Scoop - September & October 2010

September | october 2010

pasadena humane society & spca

It’s Wiggle Waggle Walk Time!

Join thousands of animal lovers and their canine companions on Sunday, September 26, 2010 for the 12th annual Wiggle Waggle Walk at Brookside Park in Pasadena.

The Wiggle Waggle Walk is a great opportunity for you to show your love and compassion for animals. All funds raised for the walk will benefit thou-

Registration is free and easy at www. wigglewagglewalk.org. Logon today and create your personal fundraising webpage. You can use your webpage

sands of wild and domestic animals that come to us in need of care. With your help, we can provide them with a second chance at life.

to send emails to family and friends asking for donations or you can invite them to join your team and raise even more funds by working together! (continued on page 7)

compassion and care for all animals

leader of the pack We are making solid progress towards our goal to find homes for all our adoptable animals. Our programs to keep animals in their homes, to end pet overpopulation, and to provide the basis for a more humane community are well established and effective. But there is more work to be done before we reach our goal of zero euthanasia of adoptable animals.

In the past, animal welfare agencies, like the Pasadena Humane Society, offered short term shelter and care for lost, stray and abandoned animals. Currently, because more groups exist that provide responsible care for needy animals, shelters have been able to provide other services that help provide positive outcomes for the animals.

PHS wants to supply permanent, loving homes for the animals we place. But we must also work to stem the flow of animals into the shelter through custom tailored programs. Lost animals can be returned to their owners more efficiently because we microchip all adopted dogs, cats and rabbits. To reduce the number of unwanted animals coming to the shelter, we offer low cost spay/neuter surgery for pet dogs and cats in our service area. Feral cats and pit bulls are sterilized at no charge. Our obedience training and fun and games classes strengthen the bond between pets and owners, so families look for solutions to pet issues and are less likely to give up their pets if times get hard. From Reactive Rovers to Beginning Agility, our behavior staff has developed programs that target the needs of the urban dog and dog owner. These are a few examples of the lifesaving targeted programs we provide.

For the animals that come into the shelter needing our care, their behavior is a key component to their adoptability. PHS must provide more than basic care and shelter so that these animals remain engaged, interested and adoptable.

Staff and volunteers offer enrichment through walks, special toys, and custom tailored programs.

In order to block the flow of animals into the shelter, we must focus on sterilization, behavior, placement, community education, and outreach. Mindful of these five areas, PHS is committed to encourage companion animal retention, reduce the number of animals, strengthen the human-animal bond, educate for the future, and provide accessibility while engaging the community. We look forward to your support as we continue our work for a more compassionate and humane community for all animals.

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Steve

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Community heroes

Feather in Their Caps On a cool June morning, Alfred Montoya and Marvin Payne of the City of Pasadena’s Parks and Natural Resources department discovered something unique tucked inside the branch of a dead tree. Several baby western bluebirds had taken up residence in the tree that was marked for removal. Montoya and Payne could see the birds were too young to fly and needed help.

The two men carefully removed the branch, keeping the nest intact, and brought the branch with the delicate nestlings to PHS. The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is the only animal care facility in the area licensed to handle and rehabilitate wildlife. The shelter provides care for over 2,000 wild birds, raccoons, opossums, and other non-domestic animals each year.

After the bluebirds were examined by PHS health staff, they were transferred into the care of Veronica Fincher, Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA’s Senior Vice President of Operations and a veteran wildlife rehabilitator. “I’ve raised hundreds of birds but this was the first time I’ve had western bluebirds. They were a real pleasure. They grew up very quickly and looked so beautiful when I released them,” Fincher said.

When mature, western bluebirds have striking coloration with rust tone chests and bright blue tails and wings. “We are elated that we were able to release several healthy adults near the area where they were found. A big thank you to the men that rescued (continued on back page)

The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is NOT part of the ASPCA. When you donate to PHS you are helping animals here in Southern California.

The ASPCA does not distribute donations locally. Each spca in the country is legally separate from all of the others. Donate to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and help the animals in your community http://www.pasadenahumane.org/donate pag e 3

wild things

Proud as a Peacock Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin, the founder of Arcadia, originally brought the India or Blue Peafowl into this area in the late 1800s. Peafowl remain there to this day. The term “peacock” refers to the male of the species while the females are called “peahens”. These large birds can weigh up to 10 pounds and are capable of flying short distances.

The beautiful and dramatic tails of the male are actually tail covert feathers while the tail itself is used to support the long decorative feathers. Once breeding season has passed, at the end of the summer, the feathers molt and re-grow every year.

eat alongside their mothers. Their diet consists of a variety of items including insects, seeds, plants, fruit and reptiles.

In their native range of southern Asia, peafowl were valued by humans not only for their beauty but for their ability to consume young venomous snakes, such as cobras.

Although peafowl are beautiful, some people prefer to admire them from a distance, since they can become a nuisance in gardens and compost piles.

Peafowl also have a distinctive and disruptive call that they use to communicate their presence to the other birds in the area.

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Nesting begins in April and incubation lasts about one month. Soon after they hatch, peachicks are able to walk and

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In order to discourage peafowl from visiting your property, remove food that appeals to them, such as bird seed and pet food. Cover compost piles and choose garden plants that are considered distasteful to the birds. Protect vulnerable young plants with some type of barrier. Sprinklers and motion activated water devices can be used to deter the animals. Because of their status as naturalized wildlife, peafowl are free to live in the area. If you observe an injured or debilitated bird, please call our Field Services Dispatch at extension 102.

behavior & training Q A Tips and Myths about Pets Q: I ’m having a hard time potty training my new puppy. What am I doing wrong?

