The Adventures of Todd: His Days as a Shelter Dog

Posted on September 13, 2011 by JohnnaWallace

I may be small, but I'm mighty!

Well, he came on a truck, a county truck.  He was picked up as a stray and taken to The Ellis County SPCA.  When he arrived, he was very scared, as that truck was big and loud, and there were other dogs that didn’t seem very happy.  When he finally arrived he was put in a small cage in a cool room until a very nice lady removed him.  She looked him over real good and then took his temperature, gave him a pill, poked him with a couple of needles and put him in a bigger cage in a bigger room with a lot more dogs.  Todd didn’t like this room because it was big and loud and he was so tiny.  He just couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t go back to his home.

He stayed in this big, cold place for what seemed like forever.  He didn’t like it, but at least he was not hungry or thirsty or dodging cars.  In fact, given the alternative, it wasn’t so bad.  People would walk around and look at all of his neighbors.  Sometimes they would stop and look at him and he could tell they were being kind and saying nice things to him.  But, then they would leave and he was alone again.  Days and nights came and went.  Todd began to get used to the daily routine, but he longed for human companionship, he needed a forever home.  Someone just has to have a place in their heart for Todd.

Look for our next post on The Adventures of Todd:  The Petsmart Outings

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Pet Disaster Supply Checklist

Posted on August 29, 2011 by crystaldavis

There is no better time to gather your pet disaster supplies than when there is not a disaster pending. Being our thoughts and prayers are with those on the East Coast who have suffered with Hurricane Irene, please stop and prepare for your pets disaster plan today. Remember, Texas has our share of disasters, too.

Keep these supplies accessible, and stored in sturdy containers that can be easily carried.

You’ll need:

-food and water for at least five days, include bowls (manual can opener, if packing canned food).

-pet first aid kit, any medications and records (stored in a waterproof bag).

-garbage bags to collect pets’ waste; and if traveling with a cat: litter box, litter, litter scoop.

-sturdy leashes, carriers (make sure carriers are large enough to turn around and lie down, as they maybe in them for longer periods of time).

-bedding, paper towels, extra leash, and pet toys.

-ID each pet (tag – microchip) also have a picture with pet name, written pet description and your cell phone number, incase you get separated or must board your pet. Also be sure to include your Vets name and phone number.

These are stressful times and being prepared will greatly ease some of the stress. Your whole family will thank you — if you prepare NOW.

Written by your EC-SPCA Humane Education Committee
EducationECSPCA@yahoo.com

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Kids Camp Supports Shelter

Posted on June 28, 2011 by

MIDLOTHIAN, TX — In mid June, the ECSPCA Education Committee spoke to the boys and girls of the Bluebonnet Kids Camp at the Midlothian Library.

The children were treated to a humane lesson and Shannon, a service dog brought by one of the committee’s members.

After the expenses of the camp had been paid, the remaining amount was split between the education committee and the shelter. The volunteers appreciate the camp for their generosity and the opportunity to share the ECSPCA message.

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ECSPCA Website Now Wind Powered

Posted on June 2, 2011 by

WAXAHACHIE, TX — Texas wind farms now power the Ellis County SPCA website.

Starting June 1, 2011, electricity generated by wind turbines in the state fully offset the power consumption of the non-profit organization’s servers. Visitors to the website may now view adoptable pets and find out more about the organization with full confidence that the organization has joined the efforts of other non-profits and businesses that are mitigating their impact on the environment through environmentally responsible choices.

“Sustainable sources of power are now competitively priced with conventional sources, so there’s no reason or excuse not to go green,” says Marshall Hinsley, web designer for the organization and member of the ECSPCA public relations committee. “In fact, our new arrangement has given us more storage capacity and greater versatility at a better price. So, while we work to offset our carbon footprint, we are actually saving money.”

Hinsley says that choosing green power for the ECSPCA website is part of his personal and professional agenda to help local organizations practice good stewardship of the earth’s resources. Sustainable choices, he says, can be made by businesses and organizations of any size: “Whether it’s choosing recycled paper stock for brochures and letterhead, opting into green power suppliers or merely greening the cleaning closet, we must think about how our practices either build up or tear down our environment. It’s a new way of thinking, and it’s a part of a broader goal for all responsible and progressive organizations.”

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Petsmart Dog Adoptions May 28th and 29th

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Kari

We are hosting Off Site Adoptions of a few of our dogs at the Petsmart in Waxahachie (located on Hwy. 77).  This will be with just a few individual dogs  — not with the adoption trailer.    We hope you will come out to see us on Saturday or Sunday from Noon-4pm each day.  Our animal shelter located at 2570 FM 878 is also open this weekend for adoptions from 1p-4p.

This program IS WORKING TO FIND EVEN MORE FOREVER HOMES FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS - come on out and visit with us and pick up some information on how you can help change the life of a homeless dog or cat.  Even if you can’t adopt right now – we have plenty of other programs that need your support!

