PAWS to Thnk, Volume 1 issue 2

Paws to Think

Summer 2002 Volume 1, Issue 2 www.petsavers.org

contents Letter From The Editors.................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Actions Speak Louder Than Words ......................................................................................................................................... 2 Fundraising For Grass Roots Organizations........................................................................................................................ 3 What’s News? ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Pet Adoptathon ................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Study Probes Relevance Of Euthanasia At Animal Shelters As A Measure Of Pet Surplus ............................................................................................................................... 14 The Cost Of Owning A Pet............................................................................................................................................................ 15 The Ultimate Humane Decision ................................................................................................................................................. 16 Letters To The Editors ..................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Understanding Mange.................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Lessons In Love................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 America’s Partnership for Pets ................................................................................................................................................ 22 CHAMP Updates ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24 SPAY/USA Southern Regional Conference......................................................................................................................... 26

The Pet Savers Foundation proud parent organization of SPAY/USA • host of the annual Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy Headquarters 2261 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford, CT 06614-3898 203-377-1116 • 203-375-6627 fax

1 (800) 248-SPAY SPAY/USA Administrative Office: 2261 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford, CT 06614-3898 203-377-1116 • 203-375-6627 fax www.spayusa.org alwaysspay@aol.com Esther Mechler, Director

info@petsavers.org www.petsavers.org All inquiries should be directed to the administrative office

Administrative Office 59 South Bayles Avenue Port Washington, NY 11050-3728 516-883-7767 • 516-944-5035 fax

Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy CHAMP Administrative Office: 59 South Bayles Avenue Port Washington, NY 11050-3728 516-883-7767 • 516-944-5035 fax www.champconference.org info@champconference.org Tammy Kirkpatrick, Producer

Paws to Think is an official publication of The Pet Savers Foundation, a nonprofit organization located at 59 S. Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050. The Pet Savers Foundation promotes the no-kill philosophy and advocates for humane organizations to improve their management skills while developing effective working relationships with other animal welfare organizations. Paws to Think is published quarterly each year without charge for friends of The Pet Savers Foundation and for humane organizations throughout the United States. Our circulation exceeds 17,000.

Letter From The Editors Summer is here! Spring has been a very busy time for all of us here at The Pet Savers Foundation. Our first issue of our new Paws to Think magazine hit the mail and we have had many positive responses from our readers! Keep those comments coming!

We are gearing up for CHAMP, The Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy in Reno, Nevada, in August as well as the Southern Regional Leadership Conference in New Orleans in Early October. You still have time to register, but hurry! Don’t miss your opportunity to network with hundreds of other animal welfare caregivers.

In April, I (Esther) was invited to speak at the Symposium of Non-surgical Methods for Pet Population Control in Georgia. Almost 100 people representing universities, animal protection, pharmaceutical companies, the FDA and several foundations all interested in ending pet over-population were in attendance. Sharing information about what is working and what is not will move us more quickly towards the goal of a safe and effective contraceptive/sterilisant. We will continue to bring you up-to-date information in future issues of Paws to Think.

Tammy Kirkpatrick

PHOTO BY PAT LAMBERT

In this issue, you will find several updates on the international level. Several countries are finding new approaches to their overpopulation issues. As we have mentioned in previous issues of the No-Kill News, many of these groups are doing amazing things with limited resources. What they are able to accomplish is an inspiration to us all. The key to their success is that they all work on preventing unwanted litters – which is easier and less costly than dealing with these litters later.

Esther Mechler We have several state updates, an article on fundraising from Tim Crum, Executive Director of the Harford County SPCA, and many other articles we think you will find interesting, informative and helpful in your mission to help animals in your community. In response to numerous requests, we have decided to reprint an earlier article called: "The Ultimate Humane Decision".

Last, but far from least, we would like to take a moment to say thank you to several people who have been a huge help to The Pet Savers Foundation and the animals. Thank you to Heloise for printing an article about SPAY/USA in her national column in May. Thank you to Cat Fancy publications for featuring SPAY/USA in their June and July issues! And a huge thank you to the Lynn Morris Band and all the other bluegrass musicians for the benefit concert for SPAY/USA held in May in Virginia.

We look forward to seeing you at CHAMP and the Southern Regional Leadership Conference. Have a great, safe summer!

Best wishes,

Tammy Kirkpatrick Associate Director of The Pet Savers Foundation CHAMP Producer

Esther Mechler Director of SPAY/USA A Program of The Pet Savers Foundation

1 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Actions Speak Louder Than Words . . . Walk The Talk

by Tammy Kirkpatrick

One of my best friends always says, "actions speak louder than words."

Of course for him, this means you need the Jaws of Life to pry out of him that he cares about you! The differences between men and women are many, but both have wonderful qualities and gifts that the others can learn from. The same could be said about everyone who works in animal welfare. We are all different. We all work for different organizations. Our organizations all have different policies, programs and concepts and ways of doing things. However, we all have one thing in common. WE ALL WORK FOR ANIMALS! Years ago there were only traditional/animal control organizations. Today, you will find a rainbow of different groups and organizations all working to help animals. When did this become a bad thing? When did we become so territorial that we forgot our main mission? When did it become a "bad" thing to have another pair of hands to help animals? Who says every single animal welfare organization out there has to be exactly the same?

What purpose would that serve?

Who says we can’t all work in different ways to save animals lives?

As I read last year’s conference evaluations, I came across one that has continued to stay in my mind even after a year. This person was upset because one particular organization was represented in the exhibit hall.

This organization brought a tremendous amount of knowledge to the table yet this person was "appalled" that we would "allow" this organization because of her interpretation of its policy against no-kill organizations. One paragraph down however, she insisted we needed to get more of this type of organization to attend. At first I was dumbstruck, however, after a few moments I was deeply saddened. There are too many of us in this business who just don’t get it. If she had just spent a few minutes with these wonderful people, she might have been able to open her eyes, yet she wasted that opportunity and continues to "hold a grudge" against them. What a waste!

Folks, I have a news flash for everyone: Animals don’t care what organization you work for! They don’t care how long you’ve worked in this field, nor do they give a "milk bone" about what your "policies" are. All they want is for all of us to do the best we can for each and every one of them. How do we do this you ask?

Stop the territorial fighting! Stop saying one thing and doing the exact opposite! A recent conference I attended had a well-known speaker talking about all groups working together . . . lovely speech.

Unfortunately this same person refused to allow "an opposing" group’s information to be put out which might have saved animals’ lives. The reason you ask? They don’t agree with the other group’s “way” of solving the problem. Talk all you want, but if you can’t follow through with a positive action then it’s a waste of air and time. I, for one, think we could save our planet with more clean air if people would stop talking about things they have no intention of acting positively on.

Until we can reach a point where we can respect each other’s differences and be honest about what "bothers" us about one another, then the animals suffer the most. It should not be about what is best for me the individual, or an organization. It should be about what is best for the animals.

It’s up to each and every one of us to be sure that everyday, OUR actions speak louder than our words.

The animals deserve the very best we have to offer, and as long as we stay divided, they lose. ❁

2 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Fund Raising For Grass Roots Organizations

by Tim Crum

Fund Raising. The words themselves strike fear in many people. The idea of having to ask another person, or worse yet – a company or foundation, to fund your programs and services may feel overwhelming and frightening. Yet most non-profit organizations will find that in order to start-up and maintain their organization, fund raising will most likely need to play a major role in the organization’s day-to-day activities.

bination of several fund raising activities, such as: a telemarketing drive, direct mail campaign, grant support, corporate and business underwriting or even special events. Each fund raising activity should be assigned a realistic budget that outlines all expenses and anticipated income for that particular activity.

Okay, so now you are convinced that you need to face up to your worst fears and become a fund raiser. You are probably asking yourself what will it take to be successful at raising funds? P.E.T. is what it takes – People with Enthusiasm and Time. The first part is people. A successful fund raiser should surround him or herself with people who are committed to the organization and its mission.

These people must also be enthusiastic about the mission and goals of the organization. (Enthusiasm is contagious and goes a long way towards creating enthusiasm in others.) And lastly, these enthusiastic people who are committed to your organization must be willing to allocate their time to help you raise funds. Whether it’s identifying prospects, selling tickets to an event or even placing mailing labels on hundreds of envelopes, a willingness to volunteer time is essential.

(Remember that in order to make money you will have to spend money.)

Your PET’s are now in place and it’s time to create a fund raising plan. You can create a fund raising plan yourself and ask your PET’s to help implement and carry-out your plan or you may seek the input of your PET’s to create this fund raising plan. Either way your organization’s fund raising plan should be mapped out for a minimum of one calendar year. This plan may consist of one fund raising activity or it may be a com-

Now that you have your yearlong fund raising plan in place and a realistic budget to guide you along the way, it’s time to compile a list of prospects. Prospects are those people, foundations and companies who either already have an interest, have expressed an interest or may be interested in your organization’s programs and/or services.

Begin your prospect list by compiling a list of your previous donors along with anyone who has used any of your programs and services or who has expressed interest in them. Animal shelters can work from a list of people who have adopted pets or have used their lost and found services. If you are a start-up organization, or you want to further supplement your own prospect list, you may want to purchase a list of prospects from any one of companies who sell such lists. The focus of the list should be people who have a related interest in your particular cause. Thus, animal shelters would want to purchase a list of prospects who subscribe to certain animal related magazines. If your organization cannot afford such a list

you may want to ask your local government to share with your organization their list of pet guardians who have licensed their pet.

Foundation and business prospects are identified in much the same way. Research local companies and foundations to discover if they have a propensity to fund like causes.

Your research is complete and you have a prospect list. The next step is to build a persuasive case for support. List the various reasons why someone should support your organization.

These reasons will be the case you, or your PET’s, will utilize when approaching prospects. Your case for support should be succinct, easy to understand and easy to explain. Most importantly about your case for support is that people like to invest in a winner – therefore keep your support focused on the positive and what can and will happen with financial support. Finally, distribute a written list of your case for support to all your PET’s and let the fund raising begin.

Fund Raising will require patience and persistence.

Keep detailed files on all your prospects and make sure that the same person or business is not unknowingly solicited by two different people. It can be embarrassing if that happens. cont’d on page 4

3 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 3

Always remain focused on the goals and objectives.

