St. Hubert`s Welcomes First Group of Rescue Waggin`® Passengers
Transcription
St. Hubert`s Welcomes First Group of Rescue Waggin`® Passengers
HumaneNews T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F S T . H U B E R T ’ S A N I M A L W E L FA R E Volume 29 Number 1 C E N T E R Spring 2011 Displaced Feline Family Finds Refuge at St. Hubert’s St. Hubert’s Welcomes First Group of Rescue Waggin’® Passengers Like shelters throughout New Jersey, St. Hubert’s shelter population of cats is rarely low enough that we can accept groups of cats from outside the areas which contract us to provide for them. Still, we try to help whenever it’s possible. Luckily for 17 cats and kittens from Sussex County, we were able to do just that in midJanuary when we received a desperate plea for assistance.The cats were well fed and had shelter available but their guardian had neglected to spay and neuter and so the population burgeoned to a The animals come to St. Hubert’s in ones, in twos, and in wagon-fulls! They come to us from streets and alleys, from folks on hard times and from local area shelters. They come from far away, in greater numbers via organized transports. And thanks to our generous supporters, we are able to open our arms wide. Tuesday. January 18. The day was dreary and cold with a steady, freezing rain. The kind of day most people like to stay home under a quilt with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. But this is St. Hubert’s, and even the weather couldn’t dampen our excitement, which grew all morning long. That was the day that the Rescue Waggin’ vehicle was making its first, long-awaited trip to us, and staff were busy preparing to welcome 19 dogs and puppies who were number greater than could be cared for and was growing: two of the adults were expecting kittens yet again. When moving became a necessity she had to face the fact that it would be impossible to bring her large feline family along, but to her credit she sought placement for them rather than leave them to fend for themselves. Phil Amato, on board, heading from an overburdened shelter in West Virginia to new beginnings in New Jersey. Word from the road was that, despite the weather, the truck, fully outfitted to provide a safe and comfortable transport for its occupants—including lullabies piped in to comfort them— was on schedule, due to arrive between 2 and 2:30 PM. Finally, they were here! The Rescue Waggin’ vehicle backed into our courtyard. “This never gets old for us,” said St. Hubert’s Director of Shelter Operations Colleen Harrington. “It’s so rewarding yet so emotion evoking when we take in a group of animals like this because we know what their fate might have been at their source shelters where there are just too many of them and not enough adopters.” Rescue Waggin’, an organized transport program for approved sending and receiving shelters, is a program from PetsMart Charities®, (see Waggin’, pg. 2) (see Displaced, pg. 2) In This Issue: President’s Message . . . . . . . . . page 3 Volunteer Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . page 4 On Best Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . page 5 Ms. Meow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 Paws for News . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . page 8 1 Waggin’ (cont. from pg. 1) St. Hubert’s Humane News Established 1939 P.O. Box 159 575 Woodland Avenue Madison, NJ 07940-0159 Heather J. Cammisa, President/CEO Nora J. Parker, Executive Vice President Meg M. Struble, Vice President of Operations Erika Mathews, Vice President of Development Board Of Trustees Diane D. Rau, Chair Jeffrey Vernimb, Vice-Chair Heather Cammisa, President/CEO Karen O’Connell, Secretary Barbara Day, DVM Patrick Lonergan Steve Nisberg Kim Saunders Theodore Shepard Mary Storella Trustees Emeritus James M. Brown Barbara Ridder Irwin Administrative Offices (973) 377-7094 Fax: (973) 377-5012 Animal Welfare Services Madison Shelter (973) 377-2295 575 Woodland Ave., Madison North Branch Shelter (908) 526-3330 3201 Route 22 East, North Branch Dog Training School (973) 377-0116 And then, during the December holiwhich not only moves dogs from shelters in days— in fact the night of our Tree of Love areas with poor adoption potential to shelceremony—another long-term hoarding case ters with high adoption rates, but also was resolved when a man finally agreed to invests in the source communities, providing surrender nearly 100 dogs to authorities in assistance and programs that target the root Mississippi. As an Emergency Services of the problem, which is most often lack