Pet Care

Bay Village accepts $50,000 kennel donation

On Monday, Dec. 4, Bay Village City Council approved a resolution and was signed by Council President Dwight Clark to accept $50,000 from The New Bay Village Dog Kennel Fund. 

Following the resolution, a discussion was had regarding “next steps” which will include specific improvement action plans and identifying internal and external labor needs to complete the project. 

Although the timing of the work that will result in a safe and updated kennel is still not certain, early spring completion was discussed as a realistic expectation.

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Volume 15, Issue 23, Posted 9:40 AM, 12.19.2023

BAYarts to hold birthday dog parade

Get ready! BAYarts is having a big dog party on Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You and the pooches are invited to celebrate BAYarts' 75th birthday and to also support and celebrate The New Bay Village Dog Kennel Fund.

There is still time and space to sign up for the pooch parade which kicks off at 11:30 a.m. Gift bags for all participants and prizes will be awarded for multiple categories. Please sign up with your besties by emailing bark@bayarts.net or show up early to ensure a spot.

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Volume 15, Issue 14, Posted 8:50 AM, 08.01.2023

Bring your dogs to a party!

BAYarts is celebrating their 75th anniversary and The New Bay Village Dog Kennel Fund is finalizing their fundraising to move forward with the much-needed kennel construction. 

Bring the canines and kids to be part of a joint FUN-raiser on Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., to support The New Bay Village Dog Kennel Fund and BAYarts programs/campus. 

Arrive hungry as there will be an abundance of food, beverages and ice cream on the BAYarts campus at 28795 Lake Road. There will also be dog treats galore!

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Volume 15, Issue 13, Posted 8:37 AM, 07.18.2023

Celebrate summer with us!

Come celebrate summer and a fun, dog-friendly event at the BAYarts Market every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. beginning June 15, weather permitting.

Each week, the New Bay Village Kennel Fund team will be hosting a table that will have a very special basket for raffle. Think about what you might find in a basket named “Canines in the Kitchen” or “Wagging and Wine.” Imagine what a basket named “A Queen’s Quilt” or “Dress Me Up” may offer in surprises. Each week there will be a new basket offered for raffle.

A raffle ticket will be $10 or 3 tickets for $25. Values of the basket will be noted along with all the contents so you will know what a great win you will have for your raffle ticket(s) which is also a donation to the New Kennel Fund. You don’t want to miss a week as every basket is different and unique.

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Volume 15, Issue 10, Posted 8:41 AM, 06.06.2023

New Bay Village Dog Kennel Fund announces $10,000 match

Bay Village citizens once again rose to the challenge and donated to the New Dog Kennel Fund to meet the $5,000 Matching Fund presented just a few weeks ago.

Just as we are a little past our goal’s halfway mark, we are thrilled to announce that another Bay family has challenged the community to meet their $10,000 matching fund donation! That’s right – we can raise the roof on the existing kennel and add $20,000 toward meeting our goal.

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Volume 15, Issue 9, Posted 9:51 AM, 05.16.2023

Bay Village Proud!

Be proud Bay Village neighbors! We have a new generation of civic minded citizens, caring and determined to help their city, attending Westerly School: the K Club Kids! As president of the New Bay Village Dog Kennel Fund I had the pleasure of being presented a check for $1,252.10 to be used to upgrade our dog kennel.

Not only were the Westerly K-Kids able to raise $552.10, they encouraged the Westerly PTA to give $350 and the Bay Kiwanis also contributed $350! That’s what matching funds are all about!

Our sincerest thanks to the Westerly School K Club – you should be so proud of your accomplishments in supporting your community.

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Volume 15, Issue 9, Posted 9:49 AM, 05.16.2023

Bay Village Kennel Fund announces fundraising

The current Bay Village kennel, which is operated by the City of Bay Village, is situated in a former cable storage unit on the grounds of our Service Department at 31300 Naigle Road. This building, which houses lost or abandoned dogs, is worn and weathered and needs major structural improvements.

