May | June 2011
pasadena humane society & spca
Priceless Volunteers Volunteering at the Pasadena Humane Society is a win-win situation. Our programs are infused with the talents of people who care deeply about animals and our volunteers know that they are an essential part of an organization that provides compassion and humane care for over 12,000 animals each year. These animal lovers contribute in every aspect of our programs. Many greet the public at the front desk or on the telephones; others assist in adoptions or in our veterinary clinic. Our Mobile Outreach Unit and training and fun and games classes would not function as effectively without volunteer power. Our events, from our signature Wiggle Waggle Walk to the golf tournament rely on the support and energy of our dedicated volunteers. Brought to PHS by a common interest in animals, our volun(continued on back cover)
compassion and care for all animals
leader of the pack Because of the changing nature of animals coming into animal shelters, the Pasadena Humane Society has plans for an accessible, forward-thinking Animal Care Campus to target the goal of zero euthanasia of adoptable animals. In the last Scoop, I discussed the new opportunities in the Behavior and Training Department that the campus would offer to the animals and residents of our community. Educational Outreach is another essential component of our plan. A vibrant, effective educational outreach department reaches future generations and develops a foundation for a compassionate and humane community. By building on our existing programs, the new campus will provide space for more intensive programs such as preschool story time, a junior animal care officer program, and day camp. Space will be available for more seminars on animal related issues, training opportunities for animal care professionals, and workshops for the public. Our concentration on community education is another way PHS will encourage companion animal retention, strengthen the human-animal bond and prepare for the future. Remember, the best shelter is a humane community.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PHS is fortunate to have strong community support. In June, two events are scheduled that will benefit the animals. The Fast and The Furriest is a charitable event that will be held Saturday, June 11, 2011 to benefit the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. The animal-andautomobile-themed event will be presented by the Pasadena Animal League. For information about the event, go to their website at www.fastandfurriest.org. On Sunday, June 12, The San Marino Motor Classic will be held at Lacy Park in San Marino on Sunday, June 12, 2011. The exhibition will feature a broad array of motorcars and motorcycles spanning a period of more than 85 years. There will be approximately 200 vehicles on display. Proceeds from the event will support the Pasadena Humane Society and the Rotary Club of San Marino. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sanmarinomotorclassic.com. We hope to see you at these events or in the shelter soon.
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Steve
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Community heroes
Saving Hummingbirds Everybody loves a hummingbird. With their speedy wings, jewel-toned feathers, and tiny stature, hummingbirds have an almost magical charm. But despite their wide appeal, hummingbirds face many man-made and natural dangers including tree-trimmings, free-roaming cats, severe weather and other hazards. Luckily, these birds have a friend in Terry Mesear.
under federal law and must be cared for by a licensed rehabilitator like Mesear. Growing up in the Midwest, Mesear rarely saw a hummingbird. Now a teacher at UCLA, Terry has been taking summers off to rehabilitate hummingbirds since 2006. More than 100 hummingbirds are brought to her each year. When a hummingbird is brought to Mesear for rehabilitation, it will require constant feedings to maintain good health. Hummingbirds eat continuously during the day consuming nectar and small insects. Raising a single hummingbird to maturity is a full-time job. “Terry provides an invaluable service. We receive so many birds throughout the year, we would not be able to keep up without rehabbers like Terry,” said PHS Wildlife Officer, Ashley Hermans.
A member of South Bay Wildlife Rehabilitation, Mesear is licensed under the State of California and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to rehabilitate hummingbirds. She cares for orphaned and injured hummingbirds all over the Los Angeles area and surrounding communities. Hummingbirds are protected
Although the work is constant and challenging, Mesear maintains a wonderful point of view. “Hummingbirds capture your imagination,” she says. “The best part is when they’re ready for release and I open the aviary door and they spiral up towards the sky and out into the world.” Through her hard work and round-the-clock commitment, Mesear has successfully released hundreds of hummingbirds back into the community.
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 pag e 3
wild things
Band-tailed Pigeon The Band-tailed Pigeon is our native specie. Similar in appearance to the ubiquitous Rock Dove from Europe, a few distinctive characteristics make correct identification possible. The Band-tailed Pigeon is a more uniform soft gray that lightens towards the belly with a thin white marking above iridescent green feathers on the back of the neck. The feet are yellow as is the bill that has a dark tip, and they
The range of our largest native, dove type bird is on the western edge of Canada down to South America. Most populations migrate south of their summer grounds in the winter while a few that live in mild areas, such as in the foothills of the Angeles National Forrest, may remain year-round. They live in elevated woodlands that can provide the acorns, pine nuts, other seeds and berries that they need, and seek out mineral deposits for salt. The male and female build a simple nest of twigs and lay only one egg, which results in a comparatively low reproduction rate. Targeted as agricultural pests and hunted to this day, their population has been suffering a slow, steady decline. Contributing to this decline is the disappearance of the forest and woodland habitats that they need. They must compete with the feral Rock Dove for resources which unfortunately has spread the devastating infection called Trichomoniasis. This infection is frequently fatal to the birds and is spread at communal feeding and watering sites.
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have a broad light gray band at the end of their tail. In contrast, the feral pigeon typically has two dark bands on the wing, a white patch above the tail, pink feet and a dark bill.
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Recently, due to their declining numbers, more efforts are under way to determine what factors are the most significant in affecting their population. Every year the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA rescues and rehabilitates many of these birds as part of our wildlife rehabilitation efforts. If you find a sick or injured bird, please contact our wildlife officer at 626.792.7151 ext. 110.
behavior & training Q A Tips and Myths about Pets Q: M y dog is constantly jumping up on the couch when I have visitors over. I tell him “off” in a stern voice but he won’t listen. Help!
A: There are several different techniques that can be applied here. Success will depend on your dedication and your dog’s willingness to cooperate. The easiest solution would be to purchase an “X-Mat”; a square training tool you place on furniture. It has small indentations that make furniture an unappealing place to sit or nap. “X-Mats” make for great management tools but rolled up duct-tape placed sticky side up can be used as an inexpensive alternative. Consistency is a large part of training for any animal so whether people are over or you are home alone, the rules must remain the same.
Q: M y dog is horrified to get anywhere near my car. We need to take him to the vet eventually. What can I do?
A: Riding in a car can be stressful for many dogs, but especially for those who are not used to it. Start by desensitizing your dog to the car before taking a trip. Begin by offering your dog treats for approaching the car; make sure the treats are something your dog really likes! Once your dog will willingly approach the car for treats, begin tossing the treats just inside the car door. Once inside, close and reopen your door rewarding your dog each time they calmly stay in the car. After several attempts try a short ride around the block; remember many dogs suffer from motion sickness so vomiting, anxiety, stress drooling, and heavy panting are all indicators that the ride may be too long. Keep your rides short and positive, building the length of time as you go.
Q: W hy is my dog constantly trying to chase squirrels when we are out on walks?
A: Many breeds of dogs have what is often referred to as prey drive. It is very important to understand that prey drive and aggression are often confused but completely different concepts. Of course, prey drive behavior is not appropriate to our modern city living, but your dog doesn’t know that, hence where training and management come in. Managing prey drive is a difficult task because you are fighting your dog’s natural instincts; hiring an in-home trainer to assist is typically the best option. Ineffective training or lack of management can be cause for a run-away dog, or potentially redirected aggression towards another small animal including cats and small dogs.
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 Gigi’s Second Chance Once a frightened and insecure stray, now a therapy dog, visiting convalescent and youth homes When Stephanie Zeimer met Gigi for the first time, she had come to the Pasadena Humane Society to donate blankets. She was not looking for another pet; she already had two wonderful dogs at home. But when she saw Gigi, she was immediately drawn to her. Even though she was fearful and nervous at first, the stray pit bull terrier charmed Stephanie with her gentle demeanor and soulful eyes. Stephanie called every day to check on Gigi. After a couple weeks nobody had come to claim her so Stephanie brought her dogs (Gus, a pit bull terrier mix, and Betty Boop, a Boston terrier), to meet Gigi. The three got along and that sealed the deal. Gigi quickly blossomed into a relaxed and happy pup in the home environment. It didn’t take long for Stephanie to realize that she was a special dog who had the potential to do great things. She excelled in her training classes, completing obedience and agility classes and receiving certification as an AKC Canine Good Citizen.
