The only working Animal Control pager is: 978-217-2681
Key in your call-back number then press the # key!
Alternate ways to reach me:
via telephone 978-544-5218
or new Email exclusively for ACO business:
animalcontrol@town.warwick.ma.us
Address: 203 Orange Road
Town Hall: ACO/Animal Inspector Mailbox
This is the current list of the ACO's duties and responsibilities.
HANDSOME is available for adoption. Fully vetted and ready for his new forever home. Please call Rosa at 978-544-5218. He's been adopted!
Old Home Days will feature the sixth PawsUp! event, with prizes, doggie door prizes, face painting and more on Saturday, August 28th under the "Pup Tent" on the Town Hall lawn from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and in the Town Hall dining room on Sunday, August 29 for the Bake-Off! There will be a new category added this year: Grandparent/Parent and Child "Team". Please see advertisement.
For those with dogs that have not yet been licensed, Massachusetts General Law requires all dogs 6 months of age and older be vaccinated against rabies and licensed annually in Town. Please contact Town Clerk Jeannette Fellows at 544-8304 during her normal office hours of 9 am to noon on Mondays. License fees are $5.00 for spayed or neutered dogs; $10.00 for intact; kennel licenses also available for up to 4 dogs, 4-10 dogs and over 10 dogs.
Anyone who needs assistance in obtaining licenses, please contact ACO Rosa at 544-5218.
On June 5, several ambitious members of the Youth Group washed cars as part of the Community Tag Sale event held to benefit YELP FOR HELP. They raised $136.00, half of which went to their group; the other half went to Yelp.
SPECIAL THANKS to -- tireless and hard working Youth Group members: Joe Albert, Jennifer Albert, Isaac Melanson Hatch, Stephanie Alden, Elizabeth Lambert, Nadia Lewis, and Aiden Lewis
Adults who supervised: Deanna Thompson, Patty Ernest, and Anita Alden
Others who helped pull it all together: Dave Lambert and Michael Humphries
More special thanks to generous donors Robert Croke and Lonsdale Hickler.
The Rec Committee and the Youth Group will each receive $34.00. Erica Cooke will be receiving the Rec Committee share this evening; the Albert teens will deliver the Youth Group's share at their next meeting.
Unfortunately, I was not present at the car wash. I made certain that at least one adult was always present to supervise, but I was indoors at the tag sale tables. Sometimes, I just have to delegate. My apologies for not realizing that Kerry Cooke and Ann Lambert were also on hand.
Despite the poor weather to start the day, buyers and sellers turned out as the sunshine prevailed. All in all, it was a good day and a successful fundraiser. Total funds raised for YELP $367.85
Thank you to everyone who supports YELP FOR HELP. It is time for the Police Chief and Selectboard to decide whether or not to reappoint me. Definitely seeking reappointment, I certainly wish to continue serving the Town as Animal Control Officer, as my work is not yet done. There is much more I can do, and I hope to be given the opportunity to do so.
Warwick Spay/Neuter Program Update: As of May 1st, all grant funds have been expended. We were awarded a $1,500 grant by Massachusetts Animal Coalition's "I'm Animal Friendly" license plate program! Anyone wishing to get their dog or cat spayed or neutered, please call 978-544-5218 or email me at animalcontrol@town.warwick.ma.us. A waiting list for the 2010 grant period (which begins July 1st, providing a grant is awarded) is now being compiled.
Dr. Lauralyn Brown provides the spay and neuter services for our Town. Her office telephone number is 413-863-0025.
The sale of the "I'm Animal Friendly" license plates is what makes the Spay/Neuter grants possible. The funds collected are awarded to non-profit humane organizations and municipal animal control agencies in the Commonwealth, to be used to prevent pet overpopulation by funding programs that provide services such as spaying and neutering to cats and dogs for free or at minimal cost.
Massachusetts Animal Coalition grants have helped Warwick residents obtain low or no cost spay and neuter surgeries for their pets from 2006-2009.
To obtain an "I'm Animal Friendly" license plate, please visit your local RMV branch or go online to: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/express/plates.htm and choose the Massachusetts Animal Coalition plate.
The Massachusetts Animal Friendly license plate will tell your community that you care about animals! By purchasing this license plate, you will be contributing to a statewide program that will directly benefit Massachusetts animals.
