What or who is the greatest love of your life?
– My little rescue chihuahua/mix Frida “Fifi” Kahlo.

What is your greatest fear?
– Not making our annual fundraising goals!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
– Moving to Kansas City and creating the life I have always wanted – which has led me to work for GPSPCA.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
– “Wicked” and “awesome” – I’m from the Boston area orginally, and I just can’t break the habit.

Which talent would you most like to have?
– Dog whisperer.

If you had to eat the same meal every day, what would it be?
– A great loaf of bread from Ibis Bakery and Kerrygold butter.

What do you most value in your friends?
– Loyalty and the ability to tell me the truth.

If you could be any kind of animal, which would you be?
– I’d be one of the dogs. They are supported to live their best lives.

Where would you most like to live?
– I’m quite happy in Kansas City, but a few years in Paris would be dreamy.

What is your favorite occupation?
– Honestly, working as the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement at GPSPCA!

How many pets do you have?
– I am fortunate to have three amazing dogs. Frida, I rescued in 2020. I rescued Finneas, a mini-Aussie Shepherd from GPSPCA in October of 2023. And the king doggy in my life, Chico, a gorgeous tri-colored American Pit Bull Terrier, is my partner’s nine-year-old rescue boy. We are also planning on adding some chickens to the pack this spring!

When and where are you happiest?
– Snuggled in bed with my three rescue dogs.

What is your most treasured possession?
– A hand-felted dog bed I ordered from Italy when I first adopted Frida. It was an extravagant splurge, but her joy and comfort, especially knowing that she spent the first two years of her life on the streets of Tijuana, bring us both tremendous joy.

Hathaway Maranda is revolutionizing the culture here at Great Plains SPCA, and we could not be more grateful for her expertise. Her attention to detail and huge heart for homeless pets help save lives every single day, and we are forever grateful for her leadership.

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1. Create A Safe Space

You can prevent unnecessary stress by preparing a quiet space for your pet before visitors arrive. This will allow your pet an easily accessible space to retire to if the festivities get too loud or overwhelming.

• A bedroom farthest away from the feasting is a perfect spot for a quiet space.
• If your dog is crate-trained, make sure their door is left open so they can enter and exit when needing time away.
• Make sure to provide plenty of mental enrichment in their safe space to keep them occupied. This can be a safe chew toy, kong, or anything else that will capture their attention for an extended period of time.
• Never force your pet to interact with visitors when they feel uncomfortable! This can lead to fearful behaviors that will require future training to mitigate.

2. Avoid Harmful Foods

Numerous different human foods can be harmful, or outright toxic to our pets. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Grapes & Raisins: Both of these are toxic to dogs and cats.
• Cooked Bones: Cooked bones can splinter, causing punctures in the digestive tract.
• Turkey Skin: The skin is very fatty, and can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis.
• Onions: Toxic to both dogs and cats.
• Garlic: Extremely toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.
• Alcohol: Your pet’s kidneys are not designed to filter anything alcoholic in nature.
• Chocolate: When ingested, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death.

3. Toxic Festive Plants

Certain festive plants can be toxic to our pets. Here are just a few of those plants:

• Poinsettias
• Mistletoe
• Holly Berry
• Acorns
• Lilies
• Azaleas

4. Be Prepared For An Emergency

Accidents happen, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Make sure your pet’s microchip information is up-to-date, in case they manage to escape during the festivities. Familiarize yourself with the nearby emergency clinics, and save the numbers to your phone if that will help in a time of panic. And if you believe your pet has ingested something toxic, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Thanksgiving can be a fun, but sometimes stressful holiday. Hopefully with these tips you are well-prepared and ready to take on the festivities!

The post Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Great Plains SPCA offers community outreach initiatives to help homeless pets find loving homes through adoption, reunite missing pets with their owners, facilitate classes that educate pets and owners, and more. We hope that our donation of pens can show the respect and appreciation we hold for those who are vital to the Great Plains SPCA’s work.

Located in Virginia Beach, Dayspring Pens specializes in crafting one of a kind, luxury gift pens made unique with custom engraving. Each of the engraved pens donated features the logo of the Great Plains SPCA. It is our great wish that the pens will do some good to help this incredible charity as they work to shelter lost and homeless animals in the Great Plains area, uniting them with their forever homes, new and old.

