Week 6 Blog 2

It is so weird to think that this is my last day of SCORE. This is it. I am so happy that  I get to spend it with puppies and kittens. Today, the six new kittens that were previously in foster care all came back to be put up for adoption. Luckily, the shelter doesn’t open until 11 so Maddie and I got to spend some quality time with them before they all went. Literally within the first two hours of them opening, five kittens were gone. All except one little baby. This little guy was actually pretty sick, and he was like foaming from the mouth. I was having a panic attack because I thought the poor thing was having a seizure or something, but apparently it was just a reaction the flea medicine that had just been put on him.

            My dad knows I always take my lunch break around noon so he decided to come in and get me to bring me out to lunch. When he came in to get me, I was sitting with my favorite cat, Ross. I told my Dad how he has FIV or kitty AIDS (which can’t be spread to humans), and he would not let it go the whole day. He wouldn’t even let me have a sip out of his water bottle. It was pretty ridiculous.

            As the end of the day came near, it was actually pretty sad to think I wouldn’t be coming here as often. I actually was such a weirdo and went around to all the animals and said goodbye to each of them. I will miss them all!

Wek 6 Post 1

The fact that this is the last week of SCORE is pretty crazy. Time has gone by so quickly her at the shelter. I guess the saying “time flies by when you’re having fun” really is true. All of the staff member here keep going on about how it is going to be so weird when all of us are gone next week. We really do help out a lot here when we are here.

            Monday was a pretty chill day. I mostly stayed with the cats all morning, and just did some cleaning. They are all about keeping the floor really clean there, which is pretty understandable. Around noon,  I switched over to the kennel side because the cats were getting a bit sleepy and didn’t really feel like doing much. I went over to play with my two favorite little buddies named Buddy (ironic) and Sissy. Sissy was actually just adopted by my brother’s best friend’s family which is pretty cool, so I will get to see her still! Something pretty interesting actually happened in the kennel today though. These two women came in to look at Buddy and Sissy, and we went outside so they could interact more with the dogs. I guess the daughter who was there had just had an operation of some sort and had just woken up from anesthesia. She still seemed like she was still kind of out of it. So we were outside playing with the dogs, but then she decided she wasn’t feeling well so she started to stand up. However, that was not the best idea. She stepped on the bottom of her pants and because she was still a little loopy from the anesthesia she couldn’t catch herself and took a tumble. Luckily, it wasn’t bad at all, but it was still pretty eventful.

Week 5 Blog 3

Friday is always a good day at Cape Ann Animal Aid. The funniest little old ladies always come in to volunteer on Fridays, and they are usually my morning entertainment. They love talking to me, the cats, and, everyone. For some reason today, it was very slow. Usually Fridays are hopping with people ready to take one of these little angels home, but I guess that was not the case this week. I pretty much just hung out in the cat section for most of the day because it is the most relaxing. They just like to sit there and be petted; unlike the dogs who need constant walking, playing, and attention. However, sometimes the cats just all happen to want to all take a nap at the same time, and it just gets incredibly boring. At this point, I just have to go over and see the puppies. When I went over to the kennel today, I noticed one dog that was not there yesterday and I hadn’t seen it before. I looked a little closer and I realized that it was actually one of the baby German Shepherd mixes that was all grown up. The people that had adopted him brought him back to the shelter. It was crazy how much he had grown in such a short period of time. I don’t yet know why his previous owners returned him, but I don’t understand who adopts a puppy then returns it. That is just mean and so incredibly annoying. 

