Fall 2008 - DoveLewis | Emergency Animal Hospital

Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital
1945 NW Pettygrove
Portland, OR 97209
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
PORTLAND, OR
PERMIT NO. 1111
Happy Birthday,
Celebrating 35 years of medical excellence,
honoring the human/animal bond at Pioneer Square, Sunday, August 10, 2008
RIGHT: Executive
Director Ron Morgan (L)
celebrates with a group
of past and present
executive and ambassador board members
(L to R) Ron Morgan,
Kristin Snyder, Ellyn
Bye, Maia Chase, Scott
Asphaug, Michael
Remsing, Mark Norman,
DVM, Don McCoy,
DVM, Hans Grunbaum,
DVM, Carl Rice
LEFT: Even cats came to
the Square to celebrate!
What’s your way?
In the spirit of Dove35 we’ve come up
with 35 ways for you to love Dove. See
#13 on the bottom of page 2. Check out
all 35 ways on Dove35.com, pick one
or create your own!
We’d love to hear about any fun, creative,
or particularly touching way in which
you or someone you know supports
Dove35. We will collect these stories,
and from them, select one person whose
efforts to support Dove35 best–reflect the
spirit of Dove Lewis herself. The Spirit of
Dove35 Award winner will be honored at
our fall gala, the Wet Nose Soirée®. Please
email your Dove35 fundraising story to
Abby Crouch at acrouch@dovelewis.org.
Donate online at dovelewis.org.
Fall 2008 Newsletter
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Page 1— DoveLewis celebrates its
35th birthday in downtown Portland
Page 2—The Story of DoveLewis
Page 6, 7—DLAATE Program Works Magic
at Local Child Center & Prisons
Page 8— DoveLewis & Audubon Society
Doctors Fight to Save Bald Eagle
Page 8—Flea Treatment Dangers
DoveLewis is Portland’s 24–Hour Emergency
Buy a Brick!
and ICU Animal Hospital, offering advanced veterinary care at two facilities, one in NW and one
in SE Portland. DoveLewis also shares several
Be a part of history. Act now to have
your or your pet’s name engraved on
DoveLewis’ main hospital forever—be a
part of our tribute wall by buying a brick!
ABOVE: Three Great Danes get in the birthday party spirit
100% donor–funded programs with the community including one of America’s largest volunteer–
Available in our online gift shop at
dovelewis.org/giftShop.
For more information contact
Lori Warner–McGee,
lwarner–mcgee@dovelewis.org
or 503.535.3382.
based animal blood banks, an award–winning
animal assisted therapy program, a nationally recognized pet loss support program offering five free
group therapy sessions each month, 24–hour stabilizing care for lost, stray and wild animals and
financial assistance for low income families and
UPCOMING EVENTS
Take a Tour!
owners of abused pets. DoveLewis is also a teach-
Dogtoberfest®­—September 20
veterinarians, one–year veterinary internships,
First Tuesdays & third Wednesdays
6:00PM in the DoveLewis Community
Room, 1945 NW Pettygrove
Pinot & Pooch—October 4 & 5
externships and a three–year residency program.
Wet Nose Soirée®—November 1
Michael Allen Harrison Concert—December 4
ing hospital, offering continuing education to local
dovelewis.org
Send an email to
rsvp@dovelewis.org
to reserve your spot!
ABOVE: Rojo the DoveLewis Therapy Llama
strikes a pose in his 35th birthday outfit
ABOVE: Dozens of dogs put their paws of approval
on custom–decorated tote bags
The Story of DoveLewis
DoveLewis ER & ICU Animal Hospital was born
out of true love, persistence, and great vision.
Dove and Arlyle Burton Lewis ran a high–end
kennel in King City, Oregon in the 1960s. The
kennel offered dog grooming, boarding, and
breeding. Dove and A.B. were devoted to animals, their community, and each other. They
wished for an animal ER accessible to everyone: a place for healing and for teaching.
Dr. Dick Werner was just out of veterinary
school. Portland had on–call emergency veterinary care, and the young doctor took on
the task of managing it. Just one veterinarian
covered the east side, another took calls for
the west side. Dr. Werner expanded the network to 30 veterinarians.
The Lewises soon met this young doctor, and
began a friendship that would change the world
of veterinary medicine. Dove and Dr. Werner
shared a dream of one centralized overnight
ER hospital for Portland’s animals. Dr. Werner
figured he’d need between 35 and 40 thousand
dollars to lease, remodel and equip a fully functioning ER hospital. He asked his group of on–
call veterinarians for seed money to grow the
dream. They turned him down. The Portland
Veterinary Medical Association told him ‘no’ as
well. By tracking the types of cases his on–call
veterinary network was taking, and running
the charges for each case, Dr. Werner knew
the numbers worked: an ER clinic would not
only stay afloat, it would flourish. Dove Lewis
believed in Dr. Werner, and, undaunted, A.B.
built on their idea. He insisted that continuing
education be added to the dream. This hospital
should save lives not only as cases came in the
door, but also by enriching the minds of veterinarians and keeping them on the cutting edge
of their profession.
In 1971, Dove and A.B. sold
their business. Dr. Werner
remembers the call he received
from Dove with the news.
Usually up before the sun, Dove
was still in bed at 10:00AM. Two
weeks later, Dove Lewis had a
stroke. Two weeks after that, at
the age of 54, Dove Lewis died.
tial for this new hospital; Dr. Werner was determined to have the PVMA’s support. He knew
referrals from those veterinarians would be
the life blood of the hospital. But those same
veterinarians worried that A.B. Lewis would
take some sort of cut from the project. Dr.
