Knotty Creek Animal Rescue

10/20/2025

Fall in Love with Fostering

🍁 Ever wondered what it feels like to literally save a life from your living room?
Fostering doesn’t just give an animal a temporary home — it gives them a second chance. Every puppy, mama, or senior dog we can place in a foster home opens up a kennel for another in need.
We provide everything you need — food, supplies, and medical care. You provide the love, patience, and space to heal.
Ready to make a difference? Apply to foster today. Your spare room could be a rescue’s safe haven. ❤️

10/17/2025

🌾 The History of Dogs in Harvest Seasons

For thousands of years, dogs have been more than companions—they’ve been partners in survival. During the fall harvest season, working dogs played vital roles that supported farming communities, protected food stores, and helped families prepare for winter.

🐕 Herding Livestock
As crops were gathered, herding dogs kept sheep, cattle, and goats moving safely from harvested fields into winter pastures. Breeds like the Border Collie, Old English Sheepdog, and various European shepherd dogs were essential in preventing livestock from trampling crops or wandering off during busy harvest times.

🦴 Guarding Food & Fields
Harvest meant abundance—but also risk. Dogs were used to guard stored grain and produce from wildlife and thieves. In rural Europe and Asia, large guardian breeds such as Maremmas, Great Pyrenees, and Tibetan Mastiffs watched over barns and storage areas, ensuring months of food weren’t lost.

🦆 Hunting for the Table
Fall was also hunting season, providing much-needed protein to store for the winter. Dogs like Spaniels, Retrievers, and Sighthounds were bred to flush, track, or retrieve game. In North America, settlers relied heavily on dogs for bird hunting during autumn migrations.

🐾 Why It Matters Today
While most of us no longer depend on dogs to protect crops or put food on the table, the harvest-season partnership shaped many breeds we know and love today. Their instincts for herding, guarding, or retrieving come from centuries of fall labor alongside humans.

🍁 When you watch your Labrador happily fetch a stick or your Collie “herd” kids in the yard, you’re seeing echoes of an ancient working bond rooted in the harvest traditions of fall.



📖 References:
Clutton-Brock, J. Dogs: Their Fossil Relatives and Evolutionary History. Columbia University Press, 2017.
Serpell, J. The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior, and Interactions with People. Cambridge University Press, 2016.
American Kennel Club (AKC). Breed Histories.
Larson, G. & Fuller, D. The Evolution of Animal Domestication. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 2014.

10/13/2025

🎭 Costumes & Dogs

For many people, Halloween and fall festivities are all about fun costumes—but for dogs, it can be a confusing and even stressful experience.

🐾 Why Dogs React Differently
Change in Appearance: Dogs rely heavily on body language and familiar outlines. A hat, mask, or cape can make you look like a stranger.
Altered Smell or Movement: Some costumes use perfumes, makeup, or materials that carry new scents. Flowing fabrics change how you move, which can trigger uncertainty.

Hidden Signals: Masks and face paint cover eyes, facial expressions, or smiles—important cues dogs use to read human emotions.
Startle Response: Dogs may bark, growl, or avoid you when you first appear in costume. This isn’t disobedience—it’s their way of signaling discomfort or confusion.

📖 Ref: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA); American Kennel Club (AKC); Landsberg GM, Hunthausen W, Ackerman LJ. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. 2012.

✅ How to Help Your Dog Adjust
Introduce Costumes Gradually: Show your dog each piece and let them sniff before you put it on.
Keep it Positive: Pair the costume reveal with treats, praise, or play.
Watch for Stress Signals: Yawning, lip licking, tucked tail, or avoidance mean it’s time to remove the costume.
Safe Space: If you’re hosting trick-or-treaters, provide a quiet crate or room where your dog can retreat if overwhelmed.

🐕 Remember: What feels fun to us may look scary to them. By preparing and paying attention to body language, you can keep celebrations safe, calm, and enjoyable for both people and pets.

10/13/2025

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Sprayed

If you’ve been noticing more skunk smell in the air lately, you’re not imagining it — fall is prime time for skunk encounters. Here’s what you need to know if your dog ever comes face-to-tail with one.