Expect to hear more “no’s” than “yes’s”.

Never give up.

Keep your PET’s motivated and informed about all fund raising activity.

Listen to what your prospects are saying. They may provide insightful knowledge about other funding sources.

If a prospect cannot financially support your organization, ask them if they know of someone who has an interest in your organization.

Always be polite. A prospect who denies supporting you today may very well support you in the future.

REMEMBER to THANK your donors for their financial support. Send a thank you letter. If possible, write a personal note on the letter – it adds a nice and classy touch!

Good Luck! ❁ Tim Crum is the Executive Director of The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc. located in Fallston, Maryland. Tim has presented several lectures on Fund Raising and Media Relations at the Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy and will be presenting two workshops at CHAMP in Reno, NV. He resides in Bel Air, Maryland with four dogs and two cats. You can contact him via e-mail at twcrum1@msn.com.

Research Update

by Michelle Cobey, Resource Coordinator, The Delta Society

The Role of Pets in the Support Networks of People Recovering from Breast Cancer. June McNicholas, Glyn M. Collis, Chris Kent & Michelle Rogers.

(University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK) Research supported by Waltham. Presented at the 9th International Conference on Human-Animal Interactions, People and Animals, A Global Perspective for the 21st Century, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 13-15, 2001.

Pets are widely accepted as providing a range of supportive functions to their owners.

Previous research suggests that pets may play a particular role for people who are undergoing stresses that make it difficult for them to turn to human relationships such as bereavement during a serious illness.

This study recruited 70 women from five breast cancer support groups. A total of 51.4%

owned pets (18 dogs, 15 cats, 3 other pets). Subjects completed a questionnaire to measure sources of support; perceived attribution and control of illness and treatment/lifestyle/ outlook since diagnosis.

Results of this study suggest that pets can provide valuable support during adjustment and coping with breast cancer.

Support provided is mainly through emotional and tactile comfort and the normalizing effect of having a relationship, which, unlike many human relationships, remains unaffected despite the presence of a serious illness, which may threaten fear and disfigurement.

Reprinted Courtesy of The Delta Society, For more information about Health Benefits of Companion Animals. See Delta Society's website at www.deltasociety.org.

4 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

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N s ’t In each issue of Paws to Think, we will feature developments in animal welfare that are taking place around the country and the world. Contributions are welcome and encouraged, and may be submitted to Tammy Kirkpatrick at tammyk@petsavers.org. or Esther Mechler at alwaysspay@aol.com.

Costa Rica! The journalist said," I get the impression that this is an issue which is becoming established globally!"

News From Israel Adela Gertner, founder of Spay/Israel (www.spayisrael.org) is working to raise awareness about spay/neuter as an alternative to dumping litters in fields and on roadsides. This is common in Israel, and leads to overpopulation and illness. Adela is working on arranging government subsidies to vets to facilitate the process.

Adela tells us that a Canadian journalist flying home from Costa Rica found himself seated next to a woman whose husband is a resident at the vet school in Guelph, Ontario.

As the journalist told her about Spay/Israel, the woman mentioned that a similar society is now being formed in

Turkish Spay Team

News From Russia Tatyana Pavlova, Director of CETA reports that Moscow has decided to finance neutering of dogs and cats, and several veterinarian clinics are functioning in Moscow. There has also been a policy statement by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow banning the killing of stray animals. They are only allowed to be captured for spay/neuter then adopted or released.

mobile clinic for animals in Turkey, and the first visit to Fethiye’s outlying towns resulted in 110 animals spayed and neutered. The next blitz, in Koycegiz, yielded 85 dogs and 2 cats. Veterinarians visiting from other countries occasionally volunteer their time. The organization wants to have two permanent vets, and have the mobile van in virtually continual use. The group has had a discussion with the Environmental Minister of Turkey, regarding TNR, and the organization is now interested in extending its program nationwide.

News From Turkey

Mobile Clinic in Turkey

In Turkey, the Isuzu and Ope Tas companies and three animal welfare organizations combined to supply a mobile Spay Clinic to the Fethiye Friends of Animals Association. This is the first

News From Arizona The Maddie’s Coalition continues to work on its grant proposal. They are now working

on even more collaborative efforts and working together for the good of companion animals. The Alliance for Companion Animals are working on developing bylaws.

AzCAT’s celebrates its third birthday in June. June will see 5,000 cats assisted by their TNR program.

Jan Raven, DTFA Regional Representative.

News From California In Los Angeles, in the Skid Row area, Downtown Dog Rescue is spaying and neutering homeless people’s dogs as well as rescuing dogs that have been dumped or are the result of litters of unspayed females. Downtown Dog Rescue works with Animal Control in one of L.A.’s most depressed areas. To find out more about this important work, visit their web site: www.downtowndogrescue. homestead.com San Francisco-Robert Noel was sentenced to the maximum four year prison term for cont’d on page 6

5 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

What’s News? – cont’d from page 5

the dog mauling death of Diane Whipple. His wife, Marjorie Knoller was convicted of murder, however the judge threw out that verdict. She now faces up to four years for involuntary manslaughter. She will be sentenced in July.

to the public, and are still killing millions annually.

Readers can view all the professionally done posters at www.spotsociety.org.

News From Idaho

News From Georgia SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Together) was created to reduce pet overpopulation in the Metro Atlanta area where some 90,000 cats/dogs are killed annually. SPOT approached a local ad agency, Austin Kelly, which designed three 30-second radio spots and three beautiful posters for the group! The posters deal with s/n, pet i.d., and not chaining or mistreating dogs.

While a few have found the ads "too direct," Jane Weiss counters that we have spent years "sugarcoating" the truth

Andy Arledge, DTFA Regional Representative for Idaho reports that the Boise Animal Coalition will hold its first feral-fix-a-thon on July 28, 2002. Four main local groups will spearhead this event.

Andy has been working towards finding more DTFA Regional Representatives in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Utah.

News From Massachusetts The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Newbury-

port, MA has started what is called "The Trapper's Network". This is a town by town listing of individuals working TNR for Sunday spay/neuter clinics run by the MRFRS and by the Dakin Animal Shelter in western MA. The network has about 1/3 of the state covered at this time.

The goal is to sterilize over 1,000 cats this year. Many of these clinics have been supported by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition.

The Massachusetts Animal Coalition is a group of animal professionals that meets about once every six weeks to work together to decrease the number of homeless animals in MA. To find out more visit: www.massanimalcoalition.org Poundhounds out of Hopkington, MA has developed an interesting program called PAC that works collaboratively with animal control offices in assisting them with adoptions.

inmates and the city purchased the materials. It was an excellent collaborative effort that was supported by Sheriff Cousins. The inmates will also be volunteering in the shelter.

Reported by: Stacy LeBaron

News From Mississippi Animals from Tate, Tunica, and Panola Counties had their dreams come true when volunteer veterinarians vaccinated and sterilized 111 cats and 22 dogs in a special six hour spay/neuter blitz. The effort was accomplished by volunteer veterinarians and veterinary medicine students from Mississippi State University, along with a volunteer support crew.

Dr. Stephen Dean made an announcement in May that the Dog Adoption Network, in Springfield, MA is working with the City of Springfield to build a new adoption center for the city, rather than the old town pound. You can find out more about them at www.dogadoptionnetwork.org There is a new town pound in the city of Lawrence, MA., one of the poorest cities in the country. This new facility has many dog runs, office space for the animal control officer and a cat room. This facility is located on the property of "the Farm" which is a minimum security correctional facility.

The building was built by the

Most of the patients live with poor, elderly, disabled or financially disadvantaged people. A number of feral cats also benefited from this wonderful one-day event. cont’d on page 7

6 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

What’s News? – cont’d from page 6

One wonderful note was the grateful 82 year-old woman who got her truck running in time to bring in her dog and cat for surgery/vaccinations.

She donated the only thing she could; 2 dozen fresh eggs from her hens!

Thanks to the Woodmen of the World for the donation of their facility; the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine for sending students to help; and to all the licensed vets who donated their time and skills!

We love Dr. Coleman! And last but not least, thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their weekend to help the animals!

Reported by Linda Chitwood

News From Montana Jean Atthowe, president of the Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force was honored in May by the Missoula Humane Society for showing extraordinary personal initiative to improve the lives of animals. She was given the fifth annual Ken Shughart Humanitarian Award. Since 1996, the Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force and its volunteers have been responsible for spaying and neutering 11,000 animals in Montana. The task force and SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Today) mobile spay/neuter clinic began its mission in the Blackfeet Nation at Browning. More than 140 animals were spayed/neutered

during that week. Since then, the task force has been at many different locations, all with successful results.

The highlight of a one-week trip in 1998 to St. Ignatious, Elmo, Ronan and Browning was the spaying/neutering of 1,336 dogs and cats! The mission isn’t just to spay/neuter, it is also about teaching communities how to solve their own animal overpopulation problems by creating solutions and regaining respect for animals.

As is the case with most grass roots organizations, Atthowe works in her capacity as president as a volunteer. "Jean has earned the gratitude and respect of not only animal care advocates, but pet owning families, law enforcement officials and animals (if they could talk)," wrote Kate Geranios of the Missoula Humane Society.

For more information, visit www.

Missoulahumanesociety.org

News From Ohio Dr. Brett LaFave founded the Mobile Animal Sterilization Hospital (MASH). In a cramped 18 by 10 foot trailer, he vaccinates and alters up to 40 animals per day throughout Ohio.

Dr. LeFave performing spay/neuter surgery

His services cost less than people would generally pay at their veterinarian. M.A.S.H. visits Licking County about two times a month, and on March 17, the 1,000th cat to benefit from the program since September 2000 was neutered. This program has had a significant impact on the area, said Bob Wirick, administrator with the Homeward Bound Humane Society.

Dr. LaFave spends most of the week serving animals near his home in Columbus and then spends his weekends traveling throughout Ohio. Contact the reporter of this story: Julie Scheurer, jscheurer@nncogannett.com. From the Advocate in Newark, Ohio.

