Johnny - Humane Society Tacoma

Paw Talk
A publication of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County – William Gazecki Animal Shelter
Fall 2014
Johnny
Carrie was the first staff member
to arrive at the shelter that morning, and when she saw the cardboard
box sitting outside the back door, she
thought it was donated pet food or
towels. But as she approached, she
could see a message scrawled across
the top flap: “Doesn’t have a mom.”
Huddled in the corner of the box
was a tiny, thin kitten. He was less
than two weeks old, and his eyes
had just opened. He needed help
fast. Carrie quickly wrapped him in
a fleece blanket and placed him on a
heating pad with a plush toy for comfort. She fed him kitten formula from
a syringe, and he soon began to regain
his strength.
Carrie kept little Johnny in her office, took him home at night, and gave
him the nurturing he needed. Fortunately, he thrived under her care, and
several weeks later, he was a chubby,
playful kitten who was ready for his
forever home.
Every year during the spring and
summer “kitten season,” the shelter
receives close to 1,000 kittens who
need foster homes. One third of these
are motherless kittens too young to
eat on their own. These neonates
Continued on page 2
www.thehumanesociety.org
Paw Talk Fall 14.indd 1
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A Second Chance for Harry
Harry was a mess. He had been
badly neglected, and when he arrived
at the shelter, he was so matted he
could barely walk. His toenails had
grown
into his
paws, his
ears were
sealed
over with
tangles,
and he
was missing an eye.
In spite of
that, he
Harry before.
greeted
everyone with a wiggle, and would
lick your hand and lean against your
leg, desperate for attention.
Humane Society volunteer Theron
spent hours clipping away his mats
before giving him a soothing bath.
Soon Harry was transformed into a
happy, grateful, and much smaller, dog.
Most badly matted dogs who are
clipped and bathed will react with
a spurt of energy. Once free of the
torment from ingrown nails, raw skin,
and infections, their joy is unbound.
Able to see, and walk, and feel the
cool air on their belly, they race
around, jumping and playing, unable
to contain themselves. But Harry’s
reaction was different. He simply
melted into Theron’s arms, snuggling
close and soaking up the sensation of
being held and loved.
Harry’s sweet nature and charm
quickly won him a new home, where
he was clearly headed for a life of
comfort. As his owner carried him to
the car she said “I’m going to spoil him
rotten. He’s going to sleep on my bed
and get all the loving he can handle. He
doesn’t know it, but he just won the dog
lottery!”
Johnny
Neonate Nursery at the Humane Society, where volunteers and staff can
care for newborn litters and other
vulnerable kittens around the clock.
This program will provide the special
care these kittens need until they
are old enough to be transferred to
a traditional foster home. The kitten
population decreases significantly during the fall and winter months, which
will allow time for this special area to
be set up. The nursery will be ready
in the spring of 2015, in time for the
next kitten season.
Continued from page 1
require bottle feeding and constant
monitoring, and even with the best
care, they don’t always survive. Because of this, it’s challenging to retain
enough volunteers needed for these
tiny kittens. The Humane Society
relies on staff and a small number of
trained foster volunteers, to take on
these fragile cases. But it isn’t enough.
To help these special babies, the
Humane Society is developing a
2
Paw Talk Fall 14.indd 2
Harry with his new owner.
www.thehumanesociety.org
9/25/14 1:42 PM
A Career Celebrated
Denise McVicker retired from the
Humane Society in September, after
37 years of service to homeless
animals. She began working in the licensing department in 1977,
and was soon promoted
to Customer Service.
When computers
were introduced in
the 1990s, Denise
became the Systems
Manager, guiding
the shelter through
decades of technological advancements. She
later became the Director of
Operations, and served as Interim
Director in 2006 and 2007. She was
the Humane Society’s Deputy Direc-
tor for the past eight years, and
has also served as President of the
board of directors for the Federation of Animal Care and Control
Agencies.