Werner assured them A.B. wasn’t interested in
that—A.B. asked only that the hospital be a non–
profit named after
his late wife, and
that he help make
it grow. Still, the
PVMA doctors were
skeptical and suspicious. Would it really
succeed? Would Dr.
Werner steal all their
patients? During a
PVMA meeting Dr.
R.A. Koenig asked
Dr. Werner what
he needed to get
the hospital off the
ground. “A committee,” answered Dr.
Werner. Dr. Koenig
looked around the
room and picked out Drs. Labavich, Herd, and
Hay. All agreed to help. Dr. Werner, A.B. and
the new committee kicked into high gear,
meeting once or twice a week for six months.
Throughout it all, A.B. encouraged the men to
keep at it, and do it for Dove.
This hospital should
save lives not only as
cases came in the door,
but also by enriching
the minds of veterinarians and keeping them
on the cutting edge of
their profession.
A.B. Lewis was devastated;
Dove was the love of his life.
Dr. Werner felt for his heartbroken friend, and vowed to
see him at least once a week
for lunch or dinner to help
him through this grief. It was
during one of those meals
that A.B. announced he
wanted to make a donation
in Dove’s memory to an animal organization.
A.B. was thinking about the Oregon Humane
Society. “I have a better idea,” said Dr. Werner.
A.B. Lewis gave Dr. Werner $100,000—more
money than he needed to start up the animal
ER. But money was not the only thing essen-
LEFT: DoveLewis’ first home, 1973–1981.
BELOW: Current main hospital
in NW Portland, opened in 2006.
On Monday, August 12, 1973 the Dove Lewis
Memorial Emergency Veterinary Animal Clinic
opened in an old pediatric clinic in downtown
Portland at SW 11th and Main. There was just
one full–time doctor on staff; Dr. Steve Skinner
got help from relief veterinarians. The first year
proved so busy, they had to hire a full time
administrator. The PVMA made its first gift to
DoveLewis: an x–ray processor which was top
notch technology even in human medicine.
A.B. had one more stipulation. He was happy
to see his wife’s name on her dream: a
non–profit, emergency animal hospital that
also taught veterinarians how to grow and
improve as doctors. But Dove had always loved
strays. The family at one time had 14 dogs;
A.B. thought it only fitting that the hospital do
something for strays. He suggested the hospital provide basic first–aid for injured strays,
and for low income families. Because that
required donors, A.B. became DoveLewis’ first
development director, asking people for money
to help. He also developed the first planned
giving program, handing out flyers he created
to encourage people to leave something for
DoveLewis in their wills.
In 1981, Drs. Hay and Wood were invited to the
Western States Veterinary Medicine conference in Las Vegas. Organizers asked them to
make a three–day presentation covering how to
start an ER animal hospital. The doctors didn’t
think many would be interested. They copied 50
information packets and took a few photos of the
hospital. Conference organizers had booked the
largest auditorium in the Las Vegas Hilton for
the presentation. The doctors were sure they’d
be the laughing stock of the conference when no
one showed up. By the second day, the auditorium was standing room only.
There were murmurs from doctors during the
conference about forming a group to talk about a
new concept: critical care (ICU care in veterinary
medicine). After the last lecture, the DoveLewis
doctors asked anyone interested to sign up at the
front of the room. The Critical Care Society was
born. Fifteen years later, critical care became an
official veterinary specialty in America.
The staff of DoveLewis is amazed and proud
of our rich, intense, and influential history. We
treasure our status as leaders in ER and ICU
veterinary medicine. Hats off to Dr. Dick Werner
for his vision, tenacity, and charm. Without Dove
and A.B. Lewis, his dream would never have
grown wings. And without the veterinarians of
the PVMA, DoveLewis would be lost. Hundreds
of thousands of animals and their families have
these people to thank for saving their lives, and
enriching their community.
DoveLewis exists because of them, and
because of you. We are eternally grateful.
A Message From Executive Director Ron Morgan
13
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Buzz at Home: Make
coffee at home for 35
days. Give the money
you save to DoveLewis.
DoveLewis Executive Director Ron Morgan and Teddy
Pioneering Spirit
Remains at Our Heart
DoveLewis has a tremendous heritage. After
helping pets and their families for 35 years,
we enjoy many reasons to celebrate! We have
had a lot of fun this year learning more and
more about our history and those who have
shaped DoveLewis.
2 dovelewis.org FALL 2008
By the late 1970s, the hospital had outgrown
its downtown space. An old Good Samaritan
Hospital research facility at 1984 NW Pettygrove
would triple the working space. The deal was set,
and DoveLewis moved. News of the hospital’s
success spread. Dr. Werner hosted veterinarians
from around the country who were interested in
starting ER hospitals in their towns. DoveLewis
was their model.
Most importantly, we have met so many
wonderful people who wanted to share
their DoveLewis story. It is amazing how
much someone is able to relive an experience with us from many, many years ago
just as though it were yesterday. The story
is often filled with similar tears and gratitude as if it were the first time it was told.
survive as the community around it changes.
The winning combination is balance. Honoring
origins and mission while sharply focusing on
continual evolution are key to a healthy future.
The best leaders don’t just meet their organization’s needs—they elevate expectations. That
is how we at DoveLewis can keep alive the pioneering spirit that gave us life in 1973.
