Scoop - January & February 2012

january | february 2012

pasadena humane society & spca

Standing Up for the Little Guys A successful public spay and neuter program is essential to ending the tragedy of pet overpopulation. When combined with an aggressive pet identification and public information plan, more dogs and cats are sterilized and the number of homeless animals decreases. Spay/neuter programs have contributed significantly to the nationwide decrease in euthanasia of domestic pets in shelters.

In the decade since the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA opened the SNiP (Spay Neuter in Pasadena) clinic, more than 13,000 cats, dogs and feral cats have been sterilized, preventing the

birth of countless animals and subsequently reducing euthanasia of unwanted pets in our service area.

However, Chihuahuas now make up a significant portion of our kennel population. Our rescue coordinator has established very successful partnerships with shelters on the East Coast that have a high demand for them and PHS has flown more than 200 Chihuahuas back east to be adopted into loving homes.

But that is not enough. Beginning January 2012, our public spay neuter clinic will begin sterilizing Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes under 15 pounds at no charge to their owner! Like our (continued on back page)

compassion and care for all animals

leader of the pack If you visit the animals in our shelter, you quickly realize that none of them are worried about the economy or even their next meal. Our staff and volunteers keep the animals fed, warm, and safe from disease and harm thanks to our supporters.

When animals are in distress, our commitment to them is to help immediately and, if necessary, establish a program that will lead to long-term change. The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA has a tradition of proactively creating programs that have positive long- term results for the animals. 2012 is no different.

Beginning January 1, 2012, our public spay neuter program will begin sterilizing Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes under 15 pounds at no charge to the owner.

Currently, our kennels are filled disproportionately with Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes. We hope this offer will help Chihuahua owners care for their pets in these tough economic times.

PHS developed two strategies to curtail the population of Chihuahuas in our shelter: (1) no-charge sterilization for the public and (2) potential transport for healthy and behaviorally sound Chihuahuas to a placement partner on the East Coast, where the breed is less abundant. Both actions make significant strides towards reaching our goal of zero euthanasia of placeable animals.

Our team of staff, supporters, donors and volunteers work tirelessly for the animals. We know that each year brings new challenges on behalf of the animals, but we are prepared and ready for every one of them.

We want you to know that your contribution to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA stays at this shelter. Every donation is used to help the animals in our service area—the cities of Arcadia, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.

We can’t do it without you.

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Steve

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Community heroes

Euro Pane Bakery Making a Difference, One Macaroon at a Time Just across the street from the Paseo Colorado shops is Euro Pane Bakery.

Known for its passion fruit Arnold Palmer and decadent macaroons, this artisan bakery (owned by baker and restaurateur Sumi Chang) serves up a delicious variety of foods and a relaxing ambiance.

This newest location opened in May of 2010 while the original Euro Pane, which is further down Colorado Blvd., opened nearly 20 years ago.

The bakery has hosted the PHS Shelter School program field trips for the last five months when manager Pat Tauzin heard of the program through her dog walker, a former PHS staff member. This program enriches dogs through fun activities, which, in turn, makes them more adoptable. Led by Behavior Supervisor Drew Marsden and his staff, dogs are paired with a volunteer and are taught basic obedience commands such as “come,” “sit” and “stay” in addition to being socialized with other dogs.

Once a month, the Shelter School program goes on a field trip in which the PHS Mobile Unit takes the group out around Old Pasadena. They walk for

about a mile until they reach their final destination – Euro Pane. Bowls filled with

cool water are lined up along the lush, densely green seating area as Euro Pane staff graciously bring out complimentary trays of all-natural dog biscuits while PHS staff and volunteers are treated to Arnold Palmers and macaroons. The group stays at the location for about 20 minutes so volunteers can practice the obedience commands with the dogs in an open setting.

Since hosting the program, Tauzin mentioned that patrons have asked more about the shelter. “We look forward to it,” she said. “It’s fun to see them come over and see the different dogs.” All of (continued on back page)

When you donate to the Pasadena Humane Society, you help animals in Arcadia, Glendale, LaCañada Flintridge, 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. pa g e 3

wild things

Ravens vs. Crows The corvidae family of birds includes crows, ravens, magpies, jays and nutcrackers, many of which are common in Southern California. The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and the Common Raven (Corvus corax) are very similar; however, there are subtle differences that can help with correct identification. The most obvious difference is size – ravens are the largest member of the corvidae family. The wingspan of the raven is three-and-a-half to four feet compared to the crow’s two-and-a-half feet. Additionally, the raven can also weigh four times more than the average crow.

Besides their size, the plumages of both birds have distinguishable attributes. The crow’s tail is fan-shaped

The vocalization of the birds can also be used as an identification tool. The smaller crow has a higher pitched “caw” compared to the deeper, rougher “kraw” of the raven. Both birds have many types of vocalizations, but the raven has many more, and has even been known to mimic human speech.

Both birds are year round species throughout most of North America. The encroachment of cities and suburbs on open land has led to a decrease in the number of ravens, while the gregarious crows have prospered.

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while the raven’s tail is longer and points into a wedge. The raven’s wing is also pointed in contrast to the more blunt and splayed feathers of the crow. Raven plumage has a glossy sheen with purple hues, whereas the crow’s is a dull, flat black. Ravens also have a “ruff” of hairlike feathers around their curved beak.

The beak of a crow is flat.

