Paw Prints - The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City

Paw Prints
The Official Newsletter of the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City
A Fancy Tale
Anyone who has been involved with the Humane Society of Greater KC for any length of time knew
Fancy. Also known as “Duchess Fancy Pants”, the beautiful Akita mix came to HSGKC as a young
stray 12 years ago and immediately stole the hearts of staff and volunteers alike.
Fancy was a proud, feisty girl. People loved Fancy and Fancy loved people, but she was not overly
crazy about other dogs or cats. This aspect of Fancy’s big personality made it a bit more difficult
to get her adopted. Some of Fancy’s favorite past-times were lounging in the kiddy pool, going for
walks, and hanging out with her many human friends.
Over time, Fancy mellowed a bit with age, becoming more tolerant of other pets. She was adopted a
couple of times but, unfortunately, neither worked out. HSGKC staff members were both disappointed
and glad at the same time when Fancy came back to the shelter. Each time Duchess Fancy Pants trotted
right back to the kennel, proud and unfazed. In her mind, HSGKC was truly home.
May 8 was a very sad day at HSGKC. Fancy was having severe health problems and could not get
up on her own. This had happened for the third day in a row, and the very difficult decision to
let her go was made. Several of Fancy’s longtime friends came to say goodbye, and her caregiver
family was with her at the time of her passing, which was quick and peaceful.
Christine Blank, our dog adoption coordinator, summed it up the best – “We all loved Fancy, not
only staff members, but volunteers and board members, too. Fancy had the best life we could give
her. Even though she is gone, please know each and every one of you made her life better by being in
it, and ours for having known her.”
Fancy ruled her HSGKC “queendom” with a smiling face and wagging tail. She truly touched our
hearts and enriched everyone’s life who knew her. Because of this, HSGKC felt it was only right
to create a lasting tribute to her memory, called Fancy’s Fund. Donations to Fancy’s Fund will
be used to help care for senior pets and get them adopted so they can spend their golden years
in loving homes. We are happy that Fancy’s legacy will live on forever to help other senior dogs
like her.
Summer 2014
fan·cy noun,
plural fan·cies.
8. the breeding
of animals to
develop points
of beauty or
excellence. 9. love.
What’s
Inside
2 Letter from the President
3 Ask a Vet!
4 Furry Events
5 Making a Difference –
A Chained Life
6 New Faces – Staff Spotlight
6 Featured Adoptables
7 Honorariums and Memorials
Shelter Hours
Adoptions
Monday – Friday, 11 am – 5 pm
Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm
Clinic
Monday – Friday, 9 am* – 4 pm
We now accept appointments
*Surgery Check-in begins at 8 am
Shelter Information
General Info
913.596.1000
View Available Pets
hsgkc.org
Volunteer Info
913.596.1000 ext. 122
Make a Gift
913.596.1000 ext. 114
Saving and Improving Lives … Once Client at a Time
The math is pretty simple: we spend about $1.9 million a year on our shelter, our lowcost, subsidized veterinary clinic, and our outreach programs. That’s about $5,200 per
day. Because of our commitment to animals who might not otherwise have a chance,
the cost for care of a single animal can be as much as $5,000 over the course of their
stay with us … more, for those that are harder to adopt.
What the heck are we spending all that money on? Food, certainly. Staff and
administration, you bet. Facility maintenance and upkeep, of course. And then there’s
the Clinic.
Last year, we helped almost 19,000 animals at our low-cost clinic. Without us, many of
our clinic clients would be unable to provide a loving home for their pets. When most
people think of us, they think about the shelter and adoptions, but a huge part of our
mission is to keep pets in their homes by helping low- and fixed-income families with
low-cost, subsidized veterinary care for their beloved companions … care that costs us
about twice what we charge for it.
Individuals in low- or fixed-income families love their pets just as much as the rest of
us do. They may have only recently come upon hard times … or may have been born
into them. In some cases, they’re struggling with debilitating disabilities or untreated
medical conditions of their own. But they bring their pets to us because we see past all
that, to the concern in their eyes, the care and worry on their faces, and the love in their
hearts for their animal companions. Companions who don’t care how big their paychecks
are, or what kind of car they drive, or how fancy their house is.
Our clinic clients don’t hurt any less at the loss of a long-time companion who’s come
to “that time.” Their tears are just as real when their pet has been attacked by another
animal, or struck by a car, or abused
by a neighbor. For many, that animal
companion is one of the few beings
in the world who will give them
unconditional love and respect,
regardless of their station … who can
heal through a wag or a purr, and who
asks in return only the occasional
scratch behind the ears, or rub on the
belly and to be cared for and loved.
