News from Heartland Animal Shelter
Summer 2012 - Volume 2 - Edition 2
www.issuu.com/heartlandanimalshelter
www.heartlandanimalshelter.net
Currently Adoptable
And Many More Online!
IN THIS ISSUE
Table of contents
ASPCA Adoption Study → 1 Northbrook Coyotes → 3 Bow Wow Bowling → 4 Agility Information → 5 Understanding Dog Bites → 6 Around the Kennel → 8 Dog Care Committee → 8 Cinco De Meow → 9 Heartworm Facts → 10 Chronicles goes Full Color → 11 Walk of Love → 11 Saying Goodbye → 12 New Sign! → 12 A Call for Artists → 13 Congrats Grads! → 13 Thanks Chipotle → 13 Dairy Queen → 14 Volunteer Appreciation Night → 15 Volunteer Status Updates → 15 Best Friends Network → 15
REGULAR COLUMNS
Thank You → 7 Accomplishments →11 Coming Soon → 12 What’s New → 13 Pup Personals → 16
FROM THE COVER
Lively’s Going Home story is on Back Cover
CONTRIBUTORS WRITING: Paula Burgeson (V), Julie Goodman (V), Lisa Dister (S) / PHOTOGRAPHY: Izaan Du Toit (V), Paula Burgeson (V), Jeff Deutch & Michelle Voss (V), Microsoft Clip Art, Getty Images / MAPS: Google / INFORMATION AND STORY IDEAS: Chris (S), Lisa (S) (Volunteers are labeled with a V, Staff labeled with an S)
EVERYONE’S ADOPTABLE* *Some are just more adoptable than others W
ith shelters across the country filling up fast due to the poor economy, the ASPCA decided to conduct a study to see how people chose their adopted pet. They interviewed adopters at five shelters across the country, resulting in more than 1,500 completed surveys. Participants were asked about how they chose their canine companion or feline friend, when there were so many to choose from. Not surprisingly, dog adopters said that they chose dogs who came to the front of their cages, had great personalities and looked the best. When adopting a dog or puppy, both groups had “physical appearance” as one of their top criteria. This means that we all have a duty at the shelter to help each person see the good in each dog, even if they aren’t ready for their debut at Westminster.
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As mentioned, the dogs who get adopted first are the ones that appear to be most friendly. We all can help this, either by easing a shy dog out or helping an over-active dog not to bark excitedly if anyone goes by. We all know a dog who was shy or old but over time they grew friendlier and were adopted. As a dog volunteer at Heartland, we all have the THE STATS power to help make great connections. The first step Animals are adopted based on: is to know the dogs. Even if you’re not an adoption DOGS counselor, if a family with Behavior with people: 78.3% small children is looking at Physical appearance: 75.4% a dog who you know is not Age: 65.6% great with kids, gently explain that the particular PUPPIES dog they’re looking at may Physical appearance: 76.8% not be their best bet. In Age: 74.8% reality, it’s the animals Behavior with people: 73.9% we’re helping, not always the people. Be aware that stereotypes exist for both dogs and people. It’s our job not to believe any of them. Inform potential adopters of our success rate with pit mixes and assure them that there’s nothing wrong with adopting a black dog. Cesar Milan has great tips on helping a family understand their wants and needs in a shelter dog. Ask a family about their energy level, allergies, experience with previous dogs and training, and what kind of living situation they are in. Warn people against impulse adoptions and encourage them to come back in a week. Remember, they can always fill out adoption papers. To read Milan’s full list of adoption tips, visit: www.cnn.com/2012/3/06/living/cesar-milan-dog-adoption-tips/index.html To read the ASPCA’s adoption study visit: www.mdpi.com/journals/animals
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UN oRBAN C OYOTES rthbrook Coyote Attacks In April, Heartland Animal Shelter volunteers were warned of an exponential amount of coyote attacks in the area. There were six attacks during the week of Monday the 23rd. Volunteers were warned to keep their dogs in close sight as the attacks continued. Lisa Dister, volunteer coordinator at Heartland, provided some useful, and possibly lifesaving tips, to keep your animals safe. “Coyotes will attack both small and large breed dogs,” her email warned. While the average coyote only weighs between 20-50 pounds, they get bigger the farther North they live. The National Agricultural Statistics Service list coyotes as the most abundant livestock predator. Dister also warns that coyotes can get into fenced enclosures, so despite letting your dog into what you believe is a “safe” area, it may not be. A study in California found that pets are most often eaten by coyotes in winter and spring. Other than eating pets, coyotes live off of misplaced garbage and pet food. “Eliminate food sources,” Dister warns, “and never attempt to feed a wild animal.” She reminds volunteers to check the lids on their garbage cans to make sure they’re secure and to keep pet food indoors. Also important: keep your yard free from hideouts, such as thick bushes or spaces under a deck where coyotes could live. They are not nocturnal and could strike at any time of the day. Please keep your animals close by. If you see a coyote in your area, please visit www.urbancoyoteresearch.com to help you assess the situation and figure out the right steps to take. For more information on coyotes, please visit National Geographic’s website.
