March | April 2013
pasadena humane society & spca
Celebrating Volunteers “ Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!” —author unknown To celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Month and acknowledge the essential work of our team of PHS volunteers, our Vice President of Volunteer Services, Mary Ann Nation-Greenwall, wrote the following statement:
underpin almost every activity. You may see volunteers socializing with the animals; assisting the adoption counselors; taking part in Barks and
In 1903, a forward thinking group of citizens came together to take care of abandoned children and animals. Just like in the 1900’s, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA could not run without its dedicated volunteers. More than 100 years ago, PHS’s volunteers heard the call to service, they came and today they are still coming. PHS volunteers dedicate hundreds of thousands of hours to make sure the needs of our companion and wildlife animals are being met. Volunteers
Books program; transporting animals to rescue sites; visiting the local assisted living communities and nursing homes to take part in the Companion Animal Program; serving on the Board of Directors; and even visiting the local (continued on back page)
compassion and care for all animals
leader of the pack With the completion of the Animal Care Campus later this year, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will be able to offer more programs to improve the lives of animals and those that care so much about them. The residents of our cities have come to expect excellent service, emergency attention and proactive programs for PHS and our new programs will be no different. To help end the tragedy of pet overpopulation, PHS has looked at ways to keep pets out of the shelter and planned programs with that goal in mind. To help halt an influx of unwanted dogs and cats, the Animal Care Campus includes a public spay/neuter hospital open five days each week. Because our public vaccination clinics have been so well attended, PHS will also offer vaccinations and microchips on a more regular basis. Our Behavior Department, which has developed the enrichment program for our kenneled dogs and cats as well as our public training and fun and games classes, will now have space to offer even more enrichment to our in-house animals. PHS plans a doggie day care program so that the public has a trusted, safe and secure spot to keep their pets while they are at work. A new outdoor dog exercise area is part of the plan, too. Humane Education teaches compassion and care for animals. This department has visited local classrooms, as well as given tours to students of all ages on site to speak about humane care. Even more programs are planned with the added room in the Animal Care Campus. A larger retail center will offer high quality food, leashes, collars, toys and whatever a pet owner will need. All of the proceeds from sales will go straight back to the animal programs! Finally, the building includes underground parking so that you can take advantage of all of our services. We are looking forward to your visit. For the animals,
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Community heroes No Mountain Too High, No Valley Too Low Scaling jagged precipices and vertical drops sounds like something from an action movie, but it is just another normal day for the crew of Sierra Madre Search and Rescue (SMSR).
they are prepared to help! In most cases, the team is first on the trails to assist lost or injured hikers. They are equipped with 60-pound backpacks filled with essential tools,
Founded in 1951, the 23-member team devotes countless hours to save
along with ropes, sleds and carriers to transport injured hikers. However, emergency airlifts can be arranged through the L.A. County Fire or Sheriff’s departments in riskier circumstances.
people —and animals—in the canyons, hills and forests of the San Gabriel Valley Mountains and trails. The team’s motto is “Anywhere in the wilderness that someone needs help…” and they have trekked to places near and far to help people. Their main jurisdiction covers the territory from Eaton Canyon; west to the San Gabriel River drainage in Irwindale; and north approximately to the top of Mt. Wilson. The team has assisted in multi-agency searches up in Yosemite, as well as in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Each member is certified and trained in ground rescue, high-angle (cliff) searches and snow and ice operations so no matter what the emergency,
The team assisted many animals in need, too, including dogs, horses, mules and even a bear! Triplett noted that most calls involving dogs are due to heat exhaustion. So make sure you know your dog’s limit, always keep him or her on leash and bring plenty of water. We commend the men and women of Sierra Madre Search and Rescue for putting their lives on the line while helping others. For more information on these modern-day mountaineers, visit www.smsr.org.