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SPCA GARAGE SALE — APRIL 30TH AT THE FUMC AT 505 W. MARVIN AVENUE IN WAXAHACHIE

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Kari

OUR NEXT BIG FUNDRAISER
GARAGE SALE — APRIL 30TH AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AT 505 W. MARVIN AVENUE IN WAXAHACHIE

Garage sale times and details are:
Friday, April 29th DONATIONS AT THE CHURCH from 7am to 6pm so people can come before or after work/school.  Set up will probably go until 8pm, but we have to cut off donations to give some time for final organization.  We prefer that donations come directly to the church because storage space is limited at the shelter and transporting items can be difficult.  If you can’t make it and need to discuss special arrangements, please feel free to contact us at spcaevents@gmail.com

We will accept all gently used household items such as: appliances, furniture, kitchen items, books, games, toys, artwork, garden tools, exercise equipment, etc(due to health codes – we cannot sell mattresses unless they are for cribs).  We will accept clothing which we prefer to get on hangers as it is easier to sort and display (baby clothing can be folded). We also welcome any extra hangers you can bring.

Saturday, April 30th GARAGE SALE 7am-3pm.  KBEC will be joining us for a remote broadcast from 8a-10am, plus the Ellis County SPCA will be offering low cost microchipping in the parking lot from 10am to Noon.

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Cans for Canines Helps ECSPCA

Posted on April 2, 2011 by

Bella is a little girl with a big heart. She and her mother founded Cans for Canines to benefit the dogs and cats at the Ellis County SPCA. See what idea this pint-sized animal lover has come up with to help the dogs and cats waiting for homes at the Ellis County SPCA in this video on Now Magazines’ website.

Now Magazines Online.

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EC-SPCA to Benefit at HEART OF TEXAS SHOW

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Kari

The Ellis County SPCA is once again the named charity for the April 1st and 2nd HEART OF TEXAS CRAFT SHOW at the Waxahachie Civic Center!! That means we are a highlighed vendor at the show plus a portion of the admissions will be donated to our Ellis County SPCA Animal Shelter.  Admission is $4 and kids under 12 are free – plus you can use this coupon to get $1 off your admission.

The show is bigger than ever with many new vendors and many of your favorites from past shows. We hope to see you on Friday from 2p-8p and/or on Saturday from 10a-6p (admission is good both days). Contact us at spcaevents@gmail.com with any questions.

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In Memoriam: Richard Jenkins

Posted on February 3, 2011 by

Richard Jenkins died Sunday, January 30, 2011 at his home in Midlothian, Texas.

Ellis County SPCA staff, board members and supporters regret the passing away of dedicated volunteer Richard Jenkins on Sunday, January 30, 2011.

Jenkins was a 1988 graduate of Charleston High School of Boston, MA. Jenkins had come to call North Texas home after living in various parts of the country and describes his life on Facebook thus: “I’m an Air Force brat that was raised all over the country. We finally settled down here in North Texas. I’ve lived in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for about 20 years now.”

Jenkins lived in Midlothian and kept close to his mother after the death of his father. A caring son and kind-hearted person, Jenkins eventually found his place among the volunteers at the ECSPCA where he soon became a reliable volunteer who spent much of his time assisting shelter staff despite his failing health. In fact, in the weeks before his death, Jenkins continued to help at the shelter, attending meetings and offering his time wherever it was needed, as often as his life-threatening condition would allow. As he became more and more ill and was eventually hospitalized, he continued to plan for a recovery that would allow him more time to give in walking shelter dogs and socializing otherwise shy pets.

Soft-spoken, gentle, and approcahable, Jenkins was an agreeable man who easily attracted friends. Especially because of his disposition, he was gifted in handling dogs at the shelter who had grown withdrawn and afraid. Although he appreciated wishes to get well soon, he never disclosed the severity of his condition, thus his death was a sad surprise to his friends and associates.

In January of 2011, board members of the ECSPCA decided to honor Jenkins at an upcoming event as the first recipient of the Dr. Nancy Carter Volunteer of the Year award. Although Jenkins did not endure long enough to officially receive the distinction, he was notified by concerned shelter staff shortly before his death that he was to receive the honor.

All related to the ECPSCA have been affected by his sudden death and join his family in mourning the loss.

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Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Rogers Hotel

Posted on January 14, 2011 by

For supporters of the Ellis County SPCA, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show their love — for animals.

This year, the organization presents its first annual Valentine’s Day dinner to raise funds for the shelter’s operation. Set for February 14, 2011  6 – 9 PM, the dinner is a chance to enjoy fine food, spirits, live music and a silent auction in the elegant setting of the Rogers Hotel in Downtown Waxahachie.

“This will be an enjoyable dinner and an opportunity for Ellis County SPCA supporters to come together in a nice setting and have a good time,” said Johnna Wallace, ECSPCA president.

Tickets for the dinner are $100 per couple and may be purchased from the shelter by calling 972-935-0756. Seating is limited, and tickets are expected to sell quickly.

Proceeds from the event will be directed to spaying and neutering dogs and cats prior to their adoption from the shelter to ensure that no ECSPCA pet becomes a part of the pet overpopulation problem in the county, Wallace said.

The Ellis County SPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating the suffering of unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats in the county. The shelter works to find homes for adoptable pets in its care and to provide resources and information for reducing pet overpopulation in the area.

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