communityoutreach - Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter

CITYPaws
SPRING 2010 | VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 2
THE VOICE OF BURBANK’S ANIMALS
COMMUNITYO U T R E A C H
By Rana McCole
Saturdays have a new meaning for animals seeking forever homes thanks to a
partnership between the VBAS and Burbank’s Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies.
3pm. Available dogs, along with VBAS Volunteers,
lounge and play under a tent in front of the store. The
morale boost it provides the dogs makes the time and
effort involved clearly worth it. There is no doubt from
the way they frolic and fetch that they relish the fresh air
and the attention paid to them by the constant stream
of passing customers. “The great thing about the location is that it gives our dogs a chance to get out of the
shelter, have a little exercise and be seen by people who
may not have that opportunity otherwise,” says Koelle.
And for a potential adopter, getting to meet a dog outside of a shelter spotlights the dog’s personality.
UPCOMING EVENTS
EVERY SATURDAY
Pet Adoptions at Centinela Feed
11:00AM - 3:00PM / 1505 West Olive Avenue
Dogs, cats or bunnies...find your best friend!
THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH
Happy Trails Hike
Stough Canyon Nature Center
10:00AM / 2300 Walnut Avenue
Come stretch your legs and your heart!
MARCH 27
Spring Pet Adoption Fair
Burbank Animal Shelter
10:00AM - 6:00PM
APRIL 17
2nd Annual PAWStronomical
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Woodbury University Auditorium
9:00AM - 1:00PM / 7500 Glenoaks Blvd.
Visit www.pawstronomical.com for more info
APRIL 17
Volunteer Orientation
Burbank Animal Shelter
9:00AM / Pre-registration required
JUNE 3
How To Be A Better Pet Parent
Educational Series / Buena Vista Library
7:00PM - 8:30PM
TUNE IN EACH WEEK
Adopt-A-Pet Show on TV6
So far, the collaboration has offered a new platform for
the VBAS not only to showcase available dogs and cats,
but to also enlighten the general public regarding the efforts VBAS is making to end animal homelessness and improve animal welfare in the city of Burbank. On the other
side of the table, the store’s business is booming, and on
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It was in late 2009 that the popular pet supply chain,
Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies, was scheduled to open
the doors of its new Burbank location. Recognizing an
unique opportunity to boost adoptions, VBAS Board
Member, Anne Macleod, was quick to act. “I contacted
the company after seeing their advertisement for the
new store. Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies has an excellent reputation for supporting rescue groups and endorsing pet adoption, so it was exciting to see that they
were opening in our community. After meeting with
Store Manager, Mary Beth Keegan, an agreement was
reached wherein the VBAS would be the sole adoption
group partner for their Burbank Branch,” explains
Macleod. “I’m just thrilled that the VBAS is here,” says
Keegan. “It’s a win-win.”
Most Saturdays at least a couple of lucky animals have
been adopted. According to Macleod, fourteen kittens
from the VBAS Kitten Foster Program were adopted
during the store’s Grand Opening event in December. The weather was treacherous over the weekend,
but thankfully the occasion was a great success. Keegan adds, “Everyone enjoyed it. I got lots of positive
feedback for everything.” All of the volunteers feel welcomed and supported by Keegan and the employees.
Macleod remarks, “Mary Beth and her team provide
every courtesy to the VBAS, which makes setting up at
their store quick and easy.”
Under the leadership of VBAS Vice President Erik Koelle
and Kitten Foster Adoption Coordinator Cathy Minzer,
the adoption event is held every Saturday from 11am to
While many store customers already have pets and are
not looking to adopt, the word is being spread about
the great animals available and good work of the Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter. The animals
aren’t the only ones attracting attention at this impor\IV\ ^MV]M¸MIKP WN \PM >*); >WT]V\MMZ[ _MIZQVO
their bright red shirts and broad smiles, are clearly
visible and because of this ability to be seen are hopefully entering into the public’s consciousness in a way
not possible before. “Some people don’t even know
where we are [located],” says devoted volunteer, Enessa
Aramyan. When asked to expound on what is unique
about this particular location, Karyn Reed, a Kitten
Foster Volunteer answers, “Any venue can be a good
venue, but this is a consistent venue which is nice.”
While the dogs welcome customers outside, foster kittens playfully greet shoppers inside at the back of the
store. Burbank residents and Centinela patrons Bill and
Dylan stop to admire the adorable furry felines. About
a year ago they adopted two cats, Angel and Buffy,
from the BAS and are not looking to add to their brood
just yet. “If we had a house, we’d get more,” says Bill.
However, Bill and Dylan are happy to see the VBAS in
the store. After all, many of the residents are buying
supplies for pets that once were shelter residents. Now
these adopters get to see the organization that was the
link between them and their beloved pet. It is satisfying
for the volunteers to receive updates from owners about
how dogs and cats are doing in their new homes.
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including Oakley, a young, but totally deaf Boxer mix,
as well as two beautiful girls, the newly-named Thelma and Louise, aged 10 and 11. Volunteer Lori Endo
says of Thelma and Louise’s improved circumstance:
“They are very spoiled, we understand.” Outside
the store, under the white tent, Lori strokes the curly
fur of 10-year-old, Macy, a poodle mix sporting an
“Adopt Me” bandana around her neck, and says softly,
“Maybe this is her week.”
springtime SAFETY...
By Laureli Cohen
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PROTECT YOUR LAWN AND YOUR PET
You work hard to keep your lawn lush and green (especially with the hot California
sun and droughts) but your fertilizer and pest control could be deadly to your pet!
Many fertilizers are made up of chemicals that are harmful to your pets (and even to you).
If your pet is not the type to eat the grass (as so many dogs and cats are!) they are ingesting your fertilizer when licking their paws or fur. Protect them by using pet safe fertilizer.
Pest control is a must for your lawn and garden, but the pesticides we use are dangerous to pets! Slug bait pellets are particularly dangerous as they are sprayed with
molasses and salt, making it a tasty snack for your dog or cat that will lead to tremors,
seizures and in some cases even death.
Today, there are so many more options out there for pet-safe fertilizers and pestFRQWUROWKDW\RXVKRXOGQ·WKDYHDQ\WURXEOHÀQGLQJDVDIHVROXWLRQIRU\RXUODZQ,I you are having trouble choosing, speak to your vet or your local pet store clerk for
some recommendations!
MAKE YOUR GARDEN A SAFE PLACE FOR YOUR PETS
PET-PROOF YOUR EASTER CELEBRATION
Most bulbs, such as Tulips, Amaryllis and Hyacinth, are poisonous to dogs and cats.
Aloe and Avocados, staples of SoCal and great for humans, can be deadly to pets if
ingested. Members of the Lily family, including Tiger Lilies, Easter Lilies and Day
Lilies can also result in serious illness.
Easter baskets often contain items that can be deadly for pets. Easter grass, the
colorful, cellophane-like strands usually lining baskets, is a favorite for dogs and cats
to munch on. Once ingested, these strings wrap themselves around organs (similar
to tinsel at Christmas time) and are often deadly! Nothing short of surgery can save
your pet if this occurs, and even that is not a guarantee. Substitute dangerous Easter
grass with safer solutions, such as confetti and crinkle cut paper for festive basket
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The safest gardens for animals avoid these and other plants that are harmful (see
suggested websites for more complete lists), but if you do have any of these plants,
keeping them in a gated or fenced area is a must in a pet-friendly home.
Chocolate eggs, bunnies and chicks are pure poison (and not just to your diet)! Keep all
chocolate out of reach of your dog or cat for a safe holiday season and if your pet does
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We all know that certain plants are poisonous to animals, but there are a few that you
would never suspect may be in your garden.
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www.aspca.org
www.humanesociety.org www.peteducation.com
www.cfainc.org www.petstation.com
March is the beginning of kitten season! This means that if for any
reason your cat is not spayed or neutered, this is the time to bring
him or her in to your veterinarian. Everyone loves kittens, but we
need to keep the population as low as possible to make sure that all
of them are able to find loving homes. Kittens available at the shelter
and through our foster program are on our website at www.basv.org.
2
remember this...
Easter bunnies and baby chickens are adorable, but
they are real pets! They are not holiday decorations but
living animals that require care and attention just like
any other pet. If you are considering buying or
adopting a bunny, rabbit or chicken this Easter,
please take the decision seriously and make
sure that you are ready to welcome a permanent
new member to the family. The Burbank
Animal Shelter accepts bunnies, rabbits
and chicks so even though we greatly discourage you from getting these animals if
you do not want them as life-long pets, if you
do change your mind please bring them to the shelter
rather than setting them “free”. DO NOT RELEASE
BUNNIES, RABBITS AND CHICKS INTO THE WILD!
They are not wild animals and will not be able to survive.
Amélie’s
POINT OF VIEW
Our Newsletter
SPONSORS
GREEN IS THE NEW ORANGE
Bonjour mes amies…Check out what is on the runway this spring!
Trendy and beautiful bunnies of every description! C’est magnifique!
But I must say it is not the latest in fabric or trim that creates these
beautiful specimens of bunnyhood. Non, their beauty is from the inside, for as my human friends say, “You are what you eat.” Alas, we
bunnies also have to adhere to a strict diet to let our inner beauty
shine. Yes, green is the new Orange!
Everybunny knows about carrots, but the truth is that a carrot is only
a part of a healthy rabbit’s diet. A rabbit’s daily food plan should be
made up of fresh hay (alfalfa, timothy or oat), fresh vegetables, good
quality pellets, and water. Anything beyond that is a “treat” and should
be given in limited quantities.
Vegetables, from alfalfa sprouts to wheat grass, are tasty and nutritious for the bun. Look for a selection of different veggies, both dark leafy varieties and root vegetables,
but stay away from beans and rhubarb. Select at least three kinds of vegetables daily in order to obtain the
necessary nutrients, and choose one each day that contains vitamin A. Beet greens, broccoli leaves and
stems, carrots and carrot tops, endive, mustard greens and pea pods are good sources of vitamin A. Kale
and spinach are also high in vitamin A, but must be used sparingly as they can be toxic over time.
Fruit can be part of a rabbit’s diet, but it occupies only the very top portion of the food pyramid, so it should
be given in small amounts and no more than one or two times a week. Sugary fruits such as bananas and
grapes should be used only sparingly, as occasional treats. Bunnies have a sweet tooth and if left to their
own devices will devour sugary foods to the exclusion of healthful ones. Moi? Certainement pas, but unfortunately not all bunnies have the same willpower as I do!
So there it is, the much revered diet plan for the beautiful and fit! Listen and learn my friends…your bunny
will be the better for it. And this goes for you humans too, mais oui!
Visit my favorite website at www.rabbit.org to find a detailed list of fruits and vegetables that you can
purchase for your bunny. You can even have a veggie shopping list sent to your mobile phone!
Let me know how your diet is going and come visit me at the Burbank Animal Shelter!
Au revoir and plenty of kisses, Amélie
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By Rana McCole
A member of the Burbank community for over twenty years and a devoted animal lover, Arthur Austin is
the man you think of as an ideal neighbor, and very likely the kind of person a cat thinks of as an ideal
owner. Warm, compassionate and full of patience, Austin has a way with cats. This is probably why cats
have found their way to him and why he has been caring for a lucky few for decades.
Last year, Austin lost two of his adored cats to old age: one whom he called Miz—short for Miserable—
was a cat that, quite literally, wandered into his life; and Willie, a feral cat, who Austin says took a
“couple of years to warm up” but soon became,
according to Austin, “the best cat I ever had.”
DON’T DECLAW! IT’S THE LAW!
As of December 2009, it is now illegal in Burbank and several
other California Cities to declaw cats. This is a ruling that is
long overdue in the fight against animal cruelty. Declawing is
an unneccessary, inhumane practice that needs to come to an
end. The VBAS applauds the Burbank City Council for taking
a stand against this needless, unnatural procedure.
For rational compassionate advice on dealing with cats who
scratch please contact: anne@basv.org
When Austin spotted the VBAS’s “Pets of the
Week” article in the Burbank Leader back in October, featuring Robbie and Sugar—two strikingly
gorgeous cats, very much bonded, whose owner
had passed away and were looking for a home
together—Austin decided to adopt them. “Sugar
has the sweetest face,” says Austin.
It is in Austin’s nature to be humble about the fact
he took both cats, but those of us who work with
shelter pets appreciate just how significant it was. After Robbie and Sugar arrived in their new home,
it was clear that Sugar was very shy and reliant on Robbie, the more outgoing of the two. Had he been
adopted without her, it would have been a terrible situation. She, like Willie and Miz, would take some
time to feel safe.
Many adopters wouldn’t have been willing to take two cats in the first place, and might not have had the
patience required for a temperament like Sugar’s, but Austin never for a moment thought of splitting
them up. With just a few months under Austin’s care, Sugar has begun to blossom. “They both sleep
with me at night,” says Austin. Thanks to Arthur Austin, Robbie and Sugar are clearly happy with their
new life; the best kind of life filled with toys, a soft bed and the unconditional love of their owner.
The VBAS invite you to learn animal life-saving skills during
National Pet First-Aid Awareness Month.
WHEN: Saturday, April 17th, 2010 / 9:00AM-1:00PM
WHERE: Woodbury University Auditorium (7500 Glenoaks Blvd.)
COST: Adults: $15 in advance / $20 at the door
Children 12 & under: $5 in advance / $10 at the door
TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
www.pawstronomical.com
Please visit the website www.basv.org to see many wonder ful animals waiting for their forever home.
3
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
ASK THE VET TECH
F E AT U R E D
V O L U N T E E R
By Denise Fleck
In this issue, Jeannette Dease,
&
Burbank Animal Shelter Vet
Q A
Tech, tells us what it’s like to
david
be a Vet Tech.
Snyder
What training is needed to become a Vet Tech?
To become a Veterinar y Technician (VT), you need to receive a
degree from an AVMA (American Veterinar y Medical Association)
accredited two-year program which includes lectures, labs and
hands-on practice. Additional testing is required to receive your
credentials as a Registered Veterinar y Technician (RVT). I received
my degree from Pierce College.
What is the role of a Vet Tech at the Burbank
Animal Shelter?
In addition to assisting the Shelter’s veterinarian and prepping
animals for any necessar y surgeries (pinning a broken bone, suturing a wound, docking a badly injured tail or spay/neuters), most
of what I do on a daily basis is give each of the animals an overall
check-up once they arrive at the Shelter. I look for skin issues and
wounds, joint problems, hair loss, malnutrition and abuse, check
the ears and teeth and listen to the hear t and lungs. Ever y animal
that comes in to the Shelter is treated for fleas and is de-wormed;
if we find evidence of ticks, we treat for that as well. Dogs get
vaccinated for Rabies, Distemper/Hepatitis/Leptospirosis/Parainfluenza/Par vo (DHLPP) and Bordetella while cats receive protection
from Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Paneleukopenia. Cats and kittens 6 months and older are tested for Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline
Infectious Viruses (FIV); dogs are only tested if Par vo is suspected.
All animals at the Burbank Animal Shelter are spayed or neutered
before going home with their adoptive families.
What do you like best about working at the
Burbank Animal Shelter?
At the Shelter, I feel like I’m making a difference in some animals’
lives. In private practice, people bring in their pets to get them
taken care of, but here at the Shelter we have the strays and the
drop-offs that aren’t being looked after. If I can figure out a small
problem that we can deal with, it can make all the difference in that
animal being adopted. One case I remember fondly is a Cocker
Spaniel who arrived at the Shelter totally hairless except for great
big mats of hair in her ears. We determined she had Thyroid problems, and after getting her on proper medication, her appearance
changed and she was adopted into a loving home. Other wise, she
wouldn’t have gotten a second look since it appeared that something was horribly wrong with her.
Please submit any questions about animal health and care to sandy@basv.org.
4
Name: David Snyder
How did you first get involved with the VBAS?
I had been a volunteer at the Braille Institute, but the trip was long and it
_I[^MZaLQNÅK]T\\MIKPQVO\PMJTQVLIVL[QOP\QUXIQZMLPW_\W][M\PM1V\MZnet. I decided to volunteer closer to home. Because I really love dogs (and
cats), I applied to volunteer at the Burbank Shelter.
You do a lot of very fine photography for the VBAS. Do you have
some tips for what goes into getting a good picture of a pet?
First, take lots of pictures of each animal at their eye level. With a digital
camera it costs nothing, and the yield of good to “bad” photos is about ten
percent. My best shots have been of head and shoulders, because a full body
[PW\Q[LQNÅK]T\\WOM\_Q\PILWOWZKI\\PI\Q[VW\\ZIQVML\W[Q\[\QTT;PWW\I
resolution that is as high as your digital camera will accommodate--if you
have to, get a higher capacity memory card. You will not regret it!
Another of your major contributions is that you help the medical
staff at the shelter. What do you like most about that?
I’d like to do even more in this area. Watching how the “patients” are handled
and learning some basic vet procedures has been very rewarding. It is also
fun to chat with Dr. Small, because we share some mutual friends.
You’re a pilot! How long have you been flying and what kind of
airplane do you have?
1PI^MJMMVÆaQVONWZW^MZ\_MV\aaMIZ[1PI^MINW]Z[MI\\]ZJWKPIZOML
plane made by the Piper Company named a Turbo Arrow. My dog is also
VIUML8QXMZ1IUIUMUJMZWN )VOMT.TQOP\IVWZOIVQbI\QWV\PMÆQM[XItients from outlying areas to cities where specialized medical care is available.
What is your message to the community?
I think there are many people out there who are either retired, or have
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other than watching TV or playing cards with the neighbors. The opportunities to help others (animals or people) are abundant. The rewards are more
valuable than you can imagine, especially when you see the positive outcome
of your efforts.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Burbank Animal Shelter, please
contact the Volunteer Manager at debbie@basv.org.
GivingOpportunities
VBAS has been instrumental in supplementing the Shelter’s existing programs
as well as starting successful new programs. You can help the VBAS achieve
its vision of a home and medical treatment for all animals. Many giving
opportunities are available, including the ones listed below.
Sponsor a Training Session
Donation: $40
- Provides a one-on-one session with a professional dog trainer. $80
sponsors two sessions and $200 will secure a full course of training.
Cat Condo Support
Annual Donation: $350 - Plaque Size: 2” x 4”
- Donations to cat condo benefit the daily needs (food, supplies,
medications, etc.) of our shelter cats.
Dog Kennel Support
Annual Donation: $500 - Plaque Size: 2” x 6”
- Donations to dog kennel benefit the daily needs (food, supplies,
medications, etc.) of our shelter dogs.
Shelter Medical Program
- Donations of any size accepted to maintain and expand the
Shelter’s outstanding medical program.
Sponsor a Kitten
Donation: $42
- Supports one kitten in our Kitten Foster Program from the time
he is rescued until he is adopted to a new family (food, supplies,
medications, etc.) $84 covers two foster kittens and $126 will
support an entire litter.
Tree of Life
Donation: $250 - Leaf Size: 1/5” x 4”
- A hand-painted tree decorated with gold metal leaves celebrating
a happy adoption or commemorating the loss of a well-loved pet.
Wall of Recognition
Minimum Donation: $5000 - Plaque Size: Various
- Donors who make an initial or cumulative gift of $5000 will be
recognized on the Shelter’s Wall of Recognition.
CO M MUNIT Y PARTNER
SPOTLIGHT
By Laureli Cohen
The Burbank Times Lends a Paw
An essential part of Burbank for over twenty-five
years, The Burbank Times is a venue for announcing upcoming events, marking special occasions and
promoting local businesses. The paper is unique in that it is specific to the community. It reports on news,
sports, weather, events, reviews and more…all in the city of Burbank! You will not see another city’s news
in this paper. It dedicates 100% of its pages to Burbank. It is owned, run and operated by residents of
Burbank, and can be found at local restaurants, shops, hotels and businesses throughout the town.
The Burbank Times goes beyond reporting local news, and helps to make the city of Burbank into the
close-knit community for which it is known. For those who are new to The Burbank Times, here is a bit of
information about the paper: It provides opportunities for members of the community to come together,
whether to discuss the article on page 3 or to attend a local concert featured in the last edition. It is a
great resource for anyone interested in learning about Burbank and becoming more involved. The paper
also gets involved itself—participating in local events and supporting local organizations.
The Burbank Times has earned a special place with the Burbank Animal Shelter and its volunteers. Providing a forum for advertisements for the shelter and even donating ad space to help spread the word
about shelter programs are just the start of how The Times shows its support for the animal community
of Burbank. They have helped to spread the word about our efforts by attending local shelter events, such
as our “How to Be a Better Pet Parent” event at the Buena Vista Library, and our “Barnes & Noble Gift
Wrapping Fundraiser.”
The animal lovers here at the BAS greatly appreciate the column “Paws-Up for Pet Safety,” written by
Denise Fleck. The column runs every issue and is an excellent resource for pet parents (and potential
parents-to-be) regarding keeping pets safe and healthy. The column also educates readers about new
programs and upcoming events at the shelter.
The Burbank Times has helped to promote shelter events such as the recent “Vaccination Clinic.” They’ve
helped us to raise awareness of shelter programs, increase donations and adoptions, and enhance our
community’s concern and care for its four-legged residents.
The staff, volunteers and animals of the shelter thank The Burbank Times and its incredible staff for their
support and friendship over the years!
To learn more about The Burbank Times visit www.TheBurbankTimes.com or call 818.841.NEWS.
sponsors
& donors
We are grateful to the many
businesses and individuals who
have generously supported the
Volunteers of the Burbank
Animal Shelter by making
contributions to our organization.
2009
4 th Quarter Donors
William & Martha Amran Dane & Patricia McCauley
Robert & Georgine Archer Tina McDermott
Archer-Johnson Foundation Suzanne & Paul McKinley
Lauren Batiste Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co.
Cheryl Beasley-Blackwell Jimmy Milota
Scott Blek Elaine Miyake
Claudia Bonis Jennifer Moller
Burbank Pet Plaza Robert & Sharon Muravez
Tim Burke Michael Muzerall
California Capital Management Peter Nee
Lenora Calitri Sharron & Peter Nelson
James & Elizabeth Carlin Bill North
Posie Carpenter Juan Ortiz
Carol-Ann Coates Peggy Palaticz
Susan Conner Elaine Pease
Jane Conner Grace Pedraza
Nina DeCastro Debbie Peterson
Neal Dem Sharon Pfeiffer
Diane Diamond Anita Piano
Greta Dockum Stephen Pietreface
Chuck Douglas Charlotte Poe
Kenneth DuBois Ellen Pollack
Lee Ettinger Susan Powell
Chris Fahland Pamela Raia
Robin Frakes David Reid
Frances Frisina David Reider
Joelyn Furuike William Reiss
Jack Galbo Rhino Entertainment
German Shepherd Rescue Katie Rice
Cathleen & James Gott WL & Leila Roberts
Stephanie Gray Julia Rodriguez
David Hackett Yvette Rodriguez
Etti Hadar Roll Giving
Raylene & Kevin Hamer Edward & Mary Romeo
Scott & Dene Ann Heming Troy & Marie Saliba
Peter & Claudette Hoffmann Johanna Sapakie
Gareth & June Hughes Mark Schmitz
Kathleen Hunt-Speciner Carol Schultz
Robert & Catherine Hutt Karen Searls
Beverley Irwin Bonnie Sheren
Michelle Jackino Arthur & Marilyn Silver
Linda Javier Sleepypod
Kristen & JR Klegseth Dr. Marty Small
Robert Konigsberg Mark & Angelina Speare
Cora & Joseph Lanzisero Jennifer Sterling
Marina Lawson Elaine Stevens
Melinda & Frank Leasure Elvin & Ginger Stretten
Michele & Sean Leonard Robyn Summers
Local 706 IATSE Julie Tebbe
Assaf Lotan Marjorie Toombs
Janice Lowers David & Patricia Van Acker
Katherine Ludewig Cindy & Vic Villarreal
Harry Ludewig Michele & Brian Wagoner
Robin & David Ludewig Birgit Waldschmidt
Bonnie Macker Joseph Walmsley
Macy’s West G.I.F.T. Megan Wasserman
Randall & Karen Marbach Ian Wilcox
Dr. Carol Marienthal-Skaar Gayle Wilkerson
Jonathan & Carol Maskin Gianni Zatta
Grace Zinnato
Burbank High School Animal Rights Foundation
If you would like to place an ad in City Paws, please
send your request to chris@basv.org.
To receive a copy of City Paws in the mail, please
send name and address to anna@basv.org.
5
GENERAL INFORMATION
BURBANK ANIMAL SHELTER
ADDRESS:
1150 N. Victory Place
Burbank, CA 91502
818.238.3340
HOURS
Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm
ADOPTION/REGISTRATION RATES
ADOPTION FEES:
Dogs - $84; Cats - $58; Bunnies - $30
(Includes spay or neutering)
Pre-spay/Neutered Dogs - $49;
Cats - $23; Bunnies - $10
(You must be 18 or over to adopt a pet)
LICENSE FEES:
(Required for Dogs and Horses; renew yearly)
Intact Dogs – $50; Spay/Neutered – $15
(Rabies certificate required for Dogs)
TRAINING
Tails
A little training can go a long way…
by Lydia Perez
ROOM FOR ONE MORE? Maybe you’ve been thinking about a new doggie addition to
your family. Taking time to choose the right companion can make your relationship much more
enjoyable. Before you start your hunt, make sure you have the proper living area. Having a yard
would be great, but that is not always necessary if you can provide other forms of exercise. More
importantly, check with your landlord if you
rent, or if you own, review your homeowner’s
insurance; some policies have limitations on
the type of dog you may keep in your home.
Next, get input from all of the family and don’t
forget to consider the needs of any other pets
you have. Finally, establish that the new dog
will be a family commitment.
VBAS BOARD & CHAIR
Alexis Cole
Now that you have that out of the way, think of
the dog you want. Some things to consider:
President
alexis@basv.org
TIME
How much time can you spend with a dog?
Erik Koelle
ACTIVITY LEVEL
A dog who wants to lay about (LOW)
A dog to play catch and short hikes (MODERATE)
A dog who is a jogging buddy (HIGH)
Vice President
erik@basv.org
Adam Weirich
Treasurer / Director of Development
adam@basv.org
Eleanor O’Brien
Secretary
eleanor@basv.org
Deb Peterson
Volunteer Manager
debbie@basv.org
Alaina Kovel
Volunteer Training Manager
alaina@basv.org
Molly Stretten
Kitten Foster Program Manager
molly@basv.org
Anne Macleod
Feral Cat Manager
anne@basv.org
Denise Fleck
Public Relations Manager
denise@basv.org
Ann Adrianse
Newsletter Manager
anna@basv.org
Tennille Ruth
Graphic Design Manager
tennille@basv.org
Kate Gleason
Web Support
kate@basv.org
6
GROOMING
Short - hair easy to care for
Medium - occasional brushing
Longer - needs regular brushing and grooming
AGE
Puppy
Adult
Senior
SIZE
Toy or Small
Medium
Large
If you take the time to determine the type of dog your
family wants, your choice will be easier. Research several
breeds; look online or at the library, talk to your friends
and your vet. Whether you end up choosing a purebred or
a mixed breed (what I call a “Special Blend”) dog, knowing
as much as you can about the pros and cons of each breed
or blend will be helpful in your decision and later on.
Once you have a candidate, the whole family should spend
a little time getting to know the dog. Play a little, walk him
on the leash, and ask questions. Not only should the human
members of the family spend some time bonding but, if
possible, also bring your family dog or dogs for a meetand-greet. At the shelter we have special areas to introduce
everyone! This will give you a chance to see how they might
get along before you make your decision. If for some rea[WVaW]ÅVL\PI\\PQ[Q[VW\\PMLWONWZaW]ZNIUQTaLWV¼\
lose heart. As much as you may want to give that dog a
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him. It’s not only important that the dog is right for your
family, but also are you the right family for the dog.
Bringing home your new family member can be both exciting and a bit tense. To help your buddy feel safe and secure,
let him or her know the house rules, set up boundaries and
a schedule; after all it’s hard to do a good job if the job
isn’t clear. This will help him know what is expected of
him and how to please you; and in turn, you can make him
happy. Occasionally people tell me that their new dog is all
over the place. They love him, but he gets in to everything
and on everything. Dogs are naturally curious, energetic,
and love to explore, but just like a child they need to earn
their freedom. Don’t give them unsupervised, free run-of\PMPW][MI\ÅZ[\?Q\PW]\LQZMK\QWVILWO_QTTIK\TQSMI
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causing some kind of mischief; he isn’t trying to get into
trouble but he may not know what else to do. Show him
what you prefer. Teach him the proper action. As you can
imagine, this may take some time. Getting to know each
other will not only take some time for you but for the other
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bit of alone time may be helpful. Things have changed in
the family and they need to adjust too. Until then, slowly
give them time together so you know they are all safe.
It may take time to find the right dog to add to your
family, but I am sure it will be worth it. When a dog has
love, exercise, a leader and of course manners, he or she
will be a pleasure to be around.
+IMPORTANT NOTE +
If you feel at any time it is unsafe to work with your dog, consult a professional trainer or animal behaviorist.
Lydia Perez of Happy Tails Dog Training is working with certain dogs at the shelter to improve their adoptability. Donations made to the Dog
Training Program of VBAS help to support this worthwhile effort.
+<NO@MKD@>@
Every Feline is a
- Leonardo Da Vinci
by Anne Macleod, Feral Cat Manager
The title quote above has been attributed to one of the greatest minds of our time.
Whether or not he actually said it is up for debate, but the message historically
credited to the brilliant Leonardo Da Vinci is as true today as it was in the 1500s.
Cats are works of ar t. Cats are timelessly beautiful. Cats are intelligence personified. Cats are muses to our souls. I could go on. Anyone who has ever lived with a
cat knows the subtleties and nuances of the species.
Look around your house after you’ve decorated for the holidays. The best photograph
is your cat curled under the tree. Remember when your children were young, playing
with their new kitten? Look at them today as
adults next to the grown-up cat. Your children
have never changed in your cat’s eyes, they
are still your cat’s people, and your children
have just gotten bigger.
As a shelter volunteer who always advocates for what is the best for the cats at
our shelter, I have come to the realization
that it may ser ve our feline population better if, instead of concentrating solely on
what the cat wants, I look more closely at
what our client, the shelter visitor wants.
What do you need when you come to the
shelter looking for a cat?
Cats come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They have individual personalities and
quirks. Yes, just like we humans do. Some
cats accept their temporar y incarceration
as par for the course and deal with it until something better comes along. Some
fight the injustice of their capture all the way; can we blame them?
ŒIs the completely adjusted feline any more worthy of adoption than the scared one?
ŒIs the healthy, robust 5-year-old any more deser ving of a new home than the frail
twelve year old?
ŒIs the sweet kitten any more blameless than the feisty adult?
ŒIs the beautiful calico any more desirable than the plain tabby?
ŒIs the white cat more admirable than the black cat?
ŒIs the regular cat more wor thwhile than the special medical needs cat?
ŒIs the domestic cat more valuable than the feral cat?
Ask yourself what you want before you come to the shelter.
ŒIs your primar y focus companionship?
ŒHow committed are you to adoption?
ŒCan you work with a scared cat to make him feel comfor table?
ŒHow many years can you devote to your new companion?
ŒDo you want a lap cat or do you want a cat you can admire from afar?
ŒIs color impor tant to you?
ŒIs gender impor tant to you?
ŒIs age impor tant to you?
How involved do you want to be with your family? Cats and dogs and other pets are
family. Decisions should not be made lightly. The VBAS would like to help you make
the best decisions for your family.
You are the most impor tant component in finding a home for our homeless ones.
SHOP FOR A CAUSE
YOU EAT, SO YOU SHOP FOR GROCERIES.
YOU LIKE TO READ, SO YOU SHOP FOR BOOKS.
Now you can eat and read AND you can donate to the Volunteers
of the Burbank Animal Shelter. VBAS is partnered with Ralphs
Markets and Amazon.com so that purchases made will provide a
donation to our organization at no additional cost to you!
If you are a Ralphs shopper, please log onto www.ralphs.com,
register your Ralphs Rewards card and choose VBAS as your
designated charity. Look at the “My Account” tab to find the
necessary information. Choose Volunteers of the Burbank
Animal or organization #82827 and thereafter a percentage of
your bill will be donated to help animals in need. Every time
you go to the market you’ll be making a difference in the lives
of our shelter animals.
The Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter also receive a
percentage of any purchase that you make from Amazon.com
when you access their site through the link on our website,
www.basv.org. You will see the www.amazon.com link on the
first page of the website, just click on it and you’ll be right at
Amazon, ready to shop. Whether you are buying cookbooks, the
latest mystery, or one of the many other items available at amazon.com, you will be making a donation to our favorite cause!
Shopping is frequently fun, now it is a charitable venture as well!
Kitten Foster
Wish List
Please support the Volunteers of the
Burbank Animal Shelter by
contributing any available amount of
the following items:
ŒDry Food - Royal Canin ‘Baby Cat’
ŒDry Food - Royal Canin ‘Kitten’
ŒWet Food - Wellness ‘Kitten’
ŒGerber Baby Food - Chicken or Turkey
ŒKMR by PetAg - Milk Replacement for
Kittens
ŒFeeding Bottles
ŒCat Litter - Scoop or Crystals
ŒSmall Litter Pans
ŒHeating Pads
ŒDigital Scales
ŒScratching Posts
ΠKitten Shampoo
For more information, please contact:
MOLLY STRETTEN
at molly@basv.org
Let us help you!
For more information on adopting a cat from the Burbank Animal Shelter, please
contact Anne Macleod at 818-469-3937 or cal-mac@pacbell.net.
www.basv.org
7
1150 N. Victory Place
Burbank, CA 91502
818.238.3344
Ann Adrianse
Newsletter Manager
anna@basv.org
Kate Gleason
Editorial Consultant
kate@basv.org
Tennille Ruth
Quarterly Graphic Design
tennille@basv.org
Rebekah Albrecht
Original Graphic Design
rebekahalbrecht@earthlink.net
818.825.3016
mission
our mission
The Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) animal service agency, is devoted
to providing medical, social, behavioral and financial care for animals at risk and is determined
to eliminate animal homelessness in the Burbank community.
The Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter is determined to provide the best possible care for all animals at the Burbank Animal Shelter. Our volunteers are committed to
educating the community about the benefits of spay/neuter, proper pet care and pet adoption. The volunteers have also established a successful medical program, senior pet
therapy program and kitten foster program. For more information or to learn about giving opportunities, please visit our website at www.basv.org.
BURBANK ANIMAL SHELTER INFORMATION
ADDRESS
1150 N. Victory Place, Burbank, CA 91502
PHONE
818.238.3340
WEBSITE
www.basv.org
HOURS
Monday – Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday and Major Holidays: Closed
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS
Ann Adrianse
Laureli Cohen
Alexis Cole
Jeannette Dease
Denise Fleck
Kate Gleason
Lorry Izor
Erik Koelle
Jeremy Koller
Anne Macleod
Rana McCole
Scott Myles
Lydia Perez
Tennille Ruth
Sandy Sandin
Chris Sevilla
Eva Sippel
Dr. Martin Small
David Snyder
Molly Stretten