Week 5 Blog 2

Today was another dirty early morning. Right as I stepped into the entrance of the building I was put to work. I was assigned to the isolation room today. I do sometimes like going to the isolation room rather than going up to the kennel because the kennel can be pretty gross when having to do the first cage cleaning of the day. Today was different though. There were at least 13 dogs total in all of the isolation rooms. Not to be gross, but there was so much poop in their cages. Luckily, Sandy, a very nice lady who works at the shelter, came in to give me some much needed help. She was so nice that she actually cleaned all of the gross parts of the cages while I just had to watch the puppy while it was on the floor and then feed it afterwards. It is so funny how the smell of the room fluctuates though. When you first walk in it just smells like the worst dogs smells, and by the end it just smells like chemical cleaners. The best part of being assigned to the isolation room is that, after cleaning, I get to take out each of the dogs to play. They are always the sweetest dogs, and I honestly think I have more fun playing with them then them. They all steal just your heart. The only freaky thing is that you have to keep a close watch on the little ones playing outside because I guess hawks are a big danger to these puppies. 

Week 5 Blog 1

Today at SCORE was pretty laid back. There were a lot of volunteers at the shelter today helping out with both dogs and cats so my boss let me kind of do my own thing. I still had to be there, but it was just a little less work. Since I had some free time I thought I would look at the videos on the shelter’s website that I have heard so much about. This certain video was of my favorite dog at the shelter, Querube. This video showed her when she was being rescued in Puerto Rico sometime in November. It is actually so amazing how far she has recovered since she was first rescued. When the people working with the recue team found her, she was completely covered in dirt and had a cord wrapped pretty tightly around her neck. It was the saddest thing I had seen. Seeing how happy she is now and how much she loves being here just goes to show how much this organization and shelter are really helping out these animals. Without shelters like this one, there would be a lot more animals with out somewhere to stay and be taken care of. I am so glad that I can help out even just by doing a short 6 week internship there. I am sure going to miss all of these little guys once SCORE is over. I may have to come and visit and go back to volunteering everyone now and then during the summer. 

Week 4 Blog 3

Friday was a pretty good day at the shelter. It was the busiest I have seen it in a long time. Before it had even opened, at 11:00am, there was a line already out the door. I guess Friday is the most popular adoption day in Gloucester. There were people in both the dog and cat sections, so it was pretty crazy. One of my favorite cats, named Stanley, got adopted by the cutest, little old man. He was telling us how his cat had just died, and he had been crying for days. He said that he thought it was about time to move on and get another little guy to love and take care of. It was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. It really showed how an animal can actually have such an impact on someone’s life. I hope Stanley makes a good friend for him! On the dog side of the shelter, it was actually so stressful. I tried to avoid it because there were so many people just wanting to play with the puppies, but they never can decide which one they really want. There was this one family who, you could just tell, fell instantly in love with this little Chihuahua. The puppies name was Chile, and he was the biggest punk ever, but he was awfully sweet.  It was so bittersweet to see him go, but I was happy that he found a home! It is going to be weird not having that little guy around the shelter anymore.

Week 4 Blog 2

So far this internship at the animal shelter has been awesome. All of the people here are so nice, and I can just tell that they all love animals and their jobs. It was pretty hot this week, and I noticed something about a lot of the staff here. At least three of them have tattoos that have something to do with an animal. One woman, named Mindy, has one of the name “Shiloh” and two little dog paw prints. She told me the story of how he was her best friend, and he suddenly died of an unknown cause. Another woman, named Colleen, has a tattoo of paw prints as well, but I don’t really know her as well so  I am not sure about this tattoo’s background story. Today for our lunch break Katy Tadler and I went to Rockport! I am completely blanking on the name of the restaurant we went to, but it was so yummy. We even made the time to buy our moms some mother’s day presents. It was pretty successful. We are allowed about an hour or hour and a half lunch break, and we surprisingly made it back just on time after our nice day in Rockport! Everything is just getting so much better now that it is so nice out. I wish we could take the puppies for walks in Rockport. The end of the day today was the same as every other day, but today my boss let me go home early!