During her decades
of service, Denise
witnessed profound
changes in the field
of animal welfare,
and helped guide
the Humane Society through many
challenges. She will be
missed, but the Humane
Society is grateful for the
role she has played in improving the
lives of animals and creating a more
compassionate community.
It Takes a Village
Unleashed Dog Daycare and Wellness Center, Chambers Creek Veterinary Clinic, and
Humane Society volunteers and donors work together to give Rudy a new life.
Rudy came to the shelter with a
bad limp, infected skin, and several
fractured teeth. He was dragging a
rope that was chewed through,
and it was clear that he had
been tied in a yard and given
little attention during his short
life. Although he had no manners, he was affectionate, craved
attention, and only wanted to
please. Staff and volunteers fell
in love with his clownish personality
and everyone agreed he had a heart
of gold.
But Rudy needed a lot of help.
An x-ray of his hip revealed a badly
eroded hip joint which needed surgery to prevent a lifetime of chronic
pain.Thanks to the Humane Society’s
Veterinary Treatment Fund, Rudy received this vital surgery, and then went
to a foster home to recover.
That’s when the community stepped
in to help. Courtney and Sean Foley
own Unleashed Dog Day Care and
Wellness Center, and they, along with
their customers, donated
water therapy
and weekly
massage.
Rudy grew
stronger, his
muscle tone
improved, and he regained full use of
his leg.Then it was discovered that his
teeth required treatment as well, so Dr.
Neeson at Chambers Creek Veterinary Hospital donated 100% of Rudy’s
cleaning, extractions, and medication.
Rudy’s early life was filled with
pain and isolation, but thanks to the
generosity of donors, volunteers, and
businesses in our community, Rudy
was able to receive the love and care
he deserved.
www.thehumanesociety.org
Paw Talk Fall 14.indd 3
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9/25/14 1:42 PM
$254,000 Raised for Homeless Pets!
The Humane Society’s 24th Annual DogA-Thon, held on July 26th, raised a record
$254,000 for homeless pets! More than
1,500 people enjoyed the vendor booths,
entertainment and demonstrations, and
strolled around beautiful lake Waughop and
the surrounding hills.
Sponsors and vendor booths contributed $33,600, Individuals raised $58,106 and
teams from a wide variety of businesses,
clubs, organizations, families and friends raised $158,563 in pledges.After the event,
the proceeds from the barbeque, microchip clinic, matching gifts and donations
brought in another $4,000.
Dog-A-Thon proceeds are vital to supporting
Top Teams
adoptions, medical care for ill and injured animals,
Theittybittykittycommittee.com
Team Maggie
spay/neuter programs and other essential services.
Paint Your Paws
And although it’s a dog walk, all animals at the
Muddy Paws
Olson 8
shelter benefit from the funds raised -- dogs, cats,
Walk & Wag
rabbits and other small mammals.
Boeing Furry Friends
The staff, volunteers, board members, and aniSpoiled Rotten Pet Sitting
Barky Bark & the Funky Bunch
mals at the Humane Society thank all of the generNerd Herd
ous members, sponsors, vendors, and participants
Top Individuals
for helping to improve the
Laurie Cinotto
lives of homeless animals
Lynette Young
Walt Sommers
by making this the best
Ron Pace
Dog-A-Thon yet.
Jan Schwenger
Remember, Dog-ARoberta Simes
Sarah Miller
Thon is always the fourth
Chad Osvog
Saturday in July – so mark
Kathleen Olson
Melanie Manista-Rushforth
your calendars now for
July 25, 2015!
Dog-A-Thon 2014 was presented by:
4
Paw Talk Fall 14.indd 4
www.thehumanesociety.org
9/25/14 1:42 PM
Big Support From Tiny Helpers
More than $138,000 raised for shelter cat programs
When Tacoma resident
Laurie Cinotto started
her blog, theittybittykittycommittee.com in 2006,
she didn’t dream it would
grow to attract support
from 15 different countries
and 47 states. The Tacoma
artist and writer created
the website to share her
experiences fostering
kittens for the Humane
Society, and soon began
fundraising for the shelter’s
annual Dog-A-Thon. Her community
of supporters has grown, and in the
past few years, she has raised more
than $400,000.
