Celebrate Saving Lives!

Please join us for a celebration of  

4 SUCCESSFUL YEARS of aiding homeless pets of our community!

BAKE SALE & ADOPT-A-THON!

SATURDAY

April 2nd

Family Dollar

in Clay City 

10 am to 5 pm 

We will have foster pets on display and available for adoption.  Also available are baked goods, face painting, and items for sale benefiting the homeless animals of Powell County.  Come meet our members and our pets.  Join us for fun, conversation, meet & greet, and find out what we are up to and how you can help!  For more information call 606-663-9802.

DID SOMEONE SAY, "BAKE SALE???"

Puppies living the Charmed Life!

Charm poses with her new family!

When we first met Charm, we suspected that she might be pregnant.  Then as days passed, it became OBVIOUS she was pregnant.   Her ever-expanding stomach was literally dragging the ground!   Charm is a smaller breed dog.  We were concerned that she was getting too big, and may need medical help giving birth to her puppies.  So we accepted her into foster care so she would have a safe place to give birth, plus we could monitor the delivery just in case an emergency arose.

The whole charming family!

Smaller breed dogs could face serious birthing issues if the puppies are too large.  If you are assisting a mother dog as she gives birth, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of both the mother and the puppies.

Shhh!  They're sleeping.

After her water breaks, the mother dog should deliver her first puppy within two hours.   The rest of the litter may arrive at intervals ranging from minutes to hours.  If the mother is straining unproductively for more than half an hour, a vet should be notified.   This lack of progress could signify that the mother is not physically able to deliver her puppies.  This is called dystocia.  Dystocia occurs when the puppies are too large to fit through the mother's birth canal. The puppies can get stuck as she tries to push them out, resulting in the puppy's death. This problem can also prove fatal for the mother. The only treatment is surgical intervention.  The vet may recommend a Cesarean section to ensure the safety of the mother and her offspring.   Certain breeds, such as large-headed bulldogs, are commonly born with a c-section.

Puppies are born enveloped inside their amniotic sack.  If the mother seems confused as to what to do, gently tear the membrane itself and allow the fluid to be released. Give the mother time to take over.  If the puppy hasn't started breathing on its own, it may require some assistance.  With a small towel or washcloth, firmly rub the puppy. This is to stimulate it so crying will begin. Crying is the natural way to clear the mouth and trachea of amniotic fluid.                                                                                               

Though Charm didn't have any problems while giving birth, her foster parent watched over her to ensure a healthy delivery.  The puppies are beautiful and will be adoptable as soon as they are weaned.   And Charm will be spayed and ready for adoption as well.   Contact us if you are interested in meeting Charm or her family.  She's a sweet little girl, and we are happy that she's doing so well!         

Ah, motherhood!

Why Not Become a Foster Parent???

We receive many inquiries from the public asking how they can help the animals in need.   One way way is to become a Foster Family!

Kit and Jude were foster animals!

Fostering gives us the opportunity to prepare animals for their forever home.  The fosters get much needed exercise and socialization, plus it allows us to learn about the animal's personality so we can match them with their new family.  

Laurie DeFlippo is one of our foster parents.   Here's what she says about fostering:

Laurie DeFlippo

"I foster animals from the pound.  I find this to be the best part of being a member of FOPCP.  Sometimes I only have an animal for a day or two.  Then there are times that we may have them for weeks or even several months.

People tell me that they could NEVER foster dogs or cats because they would become so attached to these animals that they wouldn't be able to let them go into another home for permanent adoption.  I have to say that there have been times when I have cried all the way home after sending a special one off to a rescue.  I wouldn't be human if I didn't get emotionally attached to these wonderful and very grateful dogs.  I also know that if I didn't get that dog or cat out of the pound,the chances of it being placed in a forever home is anyone's guess.  By me taking this animal into my home,getting it the medical attention it needs and finally finding a permanent, loving home for it, then I have made a difference in the life of this animal.  If I chose to keep it, I wouldn't be able to go get another one out and save it.  This "THING" that we foster parents do is extremely hard on our emotions, but when we get an e-mail and photos from the new parents telling us how loved and wanted their new pet is, we know it was worth it.

Feeding Time!

