Mark – Ready To WORK!

Wanna help a wonderful pup learn how to be the best dog in the world? I need a human who wants to show a handsome young boy like me feel what it’s like to have somebody really love me. I’m friendly and happy-go-lucky Mark, and I think in my short life that humans have let me down more often than I’d care to admit. I’m not blaming, and I’m not bitter. I just need for the tides to turn so I can find my person and have the life that I want so much but don’t know how to get.

Sometimes all my pent-up energy can get the best of me. I get scared and afraid sometimes, while other times I completely understand and know how to handle the situation and I’m calm and relaxed. I’m always a friendly guy, and honestly, I think the fact that I’m so smart has made it difficult for me to deal with life in an animal shelter. Dogs can get pretty overwhelmed here, and the smart ones like me are most vulnerable to being overstimulated in certain situations. The best thing for me would be to get in a home and find some consistency and structure in life.

Believe me, I’m trying to learn, and I’m getting pretty good at understanding what is expected of me. When I do get out of the shelter and go on a “day out” with a friend, I get to see the park and explore to my heart’s content and ride in the car and get a pup cup and get all my extra energy out. I’m entirely different when I’m at a “doggy day out” than when I’m in the shelter. No surprise there. When I take walks, I love to carry a toy in my mouth. Frankly, it’s pretty doggone cute. It calms me and helps me get through some of those overstimulating situations. I’m crate trained, but I like to use a Kong or a bully stick in my crate to keep my brain occupied while I’m alone in there. I am learning how to play appropriately with other pups, and I have the grandest time dashing around and pouncing and jumping and showing off all my athletic moves.

I really need my chance with a human who will love me and who will show me how to be the best version of myself. Oh, I want to! I want so much to please you. I need guidance. I need someone with patience, understanding and a willingness to train me with consistency and love. When I know you are happy and you are praising me, it makes me feel so happy on the inside and proud of myself. And it motivates me to do even better the next time.

Can you meet me and see if you are my person? I’m pretty wonderful, so come see.

Oswald – Your Typical German Shepherd

I’m happiest when I’ve got a job to do or an activity that keeps both my body and mind busy. Whether it’s going for long hikes, playing fetch, or working on new training challenges, I’m all in! Well, hello there, I’m Oswald, a lively German Shepherd looking for an active forever home! I’ve got tons of energy, and I need a family who’s ready to keep up with me.

Do you want a car buddy? I have excellent car manners and sure do enjoy car rides. I had the luck of going to a volunteer’s house for a bit and was very well-behaved. Even was asked to get on a couch to cuddle – wow – ecstasy! I want to do that again and again and again. Oh, and I am housetrained – I didn’t even mark when visiting the volunteer’s home. I’m a good boy!!!

I’m smart, and I love to learn, so I’ll need a family dedicated to training and giving me plenty of mental stimulation. With the right guidance, I’ll thrive and show you just how eager I am to impress. If you’re ready for a loyal, hardworking companion who loves to stay active, I think we’d be the perfect match! Let’s meet soon!

Acorn – Simply Sweet As Pie

Hi, I’m Acorn! I’ve got a big personality just waiting to shine through when I meet you.

I was rescued by animal control after roaming the streets for a long, long time… When I first arrived, boy was it scary here. I wasn’t sure who I could trust, if I was going to be fed, or how this whole shelter life thing was going to work out. But I’ve made a lot of new friends, and realized that I can show these awesome people my silly goober side! I love my walks, getting the zoomies, and getting hugs and pets from my circle. I will admit, my group of besties is small right now, and it will take time for me trust you. But with love and patience, I think we’ll be buddies in no time.

What would my ideal home be like? I’m happy you asked! I get along with other dogs at the shelter pretty well, so I sure wouldn’t mind a canine companion. Let’s just make sure I meet them first, so we’re 100% sure it’s a perfect fit. The only thing that I really NEED, is a home of adults. My life on the streets was tough, and loud kiddos are sure to make me nervous. What do you say? Think you can kick it with me? The most magnificent pup in the whole shelter? Stop by today and ask about Acorn!

Fostering doesn’t require tons of skill or free time. All you need is an open heart, an open home, and Great Plains SPCA provides all of the supplies that you need to care for your foster pet. Click the button below to become a foster!

The post Our Animals Most In Need – Become A Foster! appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

They “forgot” that they had a dog.

That was the excuse our Intake Team was given when Bernadette arrived on June 25th. Hip bones jutting out, matted to the skin with urine and feces. She had allegedly been left to die in a crate for nearly a month, slowly starving to death with no way out. It took immense willpower from our entire team to immediately begin addressing her condition. And not break down from the horror of seeing a helpless animal suffering in this way.

