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Last Updated:
11/20/2009 05:26 PM

OBXSPCA
PO Box 2477
Manteo, NC 27954
spca@darenc.com
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The Scoop Nov 3, 2009 -- Tuesday November 3rd, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino What an exciting place our (your) Animal Shelter is becoming! Halloween brought unprecedented fun and frivolity to our halls last week. We had volunteers and their kids in Saturday after the volunteer orientation and again Wednesday night to decorate the building and paint the “Haunted Dog House” and it was really a lot of fun. Thursday, “Promise, the Shelter Dog” accompanied us to Halloween Under the Sea at the North Carolina Aquarium and was an absolute smash with the kids! He came back covered in chocolate! PUMPKIN CARVING DJ’S SUPPORT THE SPCA Thanks, too to Scott and Autumn from Dixie 105.7 for remembering our homeless animals when they had their pumpkin carving contest! Each DJ carved a pumpkin and their listeners voted on which was the best Jack-o-Lantern with proceeds to benefit the Outer Banks SPCA. We got a bit of a late start on this one but we hope to expand it in to something bigger next year. Thanks again, guys and we’re still waiting to hear who won the contest! ADOPT A SHELTER DOG CAT Adopt a Shelter Dog month went well and we made quite a few matches helping several dogs get a second chance at a happy life. Thank you to all that adopted in October. Now that November is upon us and puppy season is about over, we need to think about finding some good homes for the many cats and kittens here at the Animal Shelter. We can offer you almost any age, color, or personality you may be looking for! Here are several reasons (from American Humane) why cats make good pets… • Cats will keep you entertained with their playful antics. • Cats are very affectionate and love to cuddle with you. • Having a cat can reduce your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. • Cats are very clean -- they bathe themselves! • Cats are independent and can be left alone while you are at work. • Cats do not need to be housebroken -- using the litter box comes naturally to them. • Cats do not need a lot of space. They are perfect pets for apartments and smaller homes. • Taking care of a cat can help teach a child responsibility and humane values. • Cats get plenty of exercise living indoors. Just 15 minutes of playtime each day will satisfy a cat. • Approximately 4 million homeless cats end up in animal shelters every year in the United States. By adopting, you’ll be saving a life. WAGS and WHISKERS GALA! Time’s running out to get your tickets to the “Wags and Whiskers Gala”. The fund raiser will be held on Friday, November 20 at the North Carolina Aquarium. This event will benefit not only the Outer Banks SPCA, but the Friends of Pooh Canine and Feline cancer fund, the Animal Lover’s Assistance League of Currituck, Coastal Humane Society, and Feline Hope! Check the website www.wagsandwhiskersgala.com for more information. BUFORD GOES WEST-Part II In the last issue of The Scoop, we met “Buford the Shelter Dog”, a Chow/ Border collie mix that was adopted from the Shelter in August. As you may recall, we left Buford and his new owner, Jim on their trip out West. Buford wrote to tell us about riding in an RV with Jim and his new cat friend, “Wingnut”. We followed them to the Badlands of South Dakota, the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore, and finally to Wyoming and the Oregon Trail. That’s where we rejoin, Buford, owner Jim, and the cat (Wingnut) as they find themselves suddenly surrounded by buffalo late at night in the camper… “…at about 2AM, just as they were getting ready to attack, I heard them and started barking like crazy. Jim hit his head when he tried to get up to see what was going on, but they were already running off as fast as they could go. Even though I saved him from the blood-thirsty killers, all he did was tell me to be quiet and go back to sleep. Later, we climbed a big hill. Jim said this ditch was made by wagons pulled by mules and oxen long ago. I’ll bet they had dogs along to protect them from the wild buffalo that used to live there! Then we went to a neat ranch near Fort Collins. That’s in Colorado. I met lots of nice people. They had buffalo and elk too, but lucky for them, they kept them fenced in so I didn’t have to show them who’s boss. I did try to show the dogs there that I was boss but Jim made me go wait in the truck while he and his human friends got ready for a wedding. That night, Jim, his littermate and his fiancé went to dinner and left me in the backyard by myself. I picked the lock on the gate and went exploring by myself. Boy, did I get lost and I wandered around Colorado for a long time! Finally, some people found me and took me to a place like yours [Animal Shelter]. They found that I had my brand new microchip and were able to call Jim to come and get me. Jim’s littermate came and got me. He gave me a bath and put me in a box. Then they put me on something called an “airplane” and sent me to a place called Washington, DC. I couldn’t see much on the way to Washington and I think I should have ridden back with Jim and Wingnut. Anyway, Jim came up and met me in Washington and I’m back at the big house again. I’m starting to calm down and we go walking lots of times. I guess I’m getting old or something, I even let Wingnut walk on the floor sometimes, now. So that’s what’s been happening with me. Thanks for finding me a home! Your friend for life, Buford. What a great story. Quite an adventure for a shelter dog! ADOPTIONS! We are always glad to announce that our little ones have met their matches and have moved on to start new lives. Adopted since last we spoke were Soul, Biggiss, Carly, Cody, Hobbie, 2 Brunos (Bruno the Pug and Bruno the cat), Sinbad, Ruble, Dude, and three unnamed roosters that were picked up Running-at-Large in Manteo! We mean it when we ask that you bring ‘em back to visit- or at least send pictures! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: When will the Dare County Tags for 2010 go on sale and how do I go about registering my dog? A: December 1st the new licenses will go on sale. They will be available at the Shelter, our satellite offices in Kill Devil Hills and Frisco, or by mail- you can download a form from our website or watch the paper for a mail-in. We also will be sending out reminder cards in early December to those with 2009 tags so you can get “Sparky” a whole new jingle for Christmas! UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

The Scoop Oct 20, 2009 -- Thursday October 22nd, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Welcome back! Wow, it’s been a busy October at the Outer Banks SPCA/ Dare County Animal Shelter! We broke yet another record with our Fall Rabies Clinic by giving over 130 Rabies Vaccinations. Open House was held Saturday the 10th and we welcomed about 50 visitors, served hot dogs, and cake, and introduced our new mascot, “Promise”. His name refers to the commitment that we have made to do our best for the animals of these Outer Banks. We also took this opportunity to show off our newly renovated, brighter, more colorful kennels! Come down and take a look. ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH Adopt a Shelter Dog Month continues at the Animal Shelter and I’ve got to say that it’s been a great couple of weeks for our four legged friends! Ten dogs were placed in good, permanent homes and we have more applications pending. Puparrazi Pet Bow-Tique in Manteo continues their offer of a free bandanna and 50% off an ID Tag for all dogs adopted this month! There are cats and kittens galore, too, for you ailurophiles (cat lovers). Also in October: Volunteer Orientation for the month will be held at the Shelter on Saturday October the 24th and Halloween Under the Sea at the North Carolina Aquarium will be Thursday October 29th. The “Wags and Whiskers Gala” will be held on Friday, November 20 at the North Carolina Aquarium. This event will benefit not only the Outer Banks SPCA, but the Friends of Pooh Canine and Feline cancer fund, the Animal Lover’s Assistance League of Currituck, Coastal Humane Society, and Feline Hope! Check the website www.wagsandwhiskersgala.com for more information. MORE EXCITING PROGRAMS Speaking of adoptions, we are looking at putting together a special package for senior citizens and/or senior dogs and cats. We haven’t worked out all of the details yet, but this will be an incentive program that should increase adoptions and help fill some of those empty nests at the same time! I’ll keep you posted as this comes together. Have you heard of the “Virtual Fostering” we’ve started? It came about as a spin-off of our volunteer program. Some of the young people that have been so good about volunteering expressed interest in fostering some of our dogs and cats but mom and dad were not quite sure. We have the kids choose a pet that needs help getting adopted, supply them with descriptive flyers with pictures, and send them out to spread the word to family, friends, teachers, neighbors and make that one animal their project. They can come in and work with their “virtual foster pet” making them more adoptable, put it on their Facebook or Myspace page and reach people in ways that we never could. (After their homework is finished, of course.) The kids are having fun, parents are happy, and more animals are getting more exposure. Everybody wins! Actual foster homes are something that we have been talking about for a long time now. We’ve experimented a bit with some of our staff this past summer and we hope to finish putting applications and contracts together for this endeavor soon. BUFORD GOES WEST-Part I I’d like to share with you an e-mail we received from “Buford”, a Chow, Border collie mix that was adopted from the Shelter in August. I remember Jim coming in on a Saturday from up in Virginia specifically to see Buford. He had seen him on our website. Well, they hit it off immediately and since Jim owned a home and had only one cat at home, we were able to get his application processed in a hurry. You see, Jim was headed out West and wanted Buford to accompany him on his trip. We even went so far as to meet Jim part way between here and home to make sure that they had some time together before they left for their big adventure-and what an adventure it turned out to be! Here are some excerpts from “Buford’s” letter…”I just thought I’d drop you a note to thank you for taking care of me while I lived there and say thanks for finding me a new home. I was a little confused at first because I moved into a big doghouse for a couple of days…and then to a little dog house on wheels and we traveled all the time. At first it was very exciting and I bounced all over the place trying to see everything, but then I figured out that it was mostly boring until we stopped somewhere. I really had it easy, the cat (I found out his name was “Wingnut”) took care of navigation, Jim steered and fed us, and I was just a tourist.” “We went to the Badlands of South Dakota and boy was it rough, no trees, or bushes or anywhere to leave a P-mail. Lots of funny looking rocks and stuff. Then we went to the Black Hills…they had some people made out of rocks [Mt. Rushmore]. They were very big but not a lot of fun, they just hung up there watching me. Jim said they were famous Presidents. I think there should have been some famous dogs up there too!” “We went to a neat little place where they had a bridge cut out of the hill by a creek in Wyoming. It was very pretty, but the owner said I couldn’t get out of the truck. I think I’ll call the ACLU and complain about discrimination and animal rights and stuff like that.” That night we stayed near a rock that said we were on the Oregon Trail. I didn’t see any trail there, but Jim said that was a long time ago. I did see a lot of Buffalo in the field. They were far away so I wasn’t worried. That night, though, they snuck right down to the truck and tried to get us while we were sleeping!” Will Jim, Buford, and the cat (Wingnut) escape the Buffalo? Will they get through the long and scary night at the Oregon Trail? You’ll have to tune in two weeks for Part II in the continuing adventures of Buford the Shelter Dog! SIXTEEN MORE ADOPTIONS! Nothing makes us happier here at the Animal Shelter than to report that our little friends have been adopted and are moving on to be a part of some one’s family. Some of this latest bunch had been with us longer than usual for different reasons and just reinforced our belief that there’s someone out there for each of them if we can just find them! Adopted since last we spoke were Daisy, Ginger, Fattie, Fred, Betty (Boop), Frizzy, Chino, Teddy, Sweet Pea, Max, Baby Girl, Scooby (the Shnoodle), Iggy the Iguana, Jessie, and littermates Barbie and Jack were adopted together which made everyone happy! The “Special Needs Adpotion Program” was responsible for Jessie and Ginger. I think it’s safe to say that some shelters would not have seen fit to adopt out many of these with special needs but we are blessed to have the space and the will to try a little harder for these guys. We are also blessed with generous and understanding families that want to give them a chance! Jessie is the sweetest little Hound dog. She was found in the Wildlife Refuge starving and missing large patches of hair way back in July. She was treated, fattened up and loved back into shape! Ginger is a twelve year old Beagle with the greatest personality and a lot of good years left to live with her new owner! We mean it when we ask that you bring ‘em back to visit- or at least send pictures! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: I just learned recently that the Animal Shelter and the SPCA is not the same thing. Can you explain this relationship? Mr. D.K. Southern Shores A: You are not alone. The Outer Banks SPCA is an independent Non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. This being said, the SPCA has contracted with Dare County for the last 15 years or so to operate the Dare County Animal Shelter and to provide Dare County Animal Control. UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

