Copper Country Humane Society

Pet Portraits by Brockway Photography – Priceless

LeRita — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:44:49 +0000

A HUGE THANK YOU TO BROCKWAY PHOTOGRAPHY and everyone who participated in the incredible CCHS Pet Portrait Fundraiser. Check out many of the portraits by going to Brockway Photography – Designer Portraits FB page. These pictures are priceless and Mike’s (Brockway Owner and Photographer) donation of time, talent and portraits are an incredible gift to CCHS! Special thanks to Heather (Mike’s assistant) for making it extra special for everyone. Thank you from CCHS and all the animals you help!

http://brockwayphotography.com/

Keep Your Pet Safe this Valentine’s Day

LeRita — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:26:16 +0000

Lavish your pet with lots of love but keep the treats and flowers out of their reach! Valentine’s Day is typically filled with gifts of chocolates, flowers and candy. However, these gifts can be very harmful to our canine and feline loved ones. Chocolate is especially a hazard this time of year, dogs seem to love the taste as much as we do. Unfortunately, the fat and caffeine derivatives (methylxanthines) commonly cause intestinal problems (vomiting and diarrhea), and can cause panting, hyperactivity, seizures and heart problems leading to death. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic, with baking chocolate being the most dangerous. Another toxic food ingredient that has recently been shown to cause liver failure and is highly toxic to dogs is xylitol, a sugar substitute used in some chewing gums and sugar-free baking products.
Many flower and plant varieties are poisonous or harmful to pets. Different plants and flowers have varied effects. Some of the more popular varieties that may be found around Valentine’s Day are: Baby’s Breath, Chrysanthemums, Daffodils, various Lilies, Ferns, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Impatiens, Lily-of-the-Valley, Rubber plants, and Tulips. Cats, especially, find grass-like plants irresistible and have access to just about everywhere. Lilies are particularly deadly to cats. There are many more flowers and plants that can cause upset and even death to your pet, so please be aware to keep all varieties of flora and fauna away from them.

Esme

Happy Tails — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:23:36 +0000

My wife and I will always remember the date,December 3 2011. That is the day we brought home Esme. Now when my wife on that day introduced herself to Esme, she received a rather cold reception, in fact Esme attacked her hand. We realized the the chance of adoption for her was slim, in fact she had been one of the longest to have been at the CCHS. We took her home. We had set up her own area in our computer room, food water litter box to give her time to adjust at her own pace. For six weeks she stayed in that room, in fact under a table. We made contact with her every day, made sure she was cared for and was comfortable. Very slow progress but we kept at it. Esme first accepted Lisey (Former Jewel from CCHS)and started to come out and look around. Love and patience has its rewards. Today Esme has accepted the rest of the gang and often chases Lisey down the hallway. At night she sleeps on our bed and although she remains independent, when she wished attention can be quite
affectionate.We have no regrets at all in having to take her home with us. She now is a part of our family and we are happy to have her. Just a word to all those looking for a friend from the CCHS. All of the animals in their care want a forever home, no matter how friendly they are or are not. Time, love and patience has its rewards. Tell the volunteers what you are looking for in regards to, do you have children,other animals,perhaps a lap cat and so on. Let them help you make your decision. When you arrive home, understand some animals take a long time to adjust, be loving and patient. We are so happy to have Esme as a forever friend. Thank you to all the folks at CCHS for caring.

Econo Cares

LeRita — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:26:29 +0000

Econo cares for our community and our shelter animals. CCHS volunteer, Roger Woods, graciously accepted a check for over $1900.00 from Econo Foods Supervior – Colin Gifford and book keeper – Dennece Robeson this week. This incredible donation is part of their “Econo Cares – Register Grocery Receipt Program”. CCHS earns 1% on the total of grocery receipts collected and thanks to all of you for giving us your receipt, CCHS turned in the most receipts again this year! YAY! Keep saving those Econo Food Receipts and Our Family Bar Codes for CCHS, because together we can make a difference for the animals!

Happy Tails

Happy Tails — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:03:48 +0000

Brought Sonic (Nikki) home just three days ago. She’s wonderful and very smart – exactly the dog we were looking for to add to the pack! She’s fitting in with our dogs perfectly, as you can see by the photo. Thanks!

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

LeRita — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:29:26 +0000

Your pet needs dental care too – regular, professional care from your veterinarian, as well as care at home from you can help keep your pet healthy and happy. Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets. An astounding 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society.