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B O W W O W B O W L I N G THANKS: Jean Andersen, Larry Stotts, Michelle Voss and Jeff Deutch!
It’s not always when volunteers compete against each other. Maybe, you compete about how many animals you can help find homes for or how many dogs you can walk in an hour, but this friendly competition, held at River Rand Bowl on March 25th, encouraged all to engage in some healthy competitive bowling. We’d like to thank everyone who came out to attend Bow-Wow and Alley Cat bowling! Despite some gutter balls, the event went off like a perfect strike. A great time was had by all as raffle prizes, games and food complimented the bowling! We had several great sponsors who helped us have such a good time. Heartland would like to extend their gratitude to Agency Promo Group, Chalet Nursery, Patrick’s Pantry, Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap, and Sleepypod. Thanks to the Heartland fundraising committee for once again creating a flawless event. This is one event that everyone of all ages can enjoy and we hope that if you didn’t make it this year, you can come out and bowl a few frames next year!
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As the weather gets nicer outside, we want to spend more time outside with the dogs! I see many volunteers misusing the agility equipment, and I’d just like to clarify a few simple tips to make sure that we all can enjoy it safely!
AGE: No matter how spry that puppy
you’re walking seems, it can damage their “growth plates” if the dog is jumped before 18 months of age. In fact, this is so dangerous that the American Kennel Club will not allow entry of a dog into an agility trial until they are 18 months. Please know that older dogs may be hurt during this activity as well. Size: The American Kennel Club has the following measurements for competition obedience. Please keep in mind that the current jump in our yard is about 16” high.
Only dogs that are over 14” tall at their shoulders should be jumping that jump. Please do not encourage smaller dogs to jump it. This is for their safety.
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Many volunteers simply walk the dogs up to the AFrame and expect them to scale it perfectly. The A-Frame is an obstacle that needs several strides so that the animal properly goes up one side and down the other. In competition agility the first feet of either side of this obstacle are painted a separate color and known as “Contact Points,” meaning that an animal has to touch these points or a fault will be deducted from their score. This is again for their safety. If an animal jumps off the obstacle before hitting a contact point, they could be severely hurt.
Approach:
Breed: Though the AKC does not
limit which breeds can participate, please know that breeds with longer bodies (like Bassets or Daschunds) tend to be most injured in these kinds of events.
