The next day the manager went out and saw a complete flip-flop in Zack. He was jumping up and down when he saw her and was wagging his tail so hard! He is already getting spoiled with bones and toys and everybody here is in love with him.
Zack still needs a lot of rehabilitation but will one day become the great Dalmatian he is destined to be. I guess it will be okay with me to share the spotlight- but just this once. Welcome to your new temporary home, Zack. Everybody loves you.

 

Baby and Midnight

We have another baby at the shelter right now, a black cat named Baby. He’s not quite fully grown and full of life. Some of the volunteers let him out to play each day and laugh about how fast he runs laps around the room.

His tail was cut before he got to us, so he has sort of a stumpy tail; I think that adds to his charm. I’m a pretty good judge of cat personality, as you might imagine, and I like him. He’s got spunk.

Baby came from a home with another male cat named Midnight. They share a very large cage at the shelter. Midnight is shy, but once you pay attention to him, he starts to open up and enjoy the attention. I find this to be true of most people, too. Once I begin to pay attention to them, they change. We all, people and cats, like attention and affection.

Midnight is shy about coming out of his cage, but if I had come from a large home to a kennel in small room full of other cats in kennels, I’d be freaked out, too. Midnight has a few volunteers he loves because they brush him, talk to him, and scratch his head and neck. I think Midnight is handsome; he has long black hair, gorgeous eyes and one white whisker (the rest are black). I don’t think Midnight and Baby are related; except for both being black, they look nothing alike, and Midnight is fully grown. However, they curl up in the kennel together, eat from the same dish, and seem happy to remain together.

They’re a good pair, I think, a potential lap cat and a mischievous cat. What more could one home want?

 

A mama & her babies

A little over a month ago, we had puppies born at the shelter.  Another rescue didn’t have a good place for a beagle named Pixie to have her puppies, so we took in Pixie.  You have never seen people doting on an animal so much.  At some point during Pixie’s labor, Kelly (the shelter manager) and Kayla (a shelter employee) realized Pixie’s labor wasn’t progressing and called the veterinarian, who recommended Pixie go to the vet immediately.  At least four people were involved in helping the dog out the door.  I told you they were doting!

Anyway, Pixie delivered six puppies via C-section.  They are the stars of the shelter right now!  Every volunteer and staff member has taken pictures of them at some point.  Everyone wants to hold them and play.  It’s a good thing I’m not the jealous type.  Actually, I like them, too.  Everyone, me included, goes to watch their antics.  They’re constantly entertaining.  Because there are so many puppies at the shelter right now, it’s easier on the staff to give the puppies themed names, so all of these puppies are named for characters in the film, Aladdin.  We’ve got three males named Sultan, Aladdin, and Jafar and three females named Rajah, Genie, and Eden. I have seen many puppies and believe that these cuties are full-blooded beagles. Many people have a favorite puppy from among the bunch; me, I like them all. I think they’ve exhausted Pixie; she seems much more interested in human companionship than her puppies now. 

Once Pixie had her babies, she told me a little about herself. She was found by the previous rescue wandering around a very busy highway, very, very pregnant. I noticed she has a large scar underneath her entire jaw, she didn’t seem to want to talk about that. But I know it must have been something bad that hurt her. The special thing about Pixie is her great love for humans.  During labor and after the puppies’ birth, she never minded people looking in on or even holding her puppies.  She is truly sweet, and trust me, I speak from experience on dog temperament.  If Pixie’s babies grow up to be anything like her, they’ll be great dogs.  Soon they’ll be ready to be adopted, and Pixie is ready any time.

 

About us

We are the Robeson County Humane Society located in Lumberton NC. We focus on adopting dogs and cats to forever homes. We were founded to find loving homes for adoptable animals, and promote responsible pet ownership throughout the county with an emphasis on spaying and neutering.

• Our primary goal is to rescue and find appropriate placements for homeless animals.
• Adoptable & treatable animals that demonstrate no signs of aggression will remain at our facility until the right home is found for them.
• We believe in educating our community about responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals.  We also practice progressive spay/neuter and adoption programs.
• Adoption applications are not necessarily approved on a first come, first served basis.  Our goal is to find the right family for the right animal, and the right animal for the right family.  Therefore, we reserve the right to approve applications that appear to be the best fit for both the adopter and the adoptee

We are always in need of volunteers to help take care of the animals. Our volunteers can help us walk the dogs or play with them in our play yard. Or if your a cat lover, you can take our cats to their own play room. There is always something exciting happening here at RCHS.

PJ playing outside

 

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my blog! I’m glad you found it. My name is Soffee, and as you’re going to learn, I have a lot to say. I live in one of the most hectic and entertaining places in the world—and no, it’s not New York City or London or some other large city. It’s the no- kill shelter owned and operated by the Robeson County Humane Society (RCHS). I’m not an ordinary shelter cat hoping to get adopted to a loving home. The shelter is my loving home; I’m the resident caretaker. Before I tell you about the animals, staff, and volunteers at the shelter (and trust me, I’ve got some great stories lined up for this blog), here are 10 interesting things about me:
1. I came to the shelter with another cat when our elderly owner (and devoted humane
society volunteer) couldn’t care for us any longer. The other cat got adopted quickly.
2. After trying a new family, I decided the shelter should be my permanent home. The staff
and volunteers are my family. Now I’ve lived at the shelter for over two years.
3. I have a bed on the reception desk to greet anyone who comes to the shelter.
4. I have free roam of a large portion of the shelter, so I see everything that occurs. I am the
only animal with this privilege.
5. I attend every meeting held at the shelter, and I have a wing chair for my exclusive use
during meetings. If someone sits in it, I get mad!
6. I’m not scared of dogs at all. In fact, I find them interesting.
7. Here’s a strange fact about me: on a warm day, I like the front door of the shelter to be
open. I’ll go stand right at the door frame and sniff the outside air and feel the breeze,
but I won’t go outside. Weird, huh?
8. The other cats and I have listened to a lot of types of music at the shelter. I prefer classic
rock and oldies (which is what we’re listening to currently—thank goodness!).
9. I have a lot of nicknames, and I’ll answer to each one.
10. I love cat treats and being brushed (hint, hint).

Please check back in frequently—I told you I’ve got a lot to say.