Winter 2011 - Rutland County Humane Society

FOURPAWS
FLYER
Rutland County Humane Society
Winter 2011
765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT
802-483-6700
www.rchsvt.org
2010 brought new challenges but increased progress in fulfilling our mission. Here are just a few positive
things that happened for RCHS and the animals this past year.
A Helping Hand
RCHS has been working with a Bridgewater, Vermont group “Save A Pet” for 3 years now to bring unwanted
puppies up from a coalition of shelters in Virginia. The partnership, through which we have received 38 puppies to date, has benefited everyone involved as it enables RCHS to present family dogs for adoption and helps alleviate the severe overcrowding the Southern shelters experience. We were pleased to receive this
note along with a generous donation from our Southern friends:
“Thank you so very much for helping us rescue homeless dogs in our area.
The enclosed is a token thank you from us . . . only wish it could be more!”
Joyce Page, Volunteer, Animal Welfare League of Virginia
Humane Investigations
In September a member of our Board of Directors, Dave Yendell, offered his volunteer services as our humane
investigator. Dave brings a background in private investigations to the job and completed the comprehensive
“Investigating Animal Cruelty” training at the Vermont Police Academy before responding to his first call.
Having a trained humane agent available to respond to county-wide concerns about cruelty and neglect has
enabled RCHS to help many more animals and people in addition to those who actually walk through our
doors. Since September, Dave has handled 14 complaints and provided education and advice and worked with
pet owners in all reaches of the county to improve conditions for animals. Dave has also worked to explain to
owners what the law requires in terms of care and housing.
If you have a concern or question about how an animal in Rutland County is being treated, please log onto
www.reportanimalcruelty.com and tell us your concern.
In the summer of 2008, Bonnie Sargent came to us with a fundraising idea. She
designed neckwear from beautiful leftover yarns and sold them. All money raised
would come to RCHS in honor of Bonnie’s dog, Lily. And Lily’s Lovelies were born.
Truly Unique agreed to carry the line and covered all the expenses of processing
the sales. Other outlets were developed as well.
In the two plus years that Bonnie has run this project, over $10,000 has been
raised to help homeless animals. When Bonnie approached me she said that
she couldn’t bear the thought of a dog like Lily being stray with nowhere to go.
Bonnie’s hard work and commitment have saved lives of stray animals.
Lily’s Lovelies will phase out after the end of 2010. But our affection for Bonnie
and the good she has done will keep on. Thank you to Bonnie, Truly Unique and
her other merchants for this wonderful project.
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F O UR PA WS F LYE R
EVENTS
Blessing of the Animals
"Not to hurt the creatures brethren is our first
duty to them, but to stop there is not enough.
We have a higher mission—to be of service to
them wherever they require it."
~ Saint Francis
Our annual Blessing of the Animals, in honor of the Feast Day
of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, was held
on Sunday, October 3 at RCHS. The Reverend Lee Crawford of
Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland performed the ceremony.
She blessed 40 dogs and cats whose humans brought them to
the event. In addition, she blessed all of the homeless animals
in the shelter. It was a lovely service and an annual tradition
we cherish. Our thanks to the Reverend Crawford and to
everyone who brought their animals for this special blessing!
Dock Diving at the
Lakehouse Pub & Grille!
Our second annual Dock Diving to benefit
RCHS was another splashing good time for
water lovin’ dogs and their owners! Our
thanks to Brad and his team at the Lakehouse Pub & Grille in Bomoseen and Peter
Bourque of g. housen for hosting and running the event for us. Nearly 30 dogs had a
ball jumping and raising money for RCHS.
Our congratulations to Chessa, the winner
in the Large Dog category, and Pete, the
winner of the Medium Dog category. We
had no small dogs jumping this year.
Watch for details for our 2011 event, which
will be even more fun for everyone! Thanks
to our RCHS volunteers who helped
throughout the day, too!
RCHS Website is Updated!