News From Nevada Local authorities have been put on alert for an influx of tourists due to hit Reno in August. They will be on the look-out for suspects that include people who always seem to find an animal when away from home; folks who just can’t visit enough local shelters; and overly friendly, happy people who love animals. The welcome mat will be out for all CHAMP attendees; here are just some of the organizations looking forward to your participation at CHAMP: The Nevada Humane Society; Reno Animal Services; Carson Animal Services; The Pet Network of In-Cline Village; Northern Nevada SPCA and many more. They are all look-

ing forward to meeting everyone and having you visit the Reno-Sparks area! When you meet them, be sure to thank them for their hospitality!

News From Virginia Here in Virginia we are gathering information from animal welfare organizations and animal control agencies. At the end of 2001, the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies launched the Spay/VA program. Our objectives for 2002 include meeting with organizations, animal control, veterinarians and localities in each of the thirteen regions in the state; assessing the need for lowcost surgeries in each region; identifying the region’s resources; exploring ways to expand those resources; and developing a plan to bring more low-cost spay/neuter assistance to each region. To date, we have hosted meetings in eight of the thirteen regions and are working with the parties in each region to develop a regional spay/neuter plan.

Last week we announced the Central Virginia plan that will include a progressive outreach program to transport animals from low income communities and municipal animal control facilities to the two low-cost clinics in the area. A third clinic will open in September and will be part of the program.

Spay/VA, through a grant from the Bosak and Kruger cont’d on page 8

7 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

What’s News? – cont’d from page 7

Foundation will provide the transport van for the groups to use. This new vehicle should be operational within 60 days.

Other regions are considering similar transport programs, mobile clinics and stationary clinics.

The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies has also been instrumental in legislation and networking for the State of Virginia. They also organize their annual Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Conference which provides workshops, networking and invaluable information for those working in Virginia for animals.

For information: Teresa Dockery, Virginia Federation of Humane Societies,423-9689136, dockery@naxs.net Readers can contact Teresa or SPAY/USA for a copy of the questionnaire used to assess local organizations for their potential role in the state network.

Senate Bill 260 This bill provides definitions for 3.1-796.66 of "companion animal rescue agency" and "foster home" and requirements for operating compan-

ion animal rescue agencies and foster homes are established. The bill also sets out separate registration requirements for companion animal rescue agencies and pounds and animal shelters that use foster homes. Companion animal rescue agencies are not inspected by the State Veterinarian prior to accepting animals and are not required to meet pound regulations set forth by the department.

Instead, a companion animal rescue agency must self-certify and inspect any foster homes used prior to placing an animal in the home to determine if the home meets the basic owner standards of care as filed with the State Veterinarian. Companion animal rescue agencies must register with the Department annually and foster homes must self-certify twice a year that they are continuing to meet the basic owner standards of care with the companion animal rescue agency.

Pounds and animal shelters that use foster homes to keep animals accepted by the pound or shelter must inspect those foster homes prior to placing an animal. The bill also prohibits any person who has

ever been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment from adopting an animal from, or working for or operating, any humane society, animal shelter, companion animal rescue agency or foster home.

Also, this bill prohibits any person who has ever been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment from being on the board of directors of a pound or animal shelter.

Animal shelters must meet the requirements specified in the code but not the pound regulations. This takes effect on 7/1/02.

provide free s/n for these animals and the mothers.

Senate Bill 306 provides that it is a Class 6 felony to cause the death of a dog or cat by willfully and maliciously torturing or inflicting inhumane injury or pain or cruelly beating, maiming or mutilating such animal.

This takes effect on 7/1/02.

Once the move occurs, the city shelter will move to the SPCA’s former building. This is a gift to the city that will provide more space and continue the partnership between the city shelter and the SPCA. Already, the city has seen a decline in the number of euthanized animals that can only improve once the final moves take place.

On September 1, 2002, the Virginia Partnership for Animal Welfare and Support (VA PAWS) will start phase one of its s/n program called “Spay the Free Pets." This campaign is directed at people who have unwanted litters and are seeking to place these puppies and kittens through "Free Pet" ads in local papers. VA PAWS will

News From North Carolina Great Strides in Spay/Neuter Efforts!

The Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic in Asheville, has been making a tremendous impact on pet over-population in

their region. In 1994, William H. McKelvy founded the HASNC with the mission to provide low-cost spay/neuter services; the non-lethal, responsible solution to pet over-population. A local effort soon grew into a regional endeavor. More

Contact Lila Borge Wills at (540) 651-4530 or visit www.vapaws.org for further information.

Congratulations to the SPCA of Richmond on their successful Campaign for a Compassionate Solution. This campaign included raising money for a new shelter that will open in the Fall of 2002.

The site includes a jogging track, real time rooms, grooming and veterinary services, including spay/neuter.

Reported by Debra L. Joseph

❁

than 77,000 companion animals have been spayed and neutered at the facility since 1994. Grants subsidize each surgery as well as donations.

Quita Mazzina, the Executive Director, describes the staff as "the heartbeat of the organization, the engine that drives the mission". Their efforts are a reflection of what you can achieve when you work as a team. That staff includes: cont’d on page 9

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News From North Carolina – cont’d from page 8

three veterinarians; one veterinary technician; four veterinary assistants; one transport driver; one office manager and a director. We also are fortunate to have three reliable volunteers. On average 65-100 surgeries are performed each day, starting at 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.

The Humane Alliance also provides a free transport service. This service accommodates delivery of homeless pets for rescue organizations, or low income residents, and for county shelter pets. Thirty non-profit animal welfare organizations in 15 counties and five county shelter facilities utilize this service. This amazing cooperative effort has been working for over five years!

Because of this cooperative effort, there has been a 40% decrease in the number of animals being released to shelters.

These organizations have raised thousands of dollars to assist in the cost of spay/neuter. These cooperative efforts

resulted in 13,005 sterilization’s and more than 8,400 adoptions! Our goal for this year is 15,000 sterilizations!

All of the participating organizations have been an integral part of the success of this program. All partners agree that spay/neuter is the responsible solution to pet overpopulation and the choice that saves lives! This is a cooperative and proactive approach that has changed the perception of pet owners.

Among the participating groups, local

veterinarians have played a vital role as well. The NCVMA has endorsed the efforts of the Humane Alliance and encourages its ongoing endeavors.

Cooperation between the private veterinarians and animal welfare organizations is pivotal to the well-being of companion pets.

The Humane Alliance clinic has a team preparing a comprehensive blueprint of guidelines for organizations aspiring to open a spay/neuter facility in their own region. The program will be inclusive of an extensive one week training and development protocol for your entire staff at the clinic in Asheville. A Team will then visit your site for two days to implement practices. The Humane Alliance will host a conference in 2003 at the Grove Park Inn in Ashville. Need more information? Contact Humane Alliance spay/neuter clinic: 231 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

828-252-2079 ❁

Calendar of Educational Events 2002 August

October

2-4

International Humane Education Symposium – Surry, Maine. Info: 207-667-1025 or iihe@compassonateliving.org

3-6

Southern Regional Leadership Conference, SPAY/USA – New Orleans, Louisiana. Info: 1-800248-SPAY or www.spayusa.org {see page 26}

8-9

Louisiana Animal Control Association – Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Info: 337-439-8879 or dmarcantel@cppj.net

16-18

North Carolina Animal Control Association – Boon, North Carolina. Info: www.ncarca.com

23-25

22-25

CHAMP-Conference on Homeless Animal Management & Policy – Reno Hilton, Reno, Nevada. www.champconference.org or call: 516-883-7767 for a brochure! {see page 24}

Virginia Animal Control Association Conference – Virginia Beach. Info: 757-441-5503 or Mark.kumpf@norfolk.gov

25-27

No More Homeless Pets Conference – Atlanta, Georgia. Info: info@bestfriends.org

September 19

Connecticut Animal Control Officers Association Conference – Cromwell, Connecticut. Info: 860423-7195

19-22

The Conference-AHA – Denver, Colorado. Info: 1800-227-4645

November 11-13

Texas Animal Control Association Conference – Abilene. Info: Laural@ci.brownsville.tx.us

13-15

International Companion Animal Welfare Conference – Prague, Czech Republic. Info: www.icawc.org

13-16

Florida Animal Control Association Conference – Indian Rocks Beach, FL. Info: asshq@1-tgraye.com

9 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

News From Mexico Fund for the Well-being of Animales (Fondo Juana Summers Ward para el Bienestar de los Animales), established in 1998 in memory of Joan Summers, a parttime resident who was active in animal protection; In February 2002 a group of Mexicans and foreign residents registered a not-for-profit organization, Amigos de los Animales de Guanajuato, A.C. (Asociacion Civil), with the Mexican government. Our mission is to improve the wellbeing of domestic animals in the municipality, specifically dogs and cats, and by doing so to help protect the health and safety of the municipality’s residents and generally improve the quality of life here. Amigos focuses on increasing public awareness of the appropriate treatment of domestic animals, conducting a sterilization program and periodic sterilization campaigns in order to reduce unwanted reproduction, encouraging the adoption and foster care of homeless dogs and cats, and working with officials to promote the humane application of laws affecting animals. We have our work cut out for us. There is a huge population of street dogs here, and many of the dogs with owners are neglected or abused.

The decision to establish Amigos grew from the combined efforts of three groups, working together in 2001: •The Juana Summers Ward

•Mex-Can Pet Partners, a Canadian organization based in Victoria, British Columbia, that has been supporting the activities of the Juana Summers Ward Fund through fundraising and the placement of homeless dogs; and •Veterinarians of Guanajuato, who participate in a sterilization and rescue/adoption program supported by the two fundraising efforts.

Last year those efforts resulted in the rescue, treatment, and placement of 25 dogs and the sterilization of some 80 dogs and cats.

We are working with most of the veterinarians in the city to provide subsidized sterilizations for pet owners of limited economic resources, and with the Department of Health to coordinate our efforts with a city-sponsored anti-rabies program. Our first intensive sterilization campaign of 2002 was held in a city barrio on April 21. Twenty-eight dogs and cats were spayed/neutered that day. Two more campaigns are planned for September and December. So far this year about 50 dogs and cats have been sterilized through the regular clinic program.

school children. We have received a donated video in Spanish about the proper care of pets, and a local vet has lent it to teachers for use in classrooms. We need more materials of this sort, such as children’s books in Spanish about forming friendships with dogs and other domestic animals. The reading materials for children are very limited in Mexico. There is a cultural bias against befriending dogs, whom most Mexicans regard as being useful for guarding property and dangerous if encountered on the street.

