The Whatcom Humane Society’s Newsletter
Spring 2014
Message From The Executive Director Dear Friends,
It’s hard to believe that this June will mark the one year anniversary of the move into our beautiful new shelter facility. I still catch my breath when I pull into our driveway and look at the building, the grounds and the property. Most mornings, when I arrive at the shelter and drive by the windows in our cage-free cat colony room, I see cats laying, napping and sunning themselves while our staff cleans around them. I get out of my car and as I walk into the building I wave to volunteers, many of whom have already been on-site for hours, taking dogs out for their morning walks and exercise. Walking into our secure back parking lot, I’m usually greeted by the sound of whatever livestock animals are currently residing in our small barnyard . . . the “gobble” of a turkey, “cluck” of a chicken or, recently, the sweet “moooooooo” of a baby calf. I have the best job in the world! Laura Clark Executive Director
Statement of Principle:
The Whatcom Humane Society believes that all animals, as sentient beings, have value beyond economic measurements and are entitled to legal, moral, and ethical consideration and protection.
Vision:
Our community treats all animals with kindness, respect, and compassion.
Mission Statement: The Whatcom Humane Society: • Advocates for animals; • Educates the community to promote humane treatment and respect for animals;
Now that we are settled into our new home, time to rest? No way! The past few months have been busy and things appear to be getting busier by the day. As the days get longer and the weather warmer, our new wildlife rehabilitation center, located 12 miles east of our shelter facility, will be inundated with orphaned and injured wild animals in need – many needing round-the-clock feedings and care. “Kitten Season” will arrive at our shelter and our foster care coordinator will be busy placing unweaned kittens and nursing mama cats with kittens into volunteer foster homes for care until they are old enough to be placed in our adoption kennels. Our longtime goal of offering kids summer camps will be realized this July with the inaugural Critter Camp – awesome! So many animals, so many programs and services, so much to do. Working in an open-admission animal shelter can be difficult. But I find the difficulty of shelter work is outweighed when I see the support of our community, the hard work of our staff (some of whom are featured in this PawPrint) and the dedication of our volunteers. Working together, we can continue to make a huge difference and impact in the lives of animals in our community – both domestic and wild. Our work is crucial and costly. Thanks to our members, donors, event sponsors, businesses and those in the animal welfare community, we can and will continue to be available for any animal in need. Your support of our mission and the animals in our care is valued and greatly respected. It means so much to all of us at the Whatcom Humane Society. I hope to see you at our shelter or at an upcoming event this spring or summer. With sincere appreciation,
• Provides for abandoned, injured, abused or neglected animals.
Laura Clark, Executive Director
WHATCOM HUMANE SOCIETY CARING FOR ANIMALS SINCE 1902
Board of Directors Victoria Savage, President Janet Hofmann, Vice President Pam Went, Secretary Ria Bordian Janise Rands Jennifer Sonker Neal Swanson Drew Wilkens Kevin Williamson Deb Wright
Wish List u Postage stamps - both first class and post card u New cat toys and catnip
Staff
Executive Director Laura Clark Administration Kate Meuth Alldredge LeAnna DeRoss
u Donated “air miles” to send staff to training conferences (please check with the airline for their policy regarding donated miles)
Animal Care Adriana Willmersdorf, Manager Sarah Hansen, Supervisor Amy Campbell, Lead Raena Anderson Amy Armstrong Kyle Berger Tina Deming Jesse Johnson, Farm Caregiver Alicia Langdon, Foster Care Coordinator Leigha Maland
u Blankets & towels (no electric blankets please) & bathmats u Paper towels & newspapers (minus the ads please) u Dog walking harnesses – Gentle Leader easy walk harnesses, sensi-harnesses for dog walking and training – all sizes, but especially L & XL
Wildlife Rehabilitation Services Alysha Elsby, Manager Alex Gomes Animal Control & Rescue/Field Services Paul Evans, Manager Rebecca Crowley, Lead Officer Michael Anderson, Dispatch Randy Ascanio Carrie Anderson Vicky Gibbons Marcus Newton Meganne Shannon-Johnson
u Hay, straw. sawdust, bedding pellets and grain for horses and other livestock
