PAWS to Thnk, Volume 3 issue 1 by sayhfdec

The Pet Savers Foundation Magazine featuring CHAMP, SPAY/USA, animal care news and nonprofit management information Winter 2004

Volume 3, Issue 1

Paws to Think

Winter 2004 Volume 3, Issue 1

in this issue . . . Meet Esther Mechler & A Friend Tells Us About Teresa Dockery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Neuter/Spay Stamps Sell Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Nonprofits Right To Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 What’s News? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Costa Rican Animal Lover Travels To India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Report On Asia For Animals Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Pet Overpopulation And The 70% Rule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fixing The Galapagos Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 “Fun Facts” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Pet Photo Contest Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 New Spay/Neuter Clinic Opens At Tufts Veterinary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 77 Million Pet Cats, 65 Million Pet Dogs Owned in U.S.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

T h e Pe t S a v e r s F o u n d a t i o n proud parent organization of SPAY/USA • host of the annual Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy Headquarters 2261 Broadbridge Avenue • Stratford, CT 06614-3801 203-377-1116 • 203-375-6627 fax info@petsavers.org • www.petsavers.org

Administrative Office 59 S. Bayles Avenue • Port Washington, NY 11050-3728 516-883-7767 • 516-944-5035 fax info@petsavers.org • www.petsavers.org

a l l i n qu i r i e s s h o u l d b e d i r e c t e d t o t h e a d m i n i s t ra t i ve o f f i c e

Meet Esther Mechler When you think of the number of animals' lives that have been saved by spaying and neutering, you immediately think of Esther Mechler. However, long before she established SPAY/USA and years before pet sterilization was generally accepted, Esther was making enormous contributions to all phases of the animal rights/protection movement. “Esther has been part of this movement since the late 1970s when she founded Animal Rights Hawaii,” states her one-time colleague Kim Bartlett, “while she worked for the vicepresident of Friends of Animals. Our association began in the 1980s when I became the editor of Animals Agenda, a magazine that a group including Esther founded. From the very first, she worked tirelessly to ensure that all animals are treated humanely.” A resident of Trumbull, Connecticut and co-editor of Paws to Think, Esther Mechler is a graduate of

Bates College in Maine and the University of Rochester. She began her career in the education field, which helped inspire her to create newsletters for teachers and filmstrips for students to disseminate the animal protection message through a program called Focus on Animals. The newsletters were sent free to educaters nationwide during the 1980s. “All of her educational materials were very inspirational and motivational,” says Kim. “One filmstrip in particular was an overview of the animal rights philosophy and issues and was especially geared to children.” cont’d on page 3

A Friend Tells Us About Teresa Dockery It has been said that a friend is someone who accepts you for who you are while challenging you to be better. According to Peggy Allen, the President of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, that definition fits her friend Teresa Dockery, past president of the Federation and the current director of Spay Virginia. “Teresa never tries to change you,” says Peggy, “but she always inspires you to be the best you can be.” Because Teresa sets that same goal for herself, she has been able to help Virginia’s animal welfare system make tremendous progress since the start of her involvement in 1989. Actually for Teresa, working with shelters and animal rescue groups represents a change of career. In 1979, she graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Clothing, Textiles, and Related Art and was hired to manage a clothing store. She eventually became the marketing director of a cosmetics company before

taking the volunteer position of President of the Bristol Humane Society, an office she held from 1989 until 1997. However, in the middle of her tenure, Teresa took on another important job – VicePresident for Legislation of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies. “Teresa worked exceptionally hard to learn the laws and do research,” says Peggy, “and it’s been amazing to watch her in action with both state and local legislators. She is really able to get her points across to even the most seasoned lawmakers.” As a result, countless pieces of animal welfare legislation cont’d on page 4

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Esther Mechler cont’d In 1990 she founded SPAY/USA, originally a program of the Marion Rosenthal Koch Fund. Beginning with one vet, SPAY/USA now works with over 8,000 DVMs throughout the country. In 1993 the program, which has become the crown jewel of Esther’s spay organizations, came under the direction of North Shore Animal League International now known as The Pet Savers Foundation. After SPAY/USA was established, Esther began her mission of spreading the spay/neuter message around the world. Spay/Israel, Spay/Costa Rica, Spay/Panama as well as many other spay and neuter programs in Europe and Asia were founded because of Esther's hard work and dedication. All of these organizations have tremendously reduced the suffering of innocent animals by preventing untold numbers of unwanted dogs and cats from being born throughout United States and around the world. In 1995 she was presented with the Geraldine R. Dodge Humane Ethics in Action Award. For Esther, it was not enough just to establish these organizations, because she knew the controversy surrounding the pet sterilization issue. Through the years, she has traveled across the country and around the world to host and to speak at spay/neuter conferences. Her workshops, seminars and presentations are all directed toward one goal – to end pet overpopulation. Furthermore, the topics Esther includes in her renowned SPAY/USA conferences each year cover all

aspects of the subject from starting a program or clinic, to adapting the program to specific regions of the country, to working with animal control, veterinarians and the government.

spay/neuter postage stamp, she met Esther Mechler at a national AR/AW conference in Virginia. Hope was struck by Esther's intelligence and positive attitude as a panel member and went up to introduce herself.

Lynn Fridley, Alabama field representative for Maddie's Fund, admires Esther's unique abilities: “Esther Mechler is a great motivator and has a remarkable capacity to pull people together. It goes without saying that she has great ideas, but she can also articulate them clearly and give excellent advice specific to the community. I ran a shelter in the south, and I often called upon Esther to help with spay/neuter issues. She not only helped the south focus on pet overpopulation, she also pulled together foundation directors and inspired them to become involved. They even come to Esther's conference each year!”

“Nervous, I pitched my idea for the spay/neuter stamp,” recalls Hope. “I'll never forget the smile she gave me as she said, ‘Well, I think that's a fabulous idea! We should be able to get that.’ In the coming months as I worked toward the campaign's startup, Esther was never too busy to offer advice or to suggest an organization or individual I might contact. Over the years, she has been a stalwart friend and mentor and has featured the campaign in her newsletter every time we had breaking news to report.”

During her entire career in animal advocacy, Esther has brought together dissenting groups and given them a forum to work out their differences, all in an effort to make this a better world for all animals. She herself is not afraid to take a position which, though unpopular, would further the humane treatment of animals worldwide. Feral cat and juvenile spay/neuter, mobile sterilization vans and immunosterilization are all programs Esther has promoted without hesitation because she believes they will help all animals. Nonetheless, she is also ready to back popular campaigns with the same vision and enthusiasm. Before Hope Tarr began her campaign for a

From her home in Connecticut where she lives with her husband and cats, Esther continues her efforts to make sure that all companion animals are spayed and neutered – and she is making a difference. “Esther is a very unique and special person who has a vision to stop pet overpopulation and is succeeding,” states Vivian Gela, the director of Animal Advocates (MA), which Esther helped establish. “She has resolutely brought her mission to communities all over the country and is winning the war on overpopulation. On behalf of our 32,000 dogs and cats, we commend and thank you for saving so many lives.” ❆ Make A Gift If you would like to make a lasting gift to help the animals, consider including The Pet Savers Foundation in your will. Our planned giving staff is available to discuss with you the confidential options without obligation. Call us today at 516-883-7767.

3 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Teresa Dockery cont’d have been successfully enacted. In order to give additional help to its members, Teresa became the co-president of the Virginia Federation in 1995. Although voluntary, this demanding position brought her in contact with many of the animal organizations and shelters throughout the state. Until her term ended in the year 2000, Teresa worked tirelessly to assist these groups solve the problems associated with their day to day operations. She also organized annual training conferences for Virginia’s animal welfare organizations and conducted training seminars for shelter staff, volunteers and animal control officers. If a new shelter was being established anywhere in the state, Teresa was there to lend a helping hand. In addition to her work with individual organizations, there were responsibilities Teresa had to the Federation. She produced educational materials and newsletters for its members. She also was in charge of the Federation’s business operations, fundraising, membership and executive committee meetings, while she coordinated programs with other state and national organizations. Even as she took on these daunting tasks, Teresa continued her efforts to make a legislative difference. Lobbying members of the General Assembly, drafting bills, testifying before committees, and reporting results to member organizations were also included in her job description. After the term of her presidency expired and until today, she con-

