Companion Animal News

Companion
Animal News
Vol. 27 No. 4
Winter Issue - Published Quarterly
Winter 2010
A Moment of Grace
For those of us who work in the animal care field we get to
meet hundreds, thousands of pets throughout our careers and
lives. And for a few lucky ones, we get to meet and be loved
by a pet who’s spirit is that of an angel, of something beyond
this world. We at SpokAnimal were blessed with such a pet
when Grace entered our lives. She was only with us for a few
very brief days, but her spirit, her love, and her memory will
be with all of us for the rest of our lives.
Grace appeared one Friday afternoon, almost out of nowhere, showing up on the front porch of the shelter’s neighbor
and staff member, Lydia. The little Rottweiler was curled up on
the cushioned chair by the front door, cold and lost and asking
for help. Bringing her into the warmth of the shelter her condition was immediately evident. The young dog was emaciated
(at least 25 pounds under weight) and suffering from severe
wounds to all four feet. Everyone was in disbelief. How could
this little dog walk? Where did she come from? How did she
end up on the front porch next door? But looking up from her
sunken abdomen, protruding ribs, and wound ravaged feet,
one look in her eyes answered all the questions. “It doesn’t
matter, now. I am here and I know you can help me.” It only
took a moment, a brief glance into her face to fall head over
heels in love with this special creature.
The veterinary team dressed her wounds and started her
on pain medication and antibiotics to keep her as comfortable
as possible. Shelter staff provided her with warm soft bedding
and good nutritious food. Everyone who worked with her loved
her and Grace rewarded all who came near with a smile and
a wag of her little tail, and if close enough; a kiss. Her spirits
were high and her will was strong and she was a binding force
for all of the SpokAnimal staff. We were her family and she
was our dog.
What’s Inside:
Page
continued on page 3
What’s Inside:
Page
From the Executive Director ................................................ 2
Paws & Poles Event .............................................................. 9
A Moment of Grace (continued) ......................................... 3
Purrs, Licks and Tailwags .................................................. 10
From the Desk of the Board President ............................... 4
Share the Love at Camp Subaru.........................................11
Photos - Our Clinic Grand Opening................................... 4
Fabulous Kids Helping Pets .............................................. 12
Happy Endings............................................................... 5-6, 8
Volunteer Corner ................................................................. 13
Thank You Pet Sponsors....................................................... 7
Thanksgiving Day Walk ..................................................... 14
Letters From Our Readers................................................. 7-8
Dog Park Approved ............................................................ 14
How You Can Help ............................................................... 9
In Loving Memory and Honoring Tributes..................... 15
From the Executive Director
Board of Directors
President: Christel Carlson
Vice President: John Dorwin
Secretary: Angela Scheres (Acting)
Treasurer: Barbara Grant
Carmen Murphy
Molly Lundberg
Friends of SpokAnimal
Teri Atkinson
Kim Kamel
Colleen Samson Cynthia Schwartz
Regina Winkler
Location:
SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.
N. 714 Napa • Spokane, WA 99202
Phone:
(509) 534-8133 • Fax: (509) 535-9630
Website:
http://www.spokanimal.org
Shelter Hours:
Adoption Center:
10AM-6PM ~ Mon-Fri
Noon-4PM ~ Sat-Sun
Licensing / Front Desk:
9:30AM-6:30PM
24-hour Lost Pet Hotline:
232-2230
Veterinary Clinic Drop-in Hours:
For vaccinations, microchips and
well-adoptee exams.
2:30-4:30PM ~ Mon & Tues
10:00AM-6:00PM ~ Wed & Thurs
2:30-4:30PM ~ Friday
Noon-3:30PM ~ Saturday
Sterilization by appointment.
SpokAnimal & Partners’ Stats
If you are interested in viewing the
partner organizations Community
Stats for SpokAnimal, Spokane
Humane Society or SCRAPS, please
visit their websites.
SpokAnimal:
www.spokanimal.org
Spokane Humane Society:
www.spokanehumanesociety.org
SCRAPS:
www.spokanecounty.org/animal
~ OUR MISSION ~
SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. is dedicated
to the placement, protection and
health of animals through legislation, education and programs.
Dear Friends,
The holiday season is here and for me
that means a time of
celebration and gratitude. This is a time for
us to recognize all the
gifts already present
in our lives and to say
thank you for those
who have made a difference in our lives.
You-- our donors, staff,
Board of Directors,
volunteers and partners—are terrific and
amazing people. You
have worked with us
to make this a kinder,
gentler place for the
animals in our care.
A dog came into our
lives at this blessed time of year that has
touched everyone who knew her. I salute
all those involved in Grace’s care and
treatment for lessening the suffering and
to have the courage to bear your souls as
you cry for those you could not save. In
this world, it is too easy to look the other
way when things are hard. Our staff is
one of the most incredible I have ever
worked with and is caring and loving
to each and every creature in our care.
I applaud you all for continuing to let
us save animals, for funding the Lucky
To Be Alive Fund, and for providing the
funds to ensure our programs continue.
For the countless volunteer hours spent
socializing animals, fostering, working
at outreach events, and walking our
animals –you are the backbone of our
organization.
With your help more pets are made
adoptable and find forever homes. Our
new program, “Farm Livin” in one
month increased our live release rate
by 7%–thanks to all farmers who have
participated in the program, thanks to
AfCo Distribution for providing food,
and thanks to the ASPCA for funding
the placement of these cats.
Many people talk about “no kill”.
This is a term that truly has many meanings. Many of these agencies accept
only those animals deemed adoptable.
Because of our animal control contracts,
we are obligated to take all strays coming into our shelter. We don’t have the
choice to pick and choose. Our statistics
2
include those that are old and infirm,
sick, injured, dangerous and unweaned.