Have you visited the RCHS website lately? If not, check us out at www.rchsvt.org and we think you’ll be
pleasantly surprised! Our new site is easier to navigate, has a whole new look and feel, and makes it easier to
find the information you’re looking for. Our thanks to Jackson Whelan for helping us design it and hosting it
for us for free! Take a look and let us know what you think.
Fall Foliage Golf Tournament
It would have taken more than an umbrella to deal with the 5 inches of rain that hit Proctor
Pittsford Country Club the day before our annual golf tournament. The tournament had to be
cancelled because of course conditions. Thanks to all our teams for their understanding and
all our sponsors for their support. Huge thanks to Proctor Pittsford, who always helps us in
every way they can. The next tournament will be held on October 7, 2011.
F O UR PA WS F LYE R
PAGE 3
Lesli ’ s Leash Lines—Lesli Hyland
TOP 10 PUPPY PRIORITIES
1. SOCIALIZATION - More behavioral problems stem from poor socialization than anything else. Fear causes most aggression. Your puppy
needs to meet a variety of people and other animals in diverse settings
to gain social confidence. But do not overwhelm your puppy! Too much exposure or forced exposure will
cause the opposite of the effect you want. For example, don't pass your puppy around; put him on the floor
or on a couch and let him approach people on his own terms.
2. COOPERATION - Build a relationship of trust and cooperation through reward-based training. Correction
training causes fear and avoidance; this will negatively affect the overall relationship you have with your
puppy.
3. CONSISTENCY - Your puppy needs to know what his boundaries are and how he can gain access to food,
freedom, playtime, teething relief and social interaction. If he has to guess, he'll often get it wrong, resulting
in inappropriate behavior, destruction and confusion.
4. HEALTH - Your puppy should be examined by a veterinarian and a started on a program of appropriate
inoculations and worming.
5. NUTRITION - A high-quality diet consisting of whole foods, rather than by-products, is recommended to
keep your puppy in optimum health.
6. TRAINING - The 3 basic skills you should concentrate on teaching a young pup: sitting, coming when
called, and walking politely on leash. Sitting can replace many undesirable behaviors like jumping or mouthing. Coming when called allows for more exercise and provides safety. Leash manners are best taught when
the puppy is small, when size and strength will not work against you. Dogs who walk nicely on leash can go
more places and get more exercise and socialization.
7. HOUSETRAINING - Too much unsupervised freedom will result in a long, frustrating house-training process! Use crates, gates and tethers to confine your puppy between play sessions, training sessions, bathroom
breaks and exercise. Feed 2 or 3 meals a day depending on your puppy's age. If housetraining is not going
well in spite of your best efforts, consider taking a urine and stool sample to your vet to rule out infections
and parasites.
8. HANDLING/RESTRAINT/GROOMING - Get your puppy used to brushing, nail clipping, and body handling
(teeth, ears, feet, tail) while he is young. If he resists handling, pair it with treats, meals and favorite games
to make it more pleasant for him. Teach him that calm behavior, rather than tantrums, makes the session
stop by ending sessions only once he is calm.
9. TEETHING - Puppies will chew on almost anything! Puppy-proof your home, supervise and redirect your
puppy’s attention toward appropriate chew toys when you are home. Confine your puppy with ONLY appropriate chew toys when puppy is alone. Provide soft and hard chew toys, but be careful your pup isn't ingesting pieces of toys. Teach your puppy to relinquish toys and bones willingly by trading another toy or a treat
periodically when he is chewing.
10. PATIENCE - Love your puppy, forgive him his mistakes, and remember that they are almost always your
fault, not his. Learn his language so you can communicate effectively. He will grow up soon enough, but
right now he needs your attention and focus. He's only a puppy for a short time . . . enjoy it!
Receive the Four PawsFlyer via email or view online. Just let us know your preference and
we will take care of getting the newsletter to you while saving money!