Oral Disease Can Lead to Other Health Problems

Bleeding gums
Tooth loss
Inflammation and infection of the gums can lead to heart, liver and kidney damage. In an alarming new study, gum disease, which can occur in up to 75 percent of dogs and cats by middle age, has been linked to the occurrence of heart disease.

HOW TO BRUSH YOUR PET’S TEETH AT HOME

STEP 1: Introduce a brushing program to pets gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.
STEP 2: At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet’s mouth and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.
STEP 3: Gradually introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.
STEP 4: Finally, you can introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets. Use a sensitive or ultra-soft brush designed for people or a brush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or specialty pet store. Don’t use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal’s stomach.

Information Source: http://www.oxyfresh.com/news/ha_pet_gum_disease.asp http://www.petdental.com

SHOP ECONO FOODS and save “Our Family” UPC barcodes for CCHS!

LeRita — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:27:59 +0000

Econo Foods is adding a new way to help animals by raising MORE money through their wonderful community programs. Not only do your Econo Foods Receipts add up to over $4000 annually in donations from Econo Foods (SO PLEASE KEEP SAVING RECEIPTS FOR CCHS) but now if you buy “OUR FAMILY” products and save the UPC barcode, Econo Foods will donate 5 cents for each barcode CCHS redeems. It is simple – Shop Econo Foods “Our Family” brands, save the UPC barcode and give to CCHS! You can mail barcodes, drop in any CCHS canister or stop by the animal shelter. Together we can make a difference for many animals! Thank you!

“Pet Days” at Brockway Photography

LeRita — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:13:43 +0000

Once again Mike *Brockway Photography* is donating his services to help raise money for the Copper Country Humane Society on January 25th and 26th, 2012. The donation is $60.00 and in return you get a beautiful 11×14 portrait of your pet. Appointments are still available for both days. Please call their studio at 482-1900 to book your appointment. Some photos from past Pet Days can be viewed on their website: www.brockwayphotography.com

THANK YOU Brockway Photography for making a difference for animals in our community…year after year!

Our Sweet BB (aka Beatrix)

Happy Tails — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:28:29 +0000

We have always dreamed of having a St.Bernard, little did we know that the time we actually weren’t looking, Miss BB came into our lives. She was in her kennel barking her head off and I said “I want to walk her!” The instant we got her outside she was an absolute angel and the most beautiful girl we had ever seen. We knew that we could not live without her! She immediately bonded to us, her new “parents” ). She loves following us around the house, going for nice long walks on the trails and around town, going for car rides, and most of all, snuggling every second she can! She is such a love sponge! She often walks by and sits her little behind right on your lap, yes, she has no concept of her size. Another thing she loves is going to visit Grandma and Grandpa on weekends. She gets along well with the kitties and Bella (our old golden retriever). She is the classic definition of a gentle giant. She brings so much joy to our family, I cannot imagine our lives
without her. She is a true blessing and we feel so lucky to have found our ‘little’ girl. Thank you so much CCHS!

Brandon Spigarelli and Megan Lindeman (BB’s proud parents )

Deacon

Happy Tails — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:26:36 +0000

I moved to the Copper Country all the way from South Dakota when my husband and I got married, and we had to live at the student apartments at Michigan Tech (no pets allowed). Being around cats all my life, it was weird to be an apartment without a purring fur-ball on my lap. I would often visit the CCHS, just to pet and play with all the kitties. On one particular visit, I saw this large long-hair gray cat named Deacon, minding his own business, not paying attention to any of the other cats or even the people. I gave him some pets and he loved all the attention. I fell in love with him instantly, and would of adopted him right then if I didn’t live in a “no pets” apartment. After that, I made several trips to the shelter just to see Deacon, and I would bring my husband along to meet him too.
Months pass, my husband was getting closer to graduating from Tech, and we would soon have to move out of the Tech apartments. My husband was determined to find us an apartment in the area that allowed pets so I could have Deacon. It was a long and tough search, but we found one. Just a few days after we moved into the new place, we went to the CCHS, picked up Deacon and brought him to his new home.
Deacon is a very happy, content kitty. He’s very laid back, loves his toys, and he especially loves his scratching pad. Almost every night when my husband comes home from work, Deacon gets extremely hyper, and runs all over the apartment. He’s social with just about everyone that visits our home, he’s even won the hearts of people that once claimed that they never liked cats. Deacon has been the perfect addition to our family, he brings a lot of joy, smiles and laughter to our home. Thank you CCHS

- Kelsey Anderson

sidney (sid)

Happy Tails — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:24:26 +0000

we adopted sid in mid december so he spent his first xmas with us. we love him very much
and he adapted right away. hes a mommy and daddys boy. hes a senior but i hope we have
many years ahead with him. the rest of his life will be full of hugs and kisses.thanks for all
you do at the shelter. you all are truly special people.
jackie and jim

Make 2012 the Best for Our Furry Friends

LeRita — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:56:47 +0000

Many of us look a the new year in terms of being healthier and happier. We are also hoping that 2012 is the year we all do a little more for animals. Our busy lives and crazy schedules often leave little time for pet care, but here are some simple tips to help you, your pet and animals in general.