u H orse toys and treats u W hite and colored copy paper for our copy machine
Finance/Accounting Dana Berger
u New dog toys and treats
Special Events Dana Browne, Manager
u Art supplies for humane education programs (new or quality used)
Community Outreach/Humane Education Cari Sachkowsky Volunteer Services Carly Brewer Customer Service Danielle Yencopal-Smith, Lead Peter Anderson Zakia Kaminski Paws Awhile Gift Shop Dedicated Volunteers Veterinary Services Karen Rounds, DVM Joni Ascanio, Vet Tech
Progra ms & Services
• Adoptions & Animal Care • Lost & Found • 24-Hour Animal Control & Rescue • Investigations of Cruelty & Neglect • Licensing • Community Outreach & Special Events • Humane Education • Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program (SNAP) • Pet Food Bank • Veterinary Services • Volunteer Services • Wildlife Rehabilitation Services
Location OUR NEW LOCATION! 2172 Division Street Bellingham, WA 98226 HOURS OF OPERATION! Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday - Monday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed to the Public Tuesday and Major Holidays Phone: (360) 733-2080 Fax: (360) 733-4746
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u Sturdy dog leashes and flat buckle collars
www.whatcomhumane.org
u Quality new or used tractor u Large stall mats, head halters and lead ropes for the horses and livestock at our farm facility u U nopened bags and cans of dog & cat food (any brand!) u Hamster, rabbit, guinea pig and domestic rat food and treats u Quality new or used laptop or desktop computers u New or used dog houses for animal control & rescue u Gift Cards to any of the following businesses: PetStop in Sehome Village, Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, Whatcom Farmers Co-op, Joanne Fabric, Michaels, Fred Meyer or Haggen Food & Pharmacy u Cat scratchers and clumping cat litter (Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract brand especially appreciated) u Baby food, frozen berries, cracked corn, bird seed and nuts for our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center For more information, please contact Cari Sachkowsky at (360)733-2080 or email outreach@whatcomhumane.org. Check out our Amazon.com wishlist! Visit Amazon.com, “gifts & wishlists,” then type in Whatcom Humane.
10K timed run (for people only) 2.6 mile run/ walk (for people and their dogs!) Individual & Team Registration! Raise money for WHS and compete to win Top Dog prizes for you or your team/company!
10K & 2.6 mile Fun Run/Walk & Festival Sunday, August 24th Lake Padden Park, Bellingham
Following the run/walk, stick around for Northwest Washington’s Biggest & Best Festival for dogs and the people who love them. Doggie games, canine contests, pet-themed vendors, animal welfare groups, kid’s activities, demonstrations, entertainment, animal caricaturist, vegetarian food court, prizes and good times! To register for the DDS event and/or find out more information, visit www.whatcomhumane.org
PAWS AWHILE GIFT SHOP NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS Dear Paws Awhile Customers, It is with regret that we must inform you that after 16 wonderful years, Paws Awhile will be closing. Our last day of business will be June 15, 2014. This difficult decision was made after carefully reviewing the limited resources available and all viable and realistic options as they relate to the Whatcom Humane Society’s mission and long-term strategic plan. The increasing cost to lease our current retail space has made it too costly for us to continue to operate at our Fairhaven location. Unfortunately, the cost to relocate Paws Awhile, re-brand and market the store, advertise the change in location and possible product line and the time needed to recruit and train additional volunteers would require WHS to hire additional staff. This cost would eliminate any profit that Paws Awhile would make. Paws Awhile has been an important and vital part of the WHS family for many years. The tireless efforts and dedication of the volunteer team and generosity of its loyal customer base is recognized and valued. Paws Awhile will remain open this spring. Please stop by! We plan to liquidate as much existing merchandise as possible during this time. For those customers interested in donating collectables and household items in the future, we recommend contacting WeSnip (Whatcom Educational Spay & Neuter Impact Program), at www.wesnip.org for information about their semi-annual garage sale. Thank you so much for your support of the Whatcom Humane Society. For information on how you can continue to support the animals in our care, visit our website at www.whatcomhumane.org.
