the scoop - Pennsylvania SPCA

THE SCOOP
www.pspca.org
IN THIS ISSUE
w Letter from Our CEO
w New Departments at PSPCA
w Micah Learns About Adoption
w Phillies/Pets at the Park
w Inside Perspectives
w What’s the Scoop?
Save a Life Medical Fund:
Helping Dustin and Others Heal
Betty Grable
When you think of a puppy, what adjectives come to mind?
Adorable? Energetic? Playful?
Dustin, a pit bull puppy, was certainly adorable, but
pain and immobility had sapped his puppy energy and
playfulness. His hind knees and hips floated in their sockets,
making it hard for him to even stand. Dustin needed
specialized orthopedic surgery on both legs. These complex
surgeries would not be cheap, but we knew Dustin was
worth it.
Last fall, we asked for your support to heal Dustin, and you
answered our call tenfold. Because of the many supporters
who donated to Dustin’s medical fund, he is now walking.
In fact, after two surgeries and months of recovery, Dustin
is now enthusiastically enjoying life with his new family.
Each day, animals who have been abused, neglected,
starved, and forgotten come into our care. Each of these
animals receives high-quality veterinary care through our
Shelter Hospital, but animals such as Dustin need further
medical treatments only offered outside of our shelter.
PSPCA Humane Law Enforcement
Officers rescued kitten Betty Grable
from a hoarding situation when
she was just a few weeks old.
Compounding her severe upper
respiratory infection, she developed
a bacterial infection that weakened
her bones. She fractured one leg,
which our Shelter Hospital team
successfully treated. A second,
more complex fracture required
surgery, and thanks to our Medical
Fund, her leg was saved.
Campbell
We established the Save a Life Medical Fund so our
sick and injured shelter animals can receive advanced
lifesaving care.
er surgery
Dustin aft
ine
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n
o
e
We’r
www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaSPCA
www.twitter.com/PSPCA
www.youtube.com/user/pspcaonline
To support the Save a Life Medical Fund, please
call 267-463-2313 or visit our website at pspca.org.
After two men set him on fire,
Campbell suffered severe burns
to more than 60 percent of his
body. Our Shelter Hospital staff
stabilized the cat and treated his
wounds for three weeks, but
then his skin began to slough
off, dangerously exposing
subcutaneous tissue. Our
supporters kindly funded his
surgeries at Penn’s Veterinary
Hospital, and Campbell is now
healing in his new adoptive home.
A Message from CEO, Jerry Buckley
Dear Friends,
In 2013, we embarked on a new strategic plan to
strengthen our mission to improve the welfare of
animals in our region. With your joint advocacy,
we have already taken several key steps to make
Pennsylvania a safer place for pets. Last year,
you helped us:
The Pennsylvania SPCA is
dedicated to protecting
animals, preventing cruelty
and improving the health
and quality of life for animals
in Pennsylvania.
w Investigate 11,135 reports of animal cruelty;
Locations
Headquarters:
350 E. Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134
215-426-6300
w Find loving homes for 6,139 animals;
w Treat 26,290 animals in our outpatient clinics;
w Spay and neuter 9,222 pets;
w Establish a Humane Litigation department and expand our law enforcement
to Lancaster County;
w Create a medical fund to help save the lives of critically ill and injured shelter animals; and
w Pave the way for our Humane Education department, launched early this year.
Every one of these accomplishments was possible because you are on our team of animal
advocates. As you read about some of our recent news, events, and initiatives in the
following pages, I hope you are inspired to continue saving lives with us as adopters, as
fosters, as volunteers, and as donors.
Jerry Buckley, CEO
Pennsylvania SPCA
Meet our new Chief Operating Officer
We’re pleased to announce that Mary Jo Bernardo
joined us in November from Tony La Russa’s
Animal Rescue Foundation in California, where
she had spent the past six years as Chief
Operating Officer. “I believed in the PSPCA mission
when I started,” said Mary Jo, “but seeing how
dedicated the staff and volunteers are as they work
to carry out our mission is truly impressive. Every
day I’m here, I’m inspired by something new.”
Mary Jo’s rescue spaniel, Jersey, was named after
her home state.