of Placement Partner with spay/neuter messaging and availHSUS, we answered their ability. St. Hubert’s is call asking for help in proud to be one of only sheltering them and findsixteen organizations in ing them loving, permathe country approved to nent homes. We were be a receiving shelter and happy that we had space we have committed to at the time. Our good welcome dogs monthly. friends at Monmouth While the Rescue County SPCA were also Waggin’ vehicle made its helping and, since this first visit to us shortly after transport would arrive the New Year began, it at night, we all agreed wasn’t the only special that “their” dogs should transport coming into St. President Heather Cammisa welcomes a sleep over with us and Hubert’s during the holiRescue Waggin’ ® passenger to St. Hubert’s. make the second leg of the days. Just before journey in the morning. On December 16, Thanksgiving, we welcomed 34 dogs just after 9 PM, the van pulled into our dubbed “the Pilgrim pets,” named for pascourtyard—on the very evening of our annusengers on the Mayflower. Officials in Boone al Tree of Love reception! The spirit in which County, West Virginia had taken custody of our tree is lighted each year was palpable, as more than 80 dogs surrendered after a long each of the dogs was unloaded and shown investigation into a terrible hoarding case. to his or her very own cozy bed, complete There simply wasn’t enough shelter space in with a toy! Tired, but happy to meet the crew the area to house them all. Amazingly who would be caring for their precious friendly, the group was suffering from skin cargo, the drivers joined us for coffee and ailments and other minor medical issues due cookies and then headed back toward home, to the stress and unsanitary conditions they their mission accomplished. And, at St. Hubert’s, we know that our collaboration with others who share our mission continues to ensure that the “happily ever afters” keep on happening in our shelters. Doggy Day Camp Displaced (cont. from pg. 1) (973) 377-4524 Fund Development (973) 377-4962 Humane Education (973) 377-8877 Membership Services (973) 377-4972 Staffers Emily Walker and Kim Kancylzrz offer hugs and kisses to the youngest travelers. Paws For People (Pet therapy) (973) 377-5609 Pet Loss Support Group (973) 377-7094 Vehicle Donations (800) 899-2507 Volunteer Office (973) 514-5920 Visit us at www.StHuberts.org Our Mission: St. Hubert’s Giralda is dedicated to the humane treatment of companion animals. The organization believes in and provides services that support the human-animal bond and seeks to foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures. Layout: Jeff Schulz / Menagerie Co. Copyright © 2011 St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center 2 had been kept in, but were in otherwise good health. Colleen Harrington coordinated with the Sheriff’s department and volunteers on the ground in West Virginia, and we were glad to be able to help in this emergency situation. Our colleagues at Noah’s Ark and Jersey Shore Animal Center also took several dogs to each of their facilities. CBS’ Magee Hickey visited us again, and our new temporary residents were featured on the 6 o’clock news during the Thanksgiving weekend which was an amazing opportunity to promote shelter animals across the region. Good food, baths, some medicine and a healthy dose of TLC were all they needed and they were soon off to new forever homes in New Jersey. Investigator, New Jersey SPCA, was assisting her in finding a safe haven where the friendly cats could be spayed/neutered and offered for adoption. He called St. Hubert’s to see whether we had any room at all and we felt that we could accommodate this group—time was running out and they still had nowhere to go. Their grateful guardian came in and surrendered seven kittens and ten adults, and we promised to provide good care and plenty of TLC until forever homes could be found for them. Once at St. Hubert’s the cats and kittens received vaccinations and were dewormed and each was spayed or neutered so that we never need worry about any of this group contributing to feline overpopulation. Caretakers who are providing food and shelter for cats in need can increase the impact of their kindness immeasurably by preventing litters for whom there simply aren’t enough available homes. Call St. Hubert’s for information on lowcost spay/neuter or contact SPAY NEW JERSEY at www.SPAYNJ.org or call 1-877-SPAYNJ1 for a complete listing of services available in your area. Spring has finally sprung. And, celebrate as we may after an intense winter of