Since DoveLewis pioneered the concept of
emergency and critical care for animals we
feel a responsibility to continue as pioneers.
We don’t want to be “just another” emergency
veterinary hospital. People expect more from
us. My job is to make sure we deliver on that
expectation, that promise.
As we honor our remarkable past, I find myself
in the most intensive period of my five years at
DoveLewis preparing for the future of medical
services for our animals. We hope that the late
Dove Lewis, the visionary for emergency animal medicine in the US, would be very proud of
the work we do today.
The leader of any reputable business keeps a
sharp focus on what he or she must do to keep
that business moving forward. Continuing
to meet or exceed the expectations of clients
is essential. At the same time, it is important
to honor the original ideals and values that
inspired the business in the first place.
That simple hope drives what we do on a daily
basis. We can’t let down A.B. and Dove Lewis.
Thank you for all you do for DoveLewis; here’s
to the next 35 years!
In the non–profit world it is easy to be blinded
by the grass in ‘grassroots.’ It is vital to focus
forward and define what a non–profit needs to
dovelewis.org FALL 2008 3
November
Summer Events
Update
Wet Nose Soirée® —Nov 1
The Governor Hotel—614 SW 11 , Portland
General Reservations $100
VIP Reservations $150 (includes preferred
seating, custom gift and raffle ticket)
th
May
Thank you to our Auction Sponsor!
In May, Tats for Cats combined the love of ink
with the love of animals. Our partnership with
the Portland Mercury helped raise nearly $5,000
for our stray program. At our Tails & Ales dog
wash, we washed more than 200 dogs at the
NW Lucky Lab on that scorcher of a day.
June
In June, Food Front asked grocery shoppers to
donate their change, resulting in nearly $500
for us. Northwest Resource Federal Credit
Union launched their fundraising campaign
for our Velvet Assistance Fund in June with
a First Thursday art sale. Thousands of Spoon
fans rocked out at Edgefield at 94.7fm’s 4th
annual Pet Aid, and the very next day
Portlanders raised their paddles for the
annual Pong n Gong ping pong tournament. Restaurants like Wildwood, Il Piatto,
Mint/820 and Escape from New York Pizza
helped raise money for Dining For Dove.
July
In July, dozens of “teams” logged on and
recruited donations for the Pets in the Pearl
online challenge, culminating in a fun street
fair event, hosted by major sponsors Dignified
Pet Services and Wild Blue Lager, netting
$10,000 for both DoveLewis and Cat Adoption
Team. Just over a week later, golfers hit the
links at Langdon Farms, raising more money
than ever before at our 8th annual golf scramble.
DoveBowl, in partnership with Grand Central
and the Portland Tribune, raised another $5,000
for our Dove35 campaign.
August
The city celebrated DoveLewis’ 35 birthday
by partying in Pioneer Square August 10. The
following weekend, on another scorching hot
100+ degree day, our volunteers washed dogs to
raise just over $750 for our blood bank during
“Multnomah Days” at the SW Portland Lucky
Lab. The following weekend, one of our supporters organized her very own Corgi Walk to
benefit DoveLewis.
th
Thank you to all of our volunteers, donors,
event guests, business partners and friends
for helping us make our 35th birthday summer
such a success!
ABOVE: The always well–dressed Rojo the Llama and
his handler, Shannon Gregory, prepare for a round on
the links at the 2008 DoveLewis golf tournament.
Above: Robert Woodard, who sunk a hole in one at
the DoveLewis golf tournament July 28! He won a trip
for two to any JetBlue Challenge Resort of his choice
and bragging rights for life. The annual tournament
at Langdon Farms Golf Club, sponsored by DeTemple
Company, raised $40,000 for our unrestricted fund.
The Wet Nose Soirée ® is DoveLewis’ largest
annual event. Guests at this gala honor the
animals we all adore by celebrating the unique
bond we share with them. A hosted reception
features a signature cocktail, there are silent
and live auctions, a formal dinner and live entertainment. To make sure guests don’t miss
their pets too much while they’re out on the
town, they may visit with some of our therapy
dogs! Don’t miss this unique event, packed
with Portland’s premiere animal lovers.
wetnosesoiree.com
December
September
Portland Trail Blazers
DoveLewis Night—Jan 21
Join the Portland Trail Blazers for DoveLewis
Night vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers! Special
priced tickets are available. A portion of each
ticket benefits DoveLewis!
Club Level (200 level sideline)
$125 per ticket—*Includes all–you–can–eat
food and non–alcoholic drink
Yellow Section (200 level behind basket)
$54 per ticket
Red Section (300 level behind basket)
$24 per ticket
Corporate ticket packages available
To purchase tickets:
Contact Paul Rothschild at: 503.963.3963 or
paul.rothschild@trailblazers.com
OR visit http://tickets.blazers.com/deals
and type in special code: DOVE
SAVE THE DATE—Mar 13
Boutiques Unleashed:
Dogtoberfest® —Sept 20
Pinot & Pooch Kick Off—Sept 24
Service of Remembrance—Dec 4 Fashion for Both Ends of the Leash
Lucky Lab Brew Pub
915 SE Hawthorne, Portland
11:00AM —5:00PM
Urban Wineworks
407 NW 16th, Portland
6:00PM —8:00PM
The Old Church—1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland
7:00PM
Pack up the pooches and head on down to the
Lucky Labrador Brew Pub on SE Hawthorne!
