Norman`s Conquest - North Shore Animal League America

QUARTERLY ISSUE JULY 2015
Norman’s Conquest
With your help, a brave
Shar Pei conquers all.
North Shore Animal League America works constantly with
rescue partners near and far to bring homeless animals
to the no-kill safety of our Port Washington, N.Y. campus.
So when Norman, a six-year-old cream-colored Shar Pei,
arrived via an international transport from Taiwan, we
greeted him with open arms.
Sadly, Norman brought with him several medical issues that
seriously compromised his quality of life, including a broken
jaw and severe dental disease. According to Dr. Marina
Tejada, one of our outstanding veterinarians, Norman is
also suffering from a genetic disorder called entropion,
which causes the eyelids to roll inward and the lashes to
irritate the cornea, often to the point of ulceration.
Norman also has severe skin allergies and hypothyroidism,
which have made his coat thin and patchy. Norman is taking
medication for these problems, but it could be a while
before he develops a strong, healthy coat. As if these issues
weren’t enough, he also suffers from lateral patella luxation,
meaning his kneecap frequently pops out of place.
Besides needing medication and special food, Norman is
facing possible surgery for his eyes and knee. His plethora
of problems made Norman an ideal candidate for our Help
Me Heal Program and our Foster Care Program. Together,
these complementary support systems have helped
Norman flourish, body and soul.
According to his foster mom, Joan Santoli, Norman is “a
love, the sweetest dog on the face of the earth,” she says.
“It’s impossible to imagine how a dog who’s faced so much
adversity could be such a loving companion. Honestly, you
just can’t not smile when he’s around, with that mushy face
and wagging tail.”
A gentle optimist, Norman is even trying to make friends
with Joan’s less-than-interested cat, Nike. This patient,
mellow, housebroken pup is also improving medically, now
that his coat is filling in and the wire to correct his broken
jaw has been removed.
“Norman is my first foster,” says Joan, “and he’s truly a
wonderful companion. He has a hundred adorable habits.
Really, he loves everybody, and everybody loves him.”
(Well, everybody but Nike.)
For Norman, the old saying might be true: Love, indeed,
conquers all.
To see a video of Norman and to read about Animal League America’s brilliant work to heal this great dog, please visit us at:
animalleague.org/norman
Dear Friends,
Have you ever noticed that when you put a group of animal lovers
in the same room, it takes no time at all for them to start talking
about their dogs and cats, past and present?
That, in one sentence, is the concept behind our newest
addition to North Shore Animal League America’s Mutt-i-grees®
Movement. We’re calling it the Mutt-i-grees Family Album, an
online site where you can celebrate your treasured dogs and cats
by posting and sharing photos and anecdotes.
I introduced the Mutt-i-grees Family Album in the last issue of
“Pawprints,” but now I want to get personal and tell you about a dog
who, though she died many years ago, remains vivid in my memory.
When I became President in 1993, one of the first dogs I got
personally involved with was Jenny, a 13-plus-year-old German
Shepherd. She’d been living at the Ridgefield, Conn., animal control
facility for more than a year, and the assistant director called us to
let us know that they couldn’t keep her any longer.
She was a 90-pound female, very protective of her friends, but not
friendly to strangers. Since most prospective adopters are strangers
to any dog being considered for adoption, you can see this was going
to be a problem for Jenny. Not a great candidate for adoption. I,
nevertheless, let my heart rule and agreed to admit her to our shelter.
She bonded with our staff very quickly, but was still wary of potential
adopters. Jenny was finally adopted by an elderly woman, but was
soon returned when she barked at the woman’s granddaughter, who’d
been running in the hall of the woman’s house and had startled Jenny.
I began to walk Jenny every day around our campus and got real close
to her. I also introduced her to my 3-year-old male German Shepherd,
with excellent results. Now the big test: taking her home and
introducing her to the other dogs, large and small, in my household.
Probably because the male, who was the alpha dog in the household,
had accepted her, everyone quickly acted as if Jenny had always
been part of the family. She loved my little Terrier mix, who was just a
puppy, taking him under her protective watch. She lived three loving
years with us, going to the office with me regularly, and was one of
the nicest, most caring dogs I’ve ever had the privilege to care for.