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Ravens form strong pair bonds and can often be seen together or with a couple of their offspring in small family groups. They prefer large, open home ranges and have long life-spans. Crows are often seen in the city living in social groups that can number in the hundreds. The oldest wild raven on record was 17 years old. The oldest wild crow on record was 16 years old, while the oldest captive crow on record was an astonishing 59 years old!

behavior & training Q A Tips and Myths About Pets Q: E very time I leave my dog alone he gets into the trash. He knows it’s wrong because when I return and correct him he puts his head down and acts very guilty, but he does it again the next time I leave. What can I do to make him stop?

A: Many dog owners complain that their dogs steal food or other items from the trash can. This behavior is not only annoying to the owner, but can also be dangerous for the dog. Stealing and gorging on human food can make your dog sick. Ingesting items such as tissue, aluminum foil and bones etc. can cause serious injury. Trash can digging is a self-rewarding behavior that is best addressed through behavior management. First, never leave trash where your dog can get into it. Use a trash can with a lid. Some cans have locking lids in case your dog is a determined trash digger. Empty trash cans when they are full so your dog will not be attracted by the smell. Next, restrict your dog’s access to the trash. If you cannot put the trash out of reach; confine your dog to a crate. The crate will keep your dog safe and you won’t have to clean up a mess. Finally, never punish your dog after the fact. While your dog may appear to look guilty, the only thing he knows is that you are upset and he is using his best doggie body language to try and appease you.

Q: W hat do I need to know before bringing my new puppy home?

A: Puppies are like infants and need special care and supervision. Besides food and water, one essential for any new puppy is a crate. Puppies need to learn the rules of the house before given any freedom to run loose.

Keep the puppy in the crate at night, during nap times or when he/she cannot be supervised. Other crucial items include chew toys, deodorizing pet spray for cleaning up messes, grooming supplies and treats for training. Socialization is very important for young puppies; remember to expose your puppy to lots of new things, but do so in a positive way.

They can be challenging, but it is important to be patient and do activities that both you and your new puppy enjoy!

For more tips and information, please contact the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA’s Behavior & Training Department at 626.792.7151 ext. 155.

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Happy Tails

Leia the Super Nanny Dog Leia adores her human baby sister, one-year-old Liesl. She loves to follow the little girl around and give her gentle doggy kisses.

But life wasn’t always so happy for this sweet pup…

Four years ago, Leia was a stray, living on the streets with one of her littermates, malnourished and timid. A few weeks of healthy meals and a lot of interaction with staff and volunteers helped them to blossom into beautiful, bouncy puppies. Her littermate was adopted, but for some reason, Leia waited and waited for a forever home.

Marita DeLeon, a volunteer in the PHS Pet Therapy program, was visiting the shelter with her dog, Benny. The two

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met Leia, and Marita was surprised that Benny showed quite an interest in the puppy. Marita was not sure if she was ready to have another pet, but requested to be the last resort for Leia

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(meaning that if no placement could be found, she would adopt her).

When Marita received a call from our Adoptions office, Leia had been at the shelter for almost two months and had been overlooked by potential adopters. When Marita agreed to take the little dog, Leia finally got the home she had been waiting for so patiently.

About a year ago, things changed in the DeLeon home. Marita and her husband welcomed a new bundle of joy into their life—their lovely daughter Liesl. They were confident that Leia would be a wonderful companion to their daughter. As Marita explains, “Leia was smitten from the moment she met Liesl. All she wants to do is watch over her and kiss her. They both love each other so much.”

Leia has exceeded their expectations as an adoring and attentive nanny dog. When Liesl wakes up crying at night, Leia runs into her room and paces around her crib. During the day, she watches Liesl when she plays and is incredibly gentle with her.

The little dog that Marita took a chance on proved to be a loyal and beloved family member. Leia and Liesl have become inseparable best friends.

event round-up Doglegs, Birdies and Eagles to Benefit PHS On Monday, April 23, 2012, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will host its 13th annual Doglegs, Birdies and Eagles Golf Benefit at the San Gabriel Country Club.

Tickets are now available for the not-to-be-missed awards dinner, featuring gourmet fare, a helicopter ball drop raffle, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions. Dinner tickets are $75 per person.

All of the proceeds from Doglegs, Birdies and Eagles will support Pasadena Humane Society programs such as animal care, cruelty investigations, adoption services, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, animal control, humane education, and so much more. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nicole Ring at 626.792.7151, ext. 167.

Save the Date!

The San Marino Motor Classic will be held at Lacy Park in San Marino on Sunday, June 10, 2012. The exhibition will feature a broad array of motorcars that span more than a century. More than 200 vehicles will be on display.

General admission tickets are $25, in advance. 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.

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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142

361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105

Euro Pane Bakery this is done out of Tauzin’s good will, who has two shelter dogs of her own. “We do whatever we can. This is a no-brainer.”

The sheer generosity of the public and local businesses is one of the reasons why

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PHS is so successful. In the case of Euro Pane, PHS recognizes it and its staff for giving shelter dogs an opportunity to get out of the kennels, socialize with each other and, in turn, help them find a new forever home.

Standing up for the little guys (continued from front page) no-charge surgeries for pit bulls, this program is available to Chihuahua owners in our service cities.

Surgery in our SNiP clinic is by appointment only and frequently has a waiting list so we strongly encourage you and your

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

friends to call early and schedule an appointment.

Fetch more information about this program online at www.pasadenahumane. org, or call our SNiP coordinator at 626.792.7151 ext. 138.

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 Arcadia, The Pasadena Humane Society &of SPCA is a Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, San private, non-profit, open door, animal welfare Marino,serving Sierra Madre and South Pasadena. agency the communities of Arcadia,

Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena