COVER STORY

A Paw-fect Success Story

How a mother dog and her 3 pups all found their forever homes

BY TAMMIE FAGAN, Volunteers of Burbank Animal Shelter

In February of 2019, a mom (Selene) and her three puppies (Joy, Tiga, and Molly) were dropped off at the Burbank Animal Shelter in a cardboard box. The puppies were frightened and appeared to have little or no previous interactions with humans. Staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to help socialize the puppies, but it became apparent that they needed more round the clock care, so they were placed into foster care.

A month after arriving at the shelter, mom Selene found her forever home with Karla and Luis. The other puppies required additional care at that young age, thus were placed in foster homes. I fostered Molly and eventually decided to keep her as my forever companion. Amy and Tiga had a similar experience. Thom and Merrady brought Joy in as a foster puppy. They are longtime foster parents who have welcomed many animal shelter puppies. Joy later found her forever home with Paul and Gabriela. This shows that it really does take a community to get to this point where we can find that right match. Sometimes when you foster, you might even discover that you’re the match!

About three years after Selene and her puppies were adopted, I was working the front desk at the shelter when a lady (Karla) came by to drop off a donation. She had her dog with her and explained to me that the Burbank Animal Shelter was special to her since it’s where she adopted her dog. After chatting for a bit, I realized that her dog was my dog’s mother, Selene. Talk about a small world! We decided that it was time to have a reunion which would be a great opportunity to share the stories of our extended dog family.

I can’t really say if the dogs remembered each other, but there was a lot of sniffing and they got along quite well. As we were leaving the park it became quite apparent that they were related due to their similar mannerisms. They all had the same strut as they walked, and all insisted on tugging on their leash as they made their way back to their cars.

This story is a testament that shows how together the Burbank Animal Shelter staff, volunteers, foster parents, and supporters have created a space that provides a holistic approach to animal welfare, allowing us to achieve the best possible outcome for the animals in our care.

Recently, an extended family of dogs and their owners reunited at the future home of the Dick Clark Dog Park located at 2701 Riverside Drive (south of Johnny Carson Park). The City of Burbank will soon begin construction and is expected to be open in late Spring 2024. To date, this project has secured funding from The Kari And Dick Clark Foundation, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and Proposition 68.

WELCOME BURBANK ANIMAL SHELTER

The Burbank Animal Shelter has transitioned from the Burbank Police Department to the Parks and Recreation Department. The move, which will enhance Shelter operations, benefit the animals in our care and the community we serve, is widely supported by our Shelter staff, volunteers, and City officials.

The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to take oversight of the Animal Shelter, integrating it into its vision for exemplary community services provided to Burbank’s animals, pet owners, and animal welfare advocates. The Burbank Animal Shelter and Parks and Recreation Department will continue to work in partnership with the Burbank Police Department to maintain access to pivotal resources that will allow Animal Control staff to continue their work ensuring the well-being and safety of the animals in Burbank.

Immediate benefits of the Shelter’s transition include adding an Animal Control Officer position and a Clerk to provide increased support to existing Shelter staff to better serve community needs and enhance patrol of neighborhoods and parks. The Burbank Animal Shelter is currently staffed by 14 employees and supported by approximately 80 volunteers. Staff and volunteers work daily to provide care, food and veterinary service for the animals arriving at the Shelter.

The Burbank Animal Shelter is currently staffed by 14 employees and supported by approximately 80 volunteers. Staff and volunteers work daily to provide care, food and veterinary service for the animals arriving at the Shelter.

WE SAT DOWN WITH SENIOR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER STACIE WOOD-LEVIN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BURBANK ANIMAL SHELTER

What are some advantages to adopting a pet from the animal shelter?

There are many advantages of adopting a pet from a shelter versus buying from a breeder or shop. Shelter animals are in most cases, fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Our animals are microchipped and behavior assessed. Most importantly, the adopter is potentially saving the life of that animal and giving it another chance of happiness with someone new.

Tell us what you look for when finding prospective new homes for pets?

In terms of finding a good fit, it really depends on the animal itself. To illustrate, some cats are uncomfortable around loud noises, fast movements, or frequent changes in the household. Some dogs have demonstrated destructive behavior or have dug out of their yards. There are some dogs that require a yard and some that would do better in a cozier situation. Above all else, we look for adopters who want to make an addition to their family, or who are looking for a companion and not just a pet in a yard with no interaction. It really comes down to compatibility.

How can I foster an animal?

We offer kitten, puppy, and adult dog foster program. Animals may be in different stages, from bottle feeding to ones that are eating independently but need a home environment instead of a shelter. The adult dog foster program directly benefits specific dogs that are having a difficult time in the shelter. This program provides a calmer, home setting, while the dog is advertised for adoption. This also helps with behavior assessment when we are able to observe how he or she acts in the home.

How do I turn in an animal?

We always ask that anyone relinquishing an animal make the shelter their last resort. Reach out to friends or family members or interview potential adopters through social media venues. If these processes do not work, Burbank residents may turn in their animals to the shelter. Owners are required to show current identification and proof of Burbank residency. We ask that all health records be brought in and for the owner to be honest about any behavior or health issues. This is important to try to place the animal in an appropriate home.

If you find a domestic animal (cat, dog, pet bird, rabbit, etc.) in the City of Burbank, you can call the shelter for a pick up or bring the animal in during business hours. If the animal is aggressive, wounded, or sick, we ask that you contact the shelter to have Animal Control personnel come out. If the animal is not injured and seems friendly and healthy and it is after hours, it can be placed in the Drop Off cage in the shelter lot which is checked by staff in the morning. Anyone dropping a stray animal off at the shelter is required to show identification.

Is there anything else residents should know?

We are often asked, so to clarify, we are not a “no-kill” shelter. We try very hard to place every animal that comes to us into a loving home. Unfortunately, not every animal is healthy and not every animal is friendly. The sick or injured animals are tended to, and the care is far beyond what most other shelters are able to do. With the incredible assistance from our volunteer group and our dedicated medical and kennel staff, we are able to save most of them, let them heal, and eventually find them a loving home. A small percentage of these animals have ailments or injuries that are beyond our ability to heal and to end any suffering, they are humanly euthanized. This is a rare occurrence, yet it does happen.

How has the Burbank Animal Shelter evolved over the years?

The City of Burbank Animal Shelter has been providing quality Animal Control services since the 1950’s. Our mission is to return lost animals to their owners, to find loving homes for stray animals and to control overpopulation through consistent spay/neuter efforts. We strive to eliminate animal suffering by educating the public and enforcing the humane treatment of animals.

We know that together we can make a difference and continue to strive daily to become the best animal care facility we can by providing quality housing, food, and medical care for those animals who have been lost or abandoned. We strive to pave the way for a brighter future for animals in the Burbank Community and to ensure that our strays have a chance to get what we all desire for them–a loving, permanent home.