Many dogs have enriched my life, and each is as precious as
Jenny. I’m sure you feel the same about your dogs and cats. So
take a minute to tell us about the Mutt-i-grees who share your life
today — or who live on in your memory. Send us a digital photo
and a paragraph about that amazing Mutt-i-gree.
Join the Mutt-i-gree conversation. You’ll have plenty of
enthusiastic company at animalleague.org/family.
Warm regards,
Jenny and Klixie
Stevenson circa
1995
J. John Stevenson, President
2
Driving Home the No-Kill Message
Wednesday, March 11: The sky was bluer than blue, the
temperature hit an amazing 60 degrees, and…gasp!…there
was nary a snowflake to be seen. In other words, it was a
perfect day for a road trip, and Animal League America
celebrated what certainly felt like the first day of spring by
launching its 15th annual Tour for Life®.
To highlight our most extensive tour ever, our incomparable
spokesperson, Beth Stern, welcomed camera crews and
reporters from several national and local media outlets
to our campus. Holding an active black and white puppy,
Beth described the significance of the event, stating that
four of our Mobile Adoption Units were about to embark
on a collective 19,000-mile journey, visiting 40 cities and
towns in 25 states, plus Washington, D.C. At each stop, she
explained, the Mobile Adoption Units would work with local
shelters and rescue partners to find homes for hundreds of
homeless pets across the country.
Beth then introduced that bright-eyed, frisky Collie pup
in her arms. His name, she said, was Howard, no doubt in
honor of her husband and partner in compassion, Howard
Stern. While Howard, the dog, licked Beth’s chin, she led
visiting reporters on a tour of our Mobile Adoption Units,
giving them a close-up look at the gleaming, state-of-theart facilities that would soon be helping shelters and rescue
groups from Atlanta, Ga. to Burbank, Calif. showcase their
precious Mutt-i-grees®. “Last year,” she said, “we helped
2,600 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens find loving homes.
This year, we’re aiming for more!”
The Tour for Life kickoff also paid special tribute to one
of our most dedicated local law enforcement partners,
Elizabeth Rye, Investigator for the Nassau County District
Attorney’s Office. Everyone who works in animal welfare
knows how important it is to have the support of legal
professionals willing to take on animal cruelty cases. For the
past five years, Elizabeth has embodied that dedication.
We were deeply honored to recognize her role in pursuing
justice for animals who suffer neglect and abuse.
We had also saluted our intrepid team of drivers, rescuers,
and coordinators, who were getting ready to spend six
weeks on the road working day and night to make this
complex event run smoothly, from start to finish. While on
the road, they posted reports on Facebook and Instagram,
each a touching narrative filled with the excitement and
emotion of adoption. And during the May 9 welcome home
rally in Manhattan, they had even more tales to share.
PAWPRINTS ISSUE 2 2015
Tour For Life honors animal welfare investigator, Elizabeth Rye, center
We’re very proud that underlying every phase of Tour for
Life is the idea of sharing our expertise and fostering a
spirit of collaboration. Our goal is not only to generate
great adoptions, but also to help our colleagues across the
country raise their profiles and become even more effective
at what they do — two benefits that will last long after our
mobile units have traveled on.
Photography by Lori Cannava
(At press time, adoption totals were still coming in from
across the country. We hope to have the final tally for the
next issue of Pawprints.)
Special thanks to lead sponsor Purina® and new sponsor
Chateau La Paws for helping to make the tour possible.
For more on our Tour For Life, find us on Instagram #TourForLife2015 or at animalleague.org/tourforlife2015
PAWPRINTS ISSUE 2 2015
3
Donor Spotlight: Jacquelyn Zehring
Jacquelyn Zehring has always
been owned by cats. “I’ve never
met a cat I didn’t like — just
some more than others!” says the
Winchester, Va. resident.
Jackie first heard about North
Shore Animal League America in
the mid-70s from a good friend
who was supporting our no-kill
mission. Jackie was searching
for an organization that not only
rescued animals in need, but also
helped them heal and placed them
in loving, permanent homes.