If I take an animal out of the pound to foster and we can not find a home for it, I know that it will NEVER go back to the pound again.  I know that it will NEVER have another litter or help produce another unwanted litter again.  I know from the minute I take this homeless, unwanted animal into my life, that it will be loved and treated with dignity and respect.

One person can make the difference in the life of one animal.  I have made the difference in the lives of hundreds of animals.  The Friends of Powell County's Pets have made the difference in the lives of thousands of animals.  I am so proud to belong to this small but mighty group of people.  And even though my three dogs sleeping on the bed in the spare room can't talk, I'm pretty sure they are glad that I am a volunteer too.  My husband jokingly refers to them as "Failed Fosters." They just know they are loved!"

Contact us if you would like to become a foster family!  Info@fopcp.com

Oskar's Adoptive Parents Send Update!

Oskar came into our foster care quite by surprise.   He was dropped off in our back yard one night.   The next morning when it was time to feed the foster dogs, there was one more wagging tail waiting for breakfast.


Oskar was a sweetheart.  He had a unique look with his long ears that flop inward towards his forehead.   We immediately put him on PetFinder, and he was adopted by the Cotter family from Springfield, Ohio.   Here's their update!

Hello! I adopted Oskar 2 months ago from you. I just wanted to give you an update..Oskar went to the vet today to get a parvo booster. He now weighs 36 lbs.. He's adorable, eager to please and getting along with everyone in the house very well. He is our baby.  We love him dearly!!!  Thanks for what you do, you are very special people..Oskar thanks you too! :), 

Dawn Cotter & family

Springfield, Ohio

We are so happy that you gave Oskar a new home! 

Barn Cats are a Lofty Idea!

As any farmer will tell you, it is not uncommon for rodents to take up residence in the comfort of a barn.   These pests can absolutely wreak havoc on the farm.   They can destroy insulation, contaminate food supplies, and even chew through wiring or expensive leather goods.   Rodents can also harbor parasites that can potentially infect barnyard animals and humans.  Plus, they can reproduce at an alarming rate.   Since using poisons could potentially harm their livestock, some farmers combat these unwelcome tenants with the help of the common feline. 

Introducing cats to your barn is an effective solution to eliminate the threat of these rodents.   In a rural community like Powell County, there are many barns.   Likewise, there are MANY cats looking for homes. 

Khristie Everman’s farm is home to many horses, goats, and even a llama!   They regularly use the barn as shelter, so Khristie adopted cats from the Powell County Animal Shelter to stand guard of her livestock.  The cats get shelter, food, water, interaction, a place to exercise, fresh air, and a full-time job.   These barn kitties are thrilled to be out of the pound, and welcome their new life on the farm.  And their daily duties as pest control for the farm is greatly appreciated. 

If you have a barn on your property, please consider giving a homeless cat from the pound a chance at a better life. But before you adopt, it is important to spay or neuter.  Plus, be sure that the cats are up to date on vaccinations.   If they are excellent mousers, they may require occasional worming to stay strong and healthy.  However, barn cats amazingly adaptable and independent, and usually remain healthy if provided with high quality food and clean water.

    

Contact us if you would like to adopt some cats for your barn, or kitties for your house!

How to make a difference

We started out our blog detailing some of our accomplishments.  However, we fight an ongoing battle.  Right now, more animals are coming into the pound than are leaving.  If too many animals are there, the ones who have been there the longest will be euthanized.  How can you help?

1.)  Don't breed!  Spay and neuter your animals.

2.)  Don't buy from breeders!  Any pure-bred dog can be rescued, and mixed breeds are often healthier.

3.)  Spread the word!  A lot of people just don't understand the importance of spaying, neutering, and adopting.  Many think that animals in rescue are bad.  Shockingly, a lot of people don't think that kill shelters actually kill animals.