A group of volunteer residents has started an initiative, the New Bay Village Dog Kennel Fund (the Fund), to ensure the safety and comfort of the dogs housed at the kennel by assisting the City of Bay Village to improve and renovate the building.

Their goal is to raise funds for the current structure to meet the standards of a commercial-grade municipal building suitable to  humanely house dogs, and to improve the quality, durability, and functionality of the current, below-standard structure.

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Volume 15, Issue 2, Posted 10:11 AM, 02.07.2023

FOBVK now Friends of Bay Village Community Cats

Friends of the Bay Village Kennel (FOBVK) has changed its name to Friends of Bay Village Community Cats. We have contemplated the name change for a long time.

FOBVK was incorporated in 2010 to help provide shelter and veterinary care for homeless pets until permanent homes were found, promote spay/neutering and TNR (trap neuter return), and support animal rescue. At that time, the Bay Village kennel temporarily sheltered both cats and dogs, and FOBVK supported the kennel as a means to helping Bay Village’s lost, stray and homeless pets.

However, in August 2011, Bay Village changed its animal control policies: generally, dogs were kept in the kennel no longer than overnight before transfer to the Cuyahoga County Kennel and cats were on their own. These policies continue.

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Volume 14, Issue 18, Posted 9:32 AM, 09.20.2022

Ella earns her badge

We love our loyal, steadfast, tail-wagging companion dogs. Of course dogs are also trained for more important work – to aid physically and mentally impaired individuals, support police, serve with military troops, and more.

We can appreciate their service as comfort therapy animals as well. For patients in assisted living and nursing facilities there is little to match a warm, gentle, friendly dog, eager to please. When one is unwell, feeling pain, or in distress, it might be the best medicine a person will have all day.

It was my pleasure to meet a Certified Comfort Therapy Dog, and better yet, to tell you her story.

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Volume 14, Issue 5, Posted 10:33 AM, 03.01.2022

Special foster mom cares for special needs dog

Allow me to introduce you to a special member of the Bay Village community, Zoe Johnson. Zoe stepped up to the challenges of fostering a blind and deaf puppy for Vermilion-based dog rescue Safe Harbor.

“What a blessing when I met Zoe and what she has done for our organization and this dog,” said Micci Plavin Price, CEO of Safe Harbor.

Zoe has opened her heart and home for over 20 years to abandoned, abused and misunderstood dogs and cats.

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 9:49 AM, 12.21.2021

Give a gift to the paw!

This holiday season remember to purchase that beautiful collar accessory for your dogs that is required by law: the Cuyahoga County dog license. 

If your pup had a current license from last year you were notified by mail to renew. They are available now at most pet retailers, online at Cuyahogadogs.com and at Discount Drug Mart all year long. 

“Registering your dog is a great help to law enforcement," said Bay Village police Chief Rob Gillespie. "It allows us to quickly and safely return lost dogs to their owners. It is easy to do and the proceeds go to a good cause. And it’s the law!”

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Volume 13, Issue 24, Posted 9:52 AM, 12.21.2021

Bay Village Police now have universal microchip scanner at station

Bay Village City Council passed a resolution on Sept. 20 to accept the donation of a universal pet microchip scanner now at the Bay Village Police Department. This purchase and donation were made possible by a generous resident.

This will help expedite prompt identification and pets being returned to owners if they are microchipped. The city's animal control officer also has one in his vehicle that is shared with North Olmsted. 

This will save time for officers and residents who have found a pet and ensure prompt return to owners.

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Volume 13, Issue 21, Posted 10:26 AM, 11.02.2021

Respect the dog! Respect the cat!

Many times we hear complaints about pet owners being rude and non-compliant to ordinances. Sometimes it’s true. Here's a reminder of ways to care for our four-legged companions:

Please leash and pick up after your dog. License and provide identification for your pets. Spay and neuter your pets. Microchip and keep that current. Foster, adopt and donate. Help educate and advocate for lost and homeless pets. Provide proper shelter.

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Volume 13, Issue 18, Posted 10:10 AM, 09.21.2021

Bay Village animal updates

Volunteers for The Friends of the Bay Village Kennel recently completed the annual cleaning, inventory and restocking of the kennel. FOBVK serves as a volunteer support function to the Bay Village Police Department and Animal Control.