This year, the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee raised a whopping $138,000
for cat programs at the Humane
Society. The donations will provide
significant support for the Neonate
Nursery (see cover article) as well
as providing medical care for ill and
injured cats, support for Senior cats,
spay and neuter programs, the Senior
Pet Pantry, and of course the foster
program.
The Kitten Whisperer
Cupid, the bigger cat in this photo,
Cupid was soon adopted into a
came to us as a tiny kitten with a big
wonderful home where he has beheart murmur. For most pets, this is a
come a kind of “kitten therapist”. His
fatal condition, but in some cases the
new owner specializes in fostering undefect can be outgrown.
socialized litters, which
Only a special scan
can be challenging and
called an Electrocardiotime-consuming. Cupid,
gram can determine the
however, has a special
difference, and without
touch with these skittish
that information, Cupid’s
kittens. He is able to win
chances were slim.
them over quickly, and
However, because of
teach them, by example,
funds raised by theitto trust humans.
Cupid cuddles with one of his
tybittykittycommittee.
Generous support
young
charges.
com, the staff was able
from donors gave
to arrange for a specialist to examine
Cupid the chance he needed to live
the little kitten. The news was good:
a long, full life, and he seems deterCupid would most likely outgrow his
mined to pay it forward by helping
heart murmur.
future generations of kittens in need.
www.thehumanesociety.org
Paw Talk Fall 14.indd 5
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9/25/14 1:42 PM
Rebels with a Cause
One day in late August, the shelter
was invaded by 18 bikers, who roared into
the parking lot. Together, the leather-clad
men and women filed
into the building, with
a single goal in mind:
to deliver a check for
a whopping $11,000 to
help homeless animals.
Each year this group holds a spe-
cial Poker Run in memory of their
animal-loving friend, Scottie Cull.
They are a big-hearted,
fun bunch, and most
have adopted pets from
the shelter. The Humane Society is grateful
for their generosity and
compassion, and for the
support of the many
community groups, clubs
and organizations who help animals
in need.
Humane Happenings
Ongoing Pet Adoptions
PetSmart Tacoma - Cats
Petco Tacoma - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Federal Way - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Bonney Lake - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Lakewood - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Puyallup - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Gig Harbor - Rabbits Only
Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital - Cats
Upcoming
pet-related events
New Volunteer Orientations
William Gazecki Animal Shelter
2608 Center Street, Tacoma
2nd Floor Classroom
Open to the first 100 people. No RSVP needed
Friday, October 3rd: 10 am - Noon
Sunday, October 5th: 10 am - Noon
Other
Pet Loss Support Group
Meets every 2nd Saturday - 10:00 a.m.
William Gazecki Animal Shelter
n Cats & rabbits can be adopted at any time during
2608 Center Street, Tacoma
business hours at the Petsmart & Petco locations.
No charge; all welcome
n Every 2nd Saturday of the month there will be
Bunny and Guinea Pig Spa Day
Humane Society volunteers available to process
adoptions at Petco locations.
(nail trims, basic grooming)
No charge, all welcome
n Every 3rd Saturday of the month there will be a
First Saturday of every month: Noon - 4 pm
Humane Society volunteer available to process adoptions at Petsmart.