The initial registration fee of this Animal Friendly license plate is $50, plus a $40 Special Plate fee. The renewal fee is $90 every two years.
This year's Rabies Clinic was a stunning success; a record 172 pets were vaccinated! Dr. Hurley was especially pleased. More pets were vaccinated this year in Warwick than in Orange the previous week. Thanks to Gunnar Lambert, Roland Weld and Junior Firefighter Joey Larson of the Fire Department, and a very special Thank You to Bonnie Fisher for her assistance at the Clinic.
Next year's clinic is confirmed for Saturday, April 2nd.
Recently a senior golden retriever ran off, and was missing for an entire day. Turns out several people saw the dog, but declined to call Animal Control because they did not want someone to have to pay a loose dog fee. This dog did come home safely, but what if he had not? There have been dogs - and cats - killed by motor vehicles or predators. Please think about this -- wouldn't you rather pay a $25 fee for the safe return of your dog instead of you or someone else having to discover the pet injured or killed?
This is a daily vote contest where Warwick could win money for stray animal veterinary care.
Please vote EVERY day from every computer to which you have access at the link below, and forward this Email, so others can vote too!
Vote for Town of WARWICK Animal Control & Care:
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3Thank you to those kind souls who sent donations to YELP FOR HELP in memory of Thelma Maynard. Even under such sad circumstances, animals will be helped, which would have meant a great deal to Thelma. I am deeply grateful for these donations, despite a heavy heart at the passing of this wonderful woman. A few years ago, Thelma sent me the most touching letter about animal care and my role in protecting companion animals -- a letter which I still treasure and will keep forever.
After years of constant companionship, however, you may not see the first subtle signs of decline. No matter how close you are, your dog does not know how to communicate little aches and pains, and even some bigger discomforts to you. She doesn't understand what's happening to her when she can't run as fast or jump as high. Most vets recommend that your dog be screened for the symptoms of aging and then come for twice-yearly visits when she is a senior. To determine when it's time for the first screening, you have to understand how your dog's medical history and breed might hasten or stave off her senior symptoms. Recommendations for senior wellness screenings and check-ups include: for dogs over 80 pounds, begin between ages 4 and 6; dogs 51 to 80 pounds, between 6 and 8; dogs 16 to 50 pounds, between 7 and 9; dogs 15 pounds or less, between 9 and 11. It is your responsibility to maintain your dog's health and sense of security so that she'will able to enjoy her natural athletic ability as long as possible. You must be perceptive, noticing changes in your dog's moods and habits. It takes love and commitment to help your dog navigate old age, but it will be returned with unconditional love.
Don't be tempted to share rich holiday treats with your pet, as a serious illness - such as pancreatitis - can occur. Turkey skin, cooked bones, gravy, rich/butter-laden side dishesor desserts, and chocolate are not to be fed to your pets. Also be aware that holiday plants including poinsettias, holly berries, mistletoe and Cedar Christmas trees are toxic to dogs. Keep seasonal decorations, especially candles and tinsel, and all kitchen trash out of reach of your four-footed friends. Don't be afraid to gently but firmly remind your holiday guests that you want them to resist those pleading canine eyes and not feed any holiday fare to your dog. An ill pet and costly visits to the veterinarian do not make for happy holidays.
As you well know, YELP FOR HELP is the sole funding source for veterinary care for stray and abandoned animals in ACO custody. The expense budget voted at each Annual Town Meeting would not cover all the necessary vet care for even one animal, especially since most strays have several medical issues requiring treatment. If YELP goes broke, no more animals will be saved. Please donate this Holiday season. Every dollar matters, so even a $1.00 donation will help. Craft fairs and the bottle and can drive is all the fundraising I have, so individual donations outside of those activities are sorely needed. Please call Rosa at 978-544-5218 or Email animalcontrol@town.warwick.ma.us. Give a gift that helps an animal that cannot help itself. Thank you.
CAN You Help?: Please be sure to put only returnables in the trailer at the Transfer Station. Entire bags and cases of non-returnables keep being placed in the trailer. Please recycle your own bottles and cans that cannot be redeemed for nickels. This fundraising drive continues to raise money that Pay for Strays, and its continued success depends on your generosity. Just please be mindful of the non-returnables and simply recycle them. Thanks!
