oaklandanimalservices

We told Moo’s adoption story a few months back, his travel to Southern California and his new family’s excitement at finding a second great dog at OAS.  You can read the full story here.

We are happy to report that Moo’s adopters contacted us to say he has been quite the energetic rascal but with doggie play groups and plenty of outside romps, Moo is becoming star of his obedience class.  This is clearly a dog with personality!

Moo is a great example of many of the amazing, spirited dogs we have here at OAS.  We are so happy he found his perfect home.

This past weekend, a citizen brought in a tiny, chihuahua puppy to Oakland Animal Services. She had purchased the puppy on a street corner. She soon realized the pup appeared to be sick since it was acting lethargic. She brought the puppy to us and we informed her that the less than one pound puppy was only about 3 weeks old, too young to be separated from her mother. In California, it is illegal to sell puppies less than eight weeks of age. And, beginning January 1, 2012, it will be illegal to sell animals on street corners or temporary retail venues. Later that day, a woman brought in a puppy she found wondering around outside of Target – all by itself. This one appeared to be the sibling of the one from earlier since it was the same size and breed. We reunited these puppies and Animal Control Officer Frede is fostering them and nursing them back to health. She has named them Laney and Tarjay.

This is a good reminder that adoption is always preferable to purchasing animals.  With an adoption agency, you know the animal is healthy and behaviorally sound, ready to become a great pet for you and your family.  At OAS, each animal that stays with us is given its proper vaccinations and veterinary care while it is here.  There are many homeless animals at shelters like OAS just waiting for good homes!

This story also points to one of the reasons for the serious dog overpopulation problem in Oakland. People attempt to make “quick” money by selling adorable, tiny puppies who are unaltered and people purchase them without considering the long term investment in time and money they will need to make to care for these dogs. Spay and neuter and adopt from a shelter!

A few months ago, this sweet girl came to us as a stray.  A very sweet older dog,  aptly named her Betty White.  Upon exam, we discovered that Betty had a severe case of oronasal fistulas;  her teeth were so rotten they had caused decay through her gums into her nasal cavity.

We called on our friends at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to see if they might be able to help.    For over 5 years, OAS and UC Davis have worked together closely.    OAS  has benefited through regular spay and neuter surgeries, cardiology consults and reccommendations when we are faced with severe or chronic illness and disease.  With Betty White, UC Davis performed surgery to fix her fistula problem as well as performed a full dental treatment, pulling all her decayed teeth and leaving her in great shape for the years ahead.

Betty White is now successfully recovering in a foster home with plans to be adopted shortly.    Thank you UC Davis!