Talk a 30 minute walk with your dog a few times a week. This is a win-win for both you and your dog.
Provide your pet with yearly health checks and routinely check your pet at home to help identify possible health issues at an early stage. Check your pet’s teeth for tartar, run your hands down your pet for abnormal bumps or lumps, check ears and keep nails trimmed.
Feed your pet good quality pet food. A healthy diet is key to a healthy pet.
Make 2012 the year of ID TAGS for your pet. A simple ID tag can help reunite your lost pet so collar and tag your pet. Micro chipping is a permanent way to ID your pet.

Be an animal advocate this year:

Report animal abuse or neglect to law enforcement and be the voice for animals.
If you see a lost animal, rescue it! Most lost animals are rescued by private citizens doing a good deed. Don’t assume the animal will “find its way home”, most do not, so be that hero for a lost pet. Provide a temporary safe haven in your garage, shed or home and then contact your local animal shelter for further assistance.
Never buy an animal from a pet store. Never buy products from a pet store that sells animals. In retail environments, animals are treated like merchandise and not like living beings. Conditions are often unhealthy, neglectful and often these puppies are products of puppy mills. Make 2012 the year of adopting animals and not buying them.
Encourage family, friends and everyone you know to have their pets spayed and neutered. Help stop the cycle of unwanted litters and help end euthanasia of unwanted animals.

Taz

Happy Tails — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:45:05 +0000

When I came into the shelter I really wasn’t looking to take a cat home that day. But,when I saw this big old fat cat yes he’s a pretty huge cat and a long face just laying there looking up at me of course I had to go over there and give him a pet, he purred and purred and just melted in my arms. Both Taz and I fell in love.

PB & J

Happy Tails — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:43:45 +0000

We are a family with two boys, ages 8 and 11, who have previously raised two cats to the ages of 17 and 21. Our oldest cat passed away this fall and we knew we would be looking for new ones soon. By fate or by chance, a friend from the Animal Medical Center of Marquette told me about two kittens they had from the Copper Country Humane Society. We ended up visiting the kittens at the vet and decided to make them part of our family. We are so happy we did! Peter Boy and Jay are active, loving, curious, playful kittens who are bringing enjoyment to our family. Thank you AMC of Marquette and CCHS for helping bring these kittens to us! We are looking forward to many, many years together!

Happy Cats

Happy Tails — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:42:58 +0000

In June, I adopted two young sibling feral cats. They were so scared at the shelter. I knew they were the ones for me. I brought them to our farm as barn cats. Kept them confined for two weeks. They became quite relaxed in their new environment. After receiving their final vaccinations we turned them loose in the barn. They built a great relationship with our old barn cat. He has taken care of them and showed them around just like a parent. He is so happy to have their company. They all hunt mice and squirrels together. Their tails are always happy as they are free to roam the farm and climb piles of hay bales in the barn. There is always dry food available for them and a large bowl of warm water. Every morning I bring them tuna or cooked chicken breast for breakfast. They all come running when I go in the barn. We built two small hay huts with fleece blankets inside so they are as cozy as a house cat. They have a horse, two goats and two rabbits for company. T
hey are a perfect fit for our situation. Missy and Sissy have a life they enjoy.

Thank you.

Happy Tails — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:40:04 +0000

I adopted my dog Ki around June 2003. The day I picked her up was actually my birthday, the 14th. I took Ki, who was a collie/ lab mix all over the country. Eventually I ended up working for the government and living in Maryland. Ki was the smartest, most caring dog I have ever met. Although I moved several times during this time I always made sure she was in the best home I could provide. During a rough separation from my wife, Ki was always there for me. No matter how bad my days were back then Ki would always greet me with a wagging tail and lots of kisses. Long nights of pain were made easier by caring eyes and a warm body to lay next to. During this time Ki became sick. I took her to the vet and soon learned she had cancer. Not wanting to put her through the pain of life any longer I let her go in April 2009. Although I am sad about losing her, I would not trade anything for the six years I was able to experience her. This dog literally saved my life after a b
out with depression. I hope that my short story was able to inspire more people to adopt dogs from shelters. At the end of the day they love unconditionally, and will never let you down.

