Blog – Nantucket Safe Harbor for Animals

Lost Pet?

shenke@ackshelter.org — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 18:27:00 GMT

Lost Pet?

We know what a stressful time it is when your beloved pet is missing. The fir st thing you should do is report your missing pet to the Police Department (508-228-1212) and to us (508-825-2287).

Email a picture to us at: info@nishanimals.org and we will post on our public Facebook page. If you find your animal, please let us know, so we can update our records and let concerned citizens know the good news.

Here is what you should do if your dog has been picked up by the Animal Control Officer or a citizen and brought to NiSHA: the ONLY way you can retrieve your dog from the shelter is to provide proof of a current rabies vaccination, a valid driver’s license, and the necessary boarding fees incurred while your dog was with us. The boarding fee is $60 per calendar day, which includes a bed, food, water, walks with our staff and volunteers, and lots of attention. Having your dog vaccinated against rabies is a State Law; therefore, we cannot release a dog without proof. Please provide health certificate or rabies certificate.

Make sure your animal has proper identification on at all times and is microchipped in case they lose their collars. Have a current picture of your pet on file to email out or make posters if the need arises. Keep your pets vaccinated and retain copies for your records. Please remember that animals should not run loose, but if by unfortunate circumstances your pet is missing, we will do all we can to help reunite you with your animal as soon as possible .

COVID-19 Response

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:45:42 GMT

IMPORTANT INFO Posted on 3/16/2020, regarding shelter operations in the face of the ever-changing situation:

Dear NiSHA Friends,

I would like to update you on what NiSHA is doing to keep our staff, volunteers and members of the public safe during this time. This is a fluid situation and our understanding about this virus and its societal impacts is changing by the hour. We will continue to share information as we have it to ensure your safety, and that of our community, and the animals we care for.

NiSHA will be closed to the public starting today, Monday, March 16, 2020.

Staff members will be taking care of our animals on a limited basis in rotation. At this time, only staff, no volunteers, will be allowed in the building.

If anyone needs to surrender an animal or you rely on NiSHA’s Pet Food Pantry to feed your pets at home, please call us and we will arrange to assist you. We will continue to stay true to our mission that we will never turn away an animal in need. If you see a stray animal, please call the police department as they still have access to the shelter. If you have an animal medical emergency, please call Offshore Animal Hospital. They are also closed to the public, but still seeing emergencies.

NiSHA: 508-825-2287 Ext. 1

Offshore Animal Hospital: 508-228-1491

Police Department: 508-228-1212

Animal Care:

• There is no indication that animals can contract this illness. However, there’s the potential the virus

can live on an animal, like it can a doorknob, a countertop, or any object.

• We strongly encourage you to make plans for your animals just like you would if you were preparing to be away from home for a couple of weeks. That is, to stock up on an extra two weeks of pet supplies and have a pet sitter identified should you need hospitalization.

Key Points:

o Identify a family member or friend who can care for pets if someone in your household becomes ill;

o Have crates, food and extra supplies on hand for quick movement of pets;

o Keep all animal vaccines up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary;

o Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering directions, including the prescription from your veterinarian;

o Pets should have identification: collar with ID tag and microchip (best practice is microchipping);

o Have a medical consent form ready allowing a designated caregiver to make medical decisions for your pet if you need to be hospitalized.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. Stay well! Sincerely,

Jessica Sosebee, Executive Director

RIP Oreo, 2005-2019

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 14:45:42 GMT

Oreo was born on Nantucket in 2005, and spent his life in the Crooked Lane area of the island. Born with a kidney defect, Oreo was not a candidate for adoption and was therefore made a lifelong resident of the shelter. He became a much beloved greeter at the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center, and when the MSPCA left the island and NiSHA was created, he became a founding member, even ”grandfathered” into the rental lease with Offshore Animal Hospital.

Sometimes known as “Sir Leaks A Lot,” Oreo had kidney and bladder issues that we were told would take his life at a very young age. Much to our surprise and delight, he lived 12 years longer than expected!

The only shelter animal with independent outdoor privileges, he was the quintessential cat: always on the wrong side of the door. He loved the outdoors and would often run up to eat at the feral cat feeder out back, or go in search of small critters to “play” with.

Since the very beginning, Oreo was a friend to all: an Animal Ambassador who visited with children in schools and at the shelter; our unofficial dog “tester,” who let us know which dogs would do well in a home with a cat; a willing “patient” when we needed to show a volunteer how to pill a cat; and, as some of you know, Calista’s beau of many years.

His late in life love affair with Calista was well-documented and rich fodder for shelter drama, gossip, and social media exploitation. Initiated by Calista, and tolerated by Oreo, the affair lasted until his death. Begrudgingly accepting her head butts and grooming in the beginning, Oreo would soon reciprocate in kind.

Oreo was pre-deceased by his shelter cat friend, Camilla. He leaves behind—and will be greatly missed by—Calista and the staff and volunteers of NiSHA and Offshore Animal Hospital.

Those wishing to honor Oreo can make a gift in his name to NiSHA: PO Box 2844, Nantucket, 02584 or at www.nishanimals.org/donate

Edith’s Pups of Christmas Past Check In

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Three years ago today, Edith and her 8 pups arrived at NiSHA, just in time to give 9 families a Christmas they would not soon forget.

Recently we got a great update on this crew. Every pup has grown up to be just as gentle and loving as their mom. In words and pictures. . .

“Edith was the most beautiful, perfect, loving mama dog. From the minute those pups were born, she was gentle and watchful, but Edith was also proud of those pups and happy to share them with humans. She was always there to insure that her puppy’s interactions with other LMR pups were positive. Edith was never aggressive but rather strong and protective. There are so many lessons that Edith teaches the world about love.”—Barb Mauller, Little Mountain Rescue

“I think one of the funniest examples of the protective mama was when they were released from isolation. Craig had sewn bells onto their ‘Adopt Me’ scarves, as it was just before Christmas. As each puppy was released, Edith made sure to get that thing off of each pup. It would have made a great video but everyone was too busy laughing!”—Lori Smith, NiSHA

“Macy is enjoying life with her new baby brother, Mac. We weren’t sure how she would do with the baby, but she is so gentle and they love playing with their toys together. Her energy is relentless, she loves going for runs and every dog she meets she’s convinced is her new best friend. She loved seeing her sister Skyler at the fair recently! Hopefully we will meet up again soon!”—Sarah and Brett

“Eme is such a good dog with a very soft demeanor about her. . . inquisitive, but gentle as they come. She loves her big brother Georgie and I don’t think he can imagine life without her now. They are the loves of our lives and we wouldn’t have it any other way!”—Martina and Sean