Published for Friends of Arizona Humane Society // Summer 2010
Ask the Vet page 3
5 Ways to Stay Cool with your Pet page 11
Your Gift in Action page 7
How to Join Legacy Circle page 6
Humane Education page 12
Event Guests Help Fund EAMT Truck page 15
Keilana’s Rescue
Keilana was stuck in a wall for two days before coming to AHS to be adopted (page 8)
Contents Ask the Vet
Dr. Kathleen Croteau advises on the dangers of parvo and panleuk and how to easily prevent these contagious pet diseases.
What’s New
happy tails:
Molly Moo Molly Moo spent the first year of her life going in and out of the shelter when all she ever wanted was everlasting friendship. She was brought to AHS as a stray when she was a young pup, then adopted and returned because she was “mischievous.” She always seemed to end up back at our shelter and as a result, she became very fearful of the shelter environment. Because we felt she would be more comfortable outside of the kennel, we placed Molly Moo in a SAFE foster home, where she remained available for adoption and visible on our website until selected by her new family. (See p. 10 for details on SAFE and other alternative placement programs.) We made every effort to find a home for Molly Moo, featuring her on Pets on Parade, our weekly television show, and as the Sunday Sweetheart on Good Morning Arizona, but there were no takers. Molly Moo was the loneliest dog at AHS, so we decided she should be the Paw Prints featured pet, but she finally found her forever home on June 27, right as we were going to press! To see all Lonely Hearts Club pets who have been waiting for a happy ending like Molly Moo’s, visit azhumane.org/findapet.
Learn about our innovative giving options and read about how we’ve expanded our behavior staff to provide the best care to our shelter animals.
Why We Give
Meet two donors who share their reasons for joining the AHS Legacy Circle and Continuing Care program and learn more about planned giving opportunities.
Your Donation in Action
Ever wonder how your gift helps to save thousands of lives every year? Learn how we put your donation in action to help animals in need.
Cover Story: 48 Hours Trapped Go behind the scenes with one of our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ as she leads the rescue of a kitten trapped inside a wall for two days.
5 Ways to Stay Cool with Your Pet this Summer
Stay cool and avoid heat-related risks this summer with our travel, shopping and dining tips!
Kids’ Corner
Fun pet trivia and activities for kids... and grown ups, too!
Compassion in Action
Tune in to our 12th Annual Pet Telethon this summer and read about the innovative ways we are reaching out to the community.
Paw Prints Online You spoke up and we listened!
You want to be green, and so do we. To view and share this issue, and to sign up to receive your next issue of Paw Prints electronically, visit pawprints.azhumane.org.
Dog Days of Summer Tribute Brick Special AHS Annual Report View the 2009 Annual Report online at annualreport.azhumane.org
Honor or remember your loved one, human or pet, with a tribute brick, just $75 each (a 50% savings) during the month of August at tributes.azhumane.org
Ask the Vet
Q: A: Kathleen Croteau, DVM has been with Arizona Humane Society since 1995 and serves as the lead veterinarian for our Second Chance Animal Hospital™. In her career, she has worked on a diverse caseload, ranging from kennel cough and skin disease to more severe injuries stemming from animal cruelty. Having earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1995, Dr. Croteau has worked primarily in shelter medicine with a few short periods in private practice. Dr. Croteau says she chose to work in the shelter environment because 100% of her work hours are devoted to treating animals, versus administrative and business-related duties that sometimes come with private practice positions. In addition to veterinary medicine, she has an interest in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. An avid animal lover, Dr. Croteau has a dog, Sassi, a 12-year-old Maltese mix whom she adopted from AHS. She also has three desert tortoises named Crush, Danika and Drette. View all Arizona Humane Society veterinarian bios at azhumane.org.
Should I be worried about parvovirus or feline panleukopenia infecting my pets?
We receive a lot of calls from concerned pet owners asking what parvovirus (parvo) and feline panleukopenia (panleuk) are and if their pets are at risk. These are very contagious and life-threatening diseases but it’s important to remember that they are very preventable with simple vaccinations, available through your veterinarian or at a low cost through AHS public clinics. Parvo is a highly contagious disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Most affected are less than one year old, usually falling between six weeks and six months of age. Parvo is spread through canine feces and the particles can survive in the desert environment for months, resulting in the spread of the disease well after the animal has recovered. Symptoms of parvo include anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, all of which can cause rapid dehydration and lowered blood sugar. The virus attacks the intestinal lining and causes bone marrow disruption, resulting in a lessened ability for the puppy to fight off infections. While parvo can lead to severe illness or death if untreated, the chances of survival are very high if treated early. Therapy includes IV fluids and supplements, antibiotics and antiemetics (anti-vomiting medicine). Treatment lasts 3 - 7 days and the puppy will shed the virus for 1 - 2 weeks following recovery, remaining contagious despite the lack of symptoms. To prevent parvo from infecting your puppy, make sure you get all of his “puppy” shots (also called “boosters”), including DA2PP, a vaccine that prevents parvovirus and many other diseases that puppies are exposed to. These boosters are first given around 6 - 8 weeks of age and continued every 3 - 4 weeks until at least four months of age. Keep your puppy away from areas where contagious dogs may have been, like parks and stores for example, until he is fully vaccinated. Panleuk symptoms are similar to those of canine parvovirus and affect mostly kittens. A kitten infected with panleuk can shed the virus for up to six weeks after recovery and the virus can survive in the environment for more than a year. Despite treatment, kittens have a poorer chance of survival (10 - 50%) and can also suffer from infection of the uterus, resulting in central nervous system damage, which presents itself in signs of ataxia, falling over, wide based stance and tremors. It’s easy to prevent pankleuk by vaccinating your kittens with FVRCP, a typical “kitty” shot. FVRCP and other kitty shots should first be given at eight weeks of age and continued every 2 - 4 weeks until 12 - 14 weeks of age. If your pet’s living area has been exposed to a contagious animal, clean all bowls, toys, crates and other bleach-safe items with a 1-part bleach:30-parts water solution. Furniture and carpet should be cleaned according to manufacturer’s recommendations. For public clinic locations and hours, visit azhumane.org.