We guarantee they will leave much cleaner
than they came. We suggest a $5 donation
to scrub up and dry off each dog. If you look
closely, you may even recognize the person
cleaning your four–legged friend. Several
people who work in local TV and radio offer
their time and elbow grease to soap ‘em up
and spray ‘em down. The money we raise
benefits the DoveLewis Blood Bank, which
is one of the largest volunteer–based blood
banks in America.
Inside the brew pub, of course, you’ll find great
beer, including a Dogtoberfest ® Pale Ale and
plenty of good food. You may choose to come
for the dog wash but you will stay for the fun. A
million thanks to the great staff at Lucky Lab for
helping make this annual event such a success!
Music Schedule
11:00AM to 1:00PM —A Good Spankin’
1:00PM to 3:00PM —Back Porch Revival
3:00PM to 5:00PM —Rosa’s Buds
dovelewisdogtoberfest.com
4 dovelewis.org FALL 2008
Coming in 2009
The perfect opportunity to meet our Pinot and
Pooch dog sketch/paint artists and fabulous
sponsors. Reserve your space at this kick off for
the main event October 4 & 5.
October
Pinot & Pooch—Oct 4 & 5
Urban Wineworks
407 NW 16th, Portland
12:00PM—6:00PM
Urban Wineworks and DoveLewis are teaming
up for the 3rd annual Pinot and Pooch! Whether
you’re a wine lover or a dog lover (or both!) we
invite you to join us for an afternoon of creative dog sketches, delicious wine, raffles, and
entertainment. Sip Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris from
Bishop Creek Cellars while sketch artists draw
your beloved pooch. Sketches are free with a
minimum purchase of three bottles. Sketches
take about 20 minutes. You must sign up. Call
503.226.9797 to make a sketch appointment.
DoveLewis will receive 5% of all bottle sales.
urbanwineworks.com
Dignified Pet Services—in partnership with
the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program, is
honored to present this evening of love, healing
and family. Together, surrounded by others who
understand this bond, we will light candles in
memory of those who are no longer here.
This event is free. No RSVP required.
SAVE THE DATE—Dec 13
Michael Allen Harrison
Benefit Concert
The Old Church—1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland
Visit dovelewis.org for more information.
21
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Friends Forever: Bring
a friend to a DoveLewis
event. Challenge them
to match your donation.
Come see the hippest hounds and humans
around on the runway at Portland’s premier
fashion event! Boutiques Unleashed offers a
fun and sometimes hilarious look at the
latest styles from local boutiques for people
and pets. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres & cocktails,
bid on items in our silent auction, browse the
shopping pavilion, and mingle with some of
Portland’s stylin’–est dogs and people. All
proceeds to benefit the DoveLewis Pet Loss
Support Program.
boutiquesunleashed.com
Whole Foods Market 5% Day
Pearl Store Only—Mar 24
We are delighted that Whole Foods again
chose DoveLewis to benefit from one of its
community support days. Five percent of the
store’s net sales on
Tuesday, March
24 will go to
the DoveLewis
unrestricted fund.
Make a long list,
and visit the
store at 1210 NW
Couch Street!
The store is open from 8:00AM to 10:00 PM, and
parking is plentiful. Back in September of
2007, the Pearl District Whole Foods donated
almost $4,000 to DoveLewis from its five percent day fundraiser.
DoveLewis
Community Workshops
Memorial Art Workshop
Second Sunday of every month:
1:00PM —2:00PM Families Welcome
3:00PM —4:30PM Adults (16 and over)
Please bring photocopies of a variety
of photos of your pet to incorporate
into these memorial art projects. Visit
dovelewis.org for information on each
month’s project.
The teen and adult workshops will also
include an opportunity to create a piece
of fused glass jewelry or pocket stone as
a permanent remembrance using a small
amount of your pet’s cremated remains in
the design.
Understanding Your Dog
(Now offered quarterly)
Animals speak to us. We’ll teach you how
to understand what he or she is saying!
Does a dog yawn really mean he’s tired?
What does it mean when he won’t look
you in the eye? Get the answers to these
questions and more. Guests must be at
least 12 year old to attend. Pets welcome
in spirit only—thank you!
Visit dovelewis.org for upcoming dates.
Pet First Aid Training
Learn the basics of pet first aid so you’ll
always be prepared in an emergency.
Taught by experienced, knowledgeable
DoveLewis staff.
Tuesday, September 23, 6:30PM —8:30PM
Tuesday, November 18, 6:30PM —8:30PM
More Pet First Aid workshops to come
—keep checking dovelewis.org!
How to Sign Up for a Workshop
All DoveLewis community workshops are
FREE. You must RSVP using our online
GiftShop. Visit dovelewis.org/giftShop
and click into the events section. You
will not be charged when you register
for a workshop through the GiftShop.
Donations are appreciated. Pets welcome
in spirit only. Thank you!
dovelewis.org FALL 2008 5
Jake’s Healing Visits
Nine–year–old Chloe Watts has a brain tumor.
She’s spent too much of her young life in and
out of Emanuel Children’s Hospital. Chloe
and her mother, Dana are extreme dog lovers. When they heard that dogs made visits
to hospital patients through the DoveLewis
Animal Assisted Therapy & Education program, they asked right away to be on the list.
Patty Brandt and Jake walked into Chloe’s
room not long after her first surgery.
“Chloe was so lethargic and unable to do pretty
much anything,” says her mom’s fiancé, Ron
Horton. “When Jake came in it was an instant
boost of adrenaline. The smile came out. A
hand went out.”
