Welcome to Takeover Tuesday! Each Tuesday in March, we have invited a different department to give a glimpse into what their typical day at 4 Paws Lane looks like on our social media. If you don't follow us on Facebook or Instagram, we've compiled all of our posts here to share with you! Tuesday, March 2nd: Sunniva Buck, Executive Director
My team and I meet each morning to discuss our plans to care for and ultimately find homes for each and every dog and cat at our shelter. Today we are talking about a recent transfer of animals that just arrived, reviewing the plans for our current animals in our care to determine who is ready for adoption, coordinating the 8 spay/neuter surgeries on our calendar, and discussing behaviors that we need to work on or consult with a trainer on. We are also discussing what volunteers will be joining the team today and what projects or animals we need their help with, like throwing the tennis ball 300 times to an extra active pup who is getting bored, hand feeding a cat that needs to feel we can be trusted or attacking the 6 foot high dirty laundry pile from our adorable but messy furry guests! Like most days here, we are off to a busy start. For me, any day that begins with making a difference for dogs and cats is a good day. When you add an enthusiastic face wash complete with dog breath aromatherapy from a grateful guest, well it is hard to top. Thank you for caring about what we do and I hope my takeover brings you both some insight into what goes on here at CAAA and some smiles into your day.
Tuesday, March 9th: Mikayla and Taylor, Animal Caretakers
We got to see some of our great volunteers who have been taking dogs on offiste trips and helping around the building. Now, we're hanging out with our most recent transport of pups from Mexico and enjoying the warm(er) weather we're finally getting. There's nothing like a wet nose to cap off your day, before the craziness of tomorrow picks back up. Tuesday, March 16th: Shelter Medicine Team
Tuesday, March 23rd: Volunteer Team
Hello CAAA friends! My name is Laura O'Neill, and not counting the year of hiatus due to the pandemic, I have been a volunteer working with our pups every Tuesday for about 6 years. I can't tell you how happy I am to be back!!!! This afternoon was my third shift back in the swing of things, and I loved every minute of it. I had the pleasure of romping and snuggling with so many sweet peas who will no doubt find their furever homes soon, and bring so much joy and love to the folks lucky enough to make them family. After a check on the laundry (a constant need here as you might imagine) I get to head on up to the pups. My primary goal is to get them out, spend time socializing with people and other dogs, which includes comforting, playing, working on manners, watching for any strengths to be highlighted, areas where extra time and attention might be helpful to bring out their best. I get to be their buddy as they explore this new world they are in, and help make them ready to join a home. And it is a weird new world for sure. We are often like elephants to them... big, different language and movements... some dive right in, others (reasonably) need a little coaxing and extra love. There's good reason when you think about it for a pup to pause and feel things out. Today, I had one in particular who was sweet and easy to leash up, but anxious to leave her kennel, her safe place. A treat or two, soft encouraging words, and look at us outside cuddling like we've been buddies forever! I'd be reluctant too even if I met the sweetest elephant for the first time, and they asked me to go for a walk. It takes a bit of empathy, patience, gentleness and yes, sometimes bribes. But once outside it was belly scratches and hugs and zooms around the yard! She is perfect. As were all the dogs I spent time with tonight. It was fantastic to see her and four other pups just zip about together, socialize with each other, then make eye contact and come flying in for a hug and rest time in my lap, the others eyeing staff members and doing the same (always one outlier hanging on to a prized toy trying to egg the others back out into the field). My day was made much better by these fur heads, and while I would love to see them all again, my hope is I don't, at least not at the shelter, as it means they have moved on to the home they deserve. Be well!
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Cape ann animal aid
An opportunity for you to learn more about the mission and programs of Cape Ann Animal Aid. Sharing candid insights, guest columns, breaking news, and of course, adorable photos of shelter animals. Archives
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