OkcPets Magazine November 2022

November / December 2022 • OKC Pets 21 We communicate where we stand on issues, what we need from each other, where we see bottlenecks, and where we need help. We call each other at home if necessary and will work around the clock to save an animal. Both organizations are on the same wavelength philosophically, but we have found that we need to keep open minds and be willing to do things differently on the spur of the moment. We have swapped ideas about clean- ing kennels more effectively, using better self-operating food and water bowls, saving money, allocating surplus supplies, direct- ing donations, and funding unbudgeted needs. Our chief of police serves as a liaison between the Humane Society and city government. He opens doors, provides legwork support, and sometimes mediates issues. Diversionary Tactics We have had a major focus on trying to divert animal intake. The Humane Society teaches owners how to rehome their pets themselves through networking. We sometimes offer food, vaccines, or other resources to buy time and to help keep people from surrendering pets. Animal Control has followed dogs home and then mended fences and blocked other escape routes. Animal Control also has scanned animals for microchips and has photographed animals as soon as they are picked up on the streets. Often, we post a photo on the Internet within five minutes, and sometimes we have returned a dog to its home within 30 minutes of having been picked up. One dog who was scanned last month was registered in Georgia, but the owner had just moved to Ponca City, and we located him. Shared Resources We willingly share our often limited re- sources — volunteers, donations, equip- ment, and skills. Of the Humane Society’s 15 dependable volunteers, five also work with Animal Control. Surplus dog bowls, chew toys, and rawhide bones donated to the Humane Society are shared with Animal Control. Because Animal Control officers are more experienced, we rely on them to cap- ture loose animals. The Humane Society loans traps and crates to the public. Ani- mal Control provides tethers and advice (and sometimes labor) to keep animals in yards. Through Animal Control, Ponca City will fund microchip implants for 250 animals this year. The Humane Society has completed construction of an in-house spay/neuter facility, and the Police Depart- ment has budgeted a $17,000 contribution to help offset veterinarian fees to operate the new clinic. Public Support We defend each other. Despite consid- erable evidence to the contrary, some people have a negative opinion of Animal Control, insisting on social media that every animal picked up by Animal Control is euthanized. But Humane Society staff members quickly challenge that informa- Northern Oklahoma Humane Society took in Manny, a stray dog who was found at the Ponca City landfill in terrible condition. Photo by Rhea Jones. Keys to Cooperation • Communicate, communicate, communicate. • Share resources — volunteers, donations, and equipment. • Listen to ideas from volunteers. • Accept strategic guidance from the chief of police. • Stay focused — the goal is to save animals’ lives.