RIGHT:
Therapy dog, Jake, visits
Chloe Watts at Emanuel
Children’s Hospital.
Providence Child Center Praises DLAATE Program
August 12, 2008
Lori Warner–McGee
1945 NW Pettygrove
Portland, OR 97209
Dear Ms. Warner–McGee:
I am delighted to submit a letter to you
regarding my experience with the Dove–
Lewis Animal Assisted Therapy and
Education Program. This partnership is
relatively new but has proven to be a wonderful collaboration and is creating enriching opportunities for children
who need and deserve them.
We have seen incredible interactions
between the children, at all their developmental skill–levels, and the animal
assisted therapy volunteers and their
dogs. Children who respond to very
little become wide–eyed and alert when
the dogs are present. Children who
are learning to communicate through
speech pathologists and communication
equipment stretch themselves in order
to interact with the dogs and therapy
volunteers. What we know is that there
have been wonderful reactions in children who may
not normally display them.
In our world, this is considered a huge success.
Children who
respond to very
little become
wide–eyed and
alert when the
dogs are present.
The Center for Medically
Fragile Children is the only
pediatric facility in the
Northwest to offer skilled
nursing care 24 hours a day
for children and young people
ages infancy to twenty–one.
Fifty–eight beds are available for those children requiring long–term or respite care
for complicated medical conditions and
profound disabilities. At the Center we
seek to provide not only medical care and
therapies, but also Recreational programming that will enrich the lives of the children and allow them to reach the height of
their potential. For some children that may
be the use of communication and physical
support equipment that creates a degree
of a normalcy in their lives, but for others,
that potential may be reached if we can
get them to open their eyes for periods of
time during the day.
6 dovelewis.org FALL 2008
The patience of the animal
assisted therapists and
their dogs as they get to
know the children and
staff is heart–warming
and deeply appreciated,
as is the professional, on–
going support of the DoveLewis staff,
in particular Heather Toland, as we
have implemented this new program.
I whole–heartedly endorse this program
and its benefits, and am happy to answer
any questions you may have. Please feel
free to contact me at 503.215.2470.
Many thanks for your time.
Jody Wright
Volunteer Coordinator
Providence Child Center
Jake got on the bed with Chloe. The little girl
was so tired, so weak, but she brightened
when Patty said she could brush Jake. Chloe
forced herself to sit up, asked for the brush,
and put all her effort into brushing Jake.
Doctors placed Chloe under ‘no contact’ regulations. Jake could keep visiting her room, but
no touching allowed. The chief oncologist
questioned the regulations. Chloe didn’t hesitate to ask if that meant she could pet Jake.
The doctor said, “Yes,” and Chloe gave Jake
the sign. He was on her bed before anyone
knew it. Smiles all around. “It was like old
friends week,” says Ron.
If you’d like to get involved
in the DLAATE program,
contact program director
Heather Toland at
971.255.5910
or htoland@
dovelewis.org.
DLAATE Teams
Go To Prison
DoveLewis is proud to have twelve DLAATE
teams in prison. They work with people from
Pathfinders of Oregon, Inc., a non–profit organization which helps inmates improve and hone
their parenting skills.
Imagine prison inmates carrying teddy bears
and other stuffed animals around with them
wherever they go, whatever they’re doing. That’s
part of the Pathfinder ‘Parenting Inside Out’ program. Inmates with children on the outside care
for stuffed animals as they serve their sentences.
After they graduate from the Pathfinder program,
the inmates give the stuffed animals to their
children in a special ceremony.
Once a quarter inmates who are in the program
or who have graduated from it are allowed an
evening with their children and the children’s
caretakers. These evenings are the only opportunities inmates have to visit without having to
stay in their chairs the whole time.
DLAATE teams were originally included so
the children could read to a therapy animal.
But after just one event, it was apparent that
the animals were working magic for the entire
room. Inmate fathers or mothers bring their
children over to meet and pet the dog, an opportunity for them to demonstrate compassion and
nurturing skills. Many inmates say they have
not touched a dog since they went to prison,
and they were unsure it was ok to pet. Soon all
those worries fade: the animals lure them in for
pets and treats. The children learn how to safely
approach and interact with the dogs via their
father’s or mother’s modeling and the deft, informal instructions of the handlers. The children
enjoy petting and brushing and giving treats.
The dogs enjoy the attention!
Therapy teams go through a lot before they’re
allowed to visit the prisons. All handlers submit to a criminal background check. The rules
pertaining to dress, acceptable items to bring
in and “rules of engagement,” like not having
identification on either the handler or animal,
are very specific. Handlers and animals must
pass through a metal detector. Ever–present
corrections officers guide the teams through
every step of the process to make sure they
follow the rules, and get in and out safely.
ABOVE: DoveLewis volunteers Linda
Hamilton (L) and Annmarie Bruning gratefully accept an award to DoveLewis from
the Oregon Department of Corrections and
the Pathfinder Program. The award honors
volunteers like Linda and Annmarie for their
work with incarcerated parents and their
families. Linda and her dog, Loki, along with
Annmarie and her dog, Chandra are part of
the Pathfinder program. Inmates at Coffee
Creek Correctional Facility voted to give this
award to DoveLewis.
The sessions are incredibly popular. One
evening saw about 75 children with their caretakers, plus 30 inmates. Prison staff are also
encouraged to get involved. With the number
of activities, sites and sounds going on around
the teams, handlers and their therapy animals must be ‘on’ for several hours.