tinues her legislative work as the Federation’s chair of the government affairs committee and advisor to the president. “I am grateful that Teresa shares with me her knowledge of the legislative aspect,” Peggy Allen states. “Also, watching her work with dissenting groups is a revelation. In a unique way, she focuses on the positive and on what can be agreed upon. In this way, she is able to keep people talking and accomplish so much more.” And Teresa has used this method to convince shelter directors and animal caregivers in her home state that spaying and neutering is the way to end the problems associated with pet overpopulation. Since 2001, she has been the director of Spay Virginia and has been driving throughout the state to help animal organizations work toward 100% sterilization of shelter pets, to set up and staff low cost spay/neuter clinics, and to raise funds to continue this lifesaving mission. It is a common occurrence for Teresa to drive from her home on the Tennessee border (where she lives with her husband and kitties Simon and Katie), be in Richmond for a lunch meeting, arrive in Alexandria for a 3 o’clock seminar, and finally wind up in Fredericksburg for an animal welfare get-together at 7PM. And her hard work has paid off. Not only has the state made great strides in conquering unplanned pet pregnancies, but recently Spay Virginia also became the proud owner of a brand new spay/neuter transport

van! Peggy credits her mentor’s achievements to being “caring but also levelheaded and objective. She has the knack of knowing where people are coming from, and she understands that you can’t pressure them into accepting your solutions.” More recently, Teresa added the state of New York to her travel destinations. Since October 2002 and concurrently with her directorship of Spay Virginia, Teresa has worked with The Pet Savers Foundation as the director of their Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy and co-editor of the Paws to Think magazine. Her tireless efforts in the field of animal welfare have brought her numerous awards including the Bristol Herald Courier’s Tribute to Successful Women in the Mountain Empire (1997), Tom Callear Achievement Award for Legislative Accomplishments (1998), Virginia Animal Control Association’s President’s Award (2000), and the Legislative Accomplishment Award from the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies (2001), to name just a few. “As you can see, my friend Teresa is never content with things the way they are,” concludes Peggy. “She constantly looks into the future to see how a program or project could be bigger and better. Teresa credits her parents with instilling this quality in her; it is the core of her being and the core of her success.” ❆

4 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

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Paws to Think

Land and Habitat Preservation

Editors Teresa Dockery Esther Mechler

Graphic Design Christine Treiland

Project Coordinator Amanda Alio

Contributing Author Marilyn DiToro

As our nation grows and expands, wildlife habitat is quickly being devoured. The Pet Savers Foundation has developed a program to permanently preserve segments of land for the protection of wildlife habitat and for future generations to enjoy. Call today to learn more about our “Land and Habitat Preservation” program – 516-883-7767. The Pet Savers Foundation THANKS YOU For Your Generous Support! A. Buys J. Byrne G. Carver R. Ciccone B. Chiarello J. Dahn

G. DeWolfe T. Dughman M. Dunn M. Elkin P. Etherington P. Feltz

B. Flemming Furry Friends P. Galgano G. Henning Hope Animal Fndtn E. Huston J. Landry C. Levernier M. Lofthouse J. Mehaffey A. Miller M. Norwick S. Peay Hanna C. Peters M. Petrone J.A. Potter

D. Radell F. Ramin J. Rosenthal L. Saylor M. Schiffert S. Seidman L. Setaro M. Spollito D. Stull A. Turk S. Vance J. Volk J. Williams H. Wong S. Wurz

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 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 and distributed to more than 30,000 animal caregivers, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations around the world. You can receive Paws to Think four times each year for a suggested minimum donation of $20 each year. Animal welfare organizations, animal caregivers and animal control agencies may reprint articles published in Paws to Think magazine. The articles may be reprinted in whole or in part, without prior permission, provided that the reprinting serves educational purposes in keeping with the magazine's intent. We request that credit be given to the article's author as well as Paws to Think and The Pet Savers Foundation, and that a copy of the publication containing the reprinted material is sent to The Pet Savers Foundation. The Pet Savers Foundation does not endorse or guarantee any products, services, or vendors mentioned in the Paws to Think magazine, nor can it be responsible for problems with vendors or their products or services. Also, The Pet Savers Foundation reserves the right to reject, at its discretion, any advertising. Views expressed by guest authors are not necessarily those of The Pet Savers Foundation.

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Neuter/Spay Stamps Sell Out American Partnership For Pets Requests A Rare Postal Service Reprint!

The US Postal Service's Neuter/Spay stamps have achieved "blockbuster" status and sold out. This is a notable accomplishment given the extraordinary 250 million print run, according to Sara Khurody-Downs, representing the American Partnership for Pets (APP). The average issue for a social awareness stamp is 150 million. These stamps united thirty diverse and leading organizations. The new partnership spoke with one voice on the need for a societal approach to the tragedy of homeless pets, said Khurody-Downs. This collaborative approach, coupled with great public support for the message, resulted in increased awareness and a blockbuster stamp! (www.americanpartnershipforpets.org) "Samantha the kitten and Kirby the puppy, the former shelter residents featured on the stamps, are the faces of millions of homeless pets in America. The young animals help to raise awareness of the benefits of spaying or neutering before first heat

and accidental pregnancy," says Khurody-Downs, president of Prevent a Litter Coalition, Inc. and an artist whose family includes three former homeless pets. Neutering and spaying is part of responsible pet care. It benefits pets' health, may help to address behavioral issues, and reduces the numbers of unwanted litters born. The Partnership worked closely alongside the Postal Service and effectively used the stamps as a tangible tool to educate the public about the benefits of spaying and neutering. To find veterinarians and spay-neuter programs in your neighborhood, visit www.pets911.com or call 1(888) PETS-911. "This call for action was printed on the stamps selvage and drove an estimated 4 million Americans to their community resources," said Khurody-Downs. "Since fans of the stamps learned they were sold out, APP has been bombarded by reprint inquiries," said Khurody-Downs. "The Postal Service rarely reprints commemorative stamps, but APP hopes that given our collaborative efforts and continued public demand, the Postal Service will make the Neuter/Spay stamp the rare exception!" If reprinted in sufficient quantity and sold out again, Neuter/Spay could be

headed for a record as the best selling commemorative stamp in modern day USPS history. Currently Elvis holds the record of most commemorative stamps printed at 517 million! APP is up for the challenge. Move over Hound Dog, here comes Neuter/Spay and the American Partnership for Pets! "Each year animal control organizations, humane societies, shelters, and rescue groups take in millions of animals, many of which would make wonderful companions. Millions more stray and feral animals wander in our communities," said KhurodyDowns. Tragically, many do not find new homes and are euthanized. Communities spend millions of dollars on animal care and control, and a huge emotional burden is placed on those who handle related issues on our nation's behalf. For more information and to assist the Partnership's efforts visit www.amer-

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Nonprofit Organization’s Right To Lobby Tufts’ political science professor Jeffrey Berry has identified a major deficiency amongst nonprofit organizations – failure to recognize their right to lobby. With tight budgets and limited resources, many nonprofit organizations do an excellent job supporting their causes. But new research by a Tufts political science professor indicates that many nonprofits fail to take advantage of one of the most powerful tools at their disposal: lobbying. “The leaders of the nation’s nonprofits do many things well, but representing their clients’ interests before government is not one of them,” Tufts’ Jeffrey Berry wrote in an opinion piece published in the Washington Post. To reach this conclusion, Berry and his research team randomly selected and surveyed chief executives from more than 1,700 tax-deductible nonprofits. “None of our data showed that charities have little interest in talking to their legislators or don’t have the need to lobby,” Berry wrote in an essay for the Chronicle of Philanthropy. “The underlying problem is that nonprofit organizations are excessively worried about losing their charity status.” Their study – detailed in Berry’s most recent book “A Voice for Nonprofits” – suggested that the executives leading nonprofits didn’t know the extent of their lobbying rights. “When it comes to their rights to lobby, many believe they have no

rights at all,” Berry wrote in the newspaper. “Such views are not merely wrong, they’re harmful.” The law, Berry wrote, is the primary cause of the misunderstanding. In order to maintain the ability to offer tax-deductions to their donors, nonprofits must strictly adhere to the rules outlined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

“As government itself grows leaner, it is relying ever more heavily on nonprofits to do its work,” Berry wrote to the Post. “From a standpoint of good government, the best policy would promote communication between government and its vendors” Reprint from Tuft's e-news. ❆

“Not only can charitable nonprofits engage in more lobbying than is commonly accepted, they can lobby extensively if they take advantage of a 1976 law that the Internal Revenue Service seems to have no interest in publicizing,” Berry wrote. This 1976 law, known as the “H election,” provides nonprofits with an alternative accounting mechanism that better communicates their ability to lobby without fear of an IRS audit. But just two percent of the more than 900,000 nonprofits registered with the IRS have chosen to use this option. “Nonprofit groups should no longer use federal law as an excuse for inaction,” Berry wrote in the Chronicle. “It’s legal to lobby and it’s legal to lobby extensively. And lobbying is necessary because nonprofit groups must give voice to those who can’t speak for themselves.” Berry says the government has a role to play as well. The IRS, for example, should make options such as the “H election” clearer.