With warmer weather and more residents adopting and walking dogs, please be reminded of the city leash laws and pick up the dog waste ordinances.

Please also know that state law requires that your dog must be licensed. You can purchase a dog license online through the county at cuyahogadogs.com or at Discount Drug Mart. It’s a free ticket home if your dog gets lost. Bay Village Police can search a dog license number on a found dog. A complete list of Bay Village animal ordinances is available at cityofbayvillage.com or through the law department.

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Volume 13, Issue 13, Posted 10:29 AM, 07.06.2021

Hot cars can leave pet owners in hot trouble!

With the weather warming up, it's important to remember the safety of our four-legged friends when going for a ride. Bay Village police will respond to calls to mitigate for the safety of animals locked in cars or those left in hot cars, even those with cracked windows on warm days. They request that they be contacted immediately if you see an animal in distress. Give a description and location of the vehicle. Stay if you can and they typically handle it as a lockout.

If you are the pet owner you can likely expect a strong warning and/or charges. With the animal laws and fines changing you might even face animal cruelty charges. Ohio animal cruelty laws are changing and we will always have Goddard’s Law, amendments and new laws to be grateful for this.

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Volume 13, Issue 9, Posted 10:04 AM, 05.04.2021

Friends of The Bay Village Kennel launch new Facebook page

This is Angel, the pretty little girl that Bay Village residents saved in December and thought she had missing puppies.

She did not have any missing puppies but was truly very neglected by whoever owned and abandoned her in Bay Village. Thanks to the many people who donated to help Angel, she is now well cared for and happy in her new fur-ever home with a Bay Village family.

The Friends of The Bay Village Kennel (FOBVK) would like to thank you for your support and all of your help with animal medical expenses, the kennel and events.

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Volume 13, Issue 8, Posted 10:48 AM, 04.20.2021

Kitten season is foster season

Bay Village resident Nancy Brian moved here about 16 years ago to be near her children and grandchildren. The children and grandchildren moved away, but Nancy stayed. About eight years ago, she saw a posting online seeking help with a litter of tiny kittens. A nursing momcat had been hit by a car. Knowing there were kittens, the rescuer searched for them and found a litter of four kittens two to three weeks old in an adjacent field. The orphaned kittens needed to be bottle fed, and the poster just couldn’t keep up.  

Bottle feeding kittens is onerous; little kittens may need to be fed every two hours. Kittens younger than three weeks cannot even eliminate waste on their own. Because it is so difficult to successfully care for baby kittens, experts advocate against disturbing kittens you may come across outdoors unless it is absolutely necessary – unless the kittens are in immediate danger or you know, as in this case, that they are orphaned.

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Volume 13, Issue 7, Posted 10:31 AM, 04.06.2021

Spring safety tips for pets

It’s that time of year to pay extra attention to a few items that could impact your pets' safety now that nicer weather is here.

  • Ensure window screens and storm doors are safe and secure so no one can escape, and uninvited guests can't enter.
  • Check fencing and gates, make sure latches are working properly and consider a "close the gate" sign. Remind contractors to please close gates. Check electronic fencing and batteries. Never use generic or inexpensive batteries. Only use manufacturer suggested products.
  • Watch for flags where fertilizing and weed spraying has been done. Keep these and other chemicals alway from children and pets.
  • Check pet collars for wear and tear. Make sure tags are current and on a proper fitting collar. Replace broken retractable leashes with safer cloth or leather leashes. Replace tattered soft cloth leashes too.
  • Finally, be considerate of the neighborhood you walk your dogs and please pick up their waste and dispose of it in a city trash can or your own at home.

For additional pet suggestions please visit the Facebook page for The Friends of the Bay Village Kennel.

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Volume 13, Issue 7, Posted 10:35 AM, 04.06.2021

Welcome, pups, to Westlake, U.S.A.

