NEWSLETTER | PawPrints for the Edmonton Humane Society

AUGUST 2013

Pawprints newsletter

Love Letter SUGA RFOOT

Through partnership and innovation, the Edmonton Humane Society (a registered charity) is committed to helping homeless and abused companion animals, enlightening people and enriching lives.

Dear EHS: Three years ago I went to the Edmonton Humane Society to adopt a little kitten named Lionel Ritchie. While I was playing with him, another couple was playing with a brown tabby kitten that was quite a handful. She had jumped out of their arms and into the hood of my winter jacket. It was love at first sight for both of us. She was fascinated by my hair and the snug compartment of my hood. I put away Lionel Ritchie’s adoption tag and picked up Sugarfoot’s.

From the moment I brought her home, it was clear she had a unique personality. She slept in my hair the first night, and three years later she is still doing it, even though she is much too large to fit her whole body in it. I leave little boxes, baskets, bags, etc. around the house to keep her busy, because she just can’t resist the urge to climb into things. Often she will open up a cupboard or a suitcase just to get inside and hang out. Oh how often I have come home to find her in the most unusual places. Once I found her on a bookshelf behind a row of books!

So precious she is to me, that I can’t bear the idea of her wandering off, so I’ve always leashed her when outside. She loves it. When I bring her collar out, she sees it and starts cooing and talking and heads straight to the back door to get harnessed up for some outside time.

We love to play with a little green frog that I refer to as “her guy.” I throw it and she chases it and brings it back. She actually drops it in my hand when I’m not paying attention; how can you say no to that? Sometimes when she wants to play in the middle of the night, she drops her guy on my forehead while I’m sleeping. I’m powerless to her antics, but I’m not the only one. When my friends come to visit, Sugarfoot drops her guy on their feet, and then gives their legs a tap. When they ask, “what is she doing?” I tell them, “just throw the frog, and find out.” Many visitors are surprised by her behavior. I’ve heard, “I think your cat thinks she is a dog” many, many times.

I’ve kept her shelter name Sugarfoot. So thank you to the staff member that named her, and to anyone thinking of adopting from the Edmonton Humane Society. The animals are full of personality and they are really just waiting for the right parent to come along to love everything about them that others might find too high maintenance.

Thank you for letting Sugarfoot adopt me.

Here is my gift to the animals $

PM#40042052 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Edmonton Humane Society, 13620 - 163 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5V 0B2

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edmontonhumanesociety.com

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AUGUST 2013

Our Year of the 2013

will go down in the EHS history books as our year of the cat, and for good reason. Felines make up the majority of animals admitted to our shelter on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. Rather than be overwhelmed by this, the EHS has worked incredibly hard to develop creative programs that help find homes for cats, while developing creative enrichment strategies that improve their lives as much as possible while they’re in our care here at the shelter.

In addition to our highly anticipated and successful cat adoption events, we’ve continued to build our Barn Buddies program, which seeks to place cats who aren’t suitable for adoption in a regular home into safe, healthy environments outside of the shelter, particularly in a barn or shop environment. Despite the success of Barn Buddies, there was still a gap for some cats.

There are certain felines in our care who would make great

Publication #400420252

Registered Charity Number: 119231066RR0001

pets but can’t be placed in our adoption gallery’s communal living spaces because they’re fearful, they don’t like other felines, or both. These cats needed their own adoption program, one that would give them exposure, draw attention to their needs, and celebrate their amazing qualities. Based on this, we created Cattitude Cats and now even more lives are being saved.

Before cats find their forever homes, they need to cope with a temporary stay in our shelter, which isn’t always easy for felines. Recognizing this, we do our best to enrich their daily lives while in our care.

After consultation with high-profile behaviorists, such as cat expert Jackson Galaxy, our own behavior specialists started enhancing our enrichment programs, to ensure mental stimulation and stress reduction for shelter cats.

One key enhancement has been the division of our enrichment program into two main areas: environmental, which seeks to make a cat’s living space as comfortable as possible; and behavioral, which provides cats with the opportunity to express their instinctual behaviors. To improve feline environments, staff members provide hiding spots for cats, Feliway grass, and scratch carpets. Behavioral enrichment is achieved through the use of toys attached to kennel doors (thus creating a positive association with the front of the kennel), puzzle feeders and other food-based enrichment, and clicker training. Treasure hunts are also organized, to help achieve environmental and behavioral enrichment at the same time.

One new enrichment strategy that has been particularly useful has been positively reinforcing things that would normally cause some cats stress. For instance, if a cat — who is otherwise well adjusted — startles easily at the sound of the latch into his living space being opened, specialists and staff will clicker train him to associate the sound of the door with good things (treats).

In other instances, behavior specialists will work with cats who have lots of energy and need to learn skills to selfentertain throughout the day.

And, of course, our behavior specialist are always working with cats on a case-by-case basis, to help them adjust to whatever stresses or anxieties they might be experiencing here in the shelter.

The portfolio of work done by EHS’ behaviorist specialists here at the shelter is never complete.

Their efforts to enrich the lives of cats in our care are always being tweaked and built upon, which is a reflection of the team’s dedication to research, professional excellence, and, of course, the cats in our care.

Edmonton Humane Society 13620 - 163 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5V 0B2 Phone: 780-471-1774 edmontonhumanesociety.com

AUGUST 2013

Pawprints newsletter

VOLUNTEER PROFILE:

Diane Antoniuk

TEER N U L VO

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efore her time as an EHS volunteer, Diane Antoniuk spent the better part of three decades working as an educator. She began her career in Alberta and eventually travelled abroad with her husband, who worked in the oil industry. Their travels took them to places such as Libya, Malta, and the United Arab Emirates.

In each of these places, Diane took jobs teaching at international schools.

Not long after she retired, Dianne suffered the loss of her dog, who had given her 13 years of loyal companionship. During the grieving process, she felt she wanted to honour the memory of her pet and that the best way to do it was to volunteer her time with the EHS. Diane started out as foster parent, looking after two black lab pups. (She would like to one day foster kittens, although she says she’s mildly allergic to cats). That experience compelled her to try other volunteering opportunities. She became a dog walker and worked hard to complete all of the EHS’ volunteer canine training courses, which allow volunteers to enjoy increased responsibilities with shelter animals. Afterwards, she focused on cats and finished her level 1 and 2 volunteer feline training. This opened doors for her to be involved in playgroups and other forms of feline enrichment.

Presently, Diane mentors other who are training as volunteers in our canine and feline programs, as well as people with disabilities whose caregivers bring them to our shelter, to interact with the animals. Diane is still also actively supporting the foster care program, not only through fostering animals herself, but also by interviewing and providing

support for other prospective foster families, and by inspecting homes, to make sure they’re well suited to take in foster animals. Her knowledge and advice is invaluable to these new volunteers as they begin their journeys with EHS. Diane has also volunteered her time here as a photographer’s helper, assisting the professionals who come to EHS to take incredible shots of shelter animals. And whenever we have special events, like Pets in the Park or a cat adoption event, she’s always there, eager and ready to help.

Diane’s day-to-day involvement with the EHS continues to grow. She supports the volunteer department by serving as a liaison, welcoming corporate partners to the shelter and showing them around the facility.

Recently, she graciously stepped forward to fill a need for administrative support in our reception area, providing much needed relief to our receptionist.

As if all of this weren’t impressive enough, Diane also holds an important position on our Volunteer Advisory Board, which was assembled in September, 2012, to help develop policies and procedures, and to oversee the implementation of new programs. Her leadership in this area has been outstanding.

