Message From The Executive Director

The Whatcom Humane Society’s Newsletter
Fall 2015
Message From The Executive Director
Dear Friends,
Laura Clark
Executive Director
Statement of
Principle:
The Whatcom Humane Society
believes that all animals, as sentient
beings, have value beyond economic
measurements and are entitled to
legal, moral, and ethical consideration
and protection.
Vision:
Our community treats all animals with
kindness, respect, and compassion.
Mission Statement:
The Whatcom Humane Society:
• Advocates for animals;
•Educates the community to
promote humane treatment and
respect for animals;
•Provides for abandoned, injured,
abused or neglected animals.
Progra ms & Services
• Adoptions & Animal Care
• Lost & Found
• 24-Hour Animal Control & Rescue
• Investigations of Cruelty & Neglect
• Licensing
• Community Outreach & Special Events
• Humane Education
• Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program (SNAP)
• Pet Food Bank
• Veterinary Services
• Volunteer Services
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Services
Recently, I was at the shelter on a Sunday afternoon when I watched a young couple enter our front
office. They explained to our customer service staff that they had a dog they wanted to surrender.
Staff started processing the surrender and came to find out the couple had driven over 60 miles to
the Whatcom Humane Society. When asked why they chose to drive such a distance to surrender
their dog, the couple explained that three other animal shelters in their area and up the I5 corridor
had turned them away, telling them that they would not accept the dog due to the dogs breed,
temperament or in one case the shelter stated they were full and did not have any room – and
advised the couple to drive to WHS with the dog. The couple told staff that they had not properly
socialized the dog (an intact, adult male pitbull) and that they could not control him. The terrified dog,
wearing a large pinch collar was brought into the shelter, where he pinned himself into the back of a
kennel – a truly heartbreaking sight.
Honestly, based on my initial impression of the dog, I had little hope that we would be able to place
him into our adoption kennels. But our dedicated and talented staff and volunteers went to work.
The pinch collar was immediately removed and replaced with a front hook, easy walk harness. Treats
and praise were used to teach him that life wasn’t so scary and could actually be fun. Our veterinary
clinic neutered him and volunteers started taking him for several long walks each day. Within a
couple of short weeks, a complete transformation had taken place. Yes, the big dog was still strong,
jumpy and fairly obnoxious at times. But he also loved to snuggle, learned to sit for treats and
enjoyed the company of most other dogs. He was able to be placed into the adoption kennels and
soon after a young man looking for a large breed dog and a jogging and hiking companion adopted
him. As is WHS policy for dogs with behavior issues, the new adopter was required to sign the dog
up for and attend positive, reward based dog obedience training classes with a local dog trainer.
A win-win for everyone involved.
I share this story with you for several reasons. Of course, it’s a great success story – a scared animal
arriving at WHS and finding a permanent, responsible and loving new home. But really, I wanted to
share the story with you because it’s a situation that takes place in our shelters every day. Animals
arrive at the Whatcom Humane Society that other shelters, rescue groups and animal welfare
organizations have turned away. Abandoned, unwanted, abused and neglected domestic animals
– big and small. Orphaned and injured native wildlife – furry and feathered. As an open-admission
animal shelter, the Whatcom Humane Society turns no animal away. It’s what we do . . . it’s who
we are. The animals that arrive at our doors in need don’t have a choice. They did not choose to be
abandoned, unwanted or in need. We have a moral and ethical obligation to take them in and do
what we can to help them.
Working at an open-admission facility can be extremely difficult, exhausting and emotional. No one
day is the same and our staff must be able to humanely handle and care for whatever animals arrive
daily. A “quiet” day in our world can be hard. A “busy” day, for example the arrival of animals from a
hoarding case, the seizure of a large number of horses, the rescue of an injured bird of prey – these
days can seem impossible. Yet, it’s those days when our organization rises to the challenge. And we
can do so because of the ongoing and generous support of our members and supporters.
As the year winds down, we estimate a record number of animals will have come through our doors.
Thank you for supporting our mission and the many animals in our care. Your support is so important
to our work and greatly appreciated.