"From the moment we saw DaYi on YouTube arriving at the JFK Airport, we knew he was our dog," said Westlake residents Gary and Marie Blatter. "We named him Shiloh, which means tranquil, and that is his personality. The happiness he shows with his smiling face and the fun he has playing with our other dogs makes us so happy he came into our lives.”

Gary and Marie adopted Shiloh after he and other mistreated dogs were rescued from a Chinese meat market by Golden Treasures Rescue in Bath, Ohio, in partnership with a nonprofit organization called China Rescue Dogs.

"All of us have heard something about puppy mills," said a volunteer with Golden Treasures Rescue. "More and more rescues are taking in dogs from these horrid conditions and we are no exception! Puppy mill survivors are unique in so many ways and now is the time to share the reasoning behind our expectations for the homes they need. A securely fenced yard is extremely important, as a loose mill dog will most often result in its death. Keep in mind, they know nothing about the dangers of traffic, nothing about survival and they will not wander up to a neighbor for help. Your entire family must be totally committed to the safety and rehabilitation of your dog. This process takes time and our first rule of thumb is to always keep your dog in a secure environment."

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Volume 13, Issue 6, Posted 10:27 AM, 03.16.2021

Animal hospital gives back to the community

Vince, Timmy and Cash – the current Westlake Police K-9 Officer Unit – have been receiving their routine medical care from Dr. Greg Cunningham and staff at Detroit Dover Animal Hospital for approximately four years. They are a Dutch German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois purebreds.

The duties of a canine law enforcement officer include searching for drugs, explosives, search and rescue, finding crime science evidence, and attacking people targeted by the handler. The most commonly used breeds are the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd. Police dogs must remember multiple hand and verbal commands. Their training is intense and is never completed until they retire.

According to Westlake Police Officer Denny Funari, who has been with the K-9 unit for 22 years, the average working span of a K-9 officer is 6-8 years. Most recruited are males with high prey drives.

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Volume 13, Issue 5, Posted 9:51 AM, 03.02.2021

Local canine cancer survivor thrives with alternative treatment

Meet Turbo, an adult male golden retriever who is owned by Ed and Jackie Noonan of Bay Village.

Turbo is an 8-year-old rescue dog that was adopted at the age of a year-and-a-half from Love-A-Stray Dog Division in Avon Lake.  

The popular and beloved golden retriever was originally bred in Scotland. They were originally bred to retrieve for hunting purposes. The breed is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They have been trained in multiple capacities such as search and rescue, disability dogs, hunting dogs, detection and show dogs. Goldens love water and are easy to train. Their long coats do require regular grooming.

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Volume 13, Issue 4, Posted 11:08 AM, 02.16.2021

Donations pour in to help rescued dogs

The Friends of the Bay Village Kennel would like to send a huge thank you to all of the people who donated to the collection of pet-related items and financial donations to The Friendship APL in Elyria. Also to the Bay Village safety forces for donating and promoting the cause. A big shout-out goes to the Bay Village Police Department for allowing the front of the station to be a drop-off location. A car load of items was taken almost each day.

In addition to the donated items, Dennis Driscoll and Susan Murnane presented a check from the Friends of the Bay Village Kennel in the amount of $500 to Greg Willey, executive director of Friendship APL. Please visit the Facebook page of either organization for updates.

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Volume 13, Issue 4, Posted 11:07 AM, 02.16.2021

Westlake Meals on Wheels receives grant to aid pets

If you are a pet owner, you understand how important pets are to our families. For many senior citizens, they are a great source of companionship and support, especially during this past year of extreme isolation. Westlake Meals on Wheels received a grant from Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities to assist their recipients with pet food, treats and supplies. 

Like many Americans affected by the pandemic, some seniors have had to make difficult financial decisions, including choosing to feed their pets before themselves, or sharing their food with their pets. This grant allowed Westlake Meals on Wheels to help with that financial burden.

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Volume 13, Issue 4, Posted 11:06 AM, 02.16.2021

Meet Ernie: A Bay Village Celebrity

Almost each day at the Village Project headquarters in Bay Village, you can be certain to be met by Ernie! Ernie has served as the non-profit organization's mascot for the last eight years.