In the 1 year and 8 months that Diane has been with the EHS, she has volunteered approximately 1500 hours of her time. In wages alone, this has saved the EHS more than $17,000 – a humbling sum by any measure. It goes without saying that we’re eternally grateful for Diane’s contributions to EHS and the animals in our care. It’s not every day that a person as dedicated as she is comes along and selflessly chooses to give so much.

“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”

A.A. Milne, author of Winnie-the-Pooh

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Unusual Cat Behaviors

edmontonhumanesociety.com

IRRITABLE LAP SYNDROME Symptoms: The cat appears unable to settle comfortably on laps, instead treading, kneading, rearranging itself, fidgeting, vocalizing, getting up and turning around, falling off lap and getting back on again, attacking magazines, needlework, computer keyboard, telephone, etc.

Treatment: Immediate treatment is essential.

Drop whatever you are doing (literally if need be) and give 100% attention to the sufferer otherwise symptoms may escalate and become quite distressing to the lap-owner. Only prolonged attention will cure an attack of Irritable Lap Syndrome. Incurable, although attacks may be effectively treated as and when they occur.

SNUDGING Symptoms: The affected cat repeatedly headbutts any available part of a readily available human and turns its head slightly so that the lips and cheek are rubbed against legs, arms, clothing, etc. This condition gets its name from a contraction of the phrase “soggy nudging.” Snudging may well be a form of excessive scent-marking. A bad attack can result in soggy clothing.

Treatment: Give the sufferer lavish affection.

Most attacks subside between 10 minutes to 1 hour after onset of symptoms. Attacks recur frequently, usually when the most readily available human is engrossed in a TV program, book or telephone call.

An Animal Shelter in the Age of

Social Media

S

ocial media has been around for a relatively short while, but it has quickly become a fixture of modern culture – on this point I think we can all agree. Look at almost any ad campaign and you’ll see a “follow us on facebook” plea or some clever hashtag for legions of people to tweet. Social media has become an incredibly powerful tool for having real-time conversations that overcome the communication road blocks of old, such as geography and even time. Social media is a public square that never sleeps.

The online world of social media creates incredible opportunities to engage people and spread messages like never before. In our case, it has helped promote animals in our care, our programs and services, and the clinics and events we’re hosting, while affording us opportunities to spread humane messaging to tens of thousands of people each week.

If you were to travel back in time 10 years and tell EHS staff members that, by the end of the decade, a single EHS animal’s story could reach tens of thousands of people, with ease, in a matter of minutes, they would probably be skeptical. Yet this

GREEBLINGZ Symptoms: Random dashes through to helterskelter running through house in pursuit of unseen prey. Greeblingz are believed to be non-visible entities and some authorities have linked them to UFO sightings or feel that they may be diminutive other-dimensional beings. Cats suffering from greeblingz typically have wild-eyed expressions.

There is a minor danger of greeblingz attaching themselves to humans; if a cat tackles such greeblingz, injury to humans may result. A very few cats are naturally immune.

Treatment: None known. Avoid getting in the way of a cat engaged in greebling hunting.

Attacks usually subside spontaneously, perhaps as greeblingz return to their own dimension. These irritating creatures are not visible to human eyes, but no doubt the superior sight and hearing of cats enables them to see them.

(previously published in Pet Rescue magazine)

like us!

on our Facebook page

follow us! on our Twitter page

is a reality in 2013 and our shelter is doing it every single day through social media. It’s amazing how far communications have come in so little time.

The Edmonton Humane Society has always been early an adopter of social media platforms. We began building our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

audiences about 5 years ago, and we’ve kept pace with the changing trends in user habits and the ways in which people integrate social media into their lives. It hasn’t always been easy – to this day, no one claims to have social media completely figured out; but we’ve managed to grow a large and diverse following across several social media platforms that have, in recent years, come to include Instagram (a photography app), Vine (an app that allows users to make 6-second videos), and Google+, which essentially combines the best of Twitter and Facebook, giving rising to something all its own.

Although we don’t have a precise means of measuring the impact of our social media presence (at least not yet), we know from anecdotal evidence that many people are drawn into our shelter because of EHS’ social media presence. Once people are through the door, they have the option to adopt a pet, purchase supplies from Bingo’s Pet Shop, make a donation in support of shelter animals, or just take note of our magnificent facility and let others in our community know about it.

Whichever the outcome, it’s all good for our shelter and the animals in our care.

Adopting social media platforms and building audiences marked an important first step. Now that our presence is established and we have people’s attention, we’re focused on interaction with our audience. We offer pet-related advice, answer questions about our programs and services, share light-hearted moments, and even engage in or moderate serious debate from time to time. Pet lovers are a passionate lot.

One of the best forms of interaction we get on social media involves those who’ve adopted companion animals from EHS and want to show how loved their new pets are in their new forever homes. For us, this reinforces our role as a place of new beginnings

for animals, many of whom come into our care as anonymous creatures, with histories unknown. It’s indescribably satisfying to see a dog in his new life, going on nature walks, swimming in a lake, playing with other dogs at the dog park, or just lazing in a sunny spot on the living room carpet. Or a cat, perched atop her own private scratch tower, batting at enrichment toys, or endearing people with her feline pretentions.

Or a rabbit, chewing a favourite toy, hopping around a backyard, or dining – nibble by speedy nibble – on a leafy green. These are affirming moments that validate why we’re here, serving as advocates and giving voice to animals who might not have it otherwise. Social media makes this possible on a larger scale than ever before, and it allows all of us – EHS staff members and the public at large – to see the fulfilment that shelter animals can bring to people’s lives.

And it’s incredible.

Finding the EHS on social media: FACEBOOK.COM/EdmontonHumaneSociety

TWITTER @edmontonhumane YOUTUBE.COM /edmontonhumane GOOGLE.COM/+edmontonhumanesociety INSTAGRAM @edmonton_humane_society VINE @edmonton_humane_society edmontonhumanesociety.com

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AUGUST 2013

Pawprints newsletter

A Jett with a damaged tail crash lands into her new family...

J

ett is a bearded dragon who had a bit of a problem. When she came into our care last June, her tail was stiff and blackening – strong indicators she was suffering from a condition called tail rot.

Tail rot can occur if a bearded dragon receives a direct injury (for instance, if an object fell on the tail) and also when the reptile’s skin is improperly shed, leaving bits of skin behind to pinch off the tail and restrict blood flow. If caught early enough, tail rot can be treated and the tail can be saved.

But since an afflicted tail darkens in much the same way that it does when skin is being shed, the symptoms can be overlooked; and if left too long, amputation becomes necessary.

In Jett’s case, her tail rot had advanced to the point where it required amputation – a treatment that was provided here at the shelter, thanks to the Sick and Injured Animal Fund, which helps cover the cost of these types of procedures. After a bit of healing and recovery, Jett went up for adoption in hopes of meeting a new forever companion who would keep her cage clean and warm, and feed her delicious crickets, sweet fruits, and crunchy veggies.

It wasn’t long before Jesse Popowicz visited the shelter and fell in love with Jett and her curious new look. Jesse renamed Jett, choosing instead to call her Stella; and we hear she is doing great.

Jesse tells us that Stella is a fantastic eater, very alert, and friendly as can be, which is precisely what we like to hear. Don’t you just love a happy ending? We sure do.

cat facts...

DID YOU KNOW?