The Scoop Sep 22, 2009 -- Tuesday September 22nd, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Well, summer is officially over. You would never know it given the beautiful weather we have been having the last couple of weeks. We were concerned that our rehab of the kennels would be delayed by more of the rain that we saw this summer but the blue skies and cooler weather have everything moving along smoothly. It’s really going to be nice. We again apologize for any inconvenience while working on this project. LOW COST RABIES VACCINATIONS Low cost rabies vaccinations will be available for another entire week for Dare County residents at the Dare County Animal Shelter. Bring your dog or cat in during regular business hours Monday, October 5th through Friday October 9th, from 8:30am until 5pm (7pm on Wednesday) and from 9AM until 2PM on Saturday the 10th. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats will be only $5.00. Dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, please! All Dare County residents are welcome. Please call ahead if you plan to bring multiple animals, as we will be open for business as usual that week. 1ST ANNUAL 5K DOG WALK & SWIM! Time is running out to get in on this one! The Outer Banks Family YMCA and the Outer Banks SPCA have joined forces to celebrate the First Annual 5K Dog Walk and Swim this Saturday, September 26th to commemorate the Y’s “America on the Move Week”. The Dog Walk will meet at the YMCA parking lot in Nags Head and is scheduled to begin at 9:30AM. The Dog Swim will follow at 10:30 at the outdoor pool! Registration fees will benefit the YMCA’s “We Build People Fund” and the Outer Banks SPCA and are $15 for YMCA members and $25 for non-members. This includes a T-shirt for owners and treats for humans and their canines! I’m told there will be games, prizes, and treats-hope to see you there! DONATIONS COME IN MANY FORMS We are always grateful for the donations that we receive here at the Shelter. Newspapers, pet food, treats and toys are such a help and especially during a time when everyone is still nervous about the economy. The people of Dare County always seem to rise to the occasion and show their generosity. Thanks again! In the above and beyond department, Lisa Penosky of Puparrazzi Pet Bow-Tique donated $65.00 raised by the sale of her “Mike on a Spike” dog cookies! These were gingerbread man style dog cookies on a rawhide stick sporting football helmets and a large #7 on their chest. Hmm…enough said? Rising Eagle Scouts Drew Keenan and Jonathon DeLucia took it upon themselves to collect sheets and towels from rental companies and distribute them to charitable organizations. They arrived out front with a rented box truck and set us up with several large bags of linens! Last but certainly not least, Mick Hannan of Mick’s Electrical and Paul Hicks saw our plea for help in disassembling the kennels and were an immense help in getting that accomplished. Mick has also donated new lighting for the kennel! These people are just incredible and I can’t express how much they are appreciated. EXCUSE OUR DUST! We want to thank all of you for your patience while we work on our kennel. Last week we packed up all of the dogs and sent them to vacation at the beach! Volunteers arrived out of nowhere and answered our call to disassemble the fencing and that went more smoothly than we had ever imagined! Our friends at the Kill Devil Hills Animal Shelter are helping by allowing us to board some of our dogs there until the job is done, thank goodness. The rest of the kids are being boarded at Hatteras Island Pet Resort in Rodanthe. Imagine- one day they are at the Animal Shelter and the next they are at the “Pet Resort”. I can picture them in lounge chairs on the beach with their sunglasses sipping on a cool drink! Seriously, though, much thanks to both of these fine establishments for their help. It has been a long time coming but we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel (kennel). The job of reassembling the kennel gates and fencing will be ours and any one interested in putting in a little time for a good cause is welcome to come by and help. We hope to have an open house in early October to show off our new digs! I’ll keep you posted. TEN HEARTS STOLEN ON OUTER BANKS! Since last we met, ten more hearts were stolen on the Outer Banks! Adopted and starting over are Torrie, Roxy, Keegan, Gideon, Mudflap, Emmy, Michaelangelo, Simba and two that were with us for a long time-Wednesday and Mulligan, Finally! We mean it when we ask that you bring ‘em back to visit- or at least send pictures! Some people keep in touch long after they’ve gone home. Cooper is a Black Lab that was the first dog that I met when I came to work here. He and his people came to visit last week and he looks great! I also have two more testimonials to share. Diane’s family adopted a kitten. She writes: “I was blessed to visit your Manteo location in June and on my second visit found the perfect kitten for our family. You all had named him "Bizarre" and we renamed him "Riggo" (after John Riggins of Redskins fame!). Riggo joined our 10 yr. old cat Sonny (named after Sonny Jurgenson, former Redskin quarterback...do you detect a pattern here?) who was also adopted from your Manteo facility! Riggo has livened up our household (grown with married children, we are in our late 50's and empty nesters) so much I can't imagine a day without him. He has awakened a new liveliness in Sonny also, following the death of our 18-yr. old cat that had been his lifelong companion. Riggo makes us laugh every day, almost hourly...he does sleep from time to time. I commend your staff for their caring attitudes for all the animals received and adopted through the SPCA. I know we are a true success story and will continue to use your facility for future pet needs. Thanks again for a wonderful addition to our home! Riggo maintains some "bizarre" qualities, but is truly loveable and cuddly!” Diane We also heard back from “Gentle Ben’s” new dad: “My name is David and in early July I was fortunate to have adopted Ben. He is a black Lab maybe two years old. I am glad to inform you that Ben is now Linus and we are both happy. He is well adjusted to our home, gets regular walks and has become a happy dog again!” David sent a nice picture of Ben for our “Wall of Fame” with his note. You all keep those cards and letters coming-this is what it’s all about! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: I’ve been hearing a lot about the Volunteer Program at the Animal Shelter. How do I get involved? A: This is really turning out to be a lot of fun. We ask that you sign up to attend an orientation which includes a tour of the facility and will help us get to know each other. We’ll go over the different opportunities to volunteer whether it is for animal care, events, socializing the animals, or even office work. Come by the Shelter or give Christine a call at our administrative office at 475-1587 and we’ll get you signed up! UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

The Scoop Aug 25, 2009 -- Thursday August 27th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino I’m sure that we at the Animal Shelter are not alone in our relief that Hurricane Bill passed us by. That was a big storm that came way too close for comfort. On that note, let’s go over our Disaster Preparedness Plans together, shall we? DISASTER PREPAREDNESS REMINDERS Hurricane season is here again and while there is any number of scenarios for natural and man-made emergencies, it is the storms that are most on our minds right now. If there is anything good about a hurricane, it is that there is usually some warning that gives us time to prepare. Let’s take advantage of that and get our plans together for us, our families and our pets. We’ve been over a lot of this before but here it is again in a nutshell: • Make evacuation plans now. Research and verify at least two different places where you and your pets can go should you have to evacuate. Friends or relatives well inland are your best bet. If these are not options for you, many hotels and motels are now “pet friendly”. Keep in mind that reservations will be hard to come by at the last minute so have a list of several. • Have your pet evacuation kit prepared and ready to go. Include the basics- food, water, bowls, cat litter, litter boxes, and medications to last up to five days. Carriers and crates will be needed for each animal should you have to stay at a shelter. • Copies of vet records and especially vaccination records are extremely important. • Probably one of the most important things that you can do for “Sparky” is to make sure he has identification. Rabies tags, I.D.tags, appropriate licenses, and microchips will all help to keep you together in the confusion of an evacuation. • Pictures of yourself with your pets will also help to prove ownership if necessary. We encourage any of you that may need advice or assistance in your planning to contact us and we will be glad to help you. DISASTER RELIEF VOLUNTEERS Our preparations have come a long way since last year. Our Disaster Response Vehicle is stocked with supplies and we have started another cache of necessities in Rodanthe. What we need to do now is to update our lists of volunteers, contacts, and those with facilities or equipment that may be available to help in the event of an emergency. We are especially interested in contacts south of Oregon Inlet. Should we have to move our animals out of the Shelter, we’ll be counting mostly on volunteers to help care for them at a temporary shelter inland. We assume we’ll be busy with animal control and rescues for a while immediately after an event. We also want to keep a current list of those of you with animals that may be in need of help in a bad situation. Feel free to contact me, Rich, at the Shelter (475-5620) or the SPCA administrative office (475-1587) if you’d like to help or to discuss any aspect of the planning. Thanks in advance! GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT In mid-September, the Outer Banks SPCA will be replacing the epoxy flooring in the entire kennel for the Dare County Animal Shelter. This has been an issue for years now as the old floor has continued to deteriorate. Our friends at the Kill Devil Hills Animal Shelter will be allowing us to board some of our dogs there until the job is done, thank goodness. It will be an inconvenience, but well worth it in the long run. The job of disassembling and reassembling the kennel gates and fencing will be ours and any one that can handle a wrench and screwdriver is welcome to come by and help! We’ll have a better idea of exact dates and times for this project by the next issue of The Scoop. SPECIAL FOLKS RALLY FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PETS I’m sure that you’ve heard by now that the Outer Banks SPCA/ Dare County Animal Shelter is making an extra effort to try to improve our adoption rates. One of the ways that we are doing this is to look for more options for some of our “Special Needs” pets that may not have been considered adoptable in the past. Hawkeye & Abby are two excellent examples. Hawkeye is a little Rottweiler mix pup that was found in Eastlake with a broken leg that was a pretty easy fix. Abby, you probably met up here in the office. She is a six-year old black Lab mix that really got passed by only because she had gray on her muzzle. A really outstanding dog that sits, stays, comes when you call, plays ball, and is full of love and energy. We just had to find the right person! And we did! For both of them and they’re on their way to living happily ever after. So we are inspired by the success that we’re having and are now trying to help Charlotte, a sweet, yellow lab (only four years old) that has heartworms and Shadow, another older guy that has been overlooked. Shadow’s owner passed away and he needs a new companion-again a lab mix with a lot of love to give but six or seven years old. Jesse is an adorable, young Beagle mix that desperately needs a purpose in life. She came to us with a bad skin problem that is completely cleared up and now is looking for attention. I spoke with our good friend Lisa, owner of Puparazzi Pet Bow-tique in Downtown Manteo and she made some inquiries and an e-mail volley ensued that shows just how this community cares… • From: "OBX Pet Gallery" Hi, we will do a $20.00 gift certificate for each of the 3 dogs (they could get a single frontline, food, or anything they chose). Good luck, Jodie • Thank you very much for that. I'll add a "Four Seasons" Bandanna pack & a gift certificate for a FREE ID tag. Lisa Penosky, Puparazzi! Pet Bow-tique • From: "Susan - Salty Paws Biscuits" I would be happy to donate a gift basket for the 3 of them that would include biscuits, a salty paws waterbowl, tennis ball, sample size shampoo, sample size conditioner, and a dry towel. Susan So, now we have an extra incentive to get these special kids the attention they will need for people to see their true colors-thanks guys! DONATIONS OF NOTE Twin sisters, Isabella and Savannah Josey raised $24.90 to help us to help the animals by selling lemonade and cookies at their mother’s open house. Thanks girls! We also had a beautiful, big conference table donated for our meeting room and the use of a giant stuffed dog costume that’s going to be a lot of fun and that I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot of. Both of these donations were made anonymously. We will be holding a contest to name our new, giant mascot. Stop by the shelter and put an entry in the box! I vote for “Sparky”, naturally. Thanks to our “mystery donors”. 14 ADOPTIONS The best part of our day at the Shelter is watching our little ones go out the door with their new families on the way to a new home and a second chance. We spoke about Abby & Hawkeye already but in addition, Melissa, Gypsy, Blue Tiger, M.J., Cody, Willow, Midnight, Princess, Merlin, Spencer, Casanova (the rabbit) and Chucho (the Guinea Pig). They all stole some hearts and were adopted since we met last. We mean it when we ask that you bring ‘em back to visit- or at least send pictures! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: When do my Dare County Dog tags expire? I always forget-will I be reminded? Ms. V.C., Manteo A: County tags expire every January 1st and there is a grace period that extends to the end of that month. We are determined to send reminder postcards out in early December so that “Sparky” can have his new tag on Christmas morning. The notices will be generated from a database of 2009 tag holders only. UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