2
Danville Branch
2801 Bloom Road
Danville, PA 17821
570-275-0340
To Donate
Visit www.pspca.org/donation
or email
development@pspca.org
To Volunteer
Visit www.pspca.org/volunteer
or email
volunteers@pspca.org
24-Hour Humane
Law Enforcement Hotline:
Call 866-601-SPCA
Chief Executive Officer
Jerry Buckley
Chief Operating Officer
Mary Jo Bernardo
Financial Controller
Jennifer Green
Director of Humane
Law Enforcement
George Bengal
Director of Development
Patricia Mecca
Visit us online at:
www.pspca.org
New Departments at PSPCA
C
onsistent with our 2013-2016 Strategic Plan, we have established two departments we believe are
essential to our mission’s growth: Humane Litigation, and Humane Education. Through these vibrant
programs, we will work to ensure we successfully prosecute cases of animal abuse and neglect while
also tackling the issue at the root by teaching responsible and compassionate pet ownership.
Humane Litigation
Investigating cases of cruelty and neglect is central to our mission.
But the investigation is only the beginning. Our Humane Litigation
department handles all the legal aspects of our Humane Law
Enforcement division, helping ensure that we successfully
prosecute the cases we pursue. Rebecca Glenn-Dinwoodie, an
attorney, serves as Director of Humane Litigation, and she has
built a forensics team that reports to her and assists with
investigations and prosecutions.
rney,
odie, atto
n-Dinwo ane Litigation
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Rebec
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Director
serves as
This department has already achieved more than 70 guilty
verdicts. It also won the first-ever petition under Pennsylvania’s
new Costs of Care of Seized Animals Act. The new law allows a
shelter to petition the court for an order requiring a suspect to
pay for the costs of caring for a seized animal during the course
of litigation. Our successful petition resulted in the guilty owner
of three neglected shih tzu dogs reimbursing us for the $3,000
we expended to treat and house them. After the owner
surrendered the animals, we found homes for little Oreo,
Peanut, and Cookie.
Today, 17 percent of the animals in our care are pending legal cases. With this new department, we can better
advocate for these victims of animal cruelty who are waiting in legal limbo.
Humane Education
It takes care, compassion, and respect for all animals to prevent animal
cruelty. At PSPCA, we are educating people not simply to treat animals
humanely, but to truly change the way our entire community treats
animals. That’s what Allyson Wurst, our new Director of Humane
Education, has already started doing. A school teacher and administrator
with extensive experience in Philadelphia area schools, Allyson is leading
engaging programs at schools, youth programs, and community
organizations.
If you are interested in holding a PSPCA Humane Education
class at your school or organization, please contact Allyson at
awurst@pspca.org.
PSPCA Humane Educat
ion class
To help us build our Humane Education Library, please consider purchasing a book from our wish list.
Go to pspca.org/humane-education to view our list.
3
A Young Philanthropist: Micah Learns About Adoption
W
hen nine-year old Micah wanted a cat, he told his Mom,
Maria, he would use his own money and would take full
responsibility for the cat’s care. He started saving money he
made watering the neighbor’s lawn. One day at the bus stop,
Micah saw a cat, and he asked his Mom again if they could
have a cat. She said she would think about it.
When Maria got home that day, she saw the Facebook post for our “Fall in
Love” cat adoption event. She decided Micah was ready for the responsibility
and that “it would make a great life lesson about adoption.” Micah’s family had
adopted him from Guatemala when he was a year old, and Maria saw adopting
a cat as the perfect way to show Micah how special it is to be adopted.
“We didn’t tell Micah where we were going,”
Maria said. “We just drove to your place; he
read the sign and realized where we were.
He came into the room, and he and Sally
instantly fell in love with each other.
The only thing I did was fill out the paper
work. Micah paid the adoption fee and carried her out of the door.”
ying time
jo
Micah en
y
with Fluff
Micah and Sally, renamed Fluffy Lovable, have developed a special bond. Maria
recently told us, “The other day Micah was outside playing. His friend hurt his
feelings, and he came inside crying. The cat was upstairs and ran down to him and rubbed her head under his hand.”
Sue Schlisman Makes Animal Advocacy
Her Business
What does running two successful Philadelphia restaurants have to do with saving the
lives of animals? Everything, according to Sue Schlisman, owner of Smokin’ Betty’s and
Devil’s Alley in Philadelphia.
“I’ve seen first-hand the work performed at the PSPCA, and I know the need for
funding,” said Sue, a PSPCA volunteer, adopter, and event organizer. That need inspired
Puppy Love, an annual adoption and fundraising event, held at the 23rd Street Armory
in Philadelphia.
Puppy Love is an alternative to the usual Valentine’s Day events. “You can bring the one
you really love [your dog],” Sue explained, “have a fun time in a casual environment,
and meet other animal lovers.” With Sue’s business connections, she covers the event
costs through sponsors and donations, so the proceeds go entirely to the PSPCA.
