by Michelle LaFleche

On March 25^th, we received a call from the Webster Police Department advising that a body of an animal was found in a trash bag that was in the river by Applied Roofing.

Jose and I responded to the location and met up with an officer at the scene.

The animal was either a dog or a coyote that had been decapitated, and skinned completely except for the last three or four inches of its tail.  All four feet had been cut off and were included in the trash bag along with the body and a pair of latex gloves.  The head was not in the trash bag.

The trash bag containing the gruesome contents had been discovered by an employee of Applied Roofing that morning as he was cleaning out the grates that are part of the plant that generates power to the buildings there.  The grates are underwater and tend to catch debris that is carried by the river.

The discovery was not only very disturbing but heartbreaking as well.

Was this a dog?  Was it a coyote?  Without the head, it was hard to tell.  The intact fur on the last three or four inches of the tail did seem to indicate that the animal could have been a coyote based on the dark marking at the tip.  Still, many dogs have dark markings on the tips of their tails as well.   The size was consistent with the average size of a coyote but then again, many dogs are this size as well.

If it was a coyote and was skinned, why would it be placed in a trash bag without the head and thrown in the river?  Were the feet cut off so the body would fit in the trash bag?  And, where is the head?  Most hunters would have just disposed of the body in the woods, intact.   Was this the results of an amateur coyote hunter?  An experienced hunter would have skinned the coyote including the entire tail, not leave three or four inches of fur on the end. 

We know hunters often hunt coyotes for their pelts so the fact that the animal was skinned is not that surprising if it were the act of a hunter (but still disgusting and not justifiable in my world).

However, if this was a dog, then the situation becomes entirely different than if this was an amateur coyote hunter.  Why would someone decapitate a dog, cut off the feet, and skin it?  Obviously, this would indicate a very disturbed and sick individual.

The next question is whether or not this was the individual’s dog or someone else’s dog.

Unfortunately, we may never know the answer.  Any evidence that could have provided answers was destroyed by being immersed in the river. 

I contacted the MSPCA and was advised that if this situation surfaces again, that the MSPCA will come out and assist us in any way they can in our investigation.

Hopefully, this was an isolated incident and we will never see the likes of it again.

I have to say this was the most upsetting call I have had to deal with. 

We don’t want to start any rumors that this was a dog and there is some wacko at large,  but we do want to caution residents to keep close tabs on their pets because we are not sure.  If anyone has any information regarding this matter, please contact us at 508-340-5189.

Speaking of rumors, there are a couple going around that I would like to address.  Many people seem to think that Jose and I are animal control officers for Webster and Dudley.  Please note that we only work for the Town of Webster.  Years ago, we worked both towns for a brief period of time and more recently (about a year ago) temporarily covered Dudley’s calls for about four months while Dudley was between animal control officers.

Therefore, if you have any issues in Dudley, please contact Dudley’s animal control officer.  Our jurisdiction is Webster.

The other rumor is that I no longer have my business, Kritter Sitter Pet Care & Grooming  because I am too busy as an animal control officer.  Please note that I have been in business eleven years -  pet sitting, grooming, boarding and training/rehabilitation.  I have been an animal control officer for over seven years now. The business is still going strong and I have no intentions of going out of business or resigning as animal control officer/animal inspector for the Town of Webster.   My business and being an animal control officer gel perfectly together and I have the world’s most loyal and understanding customers that I am extremely grateful for.  Yes, my life is busy between the business and being an animal control officer, but I would not have it any other way!

Till next time, appreciate and respect each other and all the critters that share our world and don’t believe everything you hear – get the facts.  

By Michelle LaFleche
Webster Animal Control Officer

Easter night arrived dark, damp and rainy.   I was tired after a long day enjoying the holiday with family and friends and looking forward to relaxing before bedtime.  Unfortunately, along with the arrival of the dismal weather came a sore throat, stuffy nose and constant sneezing.   I was feeling pretty miserable to say the least.  I decided to try to call it a night sooner than usual.  As a result, I had to let all the dogs outside for their final potty before morning.   As I opened the door to allow the group out into the dog yard, I caught a movement to my right inside the kennel closest to the house. 