UNDERSTANDING
DOG BITES Why neutering matters It can be hard explaining to new adopting families why we spay or neuter animals before they go home. Some people are opposed to the surgeries or they don’t understand the health benefits that come with the procedures. Recently, statistics said that anywhere between 81-95% of dogs that bit had not been fixed. While attending a police dog training seminar, the dog trainer for the force explained that they don’t fix their police dogs (which are also only male) because they need to have the urge to bite people. The American Humane Association says that 92% of fatal dog attacks were from males, and of that population 94% were never neutered. They also say that unneutered males are almost three times more likely to bite someone. The most important thing to remember about dog bites is that it’s all about how the owner cares for the dog. A large percentage of dog bites were from chained dogs. Chaining increases the stress amount of the dog which would make them more aggressive. Also, a large percentage of dogs bite because they are left to run loose and are not watched by their owners. Remember, it’s our duty to dispel myths about pit mixes! We have several great pits at Heartland who would love to have a home. Pit bulls get a bad reputation because their bite strength is the strongest of any breed and can do the most damage. However, if a dog is properly trained and socialized, the dog will have fewer aggressive tendencies. To see the findings from the American Humane Society, visit: http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/stop-animal-abuse/factsheets/dog-bites.html
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A big Heartland thank you to Alex E. and his group of volunteers! Alex reached out to many people and companies in the community to donate money, goods, and services to make this amazing project possible. Alex and his friends filled the outdoor kennels with pea gravel and installed lumber around the outside of the fencing. This update will allow rain water to drain into the ground through the gravel and ensure that our dogs can stay dry in the kennels. Alex and his group also created a pathway from the entrance of the kennel to the outdoor play yard and filled pot holes in the parking lot with the extra pea gravel. Heartland is so grateful to Alex and all of his helpers for improving the lives of all of our dogs and our dog walking volunteers.
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Breckenridge Fence Company, Howard Thomas Owner. 604 Hillside Rd. Glenview, IL. # 847-729-5137
Another thanks goes to Howard Thomas and Breckenridge Fence Company! Howard and his crew helped to install a new outside dog run and put a roof on another outside run and the best part....he donated his services free! Howard and his family have adopted from Heartland Animal Shelter and his son is also completing an Eagle Scout project! We greatly appreciate all their compassion and support! If you're ever are looking for fencing installment or repairs, contact Howard! Under the picture of our new kennel is his info, call him if you are looking for a fence!
Around the Kennel Through A Dog’s Ear
Heartland recently purchased four CDs from Through a Dog’s Ear. The CDs feature music that has been modified for “psycho- acoustics” that well help the dogs (and cats) be more relaxed while listening. The research shows that when dogs are overwhelmed, they may start to block certain stimulants out (such as sound – think about the constant barking sometimes in the kennels). These CDs help dogs filter out good noise from the bad, and create a sense of balance and relaxation.
In case a potential adopter asks a question about a breed you are not familiar with, consult the breed binder, created by Chris Norris, next to the mini fridge in the kennel.
We’d just like to thank the Dog Care Committee for their service and dedication to the shelter. Below are the improvements we’ve made in the last year! Great job! Buddy Program New kennel signs New sick signs Dogs in Training Hall sign Cut bushes & trees Safety chains installed Mirrors in the kennel
Kennel Chronicles Emergency alert system Coat rack Slats in middle kennels Cleaning supply stations Leashes & Collars Whiteboard
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We’d like to thank everyone who bought raffle tickets for our Cinco de MEOW fundraiser! Throughout the month of May Heartland sold raffle tickets for many great prizes. According to Jeff Deutch, Heartland volunteer, a whopping 243 tickets were sold in person and almost $200 worth of raffle tickets were additionally bought online! Below are the winners of the prizes, but keep in mind – the animals were the ones who really won this one because the money raised will go directly to their care. Thanks to everyone who bought or sold tickets for Heartland!!
Thank you to everyone who donated these great items! Kitten Play Tree
Sleepy Pod Mobile Luxury Pet Carrier
Sleepy Pod Metropolitan Pet Carrier Embroidered Cat Fleece(two sizes)
The $50 Buca Di Beppo gift card
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Rights to name the next two litters of kittens
All about H e a rt wo r m
Heartworm is a parasite that is given to dogs via bites from infected mosquitos. Those bites inject tiny worms into pets, and those worms damage the blood vessels and increases blood pressure. If blood pressure gets too high, the heart will fail.