Barb Harrell, Executive Director and owner/mom to Ernie, stressed she absolutely loves rescue dogs but it was important to have a hypo-allergenic dog because most clients are immune compromised.

Ernie is a an 8-year-old Mini Goldendoodle, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a miniature poodle, who has been trained as a service dog and involved in promotions and events along with greeting everyone that has visited the Village Project office and Project Shoppe located on West Oviatt Road. He even was falsely arrested by Sgt. Mark Gillespie of the Bay Village Police Department as part of a fundraising effort. Ernie's bail was met and the BVPD donated the funds along with helping promote a T-shirt sale leading up to the big event to the Village Project.

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Volume 13, Issue 3, Posted 10:13 AM, 02.02.2021

Pets need your help

The Friendship Animal Protective League of Lorain County (Friendship APL) in Elyria often helps Bay Village and Westlake residents with pet problems and now they need your help. 

On Jan. 22, Friendship APL received more than 50 sick and vulnerable dogs and puppies. About 20 of the dogs are in emergency care for parvovirus; three have already died, and about 30 dogs and puppies are in isolation because they have been exposed to the highly communicable and deadly disease.

Friendship APL is a private, independent non-profit humane society that receives no government funding. They are in dire need of supplies to help these and other vulnerable animals including: unopened bags and cans of food for dogs and cats of all ages; pet treats; leashes, collars, toys, clean blankets and towels; cleaning supplies such as bleach and disinfectant wipes; crates and carriers. Friends of the Bay Village Animal Kennel (FOBVK) has placed a blue bin for donations in the lobby of the Bay Village Police Station, 28000 Wolf Road. Donations will be accepted through Saturday, Feb. 13.

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Volume 13, Issue 3, Posted 10:14 AM, 02.02.2021

Pet scams

The recent the increase of pet adoptions and purchases has also brought the scams.

According to Bay Village Police Department Detective Ed Chapman, he and his fellow staff members are  currently investigating puppy scams. This is when an individual goes online believing they are dealing with a reputable breeder, give a significant deposit or credit card for a purebred puppy and the online poster and puppy disappear. This activity also occurs on publications like Craigslist. The Better Business Bureau also has been documenting and monitoring this activity too.

Detective Chapman equates this type of criminal activity as similar to the “grandma scams”  that we hear about where seniors are being preyed on. Law enforcement receives regional reports which reflect that pet scams and theft are increasing.

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Volume 13, Issue 1, Posted 9:38 AM, 01.05.2021

Microchips for your pets

Microchipped pets are 50% more likely to be returned to their owners than those without a microchip. If you are looking for one of the best gifts you can purchase for your beloved pet all year long, consider spending a few minutes of your time getting your pet microchipped at a veterinary office or pet store. The process is inexpensive and non-painful.

Microchips are tiny electronic devices the size of a piece of rice injected under the skin with a hypodermic needle. When a scanner is passed over a pet's skin, it emits radio frequencies that activate the chip, which transmits a unique identification number back to the scanner. It is imperative that the pet's owner keep the chip updated with changes and renewals with company chip is registered to. Microchips are available for both dogs and cats.

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Volume 12, Issue 24, Posted 9:54 AM, 12.15.2020

Open enrollment for dog licenses is Dec. 1 to Jan. 31

"Having a license for your dog isn’t only a law, but it’s also a lost dog's ticket home," says Mindy Natichionni, director of the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter. When your dog has its license attached to its collar, its assigned license number is all that is necessary for the shelter to identify the dog's owner. If you do not buy your dog’s license during the open renewal period, Ohio law requires a late fee equal to the cost of the license.

Ohio Revised Code 955.91 states that all dog owners are required to purchase a license in the county in which the dog resides. A recent inquiry to local shelters and social media shows a growing number of dogs without any identification including a required license. This causes delays in safely reuniting pets with owners.