Our numbers show the true picture of
what comes in our doors, no smoke and
mirrors. I am proud to say that together
with our partners here in Spokane, we
are on track for a 75% live release rate for
2011. We continue to be challenged by the
number of cats coming into our shelters,
but we will have a specific focus on cats
for next year. Be looking for our SCAT
program for spay/neuter in conjunction
with PetSavers and the Spokane Humane
Society. We have received funding to continue our Farm Livin program, we have
grants to allow us to sterilize pit bulls
(with a minimum co-pay), we have grants
to assist sterilizing large dogs, we have
the voucher program which is funded by
sale of City licenses. Basically what I am
saying is, if you have a pet that needs to
be neutered, call us and let us help you.
SpokAnimal also hosts SpayWa, a referral program which operates state-wide.
Your donor dollars fund this program.
Here is wishing you the happiest of
New Years. Thanks for sharing with us
and helping those in our care. We make
quite a team, don’t we?
Gail B. Mackie,
Executive Director
A Moment of Grace (continued)
A re-evaluation of her wounds a couple days later would
prove that the road we were to travel with Grace was not going to be an easy one. As the bandages were removed it was
evident that the medication and supportive care was not going
to be enough. Her feet had deteriorated and the hopes of some
of the veterinary team began to diminish. Could we save her?
The options were weighed and a tough discussion took place.
Grace had already given so much to so many of us, we had to do
everything possible to save her. So the team was rallied to push
forward and fight as hard as possible to save this little dog.
Four different veterinarians examined Grace and stated that
they had never seen anything like what was being faced, but
radiographs of all four feet showed no serious bone infection or
fractures so a surgery team was put together to begin to repair
the damage. At least 2-4 toes would need to be amputated and
there was great concern about one of the rear feet as much of the
tissue was sloughing including the pads. Grace was anesthetized and her wounds cleaned and prepped. Once in surgery,
the doctors began working with the most severely affected foot,
the left rear foot. Multiple attempts to find viable tissue deep in
the wounds proved fruitless, and it was realized that she would
have to lose the limb. The veterinarians moved onto the other
feet to determine what could be done to save the other three.
The next foot, the right front, was encouraging, only requiring
amputation of one toe and stringent nursing care, it would be a
healthy foot for Grace. Hopes were rising in the surgery room.
Knowing that she would be losing her left rear limb the right
rear foot was evaluated as it would be the remaining leg to bare
all of her weight in getting up and down and about. One toe for
certain had to be amputated and was so done. Slowly, hopes
started to sink as each toe was evaluated, and each toe showed
no signs of life. The base of the foot was looking poor as well.
The team discussed all possibilities of what could be done, how
could we save this foot, how could we save this limb. She could
not go on with both back legs missing, and to leave only one toe
on the right rear foot to be responsible for all of her movement in
the back end would subject her to a life of pain, crippling pain,
if she could even be able to walk.
The doctors stopped and looked at the final foot that had
not yet been surgically evaluated, maybe in hopes of finding a
way to give Grace a quality life, maybe because the decision that
they were facing was too much to handle at that moment. But,
once the final foot was examined, it became much clearer as to
what the outcome would have to be. Grace’s final foot was not
going to be able to save her. Left with the knowledge that after
all was said and done, Grace would only have one viable foot.
It was clear what needed to happen at that point.
The staff who had grown to love Grace and call her their
own were called in. One by one each person said their goodbyes,
gave their final kisses and pets, and thanked Grace for being in
their lives. And after the last person left, the surgical team said
their goodbyes and Grace was allowed to slip quietly, painlessly
away.
Grace’s life with us was only a few days, but the lessons she
has imparted on each of us will go with us for the rest of our lives.
The animals to come into our care will forever be benefitted by
the absolute unconditional love Grace showed each and every
one of us. And, already, Grace’s life is touching so many beyond
the SpokAnimal family. Grace was a kind, gentle, loving spirit
who taught all of us what the true meaning of grace is.
Thank you, Grace. We will meet again.
Kim Imel LVT, Clinic Manager
✁
Become A Sponsor - Dog or Cat Kennel = $100 for a year
Outdoor Play Enclosures = $250 Vehicles = $500
Please fill out the information below and mail along with your contribution to:
SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. • Kennel Sponsor • P.O. Box 3151 • Spokane, WA 99220
Name_______________________________________
Important: kennel message must fit in the squares below:
Address _____________________________________
City___________________ State_____ Zip _________
Day Phone ___________________________________
(make checks payable to SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.)
For more information call Rebecca at 534-8133 ext. 215.
Evening Phone ________________________________
3
From the Desk of the Board President
As 2010 ends, our staff and volunteers look forward to a wonderful future
here at SpokAnimal CARE-your Inland
Northwest Humane Society. This year
has been amazing and we are poised for
even greater accomplishments. While we
continued our animal control contract
with the City of Spokane, our dedicated
officers and dispatchers were able to return to owner from the field 22% of the
dogs picked up, meaning they never had
to set foot in the shelter. We were able to
find homes for ALL healthy adoptable
dogs. We were able to take dogs and cats
from other shelters or foster homes and
adopt them through our system as well.
This assured the animals had the benefits
of veterinary inspection, free health insurance for 30 days, were sterilized, had
all vaccines and were micro-chipped.
Our adoption rates for cats have also
skyrocketed this last year, in part thanks
to our nationally innovative (and now
copied) ‘Farm Livin” barn cat program.
Our exceedingly dedicated cat adoption
specialists have been creative and innovative in their adoption endeavors.
We partnered with the City of
Spokane to develop ground rules and
a contract for opening the City’s first
off-leash dog park – watch for further
developments on this front!