As I took a closer look, I saw what at first glance appeared to be a lizard scurrying towards my direction in the kennel.   Turns out, it was a spotted salamander about five inches long.  I had not seen one of these amphibians since I was a kid.

by Michelle Lafleche
Webster Animal Control Officer

Recently, there have been two public hearings in Webster regarding to two different dog bite incidences.  One was requested due to the fact that the dog had a prior bite history.

The other was a first time bite incident and the hearing was requested by the bite victim.

Just like the age old question, “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” it is often questioned how many bites does it take to deem a dog vicious or dangerous?

By Michelle LaFleche, Webster Animal Control Officer

On February 3rd, Jose and I were at the shelter along with several friends when a huge moose of a dog ran into the shelter.  Following right behind was a man who advised that he was down by the lake when the dog appeared.  The dog began following him so he decided to walk the dog over to the shelter.

The dog was wearing a collar and was dragging a leash.  There were no tags.

Back in December of 2001, a week before my birthday and Christmas, I had to make the most dreaded decision that most pet owners have to face at some point in their beloved pet’s life – sending my 16 ½ year old English Springer Spaniel to the Rainbow Bridge.

I had rescued my Patchess from a backyard breeder when she was just about six years old.  I had gone to the home to view some English Springer Spaniel puppies and was greeted by Patchess with a tennis ball in her mouth.  I had questioned if she was the mother of the puppies but was told she was another breeder and that she had mammary gland cancer and was going to be put down.  Patchess appeared to be the picture of  health and was beautiful despite the fact she bore evidence of having had many puppies based on her huge, saggy, baggy breasts.   I offered to adopt Patchess then and there.  I was advised by the owner that she would like to get one more litter out of Patchess, as she was in heat at that time, then I could have her.

The month in that year many years ago was September.  That following February, Patchess’ owner had called me and asked me to come and get Patchess.  Patchess had her final litter of pups and the pups were weaned.  I went right after work and picked up Patchess.  She jumped in my truck and never looked back, excited to start a new life.

Of course, the first thing was having Patchess fixed but that had to wait as she had tumors on both sides of her mammary glands.   There was the first surgery on one side and then a second surgery on the other side six months later.  Fortunately, none of the tumors were malignant.  At last, she was tumor free, spayed, and had no more saggy, baggy, breasts. Patchess also suffered from chronic ear infections which required constant treatment.

She was an incredible dog and we shared many blissful years together before she was diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction (doggie Alzheimers) at the age of 16.  She was placed on meds that did help for six months but it was clear the end was near.  Her back end was failing and despite all my efforts to save her, I could not defeat time.

She was the first dog I had owned that did not pass away from old age in her sleep, therefore, she was the first dog I had to actually decide to send on her journey home.

To say it was the hardest thing I ever had to do would be an understatement.  My heart was destroyed.  Despite the fact that Patchess could not walk anymore and was pretty senile at times did not stop her from struggling to get up from the cold, stainless steel table as Dr. Busch gave her the final injection.  I will never forget the look on her face.

She looked at me straight in the eyes as if I was betraying her.  I don’t believe she was upset because I was ending her pain rather I swear it was in the manner in which it was being done.  After that experience, I vowed if I even had to make that type of decision again and had a choice, I would have the vet come to the house and send my pet on its final journey from the comfort of its own home.  A vow which I have kept all these years later.   That year, my birthday was not happy nor was Christmas very merry.  It was hard to celebrate the birth of Christ when I was too engulfed in grieving the death of Patchess.

Shortly after Patchess death, one of my neighbors had left a note under the windshield wiper of my vehicle stating that a friend of a friend had a litter of English Springer puppies that he was looking for good homes for – for free.  The person’s contact information was listed on the note.  I really didn’t feel like calling but did solely for the purpose of finding out why this person was giving away purebred English Springer Spaniel puppies for free.  The man I spoke to was extremely nice.  He advised that the breeding was a total accident and that he did not feel right capitalizing on his mistake.

