HOT DOGS NEED HELP!!

Arkansas may be a state of dog lovers, but it seems we may still be putting man’s best friend at risk as a recent survey of individuals on a Saturday revealed that over 65% of people have seen a dog locked in a car on a sunny day yet over a third of them did nothing about it.

With temperatures easily reaching over 100 degrees in some parked vehicles, dogs could die within minutes so we are once again reminding motorists and visitors of our “Hot Cars Can Kill Dogs” Campaign.

The survey also reveals that 15% of those questioned called the police when they saw a dog locked in the car, 49% tried to alert the driver or have a store page individuals and 1 individual actually broke into the car to rescue the dog.

The “Hot Cars Can Kill Dogs” Campaign begins on July 7th with posters and “Hot Dog” Cards being available to individuals and businesses who love and respect animals across Northeast Arkansas. Companies and individuals can contact NAFA at nafahelp@gmail.com or visit Petco on Saturday, July 7th to pick up the “Hot Cars Can Kill Dogs” posters for business windows and “Hot Dog” cards to put on vehicles with animals inside.  There is also information about who businesses can call to assist with animals that might be in danger.

NAFA director and abuse investigator states, “It is shocking to see that so many people consider leaving their dog in the car, whatever the weather. If you wouldn’t leave your child in the car, why would you leave your pet? Given how quickly the temperature can rise, it is equally unfathomable that you would leave your pet or child.  What is even more shocking is individuals who leave dogs in the back of trucks exposing them not only to excessive heat but the dangers of passersby.”

Advice to motorists include:

Never leave your dog alone in the car – even if it seems cool outside it can become very hot very quickly inside your car. Parking in the shade and/or keeping the windows down does not make it safe!  If you leave your vehicle running with the air conditioner on, be sure that your vehicle is secure and do not leave for long as your vehicle might overheat.

Make sure you have a supply of water and know where you can stop off on route for water breaks. Dogs are not able to cool down as effectively as humans so could suffer from heat stroke and dehydration very quickly

The dangers are obvious; you just have to touch the dashboard or seats to know how hot the inside of a car can get. But it’s not just on warm days when dogs are at risk – vehicles can be death-traps even in 80 degree temperatures.

Never travel with your dog in the back of your truck.  The bed can become excessively hot and the dog has no where to get cool. 

If you do see a dog in distress please contact your local police station or animal control department. 

Local Contacts for Jonesboro:

Police Department 870-935-5553

Animal Control 870-935-3920

Below is a printable "HOT DOG" card for placing on vehicles:

Keep your pets safe,

 Tut

RABIES ON THE RISE 2012

Several new cases of rabies have Garland County officials warning residents to beware of wildlife and be sure their pets are up to date of vaccinations. According to the Arkansas State Department of Health, 52 animals have tested positive for rabies so far this year, just 8 less than last year's total of 60 cases. Hot Springs Animal Services director Dan Bugg says his agency submitted two bats and a skunk for rabies testing and the results came back positive.

In February, a family’s pet dog, living in the community of Imboden in Lawrence County, was confirmed rabid by the Arkansas Department of Health. The dog became ill and progressively declined until it was euthanized and submitted for rabies testing. Several people who were exposed to the dog underwent a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent the development of the disease. The dog was an inside/outside dog and stayed in a fenced yard when outside, but had not been vaccinated against rabies. The dog had been sprayed by a skunk a month or two ago, but the disease cannot be transmitted in skunk spray. Undoubtedly he had been bitten as well, although no skunk was seen or found in the yard.

NAFA’s low cost vaccination clinic (for qualified individuals) this Saturday, April 14th from 7:30 am to 11:30 am will sponsor Dr. Jack Jones to give rabies vaccinations for $7 (233 N. Gee – red and white building on the corner of Gee Street and Dan Avenue).  Other vaccinations, heartworm testing, preventative, flea and tick medication will also be available.  All Arkansas residents should know that dogs and cats (inside or outside) must have current rabies vaccinations given by a licensed veterinarian.