A: First, you have to make sure that you are using a bio-active enzyme based cleaning product which removes the pheromones that we can’t smell but our dogs can. Most cleaners will clean up the mess but will not remove the underlying odor, and since dogs have such a good sense of smell, they are likely to soil inside the house again. Next, one of the easiest ways to potty train is with crate training. You want to make sure that the crate is just big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in.

Any bigger and you run the risk of your dog having an accident inside the crate. This is because a dog does not want to soil where he sleeps and if there is only enough room to sleep than it teaches them to hold their bladders. Lastly, patience, patience, patience! Make sure you take your puppy out every time they drink water, eat, wake up from a nap, or have a play session.

Q: M y dog spends the day home alone when I’m at work, which makes me feel guilty. What can I do to keep him happy when he is alone all day?

A: Being away from our dogs while we earn a living is part of modern life for most of us, however, there are many things we can do to make this easier on everyone. Dogs need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. The more we can fulfill these needs, the happier our furry friends will be in our absence. Balanced dogs who live active, stimulating lives will use the time while you are at work to get in the 12 hours of sleep they require daily. That said, there are things you can do before you leave for the day that will make that time more comfortable for your pups. Going for a long, brisk walk just before you leave for the day or enjoying a morning training session are just two examples of things we can do to prepare our dogs for our departure. Also, before you leave, consider leaving something for your dog to do. Hiding treats around the house for him to find or leaving him a peanut butter stuffed kong are excellent options. In addition many people hire dog walkers to “break up” their dogs day with an afternoon stroll. Most importantly, make your dog a priority when you return home, play fetch, teach him a new trick or just cuddle on the sofa.

Show him your love when you do have the luxury of time together and he will be forever grateful.

For more tips and information, please contact the Pasadena Humane Society & SCPA’s Behavior & Training Department at (626) 792-7151 ext. 155. pag e 5

Happy Tails

Wild Child It happens all the time. Late at night, a driver hits an opossum on a dark street. He gets out of the car and sees that the animal will not make it, but there are babies squirming inside her pouch.

With no mother to care for them, they may not last long.

Fortunately, the Pasadena Humane Society can accommodate a wide variety of injured and orphaned wildlife. We care for opossums, squirrels, raccoons, birds, rabbits and even chipmunks.

Caring for wildlife babies is a 24-hour job. Wildlife Officer Ashley Hermans, Wildlife Assistant Darlene Lopez and staff volunteers foster these young animals, many of whom need to be fed special foods multiple times during the day and night. Wildlife fosters must

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also clean up after them, ensure that they are warm, and notify health staff when they appear to be sick.

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The most important part of fostering orphaned and injured wildlife is to keep them wild. Officer Hermans advises, “They may be cute, but it is important to remember that they are not pets. It is best to maintain their ability to go back into the wild and not to associate too much with people.�

When the animal is ready, Officer Hermans or Darlene will release it in a location where they will be able to find food and shelter on their own.

After weeks of caring for these young animals, there is nothing more rewarding than to see them fly, hop or scurry away. Over the years, thousands of wild animals have the Pasadena Humane Society to thank for being given a second chance at life.

If you see a baby animal that is alone and think it may need to be rescued, remember it is common for wild animals to leave their young alone for short periods of time. You know an animal is in trouble if it is injured, bleeding, cold to the touch, or making continuous distress calls with no response from its mother. For more information, visit www.pasadenahumane.org/orphanedwildlife

event round-up It’s Wiggle Waggle Walk Time! (continued from page 1) Walk as an individual or form a team of your friends, family and co-workers. Forming a company team is a great way to boost morale, build a sense of cooperation and collaboration and show your company’s support of the Pasadena Humane Society.

Our goal is to collectively raise $300,000 to provide safe shelter, nourishing food and veterinary care for injured, abused, and abandoned animals that come to our shelter.

You can help us reach this goal by registering today. Raise $50 or more and receive a limited edition Wiggle Waggle Walk 2010 t-shirt. In addition, to help encourage you to raise more money, we will be offering great incentive prizes such as water bottles, watches, Flip Video Camcorders and more! Check out our website to view all prizes and get great tips on fast and easy ways to raise funds to help the animals.

including cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles and more.

Following the walk, we hope you will stay for our Fair and Pet Expo (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) featuring Muttley Crew’s dog agility show, a police department K-9 Unit demonstration, pet care booths, and delicious treats for you and your canine companion. Be

How much will you raise to help the animals?

Register today at www.wigglewagglewalk.org Walkers and their dogs will come together at 9 a.m. on September 26th to enjoy a scenic 1 mile or 3 mile trek around the Rose Bowl. You don’t need a dog to walk—just a love for animals. Funds raised from the Wiggle Waggle Walk will benefit all the animals that come to our shelter,

sure to stick around for fun contests that include Best Dressed Dog, Best Dog Trick, Pet/Owner Look-Alike and more!

For more information on the Walk and sponsorship opportunities available, please contact Nicole Ring at (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

Feather in Their Caps them,” said Steve McNall, President and CEO, Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. The City of Pasadena has 23 parks totaling over one thousand acres of parkland. Included in this area is much of the Arroyo Seco which

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extends 8 miles through Pasadena before linking with the Los Angeles River. Although it would be easy to miss a nest of tiny songbirds in a rotting tree, the diligence of Alfred Montoya and Marvin Payne gave the birds a second chance. These men are true community heroes.

www.pasadenahumane.org

is the place to: ••• Register for the Wiggle Waggle Walk ••• Find your next wonderful pet ••• Sign–up for training or fun and games classes ••• Donate to help the animals 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

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