Email Beth@rchsvt.org
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F O UR PA WS F LYE R
Dora
Harlequin
Jimmy & Jack
Kalie
Yoki
Gulliver
Darwin
JEB
Luna
Milkshake
Skipper
Emmy & Beau
Whelen
RCHS ALUMNI
Copper
F O UR PA WS F LYE R
PAGE 5
Preparing Your Dog for an Eye Check-up
Cookie Mac
Recently, I assisted a veterinary ophthalmologist at a canine health clinic while he checked the eyes of over
100 dogs. During that day I picked up some great pointers that I would like to share.
When taking your dog to the Vet, unless it is an emergency, preparation is key! A small dog usually stands
on an exam table, the larger ones on the floor. Start weeks before the vet visit, or better yet from puppyhood, to stand your dog on a table or the floor while someone walks up and pretends to examine him. Reward him for standing quietly. It’s kind of difficult to listen to your dog’s heartbeat when he’s turning every
which way or trying to escape! They quickly learn that it’s not scary and there probably will be a treat for
being a good dog.
The same procedure can be used for clipping nails. If you start very young, handling your dog’s feet and
nails daily and rewarding and praising her each time, soon your dog will stand still and learn that nail clipping (or, in our case, dremmeling) is not torture. Just go slowly, reassure, praise, and be consistent. Check
nails weekly so it becomes habit for both of you. This is also a great time to check your dog for lumps,
bumps, ticks, etc. You may find something your dog’s vet should check out between regular visits.
As for the eye exam, anyone, even a human, can be nervous when the room is dark and some big instrument
is stuck in one’s face. As I watched the vet try to examine a dog up close and personal for eye disease while
said dog was twisting away, turning, growling and terrified, I realized how difficult it can be to complete an
exam! Prepare your dog by again placing her on the floor or table, teaching her to stand quietly in the dark,
and perhaps having a friend come close to her eyes and touch her facial area while shining a small flashlight
in her eyes briefly.
Your vet may permit your bringing nervous puppies or dogs to the office, weighing them, walking around, treating and praising them, and teaching them that
it’s not such a scary place. Your vet and the staff will certainly appreciate your
effort, and visits will become far pleasanter when your dog isn't scared.
I always feel great pride when veterinary staff tells me that our big, silly Doberman is just the best patient. That’s even after several surgeries, repairs, and notso-fun times in the office. She learned as a puppy, and her manners (at least in
this area) are impeccable!
Trap-Neuter-Return Program wraps up for Winter
After another successful season, with more than 100 cats spayed/neutered and 16 new caretakers enrolled,
the TNR program is on winter hiatus till early spring. If you are feeding or taking care of a feral cat (or 10!)
and are interested in this program, please email Jessica@rchsvt.org with your name, phone number, and the
number of cats you are feeding. You will be contacted in the spring when the program resumes.
“Thank you for providing this opportunity for these cats . . . the number of kittens we were starting to see from this one Momma was astounding.”
Chris, Castleton State College, 2010 TNR Enrollee
Doing the Numbers
August
Incoming: 116
Outgoing: 151
Placement: 85%
September
Incoming: 134
Outgoing: 103
Placement: 77%
October
Incoming: 116
Outgoing: 99
Placement: 74%
November
Incoming: 91
Outgoing: 136
Placement: 66%
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F O UR PA WS F LYE R
Another project that benefits RCHS was developed by
Lydia & Isabelle Gulick.
These talented young woman make jewelry. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry
is donated to RCHS and used to care for shelter animals.
To date this project has raised over $1,700. We are so
pleased to have young people in our community with
such generous hearts and entrepreneurial skills.
Thank you, Isabelle and Lydia!
Lydia and Isabelle working on crafting
jewelry for a cause.
You can find their jewelry at Eastwood Animal Clinic,
Catamount Pet Supply, Rutland Veterinary Clinic and
Artistic Styles Hair Salon.