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Stephanie made sure that Gigi got a well rounded education, “I took her everywhere with me so she would be socialized in all kinds of different situations. I soon found out that Gigi enjoyed meeting children when we were out on walks and she was very calm when they pet her.” She then realized that Gigi could help people and began training her for pet–assisted therapy.
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Stephanie and Gigi have been volunteers with the Pasadena Humane Society’s Animal-Assisted Therapy Program for the past year. Together, they visit convalescent and children’s homes. Sometimes animals are able to break down the barriers that isolate people with physical and emotional disabilities, reduce anxiety and increase communication. Affectionate and easy-going Gigi has made many friends and they look forward to her visits. However, life isn’t all work for Gigi. When she’s not busy brightening people’s days through the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program, she loves to play and snuggle with her fellow furry volunteers and her big brother and sister, Gus and Betty Boop. She adores her pet-parent Stephanie, and never misses an opportunity to shower her with affection and show her appreciation for being rescued. And Stephanie adores her right back, “she just keeps getting better and better.”
event round-up Have Fun and Help the Animals We hope you will join us for two funfilled events that will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. On Saturday, June 11, 2011 the Pasadena Animal League presents The Fast and the Furriest gala at Annandale Country Club. This event, which will kick of the San Marino Motor Classic, will feature live entertainment, dancing, delicious food and drinks, and live and silent auctions. Tickets for The Fast and the Furriest are $250 per person. All proceeds will be donated to the Pasadena Humane Society’s spay/neuter programs. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fastandfurriest.org or call (626) 441-7737. The San Marino Motor Classic will be held at Lacy Park in San Marino on Sunday, June 12, 2011. The Motor Classic will display an exceptional array of cars and motorcycles that span more than eight decades. The exposition will featuring approximately
200 stunning vehicles ranging from American and European race, sport and luxury cars. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $25. Patron Pavilion tickets, which include event admission, a gourmet buffet lunch and beverages in a VIP area are $125. Proceeds from the event will support the Pasadena Humane Society and the Rotary Club of San Marino. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sanmarinomotorclassic.com.
Mark Your Calendars for the 13th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk Save the date! The Wiggle Waggle Walk will be held at Brookside Park on Sunday, September 25th, 2011. Help raise funds and join thousands of animal lovers and their canine companions for a fun filled community dog walk and pet expo. Now is the perfect time to register for the Wiggle Waggle Walk. You can start a team, or walk as an individual. Create your own fundraising webpage to show your family, friends and co-workers how much your pet means to you and why it is so important to help all animals in need. Along the way, you will win cool prizes as you raise funds! To get started, visit www.wigglewagglewalk.org.
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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142
361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105
Priceless Volunteers teers range in age from 15 to 82 and come from all over the San Gabriel Valley. Some have been volunteering for over 20 years! In 2010, over 400 active volunteers contributed more than 26,000 hours to help animals in need—the equivalent of 13 full-time employees! Many teens do their community service volunteer work at PHS. They learn about proper animal care, current animal related issues as well as the significant services that we provide. In turn, we provide them with
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—5 pm Sat 9 am—4 pm Sun 11 am—4 pm
(continued from cover) referrals and recommendations to college and even to vet school. Seniors volunteer with the animals for several reasons. PHS is a great place to hang out; there are like minded people to talk with, as well as lots of animal interaction which can be enjoyable for those who live alone or want to be actively retired. The first week of May is Be Kind to Animals Week. Our family of volunteers brings the spirit of compassion that week represents to every day of the year!
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, openSociety door, animal The Pasadena Humane & SPCAwelfare is a agency the communities of Arcadia, private,serving non-profit, open door, animal welfare Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, agency serving the communities of Arcadia, Glendale, La Cañada Pasadena, San Marino, San Marino, SierraFlintridge, Madre and South Pasadena Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.