HSOET News

Pets Fur People Pet Supply Shop

Pets Fur People Pet Supply Shop

These pet supplies are donated to us and are sold very affordable. It’s a way for us to raise money for our animal sanctuary. Our selection varies every day. Sometimes we have dog beds, cat beds, litter boxes, shampoos, chew toys, leashes, dog coats and jackets, food and water bowls, pet taxis, wire crates and blankets for sale. Drop by and shop till you drop!

You are welcome to shop at our store Tuesday through Sunday 10 am until 5 pm – closed for lunch 1-2.

Selective admissions, no-kill animal sanctuary

In 2008, the Humane Society changed its name to the Humane Society of East Texas and made the moral decision to no longer euthanize animals and to become a “selective admissions, no-kill animal sanctuary.”

From 1969 until 2008, the Humane Society provided housing for animals picked up by Animal Control officers in both the City of Tyler and Smith County as well as surrounding smaller towns. During those years, our small animal shelter received approximately 376,000 dogs and cats to care for and ultimately adopt or humanely euthanize. To date, approximately 69,000 animals have been placed in caring homes. By early 2008, the Humane Society of East Texas terminated their contract with both the City of Tyler and Smith County Animal Control and became what our community has wanted us to be. Our focus now is to save lives, not take lives and to find loving, forever homes for these homeless animals.

What Makes Us Different Than Other Shelters

When you step out of your car before you even walk through the doors of Pets Fur People in Tyler, Texas, you immediately feel things are different at this animal shelter. There is an overwhelming sense that this place is much more than an animal shelter – it’s more like an orphanage. “Everything we do is for the animals”, said Gayle Helms, Executive Director for Pets Fur People – “they come first – our work is a labor of love – it’s a passion we all share.” The property is landscaped to perfection with lots of colorful and fragrant flowers and plants thanks to dedicated volunteers. The atmosphere and staff are friendly, helpful, happy and loving. It wasn’t always this way says Ms. Helms.

In the early 1960s local residents discovered the horrendous and unacceptable conditions at the city run animal impound facility and began plans to form the Humane Society of Smith County. The doors to the Humane Society’s animal shelter opened in 1968. This small animal shelter was the only facility in a 1,000 square mile radius where animals seized by animal control agencies brought those animals. It also was the only animal shelter open to the public where stray, sick, and unwanted animals could be brought.

In 2008 this non profit animal shelter changed its name to the Humane Society of East Texas with plans to become a no kill animal sanctuary. The Humane Society reached its goal of becoming a selective admission, no kill animal sanctuary January 1, 2010. Until then, the Humane Society had received over 376,000 animals at their animal shelter. 69,000 of those animals were placed in new homes. City and County government paid the Humane Society a fee for housing, adopting and humanely euthanizing animals during their association. This moral decision to no longer euthanize animals cost them approximately $200,000 a year in lost revenue from those contracts.

Their goal now is to save lives not take lives and find quality homes for adoptable dogs and cats. Not only is the Humane Society of East Texas helping animals in their community, they are also positively impacting the lives of the new pet owners who have adopted animals from them. The Humane Society of East Texas averages 70 dogs and 25 cats at any given time at their animal sanctuary and they boast of adopting 90 dogs and cats each month. All dogs and cats, age permitting, are spayed or neutered before they go home to their new family. Their adoption fees; $130 for dogs and $115 for cats, includes all vaccinations, micro-chipping for identification purposes and when adopted, the new pet will receive a free gift of 30 days of pet health insurance.

Renovations are now underway on an existing kennel at Pets Fur People that will be transformed into living quarters to 14 large breed dogs. The kennel will be specially designed for the needs of large dogs including rubber flooring mats to eliminate soreness and stress on their feet and legs. Large breed dogs usually have longer stays at Pets Fur People – thus the need for extra care for those big guys and girls during their stay. Additionally plans are underway for a new dog park open to the public, exercise yards for the shelter dogs and a new memorial garden.

Adoption hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10 am until 5 pm – closed each day
1-2 pm for lunch. Visit Pets Fur People online at www.petsfurpeople.org or contact them at 903 597-2471.

Fall 2012 Paws and Claws Newsletter

It’s here! The Fall 2012 Paws and Claws Newsletter is hot off the presses and packed with new and exciting things going on at the Humane Society of East Texas! Come on by our website and get signed up to receive the newsletter automatically through your e-mail – or you can download the newsletter from the site. Fall 2012 Paws and Claws Newsletter

Pets Make a Family Partnership Spay/Neuter Project

“Pets Make a Family Partnership Spay/Neuter Project” Established By Pets Fur People.

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Pets Fur People has begun a partnership with participating East Texas veterinarians including Bullard Veterinary Medical Center called “Pets Make a Family” Partnership Spay/Neuter Project. The goal of this project is to reduce pet overpopulation in our communities through spay/neuter services for the public who request lower costs for spay and neuter procedures and to promote the importance of continuing veterinary care for pets. The clinic is located at Pets Fur People in Tyler and is open to the public each Wednesday. For additional information and to make an appointment, call
903 526-5598.

In the U.S. there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted, and tragically, the other half is humanely euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets that would have made great companions. These are not the offspring of homeless “street” animals—these are the puppies and kittens of cherished family pets and even purebreds. Millions of pet deaths each year are a needless tragedy. Spaying and neutering is an important part of the solution. Through spaying and neutering your pets, you can help your dog or cat live a happier, healthier, longer life.