🚨 Step 1: Stay Calm & Check Your Dog

•Keep your dog outside (if possible) to prevent the odor from spreading indoors.

•Check their eyes, nose, and mouth. If they were sprayed directly in the face, flush gently with cool water or saline and call your vet immediately.

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🧪 Step 2: Mix the De-Skunking Solution

Forget the tomato juice myth. The tried-and-true solution recommended by veterinarians is:

•1 quart (4 cups) 3% hydrogen peroxide

•¼ cup baking soda

•1 teaspoon liquid dish soap (like Dawn)

⚠️ Mix fresh right before use. Never store in a sealed container — it can build pressure and explode.

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🛁 Step 3: Apply & Rinse

•Put on gloves.

•Apply to your dog’s dry coat, focusing on the sprayed areas. Keep away from eyes, ears, and mouth.

•Work in gently for about 5 minutes.

•Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

•Repeat if needed.

•Follow with a gentle dog shampoo if you like.

(Note: Hydrogen peroxide can lighten dark fur if used repeatedly.)

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👀 Step 4: Monitor Aftercare

Watch closely for any concerning signs that require a vet visit:

•Red, swollen, or painful eyes

•Drooling, vomiting, or nausea

•Lethargy or pale gums

•In rare cases, anemia may develop after heavy exposure

Also double-check that your dog’s rabies vaccine is up to date — skunks are known carriers.

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🛡️ Step 5: Prevention Tips

•Skunks are mostly nocturnal — walk your dog during daylight hours when possible.

•Don’t leave pet food outside and secure your trash.

•Block access to crawl spaces, decks, or sheds where skunks might den.

•Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can help deter nighttime visitors.

📚 References & Further Reading
VCA Animal Hospitals – Skunk Spray and Your Dog
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – What to Do When Your Dog Gets Skunked
ASPCA – What to Do If Your Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk
MedVet – How to Remove Skunk Odor
Veterinary Partner (VIN) – De-Skunking Your Dog or Cat

10/13/2025

Meet Gabby 🐾
Gabby is a 4-year-old spayed female cat with a playful personality and a heart full of love. She enjoys attention, affection, and being part of your daily routine — whether that’s playing with toys, lounging nearby, or curling up for a nap.

Unfortunately, Gabby’s current owner is working over 50 hours a week and can see that she’s craving more time, engagement, and companionship than he’s able to provide. Out of love and responsibility, he’s looking for a home that can offer her the attention she deserves.

Gabby would thrive in a home where someone is around often — she’s social, affectionate, and loves being part of the action.

💛 Age: 4 years
🐾 Spayed: Yes
🐱 Personality: Playful, affectionate, and people-oriented
🏡 Ideal Home: One with time for daily interaction and love

If you’re looking for a loyal and loving feline companion who will brighten your days, Gabby might just be the perfect match.
Located in Albany

10/10/2025

🦷 Dental Care for Pets

Many pet owners don’t realize that dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and cats. By age three, over 70% of dogs and cats show some form of periodontal disease. Left untreated, it doesn’t just cause bad breath—it leads to pain, tooth loss, infections, and even damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.
And here’s the hard truth: once advanced dental disease sets in, treatment can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars at the vet. Preventive care at home is far more affordable—and much kinder to your pet.

🐾 Simple Ways to Protect Your Pet’s Teeth
Daily Brushing (Gold Standard):
Use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste—fluoride is toxic to pets).
Even brushing a few times per week dramatically slows tartar buildup.
Dental Chews & Toys:
Look for products with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal, which means they’re proven to reduce plaque and tartar.
Water Additives & Oral Rinses:
These can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath.
Regular Vet Checkups:
Your vet can spot early signs of dental disease before it becomes painful or costly.
Professional cleanings, when needed, are much less invasive (and less expensive) if problems are caught early.

💰 Why Prevention Saves Big
Professional dental cleanings: $300–$700 when done early.
Advanced cases with extractions or surgery: $1,000–$3,000+.
Prevention at home: A toothbrush, chews, and routine care cost only a fraction—and keep pets happier, healthier, and pain-free.

