A dog has been reported missing in the Westwood Estates area (near Road Ranger). For more details and a picture, please check out our Lost/Found photo album.

PCHS is hosting a signature gathering event in support of The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act in the state of Missouri. For more information and location of this event, follow our link.

History - The American Shorthair is America's own breed, whose ancestors came to North America with early settlers from Europe. Records indicate that the "Mayflower" carried several cats to hunt ship's rats. Early in the 20th century, foreign breeds imported to the United States (Longhairs and Siamese) interbred with native shorthaired cats, producing kittens with varied coat lengths, body styles, color and temperament. Those who wished to preserve the North American shorthaired cat acquired the finest examples of the breed and began mating them selectively to preserve the breed's conformation, beautiful face and sweet disposition, while perfecting the patterns and colors characteristic of the American Shorthair as we know it today. Originally known as the Domestic Shorthair, the breed was renamed "American Shorthair" in 1966 to better represent its "All American" character and to differentiate it from any other shorthaired breed. By chance, a non-pedigreed shorthaired cat might resemble an American Shorthair, just as any given domestic cat might look like a Siamese or a Persian. The test, however, is in whether that animal can consistently produce kittens of the same conformation, coat quality, and temperament in the same manner as a pedigreed cat. Years of selective breeding and the recording of many generations of cats are what enable today's breeders to be certain that each litter of kittens will have specific qualities. Each litter is planned in order to produce the finest representatives of the breed.

Form and Function – The American Shorthair cat's body is medium to large, solid, muscular and powerful; a real "cat's cat." His coat is short, dense and thick, in a myriad of colors, in tabby, parti-color and bi-color patterns. The American Shorthair is recognized in more than eighty different colors and patterns ranging from the striking brown patched tabby to the glistening blue-eyed white, the beautiful shaded silvers, smokes and cameos to the flashy calico van, and many colors in between. The most well-known American Shorthair color today is the silver tabby, with dense black markings set on a sterling silver background. Males are significantly larger than females, weighing eleven to fifteen pounds when fully grown. Mature females weigh eight to twelve pounds when they achieve full growth at three to four years of age.

Temperament - The American Shorthair is a very social cat. It enjoys people and other animals. Naptime usually finds it curled in someone’s lap or snuggled next to another cat. Even though it loves to be held, the American Shorthair typically wants to have at least its back feet on a solid surface. Although the breed is very affectionate, they do not require constant attention. They are very adept at entertaining themselves. Most of the time, the American simply exhibits a quiet patience. They will sit for many minutes waiting for a special treat.

Exercise Needs – American Shorthairs require little exercise. A few play toys around the house will provide enough stimulation to keep this cat active.

Upkeep - Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life. The glistening coat is short, thick, and hard in texture. The coat is dense enough to protect the cat from moisture, cold, and brambles if it was running through the woods. Cats shed. The American Shorthair is no exception. However, this can be kept to a minimum by weekly (more frequent, if desired) combing.

Health - This breed is known for its longevity and robust health. American Shorthairs can live fifteen to twenty years, requiring only annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, a quality diet and plenty of tender loving care.

Got a picture of YOUR American Shorthair you'd like to share? Just send us a picture to photos@pulaskicountyhumanesociety.org along with your pet's name, your name (if you'd like), and any brief information you'd like to include and you may be posted in our online photo album!

In November of 2009, the ASPCA announced the launch of a three-year research study of the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), a highly contagious respiratory illness and one of the viral causes of “kennel cough.” Funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, the groundbreaking study—conducted by Dr. Miranda Spindel, ASPCA Director of Veterinary Outreach, and Dr. Gabriele Landolt of Colorado State University's Department of Clinical Sciences—will help animal shelters develop effective testing and control methods to limit the transmission of the disease.

"Canine influenza is a newly emerging disease that does not discriminate by breed or age," says Dr. Spindel. "The virus is easily transmitted between dogs housed in close contact with each other, and is especially problematic for animal shelters. This study seeks to address this vulnerable population.” First identified as a respiratory pathogen in 2004, CIV has spread widely among dogs in the United States. The virus is transmitted in droplets created by coughing and sneezing, and other symptoms include fever, rapid breathing, loss of appetite and lethargy. With proper and timely treatment, the disease’s fatality rate is quite low.

"Not all dogs infected with CIV require therapeutic intervention—many recover well with just supportive care," Dr. Spindel explains. "However, in facilities like boarding kennels, doggie daycares and shelters, management can present challenges. It can be hard to break the cycle of infection once the disease is introduced, and while most dogs beat the infection within 10 to 30 days, some may develop potentially life-threatening secondary infections."

In addition to examining the spread of CIV among shelter dogs, the in-depth study will determine whether dogs can be tested for CIV prior to entering the main shelter population. It will also help determine how the virus changes over time, a process known as “genetic drift.” The study’s findings may ultimately aid in the development, improvement and use of vaccines to prevent the disease.

You're driving your car when you see a dog on the side of the road. With a sinking feeling, you realize he's alone. What should you do?

How to help - This is a wrenching scenario for all who care about animals. Once you've seen the dog (or cat or even rabbit), many feel it's too late to drive away from him or her. After all, what if your own pet were standing there? So, before you pull over, use these guidelines for assisting animals safely and effectively.