Week 4 Blog 1

Monday at the shelter was a pretty normal day. I usually go to the dog section when I first get there because that’s where the most help is needed, and recently all of the dog cages are full of little messy puppies. However, this morning I decided to switch it up and head up to the cat section. Recently, there haven’t been to many cats at the shelter, but when I walked in the door and went around saying good morning to all the cats, there was a little surprise in one of them. In this cage, there was the sweetest, big eyed, long grey-haired, little baby kitten looking up at me. This little kitten’s name was Sandy, but I honestly did not think that name was fitting for this little girl what so ever. One of the staff members actually wanted to seriously adopt this kitten, and by then end of the day she finally decided to take her home. She was gone the next day. The other kittens there were all from Puerto Rico, and they sure looked like it too. They look like they are part Egyptian cat or something because her ears are so big and she is so long, tall, and skinny. The cats from Puerto Rico are all still pretty shy, but they are definitely improving on their social skills since they first arrived at the shelter. I really like helping out in the cat section because there are usually there cute little old ladies who are volunteers at the shelter. They are too cute, and genuinely love helping these cats.

Rough Draft

Katherine Hennigan

May 9, 2013

SCORE Research Paper Draft 1

Today in our society, animals are a huge part of the culture and also part of most families. Animals were not always so involved in human’s lives, and in other parts of the world they are still not cared for or domesticated. Of course, these other countries are not as well educated or technologically savvy as the United States. Animals are now so popular in most areas, and benefit to many lives in the world. However, these benefits vary with different people in different region of the world. A larger percent of animal are abused and mistreated, but the lucky ones are sometimes given a life of happiness and love. The pet care industry today is now a skyrocketing industry due to the amount of technology that is now available here, and has now created a plethora of businesses that promote products and care for animals.

Animals are occasionally treated like royalty in the wealthy countries. Some that are a member of a well-off family are taken care of more than an average human would be.  First world countries have created an almost equal status of animals. Obviously, humans will always be superior, but animals (mostly dogs and cats) are seen everywhere you go. One man even posted online and said, “My dog is more important to me than any kids in the third world”. That is a particularly bold statement, and very crude, but animals can really touch the heart of their owners. Domestic animals could even be considered another child in the family. They are feed with dishes, taken for exercise, sleep in a bed, and learn from their owner. Of course, they are not as important to a mother as her child is, but they are clearly put on a pedestal. The domestication of animals has grown into something much more than just training, naming, and feeding the animals. Some people go to the extent of showing off their dogs to win ribbons or prizes. Dog shows have become quite popular and competitive in the United States. They also make a huge amount of money. First world countries are clearly wealthier than third world countries; hence their description, and they have created a pet industry that is all over the world, in the media, and more. The fact that there are movies, television shoes, and cartoons about animals, such as Garfield, Tom and Jerry, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua, is a huge example of how animals have made there mark in society. In the past when animals were meant for food and working on the farm, the thought that they would once have their own salons and doctors (Veterinarians) was not even a thought that crossed the minds of people. The animal care industry has grown so much since then and it is very likely that it will continue to flourish.