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Volume 12, Issue 23, Posted 9:58 AM, 12.01.2020

Car wash leads to rescued dogs finding new homes

An article published in the Observer in August shared the story of dedicated educators, their students and parents that helped less-fortunate four-legged creatures have a happy ever after. Bethesda Childcare Center in Bay Village held a car wash on July 24, raising $750 for Lucky Paws and Golden Treasures animal rescues.

Golden Treasures golden retriever rescue was able to secure and accept dogs from a meat market in China. Their journey was stressful. Some of the dogs were relinquished by family, others were rescued from packed dog-meat farms and off the streets.

A dedicated rescue group in China legally coordinated their complete vetting, boarding and transporting to arrive safely in the U.S. Several more dogs will be arriving in the next few months.

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Volume 12, Issue 21, Posted 9:28 AM, 11.03.2020

Shine bright, little Peanut

I am heartbroken to share that our beautiful little Peanut, our rescue poodle that had taken shelter in a small hole within the rock wall of Porter Creek, passed away on June 6. She passed while sleeping in bed with me curled around her and her family by her side. She was prescribed pain medication the morning before and it carried her through the night without pain, which is what we had wanted for her.

Driving home from Peanut’s service on Wednesday, we had gone through what seemed to me one of the worst storms. Once getting back into Bay Village, the storm calmed and we were greeted by a double rainbow. Peanut’s favorite song is "Rainbow Connection." I would hum it to her to help her get to sleep and it always brought her peace. This song means so much more to us now.

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Volume 12, Issue 12, Posted 9:47 AM, 06.16.2020

When it comes to kittens, mom knows best

With spring turning to summer, outdoor kittens will be coming out to play, and well-meaning people may think the kittens need rescuing. Most of the time Momcat is around, and the best thing you can do is to leave the kittens to her tender care in their outdoor home.

Kittens have their best chance at survival in their mother’s care. Very young kittens are completely dependent on their mothers. They nurse very frequently and cannot even eliminate waste on their own for several weeks. Young kittens may not survive even in the care of an experienced kitten foster, and very few rescue organizations have enough experienced volunteers to foster very young kittens.

There is a real danger that un-weaned kittens will be euthanized if taken to a shelter – even a “no kill” shelter – because they cannot be properly cared for. Therefore, it is best to not interfere with young kittens unless they or their mother are visibly injured or ill, and there is no realistic alternative.

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Volume 12, Issue 11, Posted 10:37 AM, 06.02.2020

Bay Village 'Bow Wow Bingo' kennel fundraiser postponed

Long-term care provided to two abandoned dogs drained kennel's budget

In August of 2019, the Bay Village Police Department responded to an unsecured and abandoned home to encounter two very dehydrated and starving dogs. One of the dogs resembled a greyhound but it was in fact a young, male Bullmastiff. It stood in a secured cage, filled with urine and fecal matter. The other dog, a male Husky, was roaming inside the house, also filled with dog waste and debris. Neither one had access to food or water. A utility worker had arrived to disconnect utilities and when he saw the dogs, notified the police. A hero for the dogs!

Officers immediately removed the neglected dogs from the environment and placed them in the Bay Village kennel. The animal control officer transported the dogs to Avon Lake Animal Clinic. It was determined they were both young, un-neutered males and malnourished. Vaccine history was unknown.

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Volume 12, Issue 10, Posted 11:28 AM, 05.19.2020

Jackie’s Journey

Allow me the privilege of introducing you to my new friend, Jackie.

She is unable to speak. Jackie is a sweet 6-year-old golden retriever from Golden Treasures Rescue. Many others like her have shared a similar journey.

When I first met Jackie her head hung very low and tight, she drooled, constantly circled and panted. Jackie was not willing to wag her tail. When introduced to others she would shy away. Extremely skittish. she clearly was a breeding mom from an Ohio Amish breeder.

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Volume 12, Issue 8, Posted 9:03 AM, 04.21.2020

Tips for when your pet is missing

Crazy things can happen to make a domesticated pet seize the moment to leave the security of a fenced yard, electronic containment or home. Here are some safety tips to help ensure that does not happen, but what to do if it occurs.

