Bonnie and Clyde

Today we welcome Bonnie and Clyde, foster puppies number 1,044 an 1,045. It’s not very often that we have two litters at once, but the Shelter is getting slammed with puppies and kittens right now and there were no open foster homes for these two.

Bonnie and Clyde came to the Shelter by way of Champaign County Animal Control. We were told they were three weeks old, but since they have molars, they’ve got to be around 5 weeks. They did not have very much human contact, but are not afraid of us and seem interested in contact. We’ll give them some extra time and attention and they should turn out fine. They will be here for three or four weeks.

Each animal that comes into the Shelter gets a physical exam. Their intake form says their examination revealed flea dirt and some mild nasal discharge. We’ll be on the lookout for tapeworms which are transmitted by fleas, as well as signs of kennel cough.

If you’ve been reading this blog and thought it would be interesting to be a foster parent, the Shelter could sure use your help! During certain times of the year they get overwhelmed with puppies and kittens and there are almost always animals with special needs that need a place to go for a few weeks. We’ve been getting a few notes each week about a litter or single animal that needs a foster home.

I won’t deny that there are downsides to fostering, but the rewards far outweigh them. If you can’t have a dog or cat full time, fostering is one way to have an animal on a temporary basis. The Shelter handles all the medical care and the adoption. The foster family takes the animal for a defined period of time and for a specific purpose. The Champaign County Humane Society (CCHS) has a support system for foster families, so you’re not on your own.

If you’re at all interested, contact Laura, the CCHS volunteer coordinator, at 2.volunteer@cuhumane.org.