Small dogs make big waves at CCSPCA

It seems to be raining cats and dogs – or, more accurately, kittens and small dogs. I had hoped by now that the kitten influx would have begun to lighten up, but we’re still getting multiple litters in nearly every day. As far as the run on small dogs, this seems to come in waves and I won’t complain too much because, unlike the kittens, they usually are pretty easy to find homes for.

We have one little guy in particular that I’m rooting for. Charlie is a strapping 2-year-old, tipping the scales at about 10 to 12 pounds. Although his coat was in pretty rough shape when he was picked up by a Good Samaritan, he appeared to be in otherwise decent condition. He has some poodle in him along with what I’m guessing to be a dash of Shih Tzu. Cute as a button and sweet as could be, he “coulda, shoulda, woulda” flown out of here were it not for one little glitch. We actually had a potential adopter for him until the vet discovered that his seemingly adorable underbite is more the product of an old injury than a mandibular anomaly. His bottom jaw has a break in it that will need repair, and the folks interested in him were not in a position to afford the surgery. Charlie doesn’t seem to be aware of his problem; he eats like a champ and chews on his toys as if nothing were amiss. After the adoption fell through, we posted him for rescue, hoping that he would get picked up by a group that could get him the medical care he needs. So far, no go. And the poor little guy is sitting in the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, on hold so to speak. I’m now reaching out to veterinarians to see if we can find one with a big heart and the skills and equipment to do the repair.

There are three other small dogs who came in as strays this week that are a true mystery to me. All three are, shall we say, well past their prime. All three are blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other. All three obviously have been loved and cared for at least well enough for them to live into their dotage. So where are their owners? Would one not notice that the dog they’ve been feeding for a decade or more is not showing up at the food bowl? Perhaps some people still believe the myth that old animals “wander off to die.” Although sick or injured animals may seek a safe and secure place, they do not go out seeking a place to die. Whatever the reason their pet went missing, I would think that they would go looking for it. And yet here these three sit, days later with nary a lost report.

The rest of the mighty mite crew are of all different ages and all different breeds: poodles, terriers, Chihuahuas, Jack Russells and many combinations of the aforementioned pedigrees. They’re healthy, younger and very much in need of a home; I hope you’ll at least come in to take a look. While you’re here, we hope you’ll also take a walk through the cat adoption area. Our kittens are very special, one-of-a-kind, rare breed, super-intelligent felines that you won’t find anywhere else. We have taught them to act super-cute when they have visitors and to take “whatever steps may be necessary” to beguile you and make you want to take them home.

OK, maybe not so rare. But they are very cute and you can’t blame a girl for trying!

Shelter needs

The South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter in Vineland seeks donations of kitten, puppy, dog and cat chow (no red dyes, please); cat litter; hot dogs; cheese singles; cat and dog toys; paper towels; and gift cards from grocery and pet supply stores.

Pets of the Week

Just look at that face! And that is not the best part of our sweet 3-year-old pit bull, Arizona. She is gentle, well-mannered and very, very lovable.

Carter is a sweet and shy 2-year-old Chihuahua. He gets along well with other dogs and is a real sweetheart once he trusts you.

Edmund is a very quiet 13-year-old Shi Tzu mix. He is very shy, but warms right up once he gets comfortable with you.

Herbie is a big sweetheart. He is a nice 6-year-old pit mix who is the type of dog that would love to cuddle up on the couch with you. Herbie is gentle and loving and likes lots of attention.

Lance is a very 1½-year-old Lab who came to us as a stray. His ears have wounds on them from fly bites, which most likely indicates that he was kept outside without the best of care. He is a sweet boy who has loads of love to give. Lance probably will need to be housebroken. Crate training and a consistent schedule will accomplish that in no time. This nice, young Lab is smart and eager to learn.

Lala is a sweet and gentle 2½-year-old pit mix. She is super-affectionate and wants nothing more than to love and be loved.

Charlie is an adorable 2-year-old poodle mix. He is fun and friendly and loves attention.

Tommy is sweet cat who is at the shelter with his sister, Margo. They are friendly with other animals and trusting and playful. What more could you ask for?

Manny is a sweet cat who is ready for a new home. He is in foster care, so call to schedule a meeting.

Yogi is the most loving boy around. Are you ready to be a hero? Then adopt this 7-year-old cat. He's awesome!

Queen Bee is the sweetest cat. She is currently a wonderful mother to her five kittens, but they are getting older now and Queen Bee needs a home!

If you want a super-cuddly and affectionate cat, then Bean Pole is your girl. She is a 5-month-old kitten who loves people, gets along well with dogs and has a great time playing with other cats.

Nora is a beautiful 15-week-old tabby and white kitten. She is as sweet as she is stunning.

It doesn't get any cuter than siblings Sage and Sawyer. These kittens are about 8 weeks old.

The Pets of the Week are just a few of the animals awaiting adoption at the Cumberland County SPCA. For information, visit southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.org, send email to adopti southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.orgons@cumberlandcountyspca.org, call (856) 691-1500 or visit the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter at 1244 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland.

Bev Greco is executive director of the Cumberland County SPCA.