Mindful of Animal League
America’s commitment to
nurturing Mutt-i-grees®, she
and Barbara Barrett, our former
Director of Planned Giving,
teamed up on the dental suite
campaign several years ago. Jackie
suggested a challenge grant and
offered to match 50 cents for
every dollar donated. Thanks to
her initial push, another friend of
Animal League America stepped
up and increased his grant to
dollar-for-dollar. The dental suite
was funded in 29 days.
Since then, Jackie has funded
renovation of the Special Recovery
Center’s cat evaluation room, in
the name of Clancy, Bailey, and
Taylor (pictured on the left), her
current feline family members.
She also used the matching grant
idea with Cat’s Cradle, her favorite
shelter in the Shenandoah Valley
and an Animal League America
rescue partner.
“North Shore Animal League
America is a major part of my
life plan,” she says. “And I look
forward to creating a charitable
trust that will allow selfperpetuating support for Animal
League America’s cats for decades
to come. I cannot think of a better
footprint to leave on the earth!”
To learn more about how you can support our lifesaving mission with a gift, please contact Jill Burkhardt, at jillb@animalleague.org, or call 516-883-7900, ext 833.
Ask Our Experts:
Q & A with SpayUSA® Program
Manager Christina Lovari
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
4
Why do people hesitate to spay/neuter?
spay. It also costs less to sterilize a pet than to handle a
litter. So it’s not only better for your pet, it’s also better
for your wallet!
Q.
A.
Cost is the biggest issue, and that’s why we exist, to make
sure pet owners across the country know about low-cost
spay/neuter options in their areas. Another reason? People
think they can make money breeding. We explain that,
after spending money on food, medical bills, and the
extras, backyard breeders never make a profit. Others say,
“My pet never goes out.” But all it takes is an unspayed
female getting out for even a short time and, it’s the
“Oops Factor” — a pregnant pet and a bunch of babies. It
happens all the time.
What happens when I contact SpayUSA?
Pet owners can contact SpayUSA by phone or online. We
prefer folks call us so we can give them multiple referrals
and get additional information. Based on where the pet
owner lives, we match up not only the closest but also
the cheapest and safest options for them. These may
include clinics, voucher programs through local humane
societies, or mobile clinics. SpayUSA also has a network
of private veterinarians who graciously offer a discounted
rate with our certificates as coupons. And we’re proud
that we can help not only pet owners, but also caretakers
of feral cat colonies, people who give their all to help
these homeless cats and kittens.
Is sterilization good for the pet?
Absolutely! Spaying and neutering reduces the risk of
certain cancers and other medical conditions that could
shorten your pet’s lifespan. And there are some medical
issues, like pyometra — an infection of the uterus — that
have deadly consequences if left untreated. Treating these
illnesses can easily cost double the dollars of a regular
PAWPRINTS ISSUE 2 2015
For more info, call 800-248-SPAY ext. 7729, or visit
spayusa.org.
Rescue. Nurture. Adopt.
And Then Some.
At North Shore
Animal League
America, there’s no
such thing as a done
deal, not when it
comes to adoption.
As the world’s
largest no-kill animal
rescue and adoption
organization, we’re
committed to making
sure every home is
the best home. Our
expert medical team,
our compassionate
and knowledgeable
shelter staff, our pet
behaviorists, and our astute adoption counselors — all have
the same goal: great homes for our great animals.
This is where Animal League America’s Quality Care and
Control Department, and its manager, Ronny Martorelli,
come in. It’s Ronny’s responsibility, and that of his team, to
ensure that the animals we place are living safe, happy lives.
“Our care for the animal doesn’t end when the adoption is
approved,” says Ronny. “It extends way beyond that.”
Ronny and his team try to visit at least 200 homes each
week, aiming for a different region of the tri-state area
— and beyond. On a good day, he says, each team
member should visit 20 to 25 homes. “Whether it’s the five
boroughs, New Jersey, Connecticut, or upstate New York,”
he says, “if Animal League America has done adoption in
an area, our team will eventually get there for a visit. We’re
passionate about making the safety and wellbeing of the
animals our top priority.”
Mostly those visits are uneventful, with the animals thriving
in their new homes. Unfortunately, though, there are times
when that’s not the case, which means that Ronny and his
team must step in and do what’s best for everyone involved.