At eight months old, Bernadette weighed only 17 pounds on arrival. But despite everything, she was incredibly gentle and sweet. This failure in humanity had not shaken her spirit. At every turn, Bernadette showed us just how resilient dogs can be. And we made a promise to never let her suffer again.

And now? Bernadette is thriving in a foster home. Gaining weight and learning what it means to be loved. She has put on five pounds already, and will hopefully be in a healthy condition to be spayed within the week.

Animals like Bernadette can only have this chance at a happy life with your support. We have received a 10k MATCH thanks to a generous donor. Which means your dollars are DOUBLED to support Great Plains SPCA. DONATE TODAY during our Lend A Paw Donation Drive, and lend a paw to numerous pets who depend on us to be saved.

The post Owners “Forgot” They Had A Dog – Bernadette’s Story appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

What Is A Puppy Mill?

A puppy mill is the inhumane, breeding of dogs. Often on a large scale, where mother dogs spend their days confined to cages in unsanitary conditions. Endlessly bred to turn a profit. These mothers and puppies often suffer from numerous untreated health issues, and know nothing beyond the confines of their pen. In many cases, this physical and emotional trauma is not disclosed to unknowing families. And the uninformed adopters do not realize the potential medical and behavioral challenges that they will face with their new puppy.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills in the US. Shipping their pets off to pet stores and auction houses, and continuing the cycle of cruelty.

How You Can Help

It can be confusing to figure out how to ethically find your new furry friend. But you’re in luck! Animal shelter across the country have tens of thousands of pets waiting for their forever homes. By choosing not to purchase from a breeder, and adopting your new pet, you are ending the cycle AND saving life. Many shelters have purebred dogs available for adoption, and there are breed specific rescues if the type of dog is important to your family. At Great Plains SPCA, all pets have received their vaccinations, spay/neuter, and are microchipped before they set foot outside of the shelter. Setting your family up for success.

If you are not ready to adopt, volunteering your time and donating to your local animal shelter are all great options. However you are able to contribute, you are making a massive difference in the lives of countless animals who need your help.

Just this weekend, GPSPCA has taken in 14 animals from a puppy mill that has now been shut down by local authorities. By supporting during our Lend A Paw Donation Drive, you are allowing us to continue saving lives, just like theirs,every single day. Please DONATE TODAY.

The post The Truth About Puppy Mills appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Our HERO Team searched the surrounding area and found a wire crate left in the woods. We moved toward the crate and the puppy we had been looking for emerged from a nearby tire. His tail was low, terrified, and hungry after an unknown period of time without food. The chain was no longer wrapped around his neck, but even from a distance you could see the damage that it had done.

With a little bit of wet food and coaxing, pup was safely loaded into the van and immediately taken to Great Plains SPCA. Now named Dunbar, our little rescue got his wounds cleaned and treated by our Shelter Medicine Team, plenty of treats, and a whole lot of love from our staff. Despite a life of hardship, Dunbar was all tail wags and kisses to thank his rescuers for saving him from what could have been a tragic end of his life due to starvation or infection of his injuries.

Little Dunbar will now receive all of the care that he needs to thrive. DONATE NOW to help us rescue more pets like Dunbar, and your impact will be MATCHED up to $150,000 during our Lend A Paw Match Campaign.

The post HERO Team Rescue – Dunbar’s Story appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

On Thursday morning, May 30th, our HERO Outreach Team was alerted to a dog that was found living in a wire crate outdoors. His back legs are damaged, and appeared to have been wrapped by a veterinarian. We expected to simply check in, make contact with the owner and come up with a plan to bring the pup inside and take a look at this injuries. But what we ultimately discovered on arrival was horrifying.

A pungent odor was the first thing that our team noticed, even when standing a few feet away from Vince in his crate. He was unable to place any weight on one of his paws, and the other foot was clearly causing him excruciating pain. We learned that Vince had been attacked by a dog, and had received some assistance at a local vet. But his owner was struggling with dementia, and could not provide the care that this poor pup so desperately needed. We swiftly got permission to bring Vince to Great Plains SPCA and rushed him to our Shelter Medicine Team for immediate medical evaluation and intensive care.

A slow removal of the bandages revealed extensive wounds to his back legs and paws. One of his toes had been completely severed, and the entire area was inflamed and infected. As our team continued his care, Vince gave them nothing but love. As he accepted pets and hugs, Vince allowed our staff to reassure him as we got a complete picture of his needs.