Wiggles and Wags To:
Jack Aicher
Mrs. Barbagallo's 5th Grade Class, Christ the King
School
Buddy Bandanas
Catamount Radio
Christ the King School
Clarendon Animal Clinic
Clarendon Elementary School 5th & 6th Grade
Mrs. Cragin's 4th Grade, Rutland Intermediate School
Kathryn Dugan
Destiny Galati & Wendy Cameron
Girl Scout Troop #30632, Lothrop School
Hannaford SuperMarket
Hilltop Tavern
Jax Food & Games
Isabelle Kingsley
Paul LaPlaca
5th & 6th Grades, Lothrop Elementary School
JoHanna Morse
Becky Rizzi & Mr. Twitter's Garden & Gift Emporium
Mrs. Mero's First Grade
Mount Holly School 1st Graders
Pember Library
People's United Bank
Skip Pratico, Pratico Landscaping & Fencing Company
Ilma Rosskopf
Rutland Intermediate School Community Service Club
Rutland Pharmacy
Sto Corp: Marvin Marcille, John Carleton, Joe Reynolds, Mike Conway
Mr. Stratton's 3rd Grade, Rutland Intermediate School
Tapestry After School Program
The Sunday School at Union Church of Proctor
West Rutland School
Christina Wiles
Marley, Saint, and So Many Happy Outcomes
Most of our shelter animals come in with very little in the way of a story. They need a new home, and we take care
of them until the right one comes along. But some have special needs. Marley made headlines when he needed
surgery. People came through for him with enough in donations to also care for Saint. Marley is the pride of his
owner and doing well. Saint came in starved to nearly half what her body weight should have been. She’d been
bred and recently delivered puppies who all died. The owner went to court and pleaded guilty. Saint is now
healthy and happy in her new home. Very recently, over 20 dogs came in from a neglect case; they are recovering
and many have found new homes. For all the happy endings, thank you for supporting RCHS and caring about
animals. Together we’ve prevented and alleviated suffering and have helped hundreds of animals find new lives.
Together we have prevented over-population and provided education to young and old alike on pet care, animal
welfare and the joys that animals bring to our lives. From all of us at RCHS — Happy New Year.
F O UR PA WS F LYE R
MONEY HAS BEEN
DONATED IN MEMORY
OF THE FOLLOWING
ANIMALS:
Gambler & Star Allard
Walker Amsden
Bentley Arsenault
Macpherson Baird
Gwen Barker
Cooper Batey
Dempsey Belden
Buttons & Hoosier Bernstein
Cinder Bonazinga
Ranger Brown
Buck Butter
Noel Combs
Teaco Cousineau
MONEY HAS BEEN
DONATED IN MEMORY
OF THE FOLLOWING
PEOPLE:
John Baptie
Debra Bonazzoli
Mary Brown
Mary Bussino
Jason Chamberlain
Don Chute
Marilyn Coloutti
Elaine Curran
Robert Cyrul Sr.
Joann Deatte
Aline Douglas
Natalie Drew
PAGE 7
Machais Dana
Tank DeLance
Beaux DiMartino
Mickey Egan
Willie Egan
Cocoa-mo Felion
Ike Foley
Spooker Gosselin
Brutus Greenley
Charlie Hadley
Skipper Hanson
Chloe Hill
Lark Hoffman,
Kitty Boy Isherwood
Jake
Butch Keech-Anida
Marley Kroker
Jack LaPlaca
Fluffy Levesque
Ollie & Brutus Low
Sis Magro
Diego Mangine
Margo Mannolini
Chi Chi Marconi
Murphy Marconi
Biscuit McConnell
Cooper McIntyre
Murphy Monaco
Clancy Moore
Margo Nardi
Sully Nolan
Floyd Owens
Joey Piper
Ruby Poczobut
Shadow Poirier
Tigger Ponto
Tigger Protivansky
Jewel Ruddy
Sapphire Saradarian
Jack Savageau
Alisa Stevens
Savannah Walter Shepherd
Torrey
Cookie Ward
Mitu Wasik-Howland
Cali Webster
Whiskers Weinfurt
Ayla & Petey Wener
Mardi West
Scooter Whittamore
Tuffy, Pepsi & Patches
Woods
Tom Duffy
Ella Duhnoski
Stephen Eddy Sr.
Larry Flanders
Bobbie Ford
Donna, Ronnie & Julie
Gilligan
Grace Mildred Graham
Helen Haas
Clint Hall
Francis Herbert Hanfield
Janice Haseltine
William Hathaway Sr.
