Scoop - November & December 2012

november | december 2012

pasadena humane society & spca

Holiday Guide 2012 As we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holiday season, consider the following tips to ensure that you and your pet have a happy—and healthy— enjoyable holiday season and a wonderful new year.

Make your pet’s holiday extra yummy by giving them specialty pet treats in moderation. Keep in mind, any change in diet may cause indigestion! Bones, especially turkey, can splinter in or obstruct your pet’s digestive system. Candy and sugar may also give your pet intestinal problems. Depending on the dose ingested, chocolate can be extremely dangerous to both cats and dogs.

the busy holidays. The Pet Store carries a vast selection of special treats and toys for your pets!

If your pet is used to eating leftovers, feed them without rich holiday sauces or spices. Most fresh vegetables are an appropriate alternative. Older animals tend to have more delicate digestive systems and specific nutritional requirements too.

Always seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet has any unusual reaction to a new food. PHS suggests that you consider giving new toys or special extra attention as a treat during

Crowds and holiday festivities may frighten some animals. If your pet does not like loud noise and large groups of (continued on back page)

compassion and care for all animals

leader of the pack 2012 has been a very productive year for the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and the animals in our service cities.

The cities of Sierra Madre and South Pasadena voted to have PHS provide their dog licensing program for residents. Since dog licensing is an effective management tool for rabies control in domestic pets, we are proud to provide this service. Our vaccination clinics have become a standard every six weeks event. This turns license renewal and vaccination update into a convenient, one stop for our residents.

Summer wildlife questions were filled with calls about bears this year. Bears were foraging throughout the foothills and were seen in Arcadia, Glendale, Pasadena, La CaĂąada, and Sierra Madre. One persistent young bear developed a love of meatballs and a star was born! Glen Bearian, as he was dubbed, even had his own Twitter account. Eventually, he was caught by the Fish & Game Department and sent to safety at a wildlife sanctuary.

The Animal Care Campus broke ground in June, turning this long held dream into a concrete and steel reality. Plans for a public low cost spay/neuter hospital, expanded animal behavior facility, increased humane education outreach, and underground parking promise to make a tremendous difference in the lives of the animals and residents in our service area.

Expanding low-cost, basic pet care, public pet obedience and fun and games classes, and animal centered educational outreach for children will help PHS reach its goal of zero euthanasia of adoptable animals. Pet owners will have access to good pet care, animal behavior advice and classes — which will help keep pets in their homes. The adoptable pets that do end up in the shelter will have more opportunity to find a permanent home because of additional enrichment programs for them. The Animal Care Campus will have a pet store that offers high quality food, toys and leashes for all pets.

All of this will be accessible because PHS is building underground parking!

None of this would be possible without the strong support of our community. You are an essential part of our vision and our team.

For the animals,

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Community heroes Homeboy Industries Every year PHS gives thousands of animals a second chance to find a loving forever home. Like PHS, Homeboy Industries gives people a second chance

broidery, Homegirl Café & Catering, Homeboy/girl Merchandise, Homeboy Farmers Markets, Homeboy Diner at Los Angeles City Hall and Homeboy Grocer. Approximately 280 clients are employed by Homeboy Industries and 25 percent of their operating budget ($14.7 million) comes from those businesses.

These businesses often serve as an alternative to incarceration, as well as some of the clients’ first full-time employment. In turn, these jobs instill high self-esteem by cultivating clients’ job skills.

at life. Founded in 1988 by Father Greg Boyle, Homeboy Industries is the largest gang intervention and re-entry program in the nation for at-risk and gang involved youth.

Homeboy Industries assists nearly 1,000 men and women every month by providing free-of-charge services, job placement and referrals. Free resources include tattoo removal, legal counseling, mental health and job training services, as well as teaching a mentoring programs. Clients can also learn invaluable vocational skills through the Solar Panel Installation Training & Certification Program. By providing a safe, engaging environment clients become viable—and valuable—contributing members of their families and communities.

The organization also operates seven social enterprises including: Homeboy Bakery, Homeboy Silkscreen & Em-

PHS has a long-standing relationship with Homeboy Industries. For more than a decade, clients from the organization have become devoted PHS staff.

From working as health staff to helping maintain the kennels, these men and women have made a tremendous difference to PHS and the animals. PHS is proud to cultivate personal and professional development in an environment that encourages success.

“Nothing in life is impossible,” says a PHS employee. “I worked hard to get to where I am today with their help.”

Homeboy Industries is our Community Hero because of its mission to help people and the community. Being compassionate and giving a second chance is not only for the animals, but for people too. For more information on Homeboy Industries, visit www. homeboyindustries.org

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paw & order

Compassionate Care The basic legal requirements for pet care are not fancy at all; pet owners must provide fresh water, food, shelter and veterinary care.

The State of California also requires that dog owners license their dogs.

The Pasadena Humane Society provides licensing services for the cities of

that your pet needs. Older pets may be sensitive to cooler temperatures so, if possible, offer more indoor time and extra padding on their bed.

When it rains, Southern California pets that are usually housebroken may be confused and reluctant to relieve themselves outdoors. Taking them to a sheltered spot may help them get the idea.

They still need their exercise, but indoor games and interactive toys may help do the trick when the weather is terrible.

PHS offers low cost vaccination clinics every six weeks. Bring your cat (in a carrier) or your dog (on a leash) to one of these to keep current on vaccinations.

Check www.pasadenahumane.org for information. The last one of 2012 will be on Thursday, December 6th from 6pm to 7:30 pm.

Arcadia, La Ca単ada Flintridge, San Marino, SierraMadre and South Pasadena.

You can be an excellent pet owner even if you are on a very tight budget. Here are some things to be aware of as winter approaches.

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Although the heat of summer has passed, weather still affects the care

Animal care and control services are available to everyone in our 7 service cities of Arcadia, Glendale, La Ca単ada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena. If ever you think that an animal is in danger or is being abused, call us immediately.

One of our officers is available 24/7 and will respond!

When you donate to the Pasadena Humane Society, you help animals in Arcadia, Glendale, La Ca単ada 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. pag e 4

behavior & training Q A Tips and Myths About Pets Q: W e are having guests over for the holidays but our dog is fearful with noises and crowds. What should we do?

A: The easiest thing to do is to take your dog to a boarding facility or friend’s house before the big event and pick him up the next day. If you decide to keep your dog in the house, make sure to isolate him from the party. Put him in a crate or a separate room that is off-limits to your guests. Lavender plug-ins, soothing music (like classical music from “Through a Dog’s Ear”) or even a special Thundershirt may be soothing. The key to keeping your dog calm is to minimize his interaction with the activity. Make sure you give your dog plenty of time to recover afterwards!

Q: I ’m going out of town for the holidays and would really like to take my dog with me, any suggestions?

A: Always find out if your pup is a welcome guest at your final destination.

Although traveling with your dog can be challenging, with proper planning, and an open mind, your holiday trip can be a lot of fun. If you are flying with your K9, check with your airline for information on size restrictions, crate requirements, weather restrictions, health requirements, and fees before you making your reservations. If flying is not for you, consider a road trip! If you are hitting the open road with Fido, leave room in your driving schedule for frequent pit stops. Plan on stopping every 2 hours for water and bathroom breaks, and keep plenty of supplies like water, food, and toys available throughout the trip.

Q: E very year I always have mistletoe and Poinsettias in my house to make the holidays more festive, but a friend recently told me that they are poisonous for my pets, is this true?

A: They can cause a dog or other domestic animals to become ill and even vomit but rarely cause death or serious injury. Nonetheless, to be on the safe side it is always a good idea to keep things like plant-life or human food out of your pets reach. Remember that they will not know if something they eat is harmful. If you have any questions about something your pet ate, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Someone is available 24/7 to help you.

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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event round-up

Wiggle Waggle Walk 2012 What a day for the animals! The 14th annual Wiggle Waggle Walk was a smash success!

contests, agility and police K-9 shows and our signature Pet Expo.

Over $325,000 was raised to help animals in our community receive the care that they need, reunite them with their families or find the homes they deserve.

Thousands of animal lovers and their canine companions attended the event, held at Brookside Park on September 30th. Everyone involved enjoyed the community dog walk, fun

Top Teams:

Top Fundraisers:

1 >> The Punk Rock Rovers 2>> Team Shane and

1 >> Karen Kiefaber 2>> JoAnn Turovsky 3>> Wil and Anne Wheaton 4>> Caroline Reed 5>> Gale Kohl

Nala Rock!

3>> Team PHS 4>> Thera-Pets 5>> Community Bank

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This was made possible by the amazing support of all of our donors, fundraisers, sponsors and volunteers. Thank you for making another Wiggle Waggle Walk a big win for all of the animals!

The Punk Rock Rovers were the Top Fundraising Team at the Wiggle Waggle Walk raising more than $55,000.

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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID 361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105

Holiday Guide 2012 people, set aside a safe and quiet place as a retreat. Pets should always wear current ID tags in case they run away.

Consider pet proofing your holiday decorations. Secure Christmas trees away from furniture that can serve a springboard for your pet. Place ornaments high on the tree and replace tinsel and garland, which can be dangerous if eaten by your pet, with bows or ribbons. Hide electrical cords by positioning them out of your pet’s reach. Chewing on cords may cause

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

Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142

(continued from front page) serious injury or burns. Common Yuletide plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, ivy and holly berries can be poisonous to cats and dogs. Lilies are highly toxic, and can be fatal to cats.

Consider using artificial plants and flowers instead. Lastly, keep candles out of your pet’s reach to prevent fire hazards and burns.

Happy Holidays from the staff and animals at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA!

www.pasadenahumane.org 24 hour Emergency Service please call 626.792.7151 Glendale residents please call The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is a toll-free 818.240.9100

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.

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