ASVT: Love is in the Air… Rescue pets make your heart happy!

You could be the world’s most romantic person, enjoying a lovely evening with your significant other, or happily single. Love works either way and our compassion to give and receive has no boundaries. So before you plan your evening take time to remember all the pets this Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to introduce yourself to your next “true love” and Animal Shelter Volunteers of Texas (ASVT) will help you!

You have to ask yourself sometimes, who is really getting rescued, the animals or us. A pet’s love is unconditional and they are so eager to constantly demonstrate how much they adore us.

As with any love that we are fortunate enough to receive we must not take it for granted. Pets have a positive impact on our lives. From unconditional love and friendship to helping with health issues. Pets not only help us stay healthy, they make us happy to be alive too.

ASVT has been dedicated to helping the homeless animals of our community since 2009. Every year we make new goals, every year we help more animals in need, and every year we save hundreds of lives. The animals need us and we need you to “Help Us Help them”. The variety of different types of animals and the different situations they come from are many.

Puppies and kittens arrive by the box full – innocent and hungry. They usually have a good chance of being adopted – others may wait for 3 or 4 months for their special person.

FOSTERING

Fostering is an emotional rollercoaster helping these helpless animals but we are committed to them. ASVT animals are housed in foster homes where they can be socialized and learn to trust humans. Fostering gives an animal a second chance and can be a wonderful life experience for the entire family. Fosters are the unsung heros of rescue!

We try to be proactive for what we expect, but it can still be overwhelming. We are fortunate to have a partnership with Pet Supplies Plus in Montgomery that has an ASVT Cat Adoption Room. We have adopted out a number of cats and kittens from this venue.

ASVT has many cats in foster homes that are looking for their forever homes. Please consider adopting if you are looking to add a cat or kitten to your family.

MICROCHIP YOUR PET – KEEP THEM SAFE!

It is recommended to microchip your pet as a permanent form of identification.

What is a microchip? A microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number, and is roughly the size of a grain of rice. When the microchip is scanned by a vet or shelter, it transmits the ID number. A microchip is implanted under the skin in the animal’s shoulder area, and can be read by a scanner at most veterinary clinics and animal shelters. It’s not anymore invasive than a vaccination.

The microchip won’t do any good unless you register it with a national pet recovery database. When you register your pet’s microchip, enter all contact information. Include both landline and cell phone numbers for you and anyone else in your household who is responsible for your pets. In the event your contact information changes make sure to update with the registry also.

Microchips really work! This success story of two lost puppies is proof. Two puppies were found in a parking garage in The Woodlands. They were picked up by a Good Samaritan and taken to a vet office to be scanned for a microchip. Fortunately they were chipped and owners contacted. But, owners did not get the messages and did not respond. They were posted on social media and the magic happened. Aaron Johnson, Director of Montgomery County Animal shelter saw the post and jumped into action and looked up the microchips. As there was no response via phone, Aaron drove to the family home and found someone there. The two puppies were reunited with their family that evening. Microchips really work!

VALENTINE SAFETY TIPS

On Valentine’s Day there are some dangers to pets that go unnoticed. These dangers can be prevented, if these simple safety tips are observed:

• Chocolate is the food for lovers but it is very toxic to dogs and even a small amount can cause serious consequences and even death. Be very careful with all of your chocolate treats and remember to contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has gotten into the “sweets.”

• Flowers are very romantic but they are also harmful. Certain plants and flowers are toxic to your pets. And the freshness packets that come with some floral arrangements seem quite interesting and even tasty to your cat and dog causing serious stomach upset.

• Planning a nice candle lit dinner for your loved one? That’s great but cats and dogs are intrigued by the dancing flames and not only will whiskers get burned but sometimes the hot wax will cause harm.

• Pets love things that sparkle. Diamond bracelets, rings, necklaces, etc., will often end up in your pet’s stomach if you’re not careful.

KROGER PLUS CARD

Kroger grocery stores will donate a percentage of your purchases to ASVT. Every time you shop, be sure to use your Kroger Plus Card or Alt-ID at checkout.

Use the link below to sign in or create a Kroger account. When you edit your Kroger Community Rewards information, be sure to enter ASVTs NPO# HJ136. THANK YOU Kroger shoppers!

https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards

HOW CAN YOU HELP US HELP THEM?

ADOPT, SPONSOR, FOSTER, DONATE!

You can visit our website to sign up to foster and donate using our DONATE button. Donations help us pay for medical expenses, food, supplies and transporting animals to areas with high adoption needs.

ASVT also sponsors a Spay/Neuter Program for community animals whose owners cannot afford to have their pets altered. This helps decrease the rise of community puppies and kittens that will end up in the shelters.

The accomplishments of ASVT would not be possible without partners like Wiesner Automotive, Empire Electric, Ransom’s Steakhouse, Animal Hospital of Montgomery, Bruce and Toni Sellers, Dock Line Magazine and so many more.