RSVP to cnorlund@aol.com
IN HONO R GIFTS
Amelia Paynter
Sarah Oyster
Jeff & Kris Paynter
Shannon Shellgren
Animal Emergency Clinic
Lynn Evans
Annabella Gizzi
Kessa Claire-Woldt
Anne Marie McQuillan
Carolyn Berger
Melanie Forster
Auntie Kath
Rob & Dana Alsbury
Barb’s Pet Project
Sheryl Sigafoos
Beamer & Emily
Christopher McLean
Bender
Rusty Sherman
Blue & Max
Michele Slotemaker
Bonnie Kopff
Ann Usher
Boone the Wonder Dog
Michael & Robin Slivka
Brissa Black
Staci Black
Brody
Janna Trolia
6
4
Paw Talk Fall 14.indd 6
Bullseye
Karyn Post
Buster
Susan Alexander
Cathy & Kevin
Cindy Veitz
Charlene Butterbean
Bianca Stoner
Dr. & Mrs. Edward Drum
James & Barbara Radonich
Dr. Randall Norstrem
Penny Kegley
Dulce & Augustin Lasso
Ivan Lasso & Alexandra Hernandez
Elizabeth Yee
Cynthia Copenspire
Emily
Lisa Woicik
Felix & Simba
Laura & Remo Stacy
Fenrir, Freya & Cleo
Curt Rickard
Gloria Riley, Sherrill Schaaf & Koji
Scott, Kelly, Alex & Sophie
Heather Lorentz
Nathan, Lucy, Fiona, Meimei
& Kitkit
Jane Scrivanich
Sam & Enzo
John Crests
Bruce & Juanita Hunt
Julia Zeitlin
Elina Lublinsky
Kaelyn Walker
Sharon Jenkins
Kane & Raminder Rogers
Karen Trummert
Kellie Ginnodo & Justin Gerstner
Beatrice Cheung
Kim Patterson
Heidi Tibbits
Kyoko Hall
Johnnie & Taiko Stroud
Leanne & Karen
Ann Darin-Amos &
Heather Thomas
Libby Yee
Monique Pecchia
Lisa Halsan & Starr Williams
Kristin, Larry, Marleena & Isaak
Little Bit Sugar
Julie Nicholson
Lucille 3
Mallory Mosner
M.L. Jones & A. Lannery
Patricia Mail
Marylouise Jones & Ann Lanning
Suzanne Boone
Lana Bostic
Julia Cook
Barbara Hawkins
Mickie Azcharczyk
Ericka Kendall
Mike & Barbara Marshall
Phyllis & Douglas Mjorud
Ann Salazar
Mr. & Mrs. Matt McMaster
Karen Winterburn
Nina
Kathleen & Rick Olson
Pamela & Carl Siegel
Anonymous
Positive Approach Staff
Kristen Dodd
Purus
Stacy Ellifritt
Raminder & Kane Rogers Mrs. Muriel Burnett
Rita N. Hopkins
Gayle Hopkins-Welch
Sadie, Scout, Scooby & Arcee
A. Jason Morris
Save the Animals Club
Julia Hansmeier
Continued on page 7
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9/25/14 1:42 PM
IN MEMO RY GIFTS
Abbie
Mark McDonald
Abby
Stacy Ellifritt
Agathe Martineau Lamarre
Sylvie Warren
A.J. Krogstad
Barbara Krogstad
Anne Linderman
Georgia Becker
Edith Nabity
Chris Peyton
Bob & Kelly Radford
Armani
Penny & Doug Kegley
Baci the Wonder Dog
David Stockwell
Bear & Cold Room
Wesley Pollock
Betty Drost
Penny Drost
Bion
Louise Schumock
Bonnie
Debra Howard
Boots & Taz
Kathy Meaders
Bugsy
Tom Rawlings
Buster Brown
Donna Smith
Cam
Richard & Patsy Sagers
Cameo Sulham
Shannon & Robert Thissen
Cappuccino
Deborah Hickey-Tiernan
Captain
Bre & Matt Van den Heuvel
Carly
Christopher McLean
Carmel
The Franciscan
Foundation Family
Carmello
Jeanette & Ronald Adkins
Carol Anderson
Jeanne Werner-Spaulding
Carol Ann Grabatin
Medical Imaging