The biggest change of all came with
the opening of our Dorothy Clark Animal
Care Center. We now have 3 veterinarians and 2 veterinary technicians on
staff working out of a state-of-the-art
facility next door to our old shelter. We
have goals to increase our sterilization
surgeries (the first grant money to help
us is on the way) by 5000 over the next
two years. We have already increased
our ability to handle clients and their
animals, as well as animals from the
shelter in this new facility. It is amazing
to move from a closet as an operating
room to a room that accommodates four
tables with excellent support room.
Other shelters across the country
utilize specially trained volunteers to
assist staff in their high volume sterilization clinics. We have done this with
our special MASH units very effectively
and now we have room to do so here
at this clinic. We have a ‘special deal’
for those large (over 40 pounds) dogs
going right now so call and get your, or
your neighbor’s dog scheduled for their
sterilization.
We on the Board of Directors have
been privileged to work with such excellent staff and be a part of the progress.
We wish you all a happy, healthy holiday
season and 2011 filled with the special
friendships you develop with your fourlegged companions. Come and visit,
volunteer to do an adoption outreach,
or work in other areas of the shelter.
Consider fostering a pet, donating your
time, or adopting another furry friend.
Enrich your life by supporting our mission to care for the animals that come
through our doors.
Gratefully, Christel Carlson
President, SpokAnimal Board of Directors
Photos - Our Clinic Grand Opening
SpokAnimal Grand
Opening of new Dorothy
Clark Animal Center
October 17th
Coleen O’Brien and Ernie Vela of KXLY with SpokAnimal
Executive Director, Gail Mackie and Clinic Manager Kim
Imel at Grand Opening
City Councilman Bob Apple
and SpokAnimal Executive
Director Gail Mackie at Grand
Opening
Gail Mackie and Angela Johnson of KYRS
radio
4
Happy Endings
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥ ♥
When we see the faces of animals
waiting for new homes in shelters or
rescue organizations, it’s a natural reaction. “What horrible person left him here?
How could anyone do this to this poor
animal?”
While the reality of ‘throw-away’
animals sickens the heart, we must also
remember that sometimes, the difficult
decision to part with a pet is in the best
interest of the animal. He or she may not
know it yet, but their next home could
very well be the best thing that could
possibly happen - a second chance at a
perfect home.
At this time of year, we’d like to reflect on a few special stories of the many
great animals who found great homes
thanks to our staff, members, donors and
volunteers. In this issue you will find a
few of the wonderful animals we’ve had
the pleasure of placing with great homes
like yours.
The next time you see a confused
pet waiting in the shelter or see someone
approaching the receiving desk with an
animal in tow, remind yourself that not
everyone who gives up on a pet is doing
the worst thing by turning them over to
a shelter or rescue for adoption. In some
situations, we might even thank the owners who loved this pet enough to let him
go to a different home where he could be
happiest. There is a special pet waiting
at a shelter or rescue - waiting for you!
Milo & Mona
by staff member, Hope Merkison
Mona entered the shelter on Wednesday December 1st as
a very thin, timid stray who wouldn’t walk on a leash at all.
SpokAnimal staff put her on a feeding regimen to start putting
weight on her, and began socializing her whenever possible.
Mona quickly began showing us all what a sweet, awesome
girl she really was!
On Thursday December 2nd, Jenny Edgren stopped by
the shelter just to take a quick look at the dogs while she was
in the neighborhood. She began asking me questions about
Mona. She told me she had adopted a heeler in Wenatchee a
while ago, and she was now looking for a friend for ‘Milo’.
She said that Mona looked just like him, and she was quickly
falling in love with this timid girl. We discussed Mona, and
she decided to put a first hold on her.
On Saturday, December 4th, Jenny came back to the shelter
with Pete Holm and Milo. The three of them fell madly in love
with Mona, and finalized her adoption.
Caring and Sharing
A heartwarming story at a Petco adoption event,
shared by volunteer Debbie Walker:
The cat was a big yellow stray named to pay the adoption fee. Then she went
Elmer who reached his paw out of the through the store and picked up a bed,
kennel and patted a little girl as she food, litter and litter box, a collar, some
walked by. She fell in love with him at toys and gave them to the people, too. It
first sight and wanted him more than was beautiful. The family was so grateful,
anything else in the world. The young they were almost in tears. It was such a
couple couldn’t afford to adopt a cat for wonderful gesture, even the Petco clerks
their daughter who was about 4. A lady were talking about it.
nearby shopping overheard and offered
More Happy Endings continued on page 6
5
Happy Endings
(continued)
Esme
Story by adopted owner Sherry Mc Cauley
I adopted Esme from SpokAnimal
about one year ago. She was a white
ball of fur who stuck close to the kennel
door in which fingers could reach across
in touch of her, and to which she would
eagerly lean further against with an openmouthed smile and profuse wagging of
her nubbed-tail. I was smitten.
She grew a bit - that day. The small
little bundle of what breed I did not recognize grew into a very large Australian
Shepherd of cottony, curled white hair
and a rump freckled with gray and black.
She is gorgeous, I mean really gorgeous.
She’s eager to greet anyone and everyone,
loves to be petted and petted and petted.
She’s the epitome of “Doug” in the movie
“Up” and to quote, “I have just met you,
and I love you.” Yup, that’s Esme.
She runs pel mel through the yard
or strolls easily through the corridors
of the clinic where I work. At first sight
she’s nothing more than breathtaking.
It is not until closer inspection might
one inquire as to whether she is in fact
blind. And even this is asked more in the
observation of her pink-looking eyes.
“Oh yes, “ I reply. “Deaf too.”
This information is usually received
with moanful gasps and exclamations
of, “Poor thing,” “How does she get
around?”, and “Was she born like
that?”.
I cannot deny that I gather a fair
bit of pleasure in watching the stunned
expressions as people watch her closely
and observe that she gets around quite
well. Some will kneel down and take in
her vibrant, loving energy. Others simply
rub their chin and whisper, “By-golly.”