The Scoop Aug 12, 2009 -- Wednesday August 12th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino In the last issue of The Scoop, I mentioned that we were running short on newspapers at the Animal Shelter and I thought that as long as we were being humble and asking for help, I’d put our “wish list” out at the same time. The response from the public was just amazing. All week, a little at a time, you showed us what we already knew- that the people of Dare County, even in tough times, rise to the occasion to help each other. The newspaper pile grew slowly all week back to a healthy size and pet food, treats, toys, blankets, bleach and everything else that we asked about did too. Thank you all. HANNAH, KATIE & THE VOLUNTEERS! The generosity of this community will go on for generations to come. I can say this with confidence because we see the children stepping up and showing how strongly they feel about our mission to help the animals of Dare County. Case in point, Hannah and Katie. These two ten year olds spent their time selling drinks and chocolate chip cookies at their stand in Nags Head Acres and raised $56.05 that they turned right around and donated to the Outer Banks SPCA to help us to help the animals. Outstanding job, ladies! Our exciting, new and improved Volunteer Program has been growing beyond our wildest dreams. Almost 60 hours of volunteer time were logged in the month of July with folks of all ages helping to clean, groom and walk dogs, work with the cats, spruce up the Friends Memorial Garden, help photograph animals for the website and even do paperwork and data entry. We are again thankful to all that have stepped up. OUTER BANKS SPCA GETS OUT AND ABOUT Now that another busy summer has begun to wind down, the Outer Banks SPCA has been able to get out in to the community more often. We enjoy the special events and we had some real fun this past week. We visited Downtown Manteo twice last week. We were the honored guests at a book signing with celebrity pet expert, Charlotte Reed, author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Etiquette. She met with dog owners and autographed copies of her book at Puparazzi Pet Bow-tique. In her book, Reed instructs dog owners how to behave with their dogs so that they can be better dog owners, neighbors, customers, travelers and co-workers. A portion of her sales was contributed to the Outer Banks SPCA and we all had a lot of fun swapping pet tales. The SPCA also enjoyed a return to the First Friday celebration, again in Downtown Manteo, and we were happy to say that it is bigger and better than ever! Our Adoption Counselor, Candice was good enough to join us with a few of the kittens available for adoption at the Animal Shelter. Thanks Candice! RABIES- A REALITY CHECK Some disturbing news this week…a fox has tested positive for rabies in one of our northern communities. We don’t feel any reason to panic, but we thought you should be made aware. No one was hurt and the event was an exposure (handling rather than an actual bite) but is still taken quite seriously by Animal Control and the Dare County Health Department. Our advice continues to be to enjoy wildlife from a distance and be sure to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date. The following is reprinted from a column that I wrote last year and it seemed to help a lot of folks understand the fox “situation” a little better at that time. I hope we can do the same again. FOX CALLS ON THE RISE Foxes are a common sight on the Outer Banks from Dare County's northern border as far south as South Nag's Head. Over the last couple of months, Animal Control has received increasing numbers of complaints and requests for traps. We do our best to reassure callers that even though these animals can be intimidating, we have very few reports of any physical contact made between them and any person or pets. This does not mean that an altercation can't or won't happen. Unfortunately, it does not seem that this problem is one that is going to be easily solved. Consider these facts...The foxes are already well established here...The area that they inhabit is an island leaving them nowhere to move to... They have no natural predators here... State Rabies Law prohibits relocation of foxes...There is apparently plenty of food; enough to encourage a large and essentially healthy population and enough to make trapping difficult. Compounding all of this, the neighborhoods where the foxes seem to have the strongest presence are those in which a large number of homes are unoccupied at the very times when these creatures are mating and setting up dens in which to raise their young. Our summer population seems to return at just about the time that the new "kits" are getting out and about and are being protected and educated by their mothers. So what approach shall we take given the public concern? Certainly, there is no argument that these animals can be considered a nuisance. They can get in to the trash, carry disease, and intimidate homeowners and pets, making some afraid to go out in their own neighborhoods. We will, of course, continue to set traps as our resources allow. In the meantime, we all need to learn as much as we can about these creatures so that we can recognize the sick or truly aggressive ones and distinguish them from those that are merely trying to intimidate us or simply find a meal. You can help by noting strange behavior (a mere presence in the daytime is not indicative of illness), watch them to try and determine their patterns and food sources, and by all means, don't encourage them by feeding directly or passively by leaving your pet's food outside. Foxes are wild animals and they don't need to become any more comfortable with humans. "WITH FOXES WE MUST PLAY THE FOX"-Thomas Fuller Here are some interesting facts that may help us to understand the fox:  The fox is in the same family as dogs, coyotes, and wolves (Canidae) they will bark only occasionally as a warning but will more often be heard to whine or howl. The red fox may be black or silver but is always distinguished by the white tip on it's tail. The gray fox, which is also represented here, though to a lesser extent, can climb trees!  Foxes are opportunists. Their diet changes with the season-in the summer, they eat bugs and fruits -grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, berries, nuts, and grains. In the wintertime, they eat small animals like mice, birds, turtles, rabbits, eggs, and even carrion (road kill). In populated areas like ours they thrive on trash and pet food.  The red fox only uses her den to have her babies. They rest out in the open in tall grass or brush so they can spot predators. A den may have up to five entrances and a female (vixen) may have more than one den and will often move her babies (kits) from one to another while they are growing up.  Foxes usually hunt and live alone until the breeding season (in December) and will stay together for the 52-day gestation period. Afterwards, the male will bring food back to the vixen and her kits who will stay in the den for about six weeks.  At about the age of about three months (about this time of year), the fox parents are bringing back mice for the little ones to practice hunting and eating. By the age of six months, the kits are fully-grown and by October, most will head out on their own. Some of the females will stay with the mother and help her to raise the next litter of kits in the spring. So, as you can see, this is not a problem that will be solved overnight. We are blessed on the one hand to live in such a beautiful place where we have the opportunity to experience nature first hand. On the other hand, there is always a price to pay for such privilege. We are hoping to work towards a happy medium. This discussion should in no way cause you to hesitate to call Animal Control if you feel there is a problem in your neighborhood. Your calls are always welcome and we will be glad to help you in any way we can. 15 MORE ADOPTIONS! We continue to strive to increase our adoption rates and we are proud to report fifteen of our animals have moved on to start their new lives! Adopted since last we met were Bailey, Buster (aka Hooper), Hazel, Rocky, Morrison, Chico, Mayhem, Missy, Tara, our puppies- Juno, Jordan, Peaches and Peppermint (not to worry- we have seven new pups looking for homes) and Chaos-our latest office cat (finally). Daisy, the St. Bernard was also adopted through our “Special Needs” program. This is a program that we are developing to help exceptional pets that need special consideration for a variety of reasons. We are now concentrating our efforts on “Charlotte”, a 4 yr. old yellow lab that needs to be treated for heartworm and “Hawkeye”, a young Rottweiler mix pup that came to us as a stray with a broken leg but a big heart. Consider making a donation to help these special cases. ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: How long will the rabies virus remain alive in the body of a dead animal? A: According to my research, the length of time that rabies remains alive in a dead animal depends primarily on the outside temperature. The virus could die within a few hours in warm weather and could stay alive for months in freezing temperatures. UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