Cats can independently rotate their ears 180 degrees, and have 32 muscles that control the outer ear, while humans only have six!

A cat can jump up to five times its own height in a single bound!

40% of cats are right-pawed, 20% are leftys, and 40% are ambidextrous and use both! Female cats tend to be right pawed, while male cats are more often left pawed.

Cats use their whiskers to find if they can squeeze into a space.

They also have no collar bone which is why they can fit into any opening that is the size of their head!

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Edmonton’s

Kennel Sponsors for 2012-13 K

edmontonhumanesociety.com

ennel sponsorship is a great way for people and businesses to help offset the daily cost of care provided by the EHS to homeless companion animals. In exchange, sponsors have the opportunity to be recognized on a particular kennel or room throughout the year. This program continues to grow, and sponsors increasingly chose to publicly identify themselves and share in the success of the Edmonton Humane Society. If you or your business is interested in a sponsorship opportunity here in our beautiful facility, please call 780-491-3507 for more information.

MCG Joint Ventures Heritage House Condominium Association Tudor Tack Shoppe Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre Bailey Orthodontics Glenora Law Office - Michael L. Furman The San Agustin Family Stahl-Peterbilt RBC Dominion Securities Edmonton Oxford PetSecure Pet Health Insurance 4 PAWS Resort Alta 5 Drywall Ltd. Campbell Dental Centre Kevin, Wendie & Samantha Fuhr, Kenneth & Kathleen Fuhr, Mark & Susan Fuhr - 2011 Pace Oilfield Hauling Sprague-Rosser Contracting Avison Viveiros Certified General Accountants Tudor Lane Dog Walkers - Anne Leighton, Catherine Dunn, Christine Gordon, Lois Andruski, Stella Clarke Viveiros Family Sara Kalke Seasons Gift Shop Kat’s Welding & Inspection Services Ltd. Keno, Laurie & Auntie Marsha Gerald & Joanne Cameron & Family Gary & Lorna King Wilf & Huguette Bileau Ralph & Naddie Chaput Steve, Kristine & Caprice Chaput Marian Jasinski Donald Patterson & Linda Bowes Lena Harper NASAP Past President & David Harper EHS Board Otto, Walter, Heidi & Ruth Gordon & Maureen Collis & Dr. Lisa Collis Kerri-lyn & Jason Holland Vanessa Murphy Sandra Umrysh Karen & Mike Olson - in honour of Mickey & Kelti Candice Hergot - thank you to the EHS for taking care of our Francis until she “found” us at your amazing facility Cindy & Leonard Jewell - in honour of Spanky & Jenny Cindy & Leonard Jewell - with Christmas wishes for Trevor, Brad, Jessica, Daniel, Alana & Paige Cindy & Leonard Jewell - happy birthday Rori Love from Cindy, Leonard and your favorite kitty Lucy Jamie Pelletier - in honour of Lars, Harley & Dave Lana & Dave Herbert - in appreciation of Park Veterinary Centre Shell Shock - in support of all our furry friends Karen & Al Dalman - honouring Sauron, Smaug, Ronin, Squeaky, Pepper, Bengal & Sabre Eileen Neibrandt - in honour of Steel

Bobbi Schiestel & Glen Rosseker - in honour of Lexi & Roxi and Gypsy & Jax Veronica Dutchak - in honour of Simmer & Rudy Kara Engley - in honour of Cleocatra. Merry Christmas to the Engleys Leona De Boer & Ray Muzyka - in honour of Sapphire & Webster, Winston & Topaz and Oscar & Otis & Tanouye Karen & Kevin Neilson - in honour of Einna, Bailey, Baja, Titus, Peanut & Annie Charity MacDonald and Aaron Trowbridge.

Merry Christmas to the MacDonald family Carling Filewich - in honour of Murphy & Smoky Filewich Carolyn Powell & Alan Pole - in honour of Leanne Barker of Canadian Canine Training Minh Lam - in honour of Tommy Tammy Callihoo - Merry Christmas Faron Callihoo. Love his beloved mutts Catherine Evasiuk - With much love from Lisa, Caroline, Alex, Leslie, Maggie, Nick, Johnny & Rina Sherri Devolder & Jason Stone - in memory of Elias and in honour of Tinker, Petey & Elbe Greenland Garden Centre - in memory of Sierra, in honour of the Sirman and Chichak families Ron & Eileen Passmore - in honour of Topaz & Missy and in memory of Patti Trouth & Les Passmore Bobbi Schiestel & Glen Rosseker in honour of Debbie. In memory of Tigger, Jake, & Simon, & in honour of Otis, Greyson & Kit Kat Amanda & Kevin Popik - in memory of Snuggles. In honour of Teeka, Naula, Misty & Molly In honour of Milo & Maddy, and in memory of Ruby & Sharkey.

Karl Hager Limb & Brace - in memory of Frank Hayday of Karl Hager Limb & Brace LiveWell Benefits - in memory of Jake Leslie & Noel Dowler - in loving memory of Pumpkin 1998-2012 In memory of Myra J. Moore Harold, Marilyn & Laura Knynsberg in memory of Barnabas Lisa Shybunka & Bryce Nelson - in memory of Benji-Lou, the most wonderful boy Joanne Thomson - in memory of Missy & Tabatha Lori McKee-Jeske - in memory of Christine Powell Brenda Martin - in memory of Bailey.

A little angel in a fur coat Carol Smith - in memory of Patrick A.R. Smith Al, Vera, Stara Mama, Uncle Janez and many friends - in memory of Spanky St. Jean, a special and wonderful dog Terry McHardy - in memory of Laurent Beauffard

Terry McHardy - in memory of Lenore McHardy Pat Liviniuk & Doug Murray - in memory of Jake, Temple & Sydney Mike & Rebecca Chaput - in memory of Katie & Kylie Jenny Szostack - in memory of Chloe Christine Enns & Richard Turner. In memory of our friend Kira Karonne Caldwell - in memory of Rufus Shirley Ramage - in memory of Tiny Mae Cox - in memory of Phil Cox Marion LaBrie & Shirley Rudland - in memory of Al (Alain) LaBrie Brian & Janice Hruday - in memory of Dakota Joyce S. Kiyooka - in memory of Patches Karen & Kevin Neilson - in memory of Lex and Packer Charity MacDonald and Aaron Trowbridge - in memory of Zoey, a much loved cat Rillah & Terrance Carson - in memory of Richard Sheridan Carson who was fond of all animals, especially cats Cindy & Leonard Jewell- Merry Christmas Mom and George. In memory of Binky James & Alice Lin - in memory of Mango & Kiwi Deb & Gerry Dixon - in memory of Max & Buddy Keith Harding & Valerie White - in memory of Shadow Ted & Peggy Zandbeek - in memory of Muffin, Molly, Maddison, Jake. Always in our hearts.