For The Animals,
Laura Clark, Executive Director
WHATCOM HUMANE SOCIETY
CARING FOR ANIMALS SINCE 1902
Board of Directors
Janet Hofmann, President
Jennifer Sonker, Vice President
Pam Went, Secretary
Mary Meeks
Scott Rice
Victoria Savage Neal Swanson Jane Talbot
Kevin Williamson
Deb Wright
WHS Wish List
Staff
Executive Director
Laura Clark
Administration
Courtney Adams
Chris Sessler
Animal Care
Amy Campbell, Manager
Sarah Hansen, Lead
Raena Anderson
Kyle Berger
Tina Deming
Allison Hofmann
Alicia Langdon, Foster Care Coordinator
Leigha Maland
Marisa VanderPol
Adriana Willmersdorf
WHS
DOMESTIC
ANIMAL
SHELTER
u Postage stamps - (first class & postcard)
u Copy paper (white, color & cardstock)
u Gift Cards from petStop, Fred Meyer, Hardware Sales, Whatcom Farmer’s Coop,
Office Depot, Michaels, PetCo, PetSmart & Costco
u New batteries
u New pens and highlighters
u Blankets and towels (no electric blankets)
u Dog collars
u Dog Walk Harnesses – Easy Walk, front clip especially needed
u New dog and cat toys
u Creamy peanut butter
u Paper towels
u Leashes
u Small animal treats and toys
u Bags and cans of dog and cat food (can be open or unopened, just not expired)
u Tennis balls
u KONG Toys (L & XL) for shelter dogs
u Catnip
Wildlife Rehabilitation Services Alysha Elsby, Manager, Licensed Wildlife
Rehabilitator
Meighan Hawks
Sarah Trudeau
Animal Control & Rescue/
Field Services
Paul Evans, Manager Rebecca Crowley, Lead Officer
Michael Anderson
Carrie Anderson
Vicky Gibbons
Marcus Goodrich
Meganne Shannon-Johnson
David Storm
William Walker
FARM FACILITY
Finance/Accounting
Dana Berger
Special Events
Dana Browne, Manager
Humane Education
Cari Sachkowsky
Volunteer & Outreach Services
Carly Brewer, Manager
Customer Service
Danielle Yencopal-Smith, Supervisor Peter Anderson
Zakia Kaminski
Veterinary Services
Karen Rounds, DVM
Amy Armstrong, Vet Tech
Shelter Location
2172 Division Street
Bellingham, WA 98226
HOURS OF OPERATION!
Open: Wednesday - Saturday
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday - Monday
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Tuesday and Major Holidays
Phone: (360) 733-2080
Fax: (360) 733-4746
www.whatcomhumane.org
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION
SERVICES CENTER
(360) 966-8845
* Facility is not open to the public
FARM FACILITY
By appointment only
* farm@whatcomhumane.org
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WILDLIFE
REHABILITATION
CENTER
u Gift Cards for Hardware Sales/Lowe’s/Home Depot, Whatcom Farmers Co-op
u Rubber stall mats
u Vet wrap
u New halters and lead ropes
u New horse treats and toys
u Fly spray
u De-wormer
u Quality new or used tractor
u Bags of animal bedding
u Horse Treats
u Gift Cards for Costco, Fred Meyer, PetCo, PetSmart, Whatcom Farmers Co-op,
Hardware Sales and Chris’s Squirrels & More (www.squirrelsandmore.com)
u Environmentally friendly hand, dish, and laundry soap
u Bleach
u Paper Towels
u Toilet Paper
u Hand Sanitizer Gel
u Latex Gloves
u Welding Gloves
u Fishing Nets with Poles
u Play-Pens
u Old sheets/pillow cases/fleece blankets
u Non-automatic turn-off heating pads
u Cotton Balls
u Straw Bales
u Pet Carriers (all sizes)
u Tarps
u Medium to large plastic storage bins (clear) with lids
u Feather dusters
u Frozen meats (chicken, liver, heart, venison)
u Frozen fish (small and large sizes)
u Frozen berries
u Soy-free cat and dog food (Costco Brand is good)
u High quality wet canned cat food
u Cracked corn
u Bird seed
u Various nuts (for squirrels)
u Rodents blocks
u Eggs
u Ensure - Vanilla flavor
u Blood worms (cube style)
u Baby Food of all kinds
u Large live mealworms
Donations for any of our facilities can be dropped off at the WHS shelter facility
Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm, Sunday – Monday, 11am – 5pm.
