HUMANE SOCIETY OF FAIRFAX COUNTY, INC. STATE OF THE ARK NEWSLETTER

Spring 2005

ADOPTIONS to a beautiful new white speckled floor. The difference is Through March 31, 2005, the Humane Society has adopted amazing. out 68 animals into loving homes: • 63 cats Finally, the heating and air conditioning units are being • 5 dogs replaced in the administrative building. This will allow all of our furry friends to stay cool in the summer and warm in A special thanks to all of our foster homes, home visit the winter. Poor Sharon will continue to be cold all year volunteers, socializers, outreach program volunteers and round…she just can’t seem to get warm no matter what we adoption placement volunteers. set the temperature at.

HELPING THE COMMUNITY We will be having a workday at our administrative offices th Since inception, the HSFC has been there to help with in Fairfax City on June 4 to keep our building beautiful. abused and abandoned animals – whether we took the Activities will include weeding, mulching, and general animals into our care or helped with vet bills for those who clean up on the inside and outside of the building. Please could not afford the care but did not want to give up their email Sharon if you would like to participate at animal. Beginning in 2004, we began to track the latter – [email protected]. It should be a fun day and the animals those community members that we have helped with pets will really appreciate it. that they did not want to give up. FARM AND KENNEL UPDATES Through March 2005, we provided financial assistance for 4 First the dog kennels. Well…….over 2 years and counting! animals to receive the medical care they needed. This That’s how long it takes to get a building permit if you’re a included a young service dog hit by a car that was assigned business in Fairfax County. If we were private citizens, to a severely epileptic man and a dog suffering from parvo. we’d have dogs and dog runs coming out our ears, but because we are a “commercial establishment” we have to The HSFC instituted a new feral TNR (Trap, Neuter & jump through every hoop imaginable, with fees to fill Fort Return) program in late 2003. Through February 2005, the Knox and paperwork up the wazoo. The good news is we feral outreach program trapped, neutered and released are getting close! Our site and building plans have been (TNR’d) 61 cats and kittens. okayed by 99% of the county departments. We are waiting for a few minor details to be completed at the farm before Through March, we have responded to 1,330 phone calls final approval is issued. Who would have ever thought it and 1,393 e-mails. Some examples of calls received include would take this long? We hope groundbreaking will be referrals of 46 low cost spay/neuter calls, 35 humane within the next month (May) and completion of the kennel education calls, 15 calls for wildlife assistance and 4 calls will be before snow hits again. We’ll keep ya posted! were individuals requesting vet referrals. Second….our farm. Every day we thank our lucky stars we ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES GET A FACELIFT own such a beautiful place. We have lots of new volunteers Over the past few months, the administrative building in who love it as much as we do. There’s always so many on Fairfax City has gone through some “home improvements.” going projects to do on a farm and because we want ours to We’ve replaced the gutters on the administrative building as be the best, we are always busy. However, it’s so tranquil well as the annex we rent out next door. This will ensure out there it doesn’t seem like work. It’s almost like a much “things are flowing smoothly.” needed vacation. And because we get to be in such good company with the horses and dogs looking over our Additionally, the carpet on the main floor of the shoulders, we definitely enjoy any labor that’s necessary. administrative building was ripped out and replaced with sturdy VCT tile. The flooring went from an old brown rug