4.)  Be a foster.  A superb endorsement for fostering was left as a comment on our inaugural post:
People tell me that they could NEVER foster dogs or cats because they would become so attached to these animals that they wouldn't be able to let them go into another home for permanent adoption.I have to say that there have been times when I have cried all the way home after sending a special one off to a rescue.I wouldn't be human if I didn't get emotionally attached to these wonderful and very grateful dogs.I also know that if I didn't get that dog or cat out of the pound,the chances of it being placed in a forever home is anyone's guess.By me taking this animal into my home,getting it the medical attention it needs and finally finding a permanent,loving home for it,then I have made a difference in the life of this animal.If I chose to keep it,I wouldn't be able to go get another one out,and save it. This "THING" that we foster parents do is extremely hard on our emotions,but when we get an e-mail and photos from the new parents telling us how loved and wanted their new pet is,we know it was worth it.
If I take an animal out of the pound to foster and we can not find a home for it,I know that it will NEVER go back to the pound again.I know that it will NEVER have another litter or help produce another unwanted litter again. I know from the minute I take this homeless, unwanted animal into my life,that it will be loved and treated with dignity and respect.
One person can make the difference in the life of one animal.I have made the difference in the lives of hundreds of animals.The Friends of Powell County's Pets have made the difference in the lives of thousands of animals.I am so proud to belong to this small but mighty group of people.And even though my three dogs sleeping on the bed in the spare room can't talk,I'm pretty sure they are glad that I am a volunteer too.My husband refers to them as "Failed Fosters" They just know they are loved!

Ask us about our Kroger Fundraiser!

5.)  Be a volunteer driver.  The lucky animals who go to rescues in other states have to make road trips.  Our volunteer drivers make these possible.  Occasionally, we also need volunteers to transport animals locally for vetting.  

6.)  Participate in our Kroger card program!  The more money we make, the more animals we can help.    Not only will you help the animals, you will simplify your grocery shopping!

7.)  Write or talk to your legislators!  Kentucky is known as one of the best havens for animal abusers.  It's disgraceful.  Other states have managed to have shelters with waiting lists.  Let's be a leader among our neighbors!

If you want to know more, email us at info@fopcp.com or fopcpky@gmail.com

Pit Bulls - they need love, too!

Pit bulls are like any other breed of dog -- their behavior is partially based on genetics but mainly results from how they are treated by their human companions.  Our Pack, Inc. is a rescue group in California that focuses on working with pit bulls.  They have successfully rehabilitated many of the dogs rescued from Michael Vick.  Please check out their website.  Below is some information they published that clears up some myths about pits:

The Truth About Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls Don’t Feel Head or Neck Pain: This is not true. Pit Bulls feel pain like other breeds do. Being tenacious, they will carry on a task until it's completed and push through the pain but they still experience pain just like other breeds of dogs.

Pit Bulls Are Human Attack Dogs: A Pit Bull with a correct temperament is very human friendly and seeks human affection. Pit Bulls love to be touched and handled by humans. As Pit Bulls are terriers they can be dog intolerant. This can vary as much within the breed as it does among all breeds and is very manageable. Note: Dog intolerance is a very different behavior from human aggression. They are not interchangeable.

Pit Bulls Have Locking Jaws: The jaws of a Pit Bull work in the same way as other canines. A Pit Bull is tenacious and willful and he may hold on as a result of his willfulness and tenacity but not because his jaws are physically “designed” to lock. Other breeds may also be very likely to bite and hold on but there is no evidence that any breed has locking jaws.

Pit Bulls Are Not Safe Around Children: The only thing to be concerned about with a temperamentally correct, well-socialized Pit Bull is that he may become very excited around children and knock them over trying to lick them! This is also very easily resolved through training. Pit Bulls generally love attention from children. Even poking, ear pulling type attention will make most Pit Bulls very happy. Of course, one should never leave their child unattended with any dog of any breed, ever. Also, children should be taught how to properly treat pets in the home. Any dog of any breed should be continually socialized to children, adults, and animals throughout his life, including the Pit Bull.

Pit Bulls Are Taught To Be Dog Aggressive: All canines can become defensive if they feel threatened. This is how dogs have survived for eons. They can also lack confidence in social skills with other dogs when not well-socialized and become defensive and fight. Therefore, they don't need training to fight. They can just be set up to fight in certain environments and then reinforced for it. Additionally, Pit Bulls are Terrier dogs. All Terrier dogs tend be less willing to tolerate another dog's rude gestures. This is a very easily managed trait. We have found that our fight bust dogs are our best dogs ever! All dogs of all breeds must be well-socialized with other dogs from an early age, including Pit Bulls.

Pit Bulls Make Good Guard Dogs: False! Better get a guard dog for your Pit Bull!

Pit Bulls that have scars on the head or leg area have been fought: Not necessarily. Maybe he got into it with a coyote or got caught in a chain link fence. There are many reasons why a Pit Bull or any breed of dog could have scars.