“Well, whatever you’ve done, she
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥
sure is happy.”
To this pronouncement I actually
lose my upright and proud posture and
become more flustered. You see, the thing
is, I haven’t done much. We’ve treated
her just like our other dogs at home. Lots
of love of course, but not pity-love, just
plain love. I suppose we’ve given her
room to bump into things, learn on her
own, explore, and be who she is. Anything else has been a process of evolution
and credits due to her. She’s an amazing
spirit.
Modifications are made of course.
You can’t say, “Go lie down,” when you’re
cooking dinner and the dogs begin to
hover and circle round the kitchen like
vultures. Well, you can to the others. So,
a tap on her rump is “sit”; a double tap
between her shoulder blades is “down”; a
firm hand on her chest is “stay.” Further, a
light and swift tap on the tip of her nose is
“no.” This process of communication just
evolved on its own more than anything
else. It is what seemed natural when she
was a pup, and what she also understood
clearly.
At home, we often forget she’s blind
and deaf. The ‘modifications’ in communication have become so customary as to
require no thought at all. For example,
my husband, two daughters or myself
think absolutely nothing of sliding our
fingers from her eyes to her nose ever so
lightly as we leave a room. This simply
tells her we are going to a different area of
the house or releases her from a “stay”.
The biggest concern of having a blind
or deaf pet in your family is safeguarding them from danger. The presence of
a blind/deaf dog or cat comes with the
awesome responsibility of keeping them
safe. Service vehicles, such as garbage or
propane trucks have no idea as they back
into your driveway that they present a
serious danger for a pet who can neither
hear or see their vehicle approaching. It
is a horrific thought. We have signs and
gates and stay vigilant as to the schedules
of such things, but the worry is ever present in the back of one’s mind. The other
concern of paramount importance is to
the boundary of your property. We have
a fence, but also a collar which vibrates as
she nears the edge of the yard. I cannot
even think about her being lost.
All the circumstances in the discovery of Esme at SpokAnimal and the taking
6
of her home, unfolded in an uncanny
symphonic timing. Scared to death to
take on a puppy who could neither hear
or see, this ‘special needs case’ needed
only patience and unconditional love.
These two things were easy to provide,
for they come natural to Esme. You see,
I was the ‘special needs case’, not her. In
every way her insatiable appetite for the
joy of life spreads an enlightenment to
each person she comes in contact with.
She is deficient in not a single sense,
her senses being, in fact, more attune
to the energies of the moments we so
often miss.
Esme picks up girls from school.
“We went to Priest lake this summer and
found out she loves the water. Like love, love,
loves the water. She would swim out so deep.
I was also worried she’d keep swimming out
into the lake, so had a kayak on standby, but
she never did. Just big circles. Out. Back to
shore. Shake. Check in. Back out. It was a
real treat to watch.
More Happy Endings continued on page 8
LETTERS
From Our Readers
watch Sheena because she is very protective
of “our” goats. But luckily she knows the
command “leave it” very well in relation
to interacting with other dogs. Thank you
for bringing Sheena into my life.
Sheena
by Kathy Shellorne, Valleyford, WA
I was reading the stories in the Companion Animal News and wanted to let you
know that Lulu, the two-year-old red cattle
dog mix I adopted in March 2009, is my
indispensable companion. People who meet
her are impressed at her good manners, and
when I’m walking her, neighborhood kids
ask if I can let her stay and play. One mother
told me that her son had always been afraid
of dogs, but there he was playing ball with
Sheena (my new name for Lulu). (I hope it
doesn’t sound like she’s just running loose
because she is not. I also walk my pet goats
and so end up chatting with many neighbors who see us go by.) Of course I have to
Buddy
by Patty Marinos
This is our Buddy, (a pic from last
Christmas). I think when we got him his
temporary name was Leo, but to us, he’s
Buddy! He’s such an amazing dog! Smart,
loving, and super kind. He’s a perfect fit in
our family. He’s protective of my parents
who are in their 80s, and of our home. He’s
playful, and fun and we’re thankful for him
in our lives everyday. Thank you for keeping
him safe for us to find him. While we can’t
imagine where he came from, we’re thankful
that he’s ours now!
Dear SpokAnimal,
I just received my newsletter and it reminded me to thank you all for everything
you do. Nine years ago, I adopted my first
“pound puppy”. My most wonderful dog
of 14 years had passed on and I was finally
ready to open my heart to another one.
Three years ago, I got divorced and needed
a temporary home for her, so my dad took
her. Then, when I got a home, he wouldn’t
give her back. It’s a match made in heaven
- she always liked men better. So I looked
for 4 weeks for a new friend and adopted
my 2nd “pound puppy”from SpokAnimal.
She was a stray that had been picked up on
my dad’s block. I didn’t know that at the
time, only that she was adorable and not
too large. I should have looked at her feet
closer though, because she’s now 65 pounds.
Hershey (brown and white) is absolutely
the most joyful animal I have ever known.
When I read the “diary of a dog’s day”, it
described her perfectly. Everything is her
favorite thing! She and I have been camping
all summer, and she is now positive that God
invented lakes just for her. It’s hard to get
her out of the water. She has renewed my
spirit and got me out enjoying life. Thanks
again for the fabulous companionship!
Continued on page 8
Deb Walter
Thank You, Pet Sponsors!
The following kind souls donated $25 or more to sponsor an adoptable animal
waiting for a forever home in our adoption center.
Jennifer Leinberger x2
Lea Smith x 20!!!!
Barbara Simmons
Shirley Alexander x 14!!!
Carolyn Fielder
Gordon Litzenberger
Charles & Patricia Cates
Judy Robertson
Pam Whitcomb x3
Will Parks & Adventure Dynamics,
Inc. x3
Arthur Solomon
Don & Shirley Henderson
Wanda Tashoff
Ruby McNeill x6!!