Generously donating their time to work the event are Sue’s restaurant employees,
including Emily Smith, manager of Smokin’ Betty’s and the event’s main organizer.
But Sue’s support goes far beyond Puppy Love. She donates food to adoption events,
lent a hand at the screening of “Shelter Me,” a PBS documentary we presented at WHYY,
and even posts photos of adoptable animals in her restaurants. It’s all to help animals
find their new homes.
Please help us say a hearty “thank you” to Sue and her employees by stopping by for
a meal at Smokin’ Betty’s, located at 116 S. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and
Devil’s Alley, at 907 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
4
Sue Schlisman and her
adopted dog, Gracie
Phillies/ Pets
at the Park
Take me out to the ball game!
Hit a home run for our animals this year by checking out Citizens
Bank Park on Saturday, May 24 (Phillies vs. Dodgers at 3:05 p.m.),
for the Phillies Wives Save a Pet at the Park event. We will be there
with adoptable dogs and cats.
The May 24th game is also Bark in the Park, when you can also
bring your dog to enjoy the game with you. To bring your dog, you
will need a special ticket and there is limited seating. For more
information about Bark in the Park, please contact Dana Parks at
215-463-500 ext. 5103 or dparks@phillies.com.
The Phillies will also be selling a calendar of Phillies players and their pets
during the baseball season. The calendar will be available for sale at the
Phillies games and on their website, www.philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com.
Proceeds from all of these activities will benefit the Pennsylvania SPCA.
So come out and support the Phillies, the PSPCA and the animals!
Inside
Perspectives
Advocates from the Inside Out
Nancy Garvey has always been
passionate about animals, especially
abused and abandoned dogs. But
with a family, a full-time job, and a
few pets of her own, Nancy didn’t
think she could do more than
provide financial support.
That all changed five years ago,
when Nancy attended our volunteer
orientation and fell in love with a
playful pit bull named Gabbana.
Today, Nancy volunteers 10 to 12
hours a week, showing up even in
excessive heat, rain, sleet, hail, or
snow to help give animals the love
they deserve. She enjoys helping
out throughout the shelter, but
admits she could spend hours just giving the
animals belly rubs and hugs. “These animals
need all our love, attention, and positive
reinforcement,” Nancy said. “I care about each
and every one of them. It is a happy time when
they get adopted, because I know I played a
small part in helping prepare them for their
forever home.”
Bernestine Griffiths
works in one of our
shelter’s busiest
areas. The cheerful
Client Service
Representative is
one of the first faces
visitors see, whether
they’re seeking
information or checking in their animals
for wellness, vaccine,
or spay and neuter
appointments. Having
previously worked as
a nursing assistant for
Hahnemann Hospital’s Cardiac Unit, she’s used
to busy hospital settings.
Photo by: Heddy Bergsman
A lifelong animal lover, Bernestine is thrilled to
interact with pets on a regular basis. “When I see
the compassion our clients show their pets, I
feel connected to them because we share that
in common,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing to
witness.” Bernestine’s work does not end when
she leaves our shelter each night. She is a regular
foster parent to our bottle feeding kittens, and
spends her evenings and mornings providing
them with the special care they require to thrive.
So far, she has fostered more than 10 kittens
for PSPCA.
5
Ask the Experts
Introducing a Cat into Your Home
Welcoming a cat into your family is an exciting time.
Pennsylvania SPCA animal behavior expert Jamie Cooper shares tips for success.
Q. “Why is my cat hiding?”
A. Moving into a new home can be a stressful time for a cat. Give your cat a
chance to acclimate by starting it out in a quiet room with a closed door.
Place all the cat’s goodies — food, water, bed, and litterbox — in one room
with a closed door to let the cat get used to the new surroundings in small
increments. It’s not unusual for a cat to hide when it first arrives, and some
cats could take a few weeks to feel confident enough to come out.
Q. “How do I know when the cat is ready to explore the house?”
A. The cat will tell you when it’s ready to explore by showing more confidence
and expressing interest in the door. Open up your home as gradually as
possible, letting the cat out for small periods of time and only when you’re
home. Also, be cautious with any other animals in the house, never leaving
them alone together until well into the introductory period and when each
animal shows a sense of confidence.