High Quality, Low-Cost Pet Care Did you know that AHS offers high quality, low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services? Because of our community’s overwhelming issue of pet overpopulation, we are committed to providing affordable spay/neuter services to all pet owners. If fact, we spayed and neutered nearly 20,000 animals last year. Both of AHS’ public clinics offer spay/neuter and wellness services, which include vaccinations, heartworm testing/ medication, microchipping and flea/tick prevention (prices shown right). With nine highly skilled and experienced veterinarians on staff, we are able to offer the best care at a great price for your pet. For locations and hours, including the mobile clinic schedule, visit azhumane.org.
Service/Product
Cost
Vaccinations Canine Spay/Neuter Feline Spay/Neuter Adams™ Flea and Tick Spray Canine Heartworm Test Canine Heartworm Prevention (6-month supply) Deworming Feline FeLV/FIV Test AVID Microchip (includes registration) Office Visit Fee (Monday - Thursday)
$18 each $60 - 102 $38 - $57 $12 $27 - $35 $19 - $34 $10 $35 $30 $20
Letter from the Executive Director
t’s hard to believe that summer is already in full swing and we have watched the first half of 2010 pass in the blink of an eye. I must say, though, that the Board of Directors, employees, volunteers, foster families, supporters, corporate partners and friends of Arizona Humane Society have done anything but sit back and watch the moments pass. Over the past six months we have driven increases in online traffic and average donation size, allowing us to fulfill our mission to safeguard, rescue, shelter, heal, adopt and advocate for animals in need; committed to the success of our first retail store, Petique at the Biltmore Fashion Park, our newest offsite location that facilitates more adoptions; revived our Humane Education program, providing nationally recognized humane and character education to children in the Valley; and hosted our 12th annual Compassion with
Fashion event, raising over $340,000 to support programs and services for animals. People always tell us that we do such good work. And while we’re grateful for (and even dependent on) such encouragement, we can’t help but think, “What if we could do more?” Even as we operate the largest animal welfare agency in the state, there are still homeless animals. Still those people that find it acceptable, even entertaining, to harm defenseless companion animals. Still those that do not spay and neuter their pets, creating even more overcrowding in our shelters. And still… not enough homes. As the heat continues to become more severe, our shelters will continue to see cases of animal cruelty and neglect, an influx of young kittens and puppies due to favorable breeding conditions, and we’ll once again be stretched too thin on space and resources. If you’re thinking, “What can I do to help?”, keep reading. Not only will you learn about the dangers your pets face in the desert heat and how to best protect them during the summer months (p. 11), but you can learn how your gift to AHS helps save thousands of pets each year (p. 7) and get an insider peek into a day in the life of our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ as they respond to calls to rescue sick and injured animals (p. 8). For 53 years, Arizona Humane Society has fostered the belief that every pet deserves a good life. And we’ve survived through 53 summers - hot, crowded, and incredibly trying summers - because of your true interest, outspoken advocacy, amazing generosity and constant support. Please continue to be a voice for these animals who cannot speak for themselves. Please spread the word about the issues AHS and many other shelters and rescues will face this season. And please, continue to believe in the work we do to save the lives of homeless animals. We cannot do it without you. Sincerely, Guy Collison Executive Director P.S. Be sure to tune in to the 12th Annual Pet Telethon, Saturday, August 14 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm on ABC15 to watch compassion in action! (more info, p. 14)
Corporate Corner Thank You
Compassion with Fashion Sponsors:
American Express ® Pet Supply Drive In April, American Express Global Network Services Group wrapped up a donation drive that successfully resulted in: » 1,200 lbs of pet food (dog, puppy, cat, kitten) » 140 lbs of critter food (rabbit, hamster, rat, mouse, guinea pig ) » 180 lbs of kitty litter » $250 cash donations » $305 gas and gift cards
» 1 digital camera » 3 pet carriers » Hundreds of new and gently used towels and blankets » Countless toys, treats, bottled water, timothy hay, and office supplies Thank you to American Express and the many other companies who embrace their coporate citizenship by donating cash and goods in-kind to Arizona Humane Society!
Affordable Print. Uncompromising Quality.