Countries that are less fortunate tend to treat their animals immensely different that they would be treated in first world countries. Animals are looked at as more of play toys and objects that can be treated however the owner may choose. In poorer countries the definition of “owner” is not nearly the same as one would think. A more suited name for them would be “torturer” or “controller”. In order to abuse an animal as badly as animal skinners or just plain old abusers, I believe that they are just evil and cruel human beings. Not everyone who lives in these places is nearly as horrible, and there are some people who care for the animals in their country, but the majority of them do not. Animal abuse occurs all over the world, but in countries where animals are treated like dirt, animal abuse is more common. At the Cape Ann Animal Shelter, there are dogs that are flown in from Puerto Rico that were walking the streets there. San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of the most popular places to find stray dogs. The Cape Ann Animal Aid Shelter works with an organization in San Juan, Puerto Rico, SATO. On their website it says, “The dogs we take into our care through this program are typically teenagers or adults and average from 10 to 40 pounds. Some need time and patience until they adjust to living with their new families.” This is to be expected of the dogs. They started off with a rough beginning in their life, but now are given a second chance to have a much better life with lots of love. At the shelter that I am doing currently doing my internship, I met this one dog named Querube, which means “little angel”. When I first saw this dog, I could tell that she was absolutely petrified. All of the dogs that fly in from Puerto Rico have to fly in on a very long plane ride in small crates, which must be completely terrifying for dogs that were just walking the dirt streets for scraps of food. Querube is three years old, and all of the staff at the shelter kept saying, “This dog clearly went through hell”. To hear that about an innocent dog is absolutely heart breaking. She has been at the shelter for about a month now, and she is the happiest little girl at the shelter. She is still afraid of men, and one of the staff members at the shelter said, “She must have had a traumatic experience with men back home”. When they found her on the streets she was covered in filth with a cord wrapped around her neck. This is a clear example of how most dogs are living in countries like Puerto Rico. In places like Mexico, there are not even animal abuse laws established in the government. I once watched a video about animal abuse in China, and I highly regret ever clicking play. In China, the animal fur business is a huge fad. There are many American organizations, such as PETA, that are trying to stop this horrific act. The footage that the PETA video showed of the abuse was absolutely appalling. I can passionately say that I will never in my lifetime buy a clothing item that is made from animal fur. The cruelty that is shown for these animals is something that a right-minded person would never enact, but the life style that China and countries similar to it partake is much different that the one most Americans are living. It is understandable for some people to not be fond of animals, but the abuse that most endure is something that no innocent creature should have to endure. Frosty Wooldridge wrote in his “Immigration’s Third World Cruelty to Animals” that, “Muslims regard dogs as unclean” and “some cultures do not share our fondness for pets.” Muslims have very different customs, traditions, and ideologies than the ones the United States possesses, and apparently their view on animals is different as well. Not every American likes dogs and cats, and there are animal abusers found here as well, but the overall opinion of animals is the polar opposite.

This is a graph of animal abuse that is seen around the world:

 

             Medical treatment for animals is incredible today. There are some many different vaccines to treat animals, and each life of treated with the utmost care at veterinary hospitals. A family pet has a huge emotional attachment with family members, and luckily there are so many options for how families can treat their animals. In order to become part of the veterinary medical field you need to be qualified to a certain degree. The North American Education Consortium (NAVMEC) is a consortium that, according to The Association of American Veterinary Medical colleges, “looks at the competencies or skills that all veterinary medical students need to have when they graduate regardless of the field they intend to pursue and how that integrates with the accreditation of veterinary medical schools and colleges, national and state board testing, and state licensing of veterinarians to practice.” Animals are given the very best treatment possible in places that can afford to educate vets as much as the United States. The cost of treating animals at the vets is just as pricey as medical care for people. Fortunately there are companies like AFRP that assist those in need of financial help. Veterinary medicine is always improving parallel with the societal improvements being made. NAVMEC, the organization I previously mentioned, claims, “Veterinary Medical Education is flexible enough to meet society’s changing needs.” Medical care is one area that it always advancing. Animals will always be in good hands when it comes to medical needs, and one thing that assures that is children. Most children, when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” answer with either a princess, ballerina, a rich person, or a vet. Some who are passionate about animals either become an actual vet or do something to help the animal species. 

            Whether or not an animal is friendly, scary, or mean, they all are innocent creatures. Today’s pet care industry has a wide spread of things that an animal can help and animal in need. The medical side of animal care is very beneficial and improving along with technology. An animal’s life can be saved so easily these days as if it were being as conscientiously treated as a human life would be. Animals of the first world countries are unconditionally loved by their owners and showered with many different food options, hair/fur products, comfy beds, and a warm home to live in. There will always be unfortunate scenarios concerning mistreated animals, but that is what rescue organizations and shelters are for. It is amazing how much an animal can be rehabilitated and grow when they have access to the benefits the pet care industry has to offer.