Page 1 of 7 Our spring farm workday is scheduled for April 30th. We But, as the saying goes, “sometimes the wait is worth it!” hope to accomplish so much with the help of our dedicated He was adopted by a part-time band teacher who wanted a volunteers. Our horses will be ready for the summer months dog she could bring to work and take on camping trips with in their fan cooled stalls and the fly misters keeping them her students. Kip loves to camp! And as luck would have it, fly free. The horse’s blankets will be cleaned and ready for because he has a radio playing all the time in his kennel, he next winter’s cold nights. Our dog sheds and kennel runs loves music. What a perfect match! We’ll miss him and his will be sparkling clean, the air conditioning keeping them crazy antics, but we’re sure happy his dream came true. cool, with lots of toys to play with and bedding soft and fluffy. They really do have “a dog’s life”! Wags, kisses, NEWS FROM THE FELINE FRONT neighs and snickers will await those who participate in The HSFC Adoptable Cat Outreach Program has a name making our “resident’s” life so grand! We hope to see you change announcement to make!...While finally getting there. If you can help out, email Vicki at down to working on that long-intended project of [email protected]. developing a brochure, we looked at various drafts and soon realized that "ACOP" as our acronym just didn't cut GOODBYE OLD FRIEND it! This got our creative juices flowing. Thus, the new and One of our oldest and dearest horses has passed away. “Cin improved version is (drum rolls, please!) "Adoptable Cat San”, a registered Quarter Horse, spent her last 10 years Action Team," or ACAT. We thought that not only does with us, living a horse’s dream. She had so many friends, ACAT sound right, it also fits our mission of "taking action" both 2 footed and 4 footed, buckets of delicious food and - to expand the numbers of cats rescued because of our treats, acres of land to run and play in, a warm stall in the expanded foster parent network, and to achieve more winter and a cool stall in the summer. She loved her life so adoptions by bringing the cats into the community via much she lived for over 34 years. It’s difficult to pass her adoption events. We hope you like our new stall and not hear her whinny for attention. Starsky, one of program name! her pasture mates, still gazes off in the distance, whinnys to her and waits for her response. Only time will help us heal, We are very proud (and relieved!) that the aforementioned but time will never erase our memory of this wonderful and brochure is finally completed! The ACAT brochure will be gentle horse. Another friend will be waiting to greet us at hitting the printing press shortly - just as we the end of Rainbow’s Bridge. are hitting "kitten season” which entails feelings of dread by us, desperate need of the cats and heavy demand for ANGEL ALERT services from the public. Of course, this is our mission, our Pat Trenner fell in love with the HSFC when several years very reason for existence, but it is the most hectic and ago the HSFC took in a rabbit she had found abandoned in exhausting of times for the dedicated volunteers. The the woods. Ever since then, Pat has come in at least weekly calls about pregnant cats, moms with kittens, orphaned to refresh the supply of greens and carrots for her four kittens are coming in. Where can we put them?! And legged friends, socialize with the rabbits, trim toenails, bond thankfully we are receiving the calls from people looking to them when possible, run them to the vet when necessary, adopt kittens. Do we have the kitten(s) they are seeking? and just enjoy their company. She’s also our expert on Are they the "right match" for our cat(s)?! The ACAT pilling and giving shots to the squirmy and fuzzy little brochure describes our services to the community, i.e. the creatures. A long-time rabbit owner, she says she looks at cat-related educational information and referrals provided, the HSFC rabbits as part of her extended family. the "hand-holding" to advise callers about how to help that cat(s) in their backyard, how we make the tough animal Pat also volunteers one Sunday per month to feed, water intake decisions, the quality "matchmaking" process of and scoop litter for the administrative office building cats. our adoptions, etc.

According to Pat, when she is not at the HSFC, she enjoys ACAT has ongoing weekly adoption events at local pet “X-treme Gardening” and “Olympic-class napping.” supplies stores. The schedule is posted on the HSFC web site. Please stop by to visit. And, we can always use more Much thanks to Pat for her continued support of the HSFC, help! Ask for a member of the ACAT management team, the knowledge that she brings to our group on rabbits and Liz Early, Christiane Brown and Mitzi Miller. her all around willingness to help out where needed. We couldn’t do it without her. LATEST HAPPENINGS Since our last newsletter we have lots of new info to report. “KIP’S” GOING TO BAND CAMP! • Check out our newly updated HSFC tri-fold flyer. Recently, Kip, our lab mix puppy, had all his dreams come This was long overdue and we really appreciate true. He was the last of a five-puppy litter to find a home. Jeanne Taylor’s help with layout and design. Page 2 of 7 • We’ve also printed a new “Wish List” to include Check it out….save money and help the animals in items needed for our farm, thrift stores, one stop shopping! administrative offices, and our new kennel, in • A big thanks to Shannon Gelestor and Eric Schumer addition to the many items on our old list needed for making a very generous donation in honor of for the animals (later in the newsletter). their wedding and their guests in lieu of table • A new vet, Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital in favors. Best of luck to them in their new lives. Centreville, has graciously agreed to help our • If we’ve failed to mention your accomplishment or animal’s medical needs by offering a discount to an event please let us know. We will be happy to our organization. They are also holding an adoption include this information in our next newsletter. open house on Sunday, June 26, and have invited us to participate. We are looking for volunteers to help HSFC WISHLIST us with this event. Email Sharon at For Our Animals…… [email protected] if you would like to participate. • Towels, blankets, comforters, rugs • WASH-FM Radio has offered us a spot on their • Safe stuffed animal toys website called Loo and Lori’s Pet Connection. We • “Kong” and rope type dog toys and balls will feature two pets for adoption every other week. • Cat toys and balls You can check out their site at • Rawhides and chewys www.washfm.com/onair/loo.html • Yummy treats – (cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, small • We have a much-needed new refrigerator at Second mammals, birds) Chance 2 Thrift Store. • Large plastic or metal bowls • We have received a very generous donation from • Dog collars and leashes Avanthi Gopallawa and Lasantha Wedande in • Small surgical scissors honor of our horse, Caz, who is an older and • Dog and Cat beds very lovable gentleman. • Retractable dog leashes • • Fly Spray (horses) • Boy Scout Troop 1533 is doing an Eagle project for • Electric clippers us to benefit the animals. Some of the projects may • Canned dog and cat food include, building cat scratching posts, dog • Dry cat food (for feral colonies) platforms, benches for the farm and a sidewalk • Crackers, leaf lettuce, broccoli and cereal (rabbits) sandwich sign to use at our adoption events. • Carrots and apples (horses and rabbits) • It’s always a good day when we can place our • Large cat post/trees “semi’ferals” in a barn situation. Three lucky hard