Sarah Keller - in memory of Cpl Bryce Keller Jim Cox - in memory of Charles Cox Carolyn Powell & Alan Pole - in memory of Sadie Juanita Clark - in loving memory of Norma and her dog Bumper Annie Chaput - In memory of Howard Marie & Alan Quilley - in memory of Moose Patrick & Tina Hanlon - in memory of Gregory Hanlon In memory of Michelle Dias, an extraordinary foster mom of kittens Wild Rose Elementary School Citizenship Club - in memory of Heidi Airworthiness Resources -Remembering Ryley Shell Shock - in memory of Kat Chris Stiebritz & Rena Liviniuk - in memory of Luke A.K.A. Puppers Madeleine Denholm - in memory of James Denholm Del and Carolyn Reed lovingly remember Pousse - a very special lady Lily Tse Wong - in memory of Mango, Aug 8, 1998 to Aug 31, 2011 Valoree & Tony Miraglia - in memory of LaHook & Sasha Melanie Szakacs - in memory of Grandma Jago

Furry Football Partnership

W

hen the Edmonton Eskimo’s CEO Len Rhodes contacted EHS CEO Stephanie McDonald, to discuss partnership opportunities, we were thrilled. Both organizations have prominent roles in the community and speak to large audiences. Through this partnership, our goal is to bridge these audiences and present humane messaging in a way that we’ve not presented it before, so that it’s impactful and wider spread. We also wish to show a larger audience the amazing work that is done at EHS on a daily basis, whether it be our medical staff healing and comforting our animals, the work our behavioral specialists do with cats and dogs to prepare them for the adoption gallery, or the incalculable contributions made by our volunteers so that the animals are as comfortable and free of stress as possible while in our care.

So where to start? Well, here in the animal sheltering world we love great public service announcements, because they raise awareness about important issues, like the benefits of adopting shelter animals and the importance of spaying or neutering pets, among many other things. These messages are important because they help save lives.

After a bit of back-and-forth brainstorming between our communications departments, the EHS and the Edmonton Eskimos chose to work together on a series

of PSAs. The EHS took on the responsibility of writing the story boards and scripts, which proved to be a really fun project. Our creative team set to work, thinking of ways to pair burly football players with cute companion animals.

By now you likely have a mental image of a 300 pound linebacker snuggling a kitten – it’s endearing and funny by default. Our team’s concepts capitalized on this and developed five storyboards and scripts that use charm, laughter, cats, dogs, and football players as the basis for our PSAs. One will deliver important messaging about things like spaying or neutering your pet, while another will showcase the talent and agility of shelter animals. And there will be a series showing why cats make ideal pets for men. Overall, we’re confident that the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts, and people will see shelter animals as the perfect way to complete their families.

The EHS and the Edmonton Eskimos continue to discuss other partnerships that will benefit the animals in EHS’ care and companion animals in general. We’ll be sure to bring you all the details once they’re available.

“EYE” Love You? When your cat slowly blinks at you, it’s a sign of pure love, often referred to as a “CAT KISS”. Why not do a slow blink back? sYour cat may even come over and jump in your lap, giving you an open invitation to pet them!

The EHS is hopeful this is a start of a long and fruitful partnership with the Eskimos, one that will see more animals spayed and neutered, decreases in yearly admissions to our shelter, and increased adoptions, so that more lives are enriched by the unconditional love offered by companion animals.

Stay tuned…

Purr-litical Correctness My cat...

...does not scratch, he is a furniture/rug/skin ventilator. ...does not yowl, he is singing off-key. ...is not a “shedding machine”, she is a hair relocation stylist. ...is not a chatterbox, she is advising me on what to do next. ...is not a bed hog, he is a mattress appreciator. ...is not lazy, he is motivationally challenged. ...is not a dope addict, she is catnip appreciative. edmontonhumanesociety.com

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AUGUST 2013

Pawprints newsletter

2013

SPONSORS

E

very year, Pets in the Park gets bigger and better. And this year – the festival’s 21st – was no exception, despite it being held on July 7th rather than at the end of June. The grounds were bigger, the crowds came out in full force (an estimated 10-15,000 people were in attendance), the sights and sounds gave incredible atmosphere, and fun was had by all, especially the pets who got to enjoy an exclusive outing in William Hawrelak Park.

Those who collected pledges put in another tremendous effort this year, raising substantial amounts of money to help our animals. It was these efforts that made our Petsecure Pet Health Insurance 2.5 km Walk and the Tail Blazers 5 km Fun Run such wonderful successes. he preliminary total for money raised through Pets in the Park stands at over $140,000, and there’s still money coming in. This money will go a long way towards helping the EHS care for the thousands of animals who come through our shelter each year. We are extremely grateful to our supporters, sponsors, exhibitors, demonstrators, and attendees for their involvement in helping make this year’s Pets in the Park another outstanding event.

Activities that were crowd pleasers in the past were available again this year, including a canine carnival, the ever-popular (not to mention huge) silent auction, performances by our Shelter Stars agility team, and more.

We even added a massive lure course, and the Alberta Lure Coursing Association gave crowd-pleasing demonstrations throughout the day. Pet owners were also able to get their pet microchipped for just $40, with proceeds from all of these activities being generously donated to the EHS. And of course there was plenty of music, food, and drink to help make the day even more fun.

The hard work and planning for next year’s festival has already begun, so be sure to watch for details.

MEDIA

Global Edmonton Edmonton Sun NOW Radio 102.3 Pattison Outdoor Sign

TOP DOG

PetSecure Pet Health Insurance

TOP PLEDGE EARNERS INDIVIDUALS • Tegin Smith – 1st place • Crystal Dodd – 2nd place • Joanie Piwowar – 3rd place • Stacey Bisch – 4th place • Liz Symes – 5th place

TEAMS • Poochie Mamas – 1st place • Top Dog Fitness – 2nd place • Park Veterinary Centre – 3rd place • Mighty Mutts & Mites – 4th place • For the Fosters – 5th place

DEMONSTRATORS

PAWSITIVE PARTNER Tail Blazers

CAT’S MEOW

EIDAP Big Top Tent Rentals Ltd. City of Edmonton Animal Care and Control Guardian Veterinary Centre Petland Pet Planet PetSmart Pet-Tek Distribution Pet Valu

LOYAL FRIEND

7th Stranger Creative – Kelle Cloutier Sadie’s Pet Stop Sadies K9 Stay & Play Blue Buffalo Running Room Waterloo Ford Lincoln Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society

Carl Sneddon – Sheep Herding Alberta Redneck Furry Fliers – Disc Dog Edmonton Humane Society Shelter Stars – Agility Alberta Lure Coursing Association – Lure Coursing

EXHIBITORS 504 Fitness Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists Alberta Companion Animal Coalition Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development ART Trends Magazine Arusha Pet Food Inc. Canadian Animal Blood Bank Canadian Search Dog Association Chewed Slippers Photography Coco Napoleon Country Kennels Bed & Breakfast Edmonton Veterinarian’s Emergency Clinic Family Dawgs Glenpark Pet Hotel & Suites Humane Animal Rescue Team (HART) Health Products for Pets Hermitage Veterinary Hospital Strix NB Maple’s Doghouse Northern Alberta Society for Animal Protection (NASAP) Paradise Pet Centre Part of the Family Pet Memorial Centre The Paw Pet Spa & Boutique Pet First Aid Alberta Prana Holistic Ltd. Sundance Canine Rescue Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton World Health Club

SPECIAL THANKS Silverbirch Hotels & Resorts PODS Portable On Demand Storage Incredible Edibles Catering Michael Lavoie Photography U of A Industrial Design Program Starbucks Coffee Company MojoPhoto Heather & Dean Stewart – Bus Drivers Royal Treats Molly’s Eats Westcan Wireless City Pro Entertainment Re/Max Real Estate Cycle Works Hard Copy Communications Stan Mah Photography St. John Ambulance Gordon Food Service Pet Express Segway of Edmonton Yukon Brewing Company – Dave Gardner Tim Horton’s World Health Club Cookies by George Martin Deerline Kinsmen Club of Fort Saskatchewan Subway Dollard Leroux – providing pizza

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! 4

edmontonhumanesociety.com

edmontonhumanesociety.com

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AUGUST 2013

Pawprints newsletter

2013

SPONSORS

E

very year, Pets in the Park gets bigger and better. And this year – the festival’s 21st – was no exception, despite it being held on July 7th rather than at the end of June. The grounds were bigger, the crowds came out in full force (an estimated 10-15,000 people were in attendance), the sights and sounds gave incredible atmosphere, and fun was had by all, especially the pets who got to enjoy an exclusive outing in William Hawrelak Park.