Many dog owners keep their dogs imprisoned on roofs with inadequate shade, shelter, food, and water. Others let their dogs roam in the street during the day, where the ani-

mals contract communicable diseases (mange is a major problem here), reproduce, and often are killed or injured by vehicles. That is why we are developing materials for dog owners about the basic needs of their dogs and asking local newspaper editors to help us spread not only this information, but also information on the advantages of pet sterilization.

For more information about Mex-Can Pet Partners, send an e-mail message to mexcan@pacificcoast.net Sandra Ward, President Amigos de los Animales de Guanajuato, A.C. ❁

Our education campaign focuses on both adults and

10 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Rabbits are the most popular small mammal in American households. They are also the third most likely animal to be dropped off at an animal shelter. In light of these facts, this July is the first annual Adopt-a-Rescued-Rabbit Month sponsored by the ASPCA and Petfinder. Visit the link below to see featured items. There is much information both for the general public and shelter staff (including info on intake and health checks). http://www.petfinder.org/ journal/adoptrabbit2002.html

“Spay/Neuter ... Made Accessible” s al im Area n A get ation r a T pul o erp v O Adoption Trailer with Easy-to-Clean Viewing Glass

Spay & Neuter Mobile Clinics or Adoption Mobile Clinics

“Helps break the reproductive cycle – even in remote locations”

LET US HELP SAVE YOU MONEY SO YOU CAN SAVE ANIMALS’ LIVES! Join our FREE cooperative buying programs!

To receive your FREE, no obligation, introductory packages about our unique programs, call NSAL America at (800) 233-7544, or visit our Web site at www.nsalamerica.org

Prevent Behavioral Problems Which Lead To Adoption Returns!

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For More Information 800-776-9984 • 623-581-2922 fax www.laboit.com

11 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

From coast to coast, north and south, and around the world, Pet Adoptathon 2002 was amazing! In addition to increasing shelter awareness, the event encouraged many shelters to join forces with their local counterparts to promote adoptions. National publicity surrounding the event was enormous, and it brought animal lovers everywhere to local shelters. The result: thousands of animals went home to loving adopters! While the final count is not in yet, we do have some incredible Adoptathon stories to share.

From The Maryland SPCA, Aileen Gabbey e-mailed enthusiastically: "For the first time, over a dozen Maryland shelters joined together to promote the adoptathon this year.

253 pets found homes altogether! The group met monthly to plan the event. Everyone agreed to be open the same days and times to be consistent. We secured a sponsor who paid for advertising. The weekend morning shows featured the event. A central 800# listed everyone, and we also referred people to this great web site [www.petadoptathon.com] to find a local shelter. This was our first time doing something so big together, and I highly recommend it to other areas. It gives the groups a chance to work together and to get to know

each other. Also, the public and the media are impressed by the cooperation and were clear on the event (instead of multiple shelters each doing their own thing, which can be confusing). It was a great experience!”

"Our first adoption for the 2002 Adoptathon was Douglas, a two year old golden retriever," wrote Bonnie Miller of the ARK in Florida. "When he was rescued in South Carolina, he was hand shy from being beaten. His fur and body were thin and there was no sparkle in his eyes. The folks at PAWS gave him loving foster care, good nutrition, daily hugs and kisses, and excellent vet care. All this gave him the will to live and brought back the sparkle in his eyes. They tried in vain to find him a local home. As the Adoptathon neared, they asked the ARK for help. One of our members was driving home from Missouri and drove 300 miles out of her way to pick up Douglas and bring him here.

The first morning of the Adoptathon, a wonderful family came to look for kittens.

One look at Douglas and it was love at first sight!

Douglas now has a new human family, two dog siblings (one a three-legged fellow), and a dog nanny who comes to play and walk him every day. He has an acre to run and

play in and a new mom who believes hugs and kisses are a daily requirement!"

Among our international emails came one from Yuli Weston, President of Istanbul’s SED. "I am happy to report that we had a very colorful ‘Pet Adoptathon 2002 Istanbul’ event," reported Yuli.

"Altogether we were able to home 14 puppies, some kittens, and one older dog. We transported our friends from 2 different shelters in our own cars, so we could bring only a few. We also achieved our goal of attracting nationwide publicity. The PR generates interest that lasts for several weeks, even months. We

always notice an increase in adoptions in the following weeks, so it was important for us to participate in this event.

On behalf of our four legged friends, we thank you for the Pet Adoptathon idea and for all the support you provide. We’ll get started even earlier for 2003. Keep us posted."

North Shore Animal League America would like to thank everyone who participated in Pet Adoptathon 2002 and let you know that it is time to sign up for 2003 which will take place on May 3-4, 2003!

Please fill in the coupon on page 13 and send it to NSAL America today! ❁

12 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Save this number, it could save your pet’s life

888-232-8870 Pass the word on . . . Contact us for a free poster and additional magnets for clients, friends and colleagues!

Visit Onlin Us e An d Ask F Your or F Mag ree net!

Common Household Hazards Prescription Medications • Chocolate • Antifreeze • Various Houseplants • Household Cleaning Products

www.animalpoisonhotline.com Please be advised there is a per incident fee.

A program of North Shore Animal League America and PROSAR International Animal Poison Center.

Sign Up Now For Pet Adoptathon 2003 – May 3 – 4, 2003!

Photocopy or cut out this page, complete and send it in. Make extra copies for neighboring shelters!

Please complete the information below to sign up for Pet Adoptathon 2003, or register online at www.petadoptathon.com Organization Name: ______________________________________________ Event Contact Person: ______________________________________________ Title (if applicable): ________________________________________________ Event Contact’s Phone Number: ____________________________________ E-mail address: ____________________________________________________ Fax Number: ____________________ Website: ______________________ (to be used for regular U.S. mail)

Org.’s Mailing Address:____________________________________________

Actual location of your organization (or where you’ll be holding your Pet Adoptathon 2003 event): ______________________________________ City/State: ________________________________________________________ Zip/Postal Code: __________________ Country: ______________________ Phone Number: __________________________________________________ Note: Your organization’s address/phone number will be posted on the Pet Adoptathon Web Site and/or given to potential adopters who call our tollfree referral hotline. ❑ Check here if you do not wish to be posted.

City/State: ________________________________________________________ Zip/Postal Code: __________________ Country: ______________________

By filling out this form, I am officially registering for Pet Adoptathon 2003 and agree to submit my adoption figures after the event is over.

PLEASE NOTE: POSTERS, BANNERS AND PET ADOPTATHON PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL WILL BE MAILED UPS AND CANNOT BE MAILED TO A P.O. BOX ADDRESS.

Signature: ________________________________________________________

(to be used for UPS delivery)

Org.’s Shipping Address: __________________________________________ City/State: ________________________________________________________ Zip/Postal Code: __________________ Country: ______________________

Call us toll-free at 877-BE MY PAL (877-236-9725) if you have any questions. You may fax this registration form to 516-944-5732, mail it today to NSAL America, 16 Lewyt Street, Pt. Washington, NY 11050, or register online at www.petadoptathon.com.

Check here if you would like to be considered as a destination for North Shore Animal League America’s annual cross-country Tour for Life®, the world’s largest cooperative adoption event, during the month of April, 2003.

13 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

National Council ON PET POPULATION STUDY & POLICY

www.petpopulation.org Date: May 1, 2002 Contact: Phil Kass 530-752-8631

Study probes relevance of euthanasia at animal shelters as a measure of pet surplus A common means of determining a surplus of dogs and cats, or lack of available homes, in a community or across the nation has been to compare statistics of animals euthanized at animal shelters. Some hold the viewpoint that any euthanasia in animal shelters is evidence of a pet surplus.

Philip H. Kass, John C. New, Jr., Janet M. Scarlett, and Mo D. Salman in the article "Understanding Animal Companion Surplus: Relinquishment of Nonadoptables to Animal Shelters for Euthanasia", published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science (Volume 4: number 4, pages 237-248), study animals relinquished to shelters for the primary purpose of euthanasia as they relate to those relinquished for adoption as well as the owners of the animals.

This study refutes the belief that the total numbers of animals euthanized at shelters can be used as a sole indicator of a companion animal surplus. Animal shelters have become an alternative to veterinary clinics for the purpose of euthanasia for humane reasons. Out of all animals relinquished to shelters 24% of the dogs and 17% of the cats were turned in expressly for the purpose of euthanasia.

Of the animals whose owners requested euthanasia, 82% of the cats and 82% of the dogs were relinquished for reasons related to older age and/or illness. Behavioral reasons were cited for 16% of the dogs and 18% of the cats relinquished for the purpose of euthanasia. Dr. Kass and his colleagues point out that "although some of the behavioral problems potentially could be reversed through intervention and behavioral modification, the majority of the behaviors reported as reasons for requesting euthanasia rather than adoption were serious enough to question whether such pets could successfully coinhabit a home environment with humans or other animals."

Dr. Kass Further States that "shelters fulfill a critically important role in our society as alternatives to animal hospitals for euthanasia for humane reasons and, therefore, that the crude numbers of dogs and cats euthanized at shelters are not equivalent to the number of adoptable dogs and cats killed for

lack of an available home. Our findings lead us to conclude that a sizeable number of animals are relinquished to shelters because of disease, old age, or serious behavioral problems.

Such animals should be excluded from consideration as contributing to the definition and epidemiology of pet surplus in the United States."

The animal welfare community tends to keep a watchful eye on the progress of California shelters, particularly near the San Francisco area where innovative approaches to euthanasia have been established.

"This study contributes to more realistic expectations of what shelter systems can achieve. It confirms the experience of shelters in San Francisco and Marin County, where approximately 25 percent of the dogs and cats in the system are nonrehabilitable, or have conditions that are economically prohibitive to treat" states Ed Sayres, President of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Sayres goes on to say "The San Francisco and Marin models embody the optimum, combining well-regarded, highly competent agencies with extensive resources for prevention, education, treatment and long-term care in communities that are sensitive and sympathetic to the homeless animal issue. The study verifies the experience of shelter systems in the best of circumstances."