cold and snow, we are greeted by different harbingers of Spring than most. Budding trees, long days & crocuses combine with laundry baskets, storage tubs and cardboard boxes full of homeless kittens coming in our doors. That’s why we started 2011 by analyzing our data and targeting communities from which we receive the most kittens. As I write, we are in those communities offering low-cost spay and neuter vouchers. We want to prevent homelessness, not just respond to it. We love kittens and we work tirelessly to care for them and adopt them to loving homes. The reality is that there are too many born across New Jersey. People ask me, “How can I help?” While I enjoy asking anyone who cares about animals (or anyone, really) to support our work, I know that many of you may not be comfortable asking directly. That’s why we’ve created a new guide to help you reach out to people in your lives and/or run your own fundraiser or event for St. Hubert’s. I’m doing the first item in the guide. I created a fundraising web page at www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/heathercammisa for my upcoming milestone birthday. My goal is to raise $1,000 from friends and family who are not current supporters of St. Hubert’s, although everyone is invited to help me celebrate. The money will enable us to offer 40 low-cost spay & neuter vouchers to caring people feeding feral cats on their property. I can’t think of a better way of inviting friends to help me celebrate turning 40 than to prevent hundreds of homeless animals and to provide spay/neuter and vaccinations for 40 community cats. Setting up the page was easy and it is fun to share (as a teaser, there is a photo of me— age 4—asleep with my childhood pal,“Snowflake”). Then—and easier than exposing my age— I signed up for the new St. Hubert’s credit card. For ideas on how to raise funds to help St. Hubert’s visit StHuberts.org/FundraisingGuide ROB WILSON President’s Message Every dollar I spend on gas and groceries delivers 2% back to helping animals and continuing St. Hubert’s mission. As a vegan, my health food bills are high. I drive a lot, too. This is truly a free way for me to donate $20 to St. Hubert’s every month. And the credit card itself has photos of animals that were adopted from St. Hubert’s this past year and is an easy way to strike up a conversation about adopting a shelter pet or becoming a supporter. Please join me in trying some new ways to bring friends, family, neighbors and coworkers to our St. Hubert’s family. The animals we save together—through prevention or placement inspire action. Details on the fundraising guide and the credit card program are in this issue of the newsletter along with updates and information that will make you proud of the work we’re doing together. Here’s wishing you all may enjoy this newsletter outside on a sunny day. Warmly, Heather Support Shelter Animals Effortlessly We are proud to announce the introduction of the St. Hubert’s Visa Platinum credit card. Featuring photos of pets adopted from our shelters the card enables holders to donate regularly without incurring any direct cost! Simply use your card for everyday purchases and, in addition to a $50 donation after your first purchase, rewards of 2% for gas and groceries, 1% for most other items and up to 10% of purchases at select merchants will be sent directly to St. Hubert’s! Continuously supporting the dogs and cats in our shelters is as simple as applying today at www.CardLabConnect.com/StHubertsAnimalWelfare 3 Capital Campaign Corner Volunteer Spotlight Volunteer Christine Lincoln’s love for dogs, perpetual energy and willingness to help with anything makes her a welcome presence here at St. Hubert’s. Despite a full-time work schedule elsewhere, Christine can be found in the shelter every Monday morning helping to clean the kennels. Donning pink gloves and a huge smile, she washes the dishes, wipes down beds, scoops the poop and scrubs the kennels. This would tire most volunteers, but after making sure the kennels are clean and warm for the dogs, Christine then takes some of them out for walks. Still wanting to do more and interested in dog training, prepared by the staff in the Pet Pantry. You later relieve yourself in your own outdoor space attached to your run, and you snuggle down for the night—fed, less itchy, no doubt exhausted from the whole ordeal— into fresh, soft bedding made ready by the staff and volunteers in the Save a Pet Launderette. St. Hubert’s next fundraising target is $1 million to complete medical and treatment areas, lost and found, indoor puppy play