There were four puppies in all – two male and two female.  He was planning on keeping two and adopting out the other two.  He e-mailed me pictures of the pups.  One looked identical to my beloved Patchess.  That was it for me. The owner checked my references and I arranged to go to Plymouth, MA where the puppies where and meet this little Patchess look-a-like.  The pups were six weeks old at the time.  I ended up agreeing to adopt both the little Patchess look-a-like, then named Penny and a male, Zeus.  The owner was adamant that the pups could not go home until they were ten weeks old.  I was in total agreement.  It was such a difference to meet such a caring and responsible breeder.  At the time, I was working at Seely Brown Village in Pomfret, CT as the administrator.  My maintenance man who lived on the premises had just lost his cocker spaniel so Zeus was to be a present for him as he adored my Springers, Trudy and Patchess who had always went to work with me – Patchess up until the time she started getting senile.   Penny – renamed Trixie and Zeus, renamed Cody (by my niece) came home that Valentine’s Day.

Cody was adored by my maintenance man and his wife but their commitments became too numerous and Cody spent more time boarding with me than with his actual owners.

As a result, after about a year, Cody became a permanent member of our family. 

Trixie and Cody just celebrated their tenth birthday on December 2, 2012, this year.

Trixie and Cody grew up spending many days together at Seely Brown Village.  Trixie was famous for jumping the gate in front of my office door and running into the dining room at lunch time.  She would go directly to her friend Tom’s table and sit on the side of his chair waiting for Tom to share his lunch with her.  Some of the residents were not amused but luckily the ones that were amused outnumbered the ones that weren’t.  I could write a book on Trixie and Cody’s antics and escapades.  However, the point of the story is that sometimes the best presents we receive are not on Christmas.  Our lives are blessed with presents all year round.  We just have to open our hearts and learn to recognize the presents we are blessed with and to appreciate and treasure them.  And, the best presents are not always materialistic.

Till next time, appreciate and respect each other and all the wonderful people and animals that bless our lives. 

Thanksgiving is almost upon us once again.  Time to gather together with family and friends to share the most important meal of the year.   As we all know, Thanksgiving is more than just stuffing our faces with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the rest of the yummy stuff that fills our bellies and causes severe lethargy afterwards.  The most important part of Thanksgiving is giving thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us.

This year, Jose and I are extremely grateful for our new shelter that was so generously donated by Gerald and Marilyn Fels.  It has been a dream come true.  Thank you, Gerald and Marilyn Fels.  Every day, we realize what a wonderful gift we have been blessed with.     

The second thing we are most grateful for is the generous support of the community that allows us to operate as a no kill shelter and to provide any and all necessary vet care for our animals.  This support is so critical especially now since our new shelter houses more animals thus requiring more food, litter, supplies, and vet care.  In addition, with the depressed economy, animals are waiting longer to be adopted   Thank you to everyone who provide monetary donations, blankets, towels, litter, dog food, cat food, toys, treats, supplies and assistance at the shelter.    

Many times, Jose and I are approached by people and told how much they appreciate the work we do.  These words of  kindness are very much appreciated and treasured as our job is not easy.  Our philosophy has always been that as long as the animals appreciate us, all is well.  However, it is always nice to hear that humans appreciate our efforts as well.       

We are also grateful for the support of the selectmen, town administrator, board of  health, and the rest of the town hall staff.  Jose and I would like to thank the Webster Police Department for assisting us on calls and especially to Officer Suss who assists us in pursuing legal action against those who abuse, neglect and/or abandon animals. 

A very special thank you goes to our family, friends, and customers who support us and are there for us during the good and bad days that occur.  Also,for forgiving us for constantly being late due to those last minute animal control calls.

Last but not least, we are grateful for the animals that have taught us so much about patience, unconditional love, forgiveness and life.

To everyone who supports us either by their kind words, assistance, donations, friendship and love, we are forever indebted to you for your compassion and generosity.  When people tell us they could never do our job or would want to do our job and wonder how we do it, I always reply with the same response which is how can we not do it?  Someone has to be there for the animals and be their voice.  Yes, there is sadness, frustration and anger at times.  However, concentrating on the good overshadows all the bad and makes it possible to have the faith to continue.