So when you think about supporting
our mission of saving and improving
lives. Think of the animals we care for
and adopt through our shelter, to be
sure … but also think of the lives you
help us to enrich through the simple act
of providing basic veterinary care —
care that would be unaffordable without
your support.
Keith Wiedenkeller
President / CEO
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The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City
Ask a Vet!
Our Mission
Interview with a HSGKC Veterinarian
To save and improve the lives
What is Heartworm Disease and how is it spread?
of dogs and cats throughout the
It’s a parasitic infection of worms that eventually live in the heart. It is spread when a mosquito
bites an infected animal and then transfers the larvae to the next animal it bites.
Greater Kansas City community by
What are the symptoms?
Generally, there are no symptoms until the disease is fairly advanced, at which point you see
coughing and weight loss—these are the two symptoms most associated with heartworms. Fever
and bloody nose will also occur. More severe cases include difficulty breathing and lethargy. The
end stages are abdominal swelling and eventual collapse.
What is the treatment?
Unfortunately, treatment is often long and expensive. It varies on several factors: the dog’s age,
size and breed, if there are other detectible health issues, extent of infection, length of time
infected and the dog’s tolerance to medications.
There are multiple medications used in treatment. Doxycycline, an anti bacterial is necessary
to kill the bacteria-like organism the heartworm carries. If the bacterium reaches the blood
stream, it can be fatal. For the baby worms circulating in the blood stream, an oral treatment
of Heartguard Plus is necessary. Benadryl should be taken with the first dosage to counteract
possible allergic reactions. For adult worms, Immiticide is used. It is an arsenic derivative
formulated to kill the worms. Treatment can be dangerous as the dying worms can cause blood
clots as they are carried into the blood stream for absorption. Blood clots can cause lethargy,
collapse and even death.
Once animals are treated, activity needs to be restricted for 6-8 days. No running, jumping,
unsupervised time in the yard, playing with other animals, or walks beyond bathroom breaks.
Complications can occur 6-8 weeks after treatment. Follow-up heartworm testing is necessary
6 months after treatment.
providing education, adoptions,
preventative veterinary care and
spay/neuter services.
The Humane Society
of Greater Kansas City
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Keith Wiedenkeller
President / CEO
Kate Fields
Vice President of Humane Services
Lorna Helmig
Vice President of Clinic Services
Dawn Sparks
Vice President of Development
STAFF VETERINARIANS
Dr. Randy Hamilton
Dr. Regan Johnston
Dr. Kathryn Kimber
Dr. Liz McCulloh
Is Heartworm disease preventable?
Yes, monthly heartworm prevention is available. It is a prescriptive medication sold in
different sizes based on the weight of the animal. It kills all baby worms before they can reach
the heart. Treatment (Immiticide) is hard on your animals and quite expensive. Prevention is
incredibly simple and well worth it.
BOARD OF DIREC TORS
Anne Schiavone
Chairperson
Amy Wurst
Vice Chairperson
Cathy Draper
Treasurer
Jana Brunner
Secretary
Gary Lezak
Honorary Member
Julie Hull
Michelle Kimbell
Lynn Mertes
Kathy O’Dowd
Rachael Weber Sabates
Alison Sheehan
Troy Tetzlaff
Visit us at HSGKC.ORG
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Furry Events
Calendar of Events
Brookside Barkery & Bath
Satellite Adoptions
Saturday, August 16: 11am – 3pm
118 W. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO
Art Unleashed, Vegas Style!
Friday, August 22: 7 – 10 pm
Cerner’s Riverport Landing
(formerly Sam’s Town Casino)
6711 NE Birmingham, Kansas City, MO
HSGKC Golf Classic, 9th Annual
Monday, September 8, 2014: 7am – 1 pm
The National Golf Club of Kansas City
6700 N. National Drive, Parkville, MO
Annual Pet Reunion
Saturday, October 25 (tentative)
Humane Society of Greater KC
Art Unleashed, Vegas Style
On Friday evening, August 22, it will be time
to “put your Vegas on” at the Humane Society
of Greater KC’s 17th annual Art Unleashed! At
this event, you will be magically transported to “sin city” Las Vegas without ever
having to leave Kansas City. Held at a new venue, the Cerner Riverport Landing —
formerly known as Sam’s Town Casino — this event promises to be the best pARTy
of the year! Come and join in the fun with your friends and colleagues. You will enjoy
delicious food, adult beverages, great art, casino-style games, and live music. Best of
all, 100% of proceeds benefit the dogs and cats of HSGKC!