This is Grace. She was found by a farmer lying in a field. Both of her eyes had been shot with a BB gun. The veterinarians at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine stitched her eyes shut because the damage was too severe for her to ever regain her sight. Grace thrived in the care of Lila Wills, president of Virginia Paws, and together they participated in a pet therapy program by visiting nursing homes regularly. The image of sweet, little Grace was used as a poster to show the need to increase the penalty for cruelty to animals. With the help of many dedicated animal welfare activists and Grace, the penalty for egregious cruelty was increased to a felony in Virginia. Unfortunately, Grace lost her life to kidney failure a short time later, but she had touched the lives of all who knew her. She helped to make the world a better place for the animals she left behind.

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What’s News? 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 Esther Mechler at alwaysspay@aol.com or Teresa Dockery at teresad@petsavers.org

News From California According to a report by USA Today, PETCO Animal Supplies plans to nearly double its store base. Currently operating close to 640 stores, Petco plans to open an additional 600 stores across the county. Veterinarians are learning early age spay/neuter protocols and benefits with the help of Animal Match Rescue Team, Inc. (“AMRT”), a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation and shelter euthanasia. In late 2003, AMRT sponsored “wet labs,” at which practicing veterinarians were invited to learn early age spay/neuter surgery

and anesthesia protocols from veterinarians who have been doing the procedure for many years and who are experts in the procedure. Lowell Novy, D.V.M, and Karen Martin, D.V.M. who are credited with reducing the feline euthanasia rate in Simi Valley by 83% in just five years, taught the wet lab in Simi Valley. Early-age pioneer Marvin Mackie, D.V.M. also taught the wet lab in West Los Angeles. Dr. Novy pointed out that, since early age spay/neuter is still considered by some to be a “new” procedure, people are watching and so it is important that methods be perfect. The wet labs included information about careful patient monitoring, especially in a busy clinic environment where early age spay/neuter will often occur. “Our goal is for more and more veterinarians to become comfortable and well-trained in the particulars of early age sterilization, so that no healthy animal ever has to be released without first being spayed or neutered,” says AMRT’s Laura Beth Heisen. The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR) and the Southern California

Veterinary Medical Association assisted with advertising the AMRT wet labs. AVAR and AMRT are now planning more early age spay/neuter wet labs for the spring and beyond. AMRT may be reached at (818) 707-2502 or CatNose1@aol.com. AVAR may be reached at (530) 759-8106 or Pam@AVAR.org.

News From Connecticut The Animal Radio Network, on its Alfa-Dog Tour, was in Hartford, Connecticut on September 20 interviewing Faye Peterson, Darlene Arden and Esther Mechler. Animal Radio airs in 65 metropolitan areas around the country, bringing news and tips about animal care and animal issues to the entire country. Streaming Audio is also available at AnimalRadio.com.

Left to right Charlie and J.R. of WXCT, Esther Mechler and Hal Abrams

News From Florida Planned Pethood of America, Inc in North Miami, Florida has just spayed/neutered its 39,500th animal! Founded by Bea Rose, the clinic has operated for years, long before other groups realized the importance of spaying in ending the surplus of cats and dogs. In Jacksonville, Rick DuCharme is launching Spay Florida. A statewide network of spay/neuter groups, clinics and individual advocates that will pull together the state’s resources dedicated to ending overpopulation of companion animals.

News From Kentucky In two years, Friends of the Shelter in Middleboro, KY has gone from spaying and neutering 80 animals at one free clinic to offering two free clinics a year and a vital SNAP Program in 2003. In 2004, the plan is to open a stationary clinic that will service pet owners cont’d on page 10

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cont’d from page 9

in seven counties and three states. Friends of the Shelter credits the contacts made and guidance and knowledge gained at past Southern Regional Leadership Conferences for helping to advance their efforts.

News From Maine On Friday, November 14, Patty Sample of A Paw in the Door (a Maine group that focuses on homeless cats) and Esther Mechler of SPAY/USA met with Maine's Speaker of the House, Pat Colwell and his assistant, William Brown at the State House in Augusta. They met to discuss Speaker Colwell's bill to help fund Maine's new pet population control program, designed to enable people on public assistance to alter their cats and dogs. The speaker and his staff are solidly behind this program, and are convinced that it will reduce the number of animals that enter Maine shelters, then are euthanized for lack of available homes.

News From Missouri Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis recently received the prestigious Guardian Award while also naming Quentin, the miracle dog, as the organizations new “Poster Child.” Grim, who has a unique approach to dealing with feral dogs and is the subject of the book, The Man Who Talks to Dogs, gained national attention when he rescued the shelter dog, Quentin, who was gassed with other dogs, but survived the gas chamber. Other honorees at the event included Dr. Jane Goodall, Gretchen Wyler and Matt Gonzales.

News From New York New Yorkers must now provide adequate shelter for dogs left outdoors in inclement weather. The new law will fill a gap in the present laws concerning cruelty to dogs. The shelter must have a waterproof roof, be sufficiently

insulated and provide room for the animal to make normal body movements. The new law also requires access to shade for dogs that are restrained outdoors.

News From North Carolina The Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic in the Western North Carolina Mountains reported that they spayed and neutered 16,026 dogs and cats during 2003.

News From Virginia Since hearing about the Colorado tax check-off Dr. Terri Dudis has wanted to see Virginians using their tax refunds to help spay and neuter animals. She presented the idea to her legislator/delegate, Dr. Jim Shuler, who also happens to be a veterinarian. He liked the idea and introduced a bill to establish the check-off. The veterinary team was successful in their efforts and the Governor signed the tax check-off into law.

News From Oregon The Southern Oregon Humane Society has initiated a successful obedience-training program. Everyone who adopts a dog from the Humane Society attends an introductory obedience session. The expanded version is a threeweek course that includes workshops on nutrition, agility and equipment. For more information contact the Humane Society at 541-826-6892.

News From Australia The Animal Welfare League of Queensland is making progress towards creating zero euthanasia (of adoptable pets) on the gold coast. In January 2001 a new act allowed shelters to open its clinic doors to the public. The AWL started with only one vet working half days, but now employs seven vets and the clinic doors are open seven days a week. The clinic offers low cost services to

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everyone and most importantly desexing (spay/ neuter). In the first year and a half, the clinic has performed approximately 2,000 s/n surgeries!

Calendar of Events 2004 MARCH 7–9

Animal Care Conference • Anaheim, California • 949-366-6073 • www.animalcareconference.org

10 – 13

Humane Society of the United States (Animal Care Expo) • Dallas, Texas • 1800-248-EXPO • www.animalsheltering.org

18 – 20

2. The Last Litter Fund: everyone who surrenders a litter to the AWL gets a voucher for free spay for the mother cat/dog.

Virginia Federation of the Humane Society • Fredericksburg, Virginia • 540-8795384 • www.vfhs.org • email: vfhs@vfhs.org

26 – 27

Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey • Somerset, New Jersey • 856-740-1345 • www.conference@awfnj.org

3. The Pound Desex Fund: every dog/cat released to its owner qualifies for free desexing.

Texas Federation Meeting • Austin, Texas • 512-282-1277 • email: txfederation@austin.rr.com

26 – 28

New England Federation of Humane Societies • Westboro, Massachusetts • 508234-5017 • www.newenglandfed.org

1. The Desex fund: designed to provide free or very low cost s/n to those who ask for it and fill out an application.

In addition, the AWL is lobbying the local government for compulsory desexing and are hopeful that this new policy will be implemented after next year’s election.

