january | february 2010
pasadena humane society & spca
Adopt a Pet Animal shelters are your best source for finding the right pet. Not only will the shelter have a great array of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, but perhaps you’ll find the perfect hamster, lizard or parakeet. Or you might discover a bunny is just right for you! While caring for the animals, PHS staff and volunteers try to learn as much as they can about the animals, in order to make the best adoption matches pos-
will happily meet with you to answer questions and discuss any concerns you have. We ask that all members of your family meet the animal, too. If you are adopting a dog and have another dog, we want them to get along well, so we arrange a time for you to bring in your pet for a visit. Adopting a new pet can enrich and benefit your life in ways you may not expect. Many medical organizations embrace pet ownership as a possible part of a healthier and happier lifestyle.
sible. When you’re ready, come to PHS and see all the wonderful pets waiting for loving homes. Our adoptions staff
You can view the animals in our shelter online at www.pasadenahumane. org. Remember that your new pet is already vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. Let a shelter pet bring lasting joy to your life. Adopt!
compassion and care for all animals
leader of the pack Since 1903, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA has provided food, shelter, and care for abandoned and homeless animals. PHS has survived several wars, a Great Depression, periods of upheaval, and times of plenty. We have the experience and outlook that develops with such a deep and broad history, and we rely on our rich experiences to inform and guide our future success. In the past year, all of us faced tough economic times, so PHS cut expenses without compromising the care we give to the animals. We continued to provide both topnotch programs for shelter animals and widespread outreach to our community. Our animals received premium food, veterinary care and behavioral enrichment to make their stay at PHS as good as possible. We faced a terrible disaster in late August when the Station Fire caused the evacuation of hundreds of people and pets from their homes. PHS staff and volunteers responded professionally and cared for 389 animals of differing species. The community responded to our appeals for help, reinforcing our belief that we could not do all that we do without you. PHS is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing humane care for all animals. We begin 2010 prepared to do what is necessary to further that mission. This year may bring more economic difficulty. As people face the terrible decision to relinquish their pets, PHS remains committed to giving these animals a second and third chance for another loving home. All of you are animal lovers, and many of you are our supporters. In these difficult economic times it is important to know where your valuable donations go. Remember that if you contribute to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, you help animals locally, in Southern California. We look forward to your support and working with you to create a more humane community. For the animals,
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Steve
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did you know
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Dr. E.F. Rowland, the city’s health officer, founded Pasadena’s first humane society in October of 1894. The first humane society lasted only a year or two and was re-established by Dr. Rowland and Dr. E.L. Conger in 1903.
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In 1904, PHS had a very successful year and placed a total of 38 animals. In 2008, we found homes and rescues for 4,042 animals. In the early years, before an animal shelter was built, the directors and employees often took stray or unclaimed animals home at night. On one occasion when a boy’s horse was shot as unfit, the humane officer raised funds to buy him another horse. The functions of the early humane society included not only prosecution of cases of cruelty to animals and children but also:
•• Placement of orphan children for adoption.
•• Aid to an elderly Chinese man who had been evicted from his apartment.
•• Investigation of corporal punishment in the schools.
•• Lobbying in the legislation for laws to protect animals and children.
•• Investigation of truancy and curfew violations.
•• Help to a black Civil War veteran who was abused by a sister.
•• Judging Work Horse Parade winners in Labor Day parades.
•• Investigation of wife beating and desertion cases.
•• Censorship by society members of some films as unfit for youthful viewing.
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In 1912, PHS first used a Kodak camera to take photographs for use as evidence in court cases. PHS purchased its first automobile (a Model T roadster) in 1911 for $640. In 1908, PHS obtained a horse-drawn ambulance for $1250. This ambulance save many horses that otherwise would have been euthanized.
The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is NOT part of the ASPCA. When you donate to PHS you are helping animals here in Southern California. The ASPCA does not distribute donations locally. Each spca in the country is legally separate from all of the others. Donate to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and help the animals in your community http://www.pasadenahumane.org/donate
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wild things Raccoons One of the most common and recognizable wild animals in North America, raccoons have adapted well to living in close proximity to humans. In fact, their population is estimated as much as twenty times greater in urban environments in rural areas. This dramatic dif-
ference is attributed to the abundance of resources that people inadvertently (and sometimes purposely) provide.
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Raccoons are about the size of a medium dog and weigh 20 pounds or more. Their body is covered in dense grey fur that can give them an even larger appearance. Their most visible characteristics are their black, bandit like masks and ringed tail. Originally adapted to life in the forest, they are extremely good climbers. The hind feet can turn backwards--giving the raccoon a squirrel-like ability to descend. Its front feet are extremely sensitive and dexterous. The practice of washing their food in water may be due in part to the fact that water increases the sensitivity of their paws.