As you might imagine, they’re
quite tired after a visit.
leaving and we were in the locker area, I
looked back and saw individual inmates being
scanned for contraband as they left the cafeteria. Their demeanor and mood had completely
shifted from what we’d experienced with
them. The reality of their penance and isolation really hit me then. “
One of the handlers noted:
”There are comments and
moments that will forever
be frozen in my memory.
The inmates were so polite.
I caught something that
I don’t think the rest of
our group saw. As we were
The DLAATE prison program shifts dark
moods to bright ones, making people feel good
about themselves regardless of who they are
or what they do. Another wonderful example
of the boundless, accepting nature of these
incredible therapy animals and their humans.
DLAATE volunteer Linda Hamilton
contributed to this article.
DLAATE
Works Magic!
A tribute to the hard–working volunteer animals and people of
the DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy & Education Program
dovelewis.org FALL 2008 7
DoveLewis & Audubon
Society Doctors Fight to
Save Bald Eagle
Wolf to Woof
The Story of Dogs
DoveLewis treats hundreds of injured stray
and wild animals every year. We are thankful to the good samaritans who bring us these
frightened animals, and to the donors who
make it possible for us to give them the stabilizing care they need.
ABOVE: Pieces of metal removed
from the eagle’s stomach
RIGHT: Audubon Society veterinarian Dr. Molly McAllister
and DoveLewis internal medicine
specialist Dr. Sara Naidoo with the
eagle.
We are also grateful for our partnership with
the Audubon Society, which often helps us
treat wild animals and makes sure they get
safely back to their habitat once they’re healed.
The DoveLewis/Audubon Society partnership
kicked in to high gear recently for a bald eagle.
The eagle came to The Audubon Society
with toxic levels of lead in its system. X–rays
showed numerous lead fragments in this bird’s
stomach. Birds of prey and waterfowl often eat
lead shot when they consume birds who have
been shot, or when they eat through the mud
in rivers and lakes.
The Audubon Society turned to DoveLewis
for help with this impressive bird. Dr. Alicia
Faggella, DoveLewis’ director of critical care,
Some Flea Treatments
Can Harm Your Cat
Fleas can quickly become a big problem for
pets and owners. Fleas which bite our cats and
dogs can cause them to scratch, lose their hair,
and suffer gastrointestinal parasites. Fleas can
also infest our homes.
There are a number of products on the market to control flea infestation. However, not
all of them are the same. DoveLewis ICU
veterinarian Kathy Keenan points out flea
offered the use of DoveLewis’ endoscope
to help the eagle. An endoscope is a long,
flexible cable with a camera and a light on
one end. The endoscope also has a ‘grabber’ on the camera end. The bald eagle was
anesthetized and the endoscope cable passed
down his throat. DoveLewis Internal Medicine
Specialist Dr. Sarah Naidoo saw the metal fragments very clearly, and removed all 5 particles.
The eagle returned to The Audubon Society
and seemed to improve after the procedure.
Unfortunately, he could not hold down any food,
and he died two days later. We are deeply saddened by the loss of this magnificent animal.
We salute the efforts of Dr. Molly McAllister
and the staff at the Audubon Society, and were
honored to have been asked to help. For more
information about bald eagles and other wild
animals, visit the Audubon Society web page
at audubonportland.org.
products are designed specifically for dogs
or cats. “Treating a cat with a flea product
designed for dogs can have severe consequences,” says Dr. Keenan.
to remove as much of the product as possible
to stop ongoing ingestion. Additionally, many
of these cats require antiseizure and muscle
relaxant medication to address ongoing clinical signs. Often treatment includes hospitalization for 24–72 hours.”
Flea products intended for dogs may contain
the ingredient pyrethrin. “Pyrethrin effectively
kills fleas and other parasites by disrupting
chemical communication within the flea’s nervous system. That causes paralysis and death,”
says Dr. Keenan. “However, pyrethrin is toxic
to cats. Cats treated with flea medication containing pyrethrin can suffer the same neurological consequences as the
fleas.” Flea medications are
designed to be topical. Cats
are natural groomers and
can suffer intoxication from
ingestion secondary to licking the medication off their
skin. In addition absorption
through the skin alone can
result in intoxication.
Clinical signs of pyrethrin
toxicity include hyper–
excitability, twitching and
seizures. “Treatment is multifold,” says Dr. Keenan, “and
includes washing the pet
8 dovelewis.org FALL 2008
There are over–the–counter anti flea medications advertised for cats that do contain
pyrethrin. Before treating your pet with
any medication, be sure to get advice from
your veterinarian.
World Forestry Center (WFC), located in
Portland’s Washington Park, will host an
exciting and educational exhibit called Wolf
to Woof: The Story of Dogs from September
28—January 4, 2009 in their Discovery
Museum. Today, dogs enhance the lives of
millions in countless ways, but they are also
some of our oldest friends. But why have
humans formed such close relationships
with dogs, and not cows or chickens? Wolf
to Woof: The Story of Dogs sniffs out the
facts on dogs and explores what makes the
human/dog relationship unique.
World Forestry Center and
DoveLewis are teaming up to
celebrate this incredible bond.
• Blood Donor Toy Drive for the
month of November.
WFC will accept new, large dog toys for
DoveLewis’ canine blood donors. Each
toy donor will have the opportunity to
enter into a weekly raffle to win prizes.
• DoveLewis Day, Saturday, November 15
from 10:00AM —4:00 PM.