"Most cities have euthanasia rates of 50-65 percent, so there is unquestionably much work to be done to improve the system for adoptable dogs and cats. However, this study provides meaningful data to counter the unrealistic expectations of shelter performance that ‘no-kill’ rhetoric may create."

"As we get past polarization within the animal welfare industry regarding ‘no-kill’ rhetoric and subjective assessment of terms like ‘adoptable’, we need to examine what percentage of deaths in the shelter system are animals euthanized in acts of mercy and what percentage are animals that could be successfully placed with the help of better resources and greater access to adopters."

Requests for reprints of the JAAWS article should be sent to Philip Kass, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 ❁

14 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

to the surplus of cats & dogs

to the surplus of cats & dogs

Courtesy of the Routt County Humane Society

15 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

The Ultimate Humane Decision Reprinted from DTFA No-Kill News, Winter 2000 Issue From my experience in animal sheltering, many dogs are taken to shelters for a variety of behavioral problems. We all know the reasons: "He chewed my furniture;" "He ruined my carpet;" "He bit someone." Many of these problems can be solved through behavior modification programs, many cannot. If a shelter is presented with a dog that clearly shows aggression, we must ask ourselves the following questions: • Is our organization willing to put our staff, the public, and the animal at risk?

• Do we have the behavior tools to modify and/or house this animal safely?

• Are we honestly going to be able to place this animal into a home?

• Are we doing this animal any favors by simply "warehousing" him?

• How long will it take to place this one dog? How many other dogs will die waiting for that cage?

• Is our organization ready and able to accept the liability issues we will be faced with if this animal bites or if we place it into a home and it seriously injures someone?

• Is our organization willing to accept the reputation with the public as irresponsible in placement?

• Is our organization willing to make the ultimate humane decision should that animal’s behavior decline to the point that he has lost quality of life?

For every day a dog sits in a cage, another one dies waiting for that cage. That is the reality. We may not be the one that "kills" the dog. However, because we decided to keep a dangerous dog for one year, a dog we knew had little to no chance of being adopted – WE impacted 365* adoptable dogs’ lives. They died waiting for that one dog to be adopted.

Many shelters currently have a dog with serious behavior issues in their shelter or rescue group. Everyone always says the same thing. "He’s fine with me; we just have to find the right home for him." How many years did it take us to acquire the skills needed to work with this type of dog? Now, think of the average adopter … do they have the experience and/or knowledge that this animal needs? We must ask ourselves this question: If he is such an adoptable dog, why is it taking us so long to find him a

home? The bigger question is, "Why hasn’t someone in our organization adopted him?" There are organizations that specialize in dogs with behavior problems.

They have the resources, the skill and the ability to modify these animals or care for them for life. Most shelters do not.

Please, do not assume that I feel all aggressive dogs are unadoptable. From my experience, many have problems that can be modified; and many can be safely and responsibly placed into new homes.

This does, however, take an enormous commitment, both in the time it takes to work through the behavior problem as well as to find a new home for the animal. Sadly, many animals die waiting for one dog to be adopted.

In a perfect world, this would not even be a debate; all animals would be re-homed without question. Unfortunately, we live in this world, a world filled with millions of homeless companion animals.

Some of us are saying: "Well, I can’t just turn the dog away; what will happen?" Ask yourself, “What would have happened if he didn’t show up at our door?” The ultimate decision of what is to become of a behaviorally-challenged dog is made by the dog’s owner. We must explain the issues to the person who wants to relinquish the dog, give him advice, options, etc. Our shelter cannot be perceived as the solution to the owner’s problem. We are responsible for possibly hundreds, if not thousands of homeless pets we are currently caring for and those yet to come. Remember: balance is the key. We will always have some difficult-to-place animals, but we should be sure to have easily adoptable animals as well. Not being a sanctuary, if we take this one dog knowing its potential and hold it for the sake of our "no kill" status, that is the ultimate waste – both for the organization and for the animals.

I encourage you to send your questions or comments to me so they can be utilized in this forum: Tammy Kirkpatrick, The Pet Savers Foundation, 59 S. Bayles Ave., Pt. Washington, NY 11050, or email at tammyk@petsavers.org. *The figure of 365 was obtained from the statistics at a highvolume shelter. But even in a smaller shelter, think of the lives lost because of one unadoptable dog. ❁ Reprinted in response to numerous requests.

16 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Letters To The Editors Dear Esther: I received the Paws to Think premier issue. I would like to share a few views I have had for many years as groups like yours have legitimized TNR for feral/abandoned cats.

While the reason for this approach; sparing lives-is supposedly laudable; I find myself troubled by the idea that the public views cats living feral lives as acceptable and then abandon rather than relinquish their own cats to local shelter when homes cannot be found.

1. Page 15, TNR, omits an important element: CARE. The titles given for this "growing trend" always omit the element of CARE for the returned cats. To not include the CARE element, tells people who find colonies of cats that the only thing needed is to trap, alter and return them, not to provide ongoing care.

2. Does all the literature provided to newcomers of TNR include where the cat should be located in the return element?

One caring organization in our area was removing cats from a downtown parking area and releasing them into a state park.

Horrors. While the latter might be safer for the cats, it isn’t for the local wildlife.

Returned cats must not compete or interfere with local wildlife. Is it made clear in literature about these programs?

3. Is the public apprised that TNR is a temporary fix for only those cats who are feral/abandoned, and that these colonies are not to become permanent, perpetuating fixtures in an area? If these programs work as they should, the future holds that there will no longer be feral cats. Is that the stated goal of these programs?

4. If the latter is true than I can support the TNR approach to feral/abandoned cats.

However, I do not want the American public to become accepting of these ideas. a. Cats are "wildlife" and can/should live outside a domesticated life

b. Feral cat colonies are acceptable and will be a permanent fixture in our society c. Feral cats do not need CARE provided by a responsible caregiver.

I appreciate the chance to share my views.

Name withheld (edited for length) Dear Concerned Animal Care-Giver: I am replying to your letter and I am glad to set the record straight on the TNR article in the first Paws to Think magazine.

1. I fully agree with you that CARE is the most critical element in TNR. Perhaps there is some element of semantics here as the article on page 15 does refer to "long-term management" instead of using the word "CARE". LTM includes proper feeding stations, shelter and control of disease-which does add up to CARE. I would add "post-op" care, which means extra attention to the cats immediately after surgery.

2. Where to return cats is often the sticky wicket. If the location in which they live is safe, and care is provided there is no issue. But if the location is not safe, there is a big problem. They should NEVER be dumped in some out of the way place with the expectation that they will be fine.

Certainly tameable cats and kittens can be removed and re-homed. But the feral ones, who do not want to live indoors are hard to place. You are right of course, these cats cannot be dumped. Alley Cat Allies has guidelines for relocation of the cats.

3. And yes, the public does need to be informed that this is a temporary fix for those cats who are feral. The whole idea of TNR – and organizations like Alley Cat Allies is clear on this – is to gradually reduce the number of cat colonies, and the size of these colonies. There are many feral groups of whom I know and they are

gradually reducing the number of cat colonies and the size of those colonies. All of us want to see the numbers dwindle.

The idea is not to perpetuate the problem.

Over a decade ago, there were no organizations concentrating on feral cats. Alley Cat Allies is one of many who have come up with guidelines and solutions on how to deal with them. It is easier to ignore this problem, since it was so large. This was not a problem that goes away if ignored. This is a problem that grows if ignored.

Esther Mechler Dear Tammy: I just finished reading the premier issue of the Pet Savers Foundation magazine, Paws to Think and I think it is great! I really like reading about what is happening around the country. Of course the spay/neuter stamp issue is especially exiting.

Peggy Allen Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Dear Peggy: Thank you! This magazine is for everyone who works so hard on behalf of animals everyday! We couldn’t do anything without the great support of those who contribute articles and newsworthy items every month!

Have a great summer!

Tammy Kirkpatrick Note: For those of you who don’t know Peggy, she is the coordinator of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Annual Conference. She along with several other dedicated individuals work hard all year long to put on a super conference that allows Virginia animal welfare people the opportunity to network and attend workshops and seminars that assist them in their daily duties. For more information about the VFHS Conference, contact Peggy at: henrygallen@email.msn.com

We love to hear from our readers! Please write to Esther Mechler at 2261 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, Connecticut 06614, email: alwaysspay@aol.com, or Tammy Kirkpatrick at 59 South Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, New York 11050, email: tammyk@petsavers.org

17 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

On May 29, at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, a unique combination of powerful – legendary – singers and players sang in a special benefit concert for SPAY/USA. The event was organized by Lynn Morris.

The award-winning musicians from Nashville and the D.C. area included Hazel Dickens, The Lynn Morris Band, Tom Adams and Missy Raines.

All the musicians donated their evening in order to create an amazing evening of Bluegrass. The concert was recorded and will be broadcast on the Internet at a future date. Persons interested in attending next year’s concert, which will again take place in the D.C. area, should contact SPAY/USA for further information. Heartfelt thanks to Lynn Morris for all the time and energy she put into organizing and carrying out this truly memorable, magical, musical event!

Understanding Mange: Sarcoptic vs. Demodectic Regardless of how well you care for your pet, mange can be a threat. Here are some distinctions between the two types of mange that affect dogs.

Sarcoptic (Scabies) Mange Characteristics • Skin disease caused by a mite, which burrows into the skin to lay larvae; • Mites live up to 10 days; entire life cycle is three weeks; • Highly contagious, can infest people and cats; • Transmitted by direct contact with infected animal; • Produces intense itching, reddening of the skin, hair thinning, crusty skin and scabs.

Treatment • Thoroughly clean your pet’s bedding, as well as its kennel or crate; • Contact your vet for medical treatment options; • Bathe affected animal weekly for at least four weeks with insecticidal dip.