Another crucial part of Ronny’s job is managing the
Adoption Counseling/Admitting Department. Think of it as
a help hotline where people who’ve adopted from us can
ask questions on a variety of issues, from pet behavioral
problems to concerns about their ability to keep their pet.
Ronny and his team provide information, direction, and
encouragement. The goal is to inform adopters and give
them every possible means to make their experience as
new adopters a positive one.
“We want people to know that we’re here for them — that
if they’re having a problem with their pets, they can call us
for help,” says Ronny. “We don’t forget about our adopters
or any of the animals that we rescue. We’ll do whatever it
takes to make sure that adopters have all the resources they
need to ensure their pet leads a happy, healthy life.”
Grooming Mutt-i-grees® —
Acquiring the Skills of Compassion
What began as a grooming class — an opportunity to practice new
career skills — ended with a lesson in dignity and transformation.
And it happened thanks to a pack of dirty, darling Mutt-i-grees®.
BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) is a 67-yearold program created by the New York State Legislature to help high
school students prepare for college and careers. The Joseph M. Barry
Career and Technical Education Center (Barry Tech), a BOCES facility
in Westbury, N.Y., offers real-world courses in more than 40 areas,
including animal care — a perfect fit for the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum.
A collaboration between North Shore Animal League America and
Yale University’s School of the 21st Century, the Curriculum uses the
natural affinity between young people and animals to foster empathy
and compassion. It’s also designed to develop relationship skills and
problem-solving abilities, as well as awareness of shelter pets.
Our Mutt-i-grees Team members arrived at Barry Tech in midJanuary, in the midst of a nasty snowstorm. Accompanying them
were eight small-breed dogs eager for some much-needed
nurturing. As part of our Puppy Mill Rescue effort, we’d traveled
to Oklahoma just days before, returning with these frightened but
charming little pups. When they entered the classroom at Barry
Tech, they were matted and nervous — but that soon changed.
The students in the animal care skills course worked hand-in-hand with
our grooming professionals to make the dogs comfortable and help
restore their dignity. Together, they bathed the dogs, shaved off matted
fur, trimmed their nails, and groomed them to perfection, all the while
learning about animal advocacy and the cruel realities of puppy mills.
“You could show students video after video,” says BOCES Animal
Care Instructor Rachel Kinsella. “You could show them pictures and
magazines. But until they see these puppy mill rescue dogs with
their own eyes, they can’t fully grasp the situation.” Kinsella, who
is a big fan of the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum, believed the classroom
experience would benefit everyone involved. And she was right.
“We have a complete, fully equipped grooming department here
at BOCES — tables, tubs, everything,” she says. “So I thought if
we could get a good number of puppy mill dogs to come on over,
we could teach the kids grooming skills, help socialize the dogs,
and educate the students about puppy mills.”
Everyone involved in this project hopes the experience will evolve
into an ongoing relationship between BOCES and the Curriculum.
At the very least, it was a lovely treat for the dogs, who enjoyed
a rare dose of gentle socialization, and for the students, whose
résumés now include first-person insights into animal rescue —
just the sort of win-win academic experience the Mutt-i-grees
Curriculum was designed to do.
PAWPRINTS ISSUE 2 2015
5
A NIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA
TAKES ’EM OUT TO THE BALLPARK!
Mets catcher Anthony Recker with furry friend
For three days this spring, MLB was redefined as “Mutt-igrees® Love Baseball,” when thousands of Mets fans and
their canine pals got together to enjoy America’s favorite
pastime — and each other.
The sold-out, family-friendly events took place on Sunday,
April 19; Saturday, May 2; and Saturday, May 16, at Citi
Field, in Queens, N.Y., home of the fabulous New York
Mets. The dogs and their people occupied some of the
best seats in the park, located in the right field deck known
as Pepsi Porch. There were plenty of doggie and human
amenities, plus fantastic views of the on-field action.
As usual, the hospitable Mets made everyone feel like a
VIP, as in Very Important Pup. Several players stopped by
our Pup Pen to welcome our adorable adoptables, and fans
Team Animal League:
Finishing for the Mutt-i-grees®
At our Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon, on June 24, we
honored our 11-year collaboration with the “Amazin’s”
by presenting them with our Outstanding Corporate
Supporter Award. Over the years, the proceeds from Bark
in the Park have benefitted our rescue and adoption efforts
tremendously. We’re proud of our partnership with both the
Mets and Major League Baseball, and we thank them for
being part our lifesaving team.
