march | april 2012
pasadena humane society & spca
Creating Awareness Education is a key principle in our mission to prevent cruelty to animals and promote humane practices and awareness. Our Education Outreach department has done just that by creating and maintaining successful programs over the years that address the needs of our communities. If a school-aged child is uncomfortable reading, our Barks & Books program is offered at local libraries where children sit and read to a volunteer dog – making reading fun while building confidence. The Pet Therapy Program consists of teams of volunteers and their certified pets who visit convalescent homes, group homes and veterans to help them cope with life-changing events. The department facilitates the Canine Good Citizen program, which, while promoting good stewardship among pit bulls and pit bull mixes, teaches pet owners about being a responsible pet owner. Many summer programs and workshops are available to pre-teens and teenagers that address the importance of animal welfare in a hands-on and engaging way.
Service learning projects for classrooms and students are incorporated into school curricula and many scout troops earn their badges here at PHS. At the end of the day, proper education helps the animals and strengthens the human animal bond. (continued on back page)
compassion and care for all animals
leader of the pack Spring is one of my favorite seasons. All across our communities and throughout the foothills, the unmistakable signs of animals and new life become visible. From cheerful birdsong, soaring and playful birds in flight, to baby animals beginning to make an appearance, optimism is in the air. At the Pasadena Humane Society, we have reason to be optimistic! We are developing new programs to address the needs of the animals and better serve the community. These programs include: more training classes that target specific behaviors that owners frequently find difficult to manage, and no-cost spay/neuter surgery for owners of Chihuahuas to help end the flow of Chihuahuas into the shelter. Each program shows the proactive quality of the Pasadena Humane Society which underscores a characteristic of our continued success. Spring also means that one of our successful fundraisers will take place. On Monday, April 23, we will host our 13th annual Doglegs, Birdies, and Eagles Golf Benefit at San Gabriel Country Club. Proceeds from the event will help to provide food, shelter, care, placement and more to the animals at the Pasadena Humane Society. The golf portion of the event is sold out, but all animal lovers are invited to buy tickets to attend the Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner. The reception begins at 4:00 pm with hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, no host bar and the gorgeous view of the San Gabriel Country Club. Witness the exciting helicopter ball drop at 5:00 pm with buckets of numbered golf balls spilling over the fairway. The lucky winner receives a percentage of the total ball sales— up to $10,000! Dinner is delicious, the company is great and you will be contributing to saving an animal. Call Nicole at 626.792.7151 ext. 167 to buy tickets, golf balls or for more information. We know we don’t do this alone. We would not have the success we do without your generous support. However you support our work, you make a difference to the animals.
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Steve
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Community heroes
Taylor Kubisen: Animal Ambassador At first glance, Taylor Kubisen looks like a normal nine-year-old girl. She plays defense on the soccer team, her favorite book is “Waiting for Normal,” and her favorite school subject is reading. However, taking a closer look reveals that Taylor is not your typical third grader. Behind her bright smile and cheery hazel eyes lays a heart of gold, especially when it comes to animals. Like most people, Taylor’s first visit to PHS was when her family was looking to adopt a dog last year. After she got her dog Bea, she wanted to help PHS. For her ninth birthday party, she did something most children would never consider – she asked her friends to bring donations that would help PHS animals instead of presents for her. She and her friends donated Timothy hay, kitten formula, gloves, paper towels, puppy pads and almost $30. Her drive to give back did not stop there either. Taylor took her charitable efforts to the classroom where she constructed makeshift donation boxes and asked for her classmates help to raise money. She ended up collecting 10 boxes brimming with change to bring to PHS.
When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she immediately answered, “I want to work at the humane society for forever and ever and ever. I want to find homes for the animals.” Taylor’s amity for PHS even convinced one of her friends, who previously did not think much about animals, to adopt two cats. Taylor also added that when she is old enough to adopt a pet, she will only adopt older dogs to give them a chance for a loving home. She plans on becoming a volunteer in the Junior Volunteer program, when she is old enough. Taylor’s story is a true testament to the compassion for animals within people of all ages. It inspires people to help PHS in so many ways. Her mom, Lesley, added, “This is all her. I can’t take any credit. This passion isn’t going away.” One thing is evident — Taylor loves and PHS. Taylor is a true community hero!
When you donate to the Pasadena Humane Society, you help animals in Arcadia, Glendale, La Cañada 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
Desert Tortoise The desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, is found in the deserts of California, Nevada, Arizona and southwest Utah. It is one of four species of tortoise found in North America. They can live in a range of habitats including valleys, flats, bajadas and washes with soils that allow for burrowing. They are most active in March, April and May and hibernate from October through February in underground burrows. Their diet consists of annual and perennial vegetation, as well as water.
Female desert tortoises begin to reproduce when they are around 15 to 20 years old. Clutches of up to 14 eggs are laid between April and July.
plastron (bottom of the shell). Females tend to be smaller in size. A permit is necessary in order to have a desert tortoise. Permits are issued by the California Department of Fish and Game and include an identification tag that must be affixed to the shell. The penalty for taking a tortoise from the wild is a fine of up to $5,000 and one year in jail. The wild desert tortoise population has declined greatly due to environmental pressures such as predation from ravens, coyotes and other animals; habitat loss and degradation resulting from urban growth; development of solar energy farms, as well as vandalism and disease.
