We currently have 7 dogs in our household. All of them (except1) were probably unwillingly given to us by their owners either because they failed to fence their dog properly or let them off leash.

Our dog play yard not only has a 6 foot chain link fence. There is also another 6 foot fence behind the chain link and there is another two feet of fencing that is buried underneath the ground.

You see some dogs are what they call diggers and some dogs are what they call escape artists. We have a little of both. Again that is probably how they came to be ours in the first place. But none of them have ever (knock on wood) gotten away from us. And we want to keep it that way.

If you think your dog is safe off leash, here is a story that may change your mind, Missing Fla. dog shows up 1,000 miles away in Ill. It is never completely safe to have your dog off leash outdoors other than in an area that is properly fenced. And it is against the law.

Even if your dog will stay with you 100% of the time, you have no way of knowing if another dog or other animal will come upon your dog and attack him or her.

When I am out walking one of my dogs, who is aggressive towards other dogs, sometimes an unleashed dog will come up to us and cause my dog to go into a fit of rage. A dog that is leashed perceives that he or she is at a disadvantage when being confronted with an unleashed dog and will show more aggression than normal as a way of protecting himself or herself.

Why put your dog or other dogs/animals at unnecessary risk? Always leash or properly fence in your dog whenever he or she is outdoors.

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• No excuse for not using a leash

The Humane Society said it has decided to combat the feline overabundance by lowering the cost to adopt kittens and cats. Whereas it normally costs $80 to take home a kitten it has now been reduced to $50, and adoption fees for cats have been reduced from $50 to $15. For those who take home two cats, the second costs $10. All cats will be spayed or neutered if not already altered, vaccinated and microchipped. Adopters also receive a free veterinary exam and 30 days of free pet insurance.

Adoption hours for the Humane Society at 2121 St. Francis Lane in Vancouver, Wash., are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Humane
Society encourages you to help in any way you can including:

• Give a playful kitten or sophisticated adult cat a loving, permanent home and be rewarded with unconditional love.

• Spay or neuter your pets to prevent unwanted animals.

• Explain the importance of sterilization to your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors.

• Help the Humane Society for Southwest Washington build a new home not only to shelter more animals, but also to provide them a healthier environment.

• Consider fostering a litter of kittens. Contact the foster coordinator to reserve space at the monthly Foster Orientations.

Do you want to become a foster family for the Humane Society of SW Washington (HSSW)? Here is how:

First you attend the Volunteer Orientation which is usually held on the 1st Saturday and 3rd Thursday each month. To verify the date and to reserve a space, you must contact Kate Goudschaal at (360) 693-4746 x209, the volunteer coordinator at HSSW.

Once you have attended the above orientation, there is a Foster Program Training held periodically by Denia Stevens, the Foster Care Coordinator. She can be reached at (360) 693-4746 x205.

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is looking for loving foster homes. For more information contact:
Denia Stevens,
Foster Care Coordinator
693-4746 ext. 205, or 281-5995

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