APRIL

MAY 17 – 19

National Animal Control Association Conference • Daytona Beach, Florida • 913-768-1319 • Daytona Beach, Florida • email: naca@interserv.com

AUGUST 19 – 22

News From Japan A free pet adoption and lost & found website has just been launched for people stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Pets over six-months old must be neutered before they can be advertised on the site. Transport assistance is available to spay/neuter clinics. The site can be viewed at www.okipets.com . ❆

Conference on Homeless Animals Management and Policy (CHAMP) • Orlando, Florida • 516-883-7767 • www.champconference.org

SEPTEMBER 26 – 28

SCHOOL

American Humane Association Conference • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • www.americanhumane.org

NOVEMBER 11 - 14

SPAY/USA Southern Regional Leadership Conference • New Orleans, Louisiana • 1-800-248-7229

11 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Costa Rican Animal Lover Travels to India By Jamie McEvoy Text from article in Tico Times Oct. 31, 2003 Many animal lovers in Costa Rica are familiar with the McKee Foundation, and now animal lovers on the other side of the globe are as well. Dr. Gerardo Vicente, a volunteer vet with the foundation in Costa Rica, was invited to India to teach vets and animal groups about the low-cost spay/neuter program the foundation developed in Costa Rica. The community-based program trains local vets to safely perform spay/neuter operations. In less than three years, the foundation has provided over 7,000 low-cost spay/neuter operations. A key component of the program is building proactive community support so communities can solve their own stray animal problems. McKee's philosophy is based on the idea that if communities are not part of the solution, animals will never lead better lives. During his travels, Vicente discovered many similarities between Costa Rica and India. “In both countries the people are poor, there’s lots of garbage on the streets, neighbors are generally tolerant of street dogs, and the dogs are friendly – you can pet them and check their teeth without getting

bitten,” says Vicente. But he certainly found a few of the differences as well. Animal shelters house large numbers of holy cows that have been pushed out of the cities, but can never be killed for religious reasons. Also, according to Vicente, about 95% of the dogs in India live in the street. “It is very uncommon to find dogs as house pets. People feed them and care for them, but they won’t have them in their house,” says Vicente. “Dogs can’t be treated too well, because they could be a reincarnated person who is paying for something in a past life.” India has fewer dogs per person than Costa Rica (70 people per dog in India as compared to 2.5 people per dog in Costa Rica), but street dogs are still a serious problem. India has one of the world’s highest rabies rate. Half of the 70,000 fatal rabies cases in the world each year occur there.

Vicente says the highlight of his trip was a meeting with the mayor of Visakapatnam. After hearing his lecture, the mayor immediately set up a two-hour meeting to iron out the details of getting a McKee-model program started in their city. The trip was also a learning experience. Vicente discovered an innovative computer program that high school students in India use to learn anatomy without dissecting real animals, such as frogs. The software for the program was donated to Vicente, and he is now working to translate the material into Spanish and make it available to students in Costa Rica. He also saw how communities in India have learned to make their own tools used in the spay/neuter process, such as spay hooks and humane traps. “The communities were very creative and independent,” says Vicente. He hopes to encourage the same creativity for dealing with animal control in communities in Costa Rica. McKee Foundation's most successful spay/neuter programs are in the central county in Alajuela, Zancudo in Golfito, and Flamingo in Guacaste. For more information contact Dr. Vicente at gvicente@racsa.co.cr ❆

12 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

REPORT ON

The Asia for Animals Conference

The Asia for Animals Conference, which in September of 2003 brought together representatives from 15 countries, was an active way for compassionate people in Asia to meet, network, learn and organize animal protection initiatives throughout the continent. North Shore Animal League International was one of the sponsors of this year’s conference, which was held in Hong Kong. Roots of animal protection run deep in areas of Asia. As Animal People editor Merritt Clifton pointed out: • Both Mahavir and Buddha taught, circa 600-500 B.C., that humans have an obligation to shelter and care for their aged and infirm work animals, just as they would shelter and care for aged human beings.

come in and hunt. Intensive farming of meat and the fast food industry are mushrooming. Nonetheless, Jill continued, there is hope: when Animals in Asia conducted a survey in Hong Kong a few years ago, only 40% of the public knew about an animal protection law which has been in place for 50 years. But nearly 90% feel that acts of cruelty to animals should be punished. Nearly 80% agreed that cats and dogs made good companions, and 94% said they would use medicines containing plants rather than animals if it were shown that plants were equally effective.

• Many Indian organizations can trace their origins back 1,000 years or more. India and Sri Lanka have codified humane laws since circa 250 B.C., and Thailand was only about 50 years behind them. • The founders of the Royal SPCA were British military officers who brought the idea of humane societies back from tours of duty in India. Today, as Jill Robinson, Animals for Asia founder and a keynote speaker at the conference, pointed out, things are changing. The fur industry is creeping into Asia. National parks are allowing foreigners to

Talks at the Asia for Animals conference ranged over a number of topics: SARS, rabies, snake charming, live animal markets, use of animals in medicine, the growth of factory farming, wildlife protection, caring for street dogs and cats, and addressing overpopulation. Of particular interest to us here in the U.S., were presentations on Trap/Neuter/ Return in Asian countries. In places such as India, Turkey, and Bali, street

dogs are trapped, vaccinated against rabies, neutered and returned. • Because so many dogs still roam the streets, there are not as many street cats yet. • Because a sheltering system costs a great deal, these countries cannot afford to build and run them. • And because catch-and-kill has not been successful, these countries are now looking at TNR. • TNR became the national policy of India in December of 1997 despite considerable political opposition. • A couple of presentations highlighted some interesting points: Madras, India, began its catch-andkill policy in 1860. From that year, during which the municipality was killing about a 100 dogs per year, the number rose to over 16,000 per year in 1964. In that year, Blue Cross of India (an animal protection organization) began its Animal Birth Control (ABC) programs. The city’s response was to reject the TNR proposal outright, but Blue Cross began its program nonetheless with all the street dogs it could catch. Dogs were neutered and vaccinated against rabies, which is a serious health threat in India (17,000 cases a year). Since then, the ABC program has spread to several cities including Chennai and Jaipur. In July of 2003, the World Health Organization presented a draft of its findings, which cont’d on page 15

13 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

MATCHING GIFT

CHAMP 2004 August 19 - 22, 2004 Orlando, Florida Sponsorship Opportunies and Exhibitor Space Available. For Details, call

516.883.7767 or email info@champconference.org

Many employers make ‘matching gifts’ when their employees contribute to The Pet Savers Foundation. Check with your employer to see if a matching gift program is in place.

Be a Guardian “Although it is a simple language change, we hope that the increased awareness of the ‘guardian’ language will elevate the status of animals in our community.We will use the word ‘guardian’ as another tool to fight animal abuse and exploitation.” Jan McHugh Executive Director Humane Society of Boulder Valley “It is my sincere belief that the result of increased numbers of people thinking and acting as guardians of their animal companions will lead to fewer cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment, and to fewer animals being killed in our nation’s shelters.” Carl Friedman Director, San Francisco Dept. of Animal Care & Control

Not an Owner

SIT UP AND GET NOTICED! Paws to Think is distributed to more than 32,000 animal caregivers, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations around the world. Drop a note to Amanda Alio at amandaa@petsavers.org and ask for a free media kit detailing classified and display rates, sizes, and all you need to know to place your ad in the next issue of Paws to Think!

“The term ‘guardian’ accurately describes the relationship of perpetual care that is needed to teach children respect, compassion and kindness for domestic pets.” Edwin J. Sayres President, ASPCA “Guardianship is becoming increasingly popular because of this timely moral shift, and I cannot imagine that anyone who has “Humane” attached to their name would not consider the name change.” Michael Shrewsbury, Director, Sherwood Animal Services, Sherwood,AR In Defense of Animals 131 Camino Alto Mill Valley, CA 94941 www.idausa.org

14 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 13

indicated that in those cities in India that had an effective ABC-AntiRabies program, the incidence of dog bites and rabies in humans have shown a dramatic decline since the start of the program. Dr. Meslia of the World Health Organization stated that rabies elimination by vaccination of the dog population is the most costeffective strategy. It was stressed that once we reach 70% of a dog population being vaccinated, the spread of rabies is virtually halted. Interestingly, as Merritt Clifton of Animal People pointed out, a 70% sterilization rate is also the threshold at which the numbers of unwanted litters level off to a point that the dog or cat population is stable. Sherry Grant and Dr. Komang Sutiati presented a lecture on the Bali Street Dog Project (BaliDogs@ix.netcom.com), which began in 1998 in Indonesia and now serves as a model for other countries. The program focuses on a trap/neuter/vaccinate/return program, which has both a Full Clinic, and a Street Program. • The field program concentrates on village dogs that are brought to a large van for neutering/vaccination during scheduled visits. The medical team includes 3 doctors and 2 catchers accompanied by volunteer doctors, nurses and laymen. • The street program concentrates on stray dogs and the streets and beaches (dogs “on the move”)…they are brought to a smaller van or a tent on the beach or parking lot. Their clinics are on an emergency

call or targeted basis. The education component is on a one-on-one basis with the tourists and locals. This program includes 2 doctors and 2 catchers plus volunteers. The goals of both the Field Clinic and the Street Program are: • Improve health of Bali’s street and village dogs. • Reduce the population of street and village dogs humanely. • Improve the level of vet medicine in Bali.