Those who collected pledges put in another tremendous effort this year, raising substantial amounts of money to help our animals. It was these efforts that made our Petsecure Pet Health Insurance 2.5 km Walk and the Tail Blazers 5 km Fun Run such wonderful successes. he preliminary total for money raised through Pets in the Park stands at over $140,000, and there’s still money coming in. This money will go a long way towards helping the EHS care for the thousands of animals who come through our shelter each year. We are extremely grateful to our supporters, sponsors, exhibitors, demonstrators, and attendees for their involvement in helping make this year’s Pets in the Park another outstanding event.

Activities that were crowd pleasers in the past were available again this year, including a canine carnival, the ever-popular (not to mention huge) silent auction, performances by our Shelter Stars agility team, and more.

We even added a massive lure course, and the Alberta Lure Coursing Association gave crowd-pleasing demonstrations throughout the day. Pet owners were also able to get their pet microchipped for just $40, with proceeds from all of these activities being generously donated to the EHS. And of course there was plenty of music, food, and drink to help make the day even more fun.

The hard work and planning for next year’s festival has already begun, so be sure to watch for details.

MEDIA

Global Edmonton Edmonton Sun NOW Radio 102.3 Pattison Outdoor Sign

TOP DOG

PetSecure Pet Health Insurance

TOP PLEDGE EARNERS INDIVIDUALS • Tegin Smith – 1st place • Crystal Dodd – 2nd place • Joanie Piwowar – 3rd place • Stacey Bisch – 4th place • Liz Symes – 5th place

TEAMS • Poochie Mamas – 1st place • Top Dog Fitness – 2nd place • Park Veterinary Centre – 3rd place • Mighty Mutts & Mites – 4th place • For the Fosters – 5th place

DEMONSTRATORS

PAWSITIVE PARTNER Tail Blazers

CAT’S MEOW

EIDAP Big Top Tent Rentals Ltd. City of Edmonton Animal Care and Control Guardian Veterinary Centre Petland Pet Planet PetSmart Pet-Tek Distribution Pet Valu

LOYAL FRIEND

7th Stranger Creative – Kelle Cloutier Sadie’s Pet Stop Sadies K9 Stay & Play Blue Buffalo Running Room Waterloo Ford Lincoln Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society

Carl Sneddon – Sheep Herding Alberta Redneck Furry Fliers – Disc Dog Edmonton Humane Society Shelter Stars – Agility Alberta Lure Coursing Association – Lure Coursing

EXHIBITORS 504 Fitness Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists Alberta Companion Animal Coalition Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development ART Trends Magazine Arusha Pet Food Inc. Canadian Animal Blood Bank Canadian Search Dog Association Chewed Slippers Photography Coco Napoleon Country Kennels Bed & Breakfast Edmonton Veterinarian’s Emergency Clinic Family Dawgs Glenpark Pet Hotel & Suites Humane Animal Rescue Team (HART) Health Products for Pets Hermitage Veterinary Hospital Strix NB Maple’s Doghouse Northern Alberta Society for Animal Protection (NASAP) Paradise Pet Centre Part of the Family Pet Memorial Centre The Paw Pet Spa & Boutique Pet First Aid Alberta Prana Holistic Ltd. Sundance Canine Rescue Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton World Health Club

SPECIAL THANKS Silverbirch Hotels & Resorts PODS Portable On Demand Storage Incredible Edibles Catering Michael Lavoie Photography U of A Industrial Design Program Starbucks Coffee Company MojoPhoto Heather & Dean Stewart – Bus Drivers Royal Treats Molly’s Eats Westcan Wireless City Pro Entertainment Re/Max Real Estate Cycle Works Hard Copy Communications Stan Mah Photography St. John Ambulance Gordon Food Service Pet Express Segway of Edmonton Yukon Brewing Company – Dave Gardner Tim Horton’s World Health Club Cookies by George Martin Deerline Kinsmen Club of Fort Saskatchewan Subway Dollard Leroux – providing pizza

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! 4

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AUGUST 2013

Pawprints newsletter

A Jett with a damaged tail crash lands into her new family...

J

ett is a bearded dragon who had a bit of a problem. When she came into our care last June, her tail was stiff and blackening – strong indicators she was suffering from a condition called tail rot.

Tail rot can occur if a bearded dragon receives a direct injury (for instance, if an object fell on the tail) and also when the reptile’s skin is improperly shed, leaving bits of skin behind to pinch off the tail and restrict blood flow. If caught early enough, tail rot can be treated and the tail can be saved.

But since an afflicted tail darkens in much the same way that it does when skin is being shed, the symptoms can be overlooked; and if left too long, amputation becomes necessary.

In Jett’s case, her tail rot had advanced to the point where it required amputation – a treatment that was provided here at the shelter, thanks to the Sick and Injured Animal Fund, which helps cover the cost of these types of procedures. After a bit of healing and recovery, Jett went up for adoption in hopes of meeting a new forever companion who would keep her cage clean and warm, and feed her delicious crickets, sweet fruits, and crunchy veggies.

It wasn’t long before Jesse Popowicz visited the shelter and fell in love with Jett and her curious new look. Jesse renamed Jett, choosing instead to call her Stella; and we hear she is doing great.

Jesse tells us that Stella is a fantastic eater, very alert, and friendly as can be, which is precisely what we like to hear. Don’t you just love a happy ending? We sure do.

cat facts...

DID YOU KNOW?

Cats can independently rotate their ears 180 degrees, and have 32 muscles that control the outer ear, while humans only have six!

A cat can jump up to five times its own height in a single bound!

40% of cats are right-pawed, 20% are leftys, and 40% are ambidextrous and use both! Female cats tend to be right pawed, while male cats are more often left pawed.

Cats use their whiskers to find if they can squeeze into a space.

They also have no collar bone which is why they can fit into any opening that is the size of their head!

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Edmonton’s

Kennel Sponsors for 2012-13 K

edmontonhumanesociety.com

ennel sponsorship is a great way for people and businesses to help offset the daily cost of care provided by the EHS to homeless companion animals. In exchange, sponsors have the opportunity to be recognized on a particular kennel or room throughout the year. This program continues to grow, and sponsors increasingly chose to publicly identify themselves and share in the success of the Edmonton Humane Society. If you or your business is interested in a sponsorship opportunity here in our beautiful facility, please call 780-491-3507 for more information.

