Approximately 15 dogs and cats are brought in to the Nacogdoches  shelter each day as strays or owner surrenders - that is 450 dogs and cats in a month! 

Approximately 280 dogs and cats are euthanized each month because of lack of adoptive or foster homes – that is approximately 62%. Help us curb the tide by spaying or neutering your companion animals.

A cat can have as many as 500 mates in 1 year. 2 breeding cats with all their offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in just 6 years!

One female & one male dog can produce 4,372 offspring over 7 generations.

Rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, & ferrets is a TEXAS STATE LAW!

Parvo and distemper are 100% preventable by vaccinating properly.

Distemper is very contagious and deadly for puppies. Puppies are at risk until after their 2^nd set of shots. Help us protect the entire shelter from an outbreak of this deadly disease. The shelter can provide the   vaccinations, crates, even food if you will help us save lives by serving as a temporary foster home for stray puppy litters just 3-4 weeks until they are protected by vaccinations. Call 560-5011 for more information.   

The Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me, it is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for too long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only YOU.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, and my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I Love You!

Did you know that you can hinder efforts to control the spread of rabies by taking matters into your own hands? 

DESTROYED CAT - UPSHUR COUNTY

During the morning of July 29^th, the security guard for a school in Big Sandy received a call that there was a cat in one of the buildings. He and his partner went to investigate and found a stray cat in one of the pantries of the kitchen. Even though they were wearing welding gloves, both men received bites from the cat while trying to capture it. Eventually they did subdue the cat and one of the security guards shot the cat in the head. When it was submitted for rabies testing, it was determined too destroyed to test.

DESTROYED BAT - GREGG COUNTY

Early in the morning on July 29^th, a home owner who lives in the northwest portion of Longview was getting ready for work.  He noticed his dog nudging something. When he went to investigate, he discovered it was a bat.  He nudged it with his foot and the bat spread its wings. Using a baseball bat, he killed it, scooped it up with a plastic lid and placed it into a bowl for Animal Control to collect and submit for rabies testing. It was determined too destroyed to test.

If you suspect that an animal may be rabid - please contact Animal Control officers at 936-560-5011. 

One Common Denominator in Deadly Dog Attacks
http://www.examiner.com/x-2918-Houston-Animal-News-Examiner~y2009m3d15-Deadly-dog-attacks-only-one-common-denominator

HEARTWORMS
A positive heartworm test result is NOT a death sentence. Heartworms can be treated. Prevention is best and while it is true that a dog who has had heartworms may have a shorter lifespan than one who is heartworm negative it does not hinder that dog's ability to be a wonderful pet. Depending on the severity - it might even be treated with preventative medication.  

West Nile Virus Update  

DSHS reported five (5) additional cases of WNND to the CDC today.  Four of the cases were from Montgomery County and one (1) was from Orange County. Dates of onset ranged from June 10 to July 12.  Four of the cases were male. Ages ranged from 46 to 77.  this brings the number of WNV illnesses reported in 2009 to 11; 10 WNND (one (1) fatal) and one (1) WN Fever. DSHS also reported the first human case of St Louis Encephalitis since 2006.  This case occurred in Galveston County. At this time in 2008, DSHS had reported a total of 11 cases of West Nile illness; six (6) WNND cases and five (5) West Nile fever cases.