For more information, please Contact Cari Sachkowsky at (360)733-2080 or email outreach@
whatcomhumane.org. Check out our amazon.com wish list! Visit amazon.com, “gifts &
wish lists” (and register on Amazon Smile – a % of your purchase will be donated to WHS!)
then type in Whatcom Humane.
How to help find a lost pet
When a beloved animal companion goes missing from home
it can be a traumatic experience for both you and your missing
pet. The Whatcom Humane Society receives many lost cats,
dogs, rabbits and other animals daily, and we try our best to
match them with reports of animals that are missing.
Due to the large volume of stray animals the Whatcom
Humane Society receives, we can’t identify lost pets via
phone, email or social networking sites. Here are some things
you can and should do to find a missing pet.
1. Visit the Whatcom Humane Society (or your local animal
shelter) in person and look for your pet. Bring a current
photo of your companion animal with you; fill out a lost
pet report when you arrive so staff can assist you with your
search. You are the only person who can positively identify
your lost pet. Visit the shelter regularly to check.
2. Place a lost pet ad in The Bellingham Herald and on
craigslist use both the “lost and found” and “pets” section.
Include a photo of your animal in the online post and your
contact information. Regularly check for postings from
people who have found or seen lost pets.
3. Post information and photos of your lost pet on your
personal Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram and
other social networking sites. There are several local, public
social networking sites, including Lost Pets of Whatcom
County on Facebook, that will allow you to post information
about your lost and found pets.
4. Post fliers with your animal’s photo, description and your
contact information throughout your neighborhood, at
local veterinary clinics, pet supply stores and other areas
and businesses near your home. Inform your mail carrier,
garbage collectors, newspaper carriers and neighborhood
children that your pet is missing.
5. Enlist the aid of neighbors, family and friends. Search local
parks, school yards, fields and playgrounds and vacant
lots for your dog. Ask neighbors to search basements,
attics, garages, sheds and other areas for your cat or small
animals. If you live in an apartment, check stairwells,
hallways, laundry facilities and any vacant apartments.
6. If you have recently moved, conduct a search in your
old neighborhood.
7. Make sure your contact information is current for your lost
pet’s license, microchip (a permanent form of
identification), rabies tag or other information that may
be traceable if your animal is found.
8. Pay-to-use websites and services are available to assist
with your lost pet search. You may want to consider utilizing
a service such as www.petamberalert.com or www.findtoto.
com. For a fee, these sites can offer assistance issuing
mass lost pet notifications to people and businesses in
your area.
9. Don’t give up hope! It’s not uncommon for people to be
reunited with lost pets weeks or even months after they
initially go missing.
Be sure to notify the Whatcom Humane Society and the other
organizations you have contacted once you have found your
companion animal.
Identification is a lost animal’s ticket home. Always keep
a collar, license and/or ID tag on your dog or cat. Consider
having your pet microchipped. The Whatcom Humane Society
provides low-cost pet microchipping, as well as dog licensing
for most cities and areas within Whatcom County.
IF LOST, IDENTIFICATION IS YOUR ANIMALS TICKET
HOME! THE WHATCOM HUMANE SOCIETY CAN HELP.
DOG LICENSING
PLEASE NOTE: Effective January 1, 2012 the State of
Washington requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets must be
vaccinated for rabies. The vaccination must be kept current.
(WAC 246-100-197 (3))
Bellingham, Blaine & Ferndale:
The annual license fee for each unsterilized male or female
dog over 4 months of age is $41.00. The annual license fee
for each sterilized dog or cat is $11.00.
Cat licensing is required in the City Limits of Ferndale. A
microchip may be used in place of a license tag for
Ferndale cats.
Whatcom County:
Dogs over 7 months of age living in Whatcom County are
required to have a license. The annual license fee for each
unsterilized male or female dog is $41.00. The annual license
fee for sterilized dogs is $11.00.