Dr. Naveen Pandey speaking on rabies in India

• Raise the level of public and professional animal welfare awareness. Another program under the area of TNR is the Hong Kong SPCA’s Cat Colony Caregiver Programme (CCCP). The Hong Kong TNR program began with the HK SPCA staff attending a seminar on the topic in the U.S. in 2000. In the first year in Hong Kong, ten caregivers brought in a total of 207 street cats to be spayed and neutered. As of 2003, cats are being trapped at a rate of 100 a month and over 2200 cats have

been treated. Caregivers must be registered—and the HK SPCA provides free spay/neuter, vaccinations and flea control. The HK SPCA allows the cats who have been trapped to be brought in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and keeps them for a couple of days for observation. Those cats that are friendly—and kittens -- are fostered and adopted. Caregivers in outlying areas often bring “their” cats to the SPCA’s mobile clinic as well. HK SPCA is ahead of most Western cities in its close alliance with and help for feral colony caregivers. The HK SPCA has made it possible for the city of 7.4 million to surpass many smaller western cities in addressing the difficult problem of street cats. The panel on cat/dog overpopulation included Dr. Jeff Young (Planned Pethood Plus), Dr. Gerardo Vicente (Director, The McKee Project) and Esther Mechler (SPAY/USA), each of who discussed ways to deliver affordable and accessible spay/neuter services on a nationwide basis using all the tools we have found to be effective over the past decade, including spay community involvement, speed spay methods, early spay/neuter, Neuter Before Adoption Policies (NBA) for shelters, mobile spay clinics, high volume s/n and TNR programs. It was evident at the Asia for Animals Conference that leadership and a vision for animal well-being is prevalent in a number of countries. With continuing support the conference will continue and grow in scope and magnitude. ❆

15 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Pet Overpopulation And The 70% Rule by W. Marvin Mackie, D.V.M. • March 2003

In a front-page article of Animal People, October 2002, editor Merritt Clifton mentioned the Fibonacci 70% rule. His writing piqued my interest to the point that I asked him for further clarification, and then conducted some research of my own. This concept is amazingly insightful into success or failure as it relates to ultimate pet overpopulation and deserves to be understood by all who are decision makers in the effort to bring it under control. Leonardo Fibonacci, a preeminent mathematician of his time, created a formula (model) in the early 1200’s relating to agriculture productivity. Six centuries later, Louis Pasteur, while working on an early vaccine for disease prevention, used the model to predict that 70% of a susceptible population would have to be vaccinated in order to prevent an epidemic of almost any contagious disease. Fibonacci’s 70% model is still recognized as valid by leading public health authorities such as the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control.

It is not a great leap to advance to the notion that pet sterilization is in effect “vaccinating” against the disease of overpopulation. Using this premise, we can say that 70% of the susceptible population (animals with outside privileges) in a defined demographic area must be sterile in order to affect the decrease in overbirthing that will result in a population decrease within that area. The outcome at this 70% sterilization level is that the transmission odds (successful breeding encounters) of the remaining 30% are reduced to the point that births then occur at a rate only great enough to replace normal attrition.

teer veterinarians sterilized 1,336 dogs and cats in six days. Actual census numbers are probably unknown but the following years’ drop in shelter turn-ins was profound. Clifton also reported that in the U.S., animal control agencies reported a marked drop in the number of dog euthanasias in the late 1980s, soon after the sterilization percentage of owned pet dogs reached 67%. A rapid drop in cat euthanasias was noted when sterilization of owned pet cats reached 85%. The “X” factor with cats lies in the number of local ferals (street cats). Feral dogs are not nearly as plentiful and therefore do not significantly impact the statistics.

Mr. Clifton cites data from two separate street dog sterilization programs in India. One program saw a drop in animal population at 64% sterilized and the second at 68%. In November 1998, I took part in a massive sterilization effort on the Native American land called the Flathead Nation in western Montana. It was a week-long three-town effort in which we volun-

If we follow the logical conclusions of the 70% rule, which is broadly accepted by those who work in epidemiology, we arrive at some interesting answers. For instance, those working so diligently to control pet overpopulation in the greater Los Angeles and Orange county areas are confounded by the fact that, in spite of their tireless efforts, they have not cont’d on page 17

16 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 16

seen the hoped for reduction in euthanasias. Unfortunately, the fertile pet population was so large at the onset and the densely populated two-county area was so great that they were unable to sterilize the numbers required to reach the 70% mark. Mr. Clifton states emphatically that you must reach 70% or FLUNK – there is no progress made with a “B” or “C” grade. Quoting Mr. Clifton, “Fall short of 70% … and a sterilization … project will get a big “F” for fecund animals, fearful people fleeing dog packs, feline feces in gardens and children’s sandboxes and frothing-at-the-mouth critics flinging allegations of fraud.” Clearly, the 70% rule applies to any circumscribed area. It can be an isolated town or community (e.g. the Native American communities of the Flathead Nation) or the mere acreage of a feral cat colony. Generally, more affluent areas can and do reach 70% (or better) pet sterilization and the over-birthing problem ends in those areas. The more impoverished areas don’t come close to 70% and the shelters serving those communities are the recipients of the hapless victims of too many births and too few homes. This plight is the major theme of Bob Christianson’s book, Save Our Strays, CLC Publishing, 1996. All too often, enthusiastic humane activists campaigning for pet control projects inadvertently over-promise results to those who are providing funding. When the government sources that provide “start up” funds as a result of these promises, cannot

be shown any statistical improvement, they therefore conclude that their funding is not producing the desired results. What can truly make an impact on reduced birthing is to target a reasonable area and within a short period of time massively sterilize within it to achieve the 70% goal. If the sterilization is accomplished within one breeding cycle, the result will be immediate measurable results. The money saved in reduced animal control and shelter overhead could easily support the major funding needed for the initial sterilization effort. When the 70% sterilization goal is attained, both the funding and effort could be reduced to a maintenance-only level. A mobile spay/neuter unit visiting multiple sites one day each month is good for public relations, raises awareness in the community and is certainly 100% helpful to the individual family and their pet, but it cannot achieve the number of sterilizations required in any one area to significantly reduce over-birthing. The standard mantra, or battle cry, in the fight to curb overpopulation has been “Spay or neuter your pet and save the lives of hundreds of innocent animals.” Perhaps a more acceptable and understandable approach would be to educate the pet owner to the fact that in addition to the health and behavioral benefits, sterilization for their pet is quite analogous to a vaccination for the unwanted pregnancies that contribute to over production and unintended deaths by euthanasia. Spay/neuter saves lives by eliminating killing.

I have presented this article on the Fibonacci 70% rule in order to broaden your understanding of the task we face and to present a tangible way to evaluate our efforts toward our goal. Because there are so many variables in getting an accurate census of a given area, it may seem that 70% is difficult to determine. For additional reading, I suggest the Animal People News website, www.animalpeoplenews.org, where you can benefit from Merritt Clifton’s excellent editorials, and the Best Friends Question and Answer forum, http://www.bestfriends.org/nmhp/fo rumarchive/qa20to24mc.html, where Mr. Clifton succinctly and completely covers the issue in an answer to another interested reader. Reprint from The Pet Press, Los Angeles, CA., Vol. 4, Issue 6, MarApril, 2003. Dr. Mackie, the owner/director of two Animal Birth Control clinics in Los Angeles, has been a spay/neuter specialist since 1976 and is nationally recognized for his work in early age sterilization. He offers an extensive surgical training program and a widely distributed video on his procedure. E-mail: Spaydvm@aol.com. ❆

17 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

The Animal That Inspired You… Many of us began our work in animal welfare because of a special animal that touched our life. We want to hear your story! The winning essay and animal photo will be featured in a future edition of Paws to Think.

Contest Rules: • Essay length should be approximately 500 words. • Accompanying photos should be a minimum of 3" x 5" andphoto resolution must be a minimum of 300 dots per inch. • Photos should be clear with no "red eye." • Essay and photos should be mailed to Pet Savers at the address on the bottom of the page, and photos may be submitted on a CD. • Photos or CDs will not be returned. • Each essay must accompany an entry fee of $10.00 and a completed and signed entry form for each story (see Entry Form below). • Photos submitted will become the property of The Pet Savers Foundation and The Pet Savers Foundation may use the photo in future publicity. • Entries must be received by August 1, 2004.

ANIMAL INSPIRATION ESSAY CONTEST ENTRY FORM Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________ Pet’s Name ________________________________________

Country: ________________________

E-Mail: ________________________________________________

❑ Male ❑ Female Age ____ Breed ______________________________

Guardian’s Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ As the guardian of the pet and the individual that has the rights to this photo I grant The Pet Savers Foundation full and complete rights to the use of this photo for use in the future. I understand that I will receive no compensation for any use of this photo.

18 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

CAUTION Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS ProHeart 6 is indicated for use in dogs six months of age and older for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. ProHeart 6 is indicated for the treatment of existing larval and adult hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala) infections. CONTRAINDICATIONS ProHeart 6 is contraindicated in animals previously found to be hypersensitive to this drug.

Monthlyheartwormpills may be easy to give. But they’re even

easier toforget.