What’s New
A Smarter Way to Give We are always looking for ways to be smart, innovative and efficient in all we do, while making sure to remain true to our mission. Finding costeffective ways to better communicate with and engage donors, both new and existing, is always a priority for AHS. Check out these new features, available this summer. eCards - Send an eCard from our website to anyone you like for a minimum donation of just $10. Choose from birthday cards and “just because” cards with images from famed pet artist Ron Burns. Personalized Fundraising - Join any of our current events as an individual or start/join a team and create your own personal fundraising page. Add your own images, send emails to friends and family and track your progress in real time! Virtual Baby Shower - An extension of the personalized fundraising, you can host your own “baby shower” for our puppies and kittens! Invite friends and family to help you raise money to pay for the care provided to these pets before they go up for adoption. Text to Give - Text AHS to 20222 to donate $10 from your mobile phone. You may hear this on the radio or see it at a local sports event soon! View Your Profile - Create a login to view your giving history and update your personal information online. Your changes go straight into our database!
www.azhumane.org
acing, high anxiety, inability to settle, body slamming and spinning are all signs of canine kennel stress, a potentially lifethreatening condition for a shelter dog, who spends most of his time in the kennel. Kennel stress can lead to aggressive behavior, even in animals who have never displayed such tendencies. This is why it’s so important to provide comfort to every animal in our care for as long as they are with us, which is typically a few days to a couple of months. Through our kennel enrichment program, our dogs experience plenty of out-of-kennel playtime and activities to stimulate their minds and reduce stress. Volunteers schedule shifts throughout the day to make sure every dog gets outside and our behavior team makes sure they have treat-filled Kong™ toys to keep them busy when they get back to their kennels. Every dog has lots of comfy bedding, including a Kuranda bed for each dog on the adoption floor, a blanket and toys that get switched out or stuffed with new treats regularly to prevent boredom. Soothing music is often played in the adoption kennels and during the summer, our behavior team makes special pooch-friendly popsicles from chicken and beef stock. We even try to be smart about where we place an animal within our shelter. “If we find a dog is particularly excitable, we won’t put her in the kennel right next to the door,” says shelter operations director Shannon Valenzeula. Behavior evaluators have also been known to move animals to our other shelter or to an offsite adoption location to make sure they don’t feel stressed by the lack of scenery change. But while kennel enrichment helps most dogs to stay comfortable, there are some dogs who just can’t thrive in the kennel environment. “Occasionally, we’ll have a dog that is amazingly well behaved outside the kennel and yet becomes a much different dog once inside. For these situations, we use our SAFE program to provide the highest level of comfort and lowest risk of stress,” says Valenzuela. The SAFE (Saving Animals From Euthanasia) program allows dogs currently available for adoption to live in foster care until they are chosen by their new forever family. (See all alternative placement programs, p. 10.) Many people wonder how we know so much about each individual dog’s behavior and, trust us, it takes time. Each dog that arrives at our shelter undergoes a behavior evaluation before
being placed for adoption. This process begins with simply, but perhaps most importantly, observing the dog in his kennel. A behavior evaluator approaches the kennel with a neutral posture and observes the dog’s reaction. We then attempt to make soft contact, petting the dog gently. The next step is to make friendly talk with the dog and see if he responds warmly or if he begins barking and becoming anxious. Next, we test some resources, including food and toys, to see if the dog guards the food or hoards it (which isn’t necessarily threatening in either case). The next phase involves somewhat evasive handling, including lifting the dog’s lip to look at his teeth, just as a vet would, and picking up his paws as if wiping muddy feet. Next, our evaluator conducts a supervised visit with another dog, which involves the introduction of food and toys so we can observe any guarding or hoarding behaviors that may be threatening. The final step in this extensive evaluation is to test play arousal – specifically if the dog can settle down after play or if he redirects his arousal into aggressive behavior. All of these observations allow us to evaluate the dog’s level of comfort within the shelter but also in his new family environment. For instance, if a dog showed aggression only when food was introduced and another dog was present, then we would recommend feeding him separately from any other dogs in the home. If we observe a behavior that is concerning, we work with the pet to modify it. Because evaluation and modification are essential to our kennel environment, we recently increased our staff to four full-time evaluators. They conduct the initial evaluations, supervise kennel enrichment, monitor ongoing behavior and provide training to other staff and volunteers who interact directly with the animals. One of our evaluators travels to our Campus for Compassion location four days a week to monitor dogs’ behavior and to train volunteers how to prevent and redirect high arousal behaviors.
Planned Giving
Why We Give The Tringali family
finding the best homes for the homeless, AHS dramatically changes the lives of animals in our community. And as an independent, nonprofit organization, they don’t receive government
We became a part of the Legacy Circle by choosing to add AHS as a beneficiary of our estate. As lifelong animal lovers and advocates, we truly believe in our responsibility to respect, care for and protect companion animals. Arizona Humane Society lives those values in all they do. From rescuing the abused, to healing the injured and sick, to
funds or money from any other humane agencies - AHS relies on us, as members of this community, to continue their life-saving work. We are real, ordinary people that contribute to AHS when we can. Every donation counts – no matter the amount – as it adds up to make an amazing difference in the lives of animals.
We recently decided to become a part of the AHS Legacy Circle by choosing to add AHS as a beneficiary of our estate. Our four dogs are our beloved family members and their care in the event of something happening to us has always been a major concern. Now that we are part of the Legacy Circle, our dogs are eligible and have been enrolled in the AHS Continuing Care program. When we pass on, our dogs will be accepted by AHS and will be found a wonderful new home so they can continue to be loved and cared for. We are so relieved and happy to have established a future for our pets while continuing to support animals across the state of Arizona.” - Robert and Marilyn Tringali Parents of Remy, Echo, Adobe and Corky
Think about how you will remember AHS in your final giving plans. Planned gifts allow you to enjoy the benefits of a gift to charity while making a powerful statement about your love of animals. See options at plannedgiving.azhumane.org. Communicate your plans to your attorney, financial advisor, family or friends. Our legal name is Arizona Humane Society, our legal address is 1521 West Dobbins Road, Phoenix, AZ 85041 and our federal tax ID number is 86-0135567. Let us know that you’ve included AHS in your plans by emailing legacycircle@azhumane.org or calling (602) 997-7586, option 5. We’ll ask how you’d like to be recognized for your commitment. Enroll your pets in the Continuing Care program. This program is available to Legacy Circle members to help pet parents plan for their animal companions’ future should they be left behind. Feel secure in your decision. Planned gifts have helped us care for hundreds of thousands of animals through our low-cost programs, rescues and clinics for 53 years. With a yearly operating budget of $12 million, we’re proud that 84 cents of every dollar received goes directly to these programs and services.
