Brooke County Animal Welfare League

03/13/2026

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You will see in this article that by spaying your female pet it drastically reduces the risk if the pet is altered before 6 months. We always recommend that the female be altered before her first heat cycle. With each heat cycle it increases the risk. In addition, the earlier the spay the less risk of pyometra, uterine infection which can be deadly. We will address this in another post.

Spaying early for a dog it brings the risk down to less than 1%.

For a cat it is 91% reduced. But, what we have found through the years of having a rescue and the thousands that came through us through our spay/neuter clinics is that by getting your cat spayed before her first heat and having no litters drops that risk even lower.

Typically through our clinics, we scheduled for 5 months. Some vets will do earlier.

June 12, 2025 – Mammary cancer is a serious and often deadly disease in dogs and cats, but early spaying, regular exams, and timely veterinary care can significantly reduce risk and improve outcomes.

03/13/2026

Pet Owners ..... we are going to start putting out articles that every pet owner should know and understand about the risks and care of their pets. No one should go by assumptions, or that's the way my parents did it, or I didn't know. Your pets rely on you for their health and well-being. Please take the time and read.

If there is something you would like information on PM and we will see what we can find.

03/06/2026

If the original owners would just be responsible, especially for spaying the females, there wouldn't be the strays there are, the deaths there are, the numbers in the shelters .... get the point???

Or putting the burden on those that just cannot let yet another throway starve due to irresponsibility. Those of us in rescue or have personal cats look at 11 as a joke. We know have many more than that and struggle with budgets to make sure all thay have are taken care of even if that means we have less. Years ago when we first started doing our clinics there was an older woman that ate TV dinners every day just to make sure she had enough funds to feed all the strays by her. That should never be.

There is NO reason why your pet should not be altered. There are low-cost options in the tri-state area. AlleyCat in E. Liverpool, OH and Fix'Ur Cat in Washington, PA. And, to say that under $100 to alter, plus provide vaccinations, is too expensive is ludicrous. Do you go to Starbucks? Dunkin? Buy cigs, vapes, alcohol, new phones, tattoos, gaming systems ..... should the list continue? There is no reason why someone cannot put $10-20 away per month to alter their pet. Owners need to start stepping up. There are no unlimited funds in rescue.

02/20/2026

Who do YOU have set up to care for your pets should you end up in a nursing home or pass? We hear all the time that a family member will take. As a rescue that has taken in quite a few, we know that isn't always so. With that, always have more than one caregiver in mind and set in your will should the first refuse. If you have an elderly pet with medical needs and the pet goes into the shelter most times the pet will be euthanized as they do not have the funds for treatment. Keep that in mind to keep your pet healthy now to give it a chance later.

Author: Dr. Karen Becker  If something happens to you, what will happen to your pets? STORY AT-A-GLANCE Did you know an estimated 500,000 dogs and cats are euthanized each year after their owners pass away? These are pets for which no provisions are made in the event something happens

01/30/2026

Tigger... she's got the look, right into your heart. Another beauty waiting it out for her forever home. And wants to know what are you waiting for.

Please contact the BCAS for more info, meet/greet/adopt.

💜 Meet Tigger! 💜 ADOPTED

Tigger is a beautiful tabby-and-white girl who is spayed and 1½ years old. She has a sweet, gentle personality and enjoys cozy blankets and quiet companionship. Tigger may be a little shy at first, but she warms up quickly and loves being near her people.

If you’re looking for a calm, affectionate young cat, Tigger could be the perfect fit 🐾

01/30/2026

Right now may not be the right time for some but may be the right time for one to open your heart and home to Baby. Giving her a forever home opens up a spot for another, and another, and another that are all needing a lap to warm.

For info, to meet/greet, adopt ...... please connect with th BCAS.

Meet Baby 💕 ADOPTED !!!

Baby is an approximately 1½-year-old spayed female with a big personality packed into a petite frame. She's spunky, outgoing, and very friendly, and she never misses a chance to say hello. Baby enjoys attention, likes to explore, and would make a wondertul companion for someone looking for an affectionate cat.

She's used to living with other cats and does well in a multi-cat environment, making her a great addition to a home with feline friends already in place. Baby is ready to leave the shelter behind and start her next chapter in a loving forever home.

If you're looking for a sweet, social girl with lots of charm, Baby might be your perfect match 🐱 💗

🐾 Brooke County Animal Shelter
📞 (304)394-0800
📍 797 Mac Barnes Drive, Beechbottom WV
📩 Online Pre-Adoption Form:
https://form.jotform.com/252933621199059

01/27/2026

Good read .... learn something new to help the birds that can't use a feeder.