Courtesy of the SPCA of Texas, www.spca.org

Demodectic (Demodex) Mange Characteristics • Skin disease caused by excessive quantities of mites that normally inhabit canine hair follicles; • Presence of the disease is considered a genetic disorder, so it’s recommended not to breed dogs with a diagnosis of demodex; • Cigar-shaped mites multiply excessively when young and prefer to dine on the elderly or the shorthaired dog; • Mites must be detected through a skin scrape under a microscope; • Skin irritation shows more in the form of pustules rather than itching; • Not contagious to humans or other animals; • Some hair loss is noticeable; • Diagnosis from a beterinaira is essential.

Treatment: • Clean infected bedding thoroughly; • Give your pet medicated dips.

Simply stated, demodex is costlier and more difficult to treat and in some cases won’t respond to treatment; sarcoptes is easily and inexpensively treated but the mite may cause infections.

18 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Lessons In Love

by Scott Craven

Abandoned Dogs Teach Troubled Kids To Care

Jon Moran knew his part well. Holding the dog treat to his chest, the 14-yearold looked into the eyes of his dog, Ruby, a diminutive sheltie mix whose world just a month ago was a 3-by 5foot kennel in an animal shelter. Ruby knew her part too, and watched Jon intently as he lowered the treat and coaxed her into the down position.

As the audience in the school cafeteria applauded the small feat, Ruby licking his hands for crumbs, it suddenly occurred to Jon: The one trick he had yet to learn was how to say goodbye.

Learning To Care Jon knew from the day he was handed Ruby’s leash that he would play a small part in her life. At the end of the month long Teaching Love and Compassion program at Mesa’s Taylor Junior High, Jon and his partner, Jeremy Page, would hand Ruby to her new owner, or, if a home could not be found, she’d go back to the shelter.

But the inevitable parting was too far away to be a concern. There was much excitement as the 12 students chosen to participate met the six homeless dogs they would train. With luck, each animal would have a family to go to when the program concluded at the end of April.

The program, conducted jointly by Mesa Public Schools and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, also would benefit the students, each of whom faced emotional, psychological and social challenges. Students would find out how to care for another living

thing while learning a little bit about themselves.

And this April morning, as the program culminated with a graduation ceremony, students let go of the leash for the last time. Many were too lost in the moment to remember the encouraging words of their teacher Pat Policastro: "Sometimes doing something good hurts, and the more good it does, the more it can hurt."

It was the second time the program was offered to students in Policastro’s class for emotionally disabled students. Her class was chosen, because in addition to having 18 years of experience with specialneeds kids, she often brought one of her Dobermans to class to help relate to the students. The dog was allowed to roam freely, connecting with the youths on a level no person can. "I always want the kids to be greeted by someone who is happy they’re there," Policastro said. "And there are some days I just can’t do that. But my Dobie is right there, welcoming them and licking their hands."

The Right Dog Gary DiGeronimo knew what to look for while searching for six dogs suitable for the TLC program at Taylor.

DiGeronimo, an animal behaviorist contracted to help run the program with Julie Bank, director of public programs for Maricopa Animal Care & Control, roamed the aisles of the

county’s Pet Adoption center looking for candidates. Each dog had to be healthy and work well with others.

Simply put, the kind of animal prompting him to say, "I can’t believe someone gave up on this dog."

Within a few hours he had his selections, ranging from the calm and easygoing Ruby to rough-and-tumble Chance, a Rottweiler-mastiff mix who was quite happy to lean his 80-pound frame against the nearest set of legs and who was, DiGeronimo summed up, "one big galoot of a dog."

For the next 20 school days, these dogs would work an hour a day with a dozen kids molded over the years by life’s imperfections, perhaps difficult home lives, or verbal and emotional abuse, or even chemical imbalances in the brain. After each training session, cont’d on page 20

19 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Lessons in Love – cont’d from page 19

the dogs would be put back in their crates (to be picked up by their foster parents at the end of the school day) and the students would talk about how to treat animals as well as people.

"You should be nice to dogs, but you should be nice to people too," said Wes Jefferies, 13, after a lesson on how a harsh tone of voice affects animals and people the same way. "A dog is scared if you’re yelling, but a person can be hurt more because he can also understand what you’re saying."

No one in the program assumed that four weeks of dog training could turn around these kids’ lives. But it was believed it could turn them in a new direction, leading to a ripple effect that might touch their lives for years.

Good things were clearly evident the first time the program was offered at Taylor in late 2001, when 12 kids shared an experience they would not soon forget.

"I’ve been working with these kinds of kids for 18 years, and I’ve never seen a program impact them as much as this class with dogs," Policastro said.

"The kids understood they did something good. They so rarely have the chance to see the good result from something they did."

Making Friends The days began the same way, each two-person team retrieving its dog from the crate and sitting quietly on a mat, petting and massaging the animals to calm them before training began. The quiet time had the same effect on the students. Walking into Policastro’s room during first hour, a visitor would have found it hard to believe some of these kids are prone to threats of violence or that others suffer uncontrollable outbursts that make them unsuitable classmates.

Jon lay quietly next to Ruby, stroking the sheltie around her neck and chest.

"Good dog, Good Ruby," he cooed as the dog wagged her tail slowly in appreciation. Ruby’s deep brown eyes stared into Jon’s, neither dog nor boy knowing how much they had in common. Ruby ended up at the Maricopa County Animal Shelter for reasons unknown. Somehow, someone could no longer live with this gentle loving dog. Jon certainly did not understand it. "I don’t like that somebody just kicked her out on the streets," he said.

"She’s so calm and nice. I’d keep her forever."

Jon, too, was trying to find his place in the world. As a child in Nebraska, his parents gave him to his grandmother to raise because they didn’t have the means to support him. He still lives with his grandmother, rarely seeing his mom and dad, who remain in Omaha. Jon is prone to emotional and, at times, violent outbursts. One reason, said special education teacher Teri Schulte, whom Jon sees for half the day, is his "issues with abandonment".

But just two weeks into the TLC program, Schulte said she saw wonderful improvements in Jon’s behavior.

Schulte said Jon was more focused on his work and not so easily frustrated.

She added that Jon, who loved to talk about his cat, Sam, had suddenly cont’d on page 21

20 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Lessons in Love – cont’d from page 20

become a dog person. "He has to work through his demons and emotions," Schulte said. "He’s struggled when he’s had to work with other kids, but I can tell he’s having fun."

One example was clear at the end of the first week. Jon, who lives more than a mile away, had missed his bus.

Rather than stay home, he started to walk. (A security employee was dispatched and picked him up.) "I didn’t want to miss school," Jon said, pausing briefly. "I really didn’t want to miss Ruby."

His behavior has improved at home as well. The first words out of Jon’s mouth when he arrived home each day usually had something to do with Ruby, said Josephine Moran, his grandmother. "You would have thought

he spent the whole day with the dog instead of just an hour," Moran said.

"He just loved seeing her."

Lessons Learned TLC’s impact cannot be measured with grades or test scores. The tools typically used to gauge success in school do not apply to a program that is the first of its kind in Maricopa County. That is why, nearing the end of the four weeks, teachers look for the small things. There was Ryan, 13, a boy with an aversion to touch, who by the end of the program was petting Bond, a dog he was hesitant to approach a month ago. There was Thomas, 14, who for the first few days sat quietly and refused to interact. On graduation day, he was among the most talkative. There was Andy, 14, who would not raise his head to answer questions and yet spoke to an audience of nearly five people to tell them about his dog.

There was Tyler, 13, who had spoken of abusing animals and by the program’s end had befriended the family dog that had once run from him. There was Ryan, 14, a tough kid who refused to let on to his feelings until he said a tearful goodbye to Kandi, a friendly Welsh Corgi who gladly licked away the tears.

And there was Jon, who took from the program not only love for a dog, but an awareness of compassion, and that you can let go of something without feeling you’d abandoned it. "I’m going to miss Ruby a lot," Jon said. "But she has a good home. That’s the most important thing."

The Right Thing The graduation was over, and Policastro’s students were setting up the cafeteria for lunch. Most of the new owners had left with their dogs; the kids were left to their feelings. In their hearts, they knew they had done the right thing.

Two students walked their dog (to them, it would always be "their dog") to the parking lot, then waved goodbye as the dog hopped into the adoptive couple’s car, a leap as practiced as if she’d been doing it all her life. A few others returned to Policastro’s classroom where class assignments would soon await them. And a few sat quietly, sifting through feelings that four weeks ago they’d not believed could exist.

Jon, having finished his piece of the celebratory cake and having said goodbye to his grandmother, who’d attended the festivities, looked back on his time with Ruby.

"I had dreams about her," he said.

"The only one I remember is being in danger and that she was there to save me." ❁ Reprinted with permission from the Arizona Republic Newspaper; Author: Scott Craven. Visit www.arizonarepublic.com or www.maricopa.gov/pets/ .

Reproductions, reprints must have the permission of the Arizona Republic Newspaper. 602-444-8025.

21 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

The Pet Savers Foundation THANKS K. Banasiak B. Blaess A. Brill E. Buley J. Burgin, TTEE E. Carruthers C. Carvalho M. Cronin G. De Wolfe V. Deleon

L. Deuel D. Doyle M. Dwyer J. Elder M. Elkin P. Folvi N.Germaine J. Grace K. Jefferson M. Korsack

J. Legallet B. Lingenfelter R. London D. Mayfield T. McGill.

S. Meindl E. Menges I. Merchant S. Montgomery B. Newsome

YOU For Your Generous Support!

S. O’Brien B. Reber R. Riccardi J. Richman L. Riney G. Rojas J. Rowland B. Rubin T. Ruzaeff S. Salas

N. Shinn P. Smith S. Stohlmann K. Strehlau C. Van Dyk B. Van Tine L. Wagenius E. Welsh P. Witt

impressive voice on the health, behavioral and societal benefits of spay/neuter.

In response to this extraordinary team effort, the USPS has decided to increase their issuance to an extraordinary two hundred million stamps that will go on sale as one of their premier stamps of the year.

by Sara Khurody-Downs, President, Prevent a Litter Coalition, Inc.

As many of you know, on September 20, 2002, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will issue two social awareness stamps dedicated to responsible pet care message – "Spay/Neuter!"