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Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to Cease Operations ~ Whatcom Humane Society to Open and Operate Wildlife Rehabilitation Services Department
Effective February 14, 2014, Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (NWRC) ceased operations. The Whatcom Humane Society assumed operations of a new wildlife rehabilitation center located off Mount Baker Highway in Whatcom County on February 15, 2014. “The difficult decision to dissolve our non-profit agency was made due to an increase in the number of animals the center was receiving and the continued financial strain to provide care to those animals,” says Brian Genge, board president for NWRC. “We are saddened by our circumstances but relieved and happy that the Whatcom Humane Society is available and able to provide this important service to the community. On behalf of everyone at NWRC, I want to thank the community, our supporters and volunteers for their great support over the years that allowed us to grow and meet the needs of wildlife in our area. We hope everyone will continue to offer their support to WHS and the service they will now be providing.” Last year, over 1,100 wild animals were received by NWRC. The Whatcom Humane Society will provide services to injured and orphaned wild animals with the goal of rehabilitation and release of these animals back into their native wild habitat. “We are humbled and excited by this new challenge and opportunity,” says Laura Clark, executive director of the Whatcom Humane Society. “We are very appreciative of the efforts that the staff and volunteers at NWRC have provided over the past several years. We will continue this work and will strive to provide quality care and services to native wild animals in need. In addition, our organization is committed to providing information and education to residents in the community about humane ways in which they can peacefully cohabitate with our wild neighbors and non-lethal ways to manage wildlife conflicts in both urban and rural areas in Whatcom County.” The WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Services Department will house and care for native wild animals at a property located at Nugents Corner near Everson. The facility is permitted by the Washington State Fish & Wildlife Department and owned by the Whatcom County Parks Department.
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Alysha Elsby, licensed wildlife reha bilitator and manager, WHS Wildlife Rehabilitati on Services
General Information about Native Wildlife Raccoons, opossums, skunks, birds, deer and coyotes are just a few of the wild animals that live with us in Whatcom County. Urban growth and development has created warm, comfortable housing (under decks and against spas) and an abundance of food (pet food and garbage cans). Many wild animals have adapted quite well to this urban environment and some have even managed to flourish. Listed below are some simple tips to help you peacefully co-exist with your wild neighbors.
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR YARD AND HOUSE EXTERIORS!
By paying close attention to the outside of your home, you can discourage wildlife from co-habitation on your property.
HELP! I FOUND A WILD ANIMAL
PETS: • Pick up pet food after dark. • Once your pet is inside for the night, secure and lock pet doors. • Replace plastic trash cans with metal cans and secure the top. Secure trash cans to a fence. • If you catch an animal in the midst of a raid, DO NOT attempt to pick up or corner the animal. Use bright lights or loud noises to frighten the visitor(s) away. • Close holes, openings and areas around decks, hot tubs, spas, sheds, porches, foundations and stairways.
Many State and Federal laws prohibit the keeping of wildlife unless you are licensed to do so. Wildlife Rehabilitators are trained to care for many types of wildlife, know the natural history of wildlife, work with veterinarians and have received the proper permits. They can provide the most appropriate foods, socialization and medical care to help return the animal back to the wild. Many internet tips on what to feed wildlife are incorrect and can lead to the animal’s death. Keep in mind that not all wildlife needs our help. Baby birds with feathers spend some time on the ground as they learn to fly and their parents are usually nearby. Fawns are left alone for several hours while their mothers go off to feed.
HELP! I FOUND AN INJURED WILD ANIMAL Wildlife becomes highly stressed from human contact and capture. To minimize stress: 1. If you are in Whatcom County, call WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Services at (360) 9668845. (Please wait for a staff person or volunteer to return your call before bringing the animal to our wildlife center.) 2. Always keep yourself safe first. 3. If you can safely capture the animal, put it in a warm, quiet, undisturbed place. 4. Avoid handling it as much as possible. 5. Do not give it food or water.