To speak with our major gifts officer about planned giving opportunities, call (602) 997-7586 x1136 or email legacycircle@azhumane.org
Legacy Gifts in Action Thanks to a very generous bequest from animal lover Margueritha Price, we will soon offer significantly reduced prices for spay/neuter services to lower-income clients through the Spay/Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP). Community members receiving AHCCS, food stamps or state assistance such as unemployment benefits will be eligible for SNIP, offsetting the cost of surgery which, even at our low-cost rates, may be out of reach for some pet parents. Price was quite passionate about combating pet overpopulation through spay and neuter initiatives, and her legacy gift allows AHS to kick-start this important initiative that will decrease unwanted litters and keep pets in their forever homes. Services will be offered at all three public clinic locations - the Margaret McAllister Brock Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic at the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion, the Marge Wright Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Wellness Center at the Sunnyslope facility, and our mobile clinic that travels throughout Maricopa County. We are proud to honor Price and her thoughtful gift that will save the lives of countless animals in our community.
Donations in Action e are proud to announce that a donation of $135,000 from family and friends of Mary J. Leader will support three much-needed upgrades to our Sunnyslope facility. The first phase of the project, remodeling of the Mary J. Leader Get-Acquainted Area for dogs and their adoptive families, completed in early April, was dedicated by Leader’s colleagues, friends and AHS leadership on May 25. The project also includes major upgrades to the dog exercise yards and kennels, scheduled for completion in early 2011 and early 2014 respectively. “Mary was a strong advocate for companion animals in the Valley,” said Mary’s brother, Pat Leader, of Tampa, Florida. “Our family and Mary’s friends made this gift to honor Mary’s memory, her love and compassion for animals, and her long-time support of AHS.” Mary Leader passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2004, at the age of 54. At the time of her death she served as senior vice president of external affairs and chief legal officer of TriWest Healthcare Alliance. In 1981, she became the first woman partner at Snell & Wilmer. She also served as policy adviser for Health and Human Services to Arizona Governor Fife Symington and in 2000, she was recognized as one of the top 100 outstanding women and minority lawyers in the history of Arizona by the Maricopa County Bar Association. Leader was a dedicated community volunteer, serving on the boards of numerous Valley nonprofit organizations. She was also a past president of the Junior League of Phoenix and the Arizona Women’s Forum. “This generous gift in Mary Leader’s honor makes a strong statement about Mary’s love of animals and her support of community orga-
AHS executive director Guy Collison and Mary Leader’s dear friend, Lois Savage.
nizations in the Valley,” said Guy Collison, AHS executive director. “We are honored to receive this gift from her family and friends, which will improve the adoption experience, increase adoptions of homeless pets and enrich the animals’ lives while in our care. AHS continues to be the leader in animal welfare in Arizona and we are grateful for the amazing supporters who make that possible.”
Your Donation in Action
It takes more than compassion to care for the tens of thousands of animals who come through our doors each year. And we rely on you. There is a misconception that donations to Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), American Humane Association (AHA) or the American SPCA trickle down to the animals we help in Maricopa County. That is not the case. Arizona Humane Society is a local, independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization funded solely by donations and
service fees that allow us to serve our community. Arizona Humane Society does not receive funding from other humane societies, the government, or tax revenue. We are able to serve as the leading animal welfare agency in the state because of your generosity and your continued support. Thank you.
Ever wonder how your donation helps homeless, abused and neglected animals? Here are a few examples of your gift in action:
$100
Neuters two dogs or four cats
$200
Covers one day of intensive care in Second Chance Animal Hospital™
$300
Covers the average cost to care for a healthy animal until she is adopted
$500
Pays for one month of gasoline for our mobile spay/neuter clinic, which provides 30 low-cost surgeries a day
$1,000
Provides soft beds and therapeutic cat boxes for all cat casitas
Cover Story
48 Hours Trapped
After spending two days stuck in a wall and suspected to have been impaled on rebar, things weren’t looking so good for this kitten.
Truitt knocked off the first layer of mortar without much difficulty. Surprisingly, the kitten was near the top of the wall and Truitt was able to reach her without chiseling into the blocks. She tried several times to ease the animal out of the wall, but she felt some unexpected resistance, which worried her. That’s when she noticed that a piece of rebar was sticking into the kitten’s abdomen. Fearing the worst, Truitt immediately phoned the AHS Second Chance Animal Hospital™ to let them know she was going to call the Fire Department to cut the cat out of the wall and might be bringing the animal in with the rebar still impaled in her stomach. EAMT Liz Truitt reaches for the trapped kitten
t was a cool day when Arizona Humane Society (AHS) Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ (EAMTs™) received a call from a Gilbert woman who heard a cat’s cries coming from inside a block wall while strolling through her neighborhood. EAMTs estimate that the animal had been trapped inside the wall for two full days before they received the call. AHS EAMT Liz Truitt was the first respondent to what seemed like a typical scene. It’s not uncommon for cats, especially small kittens, to slip into the large exposed openings of block fences, which are pretty standard on residential properties throughout the Valley. Truitt naturally assumed this was the usual cat-stuck-in-block-wall scenario. It was only a matter of minutes until she realized the severity of the situation.