areas, food pantry, laundry and more. To request information on how you can be a part of this exciting venture: the NEW St. Hubert’s, please call Erika Mathews at 973-377-7094 ext. 228 or email emathews@sthuberts.org JEFF SCHULZ Imagine you’re a hungry, scared dog pulled from a hoarding situation. You arrive at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, received by open arms that carry you to an examination room. You are diagnosed with mange and intestinal parasites. Skillful, loving hands check you over thoroughly so your needs may be immediately addressed. Next you are taken to the treatment and bathing room for your special bath to remove the dirt and grime and soothe your itchy red skin, medication so the parasites stop depleting you and you receive necessary vaccinations. Finally you find yourself in a warm, clean, cozy dog run with 100% fresh air in the shelter’s Mutts on the Mend ward. You eat dinner carefully and efficiently Christine volunteered to take Edith— a super sweet special needs pit bull who is deaf—to Basic Obedience classes on Monday afternoons. She enjoys this experience so much that she also started taking another one of our dogs for adoption, Moses, to class on Monday nights. All this on one of her few days off from her job! When she’s not at the shelter, Christine continues to help by fostering some of our longer-term dog guests for a night or a weekend. Christine is one of a handful of volunteers who pick up a dog after work, take them home to spend time in a quiet environment in a real household and bring them back the next day in time for adoptions. Giving the dogs a break from the shelter, helping them with their manners and providing socialization optimizes their chances for adoption. Pictured below are Christine and her foster buddy Moses, a 3-year-old lab mix who has been at St. Hubert’s since Thanksgiving. Day Camp for children who love animals • One week sessions • 9am–2pm • Grades 2–6 • Meet live animals • Age appropriate sessions Through exciting and educational play-designed activities, creative arts & crafts and fun outdoor games, campers will learn to understand, enjoy and value the relationship between people and companion animals. Call 973-377-8877 ext. 234 for more information 4 On Best Behavior By Pia Silvani, CPDT-KA Director of Training and Behavior Superior Seniors Enhancing Canine Brain Power All dogs age at different rates, depending on factors such as breed, environment, size and much more. In general, most research considers canines to be seniors starting at age seven and geriatrics at age ten. However, with increasing knowledge about the aging process of dogs, quality of life can be enhanced with a good diet, good veterinary care and a mentally stimulated lifestyle. At St. Hubert’s we consider all dogs eight years and up (cats ten and up) to be members of our Red Collar Society and offer them for adoption at half the usual fee. These experienced canines, most of whom are generally well mannered and housebroken, find themselves in need of new beginnings due to a variety of situations over which they have no control. While they may be seniors in age they have young hearts and lots of living left to do—it really isn’t that hard to keep them in shape and youthful in spirit for years to come. The old adage “use it or lose it” doesn’t apply only to humans. Research shows that mentally stimulated elderly dogs retain their cognitive abilities at a much higher rate than dogs that are not mentally stimulated. Besides helping to increase longevity, mental stimulation is key to improving the quality of life for dogs. The dog’s brain is a muscle. Just like other muscles and joints, if you don’t keep them fit, they will not do their job! So, how do you stimulate an elderly dog? Physical stimulation is NOT the same thing as mental stimulation. How many times have you heard the saying “a tired dog is a good dog?” Well, maybe, but not always. Many dogs can swim for an hour, jog for 3 miles, and return home more pumped up. While physical exercise is critical to keep the muscles, joints and heart strong, it’s important that the dog have balance in his life. He should be both physically and mentally fit. 3. Stuffed chew toys Rather than give your dog a bone to chew on, find a safe chew toy that can be stuffed with your dog’s kibble. Instead of feeding him from his bowl, put some kibble mixed in with a little bit of canned food into the toy so your dog has to manipulate it to get the food out. Again, the dog is receiving both mental and physical exercise while receiving a reward throughout. 