The Scoop July 28, 2009 -- Tuesday July 28th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Welcome back, animal lovers! We’ve started a new fiscal year as of July 1st, which means that statistics from last year have been completed. There is no better time to look back, see how we’ve done and look for ways to improve. We have quite a few new Board members, as well as staff, this year and we are all eager to make this the “best little animal shelter on the east coast”. This group is just full of new ideas and anxious to put them in to action. So, let’s see where we stand, shall we? SHELTER ACTIVITIES REPORT FY 2008/2009 So, here in a nutshell are the numbers from the last fiscal year. Most we are quite proud of and, of course, there are some areas that need improvement. In respect to the latter, we are not only concerned but determined to improve in a big way this coming year. Expect it. • There were 1,979 dogs and cats that came in to our care in the last fiscal year. • Of these, there were 704 dogs and puppies. This can be broken down further to reflect that almost exactly half were strays and half were given up by owners. • Of these, 704 dogs and puppies, 254 were reclaimed by their owners. That’s thirty-six percent that found their way home and that is outstanding! • Of those 450 not reclaimed, 180 were adopted to new families to start a new life. Forty percent! • Those remaining (minus 56 that fell in to an “other” category) were, sadly, not able to be adopted for a variety of reasons • There were a whopping 1,294 cats and kittens that came to us last year and, I’m afraid, these numbers aren’t nearly as pleasant. • Of these, just 34 cats and kittens were reclaimed by their owners • We were able to adopt 127 (roughly 10 percent) of these cats and kittens out to good homes last year and of that we are proud. At the same time, we realize that we should be able to do better and we are determined to improve those numbers this coming year. • Of those remaining, more than 700 were feral cats which are essentially wild, often sick, and sadly, not adoptable. (I’d like to note here, as well, that we do work with the known feral cat groups and try to reunite them with those cats that we recognize as a part of a supervised colony.) So, in conclusion, we are taking steps to improve these numbers in this new year. We have started keeping track of percentages to better gauge our progress. We’ve also taken steps to track better the reasons why animals were not adopted or considered adoptable. This way we can see what we need to do to help make more animals adoptable and in turn, find them good homes. Our new Volunteer Program will hopefully provide the extra help needed to increase socialization and teach basic commands making our “kids” more adoptable. We are looking at putting together a “Special Needs Adoption Program” and looking at the possibility of a foster program for harder to place animals. There will always be animals that for reasons such as sickness, or aggressive behavior are not adoptable but we all realize here at the Shelter as does our Board that there is certainly room for improvement we will not accept mediocre results. Our overall adoption rates are well within national norms (based on figures from the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy) and we are well above average in many respects as a shelter but we won’t be satisfied until every adoptable animal leaves here to start a better life! You can help by spaying or neutering your pet and when looking for that new member to your family, try your local animal shelter first! NEWSPAPER SHORTAGE? I never thought that I’d see a day when we would have to put out a call for newspapers but our stockpile has been nearly depleted! While we’re on the subject, I thought I’d include our “Wish List” items that we are always in need of: Purina Puppy, Kitten, Cat, and Dog Chow Dog and Cat Toys, Chew Bones and Rawhides! Bleach, Paper Towels, Antibacterial dish soap, High Efficiency Laundry Detergent Non-scoopable cat litter and litter boxes (not covered) Blankets/towels/sheets/pillow cases Thanks in advance! VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION We mentioned in the last issue of The Scoop, the unveiling of our Volunteer Program. We held our second Volunteer Orientation day at the Shelter last Saturday and had an excellent turnout. About twenty adults and children enjoyed a tour of the Dare County Animal Shelter and an overview of some of the ways that we can work together to help us help the animals of Dare County. We had a larger number of kids than we anticipated and are planning some activities that will be strictly youth oriented. I’ll keep you posted. We already have a group that is going to help us paint the new fence around the Friendship Memorial Garden. Kids with paint brushes-what more fun could you ask for? We are still looking for some special adults that can help clean in the mornings and others to socialize and help teach dogs basic skills and commands. The object being to increase adoptability, of course. Sign up for next month’s Orientation at the Shelter or visit the SPCA Administrative Office at 101 Old Tom St. in downtown Manteo. You can also call the office at 475-1587 and Christine will be glad to help you register. Thanks in advance. MORE ADOPTIONS! We have thirteen more adoptions to brag about! Hobo, Tikka, Lola, Shorty, Streak, Lucky, Dozer, Urius, Olive, Angelina, Kirby, Tiger, and Rabbs (the rabbit) all met there matches and have moved on to start a new life with some generous families. We wish them and theirs the best of luck and hope they’ll bring ‘em back to visit or at least send pictures! Holly was one of our Christmas kittens that was at the Shelter for quite some time so we were extra excited when she finally found her special family. The wrote recently with an update and I thought we would share their thoughts: Just wanted to let you know that Holly is already settling in to her new home. You were right--she's a wonderful cat, very sweet. She's doing fine with my other cats too! I introduced her slowly, over the course of the evening. They were curious, but no problems so far. She had a very nice first night, with lots of pets, cuddles and a yummy can of cat food. I've noticed she does like to be tucked away sometimes, and took a cat nap under a dresser last night, but she crawled in bed beside me around 3:30 this morning and that's where she stayed. My husband and I couldn't be happier and I think she's happy as well. Thank you again for all of your assistance. I was very impressed with everyone I came in contact with, all very professional, warm and obviously very caring. You're doing a terrific service for all of the animals of Dare County, and I applaud and appreciate your efforts. Best, Ali ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: I have seen several foxes and raccoons outside during the day around my neighborhood and I’ve always heard that that is a symptom that they may be sick. Is this true? Mrs.J.A. Wanchese A: While this is typically cited as a symptom of illness, it is a common sight here in the Outer Banks, especially in residential areas. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it is in itself an indicator of illness without any other symptoms. We tend to think that the sheer number of raccoons and fox in this area combined with their lack of predators and high comfort level makes this a fairly common sight. Enjoy from a distance! UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

The Scoop July, 14 2009 -- Tuesday July 14th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Well, the Fourth of July weekend lived up to its reputation and kept us very busy at the Animal Shelter. The fireworks, along with the large number of people visiting the Outer Banks over the Holiday nearly filled us to capacity with lost dogs! You’ll be pleased to know that most everyone was reclaimed that Monday and is back home with their families. SHELTER STORIES I thought it might be interesting (and fun) to look at some of the pets for adoption at our Shelter and see what led them to our door. Some people think that if an animal is at a shelter, there must be something wrong with it. The fact is, most are just victims of circumstance and are here through no fault of their own. Take a look with me… • “Lola” is a Pekingese/Poodle and Lab mix! (we were told), three years old, that is a full of personality. Only about 10lbs., Lola came to the Shelter when her family had to move away and couldn’t take her with them. She loves going for walks but needs to stay on a leash. We verified that the hard way-she thought it was a game while several of us chased her all over the neighborhood. Sweet dog, though, with a cute snaggle-tooth smile. • “Hooper” is a little guy, about a year old, that came to us as a stray from Nags Head. Since then, one of volunteers thinks that she recognizes him as Buster, a former neighbor’s dog that moved and left him behind. Hooper is one of the happiest dogs at the Shelter and looks like a miniature Golden Retriever. He’s also been here the longest of all of our dogs-since June 7th. • “Dude” also came as a stray, this one from Waves. He was brought in by some surfer types that were here on vacation. They said he was “hanging” with them for about a week. When we asked if they were using a name, they responded that they “just called him Dude”. He’s black and tan and about 8 months old. • “Tikka” is the prettiest dog at our Shelter (in my opinion). She is 1-1/2 years old, brindle and white and has the prettiest face. She was raised by a family and was sadly given up last month when their child was diagnosed with allergies. Supposed to be a Shepherd/Boxer mix, she is only about 35lbs and is full-grown at just above knee-high. Tikka sits, stays, speaks, shakes, and fetches! • “Daisy’s” story is, I’m afraid, not such a happy one- although it still may turn out to be. Daisy is an eight-year-old St. Bernard (with a huge underbite) that is as loving and affectionate as any little lap dog ever could be. Her owner had to move to South America to find work in his specialty and didn’t know when he would be able to return. To make matters worse, Daisy has heartworms that needs to be treated which can be risky and expensive at her age. She is what we call a “Special Needs Adoption” and will likely go to a St. Bernard rescue where she can be treated and if not adopted, live out the rest of her days comfortably. • “Shorty” is a full-blooded, red, 2-½ yr. old Dachshund that came to the Shelter after his owner passed away. Family members tried to take him in but they already had an older dog that didn’t like the idea much. Shorty was very shy when he arrived but is warming up finally. Dogs grieve for their owners just like we do for them and we are giving Shorty some time. • “Streak” speaks Spanish! He is a 2 yr. Old black Lab/Hound mix that is really a lot of fun. He’s thin and long-legged with droopy ears like a hound but jet black like a lab. He has a white streak on his neck and chest- hence the name. He was found stray at the NC Aquarium and his owners did come to see him but chose not to reclaim him. • “Shadow” also came to the Shelter due to his owner’s passing. He is a short, stocky, black Lab mix that is about 5 or 6 years old. He hasn’t been here long and we don’t know much more about him. He seems to be a friendly boy and would make someone a good, loyal companion. • “Rocky” is a two yr. old, tri-colored Parson (Jack Russell) terrier. Quite the handsome lad, his owner gave him to a brother-in-law that kept him for one night and then brought him to us. We tracked down the original owner and he seemed to think that the dog was just too high energy for his household. • “Jordan, Juno, Peaches, and Peppermint” are four littermates that were surrendered to the shelter as the result of a cruelty investigation. They are (as best we can tell) about 10 wks. old, Husky/Lab mixes, and all are yellow. They were living under a home in Manteo and due to conditions, developed some skin issues that caused them to lose small patches of fur on some of their tails and feet. They were seen by a veterinarian and are on medicine and special sulfur baths for a while and seem to be recovering nicely. We consider these kids to be “Special Needs Adoptions” also. I know this is going a little longer than I had planned, but there are just a few really good cat stories that I can’t leave out. • “Butterfinger” is a little buff tiger kitten that at 8 wk. was witnessed being thrown from a moving car at a business in Nags Head. He was picked up by a Good Samaritan and brought to us for safe haven. He was thankfully not hurt and is looking for a home to call his own. • “Gemini” is the mother of two 8 wk old kittens, “Kara, and Kirby”. All three were found at the YMCA in Nags Head and obviously belonged to someone, as they are all quite friendly and affectionate. Wouldn’t it be nice if they found a home together? • We have another gorgeous, stray, calico cat that was brought in very pregnant and as we predicted gave birth to four kittens two days in to her stray time. We’re calling her “Mama” for now. We’ve also since convinced her to nurse another newborn that we found without a mother. She is also a very friendly cat that must have belonged to someone. She is to be fostered with her kittens until they are weaned and old enough to be adopted out. So, you see how many of these animals are nothing but victims of circumstance. They deserve a second chance and we intend to find homes for each and every one of them. Won’t you help spread the word? ALL SORTS OF DONATIONS Much thanks to the Outer Banks Women’s Club for their generous donation. These donations from the community are the reason that we are able to go above and beyond the minimum care that many animal shelters struggle to give. We continue to maintain a higher standard than most and it is possible only because of you. Angela Clark, of Rodanthe, again answered our call for help last week giving several hours of her time to shave some eight years of matted hair from a St. Bernard that is almost bigger than she is! “Daisy” and we thank you Angela-she obviously feels so much better. Mrs. Sedgwick is an eighth-grade teacher at First Flight Middle School in Kitty Hawk. She, like many teachers, has had an ongoing problem with students forgetting and losing pencils. Last year she charged 20-cents for pencils and she donated that can of nickels and dimes to help our animals. Several lessons learned there! You give your spare change in our donation banks, your kids give their lawn mowing, Kool-Aid stand and birthday money, and you give your time, your energy and your prayers. Don’t think for a minute that we don’t appreciate it-we do. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION We mentioned in the last issue of The Scoop, the unveiling of our Volunteer Program. For those of you that missed the orientation, you’ve got another chance Saturday July 25th. This will include a tour of the Shelter and an overview of some of the ways that we can work together to help us help the animals of Dare County. Sign up at the Shelter or visit the SPCA Administrative Office at 101 Old Tom St. in downtown Manteo. You can also call the office at 475-1587 and Christine will be glad to help you register. Thanks in advance. SIXTEEN ADOPTIONS! It’s been a great two weeks for sixteen of our animals! Why? Because they have met their matches and moved on to live happily ever after with their new families! Best of luck to Moon, Caramel, Mask, Foxy, Frankie, Anna, Missy, Tara, (Gentle) Ben, Dawson, Torti, Ace, Archie, Stitch, Jelly Bean, and especially Shadow, an adult cat that was at the Shelter for an unusually long time. We hope you’ll bring ‘em back to visit or at least send pictures! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: We have been seeing a lot of snakes lately and they haven’t caused any problems, they just make me nervous not knowing if they are poisonous or not. Do you know of a good website for identification? Mrs. JB, Manns Harbor A: We use www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/snakepix3.html (google ncsnakes). UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