HUMAN WARNINGS Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. May be slightly irritating to the eyes. May cause slight irritation to the upper respiratory tract if inhaled. May be harmful if swallowed. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact a Poison Control Center or a physician immediately. The material safety data sheet (MSDS) contains more detailed occupational safety information. PRECAUTIONS Use with caution in sick, debilitated or underweight animals (see SAFETY). ProHeart 6 should not be used more frequently than every 6 months. The safety and effectiveness of ProHeart 6 has not been evaluated in dogs less than 6 months of age. Prior to administration of ProHeart 6, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections. Infected dogs should be treated to remove adult heartworms. ProHeart 6 is not effective against adult D. immitis and, while the number of circulating microfilariae may decrease following treatment, ProHeart 6 is not effective for microfilariae clearance. ADVERSE REACTIONS In field studies, the following adverse reactions were observed in approximately 1% of 280 dogs treated with ProHeart 6: vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness, weight loss, seizures, injection site pruritus, and elevated body temperature. Post-Approval Experience: Although not all adverse reactions are reported, the following reactions are based on voluntary post-approval drug experience reporting: anaphylaxis/toid reactions, depression/ lethargy, urticaria, and head/facial edema. Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions should be treated immediately with the same measures used to treat hypersensitivity reactions to vaccines and other injectable products. Cardiopulmonary signs such as coughing and dyspnea may occur in heartworm-positive dogs treated with ProHeart 6. To report suspected adverse reactions or to obtain technical assistance, call (800) 533-8536. ANIMAL SAFETY General Safety: ProHeart 6 has been safely administered to a wide variety of healthy dogs six months of age and older, including a wide variety of breeds, pregnant and lactating females, breeding males, and ivermectin-sensitive collies. However, in clinical studies, two geriatric dogs with a history of weight loss after the initial ProHeart 6 injection died within a month of the second 6 month injection. A third dog who was underweight for its age and breed and who had a history of congenital problems experienced lethargy following the initial injection of ProHeart 6. The dog never recovered and died 3 months later (see PRECAUTIONS). ProHeart 6 administered at 3 times the recommended dose in dogs with patent heartworm infections and up to 5 times the recommended dose in ivermectin-sensitive collies did not cause any adverse reactions. ProHeart 6 administered at 3 times the recommended dose did not adversely effect the reproductive performance of male or female dogs. ProHeart 6 administered up to 5 times the recommended dose in 7-8 month old puppies did not cause any systemic adverse effects. In well controlled clinical field studies, ProHeart 6 was safely used in conjunction with a variety of veterinary products including vaccines, anthelmintics, antiparasitics, antibiotics, analgesics, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anesthetics and flea control products. Injection Site Reactions: Injection site observations were recorded during effectiveness and safety studies. In clinical studies, ProHeart 6 was administered at six-month intervals to client-owned dogs under field conditions. There were no reports of injection site reactions in these field studies and evaluations of the injection sites revealed no abnormalities. In a laboratory safety study, ProHeart 6 was administered at 1, 3 and 5 times the recommended dose to 7-8 month old puppies. Injection sites were clipped to facilitate observation. Slight swelling/edema at the injection site was observed in some dogs from all treated groups. These injection site reactions appeared as quickly as 8 hours post injection and lasted up to 3 weeks. A three-year repeated injection study was conducted to evaluate the safety of up to 6 injections of ProHeart 6 administered at the recommended dose (0.17 mg/kg) every 6 months. Mild erythema and localized deep subcuticular thickening were seen in dogs that received four injections in the same area on the neck and in one dog that received two injections in the same area on the neck. Microscopic evaluation on the injection sites from all dogs 6 months after the last injection consistently showed mild granulomatous panniculitis with microvacuolation. The only adverse reaction seen that was not related to the injection site was weight loss in one dog. Some dogs treated with ProHeart 6 in laboratory effectiveness studies developed transient, localized inflammatory injection site reactions. These injection site reactions were visible grossly for up to 3 weeks after injection. Histologically, well-defined granulomas were observed in some dogs at approximately 5 months after injection. For customer service, product information or to obtain a copy of the MSDS, call (800) 685-5656. U.S. Patent No. 4,916,154 and 6,340,671 © 2003 Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth.

Fort Dodge Animal Health

Get six months of unforgettable heartworm protection inone easydose. Research shows one in three dog owners occasionally forgets the monthly heartworm pill.1 Just one dose of ProHeart 6 from your veterinarian works for a full six months, making heartworm protection unforgettable! Proheart 6 is generally well tolerated. Use with caution in sick, debilitated or underweight dogs. A small percentage of dogs showed mild, transient swelling or itching at the injection site. While rare, digestive, neurological or hypersensitivity reactions may occur. See prescribing information on the following page, or call 1-800-772-5040.

See your veterinarian.

www.proheart6.com

Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 USA

02942 Revised October 2002

3670D

19 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Cooperative Buying Program Save Money Today . . . Save The Pets Of Tomorrow!

The Pet Savers Foundation wants to help animal we l fare organizations maximize their limited financial resources. The Pet Saver’s cooperative buying program allows organizations of all sizes to take advantage of high-volume purchasing power for discounts on highquality products. These products can be used in-house, or to start a retail program. Participation is easy and Membership is FREE! Together we can save more lives of homeless animals and enhance the lives of those saved.

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T.F.H. Publications, Inc. has been at the forefront of pet publishing for half a century, creating and sustaining publications for owners of a wide variety of companion animals. TFH was a pioneer in bringing full-color books to pet guardians, and has maintained a wide selection of breed, care and training titles to satisfy the needs and interests of all pet guardians.

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20 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Fixing the Galapagos Islands

Since their introduction to the Islands in the 1700s, the cats and dogs of the Galapagos have suffered from neglect and ignorance at the hands of humans. Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are home to some of the rarest animals on the planet. They are also home to cats and dogs. Around 1535, early explorers and whalers brought cats to the Galapagos to control rodents on board ships, while dogs were used to hunt food when they landed. The cats and dogs were left behind and have adapted to this harsh, remote, yet amazingly beautiful, archipelago. When humans began relocating from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, they brought more cats and dogs. More humans meant more food, which meant even more cats and dogs. Today, the local authorities have stopped the export of nonnative species to and between the Islands and now need an effective

solution to stop the growth and manage the populations of cats and dogs in the future. The numbers of cats and dogs are such that the local authorities have used lethal methods to try to control the populations. However, poisoning is cruel and it does not work as surrounding animals fill the void left behind and continue to breed to capacity. Each agency on the Island has its own reasons for wanting to reduce the numbers of cats and dogs. The Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS) is concerned that they negatively impact the native species; the Municipality is concerned that the large numbers will put off potential tourists. In addition, the community is concerned about the health of the animals and is upset, as they cannot afford to feed them all. Some attempts have been made to sterilize the animals, however individuals without the local authorities’

knowledge did this. effort, it made little populations. A more collaboration of the ties was necessary.

While a noble impact on the comprehensive interested par-

Animal Balance was invited to meet with the Director of the GNPS, the Director of the Eradication and Control of Invasive Species, and the mayor of Isabela to review our proposal to sterilize the cats and dogs. After a week of meetings everyone’s issues were heard, best attempts were made to resolve them and the plan was reworked accordingly. The end result was a workable, measurable model that had the full support of the local authorities and the community. Beginning next spring, Animal Balance will outfit a temporary spay and neuter clinic on Isabela. The equipment will be donated to the Park Service so it can be reused on the other islands. Veterinarians from the cont’d on page 22

21 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 21

the animals and people, but first we need to raise the funds”, says Emma Clifford, Project Director of Animal Balance.

U.S. will teach the local vets spay and neuter techniques making the program sustainable. There will be an initial outlay of funds after which Animal Balance will phase out of the program, leaving the tools in the hands of the local people.

Animal Balance has veterinarians and technicians at the ready, the Park Service has provided space for the clinic and two staff members to help. “We have a trusted and solid relationship with the local agencies. We have gathered an eminent Advisory Board comprised of biologists, international feral cat experts, Galapadanians and local community workers to help ensure that all aspects of our project are fully addressed. We are poised and ready to help

Animal Balance believes that by creating a community-based program, a human/animal bond can be created that currently does not exist with the adult population. “Our hope is that this will then extend to the larger ecosystem. For the greater community, we will foster better working relationships among the agencies and prove that sterilization is the most efficient and effective approach” Clifford adds. Animal Balance will be a pilot for further sterilization projects on the other islands in the Galapagos. The first clinic is planned for May 2004. For more information contact Project Director Emma Clifford at clifford@animalbalance.org or visit the animal balance website at www.animalbalance.org . ❆

22 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

pet adoptathon

save the dates! May 1st & 2nd, 2004 Be part of the largest worldwide adoption extravaganza by joining Pet Adoptathon 2004. This year on May 1st and 2nd, shelters across the country and around the world will be united by one common goal – to find loving homes for all the animals in their care. Register and

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receive free promotional materials, a listing on the Pet Adoptathon Web site, access to our

• one incredible weekend • thousands of locations • hundreds of thousands of lovable pets

online How To Guide and national publicity for your shelter. Since 1995, Pet Adoptathon has helped over 125,000 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens around the world find new, loving homes.

pet adoptathon® is a program of north shore animal league america

don’t delay! • register today! for more information visit www.petadopathon.com or call 1.877.BE.MY.PAL Thank you to our sponsors! There is NO REGISTRATION FEE and there is NO COST for any of the support material provided to your organization.