Vince currently requires pain medication, extreme activity restriction, and daily bandage changes to address his wounds. Our veterinary team is watching Vince carefully each day, and his needs may change depending on how well his injuries are able to heal. Vince’s recovery will take time and we will do everything in our power to see that Vince has a brighter future.

During our Lend-A-Paw donation drive, your donation is MATCHED up to $150,000 to save lives like Vince’s. Our goal is to raise $380,000 by July 31st, so that we can continue to have a life-changing impact in our community. Please consider donating today.

The post Vince’s Story – Saved By Our HERO Team appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

On May 4th, a good Samaritan came across Gatsby in a local park, barely able to move due to how matted his fur had become. The bystander immediately called Great Plains SPCA, and rushed Gatsby to our shelter for help.

Our Intake Team, many of whom have been in animal welfare for years, noted that Gatsby was “the worst matted fur they had ever seen.” Gatsby couldn’t see because of the matts, and his feces were trapped against his skin. Creating excruciatingly painful inflammation on his hind end. We sedated Gatsby to ease his suffering through the shaving process, and our Shelter Medicine Team spent over an hour removing the matted fur as gently as possible.

In his first few days, Gatsby was nauseous and lethargic. But with rest and recovery, we have seen his silly personality grow brighter with each moment that passes. Gatsby loves toys, snuggles, and has never met a stranger. He loves dogs and humans equally, and our little survivor is beginning to thrive after such a heartbreaking start to shelter life.

Thank you to everyone who has followed Gatsby’s journey. Show your support for Gatsby and numerous other shelter animals in need by donating today.

The post The Worst Matted Fur We’ve Seen In Years appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Despite such a horrific start to life, Coffee Bean proved to be full of nothing but love. He is playful, happy, and making the most of his time in foster. We gave Coffee Bean every opportunity to explore the world and learn what it meant to be a beloved canine companion. Great Plains SPCA provided a special harness, stroller for neighborhood walks, and eventually ordered a customized wheelchair that would allow Coffee Bean to run and play to his heart’s content. Months have gone by with his court case pending, and Coffee Bean’s joy for life has continued to grow.

After two full months of waiting, Coffee Bean was legally surrendered to Great Plains SPCA. Allowing our Shelter Medicine Team to pursue more information about Coffee Bean’s paralysis. MRIs performed by a radiologist cannot confirm whether Coffee Bean will ever walk again but we are committed to giving this resilient dog everything he needs to thrive, and have already started a physical therapy plan to help improve Coffee Bean’s mobility in his hind legs.

And now, we have been notified that Coffee Bean’s former owner has been charged with felony animal cruelty in Johnson County. With the uptick in neglect that we have seen recently, we want to sincerely thank Johnson County. For taking on this case, and joining us in the fight to combat animal cruelty.

Coffee Bean is still searching for his forever home, while we wait for justice to be served. Email foster@greatplainsspca.org to adopt Coffee Bean. Please consider donating to support not only for Coffee Bean, but every animal in desperate need of our help.

The post The Story of Coffee Bean – The Paralyzed Dog appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

What To Do If You Find Kittens

Do not Kit-Nap Kittens! It’s a natural response to see a kitten all on its own and want to pick it up or immediately deliver it to the nearest animal shelter. But without their mother, these tiny lives need a specialized formula every two hours, along with around the clock care to make sure they remain healthy. Young kittens cannot defecate on their own, and need assistance going to the bathroom for their first critical weeks. In a shelter overflowing with an influx of felines, a lack of fosters and resources can prove fatal.

So what should you do if you find a kitten?

• Are they visibly injured or sick? There’s a chance that it may need your help! Contact your nearest animal welfare organization or shelter and explain the situation. If that isn’t possible, you can take the kitten to your nearest veterinarian.
• Are they in danger? If mom has chosen a dangerous location for her babies, move them to the nearest safe spot. Keep them as close to their original location as possible, so mom can find them.
• Do they seem content? Leave them alone! Mother cats will often leave their babies for a few hours to find food. Observe from a distance every couple of hours for the next 24 hours. Mom will not return for her babies if she feels threatened by humans, so staying as far away as possible is key. So long as the kittens aren’t fussing, extremely dirty or seem dehydrated, it’s highly likely that their mother is caring for them.

If mom hasn’t returned to take care of her kittens within 24 hours, it’s safe to assume that they’ve been abandoned. Reach out to your local animal welfare organization or shelter to assess the situation and see if intervention is needed!

Become A HERO For Kittens

There are numerous ways to help your local animal shelters during kitten season! From becoming a life-saving foster, to spreading the word about TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), you can make a massive impact in your community.