For more information on native wildlife and ways to support the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Services Department, please visit whatcomhumane.org.
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ADVOCATES FOR THE ANIMALS ~ A FEW OF THE
PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES AT WHS… IN THEIR OWN WORDS. Worked at WHS since: 2004 Favorite thing about working at WHS: Direct contact with all types of animals – from coaxing a frightened dog out from under a porch to capturing and freeing an owl. I am at my best when dealing with animals one on one and it is especially gratifying when an animal is adopted, returned to an owner or released back into the wild. Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: Dealing with an uncooperative or untruthful person. People who do not return phone calls, respond to door hangers and generally avoid contact are the worst. They often do not understand that I will just keep coming back until they talk to me!
Meganne Shannon-Johnson, Animal Control Officer
Recent WHS story to share: Cheddar the feral cat – I responded to a request to pick up a feral cat in Lynden. The long-haired orange tabby had been contained in an abandoned dog kennel by a man who had recently bought a house there. The cat was feral and I had to net the animal to get it into a carrier. The man later told me he believed the cat used to belong to the former resident of the house and was left behind when the homeowner moved to a nursing home. Most feral cats are euthanized, so I was very surprised when Cheddar was redeemed by his owner. I was even more surprised when I was contacted by the owner’s daughter who asked if I would come back and catch the cat and place him in a carrier so the owner (an elderly woman) could move the cat with her to a new assisted living facility. Over the next several months Cheddar’s owner contacted me for assistance – taking Cheddar to a private veterinarian for treatment or to a new residence for care. Each time, the owner and her family was extremely thankful and became regular donors to WHS. The owner was eventually no longer able to care for Cheddar, and I assisted in transporting him to a new permanent, responsible and loving home. When not at WHS, I share my house with: My wonderful loving chef husband Gregory and Winston, Elliott and Zachary, 3 cats all adopted from WHS.
Worked at WHS since: 2007 Favorite thing about working at WHS: Making a difference. I’ve worked several jobs that had no impact on my community. This is the first job I’ve worked where I feel satisfied every day that our community is a better place because of the work we do. Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: Getting people to understand the importance of spaying and neutering their pets. All the employees at WHS would be ecstatic to lose a job because there is no longer a pet overpopulation problem! Recent WHS story to share: I redeemed a dog to a family that had been searching 5 months to find their pet. The dog made it all the way from Cle Elum to Bellingham. In all my years of helping companion animals, I’ve never seen happier owners or a happier dog for that matter. When not at WHS, I share my house with: My house is occupied by myself, my husband and our two cats – sisters adopted from WHS the first month I worked here. Our kitty-babies are turning 7 this April and how great it’s been!
Danielle Smith, Lead Customer Service Representative
Worked at WHS since: 2012 Favorite thing about working at WHS: I love being the WHS volunteer coordinator! I am lucky to spend my days surrounded by amazing people who give their precious free time to help the organization and the animals in our care. And, of course, I love seeing the animals get placed into their forever homes. Watching them leave with their new families is the best and makes every day worthwhile. Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: The hardest part will always be seeing the animals that fall victim to abuse, hoarding, over-breeding or whatever inhumane treatment people have put them through. The worst is when our animal control officers fight so hard for those animals just to have the justice system fail. In this line of work you have to be motivated by that, not discouraged – but it’s tough.
Carly Brewer, Volunteer Coordinator
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Recent WHS story to share: There are so many, but my current favorite is a redemption story. A female Australian Shepherd was brought to WHS as a stray. One of our staff members recognized the dog from an ad on craigslist, so she called the folks who placed the ad. It turns out the dog was stolen from their home in Cle Elum back in October and they had been searching for her ever since. Our staff was able to reunite the dog, Lakota, with her original owners after all that time. It was by far the most joyous reunion I have witnessed – for the people and the dog! When not at WHS, I share my house with: Noodles, a wild and crazy 6 year old German Shepherd/Cattle Dog mix adopted from WHS; Westley, a very handsome 9 year old Pixie Bob; Jazz, who started as a WHS foster kitten 2 years ago and never left my side; and Andy, my very supportive significant other of 9 years.