Thanks to Allison for finding the research! Also, please know that the rate of Heartworm is expected to be higher than ever this year. It’s our job to stay informed. If you’d like more information about Heartworm and how Heartland works to prevent and treat it, please talk to Christy or Lisa.
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Kennel Chronicles goes
Thanks to Issuu.com we are able to go full color! Before, the Chronicles was inspired by a newsletter from another non profit organization, and to keep costs down, Chronicles was put in black and white for cheaper printing. Also, you may notice that Chronicles is now more like a magazine than just a newsletter. This is also due to Issuu.com as we are not restricted by size limits. Hope you enjoy the new format!
Accomplishments: Congratulations to Heartland alumni, Caramel, on her Therapy Dog Certification!!
Save the Date!
What: Walk Of Love & 10K for K9s Run! When: Saturday, July 28, 2012 Time: 8:30 am start 10K for K9s Run 9:30 am start Walk Of Love Where: Blue Star Memorial Forest Preserve 701 E. Lake Ave, Glenview, IL 60025 Cost: $20 for adult pre-registration $25 for adult registration the day of $10 for child registration (3-12yrs) $12 for child registration day of Dogs are free!
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Saying Goodbye Corinne
Each Friday night for the last three years, Corinne would make sure each dog’s cage was clean, that they had gotten out for the day and that they had enough water to last the night. While it may not have made the most glamorous Friday night, like many of us, she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her favorite part of volunteering was seeing each dog go to it’s forever home, but it was time for her to go to a new home as well. Good luck in North Carolina, Corinne! We miss you already! Heartland would also like to extend their thanks to Volunteer Bob who for the last several years was our Friday night greeter!
Summer time means it’s starting to get hot out there, and many of us dog walkers will not be wearing our heavy winter coats anymore. That leaves many of us without a sturdy pocket to hold our keys! Volunteer Kathleen realized that Heartland needed to fix this problem and will be installing a key rack by the coat rack! This will prevent us from losing our keys or putting them in strange places around the kennel. So keep your eye open for that necessary improvement and thanks Kathleen!
New sign!
A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers who helped create our new “sign” while our main sign is being repaired. This is a great example of how volunteers can step up to think of simple fixes when they’re needed most! Thank you!
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We need your pictures! Heartland has an art show July 22nd from 1:15-4:30pm at Glenview Public Library! We need your photos, sketches or paintings of what the American Shelter Pet looks like. We are trying to dispel myths that these animals are rejects! Email your artwork or pictures to Lisa.
We’d like to congratulate all of our graduates! Many of our high school helpers are graduating this season and we wish them well in their future endeavors.
Thanks Chipotle! Remember to fill out the customer satisfaction survey for the Chipotle of Arlington Heights! They provided great food for our volunteer appreciation dinner and we owe them a big THANK YOU!!! Thanks to Julie and Allyson for painting our dog house and putting up window boxes of red and white flowers. These little touches make Heartland feel more like a home! Thank you for creating such a beautiful outdoor space with just a few supplies; the dogs appreciate the view!
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Sweet people
For many people April 15th is not generally a sweet day, but this year it turned out to be great thanks to the “Dairy Queen Family.” Melissa Winters, along with her parents, Ed and Sue Schubert, who are also the owners of the Northbrook Dairy Queen, had a fundraiser for all the animals here at Heartland. Aside from having a raffle, a bounce house and a donation jar, money was raised from a DQ Blizzard with an unofficial flavor: Puppy Chow. The snack was created with Chex cereal, chocolate sauce and peanut butter served in DQ’s delicious ice cream. The Schubert family also collected donations of food for the shelter. A truck was loaded with various food donations, as each donation of food entitled customers to a free frozen treat. In all the Dairy Queen fundraiser brought in over $4,000 and many useful food items for the pets at the shelter. The Schubert family presented Heartland with the check and a framed article covering the event at the Volunteer Appreciation dinner. We can’t thank them enough!