MCG Joint Ventures Heritage House Condominium Association Tudor Tack Shoppe Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre Bailey Orthodontics Glenora Law Office - Michael L. Furman The San Agustin Family Stahl-Peterbilt RBC Dominion Securities Edmonton Oxford PetSecure Pet Health Insurance 4 PAWS Resort Alta 5 Drywall Ltd. Campbell Dental Centre Kevin, Wendie & Samantha Fuhr, Kenneth & Kathleen Fuhr, Mark & Susan Fuhr - 2011 Pace Oilfield Hauling Sprague-Rosser Contracting Avison Viveiros Certified General Accountants Tudor Lane Dog Walkers - Anne Leighton, Catherine Dunn, Christine Gordon, Lois Andruski, Stella Clarke Viveiros Family Sara Kalke Seasons Gift Shop Kat’s Welding & Inspection Services Ltd. Keno, Laurie & Auntie Marsha Gerald & Joanne Cameron & Family Gary & Lorna King Wilf & Huguette Bileau Ralph & Naddie Chaput Steve, Kristine & Caprice Chaput Marian Jasinski Donald Patterson & Linda Bowes Lena Harper NASAP Past President & David Harper EHS Board Otto, Walter, Heidi & Ruth Gordon & Maureen Collis & Dr. Lisa Collis Kerri-lyn & Jason Holland Vanessa Murphy Sandra Umrysh Karen & Mike Olson - in honour of Mickey & Kelti Candice Hergot - thank you to the EHS for taking care of our Francis until she “found” us at your amazing facility Cindy & Leonard Jewell - in honour of Spanky & Jenny Cindy & Leonard Jewell - with Christmas wishes for Trevor, Brad, Jessica, Daniel, Alana & Paige Cindy & Leonard Jewell - happy birthday Rori Love from Cindy, Leonard and your favorite kitty Lucy Jamie Pelletier - in honour of Lars, Harley & Dave Lana & Dave Herbert - in appreciation of Park Veterinary Centre Shell Shock - in support of all our furry friends Karen & Al Dalman - honouring Sauron, Smaug, Ronin, Squeaky, Pepper, Bengal & Sabre Eileen Neibrandt - in honour of Steel

Bobbi Schiestel & Glen Rosseker - in honour of Lexi & Roxi and Gypsy & Jax Veronica Dutchak - in honour of Simmer & Rudy Kara Engley - in honour of Cleocatra. Merry Christmas to the Engleys Leona De Boer & Ray Muzyka - in honour of Sapphire & Webster, Winston & Topaz and Oscar & Otis & Tanouye Karen & Kevin Neilson - in honour of Einna, Bailey, Baja, Titus, Peanut & Annie Charity MacDonald and Aaron Trowbridge.

Merry Christmas to the MacDonald family Carling Filewich - in honour of Murphy & Smoky Filewich Carolyn Powell & Alan Pole - in honour of Leanne Barker of Canadian Canine Training Minh Lam - in honour of Tommy Tammy Callihoo - Merry Christmas Faron Callihoo. Love his beloved mutts Catherine Evasiuk - With much love from Lisa, Caroline, Alex, Leslie, Maggie, Nick, Johnny & Rina Sherri Devolder & Jason Stone - in memory of Elias and in honour of Tinker, Petey & Elbe Greenland Garden Centre - in memory of Sierra, in honour of the Sirman and Chichak families Ron & Eileen Passmore - in honour of Topaz & Missy and in memory of Patti Trouth & Les Passmore Bobbi Schiestel & Glen Rosseker in honour of Debbie. In memory of Tigger, Jake, & Simon, & in honour of Otis, Greyson & Kit Kat Amanda & Kevin Popik - in memory of Snuggles. In honour of Teeka, Naula, Misty & Molly In honour of Milo & Maddy, and in memory of Ruby & Sharkey.

Karl Hager Limb & Brace - in memory of Frank Hayday of Karl Hager Limb & Brace LiveWell Benefits - in memory of Jake Leslie & Noel Dowler - in loving memory of Pumpkin 1998-2012 In memory of Myra J. Moore Harold, Marilyn & Laura Knynsberg in memory of Barnabas Lisa Shybunka & Bryce Nelson - in memory of Benji-Lou, the most wonderful boy Joanne Thomson - in memory of Missy & Tabatha Lori McKee-Jeske - in memory of Christine Powell Brenda Martin - in memory of Bailey.

A little angel in a fur coat Carol Smith - in memory of Patrick A.R. Smith Al, Vera, Stara Mama, Uncle Janez and many friends - in memory of Spanky St. Jean, a special and wonderful dog Terry McHardy - in memory of Laurent Beauffard

Terry McHardy - in memory of Lenore McHardy Pat Liviniuk & Doug Murray - in memory of Jake, Temple & Sydney Mike & Rebecca Chaput - in memory of Katie & Kylie Jenny Szostack - in memory of Chloe Christine Enns & Richard Turner. In memory of our friend Kira Karonne Caldwell - in memory of Rufus Shirley Ramage - in memory of Tiny Mae Cox - in memory of Phil Cox Marion LaBrie & Shirley Rudland - in memory of Al (Alain) LaBrie Brian & Janice Hruday - in memory of Dakota Joyce S. Kiyooka - in memory of Patches Karen & Kevin Neilson - in memory of Lex and Packer Charity MacDonald and Aaron Trowbridge - in memory of Zoey, a much loved cat Rillah & Terrance Carson - in memory of Richard Sheridan Carson who was fond of all animals, especially cats Cindy & Leonard Jewell- Merry Christmas Mom and George. In memory of Binky James & Alice Lin - in memory of Mango & Kiwi Deb & Gerry Dixon - in memory of Max & Buddy Keith Harding & Valerie White - in memory of Shadow Ted & Peggy Zandbeek - in memory of Muffin, Molly, Maddison, Jake. Always in our hearts.

Sarah Keller - in memory of Cpl Bryce Keller Jim Cox - in memory of Charles Cox Carolyn Powell & Alan Pole - in memory of Sadie Juanita Clark - in loving memory of Norma and her dog Bumper Annie Chaput - In memory of Howard Marie & Alan Quilley - in memory of Moose Patrick & Tina Hanlon - in memory of Gregory Hanlon In memory of Michelle Dias, an extraordinary foster mom of kittens Wild Rose Elementary School Citizenship Club - in memory of Heidi Airworthiness Resources -Remembering Ryley Shell Shock - in memory of Kat Chris Stiebritz & Rena Liviniuk - in memory of Luke A.K.A. Puppers Madeleine Denholm - in memory of James Denholm Del and Carolyn Reed lovingly remember Pousse - a very special lady Lily Tse Wong - in memory of Mango, Aug 8, 1998 to Aug 31, 2011 Valoree & Tony Miraglia - in memory of LaHook & Sasha Melanie Szakacs - in memory of Grandma Jago

Furry Football Partnership

W

hen the Edmonton Eskimo’s CEO Len Rhodes contacted EHS CEO Stephanie McDonald, to discuss partnership opportunities, we were thrilled. Both organizations have prominent roles in the community and speak to large audiences. Through this partnership, our goal is to bridge these audiences and present humane messaging in a way that we’ve not presented it before, so that it’s impactful and wider spread. We also wish to show a larger audience the amazing work that is done at EHS on a daily basis, whether it be our medical staff healing and comforting our animals, the work our behavioral specialists do with cats and dogs to prepare them for the adoption gallery, or the incalculable contributions made by our volunteers so that the animals are as comfortable and free of stress as possible while in our care.

So where to start? Well, here in the animal sheltering world we love great public service announcements, because they raise awareness about important issues, like the benefits of adopting shelter animals and the importance of spaying or neutering pets, among many other things. These messages are important because they help save lives.

After a bit of back-and-forth brainstorming between our communications departments, the EHS and the Edmonton Eskimos chose to work together on a series

of PSAs. The EHS took on the responsibility of writing the story boards and scripts, which proved to be a really fun project. Our creative team set to work, thinking of ways to pair burly football players with cute companion animals.