The post Spring into action with Dayspring Pens appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

1. Wisdom and Maturity: Senior pets, like fine wine, come with a unique charm that only time can bestow. Kevin, with his eight years of life experiences, embodies the wisdom and maturity that can enrich our lives. Unlike rambunctious puppies or high-energy young adults, senior pets often possess a calmness and composure that can be comforting and soothing. Their settled personalities make them an ideal companion for individuals and families seeking a relaxed and balanced pet.
2. Established Habits and Training: One of the many advantages of adopting a senior pet is their well-established habits and training. Unlike younger animals, senior pets have often already been through the trials and tribulations of housebreaking and basic obedience training. Kevin, for example, has mastered the art of leash walking and understands basic commands. Adopting a senior pet means skipping the sometimes-challenging early stages of pet ownership and enjoying the rewards of a well-mannered companion.
3. Health Awareness and Vet Care: While it’s true that senior pets may require additional care, their age also means that any potential health issues are more likely to be known and managed. Animal shelters, such as Great Plains SPCA, invest time and resources into ensuring senior pets receive the necessary medical attention. Kevin, with the support of the shelter’s medical team, has received regular check-ups, vaccinations, and appropriate care for any age-related conditions. Adopting a senior pet often means having a clear understanding of their medical history and any ongoing treatments they may need.
4. Gratitude and Unconditional Love: Senior pets often possess an unmatched ability to express gratitude and unconditional love. Having experienced life’s ups and downs, they are incredibly appreciative of the second chance they are given when adopted. The bond formed with a senior pet is truly special, as they will be forever grateful for the love and care they receive in their golden years. Kevin, with his gentle eyes and wagging tail, represents the countless senior pets waiting to bring joy and love into someone’s life.
5. Transforming Lives: Adopting a senior pet has the power to transform lives, both for the pet and the adopter. For the pet, finding a forever home in their twilight years means experiencing comfort, stability, and love. For the adopter, the joy and fulfillment of giving a senior pet a chance at a happy retirement can be immeasurable. By sharing Kevin’s story and advocating for senior pet adoption, we can make a difference in the lives of these deserving animals and inspire others to do the same.

It’s hard to believe that this boy doesn’t have a place to call home, but we are dedicated to finding the perfect family for him. After years of the unknown, he deserves nothing less than the best for however many years he chooses to bless us with. If you are interested in being that family for Kevin or any of our other senior pets, please reach out to our Adoptions Team, adoptions@greatplainsspca.org or (913) 831-7722. If you are unable to adopt, your support of all our homeless pets is immensely appreciated.

The post Embracing the Golden Years: Adoptable Senior Shelter Pets appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Know The Signs Of Heat Stroke

If you witness a pet experiencing these symptoms, they need to be taken to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

• Excessive, prolonged panting or drooling.
• Dark red and/or tacky tongue and gums.
• Staggering, lethargy or collapse.
• High heart rate.
• Body temperature above 104°F.

Hot Weather Tips:

• Provide plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Pets with flat faces, such as Bulldogs and Persians, are more susceptible to heat stroke. Elderly and overweight pets are also more likely to develop heat stroke, and should be kept in a cool and air-conditioned space as much as possible.
• NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle.
• Trimming long haired dogs helps with the heat, but never shave your dog. The layers of fur help to protect against sunburn, and are designed to help regulate body temperature.
• Don’t let your pet linger on concrete or asphalt. These surfaces can reach temperatures of 125°F with an outside reading of only 75°F, and can burn your pet’s paw pads.
• Limit exercise to the early morning and evening hours to avoid peak temperatures.

Fun Summer Activities For Your Pet:

• Pet safe bubbles are a fun way to provide unique enrichment while indoors. Bonus points if they are flavored bubbles!
• A plastic kiddie pool is the perfect way to burn off energy while keeping your pup cool. You can also set up a sprinkler for them to run through!
• Homemade frozen treats are a perfect snack for warm days. For dogs you can freeze low sodium broth with their favorite treats inside. Cats will enjoy frozen churu or goat’s milk in small amounts. And of course, you can just freeze water! Ice on its own can be a fascinating treat to our pets, and they may play with it or lick it without any additional flavoring.
• Take your dog for a pup cup! A quick trip to Starbucks with the windows cracked is a great way to let them get some sun and change up their environment while still having access to A/C.
• Try out a puzzle toy! Puzzle toys engage your pet’s brain by making them work for their food or treats. There are options for both cats and dogs!