Condon Kennedy
Unitime Imports x 40!!! - In honor
of Gene Hartman!
Elise Dean
Teddy Garoutte
John Tyra
Laura Felgenhauer x4
Sheryl Rice 2
Charles Giese x 2
Dana Ault
Doris Schofield
Meghan Trampush
Maria Riegert
Rebecca Stiles
Bette Topp
John & Tomie Zuchetto x 2
Robert & Micaela Sutphin X 2
Dale Greear
Bernice Furukawa
Anita Lamp x2
Ronald & Colleen Webber
Paul & Judy Jaremko x 2
Barry & Linda Shook x 2
Harry & Chris Kaufman
Robert & Mary Shelton
7
William & Gelene Griffiths
Mary O’Byrne
Anna Whitney
Holly Renga x 4
Lucy Benjamin
Shirley Conger
Jay & Cheri Currier
Ken Adams
Landon Johnston - In honor of “Ty”
Patricia Quine
Sarah Irwin
Happy Endings
(continued)
Polo
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥
wondered why we’d adopt another (this is our 3rd) dog, and
one son called him a “rat dog” because he’s rather small. We
also had to be sure Polo passed muster with the other dogs,
would not eat the chickens, and could resist being intimidated
by the parrot. All in all, a complicated menagerie! Needless to
say, Polo got the thumbs-up.
Last but not least, I had to endure the ribbing of SpokAnimal staff who claimed I had set some sort of record for the
shortest time employed here/speediest adoption. Many said
it was inevitable that I’d max out on my animal numbers, so I
might as well get it over with soon. I certainly did!
Polo is having a blast in his new home with all of us. We
love our animals so much; they make us laugh, they get us out
in the weather, and they introduce us to people in the park.
Thank you creatures, and thank you SpokAnimal!
by Rebecca Mack
Henry Hagood (son of Development Director Rebecca Mack) lying
on the floor of her office with Polo whom they had just adopted from
SpokAnimal soon after she came to work for us.
Polo belonged to a family in Cusick, and their daughter
was here in Spokane taking care of him for some reason. The
daughter was watching TV and saw him on “Pet of the Week”
and apparently realized he was lost! (OMG !) She called SpokAnimal, and so did the parents. Arrangements were made for
Polo to be picked up. I was new here, and was taking various
dogs out of the kennel to walk them, and learn more about our
shelter and how everything works.
I really liked Polo, and every time I took him out for a
constitutional, kennel staff told me not to go far, because his
family was going to be coming to claim him and they didn’t
want to have to go hunting for him.
But, day after day I’d come to work and he was still here. I
began to feel that mixture of feelings when I’d open the kennel
door....would he be gone, reclaimed by his family? That would
be great, he’d be going home. But after several days, I began
to hope that maybe he’d still be here in the morning, waiting.
I began to dread that he’d be gone.
Finally, after the required holding period was over, and
Polo’s people didn’t come for him, I was convinced he’d been
waiting for me and my family! I brought in my family members
to meet him, and give their approval. My family said I was crazy,
Welcome New Development Director,
Rebecca Mack
Rebecca comes to SpokAnimal after a long career in the
media, most recently as a radio host and columnist at the
Spokesman Review. Mack owns a small business, Rookery
Enterprises, which specializes in historic restoration and project
management. She has more than 20 years as a communications
and public affairs professional with Fortune 500 companies and
non-profits. She is a native of the Chicago area, and a graduate
of Smith College. She has four sons, three dogs, a parrot and
three chickens. Rebecca is married to Tim Frothingham, and
they live happily with their menagerie on the South Hill.
Letters From Our Readers (continued)
Maitri
by Debbie Walker
There is a Tibetan Buddhist Abbey
up in the Newport area, (Sravasti Abbey
if you want to google it and learn more
about this beautiful place). They had two
cats and one died recently. The other cat
was lonely, so I asked if they would like to
have a cat from SpokAnimal. A few weeks
ago, Venerable Chodron and Venerable
Semkye came to the shelter and picked out
a beautiful female cat they named Maitri
which is the Tibetan word for Love. She
hadn’t been spayed yet so they couldn’t
take her home, and then she came down
with a cold. She was fostered by one of
the shelter employees (Krista) until she
was well and had her shots. Then Semkye
came to get her and take her to the Abbey.
She is living in Chodrun’s cabin where she
snuggles under the covers to stay cozy and
warm. Soon she will be introduced to their
other cat, Manjushri, with the hope that
they will soon become best friends.
The Abbey is closed down for the winter but in the spring a few of us are driving
up to visit Maitri and I’ll take some pictures
of her then. Can’t think of a better life for
8
a homeless cat than to be adopted by this
loving, caring group of holy people.
Thanks for my cute lil’ kitty “Elsie” I love
her! - Brooke Johnson
HOW YOU CAN HELP
SpokAnimal is a non-profit and tax-exempt organization.
All contributions, donations and gifts are tax-deductible.
Great Gifts for Your
Animal Loving Friends
any proceeds from our retail store go towards SpokAnimal, so give the gift that
gives to our furry friends!
A wide variety of treats, toys, collars
and leashes are also available during
evening and Saturday class hours at
Diamonds in the Ruff at 2925 N. Monroe.
The proceeds for all sales go directly to
SpokAnimal. If you would like to shop
during non-class hours, call Carol at 3286959 to arrange a time.
We Need New Signs!
need to raise funds to make it happen. If
you wish to pitch in on the “SpokAnimal
Sign Project”, please specify on your check,
or call Rebecca at ext 215 for more info.
No Room at the Inn?
You may not be able to take a needy
animal in to your own home, but every
animal-loving person who makes a donation to sponsor animals, helps with
the costs of vet care, donates money and
supplies to help us care for the animals
or volunteers time is helping each and
every animal to find their Happily Ever
After’.