Because of this serious increase in rabies activity, NAFA reminds individual to talk with their children about avoiding wildlife completely.  Equally important is to limit the amount of time pet food is let outdoors.  Pets should be fed clean fresh food twice and day but left for only a limited amount of time.  Wildlife such as skunks and raccoons, are likely to be drawn to your yard and your pet because of the food that is left out.

OBSERVATIONS FROM THE SHELF - GOOD DOG / BAD HEALTH

A few Saturdays ago I spent the day in my usual place, on the shelf at Petco watching the wild world of pet adoption.  Lots of wonderful people came to look at pets and some even came with pets of their own.  I am always glad to see people with their dogs because it helps to make them social and happy.

Then a young man arrived with a large white, long haired Great Pyrenees. They stood back from the pen but I immediately got worried.  I looked at the beautiful dog and realized immediately that she was sick and might even be contagious.  What was this guy thinking?

One of the NAFA volunteers stepped up, just as a little girl ran up to pet the dog. My heart sank. What were the parents thinking?  The situation could take a very harsh turn any minute.

The NAFA volunteer quickly educated the young man on the dog he had brought inside the store – while the dog was very nice, it was suffering from sarcoptic mange, which many of you will know is very contagious to both animals and humans.

The young man took the dog from the store and an NAFA volunteer tracked down the parents of the little girl and they used hand sanitizer to clean their hands.  The family recently brought home two bulldog puppies, so not taking home sarcoptic mange was important to them.

All this got me to thinking about people taking their dogs into public.  I’ve come up with a couple of easy rules that people should remember.

1.      Make sure your dog is healthy and in good condition before you bring it out in public.

2.      Make sure you can handle your dog and keep it from inappropriate behavior, like peeing on every corner or lunging and barking at strangers

3.      Make sure to bring doggie bags and paper towels to clean up any mess that your dog might make.

4.      If your dog needs socializing help, contact one of the trainers at Petco and they can set you up with a free evaluation session with a certified trainer/behaviorist.

5.      Keep your dog away from other dogs so you avoid any confrontations. Just because your dog is friendly with other animals does not mean the other ones where you are will be that way.

6.      Watch for children and when they approach, ask your dog to sit and stay before you let the children pet your animal.  It is good for your dog and for the children.

7.      Make your visit a pleasant one and next time your dog will be even happier.

I also have a very important message for parents who bring their children in public where animals might be present.

         Be sure that your children know that they MUST ask the owner of the dog first, before they try to pet or touch it.  Not all dogs are as friendly and loving as me.  Some are frightened and some, I hate to say it, but some are just not nice.  It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that children know this rule.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog post,

                                                                                                                Ella   

REMEMBERING SCOOBY

Scooby and his Mom always come for Christmas pictures each year, so it is with a heavy heart but joyful memories that I post this memorial. Scooby was a very special boy and his Mother misses him even though it has been 2 months since he has gone.  We hope that time heals your heart and the joy of his life shines through instead of the agony of his death.

 Loved, Cherished, Missed

April 26, 1999 – December 24, 2011

IN MEMORY OF DRAEGO LEE BRITTON

Draego Lee Britton passed away February 14, 2012. He was a little over 7 years old Rottweiler. He was a wonderful funny guy who learned to do the Corgi jump from his shorter 4 legged friends. He has lived a charmed life with his Mom and Grandmother and never knew what the word want was. His favorite things to do were going everywhere with his Mom and Sonic ice cream cones. His nicknames were Boo and Baby Boy. Draego will be missed deeply by his animal siblings as well as all of his NAFA family. You were loved by many!!

Spay/Neuter - How It Can Help the Community

Our community needs your help. NAFA has been trying for years to get the funds to finish our low cost spay/neuter facility and after all this time is exceeding close to having the money for completion. We like around $5,700.00 to complete the fundraising portion of this task. Below are some facts and question that have proposed for us to answer. Please read them and see if they apply to you.

I don't even own a pet! Why is this my problem?