to adopt cats have been selected to go to a dream For Our Farm……. barn with 130 acres, a beautiful stream and a large • Wood benches and picnic table barn with lots of hide and seek places, plus a caretaker who loves animals! • Outside plastic chairs • Freddie Mac has donated a gorgeous desk and • Rakes credenza to use in our new kennel reception area • Brooms and dustpans (when kennel is completed!) as well as a • Large Buckets commercial sized washer and dryer. • Mulch • We received hundreds of used hospital blankets for • D- batteries our dogs to rest their weary bones on after playtime • Rubbermaid storage bins in the exercise yards at the farm. A big THANKS to • Disposable gloves Linda Smith, with Doberman Rescue, for thinking • Paint brushes, paint rollers, roller covers, roller pans of our animals and us. • Large covered plastic trashcans • We are redesigning our website and the first peek • Metal or hard plastic shelving units looks incredible. We thank our website committee, • “Handy person” to service lawn mower and 4- Mike and Marlene Hammer, Melissa Klein and wheeler Christiane Brown for their talents and dedication on • Nightlights and nightlight bulbs this project. • Bottled water • Elisa Botero, our thrift store manager, is always • Grass seed hard at work thinking of new ways to raise the • White box fans revenues. She has created a 50% off room with • Large utility carts more bargains than a K-Mart blue light special. Page 3 of 7

For Our Administrative Offices….. Pet Overpopulation • Paper towels and toilet paper The HSFC believes that it is inhumane to allow domestic • Windex, bleach and cleaning supplies animals to be born without consideration of their future well • Copy/xerox paper being. There is an enormous surplus of dogs and cats • Writing pens resulting in the immeasurable suffering of animals for • Post it notes whom there are no responsible homes, and in the deaths of • Clipboards millions of unwanted dogs and cats in animal shelters every • Large folding tables year. Because this problem has reached crisis proportions, the HSFC supports the spaying and neutering mandated by • Folding chairs the Code of Virginia of all dogs and cats released for • Clear storage boxes adoption from any animal shelter or municipal facility. In • Disposable gloves addition, we further support the neutering of rabbits from • Snow shovels these same facilities, as well as all releasing agencies and/or • Flowers for flowerbeds and mulch organizations. The HSFC will allow no animal to add to the • Doormats surplus of dogs, cats or rabbits, by ensuring these animals • Nightlights and bulbs are sterilized prior to adoption, if age allows. Strict follow • Framed animal pictures up procedures will guarantee all under-age animals have • Bookcases/shelves been sterilized when mature. To further prevent pet • 2 and 4 drawer file cabinets overpopulation, the HSFC will provide low-cost • Spiral notebooks sterilization services to any low-income individual who • Spray “deodorizers” qualifies. • Antibacterial liquid hand soap • Plastic trash bags Cat Declawing The claws of a domestic cat serve a very useful purpose for For Our Thrift Stores……. the animal. The HSFC believes that a declawed cat has been • Donations for resale – toys, books, clothes, deprived of its normal defense mechanism and is left household items, antiques, furniture, pictures, without protection. Declawing operations for non-medical knick-knacks, bric-a-brac, tools, cars (we’ll sell purposes are performed solely for the convenience of the anything, except furs!) pet owner. In addition, the surgical procedure of declawing • Paper towels/toilet paper a cat is not a minor procedure. The cat experiences pain in the recovery and healing period following surgery and • Mops complications related to the surgery are not uncommon. The • Cleaning supplies HSFC will adopt no cat to any individual who intends to • Fans – large or small oscillating have the animal declawed. The HSFC will strive to educate • Room heaters the public about the issue of declawing, and offer • Paper and plastic bags suggestions to cat owners who are experiencing problems • Rubber bands, masking tape, heavy string with cats that have become destructive with their claws.