Pet of The Week -- Tuesday July 7th, 2009

The featured pet this week at the Outer Banks S.P.C.A./ Dare County Animal Shelter is “Hooper”. This little Spaniel mix is 18 lbs. of happy dog! A male, only a year old, Hooper is eager to please and play with both people and other dogs. He still has a lot of puppy in him and is looking for a family and home to call his own.

The Scoop June30, 2009 -- Tuesday June 30th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Greetings Dare County! The Fourth of July has arrived and summer on the Outer Banks is going strong. Here's wishing you and yours (and your pets, of course) a safe and happy holiday! Last week we completed our low cost rabies vaccination clinic for the summer by giving an even 100 rabies shots to residents that may not have been otherwise able to protect their pets as they should. THANKS KITTY! It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Kitty Dough will be leaving our Board of Directors after more years than she would like to admit. We are sad to see her go and shudder to think where we would be without her contributions from the very beginning. Kitty will be playing a key role with the Dare County Arts Council and their gain will be our loss. MORE NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM While on the subject of the Board, we’d like to welcome Mr. Clarence Lewis and express our appreciation of his knowledge, time and effort in helping us to help the animals of Dare County. For those of you that have not heard yet, the Outer Banks SPCA has opened an administrative office in downtown Manteo at 101 Old Tom St. All non-animal related, business issues are now taken care of at that location. The mailing address for such matters is PO Box 2477 Manteo, NC 27954 or phone at 252-475-1587. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION The Outer Banks SPCA held its first volunteer orientation day at the Shelter last Saturday. We had a good turnout and are really excited to finally get this program organized, up, and running! We will be holding an orientation the last Saturday of every month, the next being July the 25th. Hope to see you there. ANOTHER NEW FACE Those of you that have been to or called the SPCA administrative office have probably met or spoken with Christine Rykowski. For those of you that haven’t-let me introduce you! Christine was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in New Jersey. She lived for quite some time in Raleigh, and finally moved to the Outer Banks about three years ago. She is quite well versed on business matters and eager to help our organization and our animals in so many different ways. We’re lucky to have found her. When not at the office, Christine may be found at the College of the Albemarle studying the jewelry program or running around town in her Jeep! Christine is quite proud of her pets, of course-her dog, Zima, cat, Manja, three hermit crabs and a “bunch of fish”. She had this to say about her work with the Outer Banks SPCA: [The] program that I enjoy most or would like to expand upon at the SPCA – Children’s Volunteer program. It is amazing to see so many young people wanting to be actively involved in their community. They have so much to offer and are the source of a lot of new ideas. Not only are these great opportunities to further educate the kids, we can learn so much from them too. Stop in and say hello! CELEBRATING THE 4TH Many of us, including myself, feel that our pets are a part of the family but we sometimes forget that they don't need or want to be a part of everything. I'm going to stick my neck out and say that Saturday's holiday is probably one of those times. Holidays are almost always stressful for our pets as they are creatures of habit. Most pets won't appreciate or understand the commotion and most especially fireworks. Consider these tips to help make "Sparky's" holiday a safe and enjoyable one:  If you take your family to one of our exciting local fireworks displays, enjoy them without your pets. Flashing lights, explosions, and the strong smell of gunpowder are not enjoyable to them. Instead it is only disorienting and stressful.  Your pet feels safest and most secure in his or her own environment. An inside room protected from outside noise and lights is best. Bring his bed, favorite toy, and water bowl and leave a radio or television on for comfortable, familiar noise.  Consider the possibility that your dog may become panicky and think he or she can escape the situation. Those indoors may become destructive in their attempt to get away and that dog that "never leaves the yard”, may. So do an extra good job of confining and pet-proofing and make sure that pets are wearing identification tags just in case.  If your pet has an exceptionally low tolerance for stress or loud noises, you may consider speaking to your vet about a mild tranquilizer to help your extra nervous pet get through the night. It may be best for a family member to sit out the fireworks and stay home for reassurance. Let's all, pets included, have a safe and happy holiday! AN ADOPTION A DAY! There have been fourteen adoptions since last we met! Flounder, Motz, Spot, Nehi, Stringbean, Sally, Candice, Sweetheart, Squid, Hailey, Alvin, Bizarre, Celia, & Lightning have all been adopted to some super families and are on their way to living happily ever after! We, of course wish them and theirs our very best and hope you’ll bring ‘em back to visit or at least send pictures! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: I live in Colington Harbor and am curious how it is that there can be a leash law here but not in other areas of Dare County. Mrs .J.T. Colington Harbor A: The Colington Harbour subdivision and the Martin’s Point subdivision have a Dare County Statute (91.031) that specifically addresses only those areas. The specifics of how it was initiated are something that I am not familiar with. This has been on the books since 1996. UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

Pet of The Week -- Tuesday June 30th, 2009

PET OF THE WEEK The featured pet this week at the Outer Banks S.P.C.A./ Dare County Animal Shelter is “Rabbs”. This small bunny was found hopping-at-large in Kill Devil Hills. He’s been at the Shelter for over a month now and really needs to find a friend and a home of his own. Meet Rabbs and all of the other wonderful animals available for adoption at the Outer Banks S.P.C.A./ Dare County Animal Shelter on Driftwood Drive in Manteo or visit us on the web at www.obxspca.org!

Pet of the Week -- Wednesday June 24th, 2009

PET OF THE WEEK Two-Fur-One! Adopt-a-shelter cat month continues through the end of June at the Outer Banks S.P.C.A./ Dare County Animal Shelter. There are over twenty kittens of all colors and personalities at the shelter now that all need good homes. The SPCA has agreed to pay the adoption fee for a second cat or kitten if you adopt two together! This orange tiger, male, is “Butterfinger” and he’s eager to go home with a playmate. Meet Butterfinger and all of the other wonderful animals available for adoption at the Outer Banks S.P.C.A./ Dare County Animal Shelter on Driftwood Drive in Manteo.