» Arizona’s monsoon storms can be very scary and confusing for your pet. » It’s a good idea to give your pet a special place during stormy weather to ease his fear. » Distracting your pet during loud storms can help him be less fearful. Try playing soft music to comfort your pet. » Overprotecting pets during a storm can reinforce their fears. Stay calm and try not to act scared or stressed.
After 48 hours in the low temps, virtually unable to move, the kitten’s body temperature had dropped to a near-hypothermic 92.3 degrees.
Second Chance veterinarians agreed to prep the surgery room for the trauma and authorized Truitt to give her a tranquilizer to prevent the kitten from going into severe distress. After 48 hours in the low temps, virtually unable to move, the kitten’s body temperature had dropped to a near-hypothermic 92.3 degrees. This, coupled with the potential trauma to her body, put her at high risk for shock. “It’s hard to believe, but the chilly
» You can talk to your veterinarian about medications that may help if nothing else seems to soothe your pet during a loud storm. » It’s important to update your pet’s ID, especially if she tends to run off during stormy weather. » If your pet does run off during a storm, visit AHS and both county-run facilities at least every 72 hours, as well as pets911.com. » Find more tips at azhumane.org/pettips
Cover Story
From left: EAMT Truitt and Gilbert Fire Department chip away at the wall; firefighters support the cat’s limp body while attempting to free her; she is tangled in the rebar but firefighters safely pull her out.
weather actually played in her favor,” says Truitt. “If it had been too warm, those blocks would have heated up fast and it would have been like an oven in there.” Even so, Truitt knew the animal needed to be sedated if she was going to make it through the ordeal. But she was too far away to trek back to home base for the necessary drugs. Thinking on her toes, a trait constantly reKeilana and Steely enjoying playtime. quired of an EAMT, Truitt called nearby Gilbert Emergency Animal Clinic, who generously supplied her with the tranquilizer. Meanwhile, the Gilbert Fire Department quickly arrived on scene, ready to lend a helping hand in whatever capacity needed. After sedating the cat, the crew began chipping away at the mortar, being strategic about supporting her weight as they moved her to avoid any further injury. Once she fully relaxed from the tranquilizer, she miraculously slipped right off the rebar and they realized that she was not impaled at all but merely wrapped around it. Gilbert FD carefully removed her and Truitt prepared to insert a catheter to get some fluids into the little animal’s system. Before she could set the catheter though, the kitten started waking up. To help her warm up, Truitt let the animal ride back to Second Chance in the cab of the EAMT ambulance alongside her. The kitten suffered only minimal injuries and went up for adoption soon after she arrived at AHS. She was given a shelter name of Sweet Cakes and it wasn’t long before Shiela Reyman and her daughter Brittney came to the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion shelter looking for a new kitten. “I had searched the adoptable animals online beforehand and I realized that there were so many cats and kittens in need of homes,” says Reyman. She recalls being warmly welcomed by the adoption staff and seeing Sweet Cakes calmly resting in her kennel. That is, until Brittney walked by. Sweet Cakes immediately jumped up, began pawing the glass and crying out for Brittney. It was love at first sight for the Reymans, who adopted Sweet Cakes, now known as Keilana (“Adored One” in Hawaiian), and another kitty now known as Steely. Shiela reports that the two are the best of friends and they are happy to share their home (and cat climber) with housemates Squeak-
ers and Jude, both cats, and Tahoe, the family’s service dog. Our EAMTs and Second Chance Animal Hospital veterinarians see these cases in the tens of thousands per year. And summer is arguably the worst season for animal cruelty and neglect. Arizona law states that an animal left outside must be provided plenty of water and shelter from the elements. You can imagine how triple-digit temperatures and practically no natural shade make conditions even more dangerous for pets left outside, especially if they are injured, whether from an act of cruelty, traffic accident or even severely sunburned. In late 2008, AHS had to cut back hours of operation for the EAMT department due to budget constraints. Responding to more calls per year in six hours less per day is taxing to say the least. AHS offers the country’s only EAMT Academy, a comprehensive, hands-on training course for those interested in becoming a certified EAMT. Many people have completed the academy with great success, meaning there is a pool of trained and passionate animal advocates that would jump at the opportunity to join the team. However, there is still no budget for expansion of the program at this point in time. “We believe we are responsible for the welfare of these animals and so we are doing the best that we can with the reduced resources. Even with the increase of calls, we’ve been able to provide the response needed to save these animal victims,” says department manager and investigator Stacie DaBolt. “It’s just tough not to think about everything that we could be doing.” While our EAMTs partner with law enforcement in Phoenix and Scottsdale for animal cruelty investigation, their assistance is requested by police and fire departments Valleywide to rescue sick and injured animals. In this case, the Gilbert Fire Department provided the resources that ultimately saved a cat’s life. Truitt is especially appreciative of their rescue assistance: “They were absolutely amazing. They showed up immediately and were considerate of the kitten’s needs. It was obvious that to them, it was really about the animal that day.” Such partnerships are a step in the right direction, encouraging advocacy for animal welfare and igniting change.