Northwest
Carol Pulley
Laura Edwards
Cathy L. Boutin
Kasey Loete
Charles Owen Evans
Ronald Some
Charles Susich
Lorraine France
Leonard & Laverne Talbott
Charlie
Chris Peyton
Chester Hay
Kimberley McDowell
Cindy Williams
The National Guard
Museum
Clarice Johnson
Vicki Tart
Clawed
Keith & Gail Plumb
Deborah Harris
Mary Gorin
Don Briggs
William & Linda Gazecki
Don Mallaghan
Amanda Ready
Donald Dilger
Joyce Moore & Dick Winder
Dooney & Max
Sandi & Richard Trask
Edward Doherty
Cherie Peterson
Erv
Esther Headlee
Evelyn Schwarz
Karen Anderson
Fiona
Amanda Whitworth
Fred Rudolph Jorgensen
Gwen Moore
Freddy
Jeanette & Ronald Adkins
George Gagliardi
William & Linda Gazecki
Gimli & Legolas
Kimberley McDowell
Ginny Matheson
Martha Robeson
Glenn A. Harris
Tammis Greene
Candace Zygar
Grace Moe
Eileen Carlyle
Bonnie Holmes
Ike
Dana & Josh Johnston
Irm Fletter
Jan & Harry Welling
Isabel
Lily Kahng
Izabell
Linda Marquart
Jack Douglas Marshall III
Donna Smith
Jackson
Laurie Kinner
Jake & Gretchen
T. & Carol O’Connor
Jeane Rice
Lynn Evans
Jeanne Nickerl
Mary Sudar
Jesse, Sam & Alex
Nancy McHugh
Jill Viafore
Ladies in Pink
Jim Stewart
Alexander & Heather Straub
John Cologerou
Carol Cologerou
Shirley Cornell
Solweig Jensen
Werner & Barbara Kraft
Majorie Latall
Karen & David Manning
Judy Nelson
Lucille Smith
John & Pam Vidan
John Kalivas
John & Pam Vidan
Joyce Jensen
William & Linda Gazecki
Kara Siegel
Linda Siegel
Karl Griggs
Broadway St. Fund
Raymond & Charlotte
Chalker
Evelyn Gelegonya-Babare &
Martin Babare
Barbara Lindberg
Martha Robbins
Kathy Gavin
Patricia Evans
Kuma, Sabine, Einstein & Mozart
Richard & Cathleen Nels
Laddie & Buddie
Jillonne McLain
Lady & Ellie Viers
Ray Viers
Larry Eilers
Debra Watts
Lena
Ann & Norm Gosch
Leslie Otto Walston
Virgil & Barbara Hulsey
Marjorie Parker
Curtis & Patricia Schenk
Jane Walston
Lloyd Wilber
Lewie
Valerie & Joseph Oaks
Lexi
Brett & Tiffany Sevruk
Linda Ackerman
Bev Sayle
Linda Bostrom
Anonymous
Loki & Thor
Linda Shroads
Louise Walston
Jane Walston
Lucy
Rodney & Kathleen Cassidy
Chris Peyton
Luke
Carolyn Smith
Lynn Elliott
Sally Boyle
Renee Calitis
Mabel Anderson
Mary Anderson
Madison
Willa Price
Maggie
Ardath & Ernie Eichler
Judith Webber
Margo Brabant
Christine Conklin
Marie Catt
Anonymous
Marty Erdahl
William & Linda Gazecki
Maxi
Ron Crichton
Mel Parton
City of Tukwila - Dept. of
Community Development
Mickey
Patricia Larson
Mike Abbott & Ivy
Louise Schumock
Missy
Sandra Campbell
Mister
Cecilia Stewart
Moby
Deborah & John Buckhalter
Molly Cheung
Amanda Wilson
Molly
Vicki Tart
Mommam
Prangsri Suwanart
Monty Miller
Martha Robeson
Mr. Mooch
Judith Galbraith
Mr. O’Malley
Mary & John Bush
Mrs. G. Miller
Elsa Whitney
Murphy Cat
Tonya Thompson
Navarro
Peter Gyfteas
Pablo
Kayla Scrivner
Paprika
Debra Howard
Paul Shelton IV
Roberta Shelton
Peggy McNerney
Joann Johnson