And most importantly, IF YOU SEE AN ANIMAL IN DISTRESS, CALL 911!

Keeping our pets safe and cool is our top priority during the hottest days of the year. Your support helps provide support to our community pets, whether it’s in our air conditioned shelter or out in the community. Our community pets depend on the generosity of our supporters so we can provide the best care while they wait for their furever homes.

The post Hot Weather Advisory! appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

As temperatures continue to rise, our HERO Team has been out in the field providing lifesaving assistance to many pets in our community. They have run into numerous cases of outdoor pets exposed to the elements and pests, with many dogs developing “fly strike.” Fly strike, also known as myiasis, is a condition commonly affecting animals, particularly domesticated ones like sheep, rabbits, and dogs. It occurs when flies, typically blowflies or botflies, lay eggs on the animal’s skin or in wounds. These eggs then hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots, which feed on the host’s flesh. Fly strike can cause severe pain, distress, and health complications if left untreated.

Common Causes:

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of fly strike:

1. Poor hygiene: Animals living in unclean environments with accumulated feces or damp bedding are at a higher risk of attracting flies.
2. Open wounds: Wounds or injuries provide a breeding ground for flies, as they can lay eggs directly on or near the damaged tissue.
3. Wet or dirty fur: Moisture, mud, or fecal matter on an animal’s fur can attract flies and create an environment suitable for egg-laying.
4. Attractants: Certain substances like urine, feces, or secretions from wounds can emit odors that attract flies.

Prevention Strategies:

Preventing fly strike is crucial to ensure the well-being of animals. Here are some effective strategies to reduce the risk:

1. Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean and sanitize animal enclosures, pens, or living areas. Remove feces, soiled bedding, and uneaten food promptly to minimize fly attraction.
2. Proper waste management: Implement an effective waste management system to keep animal waste away from living areas. This can involve composting, using fly traps, or sealing waste containers securely.
3. Regular grooming: Regularly groom your animals, particularly those with long or dense fur, to keep it clean and dry. Trimming excessive fur in certain areas, such as around the tail or hindquarters, can help prevent moisture and fecal matter accumulation.
4. Wound care: Promptly clean and treat any wounds or injuries. Cover open wounds with appropriate dressings or bandages to prevent flies from accessing them.
5. Fly control measures: Implement fly control measures such as fly screens, fly repellents, or insecticides designed for animals. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the most suitable options for your specific circumstances.
6. Monitoring and surveillance: Regularly inspect your animals for signs of fly strike. Look for any wounds, unusual behavior, or areas of distress. Early detection can prevent the condition from worsening.
7. Environmental modifications: Consider modifying the animal’s environment to discourage fly presence. This may involve using fans to increase airflow, removing stagnant water sources, or employing physical barriers such as netting or mesh.
8. Veterinary care: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to maintain the overall health of your animals. Your veterinarian can provide specific advice on fly strike prevention and recommend appropriate treatments or vaccinations.

Conclusion:

Fly strike is a distressing condition that can significantly impact the health and well-being of animals. By implementing preventive measures such as maintaining cleanliness, practicing good wound care, and employing fly control methods, you can greatly reduce the risk of fly strike. Regular monitoring and veterinary care are also essential to ensure the early detection and prompt treatment of any potential cases. By taking these proactive steps, you can help protect your animals from the harmful effects of fly strike and ensure their comfort and health.

Remember, if you suspect your animal may be affected by fly strike, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary assistance for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you would like to donate to our HERO Team’s community efforts, you can donate through our Amazon Wishlist or CLICK HERE to have your monetary donation matched.

The post The Fly Menace: How to Shield Your Pets from Fly Strike appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Understanding the Crisis:

Pet overpopulation is an alarming issue that affects animal shelters nationwide. Due to various factors, such as a lack of awareness about spaying and neutering pets, inadequate access to veterinary care, and irresponsible breeding practices, the number of homeless animals has reached overwhelming levels. This overpopulation places an immense burden on already strained animal shelters, forcing them to make incredibly difficult decisions about euthanasia to create space for incoming animals.

We are doing all we can to get pets adopted, however, low adoption rates at animal shelters continue to be a nationwide issue, specifically impacting the Midwest. According to Shelter Pet Counts, “per capita, the Midwest shelters and rescues ranked number one in terms of increased demand to intake animals needing shelter and assistance in 2022” Across the United States, dog adoptions were down 8% in 2022 compared to the prior year, and these trends are rapidly increasing in 2023. 