PAWS to give Thanks: For the unconditional love and companionship of our pets.
The "CAN You Help?" bottle and can drive continues to be a great success. Please remember to place only MA 5 cent returnables in the trailer at the Transfer Station. Without your continued support, the vet bills cannot be paid.
Did You Hear the One About the Pit Bull?:
Recently, there was an incident involving a resident being
terrorized on her own property late one evening by a neighbor's pit bull. This dog has been removed from
Warwick, at the insistence of the landlord and under threat of a nuisance dog hearing which the Selectboard
voted to hold if the dog remained in Town.
When You Need Help, You Need to Yelp!:
When you have an issue with a dog, you must report it. If you wish
to remain anonymous, leave a message on the ACO voicemail. I cannot act to solve a problem if I remain
uninformed about the situation. I do not have a psychic connection to all the dogs in Warwick, and therefore do
not know where they are or what they are doing! I can be reached in the following ways -- Phone: 978-544-
5218; Pager: 888-679-6831; Email wardendoggiejail2004@yahoo.com . Please note that sometimes pages do
not come through and sometimes I do not hear the telephone because I am sleeping, but I always follow up on
an issue about which I have been informed.
There has been a rash of reports about feral or abandoned cats in two specific areas of Town: Pine Street and Northfield Road.
In both areas, intact cats are continuing to breed. In one case, the owner died and relatives have claimed responsibility for feeding the cats, but are not addressing the breeding problem. In the other case, there are reports of former house cats abandoned by the owner who moved out of state, along with cats belonging to a home whose owners allow them to roam and breed at will.
Without a shelter, and with only one humane trap, it is beyond the resources of this ACO to realistically or effectively tackle a problem of this magnitude. Therefore, I am currently seeking assistance from other agencies to remedy the problems.
Anyone who finds litters of kittens please contact me immediately at 978-544-5218 or page 888-679-6831. Animal Control from a nearby town will help by getting moms and babies into foster homes.
Until further notice, the Animal Control Officer will NOT take into her custody or into her home, any stray cats or kittens.
The ACO will assist those who find stray cats or kittens in obtaining placement for these animals, if available. If an individual agrees to foster the stray, YELP FOR HELP will pay for necessary veterinary care (vaccinations, tests, treatment for parasites, spay/neuter).
Shelters put a freeze on taking in new cats; shelters in this region have told me, knowing that I am an ACO, that they anticipate the current freeze will extend until at least February of 2009. These facilities, whether municipal or non-profit, enjoy the benefit of a full staff plus volunteers, along with the appropriate cages to house cats individually or in quarantine when necessary. Your ACO's private home serves as a shelter for the Town of Warwick, without benefit of additional staff or volunteers, and without cages or a quarantine area. Seventeen cats are currently in the home. Once the number of cats has dropped to a more reasonable and manageable number, through adoption or other placement, this policy will be rescinded.
While it is heart wrenching to admit -- and I have shed many tears over this fact -- I cannot save them all. I am but one person doing all this rescue work from my own home. To remain at my most effective at rescuing and placing homeless animals, limits must be set.
Please be on the lookout for any unusual activity, as more kittens may be dumped out to die if not rescued by Animal Control or concerned, kind citizens. Special thanks go to Adam Holloway, Barbara and Tom Millunzi, Mary Ellen Hatch, Deanna Thompson and Tia Albert for their assistance in the ongoing rescue/foster operations.
Field Driver Appointed: The Selectboard appointed Gerry Whitney as Field Driver, so he will be assisting in calls involving loose livestock.
What if YELP FOR HELP earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support the stray animals in need? Well, now it can!
GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the organizations its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!
GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting your favorite cause.
Just go here and be sure to enter
Town of Warwick Animal Control and Care
as the organization you want to support. And, be sure to spread the word!
Another way to benefit YELP FOR HELP with no additional cost to you is iGivecom. Shop as you normally would online, with almost 700 merchants to choose from, and those merchants will donate a percentage to "Yelp".
Just go here to register and designate YELP FOR HELP as your organization. Each time you shop, go to iGive.com first, then select the website at which you wish to shop. You pay nothing extra, registration and use of iGive.com is free, and YELP FOR HELP will still benefit!
Your Animal Control Officer and the homeless strays thank you!
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