The Scoop June 16, 2009 -- Tuesday June 16th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Well, Dare Day went off without a hitch! Thanks to all that helped with the SPCA booth and all of you that visited. We really enjoy getting out in the community once in a while. Here at the Shelter we are keeping busy with the bunches of puppies and kittens this time of year inevitably brings. They are adorable and we love them but we must find them homes…come in and look around or visit our website- obxspca.org and tell your friends! ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH! The month of June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. Kittens have all but taken over the cat room and are ready to find their place in this big, scary world. Ask us about the “two-fur-one” adoption opportunity for the rest of the month. SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC- FIRST OF MANY? Round two of the Outer Banks SPCA’s first Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic was held at the Dare County Animal Shelter on June 13. Dr. Don Dowty DVM, and multi-talented wife, Deb were instrumental in the spaying or neutering of 25 pets in the first event of its kind in recent memory. Thanks to Dr. and Deb Dowty and everyone else that gave up their Saturdays to make this happen! Spayed and neutered pets live longer, healthier lives while helping to control pet overpopulation at the same time. We hope to make this the first of many such events and are eager to start planning another. The Outer Banks SPCA has established a spay/neuter fund to help this important project grow. Perhaps you would like to be a part of the solution? LAST CHANCE FOR LOW COST RABIES SHOTS Well, this is not really your last chance ever but I wanted to get your attention. This will probably be the last clinic this summer and the next won’t be until fall. Low cost rabies vaccinations will be available for an entire week for Dare County residents at the Dare County Animal Shelter. Bring your dog or cat in during regular business hours Monday, June 22nd through Friday, the 26th from 8:30am until 5pm (7pm on Wednesday) and take advantage of this opportunity. One year rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats will be given for only $5.00. Dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, please! All Dare County residents are welcome. Please call ahead if you plan to bring multiple animals, as we will be open for business as usual that week. DISASTER PLANNING Hurricane season is here again. We wrote in the last issue of The Scoop about planning ahead for you, your family and pets. Now we’re asking for your help. Our preparations have come a long way since last year. We want to update our lists of volunteers, contacts, and those with facilities or equipment that may be available to help in the event of an emergency. We are especially interested in contacts south of Oregon Inlet just in case. We also want to keep a current list of those of you with animals that may be in need in a bad situation. Feel free to contact me, Rich, at the Shelter (475-5620) or the SPCA administrative office (475-1587) if you’d like to help or to discuss any aspect of the planning. Thanks in advance! DONATIONS COME IN MANY FORMS! The generosity of the people of Dare County continues to humble us. Even in this lean time folks reach out to help us help the animals of the Outer Banks. Last week we were called to see a Manteo family that had lost their home to foreclosure. They had several Papillons that were dear family pets, dearly loved but unfortunately expensive to maintain. The owners’ bad luck had gotten worse gradually and the dogs had become badly matted, thin, and flea infested. They realized that they couldn’t care for them any longer and gave them up to the Shelter. We called a groomer friend of ours, Angela Clark of Rodanthe and asked for help. She was here the very next day to bathe and groom those little dogs and make them presentable and adoptable. She quite possibly saved their lives. One has already gone home with a new family! Thanks also to everyone that donated pet food at the Food Lion in Southern Shores it- all helps more than you know. ADOPTIONS Another dozen lucky animals went on to start new lives these last two weeks! Maybe you know some of them: Dash, Allie, Snickers, Linden, Bailey, Barnacles, Sugar, Odie, Big Girl, Blue, Sam, and Polenka. Polenka’s “mother” has been visiting the Shelter for months looking for just the right dog and has finally found her-congratulations! As always, we wish these guys and gals and their new families the best of luck and we hope that they’ll bring ‘em back to visit or at least send some pictures! Two of our furry alumni, “Chopper” and “Mason” wrote home last week and we’d like to share this with you… Dear Dare County Animal Shelter, Thank you for being my home in between homes. Thank you for giving dogs and cats a place to stay. Thank you to my first family. They took some time and socialized me and even taught me some manners. Even though I am still a handful, my new mom is glad that I already knew how to sit. She tested me when I was in the shelter, on account of she was looking for a smart and alert dog. They say I'm not a chewer or a barker, but I'm a jumper, and we're working on that. Mom got some cool books at the library to help me be the best dog I can be. I have lots of toys, and my dad has started to learn to not leave his smelly socks around. Thanks for the Puppy Pinata that you sent home with me. That was a nice touch and mom says y'all are a class act over there. I learn more and become a better dog every day. Last weekend I even went swimming in the sound. Chopper p.s. my new folks call me all kinds of new names. Chop Chop, Chop Block, Chopperman, Mutton Chop, Sir Chopper of Colington, and Little Man. p.s.s. Glad to see that Suki was adopted. She's a cool dog. I liked her and so did my new mom. Mason’s family writes: Has it only been six months?! I brought Mason home from the shelter November 21st, 2008, and how much he's grown!! He's such a good kitty - he loves to play outside, and he waits patiently while I put his collar on him. He's recently taught himself a new game, its called "Hide around the corner and jump out and scare Mommy/Daddy/the dog when they walk past" He really is a joy and I'm glad we found each other. Thanks for all you do, Andrea ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: I moved to North Carolina from Virginia and need to register my dogs with Dare County. Do I have to get a new rabies shot? A: The state of North Carolina will recognize a current rabies shot given by a licensed veterinarian from another state only if it was given within the last twelve months. A multi-year shot given in another state more than twelve months ago is not recognized in North Carolina. UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 2477 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

Adopt A Cat Month -- Monday June 15th, 2009

Celebrate American Humane’s Adopt-A-Cat Month® This June The Dare County Animal Shelter Has Plenty of Cats and Kittens Waiting for New Homes Manteo, NC The Outer Banks SPCA and Dare County Animal Shelter are celebrating the American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Cat Month this June. It’s the perfect time to promote cat adoptions because the spring and summer months typically bring a surge of cats to the nation’s shelters. “When cats are not neutered or spayed, they reproduce easily, and spring and summer are the seasons when cats are most active, resulting in more kittens showing up at our doors,” says (Dave Penosky, Outer Banks SPCA President. “We encourage people to visit and meet all the great cats we have here. They’re all looking for loving, permanent homes.” The Dare County Animal Shelter encourages people to enrich their lives by adopting a cat. American Humane provides these insights to consider when adopting: • Age: While kittens are hard to resist, adult cats are often better suited to families with young children. Mature cats respond better to the clumsy handling of inquisitive toddlers. • Number: It can be beneficial to adopt more than one cat or kitten, especially if the pets will be left alone for long periods while you are gone. Not all cats enjoy companionship, but many are very social with members of their own species. Young kittens need to engage in vigorous play for several hours a day, and another pet can help get the job done. • Personality: Many cats are under a great deal of stress in a shelter environment. A cat’s true personality may not emerge until he has been in his new home for several weeks. The Outer Banks Animal Shelter encourages you to visit the cat you’re interested in several times and to read any information from a previous owner. • Coat: The longer the cat’s fur, the more brushing will be needed to prevent painful matting. • Nutrition and health: Good nutrition and yearly vet visits will keep your cat healthy and happy. Keep your cat indoors to prevent her from getting into accidents or fights with other cats. Check your cat for fleas, and make sure the litter box is clean and odor-free. Finally, set aside time every day to play with your cat; it is beneficial for you both! • Tags: Animal shelters take in millions of lost cats each year that are not wearing any identification. Make sure to include your cat’s name and your name, address and phone number on the tag. Even indoor cats can slip outside, so make sure she’s wearing her tag at all times. Microchips are another excellent way of identifying your pet. These tiny chips are permanently implanted under your cat’s skin and therefore can never come off or get lost. • Prepare your home: Both adult cats and kittens love to climb and explore. Be aware of possible hazards. Keep trash cans closed, toilet-seat covers down and cabinets latched. Don’t let cords or wires dangle, and cover any floor heating and air vents. Some houseplants may be toxic, so check with your vet for information on catfriendly indoor plants. • Kids and cats: Children should be taught that a kitten or cat is a companion, not a toy. Rough handling can lead to injuries to both the cat and the child. • Dogs and cats: Contrary to the expression “fighting like cats and dogs,” cats and dogs often enjoy each other’s company. It is not unusual for them to engage each other in play and snuggle up together for a nap. However, great care must be taken when introducing these two species. Some dogs may be aggressive toward small animals and may not be suited to sharing their homes with cats. If you have a dog, ask the adoption staff if you can bring him to the shelter to meet the cat in a controlled environment before you adopt. The shelter staff can help assess their interaction. Remember that most cats will be frightened the first time they see a dog and will need time to accept a canine companion. This may take several days or even weeks depending on the cat. About Outer Banks SPCA The mission of the Outer Banks Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is “to provide protection and care for animals and promote a humane community in the Outer Banks for residents and visitors.” To pursue this mission, the Outer Banks SPCA operates the Dare County Animal Shelter that provides shelter and compassionate care to homeless animals, reunites lost pets with their owners, assists in the adoption of domestic animals in good health and temperament into suitable homes, relocates healthy, native wildlife to their natural habitat, provides humane euthanasia when necessary, and enforces the laws pertaining to the regulation and humane keeping of animals; and the OBX SPCA conducts community awareness and public education programs about animal welfare issues and responsible pet ownership and stewardship. About the American Humane Association Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® endcredit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, and has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

The Scoop June 10, 2009 -- Wednesday June 10th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Greetings animal lovers! It continues to be pretty busy around the Outer Banks SPCA/ Dare County Animal Shelter lately. A few little tidbits before we get started… We were able to help about 100 animals last week with another round of low-cost rabies shots and quite a few people said they couldn’t have done it any other way. There will be one more opportunity to purchase five-dollar rabies vaccinations for your dog or cat during the last week in June (22nd-26th) at the Shelter during regular office hours. The Outer Banks SPCA is looking forward to seeing you at “Dare Day” in downtown Manteo June 6th . We will have a special treat for your pet that we’ve been working on with the College of the Albemarle Art Club. Curious? Some unfortunate news came about the long awaited resurfacing of the kennel floors. Due to scheduling conflicts, this has been postponed until September. While we are anxious to get this project done, we realize that good things come to those who wait. Right? And the kennel won’t be torn up during our busy summer season. UPDATE ON OUR LITTLE STUDENT Our little buddy “Jimani” (discovered and adopted from our very own Shelter as Winston) was in town last week. The little guy is being trained to be an assistance dog for the disabled. He looked truly adorable in his little work vest and demonstrated that he can pick up a nickel in his teeth and hand it back to the person that dropped it! Next time you’re on the net check out New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs @ www.nlmad.org. Their mission statement reads “Specializing in the rescue and training of shelter dogs to assist the disabled, providing both person and canine with a new lease on life” It is hoped that when Jimani “graduates” he will be able to be placed with someone right here in the Outer Banks! ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH! The month of June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. This might be a good time to find that special cat or kitten that can make your family complete. Shelters all over the country find that the month of June is traditionally a tough time and, I’m afraid, ours is no exception. Those spring kittens are old enough to leave their mothers now and inevitably a good number of them show up at the Shelter in need of a home. Consider these facts from American Humane: • Having a cat can reduce your blood pressure and even help prevent heart disease. A cat's purr is instantly calming and relaxing  Having a cat can provide companionship, fight depression and loneliness  Taking care of a cat can help to teach children responsibility and humane values  Cats are entertaining to watch and fun to play with  Cats are generally very clean and easy to housetrain if they're not already  Cats are usually independent and can stay at home while you're at work  Indoor cats that are spayed or neutered live long lives- sometimes 20 years or more  So many cats need good homes- adopting can mean saving a life! Please keep in mind, should you get a kitten from a friend or neighbor, or if you find one and choose to take it home, to get them spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. We, in Dare County, are making considerable progress in reducing the population of homeless, unwanted pets but we still have a long way to go! HURRICANE SEASON HOPING FOR THE BEST; TRAINING FOR THE WORST The first of June marks the beginning of Hurricane Season. We at the Outer Banks SPCA/ Dare County Animal Shelter feel the serious responsibility that we have to the animals of our Outer Banks and continue to refine our plans. Representatives from our shelter staff as well as our Board of Directors attended a training seminar last month that included such subjects as evacuating the shelter itself and how best to set up a temporary emergency animal shelter. Over the winter, we outfitted our Disaster Response Vehicle with crates, blankets, food, medical supplies and everything else we could think of that we might need at a temporary site. All of our staff are now required to complete FEMA’s Incident Command and National Incident Management System courses in order to work in tandem with other agencies should the need arise. We have also begun a stockpile of supplies at a location south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge should the island be cut off from aid for any length of time. The Outer Banks SPCA with the Dare County Animal Shelter is doing and will do as much as is within our means to safeguard and assist the animals of the Outer Banks. We only ask that you help us by being as prepared as you can with a plan of your own. We encourage anyone that may need advice or assistance in their planning to contact us and we will be glad to help you. Here are some tips when planning for an emergency: • Make “Sparky” his own emergency supply kit, include supplies for up to a week’s stay in a strange place: pet food, water, bowls, litter, leashes, a crate or carrier, medicines, copies of vaccination / medical records and perhaps a favorite blanket, treat, and a toy to lessen his stress.  Include all of your pets in your family evacuation plan. Do your research now to ensure that wherever you decide to make your safe place, they will accept your animals as well. Many emergency evacuation shelters do not accept pets for health reasons. Make a list and contact boarding facilities, vets, or family near your destination now.  Identification is very important. All pets should wear a collar or harness with their current rabies tag, local licenses, an identification tag with your local information as well as your cell phone number and ideally the number of an out-of-town contact. Microchips have been proven to be another excellent form of identification in addition to tags (be sure they are registered with the manufacturer’s database).  Arrange with a neighbor to work on a “buddy system” - if you are not at home they can access your pets and pet supply kit for you and vice-versa. Make sure to exchange information regarding how and where you can be reached and any special instructions regarding care and medicines that may be necessary until you can meet.  Should you be separated from your pet, be prepared to document ownership through registration papers, photographs, and any other paperwork that will detail species, age, breed, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics.  Round up your outdoor pets well in advance of a possible evacuation. Know where they are and confine them early just in case.  If you MUST, for some reason, leave your pets behind make sure they are indoors; in a safe room away from windows that has been pet-proofed. Leave plenty of food (dry type) and water in sturdy, non-spill container or a bathtub. Notify local authorities (Animal Control) of their whereabouts as soon as you are able. ADOPTIONS, ADOPTIONS, ADOPTIONS! Nothing makes us happier around here than reporting that another group of little ones has successfully left the nest. This is what makes all of the headaches and heartbreaks of this business worthwhile. Almost thirty animals have found good homes this past month! Since the last issue of The Scoop Amos, Yogi, Apache, Roxy, Mango, Suki, Laddie, Attitude & Prissy, Blinken & Nod, Andy, May, Chopper, Jasper, and Don Vito have all gone home with some really good families to start a new life. We, as always, wish them and theirs the best of luck and hope that you’ll bring ‘em back to visit or at least send some pictures! (Our wall of fame is really growing- stop in and take a look!) ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: Our family is coming to the Outer Banks for a needed vacation. I know that the area is known to be exceptionally “dog friendly”. Can you tell me what the laws are about taking your dogs on the beaches? The Valentines, Newport TN A: I wish it was that simple. The Outer Banks is very “dog friendly” and we enjoy and value that reputation. There are, however, several different municipalities that all have beaches within their town limits in addition to the National Seashore and they all have different laws. We can get you a copy of that information here at the Shelter or visit our website www.obxspca.org. Have a great vacation! UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

