Each year millions of cats and dogs are taken to shelters as strays. Sadly, only 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats who end up at shelters without an ID tag or microchip are returned to their owners.

The Cedar Bend Humane Society is celebrating National Tag Day on Saturday, April 2nd to encourage all companion animals’ owners to properly tag and microchip their pets.

The Cedar Bend Humane Society will be offering $20.00 microchips and an information packet that includes steps to follow if your pet ever becomes lost. Each family who microchips their pet with us that day will also receive a gift card that can be used at any Barmuda establishment. No appointment for microchips is necessary.

Come join us for National Tag Day and support our efforts to increase the number of animals returned home each year.

Please contact Lindsay Rook at the Cedar Bend Humane Society at 319-232-6887 or cbhsevents@mchsi.com.

Posted under Pet Events

I always get comments on the pet segment during the weekend morning news (which I greatly appreciate).

Most people love seeing the animals, and of course, the unpredictability of the segment.

Right now, we feature the Cedar Bend Humane Society in Waterloo and TigeraCat Rescues in Waterloo. We’re hoping to add one more in the next few months.

If you miss a weekend show OR just want to re-watch a pet segment, here’s a link to our weekend page. Just click on the “Weekend Pets” tab.

Posted under In the News

At a previous house we lived in, Cubbie used to sit on top of the couch so he could look out the window. I think he liked to watch the squirrels (as well any other people and dogs who walked past).

But where Cubs and I currently live, the couch is just up against a wall. Nothing for him to see.

So, for almost two years, I haven’t seen him climb up on the back of the couch.  Then suddenly during the past week, he’s back up on the top of the couch!

He sits up there as if he’s waiting for someone to come to the door, which makes some sense because during the past week both my mom and dad have visited.

I don’t mind that he’s up there… I just find it odd he hasn’t sat there in about two years, and suddenly it’s his new favorite spot again. 

I learned a long time ago Cubbie does his own thing, and sometimes it’s best for me NOT to try to figure out why.

Posted under Cubbie stories

 The Cedar Bend Humane Society is hosting a Phone-A-Thon March 28th-30th to help raise funds for the rescue animals living at our shelter.

Volunteers will be making a phone call to our local supporters who have shown their love for Black Hawk County’s homeless, unwanted and neglected animals through adoption.

We hope that you will take the time to receive a call from one of our volunteers on March 28th-30th, and consider making a tax-deductible gift to the CBHS during our Phone-A-Thon.

By supporting the CBHS, you will help provide our animals with the care that they so desperately need and deserve.

For more information on how you or your place of employment can sign-up to volunteer at this event, please contact Lindsay or Molly at 319.232.6887 or cbhsevents@mchsi.com.

Posted under Pet Events

Nose twitching, tail waggin’ good times will be had at College Square Mall’s annual pet photo night with the Easter Bunny, Thursday, April 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Easter Bunny will be available to pose for keepsake photos with pets at the College Square Mall’s bunny patch display center court.

To ensure event success, Bunny has a few requests.  Owners and pets should enter and exit through the main mall door.  All animals must be on a leash or in carriers, and no pets will be allowed beyond the bunny patch.  Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

The mall’s national photography company will be set up to document this special visit with state-of-the-art digital photo equipment.  Pet owners can view photos immediately.  Several different photo packages are available. 

For more information about College Square Mall’s pet photo night call (319) 277-3636 or visit www.collegesquare.com.

Posted under Pet Events

It’s never easy to lose a pet, and it’s especially not something my dad really likes to talk about.

But I just wanted to take a quick moment to say farewell to my dad’s cat Minnie. She recently passed away. She had cancer, but after surgery to remove the cancer she got an infection and didn’t make it. Thankfully, she died in the best place possible, at home with my dad.

I remember when we got Minnie as a kitten. It was my youngest brother who came up with the name. (Although he wanted to spell it Mini. I said no). She was spunky, even back then. She had a very close and unique bond with my dad. She was also a very loud cat, always making noise for some reason. Above all, she loved cat treats, and my dad fed them to her all the time!

I remember the first time I brought Cubbie to my parent’s house. Cubs wanted to play, and Minnie immediately swatted him in the face. Cubbie quickly learned to turn his rear end to take Minnie’s swats. Cubbie chased her, and Minnie swatted. It was actually hilarious to watch. But during the past five years, I think they grew closer.

Minnie loved going outside and soaking up the sun. She also loved being brushed by my dad. She will be missed.

Posted under Uncategorized

I got an email about a Cedar Falls couple who adopted a dog from Mexico. Not that I didn’t think this was possible, but I had no idea how easy the process is or how common it is.

Apparently, the shelter in Cozumel, Mexico is run mostly by Americans and Canadians. The staff try to get U.S. citizens and Canadians to adopt the animals, even making the effort to bring adoptable pets to cruise ships!

Here’s my story with Danielle Stiegemeier of Cedar Falls. Her dog arrived from Mexico in February.

For more information on adopting pets from Mexico, click here.

Posted under In the News

Spring officially begins Sunday, March 20th, and we’re already getting a taste of spring-like weather. (Thank goodness)! I know Cubs and I are enjoying the opportunity to take some nice walks.

With the spring season also comes some concerns for our pets including allergies and plants.  Here’s a good article on some of the potential dangers.

Posted under In the News

Just so everyone knows, Chowder was found and is back home!

Posted under Uncategorized

There seems to be a trend of missing dogs lately. It can be very scary and upsetting for pet owners when this happens.

Maybe just a good reminder to always keep a collar with your contact information on your dog. I just got my pet license with the city renewed (which is also a good tool for a missing dog), and Cubbie has a micro chip in him that would help me locate him.

PLEASE HELP Jessica Rindels of Waterloo find her dog Chowder.

Chowder went missing Saturday around 8 p.m. near Broadway and Dawson Street in Waterloo. She is a medium sized orange Chow (about 50 pounds).

Please contact 319-961-8086 with information. A reward is being offered.

Posted under Uncategorized