Sit Up & Beg
SpokAnimal has recently expanded
its retail store in the new clinic. Due to
popular demand, we are now offering
our famous tie-dyed hooded sweatshirts!
They are very cozy and fun, perfect for that
animal-lover gift! They are available in
our new SpokAnimal colors, lime green
and purple, and are a cool tie-dye pattern.
The sweatshirts are $35 each, and proceeds
help us take care of our animals.
We also have SpokAnimal hats and
doggie water bottles as well. As always,
WE NEED:
• NON-CLUMPING CAT
LITTER!
We have our wonderful new clinic,
but we sure could use some better signage
at our facility! We are dreaming of replacing the bedraggled sign on Napa, and are
working with a couple of sign companies
so people can better find their way to
SpokAnimal. Both companies we have
contacted have offered to help sponsor the
signage - thank you, guys! - but we will
Paws & Poles
Plan to Attend an Upcoming Event to Support SpokAnimal
Saturday, March 5, 2011 • Races start at 11:00am
at 49 Degrees North Nordic Ski Area
The 5th annual Paws and Poles will be held March 5,
2011. There will be a live auction at the conclusion of the
race! Our 2010 event had a great turnout, everyone had a
blast, and the event brought about $1,000 to SpokAnimal.
We hope to raise at least that much again to help out our
shelter animals. This event is made possible in partnership
with Mountain Gear, Spokane Parks and Recreation and 49
Degrees North.
Any questions, please call or e-mail Rebecca Mack. If
you want to volunteer to help, contact Bridget Bossio.
Bring your dog, your skis or snowshoes,
and join us for a romp in the snow!
All proceeds benefit SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.
9
• Puppy Piddle pads
• Rubbermaid storage
boxes
• Shelves for storage room
• Soft treats for the SAFER
Program
Purrs, Licks & Tailwags
Thank you!
ships or gave an additional gift. And we welcomed many
new members to the Friends of KSPS for which we are truly
grateful. Throughout the days and nights of campaigning to
date, viewers have called in with $281,261.00 (that’s through
2,030 pledges) of promised contributions. In the time frame
your group $2,918.00 was offered by the callers. ... You cared
enough to give your time . . . a generous contribution we truly
appreciate.
Shawn Claypool, Events Coordinator, KSPS
Thank you, to all our Adopting Families and those who
helped lost animals get back home! WOW, so far this year
we have adopted or reclaimed 3,322 animals. We just need to
do 95 more by the end of December and we will have done
500 more than last year!
Thank you, Shirley Alexander and Will Parks from Adventure
Dynamics for his continuing pet sponsorship.
Thank you Macy’s, for including us in your Shop for a Cause
event.
Thank you, Purina! We are approved for the Purina Pets for
Seniors program again for 2011. Purina has had to cut many
shelters from their program, but we are still in. We were awarded
an additional $500 for 2010, so could do 10 more adoptions for
people over 60. Purina pays the first $50 of the adoption fee.
Come see us!
The Petfinder Foundation has granted us a new digital camera
to be used in photographing our pets for adoption and other
uses around the shelter. They heard about our break-ins and
are replacing a camera that was stolen.
Thank you, Arlene Jones. She gifted a very nice St. Francis
statue which graces the front desk at the clinic.
A group of SpokAnimal volunteers helping KSPS during their fund
raising drive. Our volunteers are the best!!!
Want to thank Chuck Meyers again for the wonderful new
refrigerator in the clinic.
Thank you, CI Shenanigans for holding Paws for the Cause.
Santa Claws photos at Petsmart in the valley brought in many
donations and lots of smiles.
SpokAnimal Staff/Volunteers Answered Phones at KSPS
Those of us at KSPS Public Television wish to thank you
and Spokanimal for joining us during our campaign. We tallied
all the pledges that were called in and wanted to give you a
final accounting of how your effort contributed to the stations
success.
We had 12 days of great programming and the wonderful
support of our viewers. Many who renewed their member-
Bo Bo the Golden is seen here with volunteer Kari Minor, aka
Santa.
10
Share the Love at Camp Subaru
42 Shelter Animals Find Homes at ASPCA/Subaru/SpokAnimal Share the Love Event
Not a single adoptable dog was left
at SpokAnimal after an amazing adoption event on November 20th! In a record-setting event, 24 dogs and 17 cats
were adopted within hours at Camp
Subaru. People were lined up at the
door to find their perfect pet companion. We even had animals brought in
from SCRAPS and the Humane Society
to meet the demand!
As part of its Share the Love campaign, James Kieffer of Camp Subaru
generously committed funds to pay for
all adoptions on that day. Subaru and
the ASPCA are partnering to raise funds
for the benefit of animals and shelters.
A big thank-you to Subaru and all
of our fabulous volunteers who pitched
in to make this terrific adoption event
such a smashing success. Thanks to the
media and all who attended. The icing
on the cake was that we collected more
than $350 in cash donations and raffle
proceeds, too!
“Ricky” was adopted by Camp Subaru
receptionist Connie Harvey.
Essence Choate with her new cat, Dalper.
Left to right: Volunteers Mackenzie Priest, Fran Watson (with
Buddy), adopter Essence Choate (with Dalper), and volunteer
Jessica Moody.
Adopter Bonnie Robinson with Dallas dog Chas (she re-named
him Tex) and her own dog Patty.
11
Fabulous Kids Helping Pets
Four girls from St. Aloysius had a food drive and made donations to SpokAnimal.
Another Saint Al’s student, Cyra Carlson, held a 2-day adoption event after school
and adopted 6 kittens!
Ashyiah Mitchell (above and above
right) is in the 3rd grade and is 8
years old. She is an animal lover
who has a red nosed pit bull named
Daisia who is also 8 years old. For
her Social Justice project at school,
Ashyiah collected donations of items
around her neighborhood, plus
$56.70 in donations.