The Scoop -- Thursday April 9th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Welcome back, friends! Boy, we just have so much to talk about in this issue I think I’m going to have to forego my normally eloquent introduction and just get to the news! IF YOU DON’T REPORT IT-YOU SUPPORT IT! April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. The animals can’t speak for themselves and need you to be aware and step up to help. Cruelty is not always as malicious or obvious as some of what we see on television. Most cases we see are cases of neglect that have worsened over a long period of time. Innocent pets that were loved and coddled as puppies and kittens get older and the owner’s interest fades to the point that basic care is no longer given. Sometimes your anonymous phone call makes all of the difference. ANIMAL CONTROL APPRECIATION WEEK April 12-18 is National Animal Control Appreciation Week (sponsored by National Animal Control Association). Not to blow our own horns, here is what we ask from you…Understand that we are probably some of the staunchest animal lovers that you’ll ever meet. Each and every one of us has accepted the responsibility of protecting the citizens of this community while, at the same time, caring for not only our own animals, but every animal in Dare County! One of the main reasons that I bring up Animal Control Appreciation Week though, is because it offered a great segue to my next topic. Read on… HAPPY TAILS TO OFFICER BROOKS! Dare County Animal Care and Control Officer Amanda Brooks, I’m sad to report, has decided to move on to her next big adventure. Amanda has served Dare County and the Outer Banks SPCA for going on five years and has worn every hat in every department in the shelter. She has been one of the most thorough and truly caring road officers that I have had the pleasure to work with. She has always stepped up when needed and even served as Interim Director for a period when called upon. We are all happy to see her happy but will certainly miss her when she’s gone. Good luck Amanda! WINSTON TO BE TRAINED AS ASSISTANCE DOG! You may have seen “Winston” at the Shelter or on our website last month. He’s a wavy haired, black and white little lab mix about 12 weeks old. Well this guy has been chosen by New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs to train with them! A co-founder of this organization saw Winston while in the area on a fund raising mission and fell in love with him. He came back to the office and inquired as to how he could adopt the puppy and put him immediately into training. Once we completed the paperwork and verified the organization’s status, it was unanimously decided by our staff to donate the puppy to them. “Winston” has taken the first steps toward becoming an assistance dog for people with disabilities which limit their mobility. I intend to follow Winston on his Journey and provide you all with regular updates- hopefully including his “Graduation” and placement. Please check out New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs @ www.nlmad.org. The mission of New Life Mobility Assistance Dogs is “Specializing in the rescue and training of shelter dogs to assist the disabled, providing both person and canine with a new lease on life” This organization is also sponsoring a fund raiser here on the OBX called Cycling the Carolinas. This event will be held May 16, 2009 and is named the 10-25 Dare/Currituck Beach Lighthouse Leg and is sponsored by Outer Banks Triathlon. Supporters of this event include, Nags Head Hammocks, Jolly Roger, Salty Dog Boarding and Grooming, Knights of Columbus, Hilton Garden Inn, Complete Business Services, and Log Homes of America. If you’d like to ride in the event be sure to visit the website above for more details. We’ve already received our first note from the folks training our star puppy- and of course we want to share it with you! JimanI [pronounced “Gemini”, I assume] is doing great. Mark is doing so well with him. I have included some pictures ranging from his trip home, meeting the board of New Life, his first training session at the grocery store where he picks out his food from the manager at Food Lion, his cabin up here at Taylor's Peak where he stayed while Mark his puppy parent/trainer, was very close by as he was working on poster displays for the event etc. Our, kind of special hidden goal for JimanI would be to have him teamed with someone in need of an assistance dog on the Outer Banks....Jim SPAY/NEUTER The Outer Banks SPCA is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our first Mobile Spay Neuter Clinic at the Dare County Animal Shelter on Saturday, May 2, 2009. This has been a long time coming and we hope that this will be the first of many. Our Rabies Clinics were received with a response beyond our wildest dreams and we hope to follow suit with the spay/ neuter program. Applications for appointments are available only at the Dare County Animal Shelter located at 1031 Driftwood Dr., Manteo. Surgeries will be performed by the Mobile Veterinary Clinic operated by Dr. Don Dowty, DVM. Animal owners will pay a low cost co-payment for spays and neuters of dogs and cats that reside in Dare County. • Cat neuter $15.00 • Cat Spay $ 20.00 • Dog neuter $ 30.00 • Dog Spay $40.00 Funding for this project was generously provided by a long time anonymous supporter of the Outer Banks SPCA. There is a Spay/Neuter Fund already set up for those that may want to donate for future events. “Controlling the population of unwanted pets in Dare County is a priority of the Outer Banks SPCA and having this opportunity to help out our residents in these tough economic times is a blessing” stated Dave Penosky, President of the Outer Banks SPCA. For more information on the low cost spay/ neuter clinic please call the Dare County Animal Shelter at 475-5620. Applications are limited and available only at the Dare County Animal Shelter. ADOPTIONS! Well, our adoption rate seems to be on the rise again after a slow month in March. We have eight new families flying “Friends of the Outer Banks SPCA” decals this week. All of them adopted new members to their families from the Dare County Animal Shelter recently. Our latest list of “graduates” includes: Rose, Macaroni, Skittles, Sparky, Frisky, Winston, Juke, and Sophia. We wish them and theirs our very best and as always, we hope you’ll bring ‘em back to visit or at least send pictures! Jed was at our shelter for about two weeks last month. He was surrendered to Animal Control following a cruelty/neglect investigation where we found him tied to a shed and just starved for attention. The owner had taken him for a sick friend in the hopes of finding him a home but hadn’t had any luck. Read on to hear how Jed (now Charlie’s) luck has changed! “Charlie’s” new family writes: Hi there! I just wanted to send you all some pictures of the sweetest boy I know. I have changed his name to Charlie, after the yellow lab I had growing up and he seems to be taking to it ok. He is such a sweet dog. We took our first trip down to the state park last Saturday and then to the beach on Sunday. He had a great time. I have to tell you that I have completely lucked out. He appears to be potty trained as we have not had any accidents, except for one and that was my fault. I am still adjusting to puppy schedule. He does well in a crate except for some initial barking. When we go to the park or down to the beach he stays right by my side off the leash, except for an occasional hello to a new friend (person or dog). He LOVES new people and wags his entire body when he sees them. We are working on some obedience and he is doing very well with the “stay” command, but gets a little distracted. Well I just wanted to send some pictures and a bit of an update. Thank you so much for all you do and for helping me find my perfect puppy match…Angie We love the feedback…keep it coming! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: I enjoy feeding the wildlife in my backyard. My kids and Grandkids enjoy seeing the foxes and raccoons up close. My neighbors say that I’m “encouraging pests” and have threatened to “turn me in”. Is this illegal? Mrs.B.B. Southern Shores A: While it is not specifically illegal to the best of my knowledge, I certainly have to discourage the feeding. These are still wild animals no matter how “cute” they seem. Raccoons and foxes are both what are known as rabies vector species and we have had both test positive for rabies within the last year in Dare County. Feeding causes the wild animals to lose their natural fear of humans which results in their being a part of an ecosystem in which they don’t belong leading to all kinds of problems. In addition to the health concerns, and the potential for personal injury or property damage, providing an artificial food source causes adults to produce large families which the natural food supply can't support. The wild animals reproduce only in quantities that their environment can support. In other words if you truly care about them, it’s best not to feed. UNTIL NEXT TIME…