The Plywood Hack: Saving the "Snowbirds." ❄️🪵

We always think about filling the hanging feeders. We forget the "Ground Crew." Dark-eyed Juncos and Sparrows cannot use tube feeders. They eat what falls to the ground. When 8 inches of snow falls, their pantry disappears. Here is the pro-tip to open an exclusive restaurant for them.

🛑 1. The Problem: Anatomy The Junco is an "Obligate Ground Feeder." Its feet cannot grip feeder perches. It waits for seeds to drop. But if the snow covers the ground, the bird has to dig. If the snow is deep or crusted, the bird burns more energy digging than it gains from eating. That is metabolic bankruptcy.

✅ 2. The Solution: Plywood This is preventive terrain management.

Before the storm: Lay a piece of plywood, a heavy cardboard box, or a rubber car mat on your lawn.

Let it snow: The snow piles up on the board.

After the storm: Lift the board. Magic! ✨ You have a square of pristine, accessible grass/dirt in the middle of a white ocean.

🔋 3. The Energy Profit For a 20-gram bird, scratching through frozen snow is exhausting. In your "Magic Square," the search effort is zero. Throw seeds (White Millet or Cracked Corn) right on the dirt. The birds will swarm this oasis. It is the most calorie-efficient spot in the neighborhood.

The Bonus Tip: If you forgot the board, just do the "Junco Stomp." Walk in a tight circle to pack the snow down hard. This creates a firm "table" where seeds won't sink in, allowing them to peck without digging.



📌 QUICK FAQ
Q: Who will show up? R: The Ground Crew. 🐦 Mostly Dark-eyed Juncos, but also White-throated Sparrows, Mourning Doves, and Cardinals. These species often ignore high feeders.

Q: What if I don't have plywood? R: Use a tarp or cardboard. 📦 Anything that covers the ground works. Just be sure to weigh it down (with a brick) so it doesn't blow away in the blizzard wind.

Q: What food should I put on the ground? R: Millet and Corn. 🌽 Juncos love White Proso Millet and Cracked Corn. It is often cheaper than sunflower seeds and is their preferred high-carb fuel.

01/23/2026

PSA/Share and like our page ......
First, please be safe. -- Give this a thought and please make sure to secure your animals with this storm coming in. If you can, isolate your pets in a room so they do not "accidentally" get out. They will not survive in the deep snow.

BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
❄️6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.
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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️16. Have manual can opener available.
❄️17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
❄️31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️32. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.
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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
❄️37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
❄️38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.
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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.
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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
❄️48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
❄️50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.
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DURING THE STORM
❄️51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
❄️54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
❄️55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.
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AFTER THE STORM
❄️56. Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️60. Be patient—restoring power after ice can take several days.
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KEY REALITY FOR SOUTHERN ICE EVENTS
❄️A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.
❄️Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.
❄️Ice is more dangerous than snow for the Deep South
(I'm not sure the original author of this or I would tag/ give credit!)

01/18/2026

Sunday is meet and greet day. But, please go to their page anytime and check out the wonderful cats they have up for adoption. Kitten season is just around the corner and these adults will be overlooked over the kittens. Too many have been waiting way too long for their forever home. Take a peek, stop down, and open your heart and home to one (or two) in need.

The genuine animal welfare organization serving Hancock County, WV and beyond.

01/06/2026

If you are looking for a gift, or something special for yourself, consider stopping by RockStarz's new location in Follansbee. This business, and friend of the Brooke County Animal Welfare League, has sponsored fundraisers for us, promoting spay & neuter. Plus, you are helping out a locally owned business.

NOW LOCATED at 1400 Main St. Follansbee, WV in Suite 106! We offer a large variety of spiritual items including; gemstones/crystals, 925 silver jewelry (rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, new/vintage), Tarot/Oracle, books, Incense, Oddities and more!

11/09/2025

Thanksgiving and Christmas is just down the road and important for owners to be smart about what they should give, do, and prepare for, so your pets are not endangered. Even the best intentioned owner can cause their pet harm, and even death, by not being careful as to what they give or what their pet can get into.

BE PREPARED with having your veterinarian's phone number handy, along with what their hours are in case of emergency. And, the same with what emergency facilities are available and their hours. Many times minutes can make the difference.

The biggest issue for whether or not your pet will survive is will you have the funds should you need veterinary services - whether it be the holidays or any time of the year. Owners must create a pet fund for emergencies. Your pet's life depends on you.