In just 2 weeks three dogs have come down with Parvo. It's been years since our shelter has seen kennel cough, let alone parvo. But we have an epidemic in the number of dogs coming to the shelter.

For at least six months we have had on average 30 dogs at the shelter. Doesn't sound like a lot but but the shelter itself is only equipped with 14 pens, 2 are used for quarantine bite dogs. Second Chance put in additional kennels that can house an additional 11 dogs. The shelter used to go in "seasons." Winter would bring 6-8 dogs. Spring would bring maybe 18 dogs.

We are experiencing an epidemic in the number of dogs being brought in and not claimed or adopted. That results in more germs and more exposure to our residents for things like parvo.

We've adopted protocols to ensure the most safety for our dogs. We have bleach bucket solutions at the entrance of the shelter and outside pen area where anyone entering and exiting must step inside so as not to expose our dogs to anything bad. Puppies do not touch the ground and poor things must be crated when their pens are cleaned and food is put in.

I can't help but wonder why people are still breeding dogs when so many dogs, including purebreds, enter shelters every day. Where are our low cost, no cost, spay and neuter clinics? We are a disposable society with fast food, fast cars, and disposable commodities.

Dogs are not disposable. They are not garbage. They are living, breathing, and feeling creatures. I dare not think what would happen to the dogs if Second Chance were not at the shelter.

The Answer is Blowin' in the Wind

Dylan came into the shelter such a wonderfully fabulous boy we wanted to give him a chance. He's an older boy but obviously well cared for and a great resident of the shelter. Unfortunately, after 3 months his people never came calling for him.

Most people come into our shelter wanting a young dog. Two years old is too old for them. That is, until Susan came along, and specifically asked for an older dog. Susan only adopts "seniors" because most people overlook them, even though they have a lot of life left in them. Susan knew this and has found that older dogs make even better pets than the younger ones. And who is going to take care of the older dog in their older years?

Dylan (named after Bob Dylan -- another old timer) was clean and neat and nothing rattled him. Most shelters would kill him because who wanted an old dog anyway? And we are the first to admit that a shelter life is no life at all. But Dylan had a spring in his step, ate with gusto and enthusiasm, and got along with EVERYONE, including our resident shelter cat Sylvester.

Dylan may live another 5, maybe more, years. Who are we to not give this boy a shot? Thank you Susan for knowing this and giving Dylan the best years of his life.

The skies are clear, and then it rains. The skies get clear, and it rains again. But rain or shine we are out with the dogs every day.

Our Tink had lots of fun doing his favorite thing -- play with the ball. Although he came back in his pen a muddy mess, and the ball was pretty much demolished, how can you resist this happy face?!

Tink has been in our shelter for a year. He is fully obedience trained and just waiting for that new forever home.