DOVELEWIS
2009 CALENDARS
ARE COMING!
Our friends at Graphic Information
Systems, Inc., helped us run a photo
contest this summer. You submitted
some mighty cute shots of your pets,
and now we have the winners on our
2009 calendar! Visit dovelewis.org
soon to buy your very own copy;
100% of sales supports DoveLewis.
Participate in DoveLewis community
workshops, led by our experts in pet
first aid, memorial art and dog behavior.
Safety vs. Freedom
As soon as she unclipped the leash there
was a subconscious nagging in the back of
her head: perhaps she was taking a risk. But
the park was big. She and her dog were far
from the bordering streets. Nothing would
happen. Roscoe loved to run free. He’ d
come back to her when she called.
Loss Support program, Enid helps hundreds
of people every year navigate the unbearable death of a companion animal. In cases of
accidents that involved decisions made by the
owner him or herself, the accompanying guilt
is as powerful as the grief
at the loss.
“Our guilt is intensified
by the profound sense
of responsibility we feel
Why the squirrel chose to run across the
toward our pets,” says
busy street instead of up one of the many
Traisman. “We can not
trees inside the park was beyond her.
expect our pets to underThe car hit Roscoe full on.
stand why they shouldn’t
run into the street, or eat
He died on the way to the emergency room.
something that will harm
Her grief was debilitating; her guilt paralyzing. them. We are their guardians and protectors so if
She should have known better, that nagging
there’s an accident, we
voice told her.
see ourselves as responsible for ‘that’ too. Don’t
Why did she unclip that leash?
let guilt keep you locked
in a lifetime of misery,”
hat scenario has unfortunately become
she advises. “Choose to
reality for too many pet owners. They walk
understand what led up
a very thin line between allowing their
to your choices, learn from
beloved friends to enjoy some craved freedom
your actions and work
and protecting them from a long list of ‘what
towards forgiving yourself
ifs.’ Cats who roam free in the yard can jump
so that you can move forfences. Dogs released from the confines of their
ward, heal and love again.”
leashes can run into traffic.
Traisman, who runs five free pet loss support
Owners whose pets suffer the consequences
groups every month at DoveLewis, offers tips
are left not only without their cherished friends, for pet owners who walk that line between
but also with a heavy dose of guilt, remorse,
safety and freedom for their pets:
and self–loathing.
“It is a personal dilemma for each of us as pet
DoveLewis grief counselor, Enid Traisman,
guardians to balance the freedom vs. safety
MSW, has listened to many stories of heartissue. As the grief counselor who hears the
breaking loss. As director of DoveLewis’ Pet
anguish of the people who erred on the side of
T
freedom which resulted in tragic death, I
ache for them knowing how much they
loved and cherished their pets and were
only wanting their pets to be fully happy.
As the guardian of two active dogs I also
understand that running off leash at the
park makes my dogs
happier than anything, but is it worth
it?” asks Traisman.
“It seems worth it
unless (until) the
unthinkable actually
happens.” Traisman
encourages people to
search for balance in
their activities with
their pets.
“Choose the park that
has an enclosed dog
area. If you believe
that cats are happy
only if they can go
outside, build an
enclosure to keep
them safe from cars
and dogs. It is worth
it to be creative
to find that balance, that sweet spot.”
Traisman reassures people that they make
the best choices they can for their pets
based on the information they have in front
of them.
“The risks are weighed and choices are
made,” she says. “I don’t believe any of us
who are animal lovers would purposely
put our beloved pets in harm’s way.”
dovelewis.org FALL 2008 9
I Have a DoveLewis Story
Chance Houck did not work out as a show dog
or a herding dog. The Border Collie ended up
spending most of his time in a cage. Soiled
and unhealthy, Chance was rescued and aptly
named by Duane and Sue Houck of Gresham.
Dr. Craig Vance of Alpine Veterinary Hospital
did his best for Chance, and told the Houcks to
get to DoveLewis.
Chance’s new family tackled his poor health,
shyness and skinny physique with regular
medical care, love,
obedience classes,
and good food. It
wasn’t long before
Chance flourished
and, like a lot of NW
dogs, he took a liking
to hiking.
“I was grateful that the Houcks were so committed to Chance and that we were given the
opportunity to try to
save him, and also
concerned that we
be realistic about his
chances for a good
quality of life afterward.” Dr. Magee
had seen a dog with
similar injuries to
Chance’s, and the
dog didn’t make it.
The surgery was
long, the risk of
continued infection
was high. Dr. Magee
removed two feet of
intestine. No one gave
up on Chance.
Duane Houck remembers the family river
trip down the White
Salmon in June of 2008.
Chance went along, of
course, and after the
family pulled up on the
bank, Chance wandered off to play with
another dog.
By the time they got to Portland, DoveLewis
surgeon Ashley Magee was ready for Chance.
Amazingly, the day
after surgery, Chance
No Chance.
was standing, ready.
Blood transfusions
T he fa m i ly went
Above: Chance is ready for his next challenge
from the DoveLewis
searching and found
—hopefully not involving a hospital visit!
animal blood bank
the other dog, barking
were just part of his
at the top of a cliff.
intense treatment. Duane Houck remembers
Chance was down the side.