Yes, our organization would like to participate in Pet Adoptathon 2004! Please complete and fax to (516) 812-7263 or mail to NSAL America, 16 Lewyt Street, Port Washington, NY 11050 or sign up online at www.petadoptathon.com Organization Name______________________________________________________

Actual location of your event (or where you’ll be holding your Pet Adoptathon 2004 event. (if different from left – no PO boxes please)

Event Contact Person ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ E-mail address ________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________ Organization’s Mailing Address (for regular U.S. Mail- No PO Boxes please) State/Province __________________ ____________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________ State/Province __________________

Zip/Postal Code ______________________

o Check here if you do not want the above address posted on the Pet Adoptathon Web site, or given to potential adopters who call our 877 referral hotline. Organization’s Phone Number ______________________________________________ Fax Number __________________________________________________________

Shipping Address (to be used for UPS delivery) Web Site ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________

By filling out this form, I am officially registering for Pet Adoptathon 2004 and agree to submit my adoption figures after the event is over.

State/Province __________________

Signature ____________________________________________________________

Zip/Postal Code ______________________

23 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Some “Fun Facts” From A FIREPAW Regional* Dog Adoption Survey

Neutersol

(Zinc Gluconate Neutralized by Arginine) Injectible Solution • Chemical Sterilant Caution: Federal Law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Description Sterile intratesticular injectable aqueous solution containing 0.2 M zinc gluconate neutralized to pH 7.0 with 0.2 M L-arginine (13.1 mg zinc per milliliter). Indications ®

Neutersol Injectable Solution is indicated for chemical sterilization in 3 to 10 Month old male dogs. Contraindications

❋ By far the most common reason given for not choosing a shelter dog was the desire to get specific breeds/qualities in a dog, with the desire for puppies being cited about as frequently as the desire for a purebred dog. ❋ About 15% of those who did not adopt their last dog said they actually visited a shelter but could not find the kind of dog they wanted. ❋ About a fifth of those who did not adopt their last dog stated they were simply not aware of the adoption option, didn’t think of it at the time of purchase, or just bought on impulse without considering other options. ❋ About a third of the people who did not adopt their last dog said they would never buy from a shelter. But close to 20% said they would get a dog from a shelter if a specific breed was available. ❋ About 6% of people who did not adopt their animal would adopt if they could know the animal’s history. Another 1.5% said they would adopt if they could know that sick animals are not mixed in with healthy ones.

❋ Even a little bit of educational information about the problem of companion animal overpopulation and its link with purchasing vs. adopting animals leads many former dog purchasers to say they will adopt next time. ❋ One reason cited for purchasing a purebred animal is so that one will know “what to expect” from the animal. However, FIREPAW data indicates that adopted dogs actually met their guardian’s expectations more often than animals bought from a breeder. ❋ In terms of expectations, adopted dogs actually had fewer negative surprises of both financial costs and non-monetary “hassles” than purebred dogs. At the same time, adopted dogs were reported to actually have more positive surprises in terms of benefits. ❋ Forty percent of people who previously bought purebred animals said they would switch to an adopted animal for their next purchase if the price difference were greater. (This counters the claim made by many dog breeders that restrictions and higher fees for bred animals cannot work because bred dogs and adopted animals are not substitutes.) *Data from the Capital Region in upstate New York

Do not use Neutersol® in dogs with: • Undescended testicles (cryptorchid). • A disease or malformation of the testicle (including fibrosis of the testicles or epididymides). • A history of allergic reaction to any of the components of the drug. • Pre-existing scrotal irritation or dermatitis. Precautions 1.

To avoid irritation to the scrotal skin, do not shave or clip the scrotal hair. Use a nonalcoholic disinfectant as an aseptic agent.

Use this product only in healthy male dogs following a thorough examination of the scrotum to ensure the scrotum is free of skin irritation and ulceration and that both testicles are descended and normal as determined by digital palpation by the examining veterinarian.

The safety and effectiveness of Neutersol has not been established in dogs less than 3 months of age or in dogs greater than 10 Months of age.

Do not use if the testicular width is less than 10 mm or greater than 27 mm.

Obtain an accurate measurement of testicular widths by using the caliper provided and the dose corresponding to testicular measurement. Both testicles must be injected with the appropriate dose using the correct procedure in order to minimize adverse reactions and achieve sterility.

In dose determination and field studies, the most serious cases of scrotal irritation and ulceration occurred as a result of improper injection technique or were associated with the dog biting or licking the injection site after release to the owner. Detailed instructions on proper care post-injection should be provided to the owner via the attached Client Information Sheet (CIS).

Information for Dog Owners Transient testicular swelling is an expected reaction to the injection. Field and dose determination data indicate that the swelling begins 24 hours post-injection and peaks at 48 hours post-injection. By 1 Month post-injection, most testicles will be atrophied. However, the degree of atrophy will vary individually and there may be variability between the left and right testicles of the same dog. This should be considered an expected response to the injection. Neutersol® may not kill sperm present at the time of injection. Therefore, keep treated dogs away from females in heat for at least 60 days post-injection. Unlike surgical castration, dogs treated with Neutersol® become sterile without removal of the testicles and, therefore, testosterone is not completely eliminated. Diseases which occur as a result of or in conjunction with testosterone hormones (prostatic disease, testicular or perianal tumors) may not be prevented. As with surgical castration, secondary male characteristics (roaming, marking, aggression, or mounting) may be displayed. Warnings Human Warnings: Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Not for human use. Wash the skin with soap and water and flush eyes with copious amounts of water if contact occurs. Flush mouth with water and drink plenty of water if accidental ingestion occurs. Contact a physician in cases of accidental exposure by any route (oral, dermal, or injection). Animal Safety Warnings: Proper injection technique and post injection care are critical to the safe use of Neutersol®. Do not inject Neutersol® into the scrotal sac or scrotal skin. Contact between the drug and the scrotal skin activates collagenase enzymes, which may result in scrotal irritation, dermatitis, ulceration or necrosis. Chemical restraint should be used, if necessary, to prevent the dog from moving during the injection. To avoid leakage of drug from the injection site use only a 28 gauge 1⁄2-inch needle, inject slowly and immediately stop the injection if you feel resistance. Do not attempt to re-inject ® Neutersol if you feel resistance to the injection. If you suspect that the drug was injected improperly into the scrotal sac or has contacted the scrotal skin, the dog should be closely monitored for up to 7 days post-injection for local adverse reactions. Do not allow dogs to bite or lick the scrotum after injection. Monitor dogs closely while in the veterinary facility and for at least 7 days following release from the veterinary facility for signs of scrotal inflammation. Leash walk only and do not allow the scrotum to contact hard, wet surfaces as this may result in irritation, dermatitis, ulceration or necrosis. Distribute the Client Information Sheet to each client for proper care post-injection. Do not inject Neutersol® more than once into each testicle. Adverse Reactions In a field study with 270 dogs, Neutersol® caused both local adverse reactions at the injection site and systemic reactions (See Table 2). ®

Neutersol injection was observed to be painful in 2.6% of 270 treated dogs. Six dogs vocalized and one dog kicked following injection. Apparent scrotal pain postinjection was the most commonly reported local reaction (6.3%), most frequently seen during the first two days post-injection. The most commonly reported systemic reactions to the Neutersol® injection were neutrophilia (6.3%), vomiting (4.4%), anorexia (4.1%) and lethargy (2.2%). These reactions were typically seen within 7 days of the injection. However, vomiting was most commonly seen on the day of the injection, between 1 minute and 4 hours post-injection. Six of 10 dogs that vomited did so more than once during this period. Withholding food for 12 hours prior to injection may prevent this from occurring. The most severe reactions occurred when dogs bit or licked the scrotum following injection (See Warnings). These severe reactions were seen in < 1% of 270 dogs. One dog was returned to the clinic on Day 3 for an ulcerated scrotum. The wound healed with medical therapy. The second dog was reported with a perforated scrotum and a severe scrotal infection on Day 17 postinjection. The dog had licked and chewed through the scrotum down to the testicle. Surgical castration and scrotal ablation were performed.