If you use traditional fencing, secure your gate with a lock, signage and check your fencing on a regular basis for low/high spots and weak boards. If your dog is a fence jumper or scaler consider safe tethering away from the fence as to not cause harm to the dog, or set up an electronic containment within your fenced area. Check on a regular basis for breaks in the electronic fence lines and replace the collar batteries as directed. Use their brand battery not some inexpensive one as they tend to be ineffective or have a short cycle.

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Volume 12, Issue 6, Posted 9:44 AM, 03.17.2020

Two local APLs will bring furry friends to Bay antiques show

In Bay Village, along with surrounding communities, pets, owners and strays are very fortunate to have the established pet partners, neighboring rescues and establishments that rally when an animal search and rescue is needed, injured, in distress or needs placement in a home, rescue or shelter.

The Cleveland APL, formed in 1912, is a private, nonprofit humane society and progressive leader in animal welfare.

The Cleveland APL has facilitated 5,945 adoptions. They have responded to 6,747 cases of suspected animal cruelty and rescued 1,135 animals from neglect and cruelty. More than 4,600 animals have received medical care, with another 4,324 receiving diagnostic tests and 4,909 treatment/surgeries. Over 10,000 have been spayed/neutered; 3,688 community cats came through the trap, neuter, return program. Volunteers have donated more than 115,000 hours.

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Volume 12, Issue 5, Posted 10:03 AM, 03.03.2020

Helping your new pet adjust to your home after adoption

Pet experts agree that most rescue pets, new puppies and kittens take three weeks to adjust and acclimate to the new environment and family members' routines. They also need time to figure out the pecking order in the home. If there is not one they will seize it.

Preparing your children, home and yard to create a safe environment are a must. Reputable rescues will do a home visit and sometimes require pictures of your home and yard with an online application or interview.

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Volume 12, Issue 4, Posted 10:08 AM, 02.18.2020

Winter pet protection tips

Here are tips to consider to keep both you and your pets safe and comfortable this winter:

Check the hood of your car. Felines often sleep in wheel wells for warmth.

If your cat is an outdoor community cat, offer shelter. Amazon has heated cat houses or you can provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that the cat can move around in freely, stuffed with straw and raised a few inches off the ground.

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Volume 12, Issue 3, Posted 9:55 AM, 02.04.2020

The two extremes of apartment cat life

Life for an apartment cat can be quite boring or melodramatic. A nice quiet apartment on the top floor can make for a very bored cat, while a cat on a middle floor will experience all sorts of intrusions on their day. It may be the dog next door incessantly barking, the kids running up or down the hallway, or even the movers of another apartment may trigger an episode of anxiety in your apartment cat.

These situations often have overlapping ways to resolve themselves. The first thing you need to recognize is if your cat is indeed bored or stressed out.

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Volume 12, Issue 2, Posted 9:55 AM, 01.21.2020

A St. Francis attitude all year long

Typically in October, Christian churches honor the famous, beloved St. Francis of Assisi by having pet blessings. But did you know that St. Francis is not just the patron saint of animals, he is also the patron saint of stowaways, the environment and ecology? He was a friend to the poor, calmed and blessed an attacking wolf and his quotes are well documented and used each day.

Researching St. Francis' biography, I learned that he was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon and preacher. He founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, the women's Order of St. Clare, the Third Order of St. Francis and the Custody of the Holy Land. St. Francis is considered one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

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Volume 11, Issue 16, Posted 9:18 AM, 08.20.2019

Skipper Isabelle’s dog boating safety tips

Isabelle is a well-weathered skipper on a boat located along the shores of Lake Erie. The word "boat" sends her into a tail wagging and jumping frenzy and is clearly in her mind better than any treat at the moment. The increase of canines aboard boats nationwide and on longer journeys is on the rise. In fact some families find a stray or adopt while yachting.

Canine safety and preparation are a must for the skipper and crew embarking on any yachting adventure on any type of boat.

Catamarans, sailboats and power boats are a lifestyle that many canines enjoy with family and friends. Research shows 70% of Americans boat with their dogs.

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Volume 11, Issue 15, Posted 10:17 AM, 08.06.2019