On a personal note, I am extremely grateful to have my home and animals; a business that has survived in this economy, great friends, family, customers and a wonderful life.

I would like to extend a very special thank you to Mary and Dean of Hazard Marine for always being there for our jet skis and making sure they are ready to go come spring.

Thank you one and all for everything – Jose and I are truly blessed and so are our animals.

We sincerely hope that everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving and is able to appreciate their blessings.  The greatest wealth is not measured in money, but by the love and friendship that our lives are blessed with.

Till next time, appreciate and respect each other and all the wonderful critters that our lives are blessed with.  

Question answered about more-legged friends.

Every morning in the late summer and fall, a flock of turkeys start hanging out in my horse pasture.  These birds are often present from morning till dusk wandering around and foraging for food.  Sometimes they are seen exploring the neighborhood.  However, every evening when the day is transitioning into dusk, the turkeys return to my yard to roost in the pine tree grove by my brook for the night.  The turkeys return in a line and then form a crowd.  One by one, each turkey takes its turn to take off and fly up to a tree branch.  It is comical to watch the routine take place.  The turkeys communicate with each other as if giving instructions as to who gets to go first.  

I once asked an old farmer friend of mine why the turkeys fly one by one into the trees.

His response was that turkeys are stupid and if they didn’t go one by one, they would fly into each other.  Makes sense to me.

Turkeys, like most game birds, are active during the day and roost during the night to avoid predators.  I’ve head that turkeys will roost on roof tops, deck and porch railings, and even vehicles.  In my neighborhood, I guess we are lucky they prefer my pine trees.

Turkeys, either male (“tom”) or female (“hen”) can be aggressive towards humans.   Like chickens, turkeys have a pecking order.  The pecking order establishes a social hierarchy within the flock.  As a result, some turkeys may attempt to dominate or even attack humans they may view as subordinates.  This behavior occurs more often than not during the breeding season which is between March and May.

Chickens will also behave in this fashion.  I have a very dominant Rhode Island Red hen that attacks me as soon as I enter the coop.  Surprisingly, most people think that roosters are aggressive and will attack but hens will as well.  At the present time, I actually have very friendly, submissive roosters – at least towards me. 

Turkeys may also become aggressive towards shiny or reflective objects.  Since the shiny or reflective object will not respond to the turkey’s attempt to chase it away, the turkey will make repeated attacks in attempts to succeed in making the violator go away.     

A female turkey or hen will have a dozen eggs or more in a shallow nest made in the ground. The incubation period is approximately a month.  The baby turkeys, or poults, are immediately active.  The poults will stay with mom for about four or five months.  During that time, the poults learn about their environment and where to obtain food from the elder birds of the flock.

Adult turkeys mostly feed on plants, acorns, nuts, berries, grapes, and skunk cabbage.  Since my horse pasture includes a brook, there is an abundance of skunk cabbage.

There are also plenty of wild grapes and nuts.  No wonder why the turkeys love my yard so much!  The poults will consume insects during the summer months.

In summer, fall and winter a flock will usually consist of mother hens and their offspring.  Hens that have no offspring will often form flocks of their own.  Adult males have a separate flock.

In late fall, juvenile males will often separate from their family and form their own flock.

In the spring, all separate flocks will join to form one.  As breeding season begins, the flock breaks up into separate groups consisting of two or three toms and five to fifteen hens.  As the hens begin to lay, the toms will again rejoin to form their own flock while the hens will raise their poults and the cycle starts again.

The range of the turkeys will vary from four square miles to two square miles depending on the season.

Since turkeys are often seen in our neighborhoods and backyards, I thought it would be interesting to provide some educational information on these fascinating birds.

Till next time, respect and appreciate each other as well as all the wonderful critters that share our world.

Michelle LaFleche

Halloween represents many things: trick or treating (free candy and bellyache to follow),   costumes, ghosts, goblins, Mike Myers, bats, witches, and of course, black cats.

Black cats have become an icon of Halloween.