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paw & order
A Closer Look Do any of you remember the scene from Lady and the Tramp when the “dog catcher” recklessly drove his paddy wagon while picking up the neighborhood strays? The wagon was packed with dogs until Tramp discovered his friends were inside and let them out to the cheers of the audience. It’s good news for animals and the public that those days are past! Enforcement with compassion is the guiding objective of the Field Services Department at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. The department is responsible for investigating complaints of cruelty, neglect and abuse, as well as insuring compliance with the municipal codes in our 7 service cities. The Field Services Department consists of a Lieutenant, Sergeant, two Level 1 Humane Officers, 8 Animal Control Officers, a Wildlife Officer, 2 dispatchers, 2 full-time and 2 part-time Licensing Officers. All animal control officers have peace officer powers and 4 are armed. This department is well-trained and ready for any animal situation or emergency.
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Public education is another tool used by our animal control officers. Proactive education on animal related laws is help-
ful with conflicts between neighbors, off leash dog reports, and wildlife sightings. When appropriate, officers try to give the public a chance to correct a behavior before writing citations or filing for prosecution. Barking dog complaints are another dispute that the Field Services Department handles. Neighbors are usually unhappy and angry. Special skill is required to guide people to a satisfactory resolu-
tion within the structure of the municipal codes. Often, unrealistic expectations are at the core of an issue. Our Field Services Department enforces the spirit of the law to help animals throughout our service area. The residents and animals of Arcadia, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena are in good hands.
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. p a g e 4
behavior & training Q A Tips and Myths About Pets Q: W e noticed that our dog becomes very excited when playing with the children. He begins running around them and nipping. Is this dangerous? What should we do?
A: Many dogs have a genetic instinct to herd and have difficulty differentiating between herding animals and children. This can be dangerous if your dog takes the game too far. Because the herding instinct will never disappear, you must manage the interaction between your dog and children. Teach your children to play quietly and calmly around the dog. When the dog begins to herd the children, teach them to stop moving or yelling and to stand still until the dog calms down. Give your dog plenty of exercise during the day. Teach your dog basic obedience commands like sit, down, and stay to help control the unwanted behavior.
Q: M y dog growls and sometimes snaps when we try to meet other dogs on the walk. Will a class help this?
A: Classes are a great way to teach your dog obedience cues with distractions, but are not geared to help with these underlying behavioral issues. Dogs that growl or even snap when approaching other dogs are showing signals of distress. For most dogs, this is part of who they are and they often cannot be taught to enjoy meeting other dogs. However, they can be taught to tolerate being near to other dogs. One way to do this is to ask your dog for a sit/focus cue with other dogs in proximity, making sure your dog is far enough away that he/she is able to focus on you and take treats. Also avoid forcing your dog to meet other dogs; your dog will learn to trust that you will keep him/her comfortable in these situations. With patience and consistency, your dog will start to relax on the walks and even look to you for treats when dogs pass by!
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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our new digs
The Animal Care Campus begins to take shape
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Architectural students tour the construction site.
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event round-up Doglegs, Birdies and Eagles Golf Benefit Cocktail Reception & Awards Dinner On Monday, April 22nd, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will host its 14th annual Doglegs, Birdies, and Eagles Golf Benefit at the 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.
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 serve 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.
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
Dinner tickets are $75 per person. Balls can be purchased for $25 for 2, $50 for 6 or $100 for 15. For more information, and to purchase your dinner tickets and golf balls call 626.792.7151 ext. 164.
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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142
361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105
Celebrating Volunteers communities on PHS’ Mobile Outreach Unit. In short, volunteers improve the lives of our companion and wildlife animals and on behalf of the animal at PHS we thank all volunteers for their dedication. As Steve McNall has said, “...Our future is tied to our past successes. There is more work ahead of us and PHS is ready for the challenge” ...with our volunteer partners.
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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The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA values the work that volunteers give on behalf of the animals. This work enriches the lives of the animals throughout our 7 cities and each department, from health staff to development, would not be what it is today without them. PHS is grateful for all the work our volunteers do and celebrate their generosity.
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