may | june 2013
pasadena humane society & spca
Exercising with Your Dog It’s that time of year again! Springtime, when the days get longer and the wildflowers are in bloom, is a great time to get out and give your dog the exercise he needs! Most dogs benefit greatly from consistent exercise (they have a lot less energy to spend on behaviors you don’t want them to do), and many people like to hike with their dogs when the days get warmer and the sun is out. Hiking with dogs can be a great experience as long as you make sure you are prepared and your dog is conditioned to do so. Start with small hikes and build up your dog’s stamina and fitness level. Make sure dogs are allowed where you plan to hike, as some state parks prohibit walking your dogs in the park. Bring plenty of water with you and be sure your dog is protected from fleas and ticks. Rattlesnakes are rarely an issue in spring, except on extra hot days, but one should always be
cautious. Be sure you have the dog on a leash throughout the walk. A loose dog can get into a lot more trouble than one that is supervised on a leash, particularly in areas where coyotes and even mountain lions may be present. (continued on back page)
compassion and care for all animals
leader of the pack Springtime is the season for baby wild animals, especially in our foothill communities. If you’re walking your dog at the park, cleaning your backyard or even going on a hike you may notice baby wildlife. Well-intentioned residents may find solitary babies and think the animal is orphaned. However, most of these babies are being taught to survive on their own and their parents are nearby. It is best to leave the babies alone since removing them greatly reduces their chance of survival. Nestlings (featherless birds) that have fallen out of a tree can be replaced in their nest very safely. The mother bird will accept them. If you cannot find the nest, create one using a small box or margarine tub. Put holes in the bottom for drainage. Fledgling birds (feathered, but are learning to fly) are often found hopping around under trees. If they are in no danger of being attacked by predators, leave them alone. Place them under a nearby bush or shrub. The mother bird will continue to take care of them until they are able to fly, usually in a few days. Mammals rarely abandon their young. However, some such as rabbits and deer, may be away from their young from dawn to dusk. If you see a baby mammal, leave it alone. Observe it from a distance for 2-3 hours. If the mother does not return, call PHS for advice. Young that are injured or bleeding, or have heavy discharge from their eyes or nose need to be rescued. Any animal needs to be rescued that is cold to the touch, making continuous distress calls, or has no mother. To rescue a baby animal, put it in a small box and keep the box in a warm, dark and quiet place. Do not give it anything to eat. Immediately contact us at 626.792.7151. But spring also brings a wonderful fundraiser for PHS--the San Marino Motor Classic. This year, if you buy your ticket through PHS, you are automatically entered into a drawing for a 1990 Corvette convertible. More information is available at www.pasadenahumane.org/motorclassic. Thanks to each of you for your support and love of animals,
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Community heroes Another reason to love Pasadena The Crown City is home to many iconic and historic jewels – The Rose Bowl, The Rose Parade, Old Town, the Norton Simon Museum, Caltech, to name a few. One gem that stands out is the Pasadena Federal Credit Union (PFCU), which has helped the community since 1935! Serving more than 11,000 members and 100 organizations, community involvement is an integral part of the PFCU’s credo. It is the official bank for the cities of Pasadena, San Gabriel, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena, as well as for the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. One of the credit union’s strongest passions is promoting financial literacy. Staff host free workshops at schools, colleges and other nonprofits such as Union Station Homeless Services. Other programs include 40 Tips for College Students, as well as a partnership with Sammy Rabbit, which teaches younger children the basics of saving money. PFCU also hosts an annual blood drive and barbecue for Huntington Hospital and participates in our annual Wiggle Waggle Walk as Team PFCU Paws for a Cause.
“We want to make the best decisions for our members,” says John Schaefer, Director of Marketing & Business Development. With that said, PFCU’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. It won Reader’s Choice Awards as the Best Bank in the San Gabriel Valley from the Los Angeles Times and San Gabriel Valley New Group, as well as a feature story on the United Nations coop website. As for the future of PFCU, Schaefer says that balancing new technology with its brick and mortar services is important. PFCU recently launched an smartphone app and plans to launch a YouTube channel in the near future. Bottom line: PFCU is here to help its members. PFCU is our Community Hero because of its strong community involvement and dedication to help people. Its motto is “Another reason to love Pasadena” and it certainly is just that! For more information about Pasadena Federal Credit Union, visit www.pfcu.org.
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paw & order
Laws for Our Cause Many people are unaware of the legal regulations, requirements and restrictions that inform the way that the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA takes in, cares for, adopts or place animals with a rescue partner. These regulations exist to provide basic care and protection for
During the stray period, an animal may be released to its owner or treated for health reasons. During this time, PHS vaccinates dogs and cats in order to keep control over potential infectious diseases in the kennels. After the stray period is over, these animals may be up for adoption, sent to rescue, groomed, and placed in one of our enrichment programs. According to the State of California, any dog or cat that has been adopted from an animal shelter, humane society or rescue organization must be spayed or neutered. PHS also sterilizes and microchips dogs, cats and rabbits before they go leave the shelter.
owners of lost pets and all animals. PHS respects all of the federal, state, county and city laws and regulations for each of the seven cities we serve.