Black cats have historically been associated with many superstitions – both good and bad.

In our culture, black cats are considered bad luck, symbols of evil, and companions of witches.  If a black cat crosses your path, it is considered an omen of misfortune and/or death.  A black cat crossing one’s path in Yorkshire, England, is bad luck.  A black cat seen from behind is not a good omen either.  In German, it is believed that a black cat crossing one’s path from right to left is an unfortunate event while a black cat crossing from left to right, is the opposite.  Gamblers are said to be afraid of black cats.  If a gambler encounters a black cat on the way to a casino, it is a premonition of bad luck.

If a black cat crosses the path of a funeral procession, it is believed to be a prediction of another family member’s death.  In 16^th century Italy, a black cat laying on the bed of a sick person meant that person’s death.

However, in other countries, black cats represent symbols of good luck as in Asia and the United Kingdom.  Finding a white hair on a black cat is lucky but probably unlucky if it is removed!  A strange black cat on someone’s porch will bring that person good fortune according to the Scottish.  Dreaming of a black cat is also lucky.  A woman owning a black cat will have many dates.

Black cats have long been affiliated with witches.  Black cats are thought to be witches’ servants, witches in disguise or reincarnated witches.

In the Middle Ages, black cats were often feared because they were considered creatures of the night, and therefore, evil beings.

Black cats in reality are just cats that have black fur. They are not evil beings that hang with witches or turn into witches.  They do not bring bad luck or good luck to anyone any more than any other colored cat.  Unfortunately, due to negative connotations, black cats are often overlooked by potential adopters.

The good news is that there are many positive reasons to adopt a black cat.  For one, black fur won’t show up on black clothing.  Black cats are never lost in snowstorms.  Everything goes with black so black cats match any type of décor.  Black is very slimming especially a black cat draped on one’s lap.  Black cats are naturally happier because they look slimmer than other cats and therefore, have better personalities.  Black is always sleek, stylish, and elegant so black cats are appropriately dressed for any occasion.   Plus, every woman should own a little black dress and a little black cat. Owning a black cat is like having a precious gem of black onyx.  Black cats look like panthers – cool and sleek.   And, the most important reasons for owning a black cat is that love knows no color and black cats are the least adopted and therefore, need the love of a forever home the most.

On Saturday, October 27^th between 1 – 4 p.m. PT Pet Supply will be celebrating its eighth year anniversary.  Jose and I are honored that we have been invited to join the festivities.

We will be featuring beautiful black kitties from our shelter that have been patiently waiting for their forever homes as well as other cats and kittens.  Applications will be accepted at the event for our furry felines.  In addition, PT Pet Supply will feature free samples, 50/50 raffle, customer appreciation gifts, pet massages and more!  Come join the fun and consider adopting a new best friend – a furry (black) feline!

Till next time, appreciate and respect each other as well as all the wonderful critters that share our earth – especially black cats!

By Michelle LaFleche
Webster Animal Control Officer

Weasels are slinky, long bodied critters that closely resemble a ferret.  In fact, both weasels and ferrets are part of the mustelidae family which includes fishers, martens, mink, wolverines, badgers, and skunks.  They prefer habitats close to water and with an abundant food source.

These ferocious little hunters are curious and fearless.  They are carnivores that prey on small rodents – rats, mice, moles, voles, chipmunks, rabbits, birds, bats, frogs, insects and even earthworms.  Occasionally, they will even kill chickens and rabbits.  Weasels attack by ambushing their prey, pouncing, and quickly killing it by piercing the base of the skull with their sharp teeth.  Weasels can consume 1/3 of their body weight within a 24 hour period.  At times, weasels kill more than they can consume and will cache the excess.

Weasels reportedly play an important role in the ecosystem due to the fact that they tend to hunt the most abundant prey.  Once that abundant prey has been diminished, weasels will turn to another species to prey upon.  As a result, the weasels do not endanger the long term welfare of their victims.

Although weasels are usually nocturnal, they have been known to be out and about during daylight hours.  They do not hibernate, so they are active year round.