Chance “bouncing around the ICU.” Dr. Magee
“He tried to stand up,” recalls Duane, “but (he)
is delighted about Chance’s recovery. “It’s
couldn’t so we attached a rope to him and
an incredibly great feeling to know we saved
pulled him down the hill so we could get to him
him and that his quality of life is good! Many
and get him out. I thought he broke his leg.”
patients that have this type of injury die before
ever
making it to the operating table and some
But Chance’s injuries were much worse. During
do
not
make it out of the hospital due to the
his fall, Chance had somehow caught himself
myriad
of complications that can develop.”
on a branch or something sharp. His abdomen
It got late.
ripped open exposing his intestines, everything.
In pulling him down the hill, dirt, leaves, and
debris contaminated Chance’s insides.
Three veterinarians happened to be on the
river that day. They did what they could to
wrap Chance up, gave him an IV, and told
the Houcks to get to the nearest veterinarian in Bingen, Washington. The drive was
excruciating for everyone: “He was just about
dead…we thought we lost him a couple of
times,” remembers Duane.
Today, Chance Houck is back on the trails,
walking about a half mile every day. Duane
cooks Chance’s high protein meals himself,
grateful for his friend. “Mentally he’s about the
same pup as ever,” says Duane, “but he does
realize something really bad happened to him.”
The entire family is grateful to the doctors
on the river, to Dr. Vance in Bingen, and to
DoveLewis for saving Chance. “I had no idea
how bad it was, you all do great work.”
16
#
Owner,
Executive Director
Services
Ron Morgan
Be Wheelie Generous:
Donate your car
to DoveLewis.
We are so grateful to everyone who’s
donated their car to DoveLewis
Emergency Animal Hospital. We
have a terrific new partnership with
Northwest Charity Donation service;
they make the process so easy!
Go to their website:
www.nwcds.com
to donate online, or call them
toll–free at 1.800.961.6119.
If you have any trouble with
the process, please contact
Abby Crouch at 971.255.5918
or acrouch@dovelewis.org.
LEFT: Aran Loftus (L)
and Nicole Vasilevsky (R)
Free Planned
Giving Seminar
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
DoveLewis Community Room
1945 NW Pettygrove; 2nd floor
We’ll talk about how best to protect and
care for your pets if you become incapacitated, or if they outlive you. Methods
for providing immediate and long–term
care for your pets will be discussed. We
will also cover pet trusts, what they are
and how to create one. We’ll also look at
related estate planning concepts to provide for your pets after your death, without
unduly burdening your friends or family.
Enjoy refreshments and tours of the
hospital after the seminar.
There is no charge for the seminar, but
seating is limited so please register
through our gift shop so we may plan
accordingly. Visit dovelewis.org/giftShop
to sign up!
10
#
Volunteer Spotlight
The success of DoveLewis would not be possible without the incredible support we get from
Portland’s animal–loving community. An invaluable and crucial part of that support comes from
volunteers. These wonderful friends regularly
show their love for Dove by spending their free
time working in our offices and in the community at events and fundraisers. Any amount
of time volunteered by an animal or human at
DoveLewis does not go unnoticed.
Aran Loftus and Nicole Vasilevsky are two
of DoveLewis’ most reliable volunteers. They
came to us back in 2004, looking for ways
to get involved and help out in the community. Nicole she felt drawn to volunteer at
DoveLewis when she noticed how incredibly
organized and popular the volunteer program
was. The successful program’s structure
makes it easy to schedule time to volunteer at
events. Being an animal lover herself (she and
Aran share their home with Sapphire, a grey
cat), Nicole enjoys the fact that she can help all
kinds of animals in the community.
Dignified Pet
Steven Skinner,
DVM
Doug Gribskov, DVM
Oregon Veterinary
Aloha Dog & Cat
Specialty Clinic
Hospital
David Symes
Attorney
Scott Asphaug
Donate Your Car,
Truck, Boat or RV
to DoveLewis
Michael Remsing
President
Secretary
Leave a Legacy: Put
DoveLewis in your will.
10 dovelewis.org FALL 2008
Board of
Directors
Perkins Coie
Asst. U.S. Attorney
Barbara Wegner
United States
Providence Health
Attorney’s Office
Systems, Retired
PVMA
Ambassador
Board
Representative
Craig Quirk, DVM
Rose City
Chair
Veterinary Hospital
Catherine Brinkman
Board Personnel
Vice Chair
Michael Andrew,
Stephanie Fuhrman
DVM
Town & Country
Animal Hospital
Bob Bruno, DVM
Moreland Veterinary
Hospital
Secretary
Gina Delahunt
Fundraising Chair
Kristin Snyder
Board Personnel
Chris Holenstein, DVM
Gresham
Animal Hospital
Gretchen Alley
Byron Beck
Ellyn Bye
Timothy Munjar, DVM, Maia Chase
DACVS,
Adina Flynn
Since their start in 2004, Aran and Nicole have
volunteered at almost all DoveLewis community events including the Wet Nose Soirée®,
dog washes, Tats for Cats, and Pet Aid. What’s
kept this couple coming back to volunteer for
DoveLewis month after month over the past
4 ½ years? Says Nicole, “We like the people we
meet volunteering, we love the organization
and working for the cause!”
Surgeon
Katey Hummel
Veterinary Referral
Alfie Linn–Ortiz
Center of Portland
Dennis Moffit
Thank you Aran & Nicole!
Planning Resources
Mark Norman, DVM
Bethany Family
Pet Clinic
Larry Peetz, DVM
Jack Pessia
Tom Puhl
Carl Rice
Deborah Sather
Miles Ueoka
Corporation
dovelewis.org FALL 2008 11