Q. “What do I do if my cat isn’t adjusting after a few weeks?”
6
A. C
ats are magnificent, complex creatures, and any number of factors can
influence their transition. We’re here to help. Just email us at training@pspca.
org to connect with one of our behavior experts.
What’s the Scoop?
Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening at the
Pennsylvania SPCA!
Whine
&
k
r
a
B
Get ready for our second annual
Bark & Whine event!
Last year, more than 300 people attended our signature
fundraising event, and we were thrilled to achieve our financial
goals. The generous support from everyone who attended helps
thousands of animals. We look forward to having you join us at this
year’s event at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park on
Thursday, November 6th – SAVE THE DATE!
Give Back on Your Birthday!
Celebrate your birthday, and support the animals in our care!
The Pennsylvania SPCA cordially invites you to Give Back on Your
Birthday by holding a donation drive and bringing those presents to
our animals. We can use all donations, from dollars to towels,
blankets, treats, and pet food. Contact us at development@pspca.
org if you’d like some help planning your party.
A Special Piazza Pet of the Week.
Dave
Max &
Our friends at the Piazza Auto Group and CBS Radio support the
Piazza Pet of the Week each Wednesday at 8:25am on The Chris
Stigall Show on 1210 AM. Recently, Max, a five-year old German
Shepherd, found his family before he even got on the show. As
soon as CBS Radio employee Dave DiRenzo saw Max’s photo,
he knew the big dog belonged with his family. “Max is an absolute
joy,” Dave reported. “He has made his home with us, he is
adjusting to his surroundings and schedule beautifully and,
most important, he is loved.” This is our wish for all the shelter
animals in our care.
Our Young Friends want to meet you!
Joining Young Friends of the Pennsylvania SPCA is a great way
to connect with young animal advocates and help support the
PSPCA mission. You can check the group out on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/PSPCAyoungfriends to see their past and
upcoming events. Please send an email introducing yourself to
pspcafriends@gmail.com to join today!
7
Leaving a Legacy: Providing for Future Animals
Cynthia Best, a member of the 1867 Bequest Society, has been a Pennsylvania PSCA friend and supporter
for more than 50 years. “I found a receipt from September 9, 1963, taped into an old scrapbook,” she said. “I was 13,
and the organization was thanking me for my $1 donation.” Cynthia explained what has encouraged her generosity: “My
grandmother donated to the organizations that were close to her heart, and I have that as a guiding memory.” A native
Pennsylvanian and longtime animal advocate, Cynthia was naturally drawn to the mission of the Pennsylvania SPCA.
A decade ago, Cynthia really began thinking about the future; not only hers, but also those of the missions she cherishes.
She considered the homeless and abandoned animals in Pennsylvania and decided to include the Pennsylvania SPCA
as a beneficiary in her will. “I felt a calm and purpose to my life, and that my goodwill would follow me,” said Cynthia,
confident that her support will meaningfully impact the future of animals in our region. Cynthia’s partner, Joan, also an
animal lover, was inspired to name the Pennsylvania SPCA in her will as well.
Cynthia and Joan have saved more than 10 animals through foster care and
adoption. Their rescue family includes dogs Nadine and Lily, and cats Eva,
Possum, June, Simon, Suzy, and Ziggy. “A life without animal companions
is incomplete,” Cynthia said, grateful for the animals who have touched their
lives. Now, she and Joan are comforted that their legacies will help ensure
complete lives for thousands of homeless animals.
Make a Lasting Legacy
It’s the forethought that counts. Large or modest, your planned gift
to the Pennsylvania SPCA will help prevent cruelty and improve the
welfare of Pennsylvania’s animals. Each of our services — humane
law enforcement, low-cost veterinary care, shelter medicine, spay and
neuter, adoptions and lifesaving, and training and rehabilitation — is
100 percent donor-funded. For information about the 1867 Bequest
Society, please contact Jennifer Welsh, Director of Leadership Giving,
at (267) 463-2312 or jwelsh@pspca.org.
nd
Cynthia a
her dog,
Nadine
If you’ve already named the Pennsylvania SPCA in your estate plans,
we want to thank you! Please let us know so we can recognize your
thoughtfulness.
How you can help!
Your gift today will help us continue our mission of protecting and improving the lives of animals.
To make a gift:
Online: www.pspca.org/donate
Phone: 215-426-6304 Ext. 272
Mail: The Pennsylvania SPCA
Attention: Development
350 E. Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Stay connected with the Pennsylvania SPCA online:
www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaSPCA
www.twitter.com/PSPCA
www.youtube.com/user/pspcaonline