All of us are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to shelter and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to euthanize these animals when homes cannot be found. Human health is threatened by the danger of transmittable diseases (including rabies), animal bites and attacks. Property may be damaged and livestock killed when pets roam in search of food. Animal waste is proving to be a serious environment hazard, fouling yards and parks. It is only when all of us assume the responsibility for pet overpopulation that we will see any decrease in the problem.

If I find homes for my pet's litters, then I won't contribute to the problem, right?

Wrong. Only a small number of people will get their new animal spay or neutered so that it doesn't contribute to the overwhelming numbers of animals who need to find homes.

Won't animal shelters take care of the surplus animals?

No. Shelters do their best to place animals in loving homes, but the number of homeless animals far exceeds the number of willing/qualified adopters. This leaves many loving and healthy animals in our community that must be euthanized as the only humane solution to this tragic dilemma. Only spaying and neutering can end the overpopulation problem.

Spaying or neutering your own pet will keep your pet healthier.  It also means that your animal and his or her potential offspring won't contribute to the population of homeless and abandoned pets in our community.


They live in the shadows—the alleyways, empty lots and condemned buildings—of almost every neighborhood. Their lives are short and usually harsh. They struggle to find food and water in an environment filled with the constant threats of disease, starvation, cruelty and unwant.


If you would like to contribute to help the community end the overpopulation of unwanted and uncared for animals think about making a donation to get the ARK (Arkansans Reduce Killing) up and ready for business. You may donate by going to NAFA's Causes page (http://www.causes.com/causes/291873-nafa-northeast-arkansans-for-animals/actions) and select the give button, donating at Petco on Saturday's during adoption events, dropping a donation at The Groom Shop (1105 South Gee Street) or mailing it to us at P.O. Box 10075 Jonesboro, AR 72403. All monetary donations are tax deductible.

Izzy - Adopted August 2010

Sometimes NAFA has a family that really stands out when they adopt for one reason or another, this one is because of the great distance that was traveled for a puppy……

                                      Photo Courtesy of  Alyssa Hennessy Photography

She has traveled over 5,000 miles by car with her family and does amazing, even though she hates her seatbelt harness.

So when we received a Christmas card from the family that adopted the Wolfhound / Collie mix we were all thrilled at the photos and letter that was enclosed. The passage in what we are guessing is a yearly letter about the way life has been going included a whole paragraph about Izzy. Here is the excerpt from that letter:

“Izzy, our quadruped fur baby, turned one year old in June (or around there). Her legs have lengthened along with her fur. We still have not bothered to investigate what her mix breed could be, but she does resemble the breeds the rescue thought she was (Wolfhound / Collie mix). In all honesty, we know it’s a really hairy breed crossed with a hyper breed. Graduation from Obedience Training was achieved (Whew!). She can now sit, shake your hand, and when she feels like it she will come inside on command. 

 Izzy would still give Beckham a run for his money. No seriously, the little stinker will actually dribble the ball away from you before she clamps down on it. “

We were so happy to hear about her antics and how life was going for her. She has turned into a beautiful girl as we all hoped she would. We were all saddened when she was adopted to people that are so far away but at the same time happy that she was getting such a fantastic home. We are glad that she is our friend on Facebook as well. We get to see updated pictures when they let us know there are new ones posted.

If you would like to join us on Facebook please go friend us online at https://www.facebook.com/NAFA.rescue or you can also just fan us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NAFA.animals .

Goose - Great Dane /Labrador Retriever

Goose was adopted this year and is already settling into his home nicely. He is a Great Dane / Labrador Retriever as far as we at NAFA know. Another of his siblings went to a foster to adopt home this weekend.

Goose's Mom wrote us and sent these lovely pictures of Goose at his forever home. Here is what she has to say about this guy already.

"I would like to share with you that he has a great temperament, so someone has been working with him.  He sits a lot when we go outside and I will need to get a little instruction on keeping that procedure and using it the correct way.