Betty & Jim Aebli’s 40th Anniverary is a Celebration for CCHS Animals

LeRita — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:03:26 +0000

Celebrating 40 years of marriage is a wonderful event and a true demonstration of honoring the vows made so many years ago. But what you may not know is that celebrating 40 years of marriage also helped CCHS. Betty & Jim Aebli celebrated their anniversary by hosting a lovely dinner and reception for friends, family, and fellow animal lovers at the Waterfront in Hancock. Their kindness and generosity helped raise $1000.00 to help animals! Thank you for making this a better community, for allowing us to share your wonderful anniversary day, and for making a difference for many animals at CCHS.

Keep Your Pets Healthy and Happy this Winter

Lynn — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:01:57 +0000

Following are timely tips to protect pets in cold weather.

Before, during and after walks and outdoor exercise:

Coats and booties can help your dog stay warm. In particular, short-haired or elderly dogs benefit from wearing a coat or sweater. Look for coats or sweaters with high collars or a turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath.
Remember to be very careful with sick or older dogs, since they are more sensitive to cold weather. For any dog sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, papertrain your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.
Clip the fur between toe pads to reduce the amount of snow that collects between toes.
To help protect dry, sensitive paws, try coating them with a bit of cooking spray before walks in very cold weather.
During deep snows, shovel out a potty spot for your dog.
Upon returning home, wipe snow and ice off your dog’s feet, legs and belly. Little ice cubes can form in the sensitive spaces between the toes and toe-pads. Remove the ice carefully with your fingers since it may cling to the hairs between the paws. Wiping off your dog will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that she could ingest them when licking her paws.
Consider keeping a container of warm water and cloths by the door for use after walks. It is good to rinse the paws before you wipe them dry, because lime rock salt and calcium chloride salt can irritate the foot pads and cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked. Dunking in the water will also dissolve ice and remove mud.
Many de-icing and ice-melting products are toxic. Read the labels of any projects you use, and store these products in tight containers.
Even brief exposure to sub-zero temperatures can lead to frostbite of the feet, nose or ears. Frost-bitten skin appears red, gray or whitish and may peel off. Prevent frostbite by removing ice and snow from paws and fur right away. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place and thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels. Change them frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Then contact a veterinarian for further care.
Do not be tempted to let dogs off leash in snow or ice. Canines often lose their scent in cold weather and can become lost. Dogs also can panic in snow storms and run away. The decreased daylight does not help either. More dogs are reported lost during the winter than any other season, so always keep dogs on leash when outside a fully fenced yard and make sure yours always wears proper identification.

Winter pet care:

Brush your dog vigorously and regularly. The air in most houses becomes dry during the colder months, which depletes moisture from dog skin and fur. Brushing improves skin, coat and circulation.
A thick-coated dog typically needs grooming in cold weather. The fur can get wet and matted, making it an irritant. Clean fur lofts and holds air in a manner similar to layering clothes, thus helping the animal stay warm.
Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat longer for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.
Use fatty acid supplements during the winter, ideally starting several weeks before cold weather sets in, to help skin and coat.
If your dog engages in a lot of outdoor activities, increase his food supply to help keep his coat thick and healthy.

—–

Note: Some tips courtesy of Brenda Beck, President of Pets and Animals in Distress in Fort Lauderdale; The Healthy Animal Update newsletter; and other sources.

These tips are courtesy of paw-rescue.org. Find the original link here.

Holiday Wish List

LeRita — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:18:10 +0000

Donations and volunteers are the cornerstone of CCHS. YOU make a difference for so many animals we care for at CCHS. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! We get many calls this time of year asking what do we need, how can we donate? There are many ways to give and below is a list of items needed, plus you can donate on-line, donate in honor or memory of loved one, sponsor a pet, or you can purchase items on-line and have them shipped to CCHS. There are so many great ways to help the animals. Please contact CCHS if you have any questions and HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

CANNED Dog & Cat Food (CCHS participates in a shelter food program through Science Diet for our dry food)

Lysine – Cat Medicine

Litter – Non clumping

Cat toys and treats

Durable Dog Toys

Leashes

Dish soap

Laundry Soap

Bleach

Office Paper – white and colored

Office supplies

Towels and Blankets

Pet beds

Gift Cards – Walmart, Shopko, Econo Foods or Pat’s IGA

Step Ladder

2011 Coffee Table Winner

LeRita — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:01:14 +0000

And the winner is…..Mr. & Mrs. John Kriegl of Florence, Wisconsin. CCHS President, Dr. Todd Ingram had the honors of calling Mrs. Kriegl to share the great news that she was the lucky winner of the beautiful coffee table. Thrilled, excited and over joyed are just a few ways to describe her reaction to this news.