Of course, Art Unleashed will continue to feature a silent and live auction of petthemed and other original and limited-edition art generously donated by local and
regional artists. We are also planning to have several experiential packages up for
auction. This year’s Honorary Event Chair is Kim Jones, a well respected Kansas City
attorney, animal welfare advocate and art enthusiast. We are happy to have Loren
Halifax back as our event emcee and the Nigro Brothers as our Live Auctioneers.
Mobile bidding will be provided by Qtego, and art consulting provided by Paul Dorrell
of Leopold Gallery.
Individual admissions and table host opportunities are now available online at
artunleashedkc.org! This is a not-to-be-missed event, and we hope you will come out
and pARTy with your friends and fellow animal lovers. What happens here … helps the
pets at the Humane Society of Greater KC!
Sponsored in part by:
Julie Hull
Mike & Michelle Kimbell
Dog-N-Jog 2014 = Success for Homeless Pets!
“Until one has loved an animal, a part
of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Anatole France
The Country Club Plaza became a dog’s play land on Sunday, June 8 for the 27th Annual
Dog-N-Jog. Several hundred dogs and their humans trekked the Plaza for the oneand two-mile run/walk and to enjoy the various dog activities. A grand total of more
than $56,631 was raised for the animals! Special thanks to our emcees that kept the
dog lovers entertained: NBC Chief Meteorologist Gary Lezak, KFKF radio host Debbie
Erikson, Q104 radio host TJ McEntire, and Happy Faces Entertainment.
A big thank you to our top three pledge collectors that went above
and beyond to collect donations for the HSGKC shelter pets from their
friends, family, neighbors and co-workers: Crissy McNellis, Stacey
Rieckmann and Patricia Levine. The Humane Society of Greater
Kansas City would like to thank all event sponsors, participants,
vendors and volunteers. This event would not have been possible
without you!
Special thanks to our Leash
Leader Sponsor, VCA Advanced
Care for Pets.
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The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City
Making a Difference
A Chained Life is No Life at All
Foster a Pet
by Sarah Grossman
It’s dark. It’s hot out. Your throat hurts from the sizzling
heat. Not to mention, you’re overdressed for the mid-summer
warmth. You look for water, there is none. Where is the
Porter
water? Food is long gone, but it doesn’t mean you’re not still
hungry. There are noises: animals, people and something you cannot quite determine. You turn
to run, but you cannot. You’re chained to a tree.
While this may sound like the start of a thriller novel, it is something much worse. It’s the life of
chained animal. More than 200,000 dogs in the United States spend the majority of their lives
tethered outside. That’s a very sad statistic.
There are many side effects to living a lonely life outdoors. As
pack/social animals, chained dogs do not receive the socialization
necessary to keep them happy and content—they become lonely,
bored and anxious. Because of this, 85% of dogs that attack have no
familiar relationship with their owners. Since the space they can
consider “theirs” is so small, these animals can also become quite
territorial. This can lead to aggression causing the dogs to attack
children or others who approach them. 76% of dogs that attack are
kept as property animals rather than family pets. These factors show
the importance of taking the animal off the tether and creating a
healthy relationship with the animal.
Because of these dangers, the Humane Society of
Greater KC, and the majority of animal welfare
organizations, strongly suggest against tethering
for extended periods of time. Some cities, such
as Raytown, Missouri, even prohibit unattended
tethering. Fines can range from $35 to $100. There
are alternatives to extended tethering: keep your
animals indoors; create a large fenced-in area for
your dog to play in—certain communities will even
provide free fences; give your dog more space to roam and spend more time socializing
and caring for it. If it is not possible to do these things, then find the animal a new home
with brighter prospects. The dog will be happier and less prone to violence.
It’s dark, but it’s comfortable. It’s a hot summer, but you’re lying on a cool bed in the
comfort of your home. Next to you is water and food. You want for nothing, and a loving
family surrounds you. If an animal has a home, this is the home it deserves; the life it
deserves, because a chained life is no life at all.
Foster parents provide
temporary homes for animals
prior to adoption. Providing
foster care is a wonderful and
personal way to contribute to
saving and improving the lives
of homeless pets. Learn more
about becoming a foster parent
at hsgkc.org or email Kate at
kate@hsgkc.org.