Programs & Services
Animal Intake o most, it seems obvious what we do: we adopt homeless animals to new families. Well, sure, we do that. But adoption is just the sometimes-happy ending to a very long and often heartbreaking story. The elapsed time between when an animal enters our shelter and when he leaves through our adoption doors can be weeks, even months. There are several ways that animals arrive at our shelter. Many are surrendered by owners who cannot or will not care for them any longer. Some are transferred to us from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) or other shelters when they run out of kennel space. However, many of our animals come to us injured; either picked up by our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ (EAMTs™) or turned in by Good Samaritans. We even see owned pets surrendered with severe medical conditions or illnesses that their owners are not able to provide or afford care for. All animals that we intake must be examined, evaluated by behavior staff (dogs only), and if sick or injured, treated in our Second Chance Animal Hospital™. Because we are an open intake facility, we do not turn away any animals - we accept them regardless of their breed, age, gender or medical condition. One disclamer: We are not permitted to accept healthy stray animals per county regulations (these animals must go to MCACC). With intake reaching upwards of 150
animals a day in the summer, you can only imagine the diversity of circumstances these animals are coming from. It takes an average of $300 just to put a healthy animal up for adoption, and if she has a severe condition (one that we are able to treat), that will be hundreds if not thousands of dollars more. Those pets that need time to recover after surgery, or those that are simply too young to be spayed or neutered and put up for adoption, must first spend days, weeks, sometimes months in foster care. Even with four full-time veterinarians dedicated to Second Chance, it is an extremely busy place. “On any given day, our vets have
We do not turn away any animals. We accept them regardless of their breed, age, gender or medical condition. to be prepared to treat any kind of trauma, which is why we only have veterinarians on staff that are highly experienced and competent in emergency care,” says medical director Dr. Nancy Bradley, DVM. Don’t get us wrong, we love a happy ending, especially when it closes the door on a painful past and opens a new one to a loving future. But we also want our generous donors, proud supporters and dedicated volunteers to know that their donations of time, money and in-kind gifts support all of the hard work that goes into creating these positive outcomes. To learn more about Second Chance Animal Hospital and other programs and services, or to write your own happy ending by choosing a pet to adopt, visit azhumane.org.
Alternative Placement All of AHS’ alternative placement programs are unique, but they share one common goal - to provide a safe place for animals until they are either ready to be returned to their owners or placed for adoption. » Foster Program - temporary placement in a foster home, outside of the kennel/ hospital environment due to medical or behavioral concerns » SAFE - temporary placement of adoptable animals unable to adjust to the kennel environment in a foster home until they are adopted » Project Safehouse - foster care for up to 30 days for the pet(s) of an individual entering a domestic violence shelter » Project Active Duty - foster care for the pet(s) of military personnel being deployed for active duty for the duration of their deployment » Project Assist - foster care for the pet(s) of individuals who are hospitalized or in an emergency situation » Project Reach Out - allows us to accept dogs from other animal welfare agencies that are running out of kennel space » New Hope Program - allows us to select and transport animals from MCACC for adoption at our shelters when kennel space permits » Next of Kin Assistance - foster care for the pet(s) of violent crime victims while their loved ones grieve and until they decide where to home the animal(s) » Disaster Relief - foster care for displaced animals after a fire, flood or auto accident for up to seven days to allow the owner to recover and get things in order » Adoption Partners - pre-approved animal welfare organizations that will take animals we are unable to place for adoption in hopes of a second chance
Last year, AHS admitted 13,302 dogs, 18,549 cats, 1,359 critters and wildlife, 323 Project Reach Out pets, 224 New Hope pets and 92 medical transfers from MCACC.
Beat Heat
As the temperature continues to rise, the risk of pets suffering from a heat-related ailment also increases. These tips will keep pets safe and healthy during the hot summer months: » Keep pets indoors!
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» Outdoor dogs may enjoy a kid’s pool to relax in as the temperature climbs, but be sure to keep the pool in the shade.
stay Cool with your pet
Get away. Escape the heat by taking a weekend or day trip to Sedona, Flagstaff or Sonoita, where temperatures tend to be lower, trees offer ample shade from the sweltering sun, and plenty of pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, wineries, trails and campgrounds welcome you and your furry pal.
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Go shopping. Take your dog to Biltmore Fashion Park, the dogfriendly shopping center in Phoenix. Most retailers will allow your pal inside, including Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and of course, Petique, AHS’ pet boutique that features adoptable cats and dogs; treats, toys and pet clothing; and gifts for pets and pet lovers alike. Not local? Many Westcor shopping centers are dog-friendly.
Take a dip. Water sports are a great way to cool off with your pooch. It might be a good idea to get a pet life preserver, even if your dog is a good swimmer. And if your pet doesn’t like the water, a little poolside snooze in the shade isn’t a bad idea either.
» Be sure your outdoor pets have shelter that is ventilated and has adequate air circulation, preferably in an area that is shaded all day. Never tether your pet outdoors! He can easily become tangled in the rope or chain, thereby prohibiting his access to shade and water.
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» Walk your pet early in the morning or in the cooler evening hours - never during the heat of the day. The hot pavement, which can reach 160 degrees, will burn and blister your dog’s paws. If your dog must walk on hot asphalt (service dogs), outfit him with protective boots for his paws. » Never leave your pet in a parked car. It’s illegal in Arizona. Even on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car will reach 102 degrees in less than 10 minutes, and will exceed 120 degrees in 30 minutes. On a hot summer day, the temperature inside a parked car will reach 200 degrees in minutes.
Ways to
Take your pet to work. Many Arizona employers now allow their employees to bring their dogs to work. Some even allow other pets, such as cats and rabbits. Check with your human resources department for your company’s policy. Against the rules? Suggest a Bring Your Pet to Work Day this summer for a small donation to AHS!
» Provide all pets access to cool drinking water at all times (even when they are indoors). » If your dog must stay outside, be sure he has plenty of clean, cool, drinking water in a nonmetal, spill-proof container.
Pet Tips
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Stay in. Spend an evening indoors, crank the A/C and give your pet lots of cold drinking water and plenty of belly rubs. Treat yourself to a glass of Mutt Lynch’s dog-inspired wine, available at muttlynchwinery.com. The winery supports Adopt-a-Pet.com and many animal welfare agencies, including AHS.
Humane Education
What is Humane Ed?
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early 60 years ago, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of the United States proclaimed the value of humane education, declaring that it teaches the principles of justice, goodwill and humanity towards all life. The PTA went on to assert that the cultivation of the spirit of kindness to animals can be the starting point for the development of a larger humanity which treats all living things with respect. In a world where violence, injustice and oppression cause enormous suffering, humane education is a desperately needed forum that reawakens core beliefs and empowers individuals to live their lives as an extension of those values. It’s not hard to see that nursery rhymes, fairytales, fables, cartoons and children’s books teach us our first lessons of empathy through animal
Kindness to animals can be the starting point for the development of a larger humanity which treats all living things with respect characters. This is because a child’s natural affinity toward animals and the resulting empathy they learn from those relationships teaches them how to transfer it into relationships with other animals, other people and our planet. Arizona Humane Society’s humane education program acknowledges this crucial responsiblity to educate our community’s children and we hope that our outreach and inreach activities, such as Humane Ed-Venture camps, including the extended summer version, Camp Compassion; workshops; Humane Heroes; classroom visits; speaking engagements; teachers’ in-Service training; and peer education enrichment programs will inspire people to act with kindness and integrity and cultivate an appreciation that even the smallest decisions can have far-reaching consequences. Currently, 12 states mandate humane education; Arizona is not on that list. But our program’s track record is impressive enough that the Association of Professional Humane Educators, the Humane Link, the Arizona Department of Educa-
tion and the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence have previously hosted lectures on our program’s content. To fully grasp our approach to humane education, it’s important to understand the value that character education adds to our blended curriculum. Character education is best defined as instilling in others the highest levels of integrity and ethical values that will enable them to make the right choices at all times, even - and especially - when no one is looking. Character education is mandated in 14 states, encouraged in an additional 14 states through legislation, supported in 10 more without legistlation and in beginning stages of development in 11 states. According to the CHARACTER COUNTS!SM Coalition, character education fortifies the lives of America’s young people with consensus ethical values called the Six Pillars of CharacterSM. These values, which transcend divisions of race, creed, politics, gender and wealth (and which partner seamlessly with humane education) are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. CHARACTER COUNTS! is the most widelyimplemented, flexible and successful approach to character education, reaching millions of youth. In the past 25 years, the number of violent crimes committed (i.e. assault, robbery, rape, and murder) has more than doubled for young people 17 and under. Character education reduces violence, pregnancy, substance abuse, and negative attitudes; improves academic performance; and prepares young people to be productive citizens through the introduction and integration of moral and ethical principles. It is embraced by people across political, academic and religious spectrums and is an integral part of Arizona Humane Society’s humane education program. Our blend of humane and character education is the foundation of each program offering with the mission of conducting an aggressive, frontline, pre-emptive defense against animal cruelty and pet overpopulation through the development and delivery of humane and character-based education efforts that create empathy, inspire compassion, encourage action and instill principles of respect and responsibility toward all animals. To learn more about humane education, visit azhumane.org.
Dr. Egar, DVM, helps prepare our future vets!
Come to Arizona Humane Society’s interactive summer day camp, already in session at our beautiful Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion! Campers, age 7 to 14, can explore a blended humane and character education model where each of the CHARACTER COUNTS!™ Six Pillars of Character™ will be demonstrated through the interaction with animals. Two three-day sessions will be offered in July. Campers can attend single days for $50.00 each, the three-day week for a discounted $135.00, or sign up for the full twoweek (six-day) session for a further discounted tuition of $250.00. Campers will have the experience of a lifetime and play an integral role in the very important task of helping to spotlight our adoptable animals - and meet several special ones along the way! Slots are filling fast so call to reserve an unforgettable memory for your child today!
Register online at azhumane.org or call (602) 997-7586 x1015.
Kids Corner
FUN FACTS! Pet Trivia A dog was the world’s first astronaut. In 1957, the same
Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four toes
year Arizona Humane Society was founded, a dog named Laikia was sent into space by the Russian government.
on each back paw.
Iguanas can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes.
Cats can run as fast as a car. At full speed, a cat can sprint about 31 miles per hour. Most dogs can run about 19 miles per hour.
A goldfish can live up to 30 years. Dogs only sweat from their feet. The only way for them to release heat is by panting.
Quick Quiz! If a cat’s tail is raised and still, the cat is: a. offering a friendly greeting b. feeling impatient c. preparing to pounce d. displaying fear When a dog is relaxed, he will: a. perk his ears up b. wag his tail c. distribute his weight evenly on all four feet d. all of the above What is the one nutrient a guinea pig’s body cannot produce, but still needs? a. Vitamin E b. broccoli c. Vitamin C d. walnuts During the summer, you should: a. walk your dog in the middle of the day b. walk your dog early in the morning/late at night c. walk your dog before/after nap time d. never walk your dog Find the answers at kidscorner.azhumane.org
A chinchilla takes all of his baths in dust instead of with water. These little guys will roll around in a box of dust each day to get the excess oils out of their soft, plush coats.