By now you likely have a mental image of a 300 pound linebacker snuggling a kitten – it’s endearing and funny by default. Our team’s concepts capitalized on this and developed five storyboards and scripts that use charm, laughter, cats, dogs, and football players as the basis for our PSAs. One will deliver important messaging about things like spaying or neutering your pet, while another will showcase the talent and agility of shelter animals. And there will be a series showing why cats make ideal pets for men. Overall, we’re confident that the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts, and people will see shelter animals as the perfect way to complete their families.

The EHS and the Edmonton Eskimos continue to discuss other partnerships that will benefit the animals in EHS’ care and companion animals in general. We’ll be sure to bring you all the details once they’re available.

“EYE” Love You? When your cat slowly blinks at you, it’s a sign of pure love, often referred to as a “CAT KISS”. Why not do a slow blink back? sYour cat may even come over and jump in your lap, giving you an open invitation to pet them!

The EHS is hopeful this is a start of a long and fruitful partnership with the Eskimos, one that will see more animals spayed and neutered, decreases in yearly admissions to our shelter, and increased adoptions, so that more lives are enriched by the unconditional love offered by companion animals.

Stay tuned…

Purr-litical Correctness My cat...

...does not scratch, he is a furniture/rug/skin ventilator. ...does not yowl, he is singing off-key. ...is not a “shedding machine”, she is a hair relocation stylist. ...is not a chatterbox, she is advising me on what to do next. ...is not a bed hog, he is a mattress appreciator. ...is not lazy, he is motivationally challenged. ...is not a dope addict, she is catnip appreciative. edmontonhumanesociety.com

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AUGUST 2013

Pawprints newsletter

VOLUNTEER PROFILE:

Diane Antoniuk

TEER N U L VO

B

efore her time as an EHS volunteer, Diane Antoniuk spent the better part of three decades working as an educator. She began her career in Alberta and eventually travelled abroad with her husband, who worked in the oil industry. Their travels took them to places such as Libya, Malta, and the United Arab Emirates.

In each of these places, Diane took jobs teaching at international schools.

Not long after she retired, Dianne suffered the loss of her dog, who had given her 13 years of loyal companionship. During the grieving process, she felt she wanted to honour the memory of her pet and that the best way to do it was to volunteer her time with the EHS. Diane started out as foster parent, looking after two black lab pups. (She would like to one day foster kittens, although she says she’s mildly allergic to cats). That experience compelled her to try other volunteering opportunities. She became a dog walker and worked hard to complete all of the EHS’ volunteer canine training courses, which allow volunteers to enjoy increased responsibilities with shelter animals. Afterwards, she focused on cats and finished her level 1 and 2 volunteer feline training. This opened doors for her to be involved in playgroups and other forms of feline enrichment.

Presently, Diane mentors other who are training as volunteers in our canine and feline programs, as well as people with disabilities whose caregivers bring them to our shelter, to interact with the animals. Diane is still also actively supporting the foster care program, not only through fostering animals herself, but also by interviewing and providing

support for other prospective foster families, and by inspecting homes, to make sure they’re well suited to take in foster animals. Her knowledge and advice is invaluable to these new volunteers as they begin their journeys with EHS. Diane has also volunteered her time here as a photographer’s helper, assisting the professionals who come to EHS to take incredible shots of shelter animals. And whenever we have special events, like Pets in the Park or a cat adoption event, she’s always there, eager and ready to help.

Diane’s day-to-day involvement with the EHS continues to grow. She supports the volunteer department by serving as a liaison, welcoming corporate partners to the shelter and showing them around the facility.

Recently, she graciously stepped forward to fill a need for administrative support in our reception area, providing much needed relief to our receptionist.

As if all of this weren’t impressive enough, Diane also holds an important position on our Volunteer Advisory Board, which was assembled in September, 2012, to help develop policies and procedures, and to oversee the implementation of new programs. Her leadership in this area has been outstanding.

In the 1 year and 8 months that Diane has been with the EHS, she has volunteered approximately 1500 hours of her time. In wages alone, this has saved the EHS more than $17,000 – a humbling sum by any measure. It goes without saying that we’re eternally grateful for Diane’s contributions to EHS and the animals in our care. It’s not every day that a person as dedicated as she is comes along and selflessly chooses to give so much.

“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.”

A.A. Milne, author of Winnie-the-Pooh

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Unusual Cat Behaviors

edmontonhumanesociety.com

IRRITABLE LAP SYNDROME Symptoms: The cat appears unable to settle comfortably on laps, instead treading, kneading, rearranging itself, fidgeting, vocalizing, getting up and turning around, falling off lap and getting back on again, attacking magazines, needlework, computer keyboard, telephone, etc.

Treatment: Immediate treatment is essential.

Drop whatever you are doing (literally if need be) and give 100% attention to the sufferer otherwise symptoms may escalate and become quite distressing to the lap-owner. Only prolonged attention will cure an attack of Irritable Lap Syndrome. Incurable, although attacks may be effectively treated as and when they occur.

SNUDGING Symptoms: The affected cat repeatedly headbutts any available part of a readily available human and turns its head slightly so that the lips and cheek are rubbed against legs, arms, clothing, etc. This condition gets its name from a contraction of the phrase “soggy nudging.” Snudging may well be a form of excessive scent-marking. A bad attack can result in soggy clothing.

Treatment: Give the sufferer lavish affection.

Most attacks subside between 10 minutes to 1 hour after onset of symptoms. Attacks recur frequently, usually when the most readily available human is engrossed in a TV program, book or telephone call.

An Animal Shelter in the Age of

Social Media

S

ocial media has been around for a relatively short while, but it has quickly become a fixture of modern culture – on this point I think we can all agree. Look at almost any ad campaign and you’ll see a “follow us on facebook” plea or some clever hashtag for legions of people to tweet. Social media has become an incredibly powerful tool for having real-time conversations that overcome the communication road blocks of old, such as geography and even time. Social media is a public square that never sleeps.

The online world of social media creates incredible opportunities to engage people and spread messages like never before. In our case, it has helped promote animals in our care, our programs and services, and the clinics and events we’re hosting, while affording us opportunities to spread humane messaging to tens of thousands of people each week.

If you were to travel back in time 10 years and tell EHS staff members that, by the end of the decade, a single EHS animal’s story could reach tens of thousands of people, with ease, in a matter of minutes, they would probably be skeptical. Yet this

GREEBLINGZ Symptoms: Random dashes through to helterskelter running through house in pursuit of unseen prey. Greeblingz are believed to be non-visible entities and some authorities have linked them to UFO sightings or feel that they may be diminutive other-dimensional beings. Cats suffering from greeblingz typically have wild-eyed expressions.

There is a minor danger of greeblingz attaching themselves to humans; if a cat tackles such greeblingz, injury to humans may result. A very few cats are naturally immune.

Treatment: None known. Avoid getting in the way of a cat engaged in greebling hunting.

Attacks usually subside spontaneously, perhaps as greeblingz return to their own dimension. These irritating creatures are not visible to human eyes, but no doubt the superior sight and hearing of cats enables them to see them.

(previously published in Pet Rescue magazine)

like us!

on our Facebook page

follow us! on our Twitter page

is a reality in 2013 and our shelter is doing it every single day through social media. It’s amazing how far communications have come in so little time.

