Freeman-Fritts Newsletter - July 2018 · Ø Regular Reminders ... training classes, etc. #4 – Who will be taking care of the dog? If you just answered “the kids”, think again.

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AWS Freeman-Fritts Animal Shelter & Clinic 515 Spur 100, Kerrville TX 78028 830-257-4144 www.freemanfritts.com Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 – 12:00 and 1 - 5:30 Shelter Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 - 11:30 & 1:00 - 4:30 Or by appointment The Animal Welfare Society of Kerr County, Texas is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization and relies heavily on donations and support from the local community. Keep in mind that you can extend your support by remembering Animal Welfare Society in your estate plan. All donations are tax-deductible.

July 2018 Newsletter

IN THIS NEWSLETTER Ø Our Feature 4th of July Presidential Pups! Ø Pooch and Purr of the Month Ø For the Hot Dogs, and the Cools Cats – Keeping pets cool in the summer heat! Ø So, you think you want to adopt a dog? 10 Questions to ask yourself BEFORE you do! Ø We’ve Been Adopted! Ø Regular Reminders

Celebrating the 4th of July with some presidential pups! These handsome Catahoula mix puppies are named after four of the founding fathers of the United States who signed

the Declaration of Independence. From left to right: “Hamilton”, named for Alexander Hamilton, “Hancock” named for John Hancock, first signer of the Declaration, “Jefferson” named for Thomas Jefferson, also our country’s third president, and “Franklin”, named for Benjamin Franklin. Part of a group of 17 dogs that were recently surrendered, these four boy puppies – all with excellent temperaments - are now ready for their fur-ever homes. All are very friendly! Hancock is a real sweetie. Jefferson is friendly but a tad shyer than the others. Franklin is the most mature, and Hamilton may be the most laid back. And then there’s Rocket…!

Happy Independence Day 2018!

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“Rocket”, named for “The rocket’s red glare” from our National Anthem, is a friendly shepherd mix that volunteered to be our 4th of July cover boy. His time as a stray has not affected his sunny disposition. Come meet Rocket and give him a chance at a fur-ever home! Pooch of the Month – Meet Skynyrd! õ

Hey, there! I’m Skynyrd! I am a 3 year old smart and ruggedly handsome Lhasa Apso, and I’m currently looking for my furever home! One that will keep me forever and spoil me, too! You know what I mean, right? I want my very own comfy bed, toys, I mean LOTS of toys, and LOTS of belly rubs, too. I was found wandering the streets - it seems my previous humans failed me. I am potty- trained, walk on leash like a pro, and get along well with others. I think I could be your match made in heaven!

Purr of the Month – Meet Peeps! ö Peeps is my name! I’m pretty handsome, wouldn’t you say? I am one of Easter’s babies. My sisters, Bunny and Snickers, and brother, Licorice, are all still waiting for a forever home, too. We really are quite awesome! We love to play, snuggle, and we have the best personalities. I am unique from my siblings. The shelter staff mentioned something about being a tuxedo! I think that means I’m the only one dressed and ready to impress, and I am more than ready to start a new adventure with you! Come meet me – and my siblings - today! Photos by S J Derby

We’ve Been Adopted! Meows: Peach, Cobbler, Bianca, Cassie, Maggie, Layla, Harley, Gemma, Skittles, Jelly Bean, Benny Bow-wows: Lynyrd, Herbie, Bentley

Something for Cool Cats…

And for any living thing…

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And for the Hot Dogs…

So… you think you want a dog? Are you sure? Are you really, really sure?

10 Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Adopting a Dog by Kristina Lotz (edited/modified) https://iheartdogs.com/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-adopting-a-dog/

#1 – Why do You Want a Dog? Are you tired of hearing your kids asking for a dog and are “caving”? If so, chances are that that dog won’t be at your house for long. If the whole family is not on board, wait. It’s better for you and the dog.

#2 – Do you Have the Time? If you are already so busy that you barely have time to eat, adding a four-legged toddler to the house may not be a good idea. You have to train, watch, groom, exercise, and clean up after them. It’s lots of work!

#3 – Do you have the money – and the time? It costs a lot of money to get a dog. Are you adopting because you can’t afford a purebred puppy? Well, that adopted dog is still going to add up to a lot of money and time between supplies, vet bills, licenses, training classes, etc.