Max is the most popular name for a dog in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.
Compassion in Action
Saturday, August 14 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM ABC Channel 15
he Arizona Humane Society’s 12th Annual Pet Telethon, hosted by the Valley’s own Pat McMahon, promises to be our largest and most innovative fundraiser to date. Themed Give help. Give hope. Give life., the three-hour broadcast will showcase the diverse and meaningful work AHS performs to rescue, heal, nurture, adopt and advocate for animals in need. Highlights of this year’s pet telethon, presented by GoDaddy.com, will include a wide variety of vignettes featuring our EAMTs™, Second Chance Animal Hospital™ and the ongoing, life-saving work performed through these programs; a showcase of adoptable dogs, cats
and critters that aims to raise awareness about the quality of shelter pets; and compelling stories that will educate viewers on the value of the unique and diverse programs and services we provide to the community. The goal of the pet telethon is to unite our community and inspire viewers to put their compassion in action to give help, hope and a second chance at life to homeless animals. Don’t miss this exciting opporunity to see adoptable pets, learn more about our leading-edge programs and services, and pledge your support. For details and to pledge online, visit azhumane.org.
Compassion in Action EAMT trucks help us rescue sick and injured animals Valleywide.
These best friends, Ozzy and Diamond, are awaiting their forever home at Campus for Compassion.
Thanks for the New Wheels! n a daily basis, we strive to make an impact in the lives of as many animals as possible. We’ve realized that solving the problems of pet overpopulation and pet homelessness is a very long-term goal and one that we cannot do alone. The issue, simply stated, is that there are far more pets than there are homes. So, maybe the solution is more adopters? Yes, but only as a short-term fix. The long-term fix is just that - “fixing” your pets. Spaying and neutering pets is the only solution to pet overpopulation and as the second U.S. state on the list of pet overpopulation offenders, Arizona has some work to do. As the largest animal welfare agency in the state, we feel it’s our responsibility to find innovative ways to educate the public on the pet overpopulation problem and to make our services affordable and accessible to every community pet owner. Through
targeted marketing efforts in partnership with our generous friends at American Advertising Federation (AAF) and local ad agency, HAPI, we are exploring new, unique opportunities to promote our low-cost, high quality public clinic services; educate on the big issues; and solicit gifts to sustain and expand our programs and services. Since we are overcrowded and our EAMTs™ are flooded with calls during the summer, it is perhaps the easiest time to see the toll the issue takes on the animals and our community. So, this season, we are encouraging the community to get involved through an integrated giving campaign; one that includes exciting opportunities to reach new audiences through our 12th Annual Pet Telethon, personalized online fundraising, targeted messaging and more. For more details and to learn how you can build on your compassion through our ongoing summer giving campaign, visit azhumane.org.
April 3 was a big day for AHS. Our annual luncheon and fashion show event, Compassion with Fashion, raised over $340k and found forever homes for 20 dogs and cats. Although some would argue that the highlight of the day was the hilarious costume fashion show, we thought it was the moment when our attendees were asked to help us with our critical needs and they came through for us, right on the spot. One of the items that we desperately needed was a new truck (much like a pet ambulance) for our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ and field agents to use. Our EAMTs responded to over 22,000 calls to rescue sick and injured animals last year alone, and this additional vehicle allows us the mobility to reach even more animals that need our help this summer and for years to come. We cannot say thank you enough to our generous donors!
Compassion with Fashion Photos
For more event photos, visit cwf.azhumane.org/photogallery
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Phoenix, AZ Permit No. 456
1521 W. Dobbins Road Phoenix, AZ 85041 www.azhumane.org
ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY
Shop for Paws & Cause Critter Credit Available in any amount you choose, the Critter Credit™ Gift Card can be used for any Arizona Humane Society service or fee, including pet adoption, spay/ neuter or wellness services and special event tickets. Available at any of our adoption locations.
ADOPTABLE DOGS & CATS PET GEAR & CLOTHING TREATS & TOYS GIFTS FOR PETS & PET LOVERS AND SO MUCH MORE! LOCATED AT BILTMORE FASHION PARK - 2502 E CAMELBACK RD OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 11AM TO 6PM & SUNDAY 12PM TO 6PM
Be a driving force in the battle against pet overpopulation! Arizona’s pet-friendly license plate is available for $25/yr online at servicearizona.com or by calling the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division nearest you. $17 from the sale of each plate helps to pay for spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout Arizona.
It’s a Great Time to be Thrifty If you have gently used clothing and household items that you’d like to donate, you can drop these items at either of our thrift store locations. We sell these items and the money goes right back to our programs and services to help homeless animals. Sunnyslope Thrift Store
South Mountain Thrift Store
1311 W Hatcher Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016 Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm // Sunday 12pm - 4pm
6520 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042 Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm // Sunday 12pm - 4pm
Locations // Services Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion Adoptions // Public Clinic // Pet Emporium 1521 W Dobbins Rd Phoenix, AZ 85041 (602) 997-7586
Sunnyslope Admissions // Adoptions // Public Clinic // Thrift Store // EAMT™ 9226 N 13th Ave // 1311 W Hatcher Rd Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 997-7585
Petique at Biltmore Fashion Park Adoptions // Retail 2502 E Camelback Rd, Ste 167 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 957-3113
Online Pet Finder // Donate // Educate www.azhumane.org twitter.com/azhumane facebook.com/pages/ Arizona-Humane-Society