Worked at WHS since: 2008 Favorite thing about working at WHS: Being a voice for the animals. Fighting for them to have a better life. Helping people when they ask for it—from giving out information about dog behavior to dropping off pet food. Educating the public about animal care and enforcing laws. Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: Not being able to do more than what the law allows. Not taking all the animals home to share with them what a good life feels like.
Carrie Anderson, Animal Control Officer
Recent WHS story to share: I spent several months last fall and winter working on a puppy mill case. One of the dogs involved was a standard poodle named Jewel. Jewel had a badly injured leg and who knows how many litters of puppies she had given birth to in her life. She was in really rough shape. Working with the county prosecutor’s office and WHS staff, we were able to gain legal custody of Jewel. Her leg had to be amputated and she spent several weeks in a foster home recovering. She came back to WHS and was adopted by a wonderful family. Her family brought her by for a visit recently and she is doing great and loving life. When not at WHS, I share my house with: My partner Elizabeth, 4 dogs, 1 cat and 5 fish tanks full of various finned friends.
Worked at WHS since: 2012 Favorite thing about working at WHS: This is the first job I have had that allows me to contribute something positive and meaningful to my community. Everything prior to this has been retail and sales, so I was on the bottom rung of a consumerist machine that I have come to despise. I am proud to work for WHS and I appreciate the opportunity to use my skills to help the animals and people of Whatcom County whenever I’m on duty. Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: It is certainly frustrating to work with the animal control officers on animal welfare cases in which it seems so obvious to us that the animals are suffering, but the law either sides with the owners or simply doesn’t offer sufficient protection for animals. I actually have to say that informing owners that a pet has been found dead is my most difficult task; my condolences seem so weak to me when I think of how heartbroken I would be to find out it was one of my pets that was struck and killed by a vehicle. Recent WHS story to share: I don’t have a specific story to share, but I want to recognize the amazing community support we receive in the form of donors and volunteers. I don’t think that it’s an overstatement to say that we would flounder without the dedication and support of these wonderful people.
Michael Anderson, Animal Control Dispatcher
When not at WHS, I share my house with: My wonderful, intelligent, compassionate and beautiful wife Raena (WHS animal care tech), my three awesome younger brothers (including Peter, WHS customer service rep) and our dogs Kai and Cheza.
Worked at WHS since: 2004 Favorite thing about working at WHS: Rehabbing scared dogs and getting them into great homes where I know they will be loved. Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: I just recently euthanized a 6-year-old pitbull because he bit the owner’s child. I really wanted nothing more than to yell at the owner and tell them that they should have been more responsible and supervised their young child and the dog – that it was their fault their dog was being euthanized. But I couldn’t say anything. Recent WHS story to share: I’m always happy when pitbulls are adopted to great homes. Paige, was an 8-weekold puppy that nobody appropriate wanted to adopt. Finally, an extremely nice couple came in and adopted her after signing her up for obedience training. I know she will have a great life and grow up to be a well-behaved and loved dog, and ambassador for her breed.
Sarah Hansen, Animal Care Supervisor
When not at WHS, I share my house with: My husband Jaime, daughter Laurel, son Forest, pitbull Tater Salad, Chihuahua Bubbles and cats Colonel, Rosie and Peanut.
Worked at WHS since: 2009 Favorite thing about working at WHS: Finding good homes for animals that have never had one. Helping scared or abused animals trust people again. Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: Not being able to save everyone. Recent WHS story to share: A few months ago, some people found a very old, very sweet Lab mix out in the county. They brought the dog to WHS. We named her Lady. She was probably 12+ years old and nobody came looking for her. Thankfully, the finders decided to adopt her and they came in and picked her up. She now has a great retirement home thanks to their kindness. When not at WHS, I share my house with: My boyfriend Brandon, dogs Beau the Beagle; and Daisy and Peanut the Chihuahuas and Chula and Otis the cats. .