Sydney Bernal is an 8-year-old third grader
at St Al’s. She collected these goodies for her
Social Justice Project at St Al’s, some from
neighbors and “some we just bought. Uncle
Steve gave me a couple of dollars, and I gave
five dollars of my own money.” Sydney says
she did her project “to make the world a better place.” Sydney also adopted a 4-year old
rescue cat named Wally.
Maiah and Chayla collected 294 eee
pounds of litter and 223 pounds of
food!
Ridgeview Elementary - 20 Years of Caring!
APPLE Group Visits With Donations
Stanley poses with the kids of Ridgeview. Several of the 5th & 6th
grade kids in this photo have made biscuits, toys, and collected money
for SpokAnimal’s animals every Christmas since they started school
at Ridgeview. Many more have grown and graduated college and still
remember us. This year marked the twentieth year that Education
Director Carol Byrnes and her animals have visited Ridgeview to
receive their holiday gifts to the animals. Thank you, Cindy Ghezzi,
for inviting us every year and to the staff and kids for your generous
donations - thank you!
12
Volunteer and Outreach Corner
We have an awesome volunteer force
at SpokAnimal! Volunteers provided over
5,000 hours of service through November of 2010 which is an increase of over
500 hours from last year. Volunteer and
Outreach Coordinator Bridgette Bossio
estimates that through December we will
have another 150 hours to add to finish
out the year. Since joining SpokAnimal
in June, 115 new people have joined the
awesome volunteer team!
We would like to thank ALL our wonderful volunteers for the many hours they
provide to the critters and SpokAnimal
Family. Without you we would not be able
to participate in so many off-site events
and happenings! Happy Holidays!
mixes, Ozzie and Sarah who are both
rescues. Ozzie from SpokAnimal, Sarah
from a puppy mill. Bernice is one of our
PawSee members and can be found every
Wednesday at the kennel walking dogs
and helping out new volunteers. Two
months ago Bernice became one our
Foster Parents and has since help save
the lives of seven kittens!
Volunteers of the Quarter
Bernice Furukawa – Bernice is a
longtime resident of Spokane, who has
been volunteering at SpokAnimal since
September 2009. She has two Aussie
Patti Parker, ATR - After losing her
16 year old Cattle dog Chelsea (AKA
“C.C.”) Patti decided, in “C.C.’s” honor,
she would start volunteering at SpokAnimal. Patti is a native Californian having
moved to Spokane five years ago to
continue her career as a Registered Art
Therapist. Patti is a huge animal advocate, has always had dogs in her life and
has always adopted from shelters. Patti
comes and walks dogs at least one day
a week and is a huge help in the kennels
to staff and other volunteers!
Thanks Petco and Petsmart Adoption Day Volunteers!
that day, along with many other animals.
Thanks, Mary, and all the other volunteers
who make these events possible!
Adoption Day, Saturday November 6th.
Volunteer Mary Driscol with adoptable
pup “Shima” who found her forever home
Petsmart Adoption Day: Thanks for our little
Owen! (previously Levi) adopted at the Petsmart adoption weekend. We love him!
- Brittany Newton
13
Lost, Found, Fostered
and Adopted
by Bernice & Ben Furukawa - Volunteer,
Foster Home
I was in the shelter one day walking dogs when I overheard the foster
coordinator saying that an employee
of KREM 2 had brought in a 10 day old
kitten that was found in KREM’s garage. Another kitten had been found
in the garage last summer and KREM
staff member Barbara Grant raised
that kitten and kept it. I had signed
up for the next foster orientation but
had never fostered before. But I took
a chance and offered to take the kitten.
What a treat to raise Bella, but a lot
of work to start with until we were
used to the bottle feeding schedule.
My husband and I took turns the
first week bottle feeding Bella every
two hours 24/7. We purchased a pet
heating pad to keep her warm and
gave her three stuffed animals to be
her littermate replacements. Bella
thrived and thrived gaining weight
daily. Bella eventually weaned herself
and litter box trained herself as we
were worrying how that would all
work. She just seemed to know what
to do. At six weeks she was able to
join another litter we started fostering
and became one of the gang. At eight
weeks today, she will be spayed this
week as she weighs over 2 1/2 lbs.
My husband and I fell in love with
our first little foster kitten Bella. As
much as we wish to adopt her, we
feel it would be better not to have
any cats and just keep on helping cats
and kittens through fostering. My
neighbor’s daughter that has an older
kitten has decided to adopt Bella. So
we will always be hearing how little
Bella, our delightful orphan kitten, is
growing up.
Thanksgiving Dog Walk at the New Dog Park Site
Frigid single-digit temperatures and snow didn’t slow down
our fantastic crew! There were people cookies, dog muffins,
hot cocoa, hot coffee, a roof over our heads, t shirts and other
miscellaneous items for sale and all the snow for atmosphere!
We had repeat walkers that I so appreciated them coming out
once again and some new faces too. The crew was so on the
ball and had everything figured out to the last detail. I hope
everyone really appreciate the job they did cause I sure enjoyed
being part of such a well organized event! Thank you for allowing me to do my little thing that hopefully helped with the
fence. The walk was a bigger success than probably $ show
but wow what a fun way to say Thank You before the meal!
- From Pam Reeff, the woman behind the yearly event.
Thanks, Pam!
Left to right: Rebecca Mack, Johanna Horning, holding home made
mini- cupcakes that she made herself, Nola Hansen, Pam Reeff,
Bridgette Bossio, and Ken Utt
Getting to know each other.
We’re ready to go.
Thanksgiving Day Walk regulars.
Dog Park Approved!
Yippee!!!