The reach and influence that the USPS brings to the table, coupled with their tremendously sensitive portrayal of the subject on the stamps, have provided all of us with a tangible tool, and a tremendous opportunity to raise public awareness that spay/neuter should be a part of their pet’s total care.

To do just this, an unprecedented (and growing!) team of leading and influential animal health and welfare organizations have united to maximize the impact of the stamps’ spay/neuter message. The team is called "American Partnership for Pets."

The Partnership’s 25 members share their time and talents for the cause, and together provide a united and

In addition, the USPS has taken the Spay/Neuter issue as their Fall Campaign! From September to November 2002, Headquarters and 800,000 postal employees in 38,000 post offices nationwide will join with us in our efforts to build awareness of the millions of unwanted pets that are taken to shelters each year, and of spay/neuter as a preventative part of the solution.

As a part of this exciting program, on every set of stamps sold, and on posters that will be displayed at post offices nationwide, there will be a call to community action! "For spay/neuter call 1-888-pets911 or visit www.pets911.com." Just go to this toll-free English/Spanish phone number or Web site and enter your zip code to find your neighborhood animal health and welfare services!

The American Partnership for Pets is working alongside the USPS on developing events and programs, to educate the nation on the value of spay/neuter. Look for us in September at special launch events nationwide, then in February for Spay Day 2003, and again in May 2003 for "Pledge to use the stamps and spread awareness Month!"

The American Partnership for Pets invites you to participate with us! For more information about us, please visit www.americanpartnershipforpets.org. ❁

22 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Author Donates Scholarship Funds for CHAMP! Ellen Perry Berkeley, author of Maverick Cats: Encounters with Feral Cats, generously shares proceeds with The Pet Savers Foundation from sales of her newly expanded classic.

For every book sold through Paws to Think, Ellen will send $4 to CHAMP’s scholarship fund.

Maverick Cats: Encounters with Feral Cats is still the only comprehensive volume on the domestic cat gone wild and now features the very latest efforts and research – • more fascinating information from scientists around the world • more touching stories from the author’s hillside in Vermont • personalized copies for yourself and for gifts With each copy sold, the author will explain how humane organizations can turn sales of this valuable book into a fund-raising project of their own.

NEWLY EXPANDED AND UPDATED [2001]

✁

Please send me ____ copies of Maverick Cats @$14.95 each (all postage is included) I have enclosed my check in the amount of $_________ payable to Ellen Perry Berkeley.

Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Street: __________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________ ❑ Autograph only. ❑ Autograph and inscribe personally to: __________________________________________ $4 of the purchase price for each book will go to Pet Savers’ CHAMP Scholarship Fund.

Complete this form and send with your check to: Ellen Perry Berkeley • Box 311 • Shaftsbury, VT 05262-0311 23 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

What: CHAMP, Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy

CHAMP Workshop Tracks At A Glance

When: August 22 – 25, 2002

Management

Where: Reno Hilton, Reno, Nevada, Why:

So you can be a part of the fastest growing animal welfare conference in the country!

What do I get out of attending CHAMP? You have the opportunity to hear from over 70 of the best and brightest people in animal welfare. With over 50 workshops & seminars, you can learn new ideas, programs and concepts to save animals lives. Plus, there will be more than 80 exhibitors on hand to show you their latest products and services.

What comes with the registration fee?

Depending on what option you choose, your meals are included and social events as well.

Registration fees do not include your hotel or travel arrangements. Sunday’s events are up to you, you decide, and each event has a separate fee involved.

I can’t afford to attend! You can’t afford NOT to attend! Networking and learning new concepts is the key to saving more animals’ lives. You can share a hotel room, ask local people to sponsor you, or volunteer at CHAMP to help reduce your costs.

How can I help? Donate to the CHAMP scholarship fund! CHAMP has a limited number of scholarships, and we would really like to be able to give more scholarships! Your donation, by helping to send just one person, can ultimately save hundreds if not thousands of animals lives! Use the reply envelope enclosed to send in your donation.

You can find out more about CHAMP by visiting our web site: www.champconference.org or e-mail us at: info@champconference.org or call us at: 516-883-7767 to receive a CHAMP brochure.

Tammy Kirkpatrick CHAMP Producer

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Cruelty Investigations Job Description/Weekly Schedule Keeping It Small & Keeping It Real The Feline Guide to People Management Reach Out and Be There Identifying Personality Strengths For Effective Team Building Work in the Office? We’re Too Busy!

Stress & Burnout For The Humaniac Rogue Volunteers: Practical Solutions 21st Century Virtual Shelter Puppy Mills: There Is No Easy Way There’s More To A Shelter

Development • SPAY/USA • How To Write a Winning Grant Application • Public Relations 101-102 • National Campaign on a Shoestring • Going Once, Going Twice – Sold on E-bay • Sell, Sell, Sell; How To Use Retail As A Fundraising Tool • Special Event Planning • Who’s Got The Money?

• Marketing And Brand Recognition 102 • The Internet: Increase Your Exposure At No Cost

Global

Operations • Dynamic Animal Placement • 101 Money Saving Tips For Operations • American Pit-Bull Terrier: Comprehensive Compassion • Disaster Relief for Wildlife • Cage-Free Cat Shelters • The Way You Do The Things You Do • Adoption Events That Work • Gimme Shelter!

• Feathered Einsteins: The Intelligence And Longevity Of Companion Parrots

Behavioral • Show Me The Biscuits!

• Give A Dog A Bone! Canine Enrichment Programs • Wellness & Behavior Problems: Using Flower Essences & Essential Oils • Dogs Will Be Dogs • Unsolved Mysteries: Feline Behavior Unmasked • The Ultimate Partnership: Working With Search And Rescue Dogs

• • • • • • •

Coalition Building We Are All In This Together Breaking The Barriers That Divide Us The Role of Animal Control in No Kill Can’t We All Work Together?

Partnerships For Life Humane Education: Building on the Future • The Growing Global Network For Animal Protection

Clinical • • • • •

Ending Feral Cat Over Population Juvenile Spay/Neuter Injectable Sterilization Infectious Disease Control What Veterinary Schools Can Offer Shelters

Philosophic • What Is No Kill? Who Says So? • Farm Living Is The Life For Me!

24 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

CConference on H Homeless AAnimal M Management and PPolicy

Reno, Nevada CHAMP 2002 August 22-25 Registration Application

Please print clearly. One registration form required per person. Thanks!

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Title (if any): ______________________________________________________________________________________ Organization (if any): ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip Code: ________________________________________________________________________________ Country: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ Fax: ________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Website:______________________________________ How did you hear about us? __________________________________________________________________________

Please check all appropriate boxes:

Circle One

❑ I require vegan meals.

Standard* Early Bird Walk In rec’d by 6/24/02 rec’d by 8/11/02 ❑ I would like to share a hotel room. Efforts will be made to connect interested parties. ❑ Pre-Conference Seminars – Thursday, August 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35 . . . . . . .$45 . . . . . .$50 Please indicate seminar:

❑ “Coalition Building . . .”

❑ “Cruelty Investigations . . .”

❑ SpayUSA Seminar

❑ “On The Road . . .”

Conference Days 1 & 2 – Friday, August 23 & Saturday, August 24, 2002 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Days 1 & 2 – August 23-24 (includes all meal functions, plus gala dinner) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$240 Day 1 ONLY – Friday, August 23 (includes all Friday meal functions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125 Day 2 ONLY – Saturday, August 24 (includes all Saturday meal functions plus gala dinner) . . . . . . .$150 Day 2 – Gala Dinner ONLY – Saturday, August 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35

. . . . . .$265 . . . . . .$140 . . . . . .$165 . . . . . . .$40

. . . . .$280 . . . . .$165 . . . . .$180 . . . . . .$60

Post-Conference Events – Sunday, August 25, 2002 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Bus Tour to Lake Tahoe and visit to Pet Network Shelter (includes lunch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50 Maddie’s Pet Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FREE Maddie’s Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20 Compassion Fatigue Workshop (includes lunch, limit 20 participants) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35

. . . . . . .$50 . . . . . .$50 . . . . . .FREE . . . . . .FREE . . . . . . .$20 . . . . . .$20 . . . . . . .$35 . . . . . .$35

Total Amount Due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$__________ ❑ Check or money order made payable to The Pet Savers Foundation.

Account No:

❑ VISA -or- ❑ MasterCard accepted.

❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑ ❑❑❑❑

Expiration Date ________________ Authorized Signature: ________________________________________ * ** ***

Advance registration and payment must be received by August 11, 2002.

Registration will not be completed until check or credit card clears. Payment must be received by August 11, 2002.

Only credit card payments will be accepted via fax.

Send completed registration form and payment to: The Pet Savers Foundation, 59 South Bayles Avenue, Pt. Washington, NY 11050-3728 Pet Savers will send you confirmation shortly after receiving your registration and payment. Request for refunds must be in writing.

Refunds will be made minus 25% administration fee through July 12, 2002. Sorry, no refunds after July 13, 2002.

Questions? call (516) 883-7767 • fax (516) 944-5035 • E-mail info@champconference.org • Web www.champconference.org

25 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Southern Regional Leadership Conference

October 3-6, 2002 • The Radisson • New Orleans, Louisiana

Forming State Networks To End Cat/Dog Overpopulation Thursday, October 3, 2002 3pm–9pm

Check In, Registration

6pm–8pm

Welcome Party. Join us to meet and greet people from all over the South including our speakers, plus, visit mobile spay/neuter clinics and exhibitors. A variety of hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks will be provided. Cash Bar.

Friday, October 4, 2002 8am–9am

Check In, Registration

9am–9:15am

Welcome and Opening Remarks by Esther Mechler, Director, SPAY/USA

9:15am–10am

Marketing Spay/Neuter presented by Kathy Savesky, Executive Director, The Leonard X. Bosack & Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation. We still need to persuade many people that they should spay/neuter their pets and any strays they feed. We also need to persuade government officials that prevention is the best way to solve the problem of cat/dog overpopulation. Marketing these concepts, and changing attitudes and long-held beliefs is a challenge for many of us.