For Our Organization… Feral Cats • VOLUNTEERS - part-time, full-time, any time!! The HSFC supports a trap/neuter/return program, for feral cats only, in the areas that can reasonably sustain a population of feral cats. Water, food and shelter must be available and veterinary care provided. Every effort should be made to remove those cats capable of being socialized and placing them in appropriate adoptive homes. Any feral STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND BELIEFS cat that tests positive for Feline Leukemia or FIV will not The mission of the Humane Society of Fairfax County, Inc. be returned to the colony and humanely euthanized. The (HSFC) is to promote humane education; to prevent all HSFC will assist in loaning traps and providing information forms of cruelty to animals, both domestic and wild, by regarding the TNR program in an effort to stem every legitimate means; and to assist the community with overpopulation in cat colonies. all matters pertaining to the welfare of animals. Following is the statement of policies and beliefs outlined by the Outdoor Pets organization: The HSFC believes every responsible pet owner must protect their pet, the public, and the environment by keeping Page 4 of 7 their pets controlled and properly supervised. Animals that capture and while in captivity, and the impact of the display are allowed to be outdoors, unconfined and unsupervised on public attitudes towards animals, as well as the are exposed to a variety of hazards that endanger the health, physiological impact upon the animal’s well-being. welfare and safety of the animal. All animals adopted from the HSFC, with exception of feral cats, must be indoor pets Licensing only. The HSFC believes domestic animals are a part of the The HSFC supports the licensing of dogs and domestic cats. family and should be treated as such. The HSFC will strive It is a means of reinforcing the rabies vaccination of dogs to educate the public regarding the benefits of keeping pets and cats and provides a form of identification. Localities indoors. should be encouraged to utilize the maximum fees for unaltered male and female cats and dogs and to provide a Euthansia distinctly lower fee for altered animals. The HSFC supports The HSFC believes it is wrong to kill animals needlessly. In that all revenue generated from licensing fees to be applied the event unwanted animals surrendered to animals shelters to programs supporting animal care and welfare. vastly exceeds the number of responsible people who are available to adopt them, the HSFC believes that euthanasia Wild and Exotic Animals is the only humane course of action for some of these The HSFC strongly opposes any wild or exotic animal be animals. The HSFC supports the methods of euthanasia as kept as a pet. For fundamental humane reasons that consider established by the State Veterinarian in the Commonwealth both the quality of life of individual animals and wildlife as of Virginia. The HSFC believes no animal should suffer species, native and exotic wild animals should not be kept pain from injury or disease and advocates the humane death as pets. The HSFC is opposed to the capture of animals of that animal. The HSFC will not euthanize any animal in from the wild, animals purchased from animal dealers or our care unless it is medically necessary. traffickers, for the express purpose of domesticating wild species. Animal Fighting The HSFC is unequivocally opposed to any event that sets Trapping-Furs one animal against another or sets a person against an The HSFC is opposed to all forms of animal trapping that animal as combatants. Any event in which an animal is cause pain or suffering, or are used for commercial or systematically tormented, wounded, maimed, or killed for recreational purposes. Commercial and so-called sport entertainment is cruel and unjustifiable. trapping is wrong because it is cruel and senseless exploitation of fur-bearing animals. The HSFC can find no Rodeos justification for any form of trapping except for absolute The HSFC is opposed to all rodeos because they result in necessary population control, disease control, or habitat torment, harassment, and stress being inflicted upon preservation. Even this kind of trapping must be done participating animals, and expose rodeo stock to the responsibly, efficiently, and by a humane method that probability of pain, injury, and death. The HSFC opposes captures the animal alive and without injury, or produces any type of unnecessary exploitation and the use of devices rapid loss of consciousness and painless death. such as electric prods, sharpened sticks, flank straps, and other rodeo tack, which cause animals to react violently. Wild-caught or captive-bred animals killed for the sole The HSFC believes rodeos are not an accurate or harmless purpose of producing fur garments and decorations can not portrayal of ranching skills; rather, they display and be justified. Cruel methods to capture animals are used by encourage an insensitivity to and acceptance of brutal the trapping and fur farming industries. The trapping of treatment of animals in the name of sport. millions of wild animals each year causes immeasurable suffering to individual animals, of both target and non- Circuses, Carnivals, Roadside Animal Parks, Zoos target species, and contributes to the depletion of many The HSFC opposes the use of animals for entertainment species. Animals kept on fur farms are kept in severely when such use involves confinement in unnatural and restrictive confinement and usually slaughtered by inadequate conditions, unnatural demands, and possible inhumane means. injury or death. Furthermore, the HSFC believes that, for fundamental humane reasons, which consider both the Pet Shops quality of life of individual animals and wildlife as species, The HSFC supports any pet supply store that engages in the wild animals should be permitted to exist undisturbed in sale of pet related products. The HSFC does not support any their native environments. Wildlife removed from their pet supply store that engages in the sale of cats, dogs, native environments or bred in captivity for display raise reptiles, snakes, rabbits, wild or exotic pets. The HSFC several concerns. These concerns include the possible effect supports pet supply stores which allow state approved on wild populations, to the treatments of animals during animal welfare groups or organizations to display healthy, Page 5 of 7 socialized animals for adoption. The HSFC recommends animals not remain housed on the premises during non- FUTURE ISSUES OF STATE OF THE ARK adoption days, but are brought to adoption events on the Anyone wishing to include an article in the next issue of day scheduled. All animals adopted from pet supply stores State of the Ark should submit content in writing to the should be in compliance with state mandated sterilization. Administrative Office, Attention, Mary Kendall, by June 15, 2005. In addition, anyone interested in helping put the Puppy and Kitten Mills newsletter together, please contact Mary as well. The HSFC is opposed to all commercial breeding facilities that supply pet shops and other retail outlets with puppies HUMANE SOCIETY MISSION and kittens, or appeal to the individual consumer through The Humane Society of Fairfax County, Inc. (HSFC) is a newspaper ads. Animals kept in these facilities endure a non-profit, private organization established in 1968. The substandard quality of life, often in crowded, filthy mission of the Humane Society of Fairfax County, Inc. is to conditions where they are subject to disease and parasites. promote humane education; to prevent all forms of cruelty Potential owners often are misled regarding the genetic to animals, both domestic and wild, by every legitimate background and health status of the animal. means; and to assist the community with all matters pertaining to the welfare of animals. Free To Good Home Animals The HSFC opposes this dangerous practice, which opens the door to abuse by bunchers, dealers, and cultists, as well as uncontrolled reproduction and neglect by those who take an animal only because it is free. Furthermore, the HSFC believes such “giveaways” cheapen regard for animal life and produce a situation in which there is no knowledge or control of the persons who will receive the animals, the conditions in which they will live, or the use to which they will be put.