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Intelligent creatures, studies have shown that raccoons can remember the solution to a given problem for up to three years. In the wild, a raccoon rarely survives more than a few years; while in captivity they can live for more than twenty. Breeding occurs in late January to mid-March and the young are born after a two-month gestational period. Two to five young are born and they are blind and deaf. After six to nine weeks, the young raccoons will begin to explore outdoors with their mother. They will stay with her until fall or even the following spring. If the mother looses her young she will become fertile and breed again. The most common causes of mortality are distemper and automobiles. The success of raccoons as a species is due to their widely varied and adaptable diet and behavior. They will eat almost anything, from insects, fruit and nuts to small amphibians, fish, pet food or trash. One of the most common sources of conflict between humans and raccoons derives from of the raccoon’s tendency to dig in lawns to access the insect larva that lives in the ground. Eliminating grubs is the best long term and most humane solution. Raccoons are very adaptive and find multiple resources in residential areas that range from koi ponds to attics. Eliminate access to crawl spaces and chimneys and maintain an environment free from food sources and you will help keep nature’s bandit from becoming an issue at your home.
behavior & training Q A Tips and Myths about Pets Q: What’s so great about crates? A: When used properly, an appropriate size crate can become a critical tool in a canine housebreaking plan. When a dog becomes accustomed to the crate, it becomes a safe haven for a dog or puppy. By relying on a dog’s natural instincts to seek a den, as well as an aversion to soiling that den, confining the dog within the area motivates him/her to stay dry and clean. While many pet owners think their dog will not enjoy the crate, it can be a great training tool for an array of problem behaviors.
Q: M y dog has plenty of toys all over the place but still chews on things he shouldn’t. What can I do to keep him from chewing?
A: First, teach your dog a few basic tricks and practice them regularly, such as sit, down, shake, etc. You might even look into taking a training class to help build both his skills and your relationship. Also, make sure to pick up all those toys and rotate through them instead of having them available at all times. Dogs can become bored with toys that they see everyday, by rotating toys daily, you will keep things fun and interesting. Lastly, try getting toys that require some work such as puzzle toys or toys that you can put treats inside of. Toys that dispense treats will reward your dog for playing with it and keep them entertained longer than a toy that simply sits there.
Q: I just brought my new kitten home and he is hiding, what do I do? A: First and foremost, remember it is overwhelming and stressful for the kitty to arrive into their new environment. Providing your new kitty with a temporary safe haven for 10-14 days is the perfect way to see them succeed. The best places are spare rooms, enclosed bedrooms, or large bathrooms. While keeping the area fully stocked of food and water, allow kitty to venture, spending as much time with him as possible. Take kitty out of the room for an hour at a time and allow him to be introduced to the rest of the house and other family members. If your kitty still seems nervous and retreats, return him to his room and allow more time to adjust.
For more tips and information please contact the Pasadena Humane Society & SCPA’s Behavior & Training Department at (626) 792-7151 ext. 155.
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Happy Tails Romeo & Juliet’s Incredible Journey It happens all the time. A pair of dogs—best buddies—are found wandering the streets of Pasadena. When Romeo and Juliet, two five-yearold Shar-Peis, arrived at PHS, they seemed like any other lost dogs. But when we began our routine examination, we discovered something extraordinary. Juliet was blind. And Romeo was her guide dog.
ing Juliet constantly at his side. He just didn’t seem to need his “space.” When the trainer sat on the floor to play with these two, they both clamored playfully for attention and affection. It’s always hard to find a new home for a pair of dogs that need to stay together. But finding a home for a specialneeds animal and her “caretaker” would be a special challenge. Bound Angels, a non-profit organization that creates awareness campaigns about the plight of shelter animals, created a video about Romeo and Juliet, and posted it on YouTube. News reached a Shar-Pei and Chow rescue group in Prescott, Ontario called Merlin’s Hope. They met the pair and offered to take the dogs to Canada, to live in private foster homes until they could find a permanent home, together.
It is unclear how Juliet lost her vision, but she needed special care. The area where her eyes should have been was inflamed and needed medication. Amazingly, she was friendly and carefree. She walked easily on a leash and didn’t seem to know that anything was missing.
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Our behavior staff took Romeo and Juliet to the training room to see how they navigated the world. Romeo trotted around the room, while Juliet followed him confidently, usually with her nose lightly touching his side. Clearly, he was her guide. Romeo was always patient and never seemed to mind hav-
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PHS networks with over 200 rescue groups to find homes for the animals that come to us, but this one is 2,700 miles away! It just proves that people who love animals will go to any lengths to help them. Last we heard, Romeo and Juliet are happy and healthy, living in a loving foster home until they find a permanent, forever home. Your support of the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA helps make happy tales like this one. Thank you for all you do for the animals. Your support of the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA helps to make happy tales like this one. Thank you for all you do for the animals.
event round-up Wiggle Waggle Walk a Smash Success! On Sunday, September 27, 2009 the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA proudly presented the 11th annual Wiggle Waggle Walk for the animals. Even with temperatures topping 100 degrees, an estimated 2,500 people and their dogs took part in the event at Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl. Proceeds topped $285,000 to help provide shelter, care and new homes to animals.
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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID 361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105
Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142
Events For the most up to date schedule for Mobile Outreach, Barks and Books and Behavior Classes, please check the website, www.pasadenahumane.org
Agility Classes Offered at PHS Beginning January 16, PHS is offering beginning agility classes—an active dog sport that involves negotiating an obstacle course against the clock! For information and to register, call Drew at ext. 170 or go online at www.pasadenahumane.org
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS will present 2 workshops at PHS in March The Well Adjusted Cat on March 26, and The Well Adjusted Dog on March 27-28. To learn more and to register, visit www.thepetdocs.com
Facility Hours Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am—6 pm Sat 9 am—5 pm Sun 11 am—5 pm
Adoption Hours Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am—4 pm Sat 9 am—3 pm Sun 11 am—3 pm
www.pasadenahumane.org 24 hour Emergency Service please call 626.792.7151 Glendale residents please call toll-free 818.240.9100 The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is a private, non-profit, open door, animal welfare agency serving the communities of Arcadia, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.