#4 – Who will be taking care of the dog? If you just answered “the kids”, think again. Regardless of how much the kids swear they will take care of the dog every day, you are going to end up doing a lot of the work. There are things your kids can’t do, like drive the dog to the vet, and kids get bored, busy, forgetful, etc. If you don’t want to do it, don’t get a dog.

#5 – Is this a gift? Unless you have the parents’ approval (or you are the parent), DON’T give a dog as a gift. It rarely ends well for the dog. Give the child a stuffed dog instead.44

#6 – What will the dog do during the day? If both adults work, what will the dog do? Can you afford daycare or a dog walker? If you need a dog that is content to just sit at home all day while you are at work, consider an older dog and make sure that is at the top of your list. If you are so busy you are rarely home, you may want to skip a dog.

#7 – Do you know what kind of dog you want? If, at this point, you are still thinking “yes, we want a dog,” then have you talked about the kind of dog? Don’t just go to the shelter and pick the cutest one. You need to think about breed, size, age, gender, energy level, etc. Think about your family’s lifestyle and then write up what your “ideal dog” would look like. Do some research on dog breeds and energy/activity levels, etc. Take what you want to the shelter and let the workers help you with your choice.

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#8 – Are You Prepared? So you said, yes. Do you have all the supplies ready? Having her food, bed, bowls, toys, TIME, etc., all set and ready will make the transition easier for you and the dog.

#9 – Have you set rules? Before the dog comes home, sit down and come up with the “house rules” for the dog. Will she be allowed on the furniture? On the beds? What about jumping on people? Having the rules set from day one will make it easier on your dog.

#10 – Do you feel good about it? If you are picking out a dog, or thinking about a certain dog, and you don’t feel good about it, don’t do it. You should look at that dog and know it’s the right one for your family. As mentioned earlier, there are many dogs out there and if the whole family isn’t sure about this one, then he is probably not meant to be part of your family. Regular Reminders! REMINDER!!! Freeman-Fritts Spay and Neuter Grant Program! Due to the generosity of a kind donor, the Freeman-Fritts Vet Clinic has a limited dog and cat spay/neuter fund available. This fund allows us to offer FREE spay/neuter surgeries (including Rabies Vaccination) for your cat or dog. Call for an appointment 830-257-4144. Some restrictions may apply. Note: Any thank you notes received are forwarded to our donor. Support Our Shelter While Shopping Don’t forget that you can support our shelter when shopping at Amazon. Go to https://smile.amazon.com, which offers the same selections and prices, and designate Animal Welfare Society of Kerr County Texas as your charity of choice. Amazon will donate a portion of the proceeds to our shelter. Important Surgery Reminders Ø If you are unable to keep your surgery appointment, please call to cancel as soon as possible. This will give us an

opportunity to schedule another client. Ø NO FOOD after your pet's evening meal, preferably no later than 6 p.m. Water is acceptable. Ø Please have your pet on a leash or in a carrier. Want to Volunteer? Want to help the animals? Have a few hours to spare and share? If you think you can offer a few hours once a week, once a month, or even once a year, please come in and fill out a volunteer application (the application is also available on our website). We’ll take all the help we can get!

• Socialize the dogs and cats • Help at off-site adoption or fund-raising events • Maintain building and grounds • Do you have any special skills or talents that might help us in other ways? Let us know!

As always, the gifts that keep on giving! Cat & Dog Necessities • Puppy Pee Pads • TidyCats – Scoop – for Multiple Cats • TidyCats – Non-Clumping • Baby Food (Gerber Stage 2 Chicken) • Meow Mix, Fancy Feast Dry & Canned (Pate) • Friskies Canned – Pate • Pupperoni • Dog & Cat Beds, Baby Blankets, flannel throw blankets • Large Cat Trees & scratching posts • Break-away Cat Collars (both cat & kitten sizes) • Dog collars & leashes (small & medium preferred) • Cat Toys, Dog & Puppy Toys (ropes, stuffed toys, and Kongs)

Cleaning Items • Dawn Dish Soap • Clorox Bleach • Clorox Wipes • Fabuloso (Citrus & Fruits, Ocean Paradise) • Paper Towels • Bath towel – gently used • Bath mats – gently used

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