Licenses can be purchased at the Whatcom Humane Society
during regular business hours or at several Whatcom County
veterinary clinics. For a list of clinics and more information,
visit www.whatcomhumane.org.
LOW-COST PET MICROCHIPPING
BRING YOUR ANIMAL DOWN TO THE WHATCOM
HUMANE SOCIETY FOR A MICROCHIP (A PERMANENT
FORM OF IDENTIFICATION)
NOTE: DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH, CATS & OTHER SMALL
ANIMALS IN A CARRIER. PLEASE DO NOT BRING BIRDS OR
SMALL RODENTS. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.
FOR MORE INFO: (360)733-2080, EXT # 3004
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ALL CREATURES BIG AND SMALL ~ A few of the
recent “Residents” at the Whatom Humane Society
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SHOP AT FRED MEYER &
RAISE MONEY FOR WHS!
Where Shopping & Giving Unite
Support your favorite nonprofit just by shopping at Fred
Meyer with your Rewards Card. Fred Meyer is donating
$2.5 million each year – up to $625,000 each quarter
– to the local schools, community organizations or
nonprofits of your choice. All you have to do is link your
Rewards Card and use it when you shop at Fred Meyer.
Your Fred Meyer Rewards Card can help
earn money for the Whatcom Humane
Society...it’s easy!
• Go to www.fredmeyer.com
• Click on the red REWARDS tab at top.
• On the drop down menu click on Community Rewards.
• Link your Rewards Card now.
• Sign in, using your personal Rewards Card information.
• Find Whatcom Humane Society, #82474
• Don’t forget to click SAVE!
You’re done!
www.whatcomhumane.org
Thank you for your support!
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Santa
Paws
e
IS COMING TO WHS
f
Bring your companion animal to the Whatcom
Humane Society for a visit and photo with Santa Paws.
Friday, Dec 4th 5:00-8:00pm
Saturday, Dec 5th 11:00am-3:00pm
Sunday, Dec 6th 11:00am-3:00pm
Whatcom Humane Society ~ Multi-Purpose Room
For a $20 donation, you will receive a 4 X 6 photo card and digital
photo file sent to you via email for use. No appointment necessary.
Dogs must be on a leash and cats and other animals in a secure
carrier. Proceeds benefit the Whatcom Humane Society.
Questions? Contact: events@whatcomhumane.org or
(360)733-2080, ext # 3014.
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Monthly Pet Loss
Support Group Offered
Whatcom Humane Society’s monthly Pet Loss Support Group offers support and
resources to help with the loss of a pet. The Pet Loss Support Group meets the 3rd
Thursday of each month from 6:00pm to 7:30pm in the multi-purpose room at the Whatcom Humane Society.
There is no charge for this group, no reservations are needed and you are free to attend as often as necessary
throughout your grief process.
The Pet Loss Support Group provides a safe, supportive place where pet owners can share stories about their pet and
work through their grief with others who have suffered a similar loss.
Volunteers provide supportive help for those who have been touched by the loss of a pet, are anticipating the death
of a pet, are dealing with the difficult decision of euthanasia, have suffered from a lost or stolen pet or are wondering
when/if it is time to add another pet to the family.
For more information, please contact: outreach@whatcomhumane.org
COLD WEATHER PET CARE TIPS & REMINDERS
Whatcom County winters can be dark, cold, windy and long.
The damp and cold weather conditions can cause many issues
for both companion animals and livestock. Whatcom Humane
Society animal control officers refer to both city and county
animal ordinances and the Revised Code of Washington
state when providing assistance to animals in need in our
community and investigating cases of possible animal
neglect or abuse. During the winter months, many of the calls
WHS animal control receives are from people concerned
about animals left outside in the elements. The RCW states
that companion animal owners must provide animals with
“necessary shelter, rest, sanitation, space and medical
attention.” If you are aware of an animal in need or that is kept
outdoors without proper shelter from the elements or is lacking
proper care, please contact the Whatcom Humane Society
Animal Control & Rescue Department at 360-733-2080,
ext. 3017, or your local animal control agency for assistance
immediately. If you live outside of Whatcom County, WHS can
help direct you to the animal control agency in your community.
shelter should be turned to face away from the wind and
raised a few inches off the ground.