Weasels are usually solitary animals except during mating season and when rearing young.   Mating season occurs in July with a delayed implantation and gestation period of nine to ten months resulting in litters being born in April or May.  Litter size averages six to eight young but can be as small as four or as much as thirteen.  Weaning occurs at five weeks and the young are able to hunt themselves at seven to eight weeks.  Females mature at three to four months and males at about one year.  Families will stay together until late summer and then disband.   Their life expectancy is short - between one to six years.

Surprisingly, weasels can swim and climb trees.  Weasels emit a strong musk type odor when alarmed and may stamp their feet when bothered.  Legend has it that weasels suck the blood out of their victims like little vampires.  This legend probably evolved as weasels will lap the blood of their victim before consuming it.

Weasels screech, squeal, purr, make twittering trills in rapid succession and will hiss if threatened.

When I was a child, I remember seeing a weasel chasing a chicken around our chicken coop.  I summoned my grandfather who quickly made sure that weasel did not hurt any of the chickens.  I don’t know what he did nor do I even want to venture a guess but I know none of our chickens disappeared or got killed.

That was the first and last time I saw a weasel until just recently.

I’ve always thought my barnyard was safe from most predators as it is surrounded by six foot high chain link fencing, was I wrong!

A couple weeks ago, I was feeding and watering the barnyard animals in the morning when I discovered one of my rabbits dead in its coop.  The back of the rabbit’s neck was torn open and there was no blood.  Well, I can tell you, my blood instantly turned to ice and my stomach sick with nausea.  I knew that my poor rabbit had been a victim of a weasel.  The rabbit coop had a small opening where a feeder had at one time been installed.  The feeder was gone and the opening had not been of concern as it was too small for a rabbit to escape from.  Unfortunately, it was big enough for a weasel to gain entry into the coop.

About a week later, I went to bed and was just settling in when I heard the chickens frantically squawking and the geese honking.  Of course, I jumped out of bed and ran outside with a flashlight.  In one of the chicken coops, I came face to face with a weasel.  The little killer had Jose’s favorite rooster, Gringo, by the head and was attempting to drag him.

The weasel was not afraid of me at all and it was evident he had no intention of giving up poor Gringo.  Luckily, I showed no fear and the weasel finally decided to forfeit Gringo and took off through the chain link fence and disappeared into the horse pasture.  Gringo was clearly injured but alive and very lucky.  The next moment after this incident, every chicken was secured and the rabbits were removed from their coops and placed in pet carriers to be transported to safety for the night.

Ever since then, the routine has remained the same – at dusk, the chickens and rabbits are placed on lock down.  So far, there have been no further fatalities.  Unfortunately, this habit will be a life long dedication as I do not wish to have any of my rabbits or chickens fall victim to this weasel, his family, or any other predator out there.  Apparently, there are not enough mice or rats out there for the weasel to consume.

If you have rabbits or chickens, please make sure there are no openings in their coops larger than one inch to prevent weasels from gaining entrance.  When blocking openings larger than one inch, use half inch hardware cloth or similar wire mesh.

My animals had been extremely fortunate for many, many years from predators.  Like all good things, their luck has come to an end and now, I have to protect them from becoming victims.  Most people would argue to eliminate the weasel, however, my philosophy is that where there is one, there is more.  I’d rather eliminate their ability to feast on my animals and have them move on to somewhere else where their dinner is more readily available.  Safeguarding my animals means never having to worry that a predator will get them.

So, if anyone out there has rabbits or chickens, please make sure they are safe from weasels and other predators; no openings larger than one inch, make sure predators cannot dig under in order to gain access, and secure all doors to prevent accidental opening and entry.

Till next time, respect and appreciate each other and all the critters that share our world.

By Michelle Lafleche
Webster Animal Control Officer

The last couple weeks have been very busy for Jose and me.  In addition to our usual animal control calls, we have picked up a pretty, black, fluffy female dog who appears to be part Lab.  This dog was wearing a pink collar that is decorated repeatedly with the word “princess”.  The dog was reportedly found in the Mine Brook Road area.  No one has claimed this pretty young lady.