Mary Kline
Pen & Apple Wolcott
John Wolcott
Pepper/Duke
Brian Pospisil
Phillip Sisney
Marta O’Neill
Phoebe
Robert Jackson &
Gaylynn Wilke
Pooh-Bear
Vicki Tart
Princess Gabby
Melanie Langei
Pumpkin
Beth Richardson
Ralphie-boy
Randy Gorder
Randy Earle
Blanche Kennedy
Ranger
Walli & Terrence Roarke
Riley
Vanessa Cunningham
Ron Bender
Aline Burritt
Ron Burritt
Marjorie Green
Sheryl Loseke
Roxy
Chad & Katie Osvog
Rusty
Judy Farley-Weed
Sacky
Jeanette & Ronald Adkins
Saffron
Christine & Scott Murdock
Sam
Anne Drebin
Christie, Tom, Maya & Ayla
Sam, Ken, Arne, Don & Lorraine
Donald & Cynthia Morris
Sara Elizabeth Rogers
Patricia Hall
Sarah & Virginia
Noelle Burns
Sarah,Virginia, Sonya & Stella
Burr Hitchcock
Scottie Cull
Anonymous
Brickyard Pub
Mark & Lori Gilderoy
Paula & Jeffrey Hardwick
Rick & Paula Leavitt
Deborah Nielsen
Troy & Shana Watkins
Susan Wilson & Timothy
Branson
Shakes
Vicki Tart
Sidney
Chad & Katie Osvog
Siren
Heidi & Chris Schooley
Smokey
Linda Bostrom
Snickers
Debra Howard
Stuart
Cathy Pfarr
Stuart Koonty
Jenness & Darrell Joque
Sweet Biyon
Geri & Russ Ripp
Sweet Lucy
Geri & Russ Ripp
Sweetie Pie
Sarah & Lucas Rooney
Sweetums
Lori McKenna
Sydney
Dave Zornes
Tai
Heidi & Chris Schooley
Tanner
Melanie Langei
Valdez “Devil Cat” Davis
Kelly Helmick
Vivian Anderson
Doug & Julie Hurst
Rebecca Tomal
Yang
Phyllis Harrison & Steph Farber
Yogi, Acey & Sammy
Pamela Nathan
Zippie, Abbie & Sarah
Gretchen & Don Campbell
IN HONO R G IFTS (continued from page 6)
Scout
Jennifer McKee-Johnson
Seth Jones
Leyda Greenwood
Shana Osmer
Jill Edson
Sheryl Rhinehart
Stephen Wamback
Simon & Libby
Karen & Patrick Haas
Smudge
Sherry Jenkins
Starr Williams & Lisa Upchurch
Debra Brozovich
Tony Barker
Brandon Blackwell
Value Pet Clinic—Tacoma
Deborah Hickey-Tiernan
www.thehumanesociety.org
Paw Talk Fall 14.indd 7
Wanda Bittner
M. O’Reilly
Xica, Shelby, Calvin & Ginger
Linda Spence-Noyer
Zoe & Salazar
Marlaina Wall
7
9/25/14 1:42 PM
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 comTmunity
where 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
2014-2015
Chad Osvog, President
Barb Van Haren,Vice President
Melissa Hortsch, Treasurer
Amy Bettesworth, Secretary
Christopher Marston, Past President
Jeanne Betzendorfer
Michael Carney
Julie Curtis
Heather Fancher
Marcy Kulland
Melanie Manista-Rushforth
Amanda Nathan
Ron Pace
Walt Sommers
Jenn Trettin
Staff
Shelter Hours:
Kathleen Olson, Executive Director
Denise McVicker, Deputy Director
Frank Strueby, Finance Director
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
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
The Humane Society for Tacoma
& Pierce County
2608 Center Street
Tacoma,WA 98409-7694
(253) 383-2733
www.thehumanesociety.org
Paw Talk Fall 14.indd 8
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
9/25/14 1:42 PM