Visit them!
Northbrook Dairy Queen 2770 Dundee Road Northbrook, IL, 60062 1
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Volunteer Appreciation Night
Wow! What a turn out! The Heartland Volunteer Appreciation Dinner brought in around 80 volunteers to celebrate the success of Heartland over the last decade! A big thank you goes out to Chipotle for catering our dinner (see page 13) and a round of applause goes to all the Heartland Staff who helped organize the event! Heartland Staff member Chris made a great presentation that made us all realize what a difference each of us makes in the lives of these homeless animals. It was standing room only! Thank you to everyone who attended! We hope to see you again next year!
Volunteer Status Updates
Heartland Joins the
FIVE YEARS
These volunteers have graciously donated their time since 2007 or before! Laurie Tomaszkiewicz Debbie McHugh Liz Earnest Jeff Deutch Barb Feig Michelle Voss DonnaLee Caringella Tom Bohn Marilyn Kravitz Karen Wikstrom Joan Wronkiewicz Abby Dickman Josie Vittner Judie Taki Suzy Anetsberger-Carter Lorry Zirlin Lucy Sanders Helene Gail Susan Whalen-Sanders Cathy Vaughn Ruby Cruz Carol Burgeson Janice Greenberg Gail Burgeson Sandy Brandon Don Burgeson Elaine Marion Paula Burgeson Susan Frissell John Andrews Jim McHugh Jeanette Andrews 1 5 Bob Bergeron
Heartland has recently joined Best Friends Animal Society’s “No More Homeless Pets Network.” There was no cost to join the network and it will provide many great fundraising opportunities and help us promote adoption events. We actually have a listing on their page for Illinois NoKill shelters! Like their motto says, we all aim to “Save More Lives Together!” We are looking forward to upcoming events with Best Friends!
“Well, hello there! I’m Babee, a lovely lady with a sweet disposition. I love to cuddle, receive scratches and play with toys. I’ve been complimented on my beautiful coat and would love for a buddy to brush me outside in the yard. We could relax in the shade and socialize with other dogs and people. When will YOU come to spend time with me?” - Babee “Hey there, lads and ladies! I'm Miss Liberty, but you can call me Lib for short. I'm a fun loving girl, always wagging my tail and up for meeting new people! I could use some help socializing with other pups and would enjoy attending training classes nice days. I love to play outside and get lots of pets! Will you buddy up with me and help me find my forever home? Nobody responded to my last ad, so I’m trying again!” –Miss Liberty “I’m a four-legged, dark and handsome boy that’s looking for a buddy! I love people, other dogs, toys, running around the yard and getting attention! I get extremely excited and love to jump on people, so I need someone to help me learn my basic manners and commands. I am very friendly and can’t wait to buddy up with you!” - Zion “Hey there! I’m rory, a blonde boy with the softest coat! I’m always in a good mood and love when people spend time with me outside in the summer sun. Sometimes I relax in the outdoor chairs like a person. I’ve been told that it’s rather cute! My energy and athletic skills are quite attractive, but they also enable me to climb fences easily. I need someone to redirect that energy into agility training and mental activities. can you do that?” -rory : @
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going home
LIVELY
It’s rare that we can see a puppy grow up. Many puppies are adopted virtually as soon as they come in, with their overwhelming cuteness winning any heart that walks through our door. But Lively was a different story. It was almost like no one wanted this rabbiteared pup. Black dogs are harder to adopt, but even black puppies eventually get adopted. For Lively, it took nearly a year. He came to us at the end of August 2011 and was finally adopted recently. Lively’s buddy was Michelle who did a great job preparing him for his future home! By the time he left, he learned his manners and did great in training class. Even though it took him a long time to find the right home, it’s great that he got so much preparation by all of the loving volunteers. Thanks to everyone! Goodbye Lively!
All sweatshirts $30 – See the front desk