"PLANNING FOR YOUR PETS BEFORE A  DISASTER STRIKES"

Are you prepared for the next hurricane?  How about any disaster for that matter? In today's society, we are all so busy with our lifestyles that wesometimes take for granted running water, electricity, gas and convenient grocery stores.  With the hurricane season fast approaching on June 1st, many of us need to get in gear and begin to prepare. 

Today, almost 50% of the American population owns a pet.  After living through one of the busiest hurricane seasons on record, it is time that weprepare ourselves as well as our pets for a disaster.  Take all pets with you.  If this area is not safe for you, it will not be safe for them.

When planning for disasters with animals, remember that some people have allergies and maybe even phobias against animals.  So, that’s why some shelters and hotels don’t allow pets as well as concerns about food hygiene and other public health concerns. Should youhave to evacuate, make arrangements beforehand with a friend or relative who lives outside the disaster prone area or a hotel that will welcome you and your pets. 

Create a plan for your furry best friends!  The first step in preparing your pet for a disaster is to make sure your pet is current on all of theirvaccinations. Make sure you have your vet’s name and number with you.  If the animal is receiving any prescribed medications, make sure you have the prescription filled ahead of time and have an extra supply just in case.  The second important step is to have identification for your pets.  Microchips arethe best way to identify your pets and are administered by your veterinarian.  You should also have your pet wear a collar and a tag displaying their name with your address and phone number. Eight out of ten dogs entering into a animal shelter do not have a collar with tags. The microchip will ensure that your lost pet is returned to you as soon as it is rescued.  The third step is to pack sufficient water, food, treats, toys, cage and bedding your animal will need.   Make sure you include harnesses, collars and leashes. 

Now it is time to take out that trusty camera. Any camera will do but a digital camera is best. You will want to take a picture of yourself witheach pet individually. In the picture you should hold up a card with your pet’s name and address.  Make two copies of your pet's vaccination record and two copies of the photos with you and each pet in the picture.  One copy should be placed in your pet’s emergency kit to take with you and one is for your files.

Preparing for a disaster for your family and your pets are the most important steps one can take to be safe during a disaster.  Emergency kitscan have a number of items that be important to you which we have not mentioned.  Please visit the websites listed below for more information onpreparing for a disaster and what items you may wish to include in your own emergency kit. You can also contact The Haven at 251-929-3980 for additional information.

Michael Graham

Executive Director

The Haven

References:

www.redcross.org

www.fema.com <http://www.fema.com/>            

Baldwin_County_EMC_Pet_Prepardness

 "Countdown to Yappy Hour"

 The event of the year is just weeks away.  Yes, Yappy Hour will take place Thursday, September 25th at "Old Bay Steamer" located at 105 S. Section St. in Fairhope from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.   Tickes are just $15 at the door.  This "cover charge" includes appetizers for you and "yappetizers" for your pup.  Bark-A-ritas and Mutt-tinis will be avaiable at happy hour prices for you and your furry friend can drink "Doggie Brew" a natural vit-enriched beer.  (non-alcoholic, Chicken and Beef Flavor)

Not only does your cover charge include the appetizers and yappetizers, your name will also be entered for a night's stay with a round of golf for two at The Grand Marriot Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear. (Additional chances may be purchased at the event)

If you are an animal lover and have been searching for something fun to do together, than look no further.  The Haven's "Yappy Hour" is a fundraiser to help the ophanded animals at the shelter.   All attendees must be 21 years of age or older.  Your furry friend any age.  Please make sure your dog plays well with others and is current on their vaccinations.

Please click the link below to help spread the word.  You can print and post at your business or employee break room, forward to your relatives and friends via email.  Thank you!

 Yappy_Hour_Flyer

"Half-Off Sale"

Are you looking to adopt a new kitten or cat?  Then look no further than The Haven!  Right now we have a HUGE inventory of kittens and cats looking for a second chance at life.  We have a large variety of species from Domestic Short and Long hair to Siamese.  AND, if we do not have it I am sure we will get it in since everyday is a new day at The Haven.  So again, if you are thinking about adopting a new best friend, contact one of our adoption counselors today at 251-929-3980 or visit our website the "adoptions" link to view pictures and bios of our adorable homeless animals. 

See Ya' Soon

Meow

"Be a Mediacom Pet Champion"

Light's! Camera! Action! The Haven and Mediacom have teamed up to record the funniest and most heart-wretching animal stories ever documented and wants to share them with you.  All in an effort to help find a home for the ophaned cats and dogs. "The Haven Show" is now airing on Mediacom's Channel 27 and their videos on demand every night at 6 pm. The Haven is very excited about this premier and  thanks  Mediacom for this wonderful opportunity. 

Take Tera for example.  She is a beautiful Dalmation cross with soft white fur followed up with light grey specks.  Like many of the animals that call The Haven home, Tera was transferred from one of the partnering animal control shelters in Baldwin County and was recently spotlighted during the shows first taping.  "Adoptions have been steady but can always be better, stated Michael Grahm Executive Director for The Haven.   As long as people continue to support their local shelters like The Haven, we can help more and more ophaned animals by transferring them from our friends at the already overcrowed animal shelters within Baldwin County"

The Haven cast of animals, volunteers and staff are looking forward to meeting you! Stop by our shelter TODAY!

For more informatio, please contact our office at 251-929-3980 or browse or website.

 ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Pet owners in Baldwin County are invited to bring their dogs and cats to the Baldwin County Animal Control Center located at 15050 Co. Rd. 49 in Summerdale on September 6, 2008 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for a rabies clinic. Public Health Laws of Alabama require that all dogs and cats 3 months of age or older be immunized against rabies annually. Rabies is a viral disease that is thought to infect all mammals, including humans. There is no treatment for rabies and it is always fatal. Rabies continues to survive in wildlife species such as bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. It is important to vaccinate your domestic animals because they are a common link between humans and wildlife. Modern vaccines are considered to be very effective in preventing rabies transmission should your animal be exposed.

Rabies vaccinations will be administered by Dr. Babette Dixon of Bay Animal Clinic for $10.00 per vaccination.

For more information, call the Animal Control Center at (251)972-6834.

 "Get Ready for the Cutest Calendar"

Thanks to our volunteers, sponsors, and the many pet lovers who submitted their bid to have their four-legged best friend on our 2009 Haven Calendar.  This "Fun"raiser will do more than just provide medical care, food, and board for the orphaned animals that call The Haven home every day.  This calendar is designed 100% by Haven volunteers.  It's colorful, artful, and will open awareness of The Haven's mission.  Please stay tuned to find out where the calendar will be sold!