So remember, sports fans, if you’re in New York next spring,
be sure to check out Bark in the Park 2016. If next year is
anything like 2015, we guarantee a record-breaking number
of B-RBIs, also known as “belly rubs between innings.”
Next up is the Hamptons Marathon & Half-Marathon, on
Saturday, Sept. 26. This will be TAL’s first year as part of this
picturesque event, which “Runners World” called “one of
the best small-town races you’ll find anywhere.” This run
has sold out for the last eight years, and as we went to press,
there were 18 spots left on our team. Please contact us as
soon as possible if you want to join in our Hamptons debut.
The endorphins are flowing once again as Team Animal
League (TAL) takes to the pavement to support our
lifesaving, no-kill mission.
And finally, there’s the event of the year: the 2015 TCS New
York City Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 1. As in the past, our
determined runners will attack this legendary course with
all the strength and endurance they can muster, knowing
that every blister and every drop of sweat will help save
innocent lives. Those of us not training to run 26.2 miles
through New York City’s five boroughs can still be part of our
team’s extraordinary efforts. You can salute our elite runners
by making a contribution to support Team Animal League.
In addition, you can post messages of encouragement and
appreciation on our social media channels.
The season began on March 29, when TAL runners
participated in Generosity Brooklyn, a multi-charity 5K run/
walk that was open to everyone, including leashed and
fit canines. Generosity Brooklyn is part of the nationwide
Generosity Series and took place in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
For more information about joining Team Animal League or
supporting the team with your donation, please visit
animalleague.org/TeamAnimalLeague. At press time there
were 12 slots left on the team. Please contact us as soon as
possible if you want to make history and save lives on Nov. 1.
Teammates at Generosity Brooklyn 5K
6
who arrived early had a chance to march in the Dog Parade
prior to the first pitch.
PAWPRINTS ISSUE 2 2015
Chateau La Paws
Giving Back One Sip at a Time
Save Lives in Style:
Gala 2015!
North Shore Animal League America is pleased to announce
the date for our 2015 Gala. Mark your calendars now for
Friday, Nov. 20, and join us for another evening of auctions,
entertainment, tributes, and compassionate camaraderie.
Gala 2015 will continue to support the development of
Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption & Wellness Center,
a 14,000-square-foot, cage-free environment that will
provide state-of-the-art care for our cats and kittens while
expanding available space for our dogs in need.
The event will also give us the opportunity to recognize our
honorees for their outstanding support of our mission. Even
more important, it allows us to celebrate Animal League
America’s greatest stars, our Mutt-i-grees®!
For more information, please visit: animalleague.org/2015gala
Selecting the perfect wine for dinner doesn’t usually
trigger thoughts of homeless dogs and shelter adoption.
But that’s about to change. Thanks to Chateau La Paws™,
a new wine brand from the heart of central California,
wine lovers will now be able to judge a good wine by its
adorable label — especially because those labels feature
photos of a dozen darling Mutt-i-grees® from North Shore
Animal League America.
Inspired by love for their own dogs, the company’s
founders decided to create a delicious, affordable
everyday wine that would allow them to give back to their
favorite cause: no-kill shelters. Their delightful website,
www.chateaulepaws.com, not only sums up their generous
philosophy, it also features images of our photogenic
Mutt-i-grees, along with videos of their photo shoots and
even stories of their happy adoptions.
We applaud Chateau La Paws and Diageo Chateau &
Estates for joining us in our lifesaving, no-kill mission,
and we gratefully salute their creativity, sense of fun,
and genuine concern. We also thank them for their
generous donation of $100,000 to support our work to
rescue, nurture, and adopt — and in addition, for sending
Chateau La Paws teams across the country to volunteer at
many Tour For Life® stops.
The First! The Only!
The Mutt-i-grees® Rescue Registry!
Got a Mutt-i-gree?
Then get the
papers to prove
it through North
Shore Animal
League America’s
Mutt-i-grees
Rescue Registry.