The Edmonton Humane Society has always been early an adopter of social media platforms. We began building our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

audiences about 5 years ago, and we’ve kept pace with the changing trends in user habits and the ways in which people integrate social media into their lives. It hasn’t always been easy – to this day, no one claims to have social media completely figured out; but we’ve managed to grow a large and diverse following across several social media platforms that have, in recent years, come to include Instagram (a photography app), Vine (an app that allows users to make 6-second videos), and Google+, which essentially combines the best of Twitter and Facebook, giving rising to something all its own.

Although we don’t have a precise means of measuring the impact of our social media presence (at least not yet), we know from anecdotal evidence that many people are drawn into our shelter because of EHS’ social media presence. Once people are through the door, they have the option to adopt a pet, purchase supplies from Bingo’s Pet Shop, make a donation in support of shelter animals, or just take note of our magnificent facility and let others in our community know about it.

Whichever the outcome, it’s all good for our shelter and the animals in our care.

Adopting social media platforms and building audiences marked an important first step. Now that our presence is established and we have people’s attention, we’re focused on interaction with our audience. We offer pet-related advice, answer questions about our programs and services, share light-hearted moments, and even engage in or moderate serious debate from time to time. Pet lovers are a passionate lot.

One of the best forms of interaction we get on social media involves those who’ve adopted companion animals from EHS and want to show how loved their new pets are in their new forever homes. For us, this reinforces our role as a place of new beginnings

for animals, many of whom come into our care as anonymous creatures, with histories unknown. It’s indescribably satisfying to see a dog in his new life, going on nature walks, swimming in a lake, playing with other dogs at the dog park, or just lazing in a sunny spot on the living room carpet. Or a cat, perched atop her own private scratch tower, batting at enrichment toys, or endearing people with her feline pretentions.

Or a rabbit, chewing a favourite toy, hopping around a backyard, or dining – nibble by speedy nibble – on a leafy green. These are affirming moments that validate why we’re here, serving as advocates and giving voice to animals who might not have it otherwise. Social media makes this possible on a larger scale than ever before, and it allows all of us – EHS staff members and the public at large – to see the fulfilment that shelter animals can bring to people’s lives.

And it’s incredible.

Finding the EHS on social media: FACEBOOK.COM/EdmontonHumaneSociety

TWITTER @edmontonhumane YOUTUBE.COM /edmontonhumane GOOGLE.COM/+edmontonhumanesociety INSTAGRAM @edmonton_humane_society VINE @edmonton_humane_society edmontonhumanesociety.com

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AUGUST 2013

Pawprints newsletter

Love Letter SUGA RFOOT

Through partnership and innovation, the Edmonton Humane Society (a registered charity) is committed to helping homeless and abused companion animals, enlightening people and enriching lives.

Dear EHS: Three years ago I went to the Edmonton Humane Society to adopt a little kitten named Lionel Ritchie. While I was playing with him, another couple was playing with a brown tabby kitten that was quite a handful. She had jumped out of their arms and into the hood of my winter jacket. It was love at first sight for both of us. She was fascinated by my hair and the snug compartment of my hood. I put away Lionel Ritchie’s adoption tag and picked up Sugarfoot’s.

From the moment I brought her home, it was clear she had a unique personality. She slept in my hair the first night, and three years later she is still doing it, even though she is much too large to fit her whole body in it. I leave little boxes, baskets, bags, etc. around the house to keep her busy, because she just can’t resist the urge to climb into things. Often she will open up a cupboard or a suitcase just to get inside and hang out. Oh how often I have come home to find her in the most unusual places. Once I found her on a bookshelf behind a row of books!

So precious she is to me, that I can’t bear the idea of her wandering off, so I’ve always leashed her when outside. She loves it. When I bring her collar out, she sees it and starts cooing and talking and heads straight to the back door to get harnessed up for some outside time.

We love to play with a little green frog that I refer to as “her guy.” I throw it and she chases it and brings it back. She actually drops it in my hand when I’m not paying attention; how can you say no to that? Sometimes when she wants to play in the middle of the night, she drops her guy on my forehead while I’m sleeping. I’m powerless to her antics, but I’m not the only one. When my friends come to visit, Sugarfoot drops her guy on their feet, and then gives their legs a tap. When they ask, “what is she doing?” I tell them, “just throw the frog, and find out.” Many visitors are surprised by her behavior. I’ve heard, “I think your cat thinks she is a dog” many, many times.

I’ve kept her shelter name Sugarfoot. So thank you to the staff member that named her, and to anyone thinking of adopting from the Edmonton Humane Society. The animals are full of personality and they are really just waiting for the right parent to come along to love everything about them that others might find too high maintenance.

Thank you for letting Sugarfoot adopt me.

Here is my gift to the animals $

PM#40042052 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Edmonton Humane Society, 13620 - 163 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5V 0B2

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AUGUST 2013

Our Year of the 2013

will go down in the EHS history books as our year of the cat, and for good reason. Felines make up the majority of animals admitted to our shelter on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. Rather than be overwhelmed by this, the EHS has worked incredibly hard to develop creative programs that help find homes for cats, while developing creative enrichment strategies that improve their lives as much as possible while they’re in our care here at the shelter.

In addition to our highly anticipated and successful cat adoption events, we’ve continued to build our Barn Buddies program, which seeks to place cats who aren’t suitable for adoption in a regular home into safe, healthy environments outside of the shelter, particularly in a barn or shop environment. Despite the success of Barn Buddies, there was still a gap for some cats.

There are certain felines in our care who would make great

Publication #400420252

Registered Charity Number: 119231066RR0001

pets but can’t be placed in our adoption gallery’s communal living spaces because they’re fearful, they don’t like other felines, or both. These cats needed their own adoption program, one that would give them exposure, draw attention to their needs, and celebrate their amazing qualities. Based on this, we created Cattitude Cats and now even more lives are being saved.

Before cats find their forever homes, they need to cope with a temporary stay in our shelter, which isn’t always easy for felines. Recognizing this, we do our best to enrich their daily lives while in our care.

After consultation with high-profile behaviorists, such as cat expert Jackson Galaxy, our own behavior specialists started enhancing our enrichment programs, to ensure mental stimulation and stress reduction for shelter cats.

One key enhancement has been the division of our enrichment program into two main areas: environmental, which seeks to make a cat’s living space as comfortable as possible; and behavioral, which provides cats with the opportunity to express their instinctual behaviors. To improve feline environments, staff members provide hiding spots for cats, Feliway grass, and scratch carpets. Behavioral enrichment is achieved through the use of toys attached to kennel doors (thus creating a positive association with the front of the kennel), puzzle feeders and other food-based enrichment, and clicker training. Treasure hunts are also organized, to help achieve environmental and behavioral enrichment at the same time.

One new enrichment strategy that has been particularly useful has been positively reinforcing things that would normally cause some cats stress. For instance, if a cat — who is otherwise well adjusted — startles easily at the sound of the latch into his living space being opened, specialists and staff will clicker train him to associate the sound of the door with good things (treats).

In other instances, behavior specialists will work with cats who have lots of energy and need to learn skills to selfentertain throughout the day.

And, of course, our behavior specialist are always working with cats on a case-by-case basis, to help them adjust to whatever stresses or anxieties they might be experiencing here in the shelter.

The portfolio of work done by EHS’ behaviorist specialists here at the shelter is never complete.

Their efforts to enrich the lives of cats in our care are always being tweaked and built upon, which is a reflection of the team’s dedication to research, professional excellence, and, of course, the cats in our care.

Edmonton Humane Society 13620 - 163 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5V 0B2 Phone: 780-471-1774 edmontonhumanesociety.com