4. Buddy Hikes If your dog has dog friends, take them for a hike in the woods or a romp in the park. Not only do they get a chance to spend some quality time together, they can send some “pee mail” along the way! While outdoor activities offer continued opportunities for your dog to learn, exercise that utilizes the dog’s senses such as sight, smell and hearing can be extremely stimulating to the dog. Here are a few ideas to help you keep your best friend in tip top “mental” condition: 1. Get out of the house Taking your dog with you to new places such a walk in a different environment, a ride in the car, a trip to a pet friendly outdoor café and more can add an immense amount of mental stimulation to your dog’s day. Including your dog in your life outside of the home environment on an everyday basis provides lots of thinking and observation opportunities on the part of your dog. 2. Trick training Who says you can’t teach old dog new tricks? There are a plethora of good books on the market to help you teach your dog new tricks. Tricks that encourage body movement such as bow can stretch the dog’s back and hindquarters; roll over is wonderful for stretching out the dog’s back; touch your tail can stretch your dog’s neck and shoulder area. Not only is the dog getting physical exercise but learning new tricks is exercising his mind. 5. Clicker training Training your dog to offer behaviors using clicker training is another way to give your dog mental stimulation without worries. A 5-minute session can drain your dog’s brain. Again, there are tons of books on the market to give you ideas. 6. Take a class There are a ton of classes that your dog can enjoy such as Rally-O, tracking, and one of our new favorites at St. Hubert’s Dog Training School, K9 Nose Work. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to track. This is a wonderful class that can build your dog’s confidence, burn mental and physical energy and simply provide fun. No matter how young or old your dog is, the key to having an everlasting relationship is to spend quality time together doing things that you both enjoy. Seeing your dog solve problems, search for food or become the hit of your party when he shows off his tricks not only will make you happier but your dog will thank you as well. For more information on the large selection of classes available for dogs young and older, including the new K9 Nose Work, please visit our website at www.sthuberts.org or call us at 973-3770116 for information and registration. And please consider one of our deserving senior Red Collar Society dogs when adding a canine member to your family. 5 ms. meow Dear Ms. Meow: JEFF SCHULZ th striped cat wi orange tigerht ig br a nd m ha I’ quite and I’m really h me, big gold eyes nt you to touc wa t no do I some but and that is name is Ruckus My u. yo k an th meone tried ly cause if so ab ob pr d I’ what house pet. side and be a in ve li me to make rs her whole m lived outdoo You see, my Mo t that’s ve her food bu ga e on me So . life had five or ayed and she sp ’t sn wa e all. Sh am from her REE TIMES! I six kittens TH “kids” of my and now I have er tt li t rs fi d behind store we live e th en Wh o. couldown to cided that we de so al s wa closed it shelter where s taken to a wa I . ay st t n’ ered and I ated and neut in cc va en be I can’t I’ve warm bed. But a d an od fo tside get good want to be ou st ju —I er th stay here ei on to feed me her nice pers ot an th wi n agai is weather ttle shelter li my re su and make “fixed” as ster has been proofed. My si th me too. like to be wi d e’ sh d an well ing for a s here is look me co o wh ne Everyo is NOT me! pal and that snuggly kitty at I am going figure out wh lp he u yo n Ca s to do? —Rucku Dear Ruckus: Your early lifestyle has caused you to become one of those cats who just isn’t cut out for “life in the living room.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a the kind of life that will be suited to your needs. As long as you are neutered and vaccinated you sound like the perfect candidate for a program like St. Hubert’s Barn Buddies, designed for our shelter “guests” just like you! There are very kind folks out there who have barns (or sheds, workshops or other structures that provide a warm, safe place to sleep) and would be happy to provide you with good food and fresh water and keep an eye on your well being. Even those without an actual building to accommodate you can provide you your own sheltered, insulated house. You in return will provide your skills to discourage rodents from taking up residence in the area you