2014 Annual Report

Paw Talk ANNUALANNUAL REPORTREPORT Edition A publication of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County – William Gazecki Animal Shelter Spring 2015 Set for Success In June, Zelda came to the shelter up for success. a bundle of raw energy. Her outgoing A volunteer frequently took her personality quickly won her a place in jogging, helping Zelda release excess the hearts of shelter staff and volun- energy. On rainy days, she even used teers, but it was clear Zelda would the shelter’s Jog-A-Dog treadmill. Oth- need a special home, one that would ers helped Zelda with clicker-training be able to keep up with the active Pit sessions, which reward desirable Bull mix. behavior with a “click” sound, followed With her striking appearance and by a treat. goofy smile, Zelda drew the attention Zelda was also taken to adoption of many. Yet she struggled to find a for- events, and occasionally spent the night ever family. She was adopted and came in a volunteer’s home. Away from the back to the shelter twice because she shelter, she calmed down, and learned didn’t get along with other resident to socialize with other dogs. Gradually, pets. So shelter staff and volunteers her true personality began to emerge. decided to work with her to set her Continued on page 2 www.thehumanesociety.org The Gift of Time At the Humane Society, animals can even gave her a kiss. It was as if he had stay as long as it takes to find them been waiting for “the one”. Julia was a home. For some pets, it’s less than delighted with him, too, and they both a day. For others, it may be months. left the shelter beaming with happiness, When a pet isn’t adopted quickly, staff headed for a lifetime of love. and volunteers work with them to ad- Dante dress any behavior or medical prob- Humane Society staff and volunteers lems that may be a barrier to adoption. couldn’t Sometimes, however, they just need figure out time to find the right match. That was why Dante the case with these two sweet dogs. wasn’t They just needed time. finding Butch a home. When little Butch came to the shel- He had a ter, he was very shy and easily over- heart of whelmed. When potential adopters gold, loved met with him, he was aloof and ignored people and their attentions. Humane Society other ani- staff and volunteers spent time with mals, and him, trying to engage him, but he just was well- wouldn’t relax. Then Julia came in, and behaved. something magical happened. Butch Perhaps jumped on her lap, and didn’t want to it was Dante and Gus. leave. He snuggled into her arms and his high energy, or his stocky build and cropped ears. Shelter staff adored him, but he stayed at the shelter for months. Then his luck began to change. Dante was taken to the Dog-A-Thon, where Gus saw him playing with two Chihuahuas. A few days later, he brought his own dog to the shelter to meet Dante, and everyone hit it off. After three months at the shelter, Dante was on his way Julia and Butch. home. Set for Success Then, in January, Zelda met Michael, Continued from page 1 a young man who was immediately Gone was the wild whirlwind whose drawn to Zelda’s sweet personality interest lay everywhere but with her and gentle behavior. Her wait was over. handler. Instead, Zelda was calm and fo- Thanks to staff and volunteers, Zelda cused around people and was learning had not only found her person, she to interact well with other pets. also found herself. 2 www.thehumanesociety.org The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County 2014 Annual Report From the President On behalf of the board of directors, euthanasia may be the best outcome, I am proud to announce that after but the Humane Society’s goal is to decades of struggling to eliminate provide the best possible solution for euthanasia as a means of controlling each individual animal that comes to us. pet overpopulation, we finally reached We are excited about what has ‘zero euthanasia’ of healthy, adoptable been accomplished in the past few pets! Since 2008, we years, and we are con- have been able to place fident that with your every adoptable dog, help, we will be able to and finally, in 2014, we reach our goal of pro- reached that goal for viding the best care for cats. the homeless animals in As exciting as that our community. is, however, we won’t We are very grateful stop there. We want to to our donors, volun- provide the best possible teers, staff, and commu- outcome for every pet nity partners for helping that comes to us. The us come so far. Thank best outcome may be you for your generous medical care or behavior therapy be- support, and for sharing our vision of fore a pet can be placed in a home, or a community where all animals are it may be a transfer to another rescue treated with respect and compassion. group, or even a final “hospice home.” For those animals suffering from painful and untreatable conditions, or those Chad Osvog who are a danger to the community, President, Board of Directors Saturday, July 25 Fort Steilacoom Park Raise pledges to benefit homeless animals, and join your friends for the best dog event in the Northwest! www.thehumanesociety.org www.thehumanesociety.org 3 2014 Annual Report Message from the Executive Director What an eventful year! We were pointment, which allows us to obtain able to help more animals than ever in more information about each pet, and 2014, and achieved a live-saving rate of provide counseling and alternatives 80%! when appropriate. We also changed Thanks to aggressive spay & neuter our hours, opening the shelter at programs, cat overpopulation has been 11:00 each weekday, which allows staff decreasing steadily, and last year fewer time to provide even better care for litters of kittens entered the shelter, the animals. This has already led to while cat adoption faster placement increased by 9%. We and higher adoption found homes for 966 rates. cats through our We have also satellite adoption joined the national locations, and trans- movement to save ferred 587 to other one million cats rescue groups. In in shelters across addition, 220 un-so- North America over cialized Community the next five years. Cats were returned This “Million Cat to their outdoor Challenge” involves homes or placed as several initiatives, Barn Cats. including altering, Dogs continue vaccinating and re- to be placed quickly, turning Community and even geriatric dogs or those with Cats to their outdoor homes. special needs, after receiving the extra Our staff, volunteers, board mem- care and attention they need, are find- bers and community partners are all ing their forever homes. Last year, 8% vital to our success. But it is you, our of the dogs adopted were eight years loyal donors and supporters, who or older. make our work possible. Thank you In October, we consulted with the for your generosity, and for helping Capacity for Care team of veterinar- us continue to improve the lives of ians from the U.C. Davis Koret School homeless animals and create a more of Shelter Medicine to improve the compassionate community for all. care and health of our animals. On their advice, we changed our intake procedures to better control the flow of animals through the shelter. We Kathleen Olson, CAWA now accept pets from owners by ap- Executive Director 4 www.thehumanesociety.org 2014 Annual Report Finding Homes for Shelter Pets “Founder” had been through some hard times before she came to us. Because of her age, she spent a few weeks waiting for a new home, but then she hit the jack- pot. Cathy fell in love with her, and now this sweet dog is spending her last years enjoying all the affection and comfort she deserves. In 2014, the Humane Society found loving homes for 6,770 lost and aban- doned pets, giving them the chance for a new start and enriching the lives of their new owners. 964 pets were adopted through local Petsmart and Petco stores, as well as Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital and other off-site venues. 788 pets found homes after being transferred to other animal placed with owners in rural areas as welfare organizations. In addition, 217 “barn cats,” or were altered and re- feral or under-socialized cats were turned to an existing cat colony. Reuniting Lost Pets with Owners Last year, the Humane Society to her microchip, we were able to reunited 1,891 stray pets with their reunite them right away. The Humane owners, includ- Society not only ing Muffin, who shelters and had disappeared cares for lost two years ear- pets, we per- lier, leaving her sonally escort owner broken- owners through hearted. Melanie the shelter never gave up to search for looking for Muf- their lost pet, fin, though, and and provide it was a happy resources such day for them both when the little dog as posters and flyers to help in their finally arrived at the shelter. Thanks search. www.thehumanesociety.org 5 2014 Annual Report Caring for Shelter Pets When pets enter the shelter, we do everything we can to reduce their stress and keep them comfortable. Dogs have raised beds, Kong toys filled with treats, daily walks, and bathing and grooming as needed. They may also receive basic obedience lessons with “clicker training,” which helps them focus and anticipate rewards for calm behavior.

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