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Amy Campbell, Lead Animal Care Tech
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Randall Ascanio, Animal Control Officer
Worked at WHS since: 2009 Favorite thing about working at WHS: Being part of a community of people working toward the advancement of a variety of animal welfare causes. Short answer . . . being one of the good guys! Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: Knowing deep down that no matter how hard any one of us tries, we cannot and will not save every single animal. Recent WHS story to share: Fellow animal control officer Marcus Newton returned a cat home to his family in Birch Bay after the cat was found in Bellingham 8 months after disappearing. Marcus said the kids were so happy to see their lost friend! When not at WHS I share my house with: My wife Joni (WHS vet tech), our newborn baby son Joseph, our cats Shirley, Gremlin and Murray, and our dogs Madison and Jack.
Worked at WHS since: 2007 Favorite thing about working at WHS: Knowing that every day I’m able to help animals who have no one else. Because of the work staff and volunteers do, animals who might otherwise be lacking food, shelter, attention or medical care are receiving all those things at WHS. Toughest/most difficult part of my job is: There can be a lot of different things all needing to be done as quickly as possible. Some days it can be hard to sort through and prioritize everything so that it happens when it needs to. And seeing the cruelty and neglect some animals have suffered is always hard. Recent WHS story to share: We really have the greatest volunteers in the world. They are constantly on the lookout for ways to help and sometimes it’s the little things that brighten your day. One of our volunteers who does a lot of laundry (a never-ending chore at the shelter) noticed that the vet clinics’ warming disc covers (used to help animals recover from spay/neuter surgery) were in rough shape. The volunteer asked us about them and learned that the manufacturer makes the covers an inch too small for the discs. So, she designed and sewed several new covers – such a wonderful and appreciated thing to do. When not at WHS, I share my house with: I share my house with my husband Craig, dogs Flynn and Kiera, and cats Deacon, Phoenix and Watson.
You “Auto” Donate!
Karen Rounds, Veterinarian
CALLING ALL KIDS!
You “auto” donate your old car, truck, boat, boathouse, RV or trailer for the animals at the Whatcom Humane Society. All donated vehicles must be in good running condition - no “junkers” please! Your donation is tax deductible and will help support the programs and services that WHS provides all year long. For more information please contact Laura Clark at (360) 733 - 2080, ext. #3026 or email director@whatcomhumane.org
“Friend” us on Facebook & Twitter
WHATCOM HUMANE SOCIETY CRITTER CAMP Critter Camp is designed to be a fun, educational camp experience for kids between the ages of 8 and 10 who love animals. Critter campers will spend a full week immersed in the following activities: • Interact with animals including dogs, cats and small animals • Learn about animal behavior for both domestic and wild animals • Meet WHS staff and animal experts in the community • Hands-on activities that will benefit shelter animals • Learn about responsible pet ownership • Information about veterinary care, pet first-aid and more • Shelter tours • Fun facts about horses, farm animals, reptiles, birds and other animals
3 Weekly Critter Camp Sessions To Choose From:
July 7th-11th
July 14th-18th
July 21st-25th
Critter Camp Staff: Each Critter Camp is led by a WHS Humane Educator, assisted by 2-3 full-time summer camp counselors. Camp staff training includes CPR/first-aid certification as well as training in safe animal handling and general emergency procedures. WHS performs background checks on all camp staff.
Cost: $185 (Includes five full days of camp, activities, crafts, materials, a vegetarian lunch and 2 snacks a day, a camp T-shirt, camp water bottle, and lots of fun!
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SPACE IS LIMITED. For more information or to reserve your child’s spot, please contact the WHS humane education office at 360-733-2080 ext. 3116 or email outreach@whatcomhumane.org.
“Friend” us on Facebook & Twitter! Become a “fan” of the WHS Facebook and Twitter page and receive updates about what’s happening at our shelter and the latest up-to-date information on animal-related issues in our community. ******************* Want to receive the latest WHS news via email? Sign up and join our email newsletter list. Email your address to: admin@whatcomhumane.org. In the “message” line, type “join email news list.” Thanks!