Cosmetic Surgery On Animals The HSFC opposes surgery done on animals solely for cosmetic reasons, to alter the appearance of the animal or to disguise an imperfection. Ear cropping, tail docking, devocalization or debarking and tail myotomy in horses is of no benefit to the animal and puts it through an unnecessary surgical risk and discomfort. Cosmetic surgical procedures done for valid medical reasons are not opposed.

Breed Bans The HSFC opposes any ban put on any specific breed of dog whether purebred or mixed. Each individual dog should be assessed prior to adoption according to the temperament and health of the animal, and not judged on breed criteria, breed statistics or breed hereditary traits. HOURS & INFORMATION ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING HSFC Administrative Office The HSFC annual membership meeting will be held 4057 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. at the 703-385-PETS administrative offices in the City of Fairfax. At this Hours of operation: meeting, Board members will be chosen by the Monday - Friday 10-5 membership. In addition, an update on 2004 and Saturday 10-4; Sunday - Closed current year activities will be provided. Only members Cat and Small Mammal Adoptions- of the organization are allowed to attend the meeting. Administrative offices - For those who are not members but would like to learn 4057 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax more about becoming a member, please contact Sharon 703-385-PETS at 703-385-7387 for a membership brochure Adoption hours: Page 6 of 7 Monday - Friday 10-4 HSFC Farm Saturday 10-3; Sunday - Closed 15911 Lee Highway Centreville 703-815-4494 Second Chance 1 - Thrift Store All visitors must call ahead 4057 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax Dog and Horse adoptions -by appointment only 703-385-7387 Hours of operation: HSFC Outreach Cat Program Monday - Friday 10-4 Cat Adoptions held at area Petsmart and Petco stores- Saturday 10-3; Sunday - Closed check our website "www.hsfc.org" for dates and times 703-385-PETS

Chief Administrative Personnel Full-time Office Managers: Stacey Overman Marlene Hammer Full-time Thrift Store Manager: Elisa Botera Full-time Animal/Farm Caretaker: Cara Donato

Second Chance 2 - Thrift Store Board of Directors 929 W. Broad St. Falls Church President: Vicki Kirby 703-533-9268 Vice President / Treasurer: Mary Kendall Hours of operation: Recording Secretary: Marlene Hammer Monday - Friday 10-4 Saturday 10-4; Sunday - Closed

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