Table 2: Adverse Reactions Adverse Reactions

No. of Animals (n = 270)

Percent (%)

Reaction Upon Injection Vocalization Kicking Scrotal Pain* Scrotal Irritation Biting and Licking Scrotal Swelling Scrotal Irritation and Dermatitis Scrotal Ulceration Scrotal Infection Dry Scrotal Skin Scrotal Bruising Preputial Swelling Scrotal Sore Neutrophilia Vomiting** Anorexia Lethargy Diarrhea Leukocytosis

6 1 Local Reactions

2.2% 0.4%

17 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Systemic Reactions

6.3% 1.1% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4%

17 12 11 6 5 2

6.3% 4.4% 4.1% 2.2% 1.9% 0.7%

*Most scrotal pain was reported on the first two days after injection. **Ten of the 12 dogs vomited within 1 minute and 4 hours after the injection.

24 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

25 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

26 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Generous Grant From The PETCO Foundation! On September 26, 2003, Paul Jolly, Director of the PETCO Foundation, visited the SPAY/USA office in Stratford, Connecticut to present the program with a very generous donation from the PETCO stores nationwide “roundup!” The majority of the grant will be used for direct aid to the neediest cases, but a portion has also been set aside to upgrade our web site. Included now will be such useful topics as information about model spay programs and clinics, model legislation, updates on nonsurgical sterilization, spay/neuter techniques such as “juvenile” (early) spay/neuter and “speed-spay,” ways to increase efficiency at spay clinics as well as statistics, surveys and studies. SPAY/USA is now in the process of gathering this information and plans to launch the improved site in the spring of 2004. Thanks, PETCO!!!

L to R: Lisa Turecheck, Paul Jolly, Esther Mechler, Eva Starbard and Chansey Luby

SPAY/USA also gratefully acknowledges generous grants given to us in 2003 by: PETsMART Charities,The Leonard X. Bosack & Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation,The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Marilyn Simpson Trust, and the sponsors of our Southern Regional Leadership Conference! Thank you all so very much!

“Spay/Neuter ... Made Accessible”

al as nim Are A get tion Tar pula o erp Ov 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” For More Information: call 800-776-9984 • fax 623-581-2922

www.laboit.com 27 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Pet Photo Contest Winner! A big THANK YOU to everyone who entered our Pet Photo Contest by sending us photographs of your beautiful pets! Congratulations to Helen McIver of Richmond, Virginia for her submission of “Jonathan” who is gracing our cover. Jonathan was rescued from a pound (and euthanasia) by CARE (Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts). Take a look at some of the other submissions and you can imagine that choosing a winner was not easy . . . they’re all so special!

Lois, submitted by Nancy Pannell of Loogootee, Indiana

Ashley, submitted by Mary Child of Putnam, Connecticut

Cayla, submitted by Irving M. Weiner of Harrisville, Michigan

Marley (rear) and Onyx (front), submitted by Peggy Rudolf White of Sherrill, New York

Mixi, submitted by Betty Flemming of Holton, Kansas

28 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

In Loving Memory . . .

. . . of Webster Phoenix, submitted by Susan & Mark Auerbach of Bala Lynwyd, Pennsylvania

Nina Bina Gardenia, submitted by Deb Zuger Lyons of Stoddard, New Hampshire

Our hearts go out to John Stevenson, President of North Shore Animal League America and his wife Matia at the untimely death of their dear dog Webster. Webster will surely be missed by all who knew him by his daily visits to John's office. He was truly the League's CED (Chief Executive Dog) and contributed many helpful hints through "Webster's Tips" on our yearly calendars. He will be missed by all.

Nellie, submitted by Paula Parisi of Newfields, New Hampshire

. . . of Sassy

Smokey Jr. “JJ”, submitted by Laura Guttridge of Vero Beach, Florida Lucy, submitted by Dorinda Sutton of West Trenton, New Jersey

Sassy was adopted by the DiToro family after being rescued by North Shore Animal League America from Tennessee. She was known and loved by all here at the League and was featured many times in advertisements and various other campaigns due to her beauty, both inside and out! Our hearts go out to her family at this time of loss.

29 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

30 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

New Spay/Neuter Clinic Opens At Tufts Veterinary School

To tackle the problem of pet overpopulation in the Bay State, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine has joined forces with the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC) and in September opened the Luke and Lilly Lerner Spay Neuter Clinic at Tufts’ Henry and Louise Foster Hospital for Small Animals.

Funded primarily by a lead gift from the Leonard X. Bosack & Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation, the clinic is named after “Luke” and “Lily” – two cats rescued from shelters by Sandy Lerner, Bosack and Kruger Foundation co-founder and president.

While providing veterinary students an optimum way to learn surgery skills, the clinic will also serve Massachusetts animal shelters with a clinic to sterilize shelter animals. The Massachusetts SPCA reports that only about 40 % of the more than 100,000 animals surrendered to the state’s shelters each year are adopted. In 1989, Tufts became the first veterinary school in the nation to stop teaching surgical instruction with animals purposely bred for this purpose. And in 1996, Tufts students began spaying and neutering shelter animals, which make the animals more attractive to potential owners. “Tufts’ leadership in this area has motivated other U.S. veterinary schools to take on similar practices,” said Dr. Steven Rowell, Tufts hospital director.

Sandy Lerner and Lily

Valued at approximately $400,000, the 1,134-square-foot clinic has ample space for surgeries, as well as room in which to house and walk the animals. Members of MAC will staff the clinic when it is not being used to train Tufts’ veterinary students. Founded in 2000, MAC is a statewide, nonprofit, organization of animal professionals whose goal is to link animal shelters and animal caretakers, including animal control officers, veterinarians, canine and feline rescuers, attorneys, and representatives of state agencies and humane societies. Tufts’ Center for Animals and Public policy established the connection between the veterinary school and MAC. “This is a very positive collaboration of organizational missions, and will be a model for other parts of the country,” said Anne Lindsay, president of MAC board of directors. “By joining together, MAC members have created a strong alliance and developed new programs and initiatives, resulting in better access to health care, behavioral intervention and higher adoptions for our animal friends.” ❆

Surgical Suite

31 Paws to Think • Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

STUDY FINDS PETS OWNED BY MORE THAN HALF OF ALL U.S. HOUSEHOLDS The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), the leading United States not-for-profit pet industry organization, has released its 2003/2004 National Pet Owners Survey which reports the number of U.S. pet-owning households has increased by more than 10 million since 1992. According to the survey, 64.2 million U.S. households’ report owning a pet in 2002, compared to 54.5 million households one decade ago. APPMA’s survey data shows 77.7 million cats; 65 million dogs; 16.8 million small animals; 17.3 million birds; 8.8 million reptiles; 7 million saltwater fish; and 185 million freshwater fish are owned by U.S. pet owners today. “With pet ownership among U.S. households reported at 62-percent, APPMA’s new survey clearly indicates America’s ongoing love affair with the companion animal community is solid,” said Lee Alvarado, association spokesperson. “We estimate that pet owners will spend $31 billion in 2003 to care for, feed, spoil, and pamper the American pet population.” Biannually APPMA’s National Pet Owner’s Survey, the pet industry’s most comprehensive consumer research

study, examines demographics, buying habits, and other traits of U.S. owners of dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, and small animals. The 2003/2004 edition also found: • Dogs and cats are found in at least one-out-of-three U.S. households. • Seven-out-of-ten fish owners say keeping fish generates a relaxing environment and helps to relieve stress. • Households that have the most pet birds live in the Southern and Western regions of the U.S. • Turtles/tortoises are the most popular reptile owned by U.S. households with children. • One-third of small animal owners consider their pets as children or as family members. • Companionship, love, company and affection along with fun to have in a household are top benefits associated with pet ownership. • The majority of U.S. pet owners have purchased a gift for their companion animals within the last 12 months. The survey also includes a new “Lifestyle and Media Study,” which offers a profile of consumer lifestyle habits and media preferences directly affecting the purchase of pet products. The Pet Savers Foundation has contacted the APPMA to adopt “guardian” language in future editions.

32 Paws to Think •Winter 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Committed to building long, healthy relationships.

Our dedication begins with the superior nutrition of Science Diet®® at every stage of life. The mission of Hill’s Pet Nutrition is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets by providing the best pet nutrition in the world. This includes the many animals waiting to be adopted into good homes nationwide. Hill’s, in partnership with The Humane Society of the United States, is furthering its commitment by supporting the shelter community with the superior nutrition of Science Diet®.

The Pet Savers Foundation 2261 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford, CT 06614-3801

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