On December 10, the Spokane Park Board approved a
contract with SpokAnimal to open and maintain the city’s first
off-leash dog park. The 11-acre park could open soon, depending on the weather. Other than the chain link fence, which must
be erected first to allow the dogs to frolick off-leash, the park
won’t look much different than it does today. SpokAnimal’s
Gail Mackie notes there will be separate play areas for small
and large dogs. The site is bordered by Riverside, Government
Way and “A” Street at High Bridge Park, just minutes from
downtown Spokane.
The dog park has a major sponsor lined up, but there is still
a great need for funds to support the park. Donations are being
accepted through the Spokane Parks Foundation for restrooms,
picnic tables, a dog water fountain and other features. Please
help us make the new High Bridge Dog Park the best in the
west (see the form on page 15).
“A place to run, trails to hike.”
14
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of Patricia Simonet
- all of us at Diamonds in the Ruff
- all of us at SpokAnimal
of Jake - loved and missed by
Brenda Stanton
- all of us at Diamonds in the Ruff
of “Spike”
- Georgia Nast
of Karen Hubbard
- Katrina Starr
- Teresa Nugent
- Dave Churchman
- Randy Enders
- Avista Power Supply &
Resource Accounting
- Kathy Thorgerson
of Shannon Elder
- LPH
- Sharon Stivers
- Troy Ritter
- The Gieses
- Frank & Bari Federspil
- Ronald & Ann Rowe
- Clark & Freida Slattery
- Howard & Denise Anderson
of Mike Parkins
- Mary Rafferty
of “Argos”
- Constatia & Lon Red
of Dan Mulrine, Sr.
- Mel & Daralene Le Claire
of Lexi & Whitley
- Jill Ruser
of “Noodles”
- Joyce Kajikami
of Mary Lou Burrill
- Patricia Johnson
of James D. Perry M.D.
- Beatrice Edwards
of Gus Dever
- Karen Stout
In Honor & Tribute
of David & Donna Mc Kinstry
- Carole Folsom
of Madge Dix Harrison
- Suzy Dix
of Rebecca Allen
- Sherry, Debbie, DJ, Karen, & Jud
- Bonnie Vandervert
of Minnie M. D’ Aprile
- Jill Beth & Floyd Mc Comas
of Sharon Gilmore
- Barbara Flock
of Walter
- Debbie Sheil
of “Sadie”
- Nancy Welch
of Mr. & Mrs. David Williams Happy Holidays!
- Eving Williams
of Julia Lackey
- Alacarte Realty Service LLC
C/O Teresa Juneau Simon
of Maureen Kirkpatrick
- Margaret Clizbe
of Linda Mc Henry Happy Holidays!
- Zandra Saez
of Robert Brantl
- Haskins Steel Co., Inc.
- Wilma & John Williamson
of “Toula” - A tiny dog with a
huge personality and a wardrobe
to match
- Carol Ellsworth
of Fitzgerald & Prosser Wedding
of Ellen & Michael’s Wedding
- Lynaia Liptak
of John Pandelis
- Earl & Myrtle Smith
- Dianna L. Wood
of Robert A. Jack
- Teddy Wright
of “Snickers” - Owned by
Denise Williams
- Kelli Pearson
of “Cubby”
- Charlene Phipps
of “Brick Porter Perdue”
- Marie Perdue
of Liz Jenkins Happy Birthday!
- Zandra Saez & John Hollett
✁
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THANK YOU FOR DONATING TO THE NEW SPOKANE CITY DOG PARK!
15
Support/Donation Form
SpokAnimal C.A.R.E
SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.
N. 714 Napa
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 534-8133
A non-profit organization dedicated to the
prevention of cruelty to animals.
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Spokane, WA
Permit 1012
Pet Sponsor . . $25
Cat
Dog
Either
Yes, I’m a SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. supporter!
Please use the following supporter/donation
of $__________________________ in support
of SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. in its work with animals
and public education.
Mr/Mrs/Ms _________________________________
(If different - label)
Phone ____________________________________
Address __________________________________
City___________________State _______ Zip _____
Email _____________________________________
I’d like to volunteer! Please call me!
Looking to adopt
a cat or dog?
Upcoming Events
Petco Valley Off Site Adoptions
2:30-5:30 Dec. 27
Pick up a
mouse!
PetSmart Valley Off Site Adoptions
2:30-5:30 Dec. 28
Petco Northside Off Site Adoptions
2:30-5:30 Dec. 29
Volunteer Orientations
2nd Saturday (Jan. 8) 10:30am and
4th Wednesday 6:00pm. (Jan. 26)
Held at SpokAnimal, 710 N. Napa
Mailed quarterly to over 6,500 animal lovers.
Editor: Carol A. Byrnes
Executive Director: Gail B. Mackie
Paws and Poles
March 5th, 49 Degrees North
For more info on any events,
call Bridgette Bossio
at (509) 534-8133, ext. 209
or email: outreach@spokanimal.org
When you finish this newsletter
pass it along to a friend !
Issues of SpokAnimal’s Companion
Animal News are now available
for download online at
www.spokanimal.org!
We Need To Know !
Is your name correct on our mailing list?
Is your mailing address and zip code correct ? (Due to the use of bulk rate for mailings,
Companion Animal News cannot be forwarded.)
Are you receiving duplicate copies of Companion Animal News?
Would you like to receive more than one issue of Companion Animal News?
(Companion Animal News makes wonderful reading for office clients or school children.)
If so contact Angela Scheres, 534-8133, ext. 210.
Visit us on the web!
www.spokanimal.org
and www.petfinder.com
TUNE IN!
SpokAnimal is featured on:
KREM Ch 2 - Tuesday noon news
KXLY Ch 4 - Monday on Good
Morning NW
The River- Varying times with
Greg Mills
Please make changes below
Please send me _____
complimentary copies of
Companion Animal News
Enclosed is $ _____ to help
with the printing and postage
costs.