🐶🐱 Dental care isn’t just cosmetic—it’s essential health care. A little time spent each day on your pet’s teeth can save them from pain, protect their organs, and save you from massive vet bills down the road.



📖 References:
American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC). Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats.
Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Approved Products List.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Pet Dental Health Overview.
Niemiec, B. A. “Periodontal Disease.” The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.

10/08/2025

🐾 Why Consistent Training from the Start Sets Dogs Up for Life

Bringing home a puppy is exciting—but it’s also the most important moment to start shaping their future. Training doesn’t begin at five months, or after they’ve “settled in.” It starts the very first day they walk into your home. Every interaction, boundary, and routine is teaching them something.

🧠 Why Training Starts on Day One

Puppies are learning constantly. If you don’t guide them, they will teach themselves—and often those lessons (jumping, barking, nipping) turn into lifelong habits.
Early boundaries = lifelong respect. Just like children, puppies thrive on clear, consistent structure.
Critical period for development. Puppies’ brains are highly impressionable in their first months. Missing this window means more work later correcting unwanted behavior.

📖 Ref: American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Position Statement on Puppy Socialization & Early Training.

✅ Why Consistency Saves Dogs from Rehoming
Dogs surrendered to shelters are most often there for behavior problems—issues that could have been prevented with early training.
Consistent training builds trust and communication, turning potential “problem dogs” into reliable, confident family companions.
Owners who delay training often face frustration, while owners who commit from day one set their dog up for success.

📖 Ref: Salman MD, et al. “Human and Animal Factors Related to the Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in 12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 1998.

🐕 What Owners Can Do
Start with the basics: sit, down, leash manners, recall.
Reinforce daily—training isn’t a one-time lesson, it’s a lifestyle.
Keep it positive: reward desired behaviors, redirect unwanted ones.
Stay patient and consistent: your puppy is learning who you are and how the world works.

🌟 The Takeaway:
Every day you wait to train is a day your puppy is practicing behaviors you may not want. Training from day one—and sticking with it consistently—isn’t optional. It’s the single most important gift you can give your dog to keep them safe, happy, and in your home for life.



📖 References:
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Position Statement on Puppy Socialization & Early Training.
Overall KL. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier, 2013.
Salman MD, et al. Human and Animal Factors Related to the Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in 12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 1998.

10/06/2025

Rodent Poisons and Your Pets

As the weather cools, mice and rats look for warmth and food indoors. That means fall is the season when many households put out rodent poisons (rodenticides)—and unfortunately, these products are one of the most common sources of accidental poisoning in pets.

🐾 Why Fall Is Riskier Than Summer

Rodent behavior: Cold nights push rodents indoors, leading people to use baits more often.

Higher exposure: Dogs and cats may encounter bait blocks in garages, barns, or sheds while exploring.

Delayed signs: Many rodenticides don’t cause immediate symptoms, so owners may not realize their pet ingested poison until it’s too late.

⚠️ Types of Rodenticides & How They Harm

Anticoagulant baits (e.g., bromadiolone, brodifacoum): Cause internal bleeding; symptoms include weakness, coughing, pale gums, and bloody urine/stool.

Bromethalin: Affects the nervous system; signs include tremors, seizures, paralysis.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): Causes kidney failure; symptoms include increased thirst/urination, vomiting, weakness.

Zinc phosphide: Produces toxic gas in the stomach; rapid onset of severe illness.
Even “pet-safe” or “eco-friendly” products can be deadly if ingested directly.

🚑 What to Do if You Suspect Poisoning

Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.
Bring packaging or bait samples if available to identify the toxin.
Do NOT wait for symptoms—they often appear too late for effective treatment.

✅ Prevention Tips

Avoid using rodenticide products if possible—opt for sealed traps instead.
If rodenticides must be used, place them in areas completely inaccessible to pets.
Educate family members and neighbors about the risk to animals.

🐕 Fall should mean cozy evenings and crisp walks—not emergency vet visits. Awareness and prevention are the best ways to keep your pets safe this season.



📖 References:
Pet Poison Helpline. Rodenticide Poisoning in Dogs and Cats.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Top Pet Toxins: Rodenticides.
VCA Animal Hospitals. Rodenticide Toxicity in Dogs.

