How to help/save a stray animal

Stray animals roaming the streets. Random cats trying to keep warm under your car. Kittens meowing for their mother who has long since disappeared. A dog limping because he was hit by a car.
Stray animals are abundant in every state, every country. Rather than buying a dog or cat from a pet store, consider saving a stray from the street.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a car or some form of transportation
• a leash or box (cat carrier)
• a towel or cover/sheet for the animal to lay on once safe in the car
• animal treats (from experience cats can´t resist canned cat food and dogs dig meat, canned dog food, dry dog food)
• a calm, soothing voice
• a relaxed presence. Animals can sense fear, anger, anxiety, happiness. If you are scared then the animal will play off your fear.

1. If you find a stray in the street you must take care. Although the animal may seem timid a lot of them are scared and may attack if they feel threaten. Approach the animal slowly.

2. As you approach, speak in a low, soothing voice. I´ve learned cats like a kissing sound made with your mouth. Dogs enjoy baby talk, but don't insult their intelligence with too much "ohhhhgooo booo boooo".

3. 
   Diablo getting use to constant love

   If the animal allows you to get close enough, slowly extend your hand so the animal can smell you. Remember, if the animal seems angry do not pressure him. Let him be. He may take a little while to get used to you. Do not try to rush the meet and greet process.

4. 
   Enjoying a fresh box together

   Assuming the animal accepts you, clip on the leash or place the animal in the box/carry case. Continue speaking to him a low, soothing voice ("oh what a pretty girl you are", "aren't you handsome", etc). Animals are like humans, they love praise.

5. 
   Diablo after his shower at the vet (he was found covered in scabs)

   Now that you have the animal you need to take him to a vet. He should have a through check-up and washing. Make sure to get all necessary shots.

6. Once Scruffy/Fluffy is given a clean (or semi-clean) bill of health its time to go home. At your home make sure you have an area reserved for him so he has a "safe" spot. Show him around the house.

7. 
   Molly getting to know Lux

   If you have other animals, it may be best to keep them away while the new animal gets settled. Depending on the new animal, you may be able to introduce your animals right away or one at a time. Your other pets should be taught right away that the new member should not be harassed. My animals have all pretty much just been curious. Once they get to smell the new comer, maybe a lick or two across the face, they are like "whatever dude, welcome to the family".

8. Make sure your have food for the animal on hand, a food dish and a water dish (water should be readily available and changed every day). Toys are always fun--if the animal had a hard life they make take awhile to relax and get into a playful mood. Don´t force them to play, just toss the ball a couple of times a day or wiggle a string around. When they are ready to play, they will.

9. 
   Molly getting some love

   Be ready to give love, love and more love. If you rescued an animal from the street you must have a big heart. Show the animal you love him, respect him and care for him. Take him on walks, play with him, hug and hold him.

10. Give yourself a hug. You just did a great thing and you have a new friend that will cherish you for the rest of its life. Rock and roll!

Tips & Warnings

• Never hit or hurt an animal. Treat them they way you would a child. Teach them right and wrong and reprimand when necessary. No one likes to be beaten.
• Some animals may have diseases that need a lot of attention, time and money. Be prepared if you decide to take on the challenge.
• Not all animals make great house guests. They may rip apart furniture, pee on floors/beds/clothes or terrorize other animals. Try to make sure you can be home for the first few days of introducing the new comer.
• Some animals may have been abused by previous owners, making them mean towards all humans. Show them you aren't going to hurt them by never rushing towards them, moving your arms quickly, or raising your voice.
• If an animal is foaming at the mouth, you MUST take care. They may have rabies or another dangerous disease. It is best to call your local animal police for help.

[warwolf2000]

on 2/21/2009 Wow! This really helped. My dog is a stray. We found her in the woods. We made 6 trips to the vet for shots and now she's doing great.