Words cannot begin to describe our appreciation to Dave and Diana Stimac for their incredible donation of 5 (yes, that is right…5) bird’s eye and gem coffee tables over the past 5 years. Dave hand crafts each table and Diana selects all the beautiful gems to make this unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art for CCHS. The 2011 coffee table raffle raised $8135 which brings the total to over $40,000 raised for CCHS. Dave and Diana are a rare gem and we are so grateful for their generosity, kindness and support to help animals in this community. If you would like to see more of Dave’s work, visit Nature’s Way Woodworking located in Alberta, MI (10 miles south of L’Anse) or click on to http://www.birdseye-connection.com

ADOPT….NEVER SHOP for a Pet

LeRita — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:01:07 +0000

Don’t support puppy mills and pet stores this Holiday Season – Beware of on line buying of animals, often these puppies are from puppy mills or “factory style” breeding facilities. ADOPT your next pet…NEVER SHOP! IF we all pledge to adopt, we can save millions of animals from being killed each year. Save a life and OPT to ADOPT.

Here are the facts – Puppy mills are “factory style” dog-breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Most dogs raised in puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with improper medical care, and the parents of the puppies are kept in cages to be bred over and over for years, without human companionship and with little hope of ever joining a family. And after they’re no longer profitable, breeding dogs are simply discarded—either killed, abandoned or sold at auction. Puppy mill puppies are sold to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the Internet and through newspaper classified advertisements to whoever is willing to pay for them.

Marketed as coming from great breeders, well-rehearsed sales tactics keep money flowing to the puppy mill by ensuring that buyers never get to see where the pups actually come from (a vital step in puppy buying). Many of the puppies have serious behavioral and health problems that might not be apparent for months, including medical problems that can cost thousands of dollars to treat, if they are treatable at all. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not even aware that puppy mills exist, so when they buy a pet from a pet store, online or other retail outlet, they are unwittingly supporting this cruel industry.

By adopting instead of buying a pet, you can be certain you aren’t supporting cruel puppy mills with your money. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop purchasing their dogs. Instead of buying a dog, visit your local shelter where you will likely to find dozens of healthy, well-socialized puppies and adult dogs—including purebreds—just waiting for that special home—yours.

For more informaiton visit: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/adopt/tips/top_reasons_adopt.html

CCHS Fall Newsletter

Lynn — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:36:38 +0000

CCHS’s Fall Newsletter is available for reading. Please click on the image below to download a web-friendly pdf.

High Five for $5.00 Felines

LeRita — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:34:16 +0000

For one day only – ALL cats, 5 months and older, will have an adoption fee
of only $5! That is right….$5! COME VISIT CCHS on December 3rd from 12pm to
5pm and lets give these great cats a new forever home. They are waiting….WILL
you be the one to change their life?

This a huge savings for anyone looking to add a great feline friend to their home. The cat you choose will be spay/neutered, vaccinated and tested and just needs someone to choose them. Help make a difference this Holiday Season and choose adoption as the only option.

ZeeZee

Happy Tails — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:15:52 +0000

We adopted ZeeZee (F.K.A. Daisy) on Memorial Day weekend of this year. She’s been a wonderful dog. Enclosed is a photo of her showing off her flying skills.

Steve Heikkinen & Kaye Hiebel

Join Us for a “Frosty Festival” at the Bluffs

LeRita — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:19:00 +0000

THE BLUFFS SENIOR COMMUNITY & THE COPPER COUNTRY HUMANE SOCIETY

Cordially Invites You to Our “FROSTY FESTIVAL”

Saturday, December 3rd: 2:00p.m- Social (Visit with pets from the Humane Society and bring a donation for the pets such as; Food, treats, blankets etc.)

3:00p.m.- Christmas Concert featuring Courtney Clisch

The Bluffs Senior Community 3rd Floor Ballroom 1000 Bluff View DriveHoughton, MI 49931

Complimentary beverages will be served along with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and sweets. We hope you can join us!

Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, December 2nd The Bluffs 906-483-4400