Can’t foster? A gift to Gabriel’s
Fund will help with the medical
expenses of our sick and injured
animals.
Can’t Adopt or Foster?
Sponsor a Pet
Bart
Weather elements can also cause problems. Dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke and heat
stress than humans. They have sweat glands on only their feet, and panting is not as effective
as sweating to cool a body. If a dog’s temperature is at or above 104°F, veterinary attention
is necessary. In contrast, cold temperatures in the winter can cause dogs to experience
hypothermia. It is important to protect your pets from the elements. With continuous
tethering, it is nearly impossible to be constantly aware of your pet’s condition.
Gia
Open your home to foster a pet and
help save a life
You want to help homeless pets,
but adopting or fostering a new
pet is not possible right now? You
can still help! Be a “SAP” Sponsor A
Pet donor.
As you know, our animals stay with
us until they are adopted. This
means that sometimes our friends
are with us for quite awhile. It can
cost up to $200 a month to care for
one pet. You can become a friend
to one, or more, of our shelter pets
through your sponsorship of them.
We offer three levels of sponsorship:
$35 - Pet Friend $60 - Pet Caretaker
$110- Pet Guardian
To introduce you to your new friend,
you will receive a welcome letter
which includes a bookmark with a
photo of your sponsored pet, his
or her story, and your name. We’ll
also display a sponsor card on your
sponsored pet’s kennel or living area
with your name on it to let everyone
know that YOU care about Kansas
City’s homeless pets. Go to hsgkc.
org today and make your monthly
donation, or use the enclosed donation
envelope.
Bart, Gia and Porter were all chained dogs that were rescued by HSGKC. Bart has been
adopted into a loving home; Porter and Gia are still waiting for theirs.
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5
Featured
Adoptables
Smiley
This
handsome
boy is Smiley.
Now that is
one good
looking dog!
Smiley is
a friendly
6-year-old
Pit Bull/Pointer/Lab mix, weighing 40
pounds. When he wags his tail his whole
body wiggles! He’s a pretty calm guy who
absolutely loves people.
Smiley has both looks and brains! He
knows some obedience commands and is
a fast learner. He loves playing fetch, but
recently he’s developed some arthritis
so that’s slowed him down a bit. He is on
medication, but we have a generous donor
who has offered to help with the cost of
his medication as needed to make it very
affordable for Smiley’s adopter. We’ve also
just started acupuncture treatments on
Smiley and we’re hoping that helps a lot.
Smiley loves short walks and he walks nicely
on a leash even when he’s around other
dogs. He also enjoys wading in the baby
pools at our shelter.
We transferred Smiley to our shelter from
KCK Animal Control. He’s been with us for
a long time and we’d love to find a forever
home for this sweet guy - he certainly
deserves one.
Hannah and Hank
This adorable bonded
pair of senior cats were
abandoned by their
former owner. They are
about 8 or 9 years old
and have been through
a lot with each other,
so Hannah and Hank
need to be adopted
together. Both are sweet
and gentle and came to
us front-declawed. We
think Hannah and Hank
are siblings, but not
positive.
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New Faces
Staff Spotlight
The Humane Society of Greater KC has three new employees, Monica Whitaker, telephone
receptionist; Nicole Setticase, Veterinary Technician; Sarah Grossman, Special Events/
Communications Intern.
Monica Whitaker is the pleasant voice at the end of the
line when you telephone the Humane Society of Greater KC.
Before coming to work for HSGKC, Monica was a clinical
social worker for the State of Missouri, so she’s a very good
listener and really knows how to help people! In her 28
years of working for the State, Monica helped a wide range
of people from children to senior citizens. Her passion
has always been about helping the elderly, and her work
involved providing services in their homes and long-term
care to prevent abuse, neglect and financial exploitation and to advocate for resident
rights.
Obviously, another one of Monica’s passions is the well-being of animals. She says “I
have rescued a number of dogs over the last 50+ years of my life.” Monica currently
has elderly dogs that are a big part of her family. Formerly a volunteer for HSGKC,
Monica has been an employee for six months. She says she is thrilled to work here
and loves the Humane Society’s mission and the part she
plays in it.
Nicole Setticase’s first shelter rescue was in 1999
while still in college. She is a longtime volunteer of the
Humane Society of Greater Kansas City dating back
to 2005. Her involvement extends to several projects,
committee positions, special events and animal
socialization.
Nicole continues her fostering of dogs and cats, the
latest foster being Oliver Twist, a kitten, who will be
up for adoption soon.