10/03/2025

🚨 COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION

Right here in Oregon, a beloved family cat named Baby Kitty needs our help. 💔

Baby Kitty isn’t just a pet—he’s a true family member. This sweet boy has a gift for compassion: if someone in the house is sick or hurting, Baby Kitty is the first to curl up beside them, offering quiet comfort and love. Now, he’s the one in need.

He is currently in critical condition at the vet with a severe kidney infection and blockage. He will need to remain hospitalized for at least three days, fighting for his life under round-the-clock care.

💵 Our fundraising goal is $1,620 to cover his emergency treatment. Every single dollar helps move Baby Kitty closer to healing and back home where he belongs.
Waiting for vet to email a quote to share.

Ways to Give:

•PayPal: [email protected]

•Venmo:

•Zeffy (no fees): Every Little Bit Matters Campaign

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/every-little-bit-matters

•Direct to the Vet: Valley Vet Clinic –
(503) 556-3084
Account under Kayla Posch, for Baby Kitty

📣 If you cannot donate, please share this post so it reaches more people who might be able to.

Together, we can make sure Baby Kitty has the chance to keep doing what he does best—being the comfort and heartbeat of his family. ❤️🐾

10/03/2025

Sweet Home

This boy was found in Sweet Home on 09/26. If you have any owner information please contact us at 541-967-3925

10/02/2025

🍂 The Perfect Season to Hike With Your Dog

Fall is one of the best times of year to get outdoors with your pup! With cooler weather and crisp air, the environment is much safer and more comfortable for dogs compared to the heat of summer.

🐾 Why Fall is Ideal for Dogs
Cooler Ground: Hot pavement and trails can burn paw pads in summer—fall weather makes surfaces safe for walking.
Comfortable Temperatures: Dogs overheat quickly in warm weather, but fall hikes reduce the risk of heat stress.
Scenic & Stimulating: Leaf piles, earthy scents, and wildlife activity provide natural enrichment.

✅ Tips for Safe Fall Hiking
Leash & Recall: Wildlife (squirrels, deer, or even porcupines!) are more active in autumn. Keep dogs leashed or under strong recall.
Check for Ticks: Even in cooler months, ticks can linger in leaf litter and tall grass.
Hydration Matters: Bring fresh water—don’t let dogs drink from puddles or streams that may carry bacteria or parasites.
Watch the Time: Days are shorter—plan hikes earlier to avoid being caught after dark.

🐕 Fall adventures are about making memories together. With cooler ground, fresh air, and mindful safety steps, this season is the perfect time to explore new trails and bond with your dog.

10/01/2025

🎃 Pumpkin Fall’s Superfood

Pumpkin isn’t just a fall favorite for humans—it can also be a nutritious, safe supplement for dogs when used correctly. But not all pumpkin products are created equal, and knowing the difference is important for your pet’s health.

✅ Benefits of Plain Pumpkin
Digestive Aid: Pumpkin is high in soluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion. It can firm up loose stools or relieve mild constipation.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with beta-carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, potassium, and iron, which support immune function and overall health.
Weight Management: Low-calorie, high-fiber pumpkin can help dogs feel full while maintaining a healthy weight.

⚠️ What to Avoid
Pumpkin Pie Filling: Contains sugar, spices, and often nutmeg—which is toxic to dogs.
Spiced or Sweetened Pumpkin Products: Breads, muffins, and lattes are for people, not pets.
Overfeeding: Too much pumpkin can cause nutrient imbalances (especially Vitamin A) or diarrhea.

🐾 How to Safely Offer Pumpkin
Use plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) or fresh, cooked pumpkin.
Typical safe serving size: 1–4 tablespoons per meal, depending on the dog’s size (always check with your vet).
Freeze pumpkin in cubes for a healthy, fun treat.

🍁 Bottom line: Plain pumpkin is a fall superfood for dogs—when used in moderation. It’s a tasty, seasonal way to support digestive health, but keep the pie and spiced treats on your own plate!



📖 References:
American Kennel Club (AKC). Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
VCA Animal Hospitals. Dietary Fiber for Dogs.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Nutmeg Toxicity in Pets.