The Impact on Animal Shelters:

The heartbreaking reality is that some animal shelters are faced with the gut-wrenching task of deciding which animals to euthanize due to lack of resources. Shelters are often stretched to their limits, struggling to provide sufficient space, food, medical care, and socialization for the growing number of animals in their care. Great Plains SPCA is very fortunate to have generous supporters like you, who support our mission and ensure that our pets do not have to endure what these conditions are like. However, if this issue is not addressed at the community level, we could likely find ourselves in the difficult position that so many other shelters are currently in.

Getting Involved with Great Plains SPCA:

You can play a vital role in addressing pet overpopulation and supporting our efforts to save lives. Here are several ways you can get involved:

1. Adopt: Consider adopting a pet rather than purchasing from breeders or pet stores. By providing a forever home to a shelter animal, you not only save a life but also create space for another animal in need.
2. Foster: If you are unable to adopt a pet permanently, consider becoming a foster parent. By providing a temporary home and care for animals, you play a crucial role in their rehabilitation and increase their chances of finding a forever home.
3. Volunteer: We rely heavily on our dedicated volunteers. Whether it’s walking dogs, assisting with cleaning tasks, or helping with daily activities, your time and effort can make a significant impact on the well-being of the animals.
4. Donate: As a 503(c) nonprofit organization, we rely on our community’s tax-deductible donations to provide proper care for their animals. Consider making a monetary donation or contributing essential supplies such as food, bedding, and toys.
5. Spay and neuter: Responsible pet ownership starts with spaying or neutering your own pets. By taking this crucial step, you help prevent unwanted litters and contribute to the long-term solution to pet overpopulation. Each pet at Great Plains SPCA is spayed or neutered prior to adoption to help prevent unnecessary pet overpopulation.

The declining rates of pet adoptions in the Midwest have created a crisis that animal shelters like Great Plains SPCA are facing head-on. Urgent action is needed to address pet overpopulation and prevent the heartbreaking euthanasia of innocent animals due to lack of space.

By getting involved with Great Plains SPCA and supporting our efforts through adoption, fostering, volunteering, donating, and promoting responsible pet ownership, you can make a difference in the lives of countless animals. Let’s come together as a community and ensure that every pet finds the loving home they deserve!

The post Our shelter is AT CAPACITY and we NEED YOUR HELP! appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

It’s me, Scooby… It has been 161 long and lonely days since I arrived at Great Plains SPCA, and not a single person has asked to meet me. Every day, as I watch people walk past my kennel, I wag my tail and hope that today will be the day someone stops to notice me. I put my best paw forward, trying to show them my gentle nature, my loyalty, and my eagerness to please. I’ve seen many other furry friends come and go, tails wagging, smiles on their faces as their new owners take them home. But sadly, no one gives me even a passing glance.

I don’t know why I ended up here in the first place. Maybe my previous family couldn’t take care of me anymore, or perhaps they didn’t understand just how special I am. But let me tell you, Diary, I am a good boy through and through. I have so much love to give, and all I need is a chance to show it.

It’s not that I don’t appreciate the shelter staff and volunteers—they have been wonderful to me. They give me food, take me for walks, and shower me with affection. They even took me on a car ride to a new place to lift my spirits. But there’s a longing in my heart for a place I can call home forever. I yearn for a chance to cuddle up on a cozy couch, go on leisurely strolls, and spend quality time bonding with my human companion.

You see, Diary, I’ve come to realize that I would thrive best in a quiet and calm environment. I get a little anxious around children and other pets, and that’s why I’m searching for a family without them. I know it may seem like a tall order, but I believe there’s someone out there who will understand my needs and see the incredible companion I can be.

Diary, I dream of finding a family who understands that I’m not just a pet; I’m a part of their lives, their family. Together, we can create beautiful memories and embark on exciting adventures. I’ll be the furry companion who listens without judgment and brings joy to even the gloomiest of days.

So, Diary, as I close this entry, I’m holding onto the hope that my forever family is out there, searching for me as desperately as I am searching for them. I hope they will see beyond the numbers and give me a chance to be their devoted companion. Until that day comes, I’ll keep wagging my tail, wearing my best smile, and trying my best to not lose hope.

Yours hopefully,

Scooby

PS – If you would like to meet me, just call or email the wonderful people at the Pet Adoption Center! You can check out my profile here.