Edward Hayden Sr.
Albert & Frances Heath
Peter Heinson
Ruth Hennessey
Lee Keirstead
Thomas Lertola
Rev. Richard Marceau
Lorraine Marcille
Kathleen McCloskey
George Merrill
Anthony Michel
Robert Neary
Mary O’Keefe
Lester Parker
Glenn Patch
Patricia Patch
Albert Poirier
Barbara Potter
Albert Prescott Jr.
Stuart Rapée
Richard Rice
Angelina Savery
Marie Schiller
Linda Severance
Mary Stone
Frances Sufnarski
John Suker
Regina Sullivan
James Taranovich
Norma Timpone
June Townsend
Gaetane Veilleux
Francis Watterlund
Donald Westebbe
Meg Wilkins
Tina Woods
MONEY HAS BEEN DONATED IN HONOR OF THE
FOLLOWING:
Clara Aldrich
Lorraine Bargmann
Linda Barnard
Wedding of Bonnie Bienvenu & Bill Kelleway
Mr. & Mrs. A. James Crawford
The Wedding Guests of Jason & Katie Davis
Shane Hanson
Mallorie Kaschuluk
The Kellys
Kay Killoran
Greg & Carol Macleod
Mark Mossey
Rutland Veterinary Clinic at Castleton Corners
The Shum Family
Pepper Smith
Vermont Store Fixtures
Pat & Carl Wener
Pat Williams
For information on all of the Rutland County Humane Society’s programs and activities, visit our website at
www.rchsvt.org. You can search for a lost pet, view animals available for adoption, see what we may need, and learn
about upcoming events. We are also on Facebook and Twitter (@RCHSVT).
You can subscribe to our e-newsletter, which will bring you up to date news about RCHS as well as information on animal
topics on our website, too.
Calendar of Events: Please check out the News & Events page on our website (rchsvt.org/newsevents) for more events as they come up throughout the Winter & early Spring.
2nd Annual Furry Friends Photo Contest – It will kick off on Monday, January 17 and run through February 28. Our website (www.rchsvt.org) will have the link to it starting January 17. Make your pet a star in
our 2012 Wall Calendar! Keep your eyes open for more information.
“Spring for the Animals” Auction – Our annual “Spring for the Animals” Auction will be held in early
Spring, however details are not yet available. As soon as they are, we will let you know.
Yard Sale – Saturday, May 21 at RCHS. 9 AM – 2 PM. Pre-priced donations can be dropped off on Friday,
May 20, 8 AM – 6 PM or Saturday morning, 7:30 – 9 AM.
Fido Fest – Saturday & Sunday, July 16 & 17 in Killington. Fido Fest is being “altered” for 2011! We are
partnering with Killington to be part of their Killington Dog Days, which will include Dock Dogs, UFO
World Championship, Skyhoundz Disc Dogathon, games, vendors, our famous Duck Derby and more!
Watch for more details about this fun canine event!
RCHS Board of Directors:
Phyllis McCoy-Jacien, President
Linda Dukeshire, Vice President
Mei Mei Brown, Vice President
Amanda Gearwar, Treasurer
Christi Koch, Secretary
Bill Burke
Michael Carr
Rob Macpherson, DVM
Darcy Nelson
Mike Roberts
Dave Yendell
Staff :
Gretchen Goodman, Executive Director
Jessica Danyow, Director of Operations
Beth Saradarian, Director of Outreach
and Special Events
Beth Shapcott, Office Manager
Susan Smith, Adoption Center
Coordinator
Jill Chapleau, Medical Supervisor
Phone: 802-483-9171 Fax: 802-483-6342
RCHS@RCHSVT.org
765 Stevens Road
Pittsford, VT 05763
Animal Care Technicians:
Julie Merwin
Bethany Bushman
Lisa Henry
Adoption/Intake Counselors:
Robin Smith Poirier
Jill Elnicki
Non-profit Org.
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
Pittsford, VT
Permit #6