Safety first - You cannot help an animal if you become injured in the process. Look in your rear-view mirror before braking, signal your intentions, pull your car completely off the road, turn off the ignition, set the parking brake and put on hazard lights. If you have emergency flares, prepare to use them.

Consider the safety of the animal. A strange, frightened and possibly sick or injured animal can behave unpredictably. A sudden move on your part, even opening your car door, can spook him and cause him to bolt—possibly right onto the highway. If the animal looks or acts threatening, or, if for any reason, you feel uneasy about the situation, stay in your car.

If possible, restrain the animal. Create a barrier or use a carrier, leash, piece of cloth or length of rope to keep the animal from leaving the area. Signal approaching vehicles to slow down if you cannot confine the animal, or divert traffic around him if he appears to be injured and is still on the roadway.

Use caution - Use caution when approaching the animal. Should you succeed in getting close enough to capture him, you stand a good chance of being scratched or bitten.

When approaching the animal, speak calmly to reassure him. Make sure he can see you at all times as you approach, and perhaps entice him to come to you by offering a strong-smelling food such as canned tuna or dried liver.

Lure him in - Try to lure an animal into your car with food, close the door, and wait for help. Only do this if you are certain someone will come to get the animal very soon. In most cases it is not a good idea to attempt to drive somewhere with a strange dog unrestrained in your car; he may become frantic or aggressive once you're in the car with him. Cats may do the same, as well as lodge themselves under the car seat, from which extracting them can be dangerous.

Call for backup - If you're not able to safely restrain the animal, call the local police or animal control agency. Do so whether or not the animal is injured, and whether or not he is wearing an identification tag. Call the local animal care and control agency (in rural areas, call the police or sheriff) and report the situation. Leave your phone number with the dispatcher and try to get an estimate of how long it may take someone to respond. If possible, stay on the scene to keep an eye on the dog or cat until help arrives. Make sure you report to authorities precisely where the animal is by using road names, mile markers or landmarks.

Take him to safety - If you are able to transport the animal, take him to the nearest veterinarian. If you plan to keep the animal in the event no owner is found, notify animal control that you have the animal or that you have taken him to a veterinary hospital for treatment. You can usually place a free "found" ad in your local newspaper. Keep a copy of the ID to prove your good intentions should any question arise later.

Check the laws - To check on any relevant laws in your state, county or town, contact your local animal control agency, humane society or SPCA. Many times the animal you find along the highway will turn out to be un-owned, unwanted and unclaimed. Even so, the person finding the stray dog or cat does not automatically become the owner or keeper until he has satisfied certain state and/or local requirements.

In almost every state, the animal is not "owned" by the finder until the holding period for strays (as specified by state or local laws) has expired and the finder has made an attempt to reunite the animal with his original owner and/or has taken steps—obtaining vaccinations, license, collar and identification tag—to prove he is now the owner.

Accidents happen - Good Samaritans who have never lost a cherished companion animal may conclude that the owner of the found dog or cat callously abandoned him or, at the very least, neglected to keep him safely confined at home. But accidents can happen to anyone. The frantic owner could be looking everywhere for their beloved pet.

Understand the limitations of animal care and control agencies. Once you have taken the initiative, time and trouble to rescue a dog or cat along the highway, you might be surprised to find that the rest of the pet care community might not necessarily rush forward to do what you see as its part. For instance, you can take a badly injured stray dog to animal control and find out that the agency is unable to provide expensive surgery to treat the dog's injuries. In those cases, shelters euthanize the animals to relieve them from their suffering. A cat with relatively minor injuries can be kept for only the mandated stray holding period and then be euthanized. Virtually all animal control facilities have severe budgetary or space limitations and must make painful decisions about how best to allocate their inadequate resources.

Before you take an injured animal to a private veterinary hospital for treatment, be willing to assume financial responsibility for the animal before treatment begins. Good care is not cheap, and many veterinarians have many Samaritans in their waiting rooms every year. Anyone who is committed to trying to save injured stray animals should discuss these issues in advance with the veterinarian. Fortunately, some states have laws that allow the veterinarian to collect from a fund for treating unowned injured animals who have been presented to them by animal control or a good Samaritan.

If you're uncertain about whether or not to help or keep an animal you see alongside the road, here's a final word of advice: First, think of what you would want the finder of your animal to do if he happened to find him injured without his collar.

You'd want him to take your pet to a veterinarian, and you'd want him to try to find you. At the same time, be reasonable about how much you can afford to do for that animal if no owner shows up.

Are you willing to add him to your household? And will you be willing to return him to his original home if the owner turns up after you've started to form an attachment?

Missourians for the Protection of Dogs is kicking off a campaign to save tens of thousands of dogs from suffering in cruel conditions in Missouri puppy mills. We need volunteers to gather more than 130,000 signatures of Missouri voters to place a measure on the November 2010 state ballot to end some of the worst abuses at puppy mills. We're holding kick-off meetings in Columbia (Jan. 13), Kansas City (Jan. 14), Springfield (Jan. 15), and St. Louis (Jan. 16).

Right now, dogs are suffering in cramped, filthy cages without veterinary care or protection from the extreme cold. But you can help to strengthen the law so they receive humane care. Sign up today to volunteer to gather signatures for The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act. Thank you for helping Missouri's dogs.