All of us are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to shelter and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to euthanize these animals when homes cannot be found. Human health is threatened by the danger of transmittable diseases (including rabies), animal bites and attacks. Property may be damaged and livestock killed when pets roam in search of food. Animal waste is proving to be a serious environment hazard, fouling yards and parks. It is only when all of us assume the responsibility for pet overpopulation that we will see any decrease in the problem.

The Humane Society of East Texas (now Pets Fur People) became a no kill animal sanctuary in January 2010 following 40 years of animal control contracts that required the humane euthanasia of thousands of animals due to illness, lack of space, and temperament. The Humane Society took a bold step and did not renew contracts with city and county animal control to the tune of $200,000 in lost revenue each year. The decision we made was a moral decision to no longer humanely euthanize adoptable animals because of space. We now are the premier no kill shelter in all of East Texas focused on saving lives, not taking lives. We strongly support efforts to construct a community animal shelter in Smith County to service the thousands of dogs that we are unable to accept.

We felt the next move was to offer spay and neuter services to members of the general public who request lower costs for spay and neuter procedures. We feel these services are vital to support our mission to reduce the pet overpopulation in our community. This partnership with participating veterinarians including Bullard Veterinary Medical Center will not only advocate spaying and neutering animals but will also strongly encourage pet owners to be responsible and comply with proper immunization laws and regular yearly vet visits to insure their animals stay healthy just like other members of their family.

“We have always been concerned about animals once they leave our facility” says Gayle Helms, Executive Director of Pets Fur People. “One of our goals is to educate and stress to pet owners the importance of establishing a relationship with a local veterinarian for continual medical health care for that animal.” Veterinarians are the licensed animal health care professionals in our community and a partnership with the veterinary community is one we hope to cultivate and partner with to insure the continued health of family pets.

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Pets Fur People Cold Weather Tips

Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months

Don’t leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or hay. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, which may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.

Probably the best prescription for winter’s woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.

Pets Fur People hold our nation’s service dogs in the highest regard!

Pets Fur People hold our nation’s service dogs in the highest regard! Thank you for your service!

Pets Fur People Special Needs Pets Need You

Please visit our new Special Needs section – it’s purpose is to feature pets who in spite of their handicap survived and are enjoying their life (with some help). Some of the residents here at Pets Fur People are very special and unique individuals that may have experienced some difficult times in their lives, and their path to the Pets Fur People may not have been an easy one. They would make wonderful pets but are often lost among the many adoptable healthy ones and need a little more exposure and attention to find their matching owners. Please do visit and see if your new forever friend is waiting there for you.

Buy a Cookbook & Support Pets Fur People – $10.00

Buy a Cookbook & Support Pets Fur People – $10.00

We are proud to offer you the chance to order this wonderful cookbook! This cookbook is beautifully made in a hard-covered, 3-ring binder. The cost for this wonderful cookbook is only $10!!! Shipping is only $5.00! Or check below for local sales locations.

The recipes are specially compiled by friends of the Pet Fur People. There is a special section that features a dedication to Miranda Lambert, 2008 CMA Female Vocalist nominee, and her Shelter pup, Delilah. The cookbook also contains several recipes contributed by the Lambert family.

There is a separate section in this cookbook containing recipes to make special treats for your dog or cat. Yummy!

All proceeds will go to the Pet Fur People.

The following places of businesses now have the Pet Fur People’s “Doggone Good Recipes” Cookbook on sale for $10!!

*The Pet Fur People, Call 903-597-2471 Tue-Sat and place your order!
Alternatively you can send a check or money order (made out to Pets Fur People) for $15 per book and send it to Pets Fur People Cookbook Offer, 1823 CR 386, Tyler, TX 75708 – be sure to include your shipping address and quantity of books wanted. Any other questions please give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you!
Other locations:
*USA Shipping, 2702 East 5th Street, Tyler
*College Books 1232 E. 5th Street, Tyler

Shop to Donate to Your Favorite Animal Charity

Shop to Donate to Your Favorite Animal Charity
In these tough economic times more animals are being neglected, abandoned or surrendered to shelters. Extreme weather conditions in different areas of the United States have also contributed to the number of shelter animals. While demand for shelter and rescue services has increased, donations have not kept pace.

A group of animal lovers with pet industry experience have combined their talents to develop and offer a unique solution to the shelter-funding problem with a new website AdoptAShelter.com. Every time a purchase is made through AdoptAShelter.com, at any one of over 400 top-name online stores, 100% of the amount displayed is donated to the animal organization or shelter chosen by the shopper. They can buy just about anything online and earn a donation, all without logging in or remembering a password.

Chris Ruben, founder and CEO explains: “We wanted AdoptAShelter.com to be safe and easy to use, which is why we don’t require you to register or download / install anything. We do not collect any of your personal information in order for you to support your favorite animal charity. Nobody needs another username and password to keep up with. Simply visit AdoptAShelter.com and choose a location and a shelter. Click on the ‘Shop Now’ button and shop.”

Additionally, AdoptAShelter.com goes the extra mile and provides top-notch information from leading experts about animal health and behavior in order to facilitate more and improved adoptions. These resources are essential to helping these precious animals find their successful forever homes. AdoptAShelter.com offers shelters and humane organizations an ongoing revenue stream independent of direct donations and other fundraising programs. There are no costs or sales efforts involved.

“Just think of what we could accomplish,” says Ruben, “if every animal lover used AdoptAShelter.com every time they made an online purchase. Through this site, shelters and animal welfare organizations could meet the challenges of today and tomorrow …. Just Shop to Donate!”

KETK Story on AdoptAShelter.com
Adopt A Shelter Postcard