Week 3 Blog 3

Today was actually a really special day for some. This woman named Cindy has been the head cat caretaker  for the last 20 years, and today was her last day! She even got her own plaque made for her which is on a wall in one of the cat condos. She is the sweetest lady, and is definitely a cat person. She loves every single cat that passes through the shelter, and treats it as if it were her own baby. People were bringing present in to give to her all day. One lady brought in this like home manicure/pedicure/massage machine. She was definitely a loved one at the shelter. I am sure that it will be very different for everyone when Cindy isn’t in looking after all the cats. She has been there every time that I have gone to volunteer at the shelter and every day that I have been at the shelter for SCORE. Because of Cindy’s last day, the staff kind of wanted to have a fun laid back day, and so that was a very good thing for me. Today is the day that no other girls from our school are at the shelter with me, and so all I have are the animals to entertain me. I just got to play with all of them, and eat a cake that was brought in, so I would say that today was not a bad day to be stuck here alone. It was good to celebrate Cindy’s last day though! 

Week 3 Blog 2

Today was the second time I got to go down to the “Isolation Room”. It is where they keep all of the incoming puppies from Puerto Rico or Georgia. There are usually at least 10 puppies minimum in the room every time there is a new arrival. This morning I had to suit up in a full on isolation outfit. I had to wear a bright yellow apron, big white boot-like shoe covers, and gloves. It was pretty uncomfortable, but it is better tan getting sick from them or something. Another lady, named Sandy, was in there with me this morning. It was pretty nice because she liked to do everything herself so she was the one who did the gross cleaning part. I just had to hold and feed the puppies while she cleaned all the cages. All of those puppies have to stay in this isolation room for at least 48 hours before being checked out by a vet or brought upstairs; so it is pretty sad when someone decides to do a half effort job on the cleaning part. Then the puppies have to suffer in the grossness. After that was all done, all I really did was make these dog and cat adoption booklets. All that had to be done was put the copied pages in order, hole punch them, and then put them and other packets into one big folder. They aren’t hard to make, but when you have to do about 30 to 40 booklets, it can get pretty tedious and tiring. 

Week 3 Blog 1

This week at the shelter has been pretty good so far. Today I met the most adorable puppy I have seen in my life (Not kidding). Her name is Bella and she is a mix between a German shepherd and Golden Retriever. This will most definitely be the type of dog I get when I am older. All of the dogs are doing really well, and they are loving this warm weather. Since it’s nicer out now, we are able to take all the dogs outside for longer and walk them on the woods trails. There have also been a lot more volunteers coming in to help out. I guess the weather gets people more in the moods to come play with puppies! Some of the dogs there have very strange mood swings, especially the older ones. Sometimes they will get nervous and growl at someone, and then the dog can only be handled by certain staff members. It is kind of sad, and for some reason these two dogs keep having this happen to them. The dogs this week have also been pretty messy. The smaller ones always tend to be the messiest, and there are a ton of small puppies. Those shepherd mixes are by far the cutest though. They have the cutest names to: Bella, Tucker, Coco, and Brutus. One has already been claimed, and if I was allowed to, I would most definitely adopt one of the other puppies. Basically, all day I try to play with these guys as much as possible.

Week 2 Blog 1

This week at Cape Ann Animal Aid, it has been pretty hectic. For some reason there are just so many dogs being brought to the shelter. In the beginning of the week I didn’t really get to work with the puppies as much, and was more on cat duty. There are these two cats named Karen and (I think) Ginger that have “Kittie Aids” or FIV. I didn’t even know that cats can get AIDS, but I guess these ones got it. Luckily they can only give it to other cats so it is completely safe to hold them and everything. One of them has really strange eye coloring because of the disease, but they actually are pretty trippy looking. I am still doing just about the same types of tasks I had been doing the week before. The cats can always use some loving, and the puppies always enjoy a good snuggle. My favorite thing to do is take the dogs on walks through the woods. It is actually something fun to do even though this is considered a type of “work”. The only complaint I would make is how much of a mess the dogs make. It can get pretty gross sometimes. But hey someone has to clean up after these little guys. I usually let the staff take care of the really bad stuff because sometimes it is just way to gross. I am always up for the playtime though. They are a pretty rowdy bunch of pups.