We have also picked up a pretty little black and white spotted rabbit by the Bigelow Road area.  There apparently was a Craigslist posting regarding a rabbit that was let go in Webster after the person who had the rabbit discovered it had fleas.   Apparently, letting a domestic rabbit loose to fend for itself was a much better solution than treating the rabbit for fleas or seeking professional help.  I will never understand the thought process of these people who think abandoning an animal is a justifiable excuse.

This rabbit was lucky that it survived.  The rabbit was in an area that has a family of foxes.  The existence of the foxes was previously reported to me by a resident in that area who also had possession of the rabbit after it was captured at the Webster Electric Warehouse down the road.  If anyone out there has any information on whether or not this rabbit was abandoned, please contact us at 508-340-5189.  Any information will be kept confidential.

After receiving a report requesting a wellness check on some chickens, animal cruelty charges resulted and charges were filed in Dudley District Court.  Probable cause was established and an arraignment has been scheduled in October.   The chickens were living in a metal shed with no ventilation, no windows.   The enclosure the chickens were being kept in was narrow and filthy.  The water containers were covered in feces and the water inside was thick with dirt, feces, and God knows what else.   There was no evidence of food.  The floor was covered in a thick layer of feces and filth.  The chickens were dirty, raw, and bleeding and in poor condition.  The stench inside the shed was enough to gag a maggot.  No animals should be allowed to suffer in such conditions.

Fortunately, our police force is very supportive of animal control and Sgt. Thomas Ralph filed the charges against the owner for animal cruelty, amongst other charges.

We never expected to have to use our old shelter again after moving to our new one, however, we do not have any proper place to keep chickens at the new location and my little farm has no vacancy.   Plus, these chickens may be harboring disease or parasites that could harm my flocks of chickens at home.  So, the chickens were removed from the living hell they were existing in and brought to our old shelter.  Jose had built an outdoor cat enclosure at the old shelter and it is now a chicken coop.  Unfortunately, one of the chickens died in transport to the old shelter and another one died on Monday, September 10^th.   There is still another chicken that may not survive; however, the rest of the flock appears to be doing well.  Originally, there were eleven chickens in all.
By the end of the week, we encountered another abuse case involving dogs.  Once again, charges were filed in Dudley District Court on our behalf by Officer Suss.  We are currently waiting to see if probable cause will be established in regards to this case as well.

Unfortunately, it appears that animal abuse is alive and well in Webster.

Jose and I know we cannot save the world; however, we can and will continue to be the voice for these animals.  We will seek justice on their behalf.  Whether the animal is a chicken or dog, no animal deserves to be abused, neglected, or abandoned.

Jose and I would like to thank PT Pet Supply for taking donations for our shelter and to those who donated.  We used some of the fund to purchase good quality chicken feed for these poor birds and a water dispenser.  We would also like to thank Sgt. Ralph and especially Officer Suss for being so supportive of animal control and being there for us and the animals.

Obviously, our old shelter will not be available forever to hold any overflow of animals.  At this point in time, we have five dogs at the old shelter and a flock of chickens.  Our new shelter has ten dogs and 27 cats/kittens.   We are seeking someone who can donate a chain link fence kennel at least six feet high that we can use as a coop to house chickens, pheasants, geese, rabbits, or whatever else we come across in the future.   I used to be able to take these types of animals back to my little farm, however, space and financial reasons prevent me from doing so at this point in time.  The kennel can also be used to house any overflow of dogs as well.  We are also seeking someone to donate or sell at a discounted price, chain link fencing and/or the labor to install it for a new dog park.

Please note that we are in need of blankets, a working shop vac, dog and cat toys as well as the usual dog and cat food and kitty litter.  Thank you to everyone in the community who supports our shelter.  You are the reason we are able to be no-kill and provide our animals with the best of care.  We are forever grateful for your generosity.

Thank you to everyone who offered us a washing machine after ours decided to wash its last load recently.  Greg Gentile was the first responder so we will be taking him up on his offer.

Till next time, respect and appreciate each other as well as all the wonderful animals we are blessed with and please – help us to be the animals voice, report animal cruelty!