Nicole has a deep interest in animal care with experience in care giving for both
her companion animals as well as her fosters. Nicole and her husband, who she
met at the Humane Society, share their home with several companions. She
continues to volunteer and donate to the shelter, her latest gift being the new
garage door for the dog intake area.
Sarah Grossman is our Special Events/
Communications summer intern. She says “I absolutely
adore animals, particularly cats. I have two, and they
are both quite adorable!” Sarah comes to us from
Drake University in Des Moines, IA. She is majoring in
Public Relations with business studies and psychology
minors. Sarah said she feels incredibly blessed to be a
part of the HSGKC Team and cannot wait to see all we
accomplish this summer!
The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City
In Our Thoughts
Honorariums and Memorials
This list includes memorials and honorariums of $100.00 or more from April
through June 2014.
In Honor of Person
Carol & Joe Foster
Debbie Kirschner
Garry Newquist
Keith Wiedenkeller
Nancy Archer
Pete Dahl & Joyce Melton
Diane M Bureman
Cure’ of Ars Church
Joe & Tonnie Furjanic
IBM
Barbara Leclerq
Vincent & Anne Schiavone
Barbara Hallem
Debi Myrick
Emma Virgo
Emma Virgo
Helen Harmon
Marjorie Bowen
Marjorie Bowen
Rhonda Gillette & Kathy Bush
James & Linda Everett
Miles & Deborah Millspaugh
Sandra & Joseph Schneiter
Ada J Anderson
Jennifer L George
Ronald & Mary Lou Bowen
Chief, Champ & Missy
Feta & Rocco
Husker
Lidia & Libby
Luci & Abby
Milly & Molly
In Memory of Pets
Raja & Meredith Paranjothi
Stephen & Breann Cartwright
Thomas & Andrea Klingner
Angela M Williams
Kenny & Pam Koscielny
Carolyn Fulkerson
Annie
Bobi
Buttons
Cleo
Emmie
Fancy
Gus Gus
Heidi
Kinko, Charlie & Wyatt
Kizzy Mae
Madison & Calli
Meck & Samson
Ramona Miller
Riley
Sadie Sue
Summer
Tobey
Vegas
Woody
Mary Wadick
Jackie McClellan
Stephanie Sauceda
Roger & Helen Tranckino
Cindy Fowler
Vincent & Anne Schiavone
Vincent & Anne Schiavone
Mary F Jackson
Michael & Nancy Foltz
Helen Coniglio
Lynette & Michael Grunden
Lori Austin
Mike & Michelle Kimbell
Julie D Roberts
Carolyn Green-Nigro
Vicki Howe
Candace Fasone
Bill & Karen Bishop
Linda and Terry Riley
In Memory of Person
In Honor of Pets
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NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
5445 Parallel Parkway | Kansas City, KS 66104
KANSAS CITY, MO
PERMIT NO. 2344
The 17th Annual Art Unleashed
Join us August 22 from 7:00 – 10:00 pm at Cerner’s Riverport
Landing for this fun-filled event! Visit artunleashedkc.org.
YES! TO DONATE TO FANCY’S FUND!
o I would like to donate $_______________________________ .
My gift to Fancy’s Fund will give a senior dog or cat a second chance for
a healthy life and a loving forever home.
I would like to pay via:
o Visa o MasterCard o Discover o AmEx
Credit Card #__________________________________________
Expiration Date________________ CVC____________
Name on Card ________________________________________
Can’t Adopt? Sponsor A Pet Instead!
Happy Summer! We hope you will share your love with our
homeless pets by making a gift to the Humane Society of Greater
Kansas City. Sponsor a pet or make a donation to Fancy’s Fund.
It’s easy to make a gift:
•Complete the gift envelope inside this newsletter;
•Go online at hsgkc.org and click the “Donate” button;
•Complete the form to the right (Fancy’s Fund donations) and
mail it to HSGKC.
Mailing Address________________________________________
City/State/ZIP_________________________________________
Billing Address_________________________________________
City/State/ZIP_________________________________________
Your Phone_____________Your Email______________________
o My check made out to the Humane Society of GKC is enclosed.
Mail to: HSGKC • 5445 Parallel Pkwy • Kansas City, KS 66104
My gift is a memorial for: ______________________ (person/pet)
My gift is in honor of: ________________________ (person/pet)
Please notify:
Their Name___________________________________________
Their Address_________________________________________
Their City/State/ZIP_____________________________________
Their Phone____________ Their Email______________________