Damp Ohio Weather No Match For Loving & Responsible Dog-Owners!

Thanks to everyone who braved the rain on Saturday to come out and microchip your canine family members at HELP FIDO's low-cost clinic in Whitehall! We chipped over 40 dogs, from tiny chihuahuas and dainty terriers, to beefy bullies and labs. The microchipping was quick and relatively painless in Dr. Mandi's capable hands; a few yelps from the little guys, but not a peep from the pitties (naturally). The good news is, you only need one chip, and you're set for life!

It was a very soggy day, but your dogs will surely thank you for your proactive measures, in the event that they are ever separated from you. Additionally, HELP FIDO greatly appreciates your support, as the proceeds from the clinic go to benefit spay/neuter and rescue efforts of the Dublin-based Measle's Animal Haven.

Thank you again and stay tuned for more HELP FIDO-sponsored events in the future!

$15 Microchip Clinic

HELP FIDO will once again be holding a $15 microchip clinic for dog owners. The clinic will be held in Whitehall on Saturday, September 26th from 10am-1pm. A microchip will greatly improve the odds of your dog getting back home safely should he get loose. Please contact us at 614-853-3494 if you are interested in having your dog microchipped.

What is a microchip? A microchip is a tiny transponder the size of a grain of uncooked rice. This is a permanent radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip implanted under the dog's skin and read by a chip scanner or wand.

Does my dog need surgery to get the microchip? Implantation is done with an injector that places the chip under the loose skin over the dog's shoulder. The process is quick and no more painful than a vaccination, the chip can't get lost, the number is unique, the dog doesn't have to be wrestled to the ground and shaved to see if it's there, and the owners name and address are available on regional or national data bases so a dog can be returned quickly and safely.

How does it work? The chip identification number is stored in a tiny transponder that can be read through the dog's skin by a scanner emitting low-frequency radio waves. The frequency is picked up by a tiny antenna in the transponder, and the number is retrieved, decoded, and displayed in the scanner readout window. The radio waves use a frequency much lower than AM broadcast stations use, and they must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission before they can be marketed.

The chip, antenna, and capacitor are encased in a tiny glass tube. The tube is composed of soda lime glass, which is known for compatibility with living tissue. The glass is hermetically sealed to keep moisture out.

Dogs can be scanned when picked up by an animal control officer or brought to the shelter. If a chip is present, the scanner will read the number and the shelter staff member can call the appropriate registry for the identity of the owner.

Veterinarians who install the chips have scanners. Thus a found pet can be taken to a veterinary clinic for scanning and may never make the trip to a shelter.

HELP FIDO at Woofstock '09!

Hey Everyone!

I am very excited, as this is my first blog post for HELP FIDO as a new board member! You'll probably be reading more from me in the near future, too.

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to join HELP FIDO as we hung out at Woofstock at Camp Mary Orton in Worthington for a very toasty day of food, music, and dogs! We had our tent set up to distribute our usual literature about dog safety, bite prevention, spay/neuter, rescue, health/veterinary info and BSL, as well as sign up more dogs for our upcoming Microchip Clinic.

Of course, the highlight of my day was getting to love on 2 darling little 9 week old pit bull mix puppies that Lisa had brought with her from the Pitties Place/Measles Animal Haven rescues! These two adorable girls are looking for their forever homes. When Willow and Buffy weren't busy playing, catching some zzz's in the grass, or flirting with passerby, they were stealing my heart with lots of puppy breath-scented kisses!

I didn't get the chance to see it myself, but I heard that many dogs were enjoying cooling off on the ice pile that was set up in the camp. I did my best to cool off with a delicious Lemon Shake-Up, although I don't think it had quite the same effect as rolling around in a mountain of ice.

Thanks to everyone that braved the blazing sun and heat to come out with their kids and furry family members to Woofstock in support of Columbus Dog Connection and other rescue/advocacy efforts!

HELP FIDO at Woofstock

We had a great time last year! Come out and join us this year for a day of fun, food, music and dogs. There will be hiking, swimming, sand art, face painting, lots of free stuff, a giant slide, a blow up obstacle course and more!

August 15, 2009

12-6 pm doors open at 11:30

Camp Mary Orton

rain or shine

Beautiful, woodsy Camp Mary Orton is just north of 270 on High St in Worthington,

6755 N High St

Tickets: $15 - 12 & under free

HELP FIDO at Whitehall National Night Out

Last Night HELP FIDO had a booth at the National Night Out event held in Whitehall. It was a huge success. We distributed nearly 2000 pounds of dog food to pet owners in need. We signed up 40 people for low cost microchipping, plus an additional 42 people in dire need of pet food. We distributed much needed information regarding low cost vaccines, dog licensing and low cost spay neuter.

I do have to say, it was so nice to hear all of the positive comments from the people of Whitehall and we really appreciate all of you who stopped by to simply say "thank you." That makes it all worthwhile!

EDIT: We distributed more dog and cat food in Whitehall this past Friday. This brings us up to a little over 3000 pounds. We also had confirmation that 12 dogs have signed up to be spayed/neutered within the next month. We will continue distributing food and supplies as they become available. To all of you who signed up for assistance, we will be contacting you before the next distribution date.