Update on Mama Nala!

Thank you everyone that has shared a thought or prayer for our recently admitted mama dog, Nala! Our veterinarian gave her a physical exam this morning and determined that it is likely that she gave birth several weeks ago--much longer than our initial estimate of only a few days. We were very happy to hear that any puppies she had are older than first thought. After caring for her for a few days, we are so happy that she is in our care. She is very sweet and loves to play! She is getting along with some of our other residents, and generally appears healthy and happy. Nala's story is a great example of the work that we do every day. 

When strays, like Nala, are brought to us our first task is to scan for a microchip. Microchipping is the best way to be reunited with your pet should they ever get away from you. Since Nala didn't have one, we then reached out to the community for information, and you all shared her story over 1600 times! Social media is an incredible tool for reuniting strays. Sadly, no one has stepped forward to claim her. In Pennsylvania, owners have 48 hours to try and reclaim a dog that was picked up as a stray. Should your pet ever get loose, use that time to contact local shelters, animal control, vet clinics, and police stations. These are all common places for stray dogs to be taken if picked up by a good samaritan. During the stray-waiting period, we provide daily medical and behavioral care to our residents doing everything we can to keep them happy and safe, including vaccinating against common diseases and treating for any potential parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms. If the animal has not been reclaimed at the end of 48 hours, they will be made available for adoption and spayed or neutered before they go to their new home.

As you can see, a lot of work goes into each and every animal that comes through our doors! Maintaining this quality of care takes resources, though. We can only continue this lifesaving work with community support from animal lovers like yourself. If you can, please consider donating to help us continue to find safe, loving homes for abused, abandoned, and homeless animals in the Allegheny-Kiski Valley.

Danny Rosenmund
Shelter Manager
Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley