Apollo - Humane Society Tacoma

Paw Talk
A publication of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County – William Gazecki Animal Shelter
Summer 2012
Apollo
however, the Humane Society had just reAs soon as the little dog was placed on
the exam table, it was clear that he was
ceived a generous grant from the Gary E.
badly injured. He’d been found crawling
Milgard Family Foundation to expand the
veterinary department and install a digital
along the side of a road by a passerby, who
x-ray machine.
brought him immediately to the shelter.
The little dog was soon diagnosed with
He had likely been hit by a car, but his
a fractured pelvis, which would take time
thickly matted coat made examination
to heal, but would not require surgery.
difficult.
He was given the name “Apollo” for his
The little Maltese mix was stabilized
strength and bravery, and then went to a
and given pain medication. But before
volunteer’s home to recuperate before
further treatment could begin, he needed
being adopted by a loving family.
an x-ray.
The ability to x-ray sick or injured pets
Typically, a pet needing x-rays would
is crucial, not only for diagnoses and treathave to be transported to a nearby vetment, but also to help them find homes
erinary clinic, often days or even weeks
quickly. The Humane Society is grateful to
later. It was time-consuming, costly, and
the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation for
uncomfortable for the pet, so only the
helping us provide better, faster care for
most critical cases were able to receive
special pets like Apollo.
that level of care. Fortunately for Apollo,
www.thehumanesociety.org
Smitten with Kittens
The Humane Society is fortunate to
have many foster families for the more
than 1,000 orphaned kittens, too young
to be adopted, that arrive at the shelter
during spring and summer. Many of these
kittens are strays and are often frail and
under-nourished. The volunteers nurture
them back to health, introduce them to
family life, and lavish them with attention. When they are eight weeks old, and
weigh at least two pounds, the kittens
return to the shelter to be spayed or
neutered, and find permanent homes.
However, two foster volunteers do not
return their kittens to the shelter. Laurie
Cinotto and Sue Hayes both have popular
online blogs which they use to highlight
their small charges and match them
directly with loving homes. Between the
two of them, they have fostered and placed
almost 300 kittens in the past four years.
Laurie Cinotto’s blog, www.theittybittykittycommittee.com, averages 30,000
visitors each month, with followers from
all over the world. “It’s a feel-good place
where people can visit daily and virtu-
Sue with “Eleanor”.
blog, with the funds designated for the
foster program.
Sue’s blog, www.pitterpatofbabycats.
com, also chronicles the growth of her
foster kittens with photos, videos, and
stories. “What I love most about fostering is the knowledge that lives are being
saved each time I bring these little treasures home,” she says, “and playing a small
part in creating the joy I see on the faces
of adopters.”
She also finds blogging helps with the
difficult parts of fostering – when kittens come to her with medical issues or
injuries. “Having a community of supporters makes the rough spots easier to
bear,” she notes. “And because I develop
a rapport with adopters, they often send
photos and updates. This has resulted in
some lasting friendships that would not
have happened otherwise.”
Laurie agrees that it’s a lot of work,
but worth it. “One of the hardest things
about fostering the kittens is saying goodbye,” she explained, “and finding awesome
homes for them makes the whole process
Laurie with “Wiley” Knapp.
bearable. We have an amazing community
of very, very nice people following the
ally snuggle with a basket of kittens,” she
blog, and these are the folks who adopt
explains. “It’s a real bright spot in many
our kittens. It also makes me feel good to
people’s day.”
know that a little bit of my day is always
A photographer, artist, and writer, Laudevoted to finding animals homes.”
rie chronicles the growth of each litter
All our foster families are invaluable,
through the two to four weeks she has
but Laurie and Sue put extra effort into
them. She gives each litter a surname: the
sharing their fostering experience, and
Lamms, the Knapps, the Livelys.
saving countless lives along the way. Visit
Laurie also raises more than $60,000
annually for the Dog-A-Thon through her
their blogs and see for yourself!
www.thehumanesociety.org
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Good Things Come in Twos
Foster volunteers Laurie and Sue
worked in tandem a few weeks ago,
when Tacoma Police Officer Kevin
Wales came to the shelter to adopt
two kittens. He was disappointed
to find none, but he was directed to
www.theittybittykittycommittee.com,
where he was enthralled by Wiley and
Delilah Knapp. A few days after taking
them home, his partner, Officer Jennifer Terhaar, happened by the shelter
and was referred to www.pitterpatofbabycats.com, where she decided on
not just one, but two kittens: Buddy
and Posie.Who knows? Perhaps the
entire force can be persuaded to adopt
a pair of kittens.
Officer Terhaar with Buddy and Posie.
Kennel Makeover
Retailers understand
the value of displaying
their wares in an attractive
way. They know that color,
lighting, and placement
can influence whether or
not a customer chooses a
product. The same is true
for dogs and cats looking
for homes. They need to
be seen in an attractive
environment, one that gives them the best
possible chance of being chosen by a new
owner.
With this in mind, the
Humane Society has given
the front section of dog kennels a much-needed upgrade.
Scratch-resistant floor and
wall coatings were installed,
kennel doors were repaired
or replaced, and lighting was
improved. The kennels not
only look better, they are
brighter, healthier, and best
of all – the dogs really look great! Come
see for yourself -- maybe you’ll find a
friend you can’t resist!
St. Paddy’s Party for Pets
Sean Mulligan (bottom left) is a Canine
Field Trainer for U.S. Customs and Border
Protection. He and his wife, Stephanie
(2nd from left), throw an annual St. Patrick’s Day Party to benefit the Humane
Society. This year they delivered $1,000
in cash and more than 3,000 pounds of
pet food (including some bags of Flint
River Ranch gourmet pet food, which is
sure to be a hit!) They also brought along
fellow Canine Officers and their dogs,
who treated the staff to a demonstration
of their contraband detection abilities.
www.thehumanesociety.org
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Join Us for the Humane Society’s
Signature Event to Help Homeless Pets!
The Humane Society’s Walk for Homeless Pets will bring more than a thousand
pet owners and animal welfare advocates
together on Saturday, July 21st, to raise
money for homeless animals and celebrate
the magical joy that pets bring to our lives.
The Dog-A-Thon is the Humane
Society’s signature event, and provides vital
support for adoption programs at the shelter. Last year, participants raised a record
$200,000 for homeless animals! And we
plan to raise even more this year – with
your help!
Raising pledges is easy! You can create your own personal fundraising page
at www.firstgiving.com/dogathon, add a
photo of you and your pet, create your
own personal message, and then email the
link to your friends and family. You can
even post it on
your Facebook
page! It’s fun
and rewarding to
bring your friends
together for a
great cause –
helping animals!
The walk takes
place from 9:00
am to 2:00 pm at
pet-friendly Fort
Steilacoom Park
in Lakewood.
Walkers can choose from a one-mile
stroll on the paved, level trail around Lake
Waughop or hike the four-mile trail that
leads through forested ridges to breathtaking views of Puget Sound. Along the routes,
participants enjoy water stops, a toy stop
and a treat stop.
There will also be plenty of vendor
booths, the popular Magnificent Mutt
show, contests, and canine demonstrations
to add to the fun.
Form a Pack for Even More Fun!
Gather your friends, families and coworkers together and form a Pack! Two
or more people raising a minimum of $500
can walk in a team, and will receive a team
photo. Each team member earns prizes
based on their own individual donations.
So multiply your fundraising and your fun
by forming a team!
Your pledge form is included in this
issue of Paw Talk, or you can download
one from the Humane Society website:
www.thehumanesociety.org. Start raising
pledges now and earn some great prizes!
And don’t forget to create your own
Dog-A-Thon page at www.firstgiving.com/
dogathon!
Join us for the 22nd annual Dog-AThon! Walk for all the pets in your life,
past and present, and honor what they
mean to you by helping other pets find
loving homes.
Dog-A-Thon 2012 is Sponsored by:
4
www.thehumanesociety.org
Busy Paws are Happy Paws
The Humane Society’s Shelter Dog Enrichment Program
for treats and attention.
Bailey was also exercised often and
Animal Behavior Coordinator
and C.P.D.T. Certified Dog Trainier
given toys to keep him busy. It wasn’t
long before he attracted the attention of
Every time someone approached
an active young man who was impressed
his kennel, Bailey would jump and bark
with his energy level and his
frantically. He lunged on
willingness to learn.
the leash, making walking
What Bailey experienced
him difficult and dangeris
called
“Enrichment,” and
ous. So, although he was
it’s part of the Humane
beautiful and friendly, his
Society’s new program to
high energy discourimprove the comfort and
aged potential adopters.
well-being of pets in the
What’s more, his behavior
shelter, which helps them
grew worse the longer he
find them homes.
was at the shelter.
As we are able to house
The staff and volundogs
for longer periods
teers were unintentionof time, to give them the
ally training Bailey to
chance to find their forever
misbehave. Every time his
home, we also need to
kennel door opened, he
Volunteers use treats to encourgive them outlets for their
was barking and jumpage energetic dogs to run on the
“Jog-A-Dog,”
a
treadmill
just
for
natural behavior. They need
ing. Every time he lunged
them.
social interaction, sensory
on the leash, he went
stimulation and exercise… as well as
outside. Therefore, he believed his behavquiet time. They need to be encouraged
ior caused these good things to happen.
to show positive behaviors -- not only for
That’s just the way dogs think.
their own welfare, but to improve their
So the staff and volunteers began
chances of finding a new home.
carrying treats with them, tossing one
Enrichment programs
to Bailey whenever he
for dogs include: Kongs
was calm and quiet. His
stuffed with treats, interackennel door was never
tive toys, play and exercise,
opened unless he behaved.
walks, social interaction
At first, this only meant
with people and other dogs,
having all four feet on the
massage and Reiki sessions,
ground. Then it meant beand even a weekend break
ing quiet, even for a second.
in a foster home.
Volunteers began walking
Providing shelter dogs
him with a type of harEnrichment programs for cats
with
the best environment
ness that turned his body
include larger enclosures, boxes
to
hide
in,
soft
bedding,
toys,
possible takes time and efaround when he pulled, so
scratching boxes, and “Purr
fort, but with our integratit didn’t get him where he
Time,” individual petting and ated, shelter-wide program, it
wanted. Soon, Bailey was
tention sessions.
is well worth it. It is paying
still whenever someone
off with happier dogs, increased adopapproached his kennel. Walks were easier
tions, and a quieter kennel.
as he learned to focus on the volunteers
By Cecily Joque
www.thehumanesociety.org
5
Humane Happenings
Upcoming
pet-related events
June 9: 1-3 pm
Tacoma Mall Old Navy Adoption Event
Dogs, cats and rabbits for adoption.
September 22: 10 am-3 pm
Petco Covington Adoption Event
Dogs, cats and rabbits for adoption.
August 4: 10 am-4 pm
Woofstock
University of Puget Sound, Todd Field
Dogs, cats and rabbits for adoption.
September 7-11:
Puyallup Fair educational booth
August 11: 10 am-5 pm
Catpalooza
Seattle Humane Society
Cats for adoption
November 2-4: 10 am-7 pm
America’s Family Pet Expo
Puyallup Fairgrounds
Dogs, cats and rabbits for adoption.
Ongoing Pet Adoptions
PetsMart Tacoma:
Daily during business hours - Cats
3326 S. 23rd Street, Tacoma (253) 396-0507
Petco Tacoma:
Daily during business hours - Cats and Rabbits
4028 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma (253) 473-1296
Petco Federal Way:
Daily during business hours - Cats and Rabbits
31419 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way
(253) 839-7423
Special adoption event June 23 from Noon-4 pm
(Dogs, Cats and Rabbits)
New Volunteer
Orientations
William Gazecki Animal Shelter
2608 Center Street, Tacoma
2nd Floor Classroom
Open to the first 100 people
No RSVP needed
Friday, June 1: 10 am – Noon
Sunday, June 3: 10 am – Noon
Other
Pet Loss Support Group
Meets second Saturday of every
Petco Bonney Lake:
month - 10 am
Daily during business hours - Cats and Rabbits
William Gazecki Animal Shelter
9311 192nd Ave. E., Bonney Lake (253) 862-1738 2608 Center Street, Tacoma
Special adoption event- June 9 from 12-4 pm
No charge; all welcome
(Dogs, Cats and Rabbits)
Bunny and Guinea Pig
Petco Lakewood:
Spa Day
Daily during business hours - Cats and Rabbits
(nail trims, basic grooming)
57090 100th St. SW, Lakewood (253) 984-6903
No charge, all welcome
Petco Puyallup:
First Saturday of every month:
Daily during business hours - Cats and Rabbits
Noon - 4:00 pm
3717 S. Meridian St., Puyallup (253) 446-1501
RSVP to cnorlund@aol.com
Petco Gig Harbor:
Daily during business hours - Rabbits only
5190 Borgen Blvd., Suite 201, Gig Harbor
(253) 858-1606
Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital
During business hours - Cats
401 Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma (253) 274-0225
www.metvetpets.com
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6
Saturday, July 21
Dog-A-Thon 2012
The Humane Society’s Walk
for Homeless Pets
Fort Steilacoom Park, Lakewood
www.thehumanesociety.org
www.thehumanesociety.org
IN MEMO RY G IFTS
Al Savia
George & Jo Pessemier
Angela Heiser
Barbara & Donald Ford
Bandit
M. Goldstein
Bill Botts
Earl & Lucretia Drangstveit
Bill Thompson
Jane & Leslie Walston
Bob Burns
Joyce Messer
Bonnie
Wendy Doub
Brittney
Richard Walker
Chelsey Electrolux Laufer
Sara Batinovich
Christian Larsen
Anthony Coe
Christine Burnett
John & Maudy Gosnell
Cody Max
Judy Johnson
Daisy
Allan Sorensen
David DeChant
Don & Lynn Johnson
Donald & Andrea Meyer
Dirk Pitt
Roz Doneen
Dooney & Max
Sandi & Richard Trask
Dr. Harry W. Camp, Jr.
Brynn Beals
Gary Gooper
Greg & Melissa Lagorio
Robert & Jean Whitaker
Duke
Sally Boyle
Eleanor Dickman
William Gazecki
Elizabeth Reding
Dave Finnick
Simone Hagerty
Florence Baer
Marian Wright
Gail Bennett
Irene Koth
Joyce Messer
Joyce Quinlan
Edith Reynolds
Jennifer & Douglas Shook
Gail Camaranno
Patricia Mathusz
Gloria Thompson
Jane & Leslie Walston
Hank
Curt Archambault
Haruko “Peach” Minigh
Tom & Sandy Hofmann
Hazel Crawford
David & Debra Hansen
Hazelann Cole
Janice Russell
Heidi
Linda Merry
Helen Lovblad
Jeanne Werner-Spaulding
Herbert R. Flaaen
Lillian Black
Herman “Bud” Anderson
William Gazecki
Hoover Getchell
Kathryn Thompson
Horace O’Neal Rawls
Jody Borisek
Hosanna Roseanna
Virgil & Barbara Hulsey
Iris Elliott
Richard Blum
Margery Cator
Ivy
Chris Koering
Jean Thurman
Sharlene Sheahon
Jerry Richardson
Keith Chambers
Jolly
Delva Ulseth
Josh Stockrahm
Mt. Hwy 3
Josie
Joan Webb
Kathlee Smith
Douglas & Susan Sparks
Laddie Christensen
Marilyn Dalesky
Lewey
Valerie & Joseph Oaks
Lilli S. Gamas
Horace Gamas
Linda Ackerman
Bev Sayle
Loki & Thor
Linda Shroads
Louis
Carolyn Smith
Lucy
Vicki Tart
Marquette
Tom & Lynrae Hubbell
Mary
William Woody
Mary Frances Sullivan
Joyce & Colin Ehli
Fred & Dianne Matthaei
Doreen Nichols
Max
James & Patricia Ellis
Mercedes Larson
Brenda McCaw
Michael Hoover
Judi & Moody
Mike, Mac and Tootie
Franklin & Marjorie Hume
Mindy
Debra Howard
Minnie Takenouchi
Sharon Bongfeldt
Mittens Stack
Margaret Stack
Onyx and Jan Parsons
Janice Mileski
Penny
Barbara Levy
Punjabe
Carolyn Smith
Robert Lund
JoAnne Durston
Ruby
Diane, Olga, Barb, Jeanne,
Grace, MerriEllen & Lesley
Rusty
Vicki Tart
Ruth Dietz
Arlene Giandre
Sam, Ken, Arne, Don & Lorraine
Donald & Cynthia Morris
Siren
Heidi & Chris Schooley
Susan Corcoran
John Sholseth
Susan Oros
Bob & Joan Harrison
Tanna and Eva
Laurie Kinner
Tillie Tuchscherer
Rosemary Javorski
Tom Ashworth
Bett Absher
Sandy Hieb
Tom Hayes
Richard & Mildred Lund
Tyler John Pauli
Elizabeth & David Bastian
William Cadman Botts
Jo Helen & Michael Bakula
Winston
Tom Jenkot
Zelda Boulanger
MaryLynn Kurt-Soderholm
IN HONO R
Analise Walker
Regan & Derrick Focht
Patrick & Lisa Kelly
Darin & Rebecca McKeown
Chad & Deidre Tarkany
Jason & Kerry Wilder
Banner
Franklin & Majorie Hume
Bradley Huson
Dan Switzler
Carleigh DeLapp
Regan & Derrick Focht
Patrick & Lisa Kelly
Darin & Rebecca McKeown
Chad & Deidre Tarkany
Jason & Kerry Wilder
Collin Broili
Deborah Chee
Crystal L. Rude
Margaret Miller
Ed Stonebreaker
Francine Oishi
Elizabeth Cooper
Anonymous
Fredo
Michael Moyer
Gregg Bennett, DVM
Andrew Mahan
Harold Dahlke
Sally Clocksin
Jerri & Stan Taylor
Laurie Epstein
Leola Johnson
Joyce Quinlan
Linda Spence-Noyer
Richard & Linda Noyer
Linda Stickney
Susan Miller
Max Del La Rosa
Christopher & Janine Baker
Martin & Carole Boyle
Rennie & Richard Walker
Rob Alsbury
Kathy Paris
Smuckers
Charles Dedrick
Sophia Broili
Deborah Chee
Terry & BJ Slater
Richard McKinney
Donate Your Car
and help homeless pets!
• Free pick-up
• Cars, Trucks, Boats, RV’s,
Motorcycles
• Tax Deductible
• Humane Society receives
proceeds from sale
Northwest Charity Donation Service
1-800-961-6119
www.nwcds.com
www.thehumanesociety.org
7
Vision
PAID
promote positive relationships between
animals and people.
Tacoma, WA
Permit No. 429
Mission of the Humane Society is
Tto headvance
the welfare of animals and
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Mission
he Humane Society envisions a community
Twhere
every pet has a permanent and loving
home, every companion animal is spayed or
neutered and all pets are treated with
respect and compassion.
The Humane Society is a private, non-profit
organization that relies on donations to fund
its vital programs. The Humane Society is
not associated with any government agency,
nor is it affiliated with any national animal
welfare organization.
Board of Directors
2012-2013
Staff
Kathleen Olson, Executive Director
Denise McVicker, Deputy Director
Frank Strueby, Finance Manager
Marguerite Richmond, Development Director
Monica Wylie, Community Outreach Director
Kim Robbins, Shelter Veterinarian
Jessica Emel, Kennel Supervisor
Carrie O’Connor, Spay/Neuter Clinic Coordinator
Cecily Joque, Adoption and Behavior Coordinator
The Humane Society for Tacoma
& Pierce County
2608 Center Street
Tacoma,WA 98409-7694
(253) 383-2733
www.thehumanesociety.org
2608 Center Street
Tacoma, WA 98409-7964
Christopher Marston, President
Chad Osvog,Vice President
Melissa Hortsch, Treasurer
Kelly Lyons, Secretary
Lynette Young, Past President
Rhonda Arnett
Amy Bettesworth
Holly Bukes
Michael Carney
Frances Davis
Martha Jacob
Marcy Kulland
Ron Pace
Walt Sommers
Barb Van Haren
Brian Wolf
Shelter Hours:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursdays
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturdays
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Directory:
Customer Service
Membership & Donations
Spay/NeuterClinic
Volunteering
Found Pets List
(253) 383-2733
(253) 284-5823
(253) 284-5838
(253) 284-5832
(253) 383-2733, press 1