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PHS, an open door shelter, is under contract to care for all animals in Arcadia, Glendale, La Ca単ada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena. Animals from those cities are the ones we can accept in our facility. Under California law, PHS must house domestic animals for a stray period of 5-7 days, so that the owner has time to locate their pet and take it back home.
Although PHS receives goats, chickens and the occasional pig, only some cities have zoning for farm animals. Our adoption department must be aware of specific requirements before it can approve placement of farm animals. They also must respect the limits that each city has on the amount of pets allowed in each household so that we do not contribute to over-zealous animal lovers unwittingly breaking the law! PHS assists thousands of animals each year. These laws are just a few of the ways animals are protected, and, in turn, allow us to provide the best care possible for them.
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: I have two female dogs and they do not seem to be getting along. What can I do to help?
A: Female dogs are much more territorial than males and can often have difficulty sharing the same home. It is important to note that some females may never be able to fully share the same space, so they may have to be kept separate at all times. You want to make sure to feed them separately, train them separately and keep them separate at night and during the day when you are not able to monitor their interactions. Walking, however, isa great (and very neutral) way to keep your dogs socialized to each other. Because they are walking with you, in the same direction and on leash, it provides great structure for both dogs. Having two or more female dogs in the same house typically requires more work than having only one female, but with lots of structure and diligence, it can be done!
Q: M y dog goes crazy every time he sees a squirrel or other small animal while we are out on walks. Now he is starting to try and chase bicycles, skateboards and even people running by us. What can we do to stop this?
A: Many dogs have an instinctive drive to chase and capture prey. Certain breeds such as hounds, terriers, herding dogs and some spitz breeds (huskies, malamutes, etc.) can have an especially highprey drive. The drive is usually triggered by movement or high-pitched sounds. Because prey drive is instinctive, it cannot be completely stopped but there are things you can do to manage and controlit. Be aware of things that may set him off and distract him before he can react. Teach him to focus on you and reward him when he ignores other distractions. Use equipment such as a head collar that will give you greater control on walks. Exercise your dog with an energetic game of fetch to tire him out before you go on the walk. Finally, move behind objects such cars, trees, bushes etc. to block his view of things he wants to chase.
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
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San Marino Motor Classic 2012
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save the date! Join us for the 3rd annual San Marino Motor Classic The 2013 San Marino Motor Classic: Design in Motion is geared up for Sunday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the rolling green lawns of Lacy Park located at 1485 Virginia Road. Purchase advance tickets from PHS for $25 online or $30 the day of the event and be entered to win a 1990 Corvette convertible! Spend the day with your family and witness more than 240 classic and collector cars from all eras of the twentieth century. This year’s event is a CCCA regional Grand Classic so expect to see even more rare cars in pristine condition. Dave Kunz and Ed Justice, Jr. return as masters of ceremonies.
If you buy your tickets from PHS, all money goes to the animal care pro-
grams and you have a chance to win the Corvette! Visit www.pasadenahumane.org/motorclassic for tickets and more information.
It’s Wiggle Waggle Walk time! Join thousands of animal lovers and their four-legged companions on Sunday, September 29, 2013 for a community dog walk and fundraiser to help all our furry friends. The Wiggle Waggle Walk is the Pasadena Humane Society’s biggest fundraising event of the year because of committed and caring people just like you! With your help, we hope to raise $350,000 to provide care for
the thousands of animals that come to our shelter annually. Register for the Wiggle Waggle Walk today and win exciting prizes as you fundraise for the animals—everyone’s a winner! For more information, visit www. wigglewagglewalk.org or call (626) 792-7151 ext. 167.
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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1142
361 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105
Exercising with Your Dog If you don’t want to brave the wilderness, a walk around the park is just as enjoyable for your dog. Make sure you have the right equipment that suits your dog and fits him properly before heading out. Work up to longer walks and stay alert to potential hazards such as loose dogs or cars while crossing the streets.
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morning or evening hours when it is a little cooler and more enjoyable. When the weather gets too hot to hike, many dogs enjoy playing in a kiddie pool that has a few inches of water in it. It’s cooling and gives your pet a chance to use up a lot of energy, but be sure to supervise your dog when the pool is available.
As the weather heats up, we suggest that you walk your dog in the
The most important thing is to have fun outside with your dog and you will both enjoy it together!
Facility Hours
www.pasadenahumane.org
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
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