You know that the world has reached a new level of absurdity when people are fighting in a store over a case of canned cat food. I was speaking to one of our local pet supply outlet managers who told me she nearly had to break up a fist fight over 12 cans of Friskies. My own poor cats have been without their Fancy Feast Medley’s for weeks now and there’s none to be found online even; it’s a disaster!
Last week I wiped the shelves out at both the nearby Shoprite and Walmart locations of all their canned dog food and still only came up with about 60 cans all together; only 60 cans and we have 57 dogs on site at the moment! Thanks to those of you that responded to our social media plea for food, we really appreciate it!
I find myself spending hours wheeling and dealing for cat litter from whatever source has it in stock. Our normal distributor who normally brings us two to three pallet loads a week has been out of stock for more than a month. So now what? Pet supplies are the new toilet paper??? Craziness!
There are some high-end items on the shelves, but for those of you struggling to find affordable supplies, I have a few tips.
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If you’re looking for canned food, I have been told to check the local flea markets and auction houses. Apparently people are buying up whatever they can get their hands on and reselling it at those type of outlets.
You may be able to use canned tuna or chicken as a temporary substitute but keep in mind that they have high sodium contents and should only be used in a pinch.
It would be better to cook up a supply of fresh of chicken, but then, you may find the shelves bare of that as well.
If you change your pet’s diet in any way, even from one brand to another, it may throw their digestive track off a bit. Be vigilant if you have to make a switch.
There are a few alternatives for cat litter, but they all have some disadvantages.
Wood pellets are probably the best choice, they are very affordable and they keep urine odor under control. The downside is that it’s messier to clean up and cats may not take to it right away. Regular sand is also a cheap alternative, but it has no odor control and is easily tracked all over the place.
Hopefully our supply chains will start to recover more quickly as pandemic restrictions are lifted.
I also wanted to update you on “London,” the stray, lactating, mother dog that we highlighted in the column last week. Sadly, in spite of efforts to find her puppies, they were not located.
On the bright side, “London” has been adopted and will be heading to her new home once she’s spayed!
Shelter needs: Canned cat and dog food, non-clumping cat litter, peanut butter, spray cheese, cat nip, twin or throw size blankets, and gift cards for pet supply and grocery outlets.
Shelter address: 1244 N. Delsea Drive in Vineland.
For information about fostering, visit https://southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.org/volunteer_main/foster.
To submit an adoption form for one of the Pets of the Week or another animal at the shelter, visit https://southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.org/forms/adoption-questionnaire.
To volunteer, email the volunteer coordinator at [email protected].
For SJRAS information, call (856) 691-1500 or visit southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.org or SJRASVineland on Facebook.
DOGS OF THE WEEK
Harper is a very pretty, 3-year-old great dane mix. She lived happily with other dogs, but does not get along with cats. Harper is waiting and hoping for a loving forever home.
Otis is a very tall, leggy, gangly pup with a super sweet personality. This Kangal Shepherd mix is just a little older than 1-year-old. He is a bit shy with new people but warms up very quickly. He likes toys and loves treats. This is a sweet young dog with loads of love to give. He is not suited to a home with cats.
Wally is a gorgeous, 1-year-old Siberian Husky. He is big for a husky, weighing in at 61 pounds. Wally is strong and has an energetic personality.
Lincoln Loud is a 1-year-old Siberian Husky with eye-catching, interesting markings. This good-looking pup is young and like most huskies, will need plenty of daily exercise.
Royal is a very sweet, 2-year-old boxer. She is wiggly, happy and friendly. After her initial excitement at getting some attention, she settles down very nicely.
Sadly, Stella came to us in seriously poor condition. She was not much more than skin and bones and flies had been painfully chewing on her ears. Somehow this darling girl kept her sweet, loving disposition despite the neglect she suffered. Stella is gentle and very friendly. She likes to chase after balls and loves treats. She even knows sit. Stella has been gaining weight and basking in the attention and love she has been receiving from shelter staff but what she really needs is a loving forever home of her own.
Whitney is a sweet and pretty 6-year-old pit mix. She is friendly, well-mannered and has a fun and curious personality. This nice girl would love to be somebody’s new best friend.
CATS OF THE WEEK
Lily came to the shelter with her pal Grey. She is a little shy, but she is a real sweetheart. Lily would like to stay with her buddy Grey, but most importantly Lily wants a loving home.
Niblet is still waiting for you! Today we enjoyed a sunspot together. She snuggled right up next to me! If you are looking for a wonderful companion, look no further. Niblet is so sweet.
Atticus is so handsome. This young guy is playful, but he loves a warm lap, too. Stop in to say hi to Atticus. How can you say no to those eyes?
Tostito is a young guy who wants a home where he can play, but he loves to relax, too. Tostito has a strong purr, which lets you know how happy he is.
Peepers is a pretty, senior girl who would like to find a comfortable place to snuggle up and call home.
Alabaster is a cuddle bug and she is so beautiful. She is about 2-years-old, still a young cat with lots of love to give. Stop in and say hi to Alabaster.
Warren is a special guy. Despite his age and inability to see, Warren has lots of love to give. He needs a quiet home where he can feel safe. Can you give Warren the home he deserves?
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