occupy and your feline good looks and agility will be enjoyed by your caretakers. Cats at St. Hubert’s who can’t be adopted as traditional house pets still have the opportunity to live out their lives in an environment that is compatible with their desire to be largely unconfined but ensured of good care. All of our Barn Buddies cats are spay/neutered, vaccinated and eartipped to identify them as such from a distance. Provided with living arrangements like this, you’d be most likely to develop a mutually comfortable relationship with your caretaker. Of course, the long-term to solution to situations like yours is to prevent them in the first place by spaying and neutering free-roaming cats like your Mom. Thank you Ruckus for giving me the opportunity to remind all our cat-loving friends the feline breeding season is underway and now is the time to act to help reduce the number of homeless kittens who are born every spring to outdoor cats. If any of our readers or anyone they know is kind enough to be providing a food source for a free-roaming cat St. Hubert’s urges them to please take the all-important next step to spay/neuter. There are a number of low-cost surgery programs available to anyone who is willing to continue to provide care for their feline friends and help to reduce New Jersey’s cat overpopulation problem. Please be a part of the solution—call a veterinarian or for accessible spay/neuter call St. Hubert’s at 973-377-2295, 1-877-SPAYNJ1 or visit www.spaynj.org for information. Everyone can help spread our message that if you are “feeding a stray, please neuter or spay!” Good luck to you Ruckus! —Ms. Meow Paws for News 15th Annual Cat Tea Our temporary feline residents benefited greatly when a large group of their most dedicated “fans” gathered together for St. Hubert’s Annual Cat Society Afternoon Tea on February 13. While enjoying a special presentation highlighting new promotions and strategies to increase adoptions and curb overpopulation from President Heather Cammisa they were treated to a host of tasty and inventive human edibles—including a batch of adorable Hershey Kiss and cherry “mice” created just for them by Senior Animal Control Officer Lauren Boyce. This special group of 80 feline fanciers then participated in a lively “auction” and opened their hearts and wallets to provide funds for 27 spay/neuter surgeries for free-roaming cats which will prevent the birth of hundreds of homeless kittens this year, 200 individual scratching pads for our kitties to use in their cubbies and several interactive mobiles to provide amusement and exercise to cats at both of our catteries. As if that weren’t enough they also provided the first eight of the more durable and sanitary stainless steel litterboxes that we want to replace our current plastic ones. Additional funds were generated by a craft sale from our volunteers and a bountiful tricky tray raffle. All in all it was a “purrfect” afternoon for our guests and the shelter cats they support. For information about how you can add to these items that we so desperately need to make the shelter as comfortable and stress-free as possible for the pets, contact Erika Mathews at emathews@sthuberts.org or call 973-377-7094 x228. Kiehl’s Caters to Canines Special thanks to Kiehl’s at The Mall at Short Hills for inviting us for an adoption event in their store! Cina, pictured here with Colleen Harrington, Director of Shelter Operations found her forever home with Ramone, the Kiehl’s manager! With an adoption book on site, we were able to showcase many of our animals available for adoption. Join us for a light refreshments, shopping and the chance to win a $200 Kiehl’s gift basket at the Kiehl’s store on Thursday, April 7th from 6-8 pm. Ten percent the sales from this event will benefit St. Hubert’s. Visit StHuberts.org for details! 7 Calendar of Events For up-to-date detailed information on all events, visit www.sthuberts.org or call (973) 377-7094, ext. 228 unless noted below Kiehl’s for Canines Thursday, April 7 6pm – 8pm The Mall at Short Hills For reservations call 973-377-7094 Ice Cream Socials 6:30 pm - 8 pm June 29, July 20, August 10 Madison Shelter 575 Woodland Ave, Madison, NJ St. Hubert’s Annual Golf Tournament Fall 2011 - Date and Location to be determined Visit StHuberts.org for details! Pet Loss Support Group First & Third Tuesday of the Month 7:30 pm – 9 pm Madison Shelter Auditorium 575 Woodland Ave., Madison, NJ For meeting confirmation Call 973-377-7094 To donate a bed for a dog or cat, or see other items on ourWishList, please visit www.StHuberts.org/Wishlist * 8