I am lucky that he sleeps all night.  I will put him in his crate at night around 9:45-10:00 and after a couple of  minutes of whining, he settles down and sleeps til I get up at 5:30-5:45.  (We are hoping to get better on him not wetting the bed!!!) And believe you me, I take him out every hour that I am home and give him the opportunity to exercise and go to the bathroom.

He's been playing with several toys and there is no need of me throwing the ball; with his big paws, when he runs after it, he almost always 'bats' it forward again and keeps chasing it.

He loves a paper towel tube and when I want his attention, I make a little noise with it and he comes running.  He also enjoys a soft/fuzzy ring and would love it if I would give him his own pair of house slippers.  I have caught him grabbing one and running to his dog pillow/bed that you will see in some of the pictures I will send you.

Goose didn't like that cold, blowing wind this morning when I took him out to do his business!!!  (Me either)"

We are thankful to the people who give NAFA's animals a wonderful, loving home. If you think that you would like to adopt you can visit our petfinder (http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=AR55 ) site to see if your next furry family member is there. You can also visit our website or facebook for more information. Adoption are from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday's at Petco although if you are interested in adopting you need to have your Potentional Home Questionnaire filled out or in hand by 3:30 p.m. as there is an interview process. 

PAWS FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD PRESENTED TO LARRY ROGERS

On Tuesday, January, 17th Wannda Turner of Northeast Arkansans for Animals presented Sergeant Larry Rogers with NAFA's Paws for Excellence Award. Below is what she had to say before the award was presented.

"The saying goes … it takes a village.

In the case of the animals in our community, it takes much more.  It takes a dedicated Mayor and Chief of Police.  It takes an educated and passionate Prosecuting Attorney’s office.  And it also takes and interested and informed City Council.

But most importantly it takes one individual to keep it all going.  In the past five years the animal community of Jonesboro has seen an unsightly “Dog Pound” converted into a state of the art “Animal Control Department”.

That devoted and hard-working individual is Sgt. Larry Rogers. 

His singular vision has made the Jonesboro Animal Control Department something every citizen can and should be proud of.  It is his compassion for the animals, devotion to the city of Jonesboro and overall care for each citizen that exemplifies the type individual that every city hopes to have in charge of their animal citizens.

The past five years have seen an extraordinary leap in abuse case investigations, adoptions and transfers of animals to rescues.  Sgt. Rogers continues to stay abreast of laws and works for better enforcement.  His desire for humanity shows in the exceptional conditions of the Animal Control Facility.  And he is willing to readily assist other cities to help improve their animal departments.

For these characteristics and his obvious big heart, NAFA wishes to award Sgt. Larry Rogers with our highest show of praise – our “PAWS for Excellence” award.  We believe his is responsible for the most significant improvements made in our animal community in the past decade and should be recognized for it."

Animal Control Officer's, NAFA Volunteer's and Jack Jones, DMV all came to the meeting to show their support and pride in Sgt. Rogers. Please if you have a chance let Sgt. Rogers, his officer's and employees at Jonesboro Animal Control know how much you appreciate the efforts they are making to help the Jonesboro community with the animal issues that are plaguing us. 

A neighbor of a NAFA volunteer saw this little guy running down a community road where it had almost been ran over by an oncoming vehicle. She contacted the NAFA volunteer, who explained that she must call the Director before taking the animal but would help out with the dog until she was able to reach her. The dog was taken in on Saturday and the owner contacted NAFA to arrange for pick up of the dog on Thursday. NAFA’s Director contacted the communities Animal Control Officer to alert him that dog had been found running loose in his area. He was able to help reunite this happy fellow with his family. He was very excited to see Amber when she came to get him.

 While in foster care the foster home that was keeping him discovered that he is able to scale a 5 foot chain link fence plus is able to able to unlatch the chain link gate. Hopefully this family has learned more about their sweet fellow and will deter him from further adventures of his own making.

 If you have found an animal running loose in your community try local officials first as sometimes they are familiar with the animal. If you need assistance with the animal you may contact NAFA at nafahelp@gmail.com or nafaresce@yahoo.com . You can also leave a message on NAFA message only line at 870-932-1955.