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Two Pups on the Mend from Fractured Legs

Dumplin and Robinhood are dogs we recently transferred to our shelter from KCK Animal Services in an effort to alleviate some of their large dog population and provide much-needed medical care. Dumplin arrived with a fracture on her left hind leg, while Robin Hood has a fracture on his right front leg. Robinhood’s fracture is healing well, but he will be in a splint for several weeks and requires regular splint changes. Our Shelter Medicine Team determined that Dumplin’s break was healing incorrectly and required amputation. Her amputation, which is a major surgery, was completed on April 27 and was successful. Because of this excellent care, she is now available for adoption.

Including pain management, x-rays, and Dumplin’s amputation, the cost of care for each of these dogs is currently $1,750. We NEED donations from our community in order to provide quality care for every life we save. Over the past 12 months, we have transferred 22 pets from KCK Animal Services alone, and we will continue to take in large dogs when we can.

11 Puppies Battle Parvo

Our Great Plains SPCA HERO Team recently rescued 11 puppies from the deplorable conditions pictured below. These two-month-old babies were forced to live outside in a ridiculously small pen that was caked in their own feces. Many of these puppies are skin and bones, suffering from skin issues, and to top it off, three of these fragile souls tested positive for PARVO. Greta, Gavin, and Gordie. Due to their previous living conditions, where they were all housed together, we are anticipating the worst…that all 11 will eventually test positive. Parvo can cost $500 PER PUPPY, roughly $5,500 total is the least amount treatment services can be expected to cost. All the puppies were in a dire situation and are on the mend, but parvo can be deadly (91% fatality rate without treatment). Our expert Shelter Medicine and Canine Care Teams put a special action plan in place. Caring for 11 puppies in parvo isolation for two weeks requires an incredible amount of time, resources and medical supplies. In addition, we provide these puppies extra toys and enrichment because they are isolated and must throw away all of their bedding every day to prevent infection of other areas in the shelter. Donations of toys, towels and bedding to replace these are appreciated too.

Zeus, the German Shepherd

Zeus is a 6-year-old German shepherd who came to us severely underweight. Despite having thick fur, Zeus’ ribs, spine, and hip bones were clearly visible upon arrival. We have done a multitude of tests to determine what could possibly be causing Zeus to lose weight, and haven’t found a definitive answer. But we will continue to do everything we can for Zeus until we find a solution to his suffering. It’s times like this where we need our community’s help. We will do whatever it takes to give Zeus a better quality of life, but the costs of further testing continue to climb. By donating today, you will be supporting our fight to save Zeus and pets just like him that walk through our doors every day.

We face urgent medical cases on a regular basis. Dumplin, Robinhood, Zeus and all our parvo-infected pups are just a few examples of the animals that require immediate medical attention and recovery care. Thanks to the dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters like you at Great Plains SPCA, these animals are receiving the care they need to make a full recovery. If you would like to support Great Plains SPCA, you can donate now or consider fostering or adopting a pet in need.

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“I began this program in September of 2019. Each month I connect with Great Plains SPCA and pick up a dog that they feel would fit our environment for the day. This usually occurs on the last Friday of the month, depending on staff availability, holidays, and days off. As with most everything else in the world, the program was shut down for several months because of COVID in 2020. It did resume and is still a favorite day for many staff members. To date, we have had four dogs adopted by employees of the Leawood Police Department and the City of Leawood (with a red border). It is comforting to know that these dogs are now a part of a family forever. I try to track all the dogs brought to Leawood and have noticed all of them have been adopted, usually within a week of coming to Leawood, except one. That one is Opie, which is the blind dog we had, but he is in a foster home at this time. He is one of the happiest dogs I’ve had in this program, so I’m really hoping he’ll find his forever home soon. I hope you enjoy this program as much as I do and maybe even adopt one of our future visitors. I have added photos of our guests below, along with the month and year they were here. I’m missing photos from a couple months early in the program, but every one of these dogs has been outstanding.” – Jeff Culbertson

We are proud to partner with the communities we serve. Great Plains SPCA has contracts with nine municipalities in the Kansas City metro area including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Bonner Springs, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department. If you live in one of these municipalities and your pet is lost, Animal Control Officers will bring them to us when found. Thanks to our partnerships with the communities we serve, we reunited 385 lost pets with their families in 2022.

The post Connected to Our Community: From Office Pet to Adopted! appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.