Below are some cold weather pet care tips
that all animal owners should be aware of:
• Warm engines in parked cars can attract cats and small
wildlife that crawl up under the hood to stay warm.
Before starting your car, bang on the hood to scare away any animals.
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• Don’t leave animals outdoors for extended periods of
time. Short-haired, very young and very old animals are extremely susceptible to the elements including rain, sleet, snow and wind.
• If you must leave an animal outdoors, the animal must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large
enough for the animal to sit and lie down comfortably
but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The
• The Whatcom Humane Society has a limited number
of free doghouses available to pets of residents in need.
Doghouses are available at the Whatcom Humane
Society facility, 2172 Division St., Bellingham on a first come, first-serve basis. WHS also accepts donations of
new or used dog houses for this program.
• Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food
in the winter because keeping warm depletes the animal’s energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make sure the water does not freeze.
• Livestock animals need extra grain, hay and a source for fresh water. Wind- and rainproof jackets or blankets
should be provided for horses, goats and other animals
at risk in the elements. All outdoor livestock should have
access to a dry, draft-free shelter.
• Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can
irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe off your animal’s feet with a damp cloth after walks or outdoor exercise.
• Antifreeze is a deadly poison but has a sweet taste that attracts animals. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach of all domestic and wild animals.
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Pet Safety Tips For A
Humane Holiday Season
Over the river and through the woods to celebrate the upcoming holiday
season we go. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day – the holiday
season is full of friends, family, fun and festivities. Most people include
their pets in some form of holiday celebrations, which is fantastic.
However, holiday food and decorations can pose serious dangers to
your companion animals. Here are a few things to know.
Foods: Keep your pet’s regular diet during the holiday season. A small
piece of cooked meat or spoon full of mashed potato shouldn’t do
much harm, but undercooked meat, bones, certain spices/herbs and
chocolate can pose serious threats to your pet’s health. If you want to
provide your companion animals with a special holiday treat, visit your
local pet supply store and purchase a species specific treat or toy for
your pet to enjoy during the holidays.
Alcohol: Alcohol can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and
can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and blood pressure. Many
holiday desserts and candies contain alcohol. Make sure you keep
these items and alcoholic beverages out of reach of animals.
You Auto Donate
You “auto” donate your old car, truck,
boat, boathouse, RV or trailer for the
animals at the Whatcom Humane Society.
All donated vehicles must be in good
running condition - no “junkers” please!
Your donation is tax deductible and will
help support the programs and services
that WHS provides all year long. For more
information please contact Laura Clark
at (360) 733 - 2080, ext. #3026 or email
director@whatcomhumane.org
Christmas Tree: First and foremost, make sure your Christmas tree
is securely anchored. WHS staff hear stories every year of the family
cats running up the Christmas tree and bringing it crashing to the
ground! When decorating your tree, if possible stay away from tinsel.
Because of its stringy shape and reflective nature tinsel is attractive
to animals, especially cats. While not toxic, if ingested, tinsel can get
caught in your animal’s intestines and become very dangerous causing
serious injury to your pets. If this happens, contact your veterinarian
immediately. If you have glass, aluminum or other fragile ornaments for
your tree, consider hanging on the higher branches of your tree. This will
help deter your pets from chewing on them, possibly breaking pieces off
and cutting their mouth or swallowing them.
Holiday Plants: Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Holly, Amaryllis and Lilies are
just a few of the holiday themed plants that can be poisonous to your
pets. If ingested by your pet, many holiday plants can cause vomiting,
diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing and erratic behavior. Keep these
plants far away from your companion animal. If your pet does ingest
any holiday plants (or their berries) contact your veterinarian or an
emergency veterinary clinic in your area immediately.
Holiday Lights & Candles: Twinkling lights and candles can be
attractive to curious pets. Keep candles, hot wax and liquid potpourri
out of reach. Some “bubble type” lights and snow globes may contain
poisonous chemicals and if chewed on by your pet, can pose a danger.
Do you have a pet that likes to chew? Keep an eye on holiday lights to
make sure you pet stays clear.
Wishing you and your two and four legged family a happy, healthy and
humane holiday season!
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15-WHTWA-1015-N
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