Scoop - November & December 2015

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2015

pasadena humane society & spca

Shop with Purpose The PHS Shelter Shop provides quality goods and services to a community of new pet adopters and experienced pet guardians alike. Since moving to its new location in 2013, the Shelter Shop expanded its selection of toys, food and pet accessories. There are additional benefits to shopping at the Shelter Shop apart from the competitive prices. “All of the sales proceeds from the store go to supporting the animal care programs here at the shelter,” says Jessica Cliver, Shelter Shop Manager. “So what you spend here, helps here.”

If you are planning a vacation and need to make accommodations for your dog, the Shelter Shop also offers boarding for dogs from six months to 10 years of age. The boarding kennels were designed for comfort with water vapor misters to keep boarded dogs cool in the summer, and heated floors to provide warmth during colder months. Oneon-one playtime and socialization with a member of our Behavior and Training staff is an optional service for dogs to help make their stay (continued on back page)

compassion and care for all animals

LEADER OF THE PACK For me, the holidays are a time for reflection.

Although the year is not yet over, our accomplishments have been significant.

In June, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA opened the state-of-the-art Neely Cat Center and the Critter House. Our creative architects, builders and designers transformed the previous boarding kennels and cattery into modern, enriching housing for cats and kittens, and reptiles, birds and rabbits.

Private funding made these life saving changes possible. These major improvements mean that the Pasadena Humane Society is in a perfect position to develop new, targeted programs that will help even more animals! Our work is never finished!

There are many ways to help the animals and our programs and we are grateful for all that you give!

You may volunteer in various capacities, from administrative work to assisting in our health clinic or helping wrangle animals for The Dog House TV show. Our volunteer manager will put your talents to work for the animals!

PHS is a private, non-profit organization that welcomes your donations of items on our wish list as well as monies. Our End of the Year Campaign is an excellent way to contribute to animal care programs. Our staff will put whatever you give to use for the animals.

PHS wants you and your pets to have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season. During the holiday activities don’t forget your pets. Make certain that they have current identification, whether it is a microchip, ID tag or both, so we can return them to you if they get lost. Spend special time with them before company comes. Feed them appropriate food that won’t upset their digestion. If you are leaving town, make your boarding reservations early before your favorite facility fills up. Our website offers many suggestions for ways to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Happy holidays,

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COMMUNITY HEROES

Samantha Heer Samantha Heer is a PHS Foster Parent extraordinaire. Since 2014, Samantha, her husband Eric, and their three children have welcomed 27 orphaned kittens and two nursing mom cats into a spare bedroom in their La Cañada home.

Samantha first learned of the PHS Foster Program when her husband Eric, a PHS Board Member, intercepted a Good Samaritan dropping 4 onemonth-old kittens in our office. Eric immediately offered to foster the kittens until they reached the two pound minimum weight requirement for adoption.

The next day our Foster Coordinator received a concerned call from Samantha; she was ready to pick up the kittens. Since that day, the Heer guest room has rarely been empty.

Samantha loves fostering because she knows she is “literally helping to save little lives.”

Another perk to fostering Samantha mentions is that “kittens are easy and you get to have them when they are at the cutest stage of their lives.”

Plus, being raised in a foster home where they receive constant love

and attention, “really helps them get adopted faster,” in her opinion.

The temptation to adopt one of her foster kittens is always there, but Samantha has resisted thus far. The Heer household is full to the brim with two dogs, three cats and two rabbits. Their dog Sky, a black lab and pit bull mix, was adopted from PHS in 2011.

Since joining the PHS Foster Program, Samantha has also signed up as a Wildlife Transport and Release volunteer and is training in our Shelter Shop. We look forward to seeing what volunteer opportunity Samantha seeks out next!

Samantha Heer is our Community Hero because she is a dedicated animal lover who generously opens her home to animals in need while continually expanding her involvement at PHS.

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PET ED.

Here to Help “Where is the new Neely Cat Center?” “How do I adopt the dog in Kennel 62?” “What is the fee to have my cat neutered?” Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA Docents are ready to help visitors with these and other questions.

The PHS Docent Program started in March of 2015 to enhance visitors’ experience at the shelter. Docents help with directions, provide information on the adoption process, and ensure public and animal safety.

They also support guests in the Animal Care Center by providing information about the various low

Docents offer a friendly face and contribute to a warm welcoming atmosphere for all. The docent program has doubled in size to 25 since it began eight months ago.

The schedule has also expanded to Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Docents at PHS enjoy helping visitors find the information they need.

Rosa Tomsic, one of the original PHS docents, says, “As a docent, greeting, guiding and informing the visiting public about PHS’s role and services has been a highly rewarding experience. My favorite task is interacting with potential adopters, talking about the animals in the shelter, and helping them find the animal of their dreams.”

Don’t be surprised if you see a PHS Docent the next time you visit the shelter. You’ll recognize them by their friendly manner, knowledge about PHS animals and services, and the green ribbon that says ‘DOCENT’ attached to their volunteer badge.

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cost services that help people care for their companion animals. Docent volunteers are happy to point visitors in the direction of the Shelter Shop, the SNiP Clinic, and the Behavior and Training Center.

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For more information on how to become a PHS Docent, visit pasadenahumane.org/volunteer.

HAPPY TAILS

Brotherly Love When Deborah Takahashi adopted Sherlock in the summer of 2014 she didn’t quite know what was in store.