• Become a Foster. Getting kittens out of the shelter and into a foster home as quickly as possible is essential for saving their lives. CLICK HERE to learn about fostering at Great Plains SPCA.
• Donate Supplies. As the number of kittens climbs, shelters are quickly depleted of necessary kitten-rearing supplies such as formula, bottles, and heat packs. CLICK HERE to view our Amazon Wish List.
• Support Monetarily. With monetary donations, shelters are able to cover the cost of care for their pets and purchase supplies. CLICK HERE to support our shelter pets.

Kitten season may seem like a mind-boggling challenging to take on. But thanks to supporters like YOU, Great Plains SPCA is able to continue our mission of saving lives.

The post All About Kitten Season appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Nellie is estimated to be a two-year-old Heeler/Shepherd weighing in at only 35 pounds. After a life of unknown turmoil she is reasonably protective of her babies. But with a few soft treats and love, she has melted into the laps of every person she met. All eight of her puppies are healthy, chunky, and learning to play as their little bodies continue to grow. Names haven’t been decided just yet, but our dedicated foster is looking forward to seeing their personalities and choosing names that fit them perfectly. There’s a good mix of sassy, sweet, and everything in-between with this litter!

Our foster mom has promised to keep us updated on the shenanigans that this spunky litter gets up to. Keep an eye on our social media for more puppy cuteness! We couldn’t say YES to cases like this without your support. Click the button below to support our shelter, and the homeless animals that walk through our doors every day.

The post Mom & Eight Puppies now SAFE at Great Plains SPCA appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Senior Director of Animal Behavior, Foster & Rescue. Ashley studied under the Council of Certified Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), is CPDT-KA certified and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certified. She also earned certifications for Behavior Pharmacology and Separation Anxiety through Heartland Positive Dog Training Alliance (HPDTA) Training. Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent Magazine.

Poop Eating Catastrophe

My dogs have a disgusting habit of eating poop in the backyard. It’s so bad that one of my dogs will start eating poop when another dog is actively pooping. I have tried yelling at them, but if I do, they will eat it as fast as they can then run away from me. I’ve tried the over-the-counter supplements at the pet store, but they don’t seem to work at all. I’m so embarrassed of their foul-smelling breath when my friends come over. How can I get them to stop this behavior? – Sarah Campbell

Coprophagia (eating feces) can be a tough habit to break for many dogs. Trying to find out why they eat poop is key in understanding how to curb it. Dogs may eat poop because of stress, parasites, boredom, poor diet, issues with their pancreas, and sometimes they just do it because they enjoy it, which is one of the tougher ones to break. Try to find out why, then you can work on it. I also recommend hanging out with your pooches outside so you can pick their stool up immediately and redirect them from eating it. Do this for a few months and work on the commands “leave it” and “come” so you can direct them without being close by. There are also some supplements for bad breath if you would like to try those. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

How Do I Keep My Dog From Fence Fighting?

We got a couple of dogs from a family member that could no longer take care of them. We love them dearly, but they will not stop fighting with my neighbor’s dogs through the fence. They immediately go to the fence to start a fight as soon as we let them go outside for a restroom break. Please help! Can they eventually live peacefully together? – Andrea Johnson

Teach your dogs the “leave It” command when they are inside. Once they have learned this command reliably, take them outside on a leash and get close enough to the fence so that your dog is still listening to you and will follow basic commands, but can view the dogs in the other yard. Once the dog barks at the other dogs, say “leave it” and make them sit. Reward calming behavior and redirect them into “watch me” when they are reacting to the other dogs. Do this routinely until they learn the command, then try it closer to the fence. This will take patience but is highly effective. It would be even better if your neighbors practiced this with the dogs on their side of the fence. Train your dogs individually for even quicker results. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Awful Allergies

My dog has terrible allergies and itches herself raw all the time. She is most happy in the winter when it’s cold, but other than that she gets inflamed and will bite her tummy and paws until they bleed. I use Benadryl which helps a little but it’s not enough. I even do steroid injections to get her to stop itching so much. Any ideas on how to get her some relief? – Blake T.

I would highly recommend seeing an allergist if her allergies are that severe. They can do an allergy test to find out exactly what your dog is allergic to, from grass/molds to things inside your home such as wool. They can even test to see if your dog is allergic to human dander. Yes, that’s right. Dogs can be allergic to humans, and it happens more often than people believe. When you get the results, you can try and eliminate the things your dog is allergic to or can start your dog on immunotherapy. Hope she gets the help she needs. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent Magazine! For anyone interested in a Behavior Class or Consulation, our expert Behavior Team can work with you to help resolve any behavioral challenges you are experiencing with your pet. CLICK HERE for more information and registration.

The post Ask Ashley – March 2024 appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.