North Shore Animal League America launched its unique
Mutt-i-grees® Rescue Registry for people like you, who’ve
adopted or rescued a deserving pet and now want to bring
recognition and status to your amazing companion.
By registering your pet, you celebrate all rescued animals —
whether mixed breed or pure breed, young or old, canine or
feline. You and your Mutt-i-gree can make history by joining
the thousands of others who have already registered their
pets and received their papers. Together, we’ll create the
only worldwide census of rescued pets, demonstrating the
breadth and depth of the Mutt-i-grees Movement.
Visit animalleague.org/registry, complete the registration form,
and you’ll receive via e-mail your free, personalized Mutt-igrees Certificate of Authenticity to display with love and pride.
PAWPRINTS ISSUE 2 2015
7
A Home for
Sweet Homer
This is Homer. When
he arrived at Animal
League America in early
February, he was a dog
in transition — a bit
unsure of what lay ahead,
a little lonely, but with a
charming personality and
a lot of love to give.
Just a few weeks later,
this 11-year old Miniature
Schnauzer Mutt-i-gree®
was on his way to a
wonderful second chance
at life, all because of our
Safe Haven® Surviving
Pet Care Program.
At first glance, Homer’s story might not seem terribly unusual.
After all, finding good homes for good pets is what we do. But
consider the details of Homer’s odyssey and you’ll realize that
the gifts of selfless planning and responsible love can ensure
our treasured companions a bright future, no matter what.
Homer, you see, spent his whole life learning people
skills in the home of a loving couple who doted on him
constantly. Sadly, however, Homer’s companions passed
away from natural causes less than a week apart. When a
family friend, worried about Homer’s future, called us for
advice, she shed tears of relief to learn that “Homie,” as his
parents called him, was guaranteed a safe and comfortable
place at our Port Washington, N.Y., facility for as long as it
might take to find him the perfect permanent home.
Cesar
Millan
Live!
Bright-eyed Animal League America adoptables almost
stole the show from famed Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan
during the “Cesar Millan Live!” presentation, held at
Queens College’s Kupferberg Center for the Arts, on April
19. Not surprisingly, Cesar wowed the audience with his
vibrant personality and phenomenal rapport with our
canine companions. We, at Animal League America, were
proud to be a partner in this educational and enlightening
event, which not only showcased our lifesaving mission, but
also demonstrated the power and reward of the human/
animal bond.
Donate Old Betsy: Save a Life!
As loyal supporters of Animal League America’s no-kill mission,
Homer’s parents had named us as a beneficiary in their wills,
and thus become cherished members of our Pet Protectors
Society. By doing so, they were able to enroll Homie in our Safe
Haven® Surviving Pet Care Program, ensuring their dear friend
a lifetime of care.
Just a few weeks after Homie came to us, two longtime
donors stepped forward to say they wanted to adopt him. It
was as if our network of supporters had suddenly become a
true family, with members offering consolation and comfort
in a time of grief and uncertainty. We thank these wonderful
adopters, and so will Homie for years to come.
We are proud to offer this special program to bring peace of
mind to everyone who loves a pet, and to protect beautiful
animals like Homer from potentially tragic circumstances. We
urge you, as a caring companion to your pet, to learn more
about the Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program.
To request information about how to arrange a Legacy Gift and join the
Pet Protectors Society, please contact Eric Lieberman, Senior Manager
of Planned Giving, at 516-812-7218, or ericl@animalleague.org.
8
Rust bucket. Jalopy. Rattletrap. Whatever you call it, that
old vehicle cluttering up your life has definitely seen better
days. What to do with that hunk of metal? Well, consider
this: You can turn junk into life-saving treasure through our
vehicle donation program — and earn tax credits, too.
We accept almost all vehicles, including cars, trucks,
motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, trailers, recreational
vehicles — even airplanes — and the process is fast, easy,
and hassle-free. You’ll receive all the tax documentation
required for a deduction, and your vehicle will be towed for
free, even if it’s not running.
To donate your vehicle, call 1-800-752-6462, or visit
AnimalAutos.org We’ll take care of the rest!
Pawprints is a newsletter of: North Shore Animal League America, 16 Lewyt Street, Port Washington, NY 11050
1-877-472-8373 • animalleague.org
NL-2-2015