The Scoop Feb 24, 2009 -- Tuesday February 24th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Next week marks the first week of March- a sure sign as far as I’m concerned, that winter is drawing to a close and spring is on its way. We’ve had sporadic hints of near seventy-degree days warm with sunshine as a taste of the good weather to come. At the Outer Banks SPCA/Dare County Animal Shelter, we are busy with back to back rabies clinics and the organizing of the SPCA office to accommodate the addition of an Executive Director to the Board. Her formal introduction will be coming in the next issue of The Scoop. Stay tuned! We are also completing the transition of our “Disaster Response Vehicle” from a retired ambulance to something that will better suit our needs in animal care and control. We thank the folks at Home Depot for their donation of materials and The County of Dare for the vehicle itself. Our staff has been stealing minutes here and there to complete the project. A CLOWDER OF CATS! Also referred to as a pounce, a clutter, or a comfort, a clowder is the generally accepted term for a population of adult felines. (Not to be confused with a kindle, or intrigue of kittens!) This is also my clever way of reminding you that we have a good number of adult cats looking for homes here at the Shelter. Some have been here since before Christmas! Given the inevitable rush of kittens that comes as an unfortunate marker of spring each year, we are hoping you cat fanciers will take the time to come in and take a look at these beautiful, tried and true, mature cats looking for a second chance. LAST WEEKEND for ANIMALS in ART We encourage you to drop in at The Seaside Art Gallery in Nag’s Head. This weekend ends a month long promotion by the gallery to benefit the Outer Banks S.P.C.A. For the entire month of February, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of “animal related” art and merchandise will be donated to help our animals! This is a really interesting place with an eclectic offering of art and merchandise in every price range. A good time was had at the exhibit opening earlier this month. Much thanks to The Seaside Art Gallery, owner Melanie Smith, and all that had a part in the planning of this annual event. Take advantage of this last weekend and help the animals at the same time as you add to your collection. TWO RABIES CLINICS The first of two low-cost rabies clinics scheduled for the month of February was held last Saturday at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department. The Shelter staff gave eighty rabies vaccinations and the event went off without a hitch. We were pleased to have such a good response and to see so many conscientious pet owners take advantage of the program. Thanks are in order for the Avon VFD for their hospitality and to Dr. Pam Kwiatkowski DVM for her help! We will be partnering with Nags Head Animal Control to provide low cost rabies shots at the Nags Head Town Hall this Saturday Feb 28 from 9 to 11 AM. We are looking forward to our first visit to Nags Head. We feel that this is a good central location “on the beach” where we can do a lot of good. Again, all Dare County residents are welcome. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats will be only $5.00. Dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, please! The 2009 Dare County dog licenses will be available at both locations as well. REMEMBERING “TANNA” It has become something of a regular feature in The Scoop lately to include some of the letters and e-mail that we receive from the families that adopt our animals. This one is a little different in that “Tanna” was adopted some fourteen years ago- long before any of us here now were involved with the shelter. Nevertheless, we were touched that these folks would take the time to write and remember us as an organization. Maybe some of our readers are former employees that can offer some input? Fair warning: this one’s a bit of a tear-jerker… “I don’t know if any of you there now have 14 years with this local office. I am writing because it is with deep sadness that I have to tell you we lost our dog due to heart problems. We got her through your office and the girls there had nicknamed her “Whiskey on the Rocks”. She was a beautiful whiskey color with white feet. We renamed her Tanna and have purchased her license through your office each year. My son and I spent months browsing each Saturday looking for the perfect dog for us. She was tossed on the side of the road in a brown paper bag in Wanchese and she was only approximately 4 weeks old. She was perfect and attached herself to us instantly. We had to wait two more weeks to get her after that to be sure no one would claim her. We originally wanted a small dog that would weigh less than 25 pounds. I sent you all a picture of her at Christmas in a leather jacket and cap and she was already 40 pounds then. We laughed at our “lap dog”. I wanted you to know that we are blessed for having had her in our lives. She had a wonderful life and loved us as much as we loved her. There will never be another dog like her. She was very smart, very friendly and very loving even with our grandchildren and her failing health. We know she is at peace and no longer in pain but the pain of missing her is more than I can put in words. She would have been 14 this Valentine’s Day. Thanks so much giving us the opportunity to share in the life of our beautiful girl. Sincerely, Diane -Avon, NC ” Our condolences go out to Diane and her family on her loss and our thanks for remembering us with her kind words. FIFTEEN ADOPTIONS! We have had a pretty good run of adoptions since last we met. Cupid, I believe, played a part in several matches being made during Valentine’s Day week. Those finding their special someone in the last two weeks include: Megan, Swiftie, Evan, Lester (Flatt), Howie, Rumor, Pearl, Herbie, Priscilla, Cagney, Remedy, Oscar, Isabell, Noel, and Orion. Best of luck to them and theirs and as always, we hope that you’ll bring ‘em back to visit or at least send pictures! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: I understand that the County Commissioners are in the process of rewriting some of the animal control laws. I have pets and some thoughts that I want to make sure the Commissioners consider as they work through this. Who do I contact? Mr. C.C., Manns Harbor A: As I understood the Commissioners at the last meeting, there will be a public hearing before this is all said and done. There is also an opportunity for the public to speak at the beginning of each Board meeting. If you can go to the Dare County website www.darenc.com and click on Board of Commissioners at the top of the screen, it will allow you to send e-mail to any or all of the Commissioners and help you to identify which covers which area. UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

The Scoop Jan 27 09 -- Tuesday January 27th, 2009

THE SCOOP NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE OUTER BANKS S.P.C.A. & THE DARE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER By: Richard C. Crino Those of you that visited the Dare County Animal Shelter last week may have felt that you were at a shelter in the depths of Alaska. Not only did we see snow on the ground, but coincidentally, if you passed by at the right time, you would have seen not one, but three Siberian Huskies frolicking in the winter wonderland! Well it seems the weather has reverted to something more typical and all three of the Huskies have moved on to new homes already. How quickly things change here from one day to the next. RABIES CLINICS Due to popular demand, and in order to offer what relief we can to those families feeling the crunch of a slow economy in these Outer Banks, the Outer Banks SPCA/Dare County Animal Shelter will be hosting two low cost rabies clinics in February. The first will be held on Hatteras Island, Saturday February 21 from 10AM until 12 at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department. We had a good turnout there last spring and we hope to do even better this time around. The VFD is located on Harbor Rd. in Avon- watch for our signs at the traffic light. While we are targeting the lower beach to Hatteras Village, the rabies clinic is open to all Dare County residents. We will also be partnering with Nags Head Animal Control to provide low cost rabies shots at the Nags Head Town Hall on Saturday Feb 28 from 9 to 11 AM. This will be our first time in Nags Head. We feel that this is a good central location “on the beach” and are looking forward to working together with the community. Again, all Dare County residents are welcome. Dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, please! The 2009 Dare County dog licenses will be available at both locations as well. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMDEN! The children are so often the ones that can teach the rest of us about selflessness and generosity. Camden Crook of Martins Point asked friends to bring donations for our animals to her 7th birthday party. Instead of presents for this young lady, her guests arrived with dog and cat food, toys, rawhide chews and other treats, pet shampoo, combs, brushes, and other goodies for our homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. What can we say but thank you, happy birthday, and we hope that your show of compassion and hope can be a lesson to other children and adults as well! MUTUAL AID WATER RESCUE! The William B. Umstead Bridge is known to most of us as the “Old Manns Harbor Bridge”. According to the NCDOT, the bridge is 2.8 miles long and 45feet high at the center. So how, do you suppose, a very friendly, neutered male, gray tiger cat would find himself stranded on the wooden pilings below- in the center of the sound? We may never know. Last Tuesday morning, Dare County Animal Control received a call from a very concerned woman we know only as “Chris”. She had spoken with some fisherman that had spied the cat on the wooden pilings as they passed under the bridge the night before and again when they went out in the morning. As animal control officers we have all seen some animals in some strange predicaments. I wrote a while ago about a dog that was stranded at the end of the Army Corps of Engineers research pier in Duck and was afraid to come back to shore. We recently rescued a Yellow Lab that had fallen in an open septic tank in Manteo. We come to expect these things every so often, but this one really took some planning. First, we wanted to confirm that the cat was still there and exactly where we could find him. Parking at the top of the “hump” of the bridge, it took a while to locate the little guy as he was hunkered down below one of the rails on the far side of the pilings trying to stay warm in the 30 degree weather. After spotting him with the binoculars, we contacted C.P. White with the North CarolinaWildlife Commission and requested that he meet us with a boat at the harbor. There was no way that this cat could be reached from the bridge and this seemed to be the only way that we’d be able to get to him to safety. Within ten minutes, Officer White arrived with his partner, Jon Morgan, and his boat in tow. I loaded my nets, bite gloves, catch pole and a transfer cage in to the boat and within minutes we were under the bridge and face to face with the cold, tired, and scared feline. He turned out to be quite friendly (and anxious to see dry land, I think) and I was able to climb up the piling from the bow of the boat and get my hands on him. I wrapped him in a towel and put him in a transfer cage for the chilly ride back to shore. How he got there or how long he had been there before he was spotted, we’ll probably never know. You’ll be glad to know that he is doing well after some fluids and a good meal. We hope that an owner will show up but, if not, he will be available for adoption soon. Thanks again to everyone that helped on this one! ANIMALS in ART for the SPCA Join us on Thursday, February 5th from 6 to 9 pm for an evening of refreshments and fellowship for a good cause at The Seaside Art Gallery in Nag’s Head. This will kick-off a month long promotion by the gallery to benefit the Outer Banks S.P.C.A. For the entire month of February, 10% of the proceeds from the sale of “animal related” art and merchandise will be donated to help our animals! Last year’s event was well attended and we hope to see even more of you this time! ADOPTIONS & RESCUES! Quite a few animals found great new homes with some good folks since last we met! Adopted recently were Cookie (aka Sophie), Tinx and Tank, Emma, Mimi, Bob, Spring, Emily, Daisy Mae, Diesel, Coco, Zack, BooBoo, and Yogi all moved on to start fresh, new lives. Congratulations to them and theirs and, as always, we wish them the best of luck and hope that you’ll bring ‘em back to visit or at least send pictures! Special thanks are in order this week for volunteer, Kathy Dough, of Manteo. She was a great help to us by working with and transporting our two Siberian Huskies (Mia and Yapa) to a rescue group in Virginia Beach last weekend. We’ve been working more and more with these groups to help place some of the more unusual cases that come to the shelter and that, for various reasons, are not quite ready for adoption. We also sent two Dachshund mixes (Blackie & Lightning) to a Richmond, Va. rescue group where they can get the special attention that they need and deserve! Thanks to everyone involved in making this rescue program successful! ASK ANIMAL CONTROL Q: My dogs are not due for their rabies shots until April of this year but I’d like to take advantage of the low-cost rabies clinic coming up. Is it okay to get them their vaccinations early? Mrs. A.J., Wanchese A: In short, the answer is yes. It won’t hurt them to be vaccinated before their due date. UNTIL NEXT TIME… Let’s not forget, too, that we humans invited and encouraged these animals to become dependent on us and we now have an obligation to care for them! Send your questions or comments to: Ask Animal Control C/o Dare County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 1000 Manteo, N.C. 27954 E-mail Rich at scooprc@yahoo.com

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