The three pound, black and white bundle of energy was the most curious and intelligent cat she had ever met. To keep Sherlock engaged, the Pasadena librarian tapped into her creative side. She decided to leash train Sherlock and soon he was going for walks and riding in the car to visit local pet stores.

After some thought, Deborah decided Sherlock might like a sibling close in age. She and her boyfriend adopted Simba, a two-year-old Siamese mix, on Free Adoption Day this past summer. In many ways, Simba is Sherlock’s opposite. He has a mellow, laid back attitude and can often be found snoozing on the sofa.

Despite personality differences, the boys are best of friends. The moment Simba arrived, Sherlock was ready to play. Even while Simba adjusted to his new home in a separate room, Sherlock would sit with his paw under the door reaching out for his brother.

The two boys love to rough-house.

“Sherlock is a handful that only Simba can manage. We really enjoy that the WKWE (World Kitty Wrestling Entertainment) takes place nightly in our apartment because after every fight, these brothers end up grooming each other before going their separate ways,” says Deborah.

Sherlock and Simba have made wonderful additions to the Takahashi household and we thank Deborah for providing the “brothers” a loving home.

How has your animal companion made a difference in your life? When did you first adopt from PHS? Share your adoption story with us by emailing us at pr@pasadenahumane.org with “Scoop Happy Tails” in the subject line. Your story may be featured in a future issue of Scoop, on our website, or on our social media channels! Include a high resolution photo (at least 3 MB at 300 dpi) and your story (no more than 300 words).

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Happy Holidays from all the animals at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA! Our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide is here to help you give the perfect gift this holiday season. Below are a variety of gift ideas that support the animals at our shelter.

AmazonSmile As the holidays roll around, remember you can support the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA with one click. Shop at smile.amazon.com and a portion of

your purchase will be donated to our shelter. You can also shop our Amazon Wishlist to buy a gift for the animals.

Affiliates ’Tis the season! From planning your perfect holiday meal to checking off your gift list, our Affiliates are sure to have what you need. And the best part? These retailers will generously donate a portion of the proceeds to help support the animals in our community. For more information, please visit www.pasadenahumane. org/affiliates.

Wishlist

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Don’t forget shelter animals on this year’s holiday gift list. View our wish list at www.pasadenahumane.org/ wishlist to donate an item to the animals in our care or host a holiday gift drive and collect much-needed items like canned dog and cat food, cat litter, pet toys and much more.

Some items can even be purchased in our very own Shelter Shop. Every item will be used by an animal in need!

When you donate to the Pasadena Humane Society, you help animals in Arcadia, Bradbury, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena. The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is not part of any national animal organization. All of the funds you contribute to PHS stay locally. Donate to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and help the animals in your community.

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Vehicle Donations Get rid of that junker in your driveway this season by donating your old car to PHS. The proceeds will be used to help the animals in our community. Please call 626.792.7151 ext. 130 for more information.

Holiday Tribute or Memorial Cards Looking for a meaningful gift for your loved ones? Give a gift to PHS in honor or memory of a special person or pet that has changed your life. PHS will mail a personalized holiday card letting your loved one or their family know a gift has been made. Please visit www. pasadenahumane.org/tributegifts or call 626.792.7151 ext. 164 for more information.

PHS Gift Certificates Gift certificates from our organization come in any denomination and can be redeemed at the Shelter Shop, used toward pet adoption fees, spay/neuter services, training classes or brand new chew toys!

Certificates can be purchased at the Front Office and the Shelter Shop.

Community Fundraiser Get involved with PHS this holiday season by organizing a community fundraiser. Whether selling gingerbread cookies or hosting a

holiday pet donation drive, getting the community involved in the festivities with a fundraiser is the perfect way to show your holiday spirit.

Tribute Sculpture Consider commemorating a loved one on the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA Tribute Sculpture this holiday season. For only $300 a line, make a lasting, permanent tribute or memorial dedication to a special person or animal companion.

For more information please visit: www.pasadenahumane.org/ sculpture.

Constant Companion End the year by joining Constant Companions, a monthly giving program to support the animals at PHS. Make a difference, not only for the holidays, but all year long as your donations save the lives of countless animals. To join please visit: www.pasadenahumane.org/ constantcompanions.

Year End Giving The holiday season is a great time to make a difference in an animal’s life. Your year end donation provides food, shelter and medical care for the animals in our community. To show your support and change the life of an animal, make your donation at www.pasadenahumane.org/donate.

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361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105

PAID

Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142

Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage

Shop with Purpose (continued from page 1) in boarding as enjoyable as possible.

Jessica mentions that it is important to plan ahead when it comes to boarding.

“If you have travel plans over the holiday season, be sure to book your dog’s boarding reservation about a month in advance. We book up quickly!”

The Shelter Shop is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. Parking is available in our underground structure off of Raymond Avenue. Staff can also assist with large carry outs. For more information call 626.792.7151 ext. 125.

Facility Hours

The Shelter Shop Hours

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am—6 pm Sat 9 am—5 pm Sun 11 am—5 pm

Mon-Fri 9 am—6 pm Sat 9 am—5 pm Sun 11 am—5 pm

Adoption Hours

www.pasadenahumane.org

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am—5 pm Sat 9 am—4 pm Sun 11 am—4 pm

24 hour Emergency Service please call 626.792.7151.

Glendale residents please call toll-free 818.240.9100