10am–10:30am

Public Policy presented by Becky Robinson, National Director, Alley Cat Allies, Washington D.C. The companion animal overpopulation problem will not be solved without a larger effort including a campaign to educate and change the minds of those who govern and administer local public policy. These policies control the lives or deaths of tens of millions of animals in our country. Public policy that is shaped by economic and social realities, and compassion, is possible. It exists in some areas already and these model policies and programs need to be expanded to towns, cities, and counties everywhere.

10:30am–10:45am

Break

10:45am–11:45am

Working With Animal Control presented by Laura Lanza, Southern Regional Director, A.S.P.C.A. Shelter Outreach Program; Jill Lancon, Supervisor and Jim Limbaugh, Director, Animal Center, Marion County, Florida; Captain Mark Jeter, Director of Animal Services, Miami-Dade County. There are over 9,000 animal control and animal services departments nationwide that deal with anywhere from a few thousand to 60,000 cats and dogs annually. Groups and individuals who want to cut the numbers of unwanted litters do well to work with these agencies. We will hear from three leaders in the field of animal control about how they have worked to promote spay/neuter, and how best to work with your local agency!

12pm–1:30pm

1:30pm–2:15pm

Working With Public Health/Environmental Services presented by Pam Burney, Director of Environmental Services for North Richmond Hills, Texas; Mike Pompii, Assistant Health Commissioner for the City of Columbus, Ohio. Often individuals and small grassroots groups think they have to work alone to end the companion animal surplus. However, there are progressive people at the helm of Public Health and Environmental Services Departments in cities and counties across the country. These people know the value of prevention of problems as opposed to dealing with aftereffects of thoughtless policy.

These departments also have access to resources that can and should be used to end the cat/dog surplus.

2:15pm–3pm

Fundraising I: Public Funding presented by Mike Strausser, Community Development Planner, Harahan, Louisiana; Gail Mackie is the Director of SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. Is the curtailing of numbers of surplus cats and dogs a private issue? Do we need to hold garage sales and bake sales to raise the funds to spay and neuter the thousands of cats and dogs that cross our paths?

Or is this a public issue worthy of public funding? Some of us feel it is. A Louisiana County Planning Administrator will tell us why it is and how he found a way to obtain $18,000 annually for his county to fund a spay/neuter program. And in Spokane, a citizens initiative passed to appropriate a percentage of the annual City budget to be used for free sterilizations. At the end of a three-year trial period, the City extended the program using funding from license sales.

3pm–3:30pm

Break – Visit Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics and Exhibitors (for a complete list of exhibitors, visit our Web site at www.spayusa.org)

3:30pm–5pm

Statewide Networking Meeting breakout by state in four rooms; attendees will establish projects, goals and strategies for their individual states; speakers will assist, floating.

Evening free for concerts, dining, dancing, tours, and networking with old and new friends.

Luncheon sponsored by ASPCA and www.petfinder.org

Saturday, October 5, 2002 8:30am–9:30am

Visit Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics and Exhibitors (for a complete list of exhibitors, visit our Web site at www.spayusa.org)

9:30am–10:15am

Starting & Running A Mobile Clinic by Dr. Mary Ann McBride, Founder of North Carolina S.N.A.P.; Jill Lancon and Jim Limbaugh run the mobile clinic in Marion County, Florida. Both rural and urban areas are finding the mobile clinic a great way to eliminate excuses for why people cannot have their animals altered. The van brings the service to the people, even in remote areas – and if the fee schedule is affordable, an entire new universe of clients is able

to use the service. The number of these clinics has multiplied in recent years, and when they are well-run, the impact is encouraging.

10:15am–10:30am

Break With Cats presented by Becky Robinson, National Director, Alley Cat Allies, Washington D.C.; Lynn Chiche and Pam Casey, Co-founders, SPAYMART, New Orleans. Behind restaurants, in alleyways, in barns and fields, cats are multiplying. How do we deal with these prolific creatures!? The most common way in the past has been one cat or one colony at a time, but how much more effi-

10:30am–11:15am Coping

26 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cient to develop a local program or Cat Project! By pulling together a team of compassionate vets, trappers, transporters, and fundraisers, cities, towns and villages can maximize impact on the numbers of cats – and often tap into public funding to help pay the bill.

11:15am–12pm

12pm–1:30pm

Fundraising II by Lynne Chiche, Co-founder, SPAYMART, New Orleans; Aimee St. Arnaud, Project Manager, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary; Bette Anne Meinert, UCAP, Arkansas. On Day 1 we learned about public funding, and on Day 3 we will hear from the foundations most involved with local grassroots spay groups.

Today we will hear from three individuals who have successfully raised money locally through special events of all sorts from spaghetti dinners to bingo to "Pennies for Puppies" to fancy balls. There is something for everyone’s interest and budget.

Luncheon sponsored by PETsMART Charities presentation by Lynne Fridley, Director of the Chilton County Humane Society, and President of the Alabama Humane Federation. The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association has received a grant of $610,000 from Maddie’s Fund for the first year of a two year program to spay/neuter the companion animals of people receiving Medicaid in Alabama. After the first seven months of the program, 8,120 animals had been spayed/neutered (the first year goal is 10,000 surgeries) and additional funding was needed; a supplemental grant of $305,000 was awarded. It is projected that 15,000 surgeries will be performed in the first year. $1.8 million will be made available for the second year of the grant, with a goal of 30,000 surgeries. Alabama's animal control facilities, humane organizations and no-kill groups are working hand in hand with the ALVMA and Maddie's Fund to make this program a success. Hear from Lynne Fridley, Director of the Chilton County Humane Society, and President of the Alabama Humane Federation about the progress of this grant and what is involved in making it a success.

Methods Of Sterilization presented by Dr. Brenda Griffin, Assistant Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, Alabama. While we all know the benefits of surgical sterilization, we also know that the numbers of strays in some areas are so high that the cost of surgical sterilization is quite prohibitive. Can scientists develop an oral and permanent contraceptive, or a vaccine that will render cats/dogs sterile? How close are we to that? How would it work? Research is proceeding on a variety of options. A recent conference organized by the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACCD) brought together 30 scientists from around the world who are now working on these products.

1:30pm–2pm Non-Surgical

2pm–2:30pm Break

– Visit Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics and Exhibitors (for a complete list of exhibitors, visit our Web site at www.spayusa.org)

2:30pm–3:30pm Interactive

Workshops • Choice Of Four •Mobile Vans A-Z •Coping With Cats •Finding Funding •Marketing Spay/Neuter

3:30pm–4:30pm Interactive

Workshops • Choice Of Four •Mobile Vans A-Z •Coping With Cats •Finding Funding •Marketing Spay/Neuter Evening free for concerts, dining, dancing, tours, and networking with old and new friends.

Sunday, October 6, 2002 9am–12pm

Fundraising III: Grantwriting Workshop presented by Joyce Briggs, PetsMart Charities; Melanie Lambert, The Summerlee Foundation; Jim Mason, Two Mauds; Kathy Savesky, Leonard X. Bosack & Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation; and Paul Jolly, The PETCO Foundation. What do foundations want to know from local groups seeking help? How should they organize the information for a good grant? How do they define strategies, goals and

objectives? What about budgets? Several foundations are dedicated to ending the surplus of cats and dogs. Five of these foundations are sending their Directors to the Southern Regional Leadership Conference to help attendees learn to write good grant proposals.

Special Thanks To Our Generous Sponsors

The Summerlee Foundation

www.petfinder.com

Accommodations Hotel arrangements should be made directly with The Radisson. Be sure to mention SPAY/USA to receive the rates of $129 single or $139 double. Shuttle service is available free to the French Quarter (four blocks away), and to the airport for $10 per person, one way. Hotel offers recently renovated rooms, a pool and hot tub deck, fitness center, and guest business center.

For other hotels or special rates in the area, call (203) 377-1116

Radisson Hotel New Orleans 1500 Canal Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 504.522.4500 Reservations: 800.333.3333 www.radisson.com

27 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Southern Regional Leadership Conference October 3 – 6, 2002

REGISTRATION FORM One Registration Form Required Per Person. Sorry, no walk-ins please.

Deadline: September 15, 2002.

Conference limited to 250 attendees . . . Register Early!

Name __________________________________________________________________________________ Organization (if any) ____________________________________ Title ____________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone (daytime) ______________________________ Phone (evening) ______________________________ Fax ________________________________________ E-mail ____________________________________ ❍ I require vegan meals. ❍ I would like to share a hotel room. Efforts will be made to connect interested parties.

I want my name and contact information listed on the participation roster. ❍ YES ❍ NO Early Bird Registration Fee (by August 15, 2002): $90 Registration Fee (August 15 through September 15, 2002): $100 ❍ Enclosed is my check or money order made payable to SPAY/USA. ❍ VISA -or- ❍ MasterCard accepted.

Account No. ______________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date ____________________ Authorized Signature __________________________________________

Please send completed Registration Forms to: SPAY/USA 2261 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford, Connecticut 06614-3898.

Credit card payments will be accepted via fax.

Questions?

Call: (203) 377-1116 Fax: (203) 375-6627 E-mail: alwaysspay@aol.com Web: www.spayusa.org 28 Paws to Think • Summer 2002 • Volume 1, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Animal homelessness has many faces …

and they’re all looking to you for help.

Read the magazine that shows you the way.

J

oin the thousands of volunteers, adoption groups, breed-placement advocates, animal care and control officers, activists, and sheltering professionals who rely on Animal Sheltering magazine for inspiration, guidance, insightful analyses, and the latest news and trends in the world of community animal protection. Subscribe online and mention this ad, and you’ll receive a 50% discount.

For more information and a free sample issue, please call us at 202-452-1100, send an e-mail to asm@hsus.org, or visit our website at www.AnimalSheltering.org.

Promoting the protection of all animals

✁

Get a 50% DISCOUNT! Mail this coupon with your check for $5.50— half off the regular price!

2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037 202-452-1100 • www.hsus.org

ASMNK1

On Sale September 20, 2002 At Your Local U .S. Post Of f ice!

Š 2001 United States Postal Service. All rights reserved

The N euter/Spa y Social Awareness Postage Stam p!

The Pet Savers Foundation 2261 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford, CT 06614-3898

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID The Pet Savers Foundation