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Hatchlings incubate between 70 to 120 days. According to the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, only two to three out of 100 hatchlings will survive to adulthood. Female and male tortoises are distinguished by the differences in their shells; males have a larger gular horn and a concave shape to their
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To learn more information on wildlife, visit: www.pasadenahumane.org, then click on Programs and select Wildlife.
behavior & training Q A Tips and Myths About Pets Q: W hen my dog growls, I roll up a newspaper and punish him. Is this okay, because I really don’t want him growling?
A: Actually, this is not okay. Growling is your dog’s way of telling you that he is uncomfortable. This is your cue to assess his environment, figure out what is making him uncomfortable and change the situation. Once your dog is away from whatever is causing his stress, you can ask him for a known command (e.g. sit) and reinforce him for that instead. If you punish your dog when he growls, he will no longer growl when he is uncomfortable but may go straight to biting. Teaching your dog that you will take care of things for him will help him to trust you more.
Q: I am getting ready to adopt a new cat, what are the supplies I need before I bring him/her home?
A: You might want to think about the following items: * Food/treats * Food/water bowl * Litter box, litter, scooper * Toys
* Cat tree * Cat scratcher * Cat bed * Brush * Carrier
* Break away collar with ID tag * Enrichment games for your cat
Q: W hen people approach my dog, she backs away and seems scared. Why is this?
A: If a dog is on the shy or fearful side, even if it’s only with certain things, and a person approaches too forwardly, the dog may become startled or scared. Most people approach dogs incorrectly, accidentally sending the dog a different message than is intended. Things like maintaining direct eye contact on approach, a sign of confrontation to dogs, or reaching over the dog’s head and hovering over the dog as they pet is very scary from a dog’s point of view. The proper way to approach a dog is from the side, without making direct eye contact or staring for too long. Be sure to stop strangers before they approach, and then ask them to greet your dog correctly. In the long term, this will help your dog build positive associations to new people and new things.
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
Wrigley’s Living the Good Life A stray puppy came to the Pasadena Humane Society frightened and shy. Today, after two years in a loving household, Wrigley is a confident and playful dog who loves adventure. We may never know what happened to Wrigley before he arrived at our shelter, or why no one ever came to look for the adorable two-month-old Chihuahua mix. But we do know that he met his perfect match while in our care! When Amanda and Tom came into the Pasadena Humane Society, they had no intention of adopting a pet. They merely stopped by to donate some towels. However, once they laid their eyes on Wrigley they were smitten. Not long after, he went home with them. In the beginning, he was very timid. Though he bonded with Amanda and Tom right away, it was difficult for him to meet new people and dogs. At his first obedience class, he cowered under a chair. However, with lots of love and encouragement from his pet parents and trainer, Wrigley became a confident and outgoing dog. Amanda says, “Now, he is the life of the party when he goes to doggy daycare. They tell me that he is really good at drawing shy dogs out of their shells, which makes me very proud.”
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Wrigley has gone beyond basic obedience and has taken agility and nosework classes. Amanda and Tom are currently getting him ready for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test and hope that one day he can be a therapy pet.
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Last spring, Wrigley was lucky enough to go to the Bahamas with Amanda and Tom. He had a wonderful time frolicking on the beach and chasing birds. Who would have ever thought that this scared, stray shelter dog would one day be enjoying exotic island vacations! In a recent letter, Amanda and Tom told us, “We love Wrigley so much and we are so happy that he is a part of our family. Thank you for taking such good care of him while he was in your shelter.”
event round-up Doglegs, Birdies and Eagles Golf Benefit Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner On Monday, April 23rd, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will host its 13th annual Doglegs, Birdies, and Eagles Golf Benefit at San Gabriel Country Club. Proceeds from the event will help to provide nourishing food, safe shelter, humane treatment, veterinary care, new homes and more to the animals at the Pasadena Humane Society. The golf portion of the event is sold out but we invite all animal lovers to attend the Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner. The reception begins at 4:00 pm with hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, no host bar and the gorgeous view of the San Gabriel Country Club. Witness the exciting helicopter ball drop at 5:00 pm with buckets of numbered golf balls spilling over the fairway. The lucky winner receives a percentage of the total ball sales — up to $10,000! Head Chef Edward Ungrue will host a delicious
gourmet dinner while guests enjoy a new video of the life-saving work of the Pasadena Humane Society and an exciting live auction. Dinner tickets are $75 per person. Balls can be purchased for $25 for two, $50 for six or $100 for 15. For more information, and to purchase your dinner tickets and golf balls, call Nicole Ring at (626) 792-7151 ext. 167.
San Marino Motor Classic: Design in Motion Enjoy an exhibition of more than 240 classic and collector cars in San Marino’s lovely Lacy Park on Sunday, June 10, 2012. Tickets and information are available online at www.sanmarinomotorclassic.com. Admission to the event is $25.00 if purchased before the event or $30.00 on the day of the event. Proceeds from the event will support the Pasadena Humane Society and the Rotary Club of San Marino. Automobile Weekly called the 2011 San Marino Motor Classic, “Pebble Beach South.”
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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142
361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105
Creating Awareness The Education Outreach department creatively teaches compassion and care for all animals throughout our community. Animals can look forward to a more humane community because of their work.
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
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If you would like to request a program at your school or organization, call Liz or Elana at 626.792.7151 ext. 114 or complete the online request form on our website, www.pasasdenahumane.org
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, Lanon-profit, Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Marino, private, open door, animal San welfare Sierra Madre and Pasadena.of Arcadia, agency serving theSouth communities
Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena