Are You Feeling the Holiday Spirit Yet?

Do these dark, cold nights have you thinking of hauling out the tree and lights? How about Photos with Santa to get you in the spirit? Yes, it is already time to start thinking of this year's holiday cards, and how cute your pets pictures will be in them! There are three days to choose from:

A share of profits go to the shelter to help keep our pets warm during the winter.

From November 22 onward, you can also enjoy our holiday tree! There is no contest this year, but the trees are always a pleasure to view ~ who knows what this year's theme might be!


Is charitable giving a part of your holiday tradition? Please consider a small gift to benefit our animals this season: http://www.theanimalshelter.net/How%20to%20Donate%20Page.htm



The Animal Shelter
1201 Parkwood Drive * Anniston AL 36201 * (256) 236-1581 * ashelter@bellsouth.net
M,T, Th, F: 10-4 Sat 12-3 (closed Wed, Sun)
http://www.theanimalshelter.net/
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We rely on donations and volunteers. Please help!

PetSmart - Nov 5 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Small correction - PetSmart will be at the normal time - 11 to 2! We've had several 10-2 events this month, my fingers just typed without thinking ;)

Darling VERA will be at PetSmart, sporting her MAKEOVER! Here's her BEFORE picture, come to PetSmart to see her AFTER! :

The Animal Shelter
1201 Parkwood Drive * Anniston AL 36201 * (256) 236-1581 * ashelter@bellsouth.net
M,T, Th, F: 10-4 Sat 12-3 (closed Wed, Sun)
http://www.theanimalshelter.net/
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We rely on donations and volunteers. Please help!

November Newsletter

It's PetSmart Time! Meet our adoptable dogs from 11-2 at Oxford Exchange PetSmart on Sat, Nov 5!

Get Legal for Less!

Calhoun County Rabies Clinic is to be 8 a.m.-noon Nov. 5 at Clanton Animal Hospital, 1519 Pelham Road S., Jacksonville; 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Nov. 5 at Town & Country Vet Clinic, 5090 U.S. 78 W., Oxford. The rabies vaccine is $10. Call 256-4355-8387 or 256-831-9256 for more information.


 November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month!

An older dog is a better choice for many families. Why?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuGRfFU6Ok0&feature=youtu.be
 
1. What You See Is What You Get

MERLIN
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19008927

Older dogs are open books—from the start, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the right dog and forge that instant love connection that will last a lifetime. If you’re not so into surprises, an older dog is for you!

2. Easy to Train
Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Hogwash! Older dogs are great at focusing on you—and on the task at hand—because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.

3. Seniors are Super-Loving







REX
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19009136


4. They’re Not a 24-7 Job
Grownup dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, or just value your “me time,” this is definitely a bonus.

5. They Settle in Quickly
Older dogs have been around the block and already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. They’ll be part of the family in no time!

6. Fewer Messes

Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adopting a senior pooch! Older dogs are likely to already be housetrained—and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast (unlike puppies). With their teething years far behind them, seniors also are much less likely to be destructive chewers.




LUCKY
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/21174000

 7. You Won’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
There are those who yearn for a doggie friend of their own, but hold back because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come. And they are wise to do so—a puppy or young dog can be anywhere from an 8- to 20-year responsibility, which is not appropriate for the very elderly or those with certain long-term future plans. Providing a loving home for a dog in her golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.
 8. They Enjoy Easy Livin’
Couch potato, know thyself! Please consider a canine retiree rather than a high-energy young dog who will run you ragged. Not that older dogs don’t require any exercise—they do—but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.


9. Save a Life, Be a Hero
Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.

10. They’re CUTE!
Need we say more?



The Animal Shelter
1201 Parkwood Drive * Anniston AL 36201 * (256) 236-1581 * ashelter@bellsouth.net
M,T, Th, F: 10-4 Sat 12-3 (closed Wed, Sun)
http://www.theanimalshelter.net/
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We rely on donations and volunteers. Please help!

It's October ~ Prepare to Party!

They call summer the "dog days," but everyone knows dogs like fall the best! Cooler temperatures and falling leaves signal time to get out and play!

Handsome SPENCER invites you
to Oxford Exchange PETsMART!
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19009246

OCT 1
Going to Oxfordfest? Look for our friends from S.A.V.E. while you are there. BUT also take time out to visit our adoptable dogs. We are right there in the neighborhood :)

**OXFORD Exchange PetSmart**
**11 a.m. - 2 p.m.**

EVA is ready to go to the Duck Pond!
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20791344

Oct 22
Bark in the Park is back, bigger and better! Bring your pups out for some family fun! Demos, CGC tests, contests, microchipping, pet portraits, and more, all for only a $5 donation.
**McClellan Duck Pond**
**10 a.m. - 2 p.m.**

OCT 29
It's a tradition! Petfest makes its return to Zinn Park for the fifth year. Get a jump-start on Howl-o-ween with a costume contest, trick-or-treating, and more thematic FUN!
**Zinn Park**   **10 a.m. - 2 p.m.**





The Animal Shelter
1201 Parkwood Drive * Anniston AL 36201 * (256) 236-1581 * ashelter@bellsouth.net
M,T, Th, F: 10-4 Sat 12-3 (closed Wed, Sun)
http://www.theanimalshelter.net/
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We rely on donations and volunteers. Please help!

It's RED HOT outside. Please read these tips to keep your pets cool!

August's Fabulous Feline

Here's a gorgeous little girl for you! EBONY is very alert and active, and actively seeks attention. Ebony loves to play in the water bowl. A real charmer and we call her our “Southern Belle.” She is a love nipper, and is still finding her place among the cats in her new condo.


Sound like the cat for you? Call (256)236-1581, email ashelter@bellsouth.net, or visit 1201 Parkwood Drive.   Not the right cat for you? Never fear, we have MANY more. Please visit the shelter or Oxford Exchange PetSmart to find the right cat for you.

Featured Dogs

There are no anniversary dogs this month - it's true! - BUT we have a very special duo to introduce to you. SHADOW and MERLIN have been at the shelter for a very long time. Maybe their good manners just don't make them stand out? This pair is among the most laid-back, easy guys we have to offer! Please come give these guys a chance!

MERLIN definitely has one of those Japanese "Inu" breeds in his veins! He comes off at first as aloof like an "Inu," but that's just his calm style. He is just so well behaved ~ never jumping up, coming whenever called, and very tidy and clean. But don't think he is going to lie around all day - he and Shadow love a little rough-n-tumble play! They are adorable, and Merlin even proves he has a bark at play time!

SHADOW has been Merlin's buddy their entire stay. As a sight hound, he also seems a little detached at first. But he is quite the sensitive guy, and develops a strong bond with people he knows and loves. Though he likes to stretch his legs - and looks so elegant doing it! - he is also mannerly and calm by nature. He and Merlin are adorable when they play, like a pair of puppies!

August's Silly Snapshot!



http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20389486

2 Ways 2 Help!!

PUPPY FOSTERS! 2 WEEKS ONLY!!


It's OK, you can admit it - you love puppies, but only in moderation. Have we got the opportunity for you!! Our next batch of puppies is going to Atlanta Humane Society on August 24 - they need to be out of the shelter by August 14. You love them and care for them for 10-14 days, then you kiss them bye! as they head for their new lives! Interested? New volunteers, fill out an adoption application. Existing volunteers, contact Shelly - shelly[at]bamalegal[dot]com.

BARK IN THE PARK 2011 (Oct 22)

Help make this year's celebration bigger and better!! We need volunteers to help with promoting the event. Do you know a great emcee? Got media contacts who will help promote? Are you just brimming with fantastic PR ideas? Contact Kathleen to join the team!! kwaelti[at]aol[dot]com

The Animal Shelter
1201 Parkwood Drive * Anniston AL 36201 * (256) 236-1581 * ashelter@bellsouth.net
M,T, Th, F: 10-4 Sat 12-3 (closed Wed, Sun)
http://www.theanimalshelter.net/
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We rely on donations and volunteers. Please help!

July Newsletter

More pets get lost at New Year's and Fourth of July than any other time. Please read these tips to keep your pets safe during fireworks!

July's Fabulous Feline

Did you know that black-coated cats and dogs are less likely to get adopted? Diana is proof positive of this phenonenon.

Diana is a most special girl. She is friendly, self-assured, and clever. She loves to interact and entertain. Perhaps her best talent is for making the new cats in the condo welcome - she has turned many a skittish newcomer into a calm and friendly kitty.

Despite her many virtues, Diana has been waiting over a year for her own home.

Sound like the cat for you? Call (256)236-1581, email ashelter@bellsouth.net, or visit 1201 Parkwood Drive.

Not the right cat for you? Never fear, we have MANY more. Please visit the shelter or Oxford Exchange PetSmart to find the right cat for you.

Anniversary Dogs

Think Black Dog Syndrome - the phenonenon of black-coated dogs being passed over for adoption - only applies to large dogs? Think again. This month we highlight two of our small dogs who are facing their 1-year anniversary at the shelter. Small dogs rarely have trouble finding homes, yet these two still wait. The one thing they have in common? Their black coats.

DILLINGER was a rogue out on his own prior to coming to the shelter and taking over the small dog room. Dilly is quite the character, full of zest! He will throw himself into your lap, but squirm so badly that he falls back out of it! He is active, playful, quite humorous, and well overdue for a home.

Comparing NANCY to Dillinger...well, there is no comparison! They are a study in opposites. Nancy is such a loving Miss, and when held will just relax into your arms and settle in for the long haul. There is no other place she would rather be! Nancy can be enticed to play, or she is quite content to just hang out. She won't take guff from younger dogs, but is very proper about telling them to give her space. Her long wait for a home is a total mystery.

ROWDY is another Black Dog Syndrome victim, marking his 2-year anniversary this month. Despite his long time here, Rowdy is such a happy guy! He greets all with a smile, and he's gotten along great with his many kennel mates over time. Although he's got some energy, Rowdy also adores sitting on your foot and gazing at you with adoration. Who wouldn't love that??








Summer is a harsh time at shelters, with a spike in the number of strays and surrenders due to vacation season, fireworks, and abandoned puppies. Our list of anniversary dogs for July is long. Please give these wonderful dogs a look and...if one is a match for you...a home!

MOLLY
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19009046

PRECIOUS
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19008984

BOBBY
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19008909

STAR
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19009074



http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19009103




July's Silly Snapshot!



WILLY and NELSON!



2 Ways 2 Help!!

Love puppies, but only in moderation? Have we got the program for you! We now have a Puppy Foster Program! We need folks who enjoy puppy love, puppy breath, puppy kisses (and who don't mind puppy piddles) to keep a couple pups for 2 weeks at a time until they go to the Atlanta Humane Society for adoption! The need is for 2 weeks every month. Can't help every month? That's okay - please still sign up! (Existing volunteers - please send Shelly an email.) You'll get word of when the next group is ready, and can take pups as you are able. This wonderful program will ensure more babies are adopted out and not growing up in a kennel.

 

Did you get storm damage? We did! Our barn, completed fall 2009 with volunteer power, had the entire southside roofing over the kennels ripped off! The kennels are now open to the weather. We need cheap or donated corrugated metal roofing, and some help putting it up. Can you help? Please contact the shelter (ashelter@bellsouth.net).

The Animal Shelter
1201 Parkwood Drive * Anniston AL 36201 * (256) 236-1581 * ashelter@bellsouth.net
M,T, Th, F: 10-4 Sat 12-3 (closed Wed, Sun)
http://www.theanimalshelter.net/
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We rely on donations and volunteers. Please help!

Small Dogs in the Big City

LJ spies an urban future

Today marked the beginning of exciting times for 12 of The Animal Shelter's small dogs and puppies! These little ones are embarking on new lives in Hotlanta as part of a new partnership between the shelter and the Atlanta Humane Society.

The math is simple: The Animal Shelter has more small dogs and puppies than we can readily place; AHS has a continous demand for the little ones.  


A 95-mile drive is all that separated these dogs from being one of many to the rare jewels we know them to be.


What to do?


Climb in the van.


Board and staff members happily readied and loaded up their charges for their adventure, trucking them across  state line and time line (the dogs need to reset their internal clocks to Eastern!).




Waiting for Check-in




Each new city-slicker waited their turn to be checked over and checked in. After spay/neuter, they are up for adoption!


Be Part of the Excitement!


Up to 20 of our unadopted little ones can transfer to AHS on a monthly basis! The puppies need to be fostered for 2 weeks before their trip. Think about it - 2 weeks of puppy love! Yet no worrying about the chewing, or housetraining, or leash training to come. Can you foster puppies for a 2-week period? Please submit a volunteer application!! You will then receive further instructions on program requirements.






(URL for volunteer page: http://theanimalshelter.net/Volunteer%20Opportunities%20Page.htm)








The Animal Shelter
1201 Parkwood Drive * Anniston AL 36201 * (256) 236-1581 * ashelter@bellsouth.net
M,T, Th, F: 10-4 Sat 12-3 (closed Wed, Sun)
http://www.theanimalshelter.net/
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We rely on donations and volunteers. Please help!