What is TNR? TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return.  (sometimes Trap-Neuter-Return-Vaccinate or Trap-Neuter-Release). TNR is a humane, non-lethal method of managing feral and free-roaming cat populations. TNR reduces the need for shelter euthanasia because it lowers the number of cats and kittens entering the shelter system. TNR of Rutherford County, NC is a local group of compassionate volunteers in Rutherford County who humanely capture unwanted cats in the community to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. In conjunction with animal control and other established community programs, TNR of Rutherford County, NC volunteers return the spayed/neutered and vaccinated cats to their original outdoor locations, which helps stabilize feral cat populations and stop the breeding cycle. TNR of Rutherford County, NC is dedicated to working within communities by educating and empowering…

If you have lost or found a pet in Rutherford County, the best thing you can do is to get the word out in a hurry. If you have a picture of your pet, make flyers with large print of pet’s name, identifying marks or characteristics. Include the date and place your pet was last seen. Put them in places like the stores and Post Office near you. Post them at street corners. Call the local vets and describe your pet to them and then take posters for the veterinary offices. Check your flyers regularly to be sure they are still where you placed them and that they remain in good condition. Borrow a humane trap if your pet has been sited in a certain area. Check the…

~ By Stephanie Janard It was official: I had fallen in love with the stray orange and white cat that barged into our yard one day and insisted on living with us. I set up a comfy space for “Skipper” on the back porch, where I let him in every night so he’d have a safe place to sleep. I even kept the porch light on for him. And in the daytime, I gave him plenty of attention and love wherever he was hanging out outside. But letting him inside was a different matter. In fact, I had decided he would need to be an outside cat.  I was simply terrified my two dogs would tear him to pieces. They sure gave every indication of…

~ By Jo Anne Benware Fostering dogs has been a joy for my husband and me – and for our dog Kirby! We have three cats who refuse to play with Kirby, although they’re gracious enough to tolerate him. So Kirby gets his fun and socializing from the parade of dogs and puppies that come in and out of our lives. Many of these dogs are strays who were starving – let go by their families to fend for themselves. With no real reason to hope that humans would be kind to them again, but still forever hopeful that someone…perhaps a boy or girl who needs a best friend…will give them their forever home. As much as I would love to adopt each and every…

Know how to treat and prevent this dangerous condition. ~ Robert Newman What is heatstroke? In simple terms, heatstroke occurs when a dog loses its natural ability to regulate its body temperature. Dogs don’t sweat all over their bodies the way humans do. Canine body temperature is primarily regulated through respiration (i.e., panting). If a dog’s respiratory tract cannot evacuate heat quickly enough, heatstroke can occur. To know whether or not your dog is suffering from heatstroke (as opposed to merely heat exposure), it’s important to know the signs of heatstroke. A dog’s normal resting temperature is about 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Once a dog’s temperature rises above 105 degrees, physiological changes start to take place, and the dog begins to experience the effects…

Most humans probably can’t. But many dogs in Rutherford County pass this test every day. All day and night, in fact. Granted, once someone has tied them up with a rope or chain, they have no choice in the matter. Let’s see how well we humans can do. It’s “easy.” Simply put a collar around your neck with a rope or chain tied to it, then take the other end of the rope or chain and tie it somewhere sturdy. So that you can’t get loose. Now, see how long you can stand it. For an extra fair test, make sure you keep yourself tied up in all sorts of weather, just like dogs do. Try this out in hundred degree temperatures with gnats and…