A Rescue to Howl About ANIMAL SHELTERING Scoop on a Half-Acre Lot At81-Year-Old Lot Ahalf-Acre Werner on 29At Wolfdogs Wolf USA, Country State

Home , Crate training

animals, and feed them cookies. the to walk among chance the gave visitors fee ofanimalsfor money. The exhibition the govern that rules ofAgriculture Department U.S. wayofskirting for aday”—the facility’s to paid $5 “adopt tourists Alaska, a wolf dog Schuster’s near roadside Anchorage, attraction them. allow would chains short their space only the years, fencing—for behind afew feet roamed ofmiles. of hundreds 6 In the wild, BAKER JIM BY sanctuary atCalifornia chance asecond get Wolf dogs A Rescue to Howl About ANIMAL SHELTERING scoop On a half-acre lot at81-year-old lot ahalf-acre Werner On 29At wolfdogs Wolf USA, Country state. Washington Colorado and sanctuaries in on to other others went Four California. in sanctuary found have dogs— wolf his fellow and 24 of Big Boy— attraction, roadside at an Alaska chain a short Once kept on wolf packs often roam territories territories roam often packs wolf MAY | JUNE 2012 MAY |JUNE ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG fish and game cases statewide. statewide. cases fish andgame on works who for Alaska general attorney anassistant Peterson, toAndrew according though Schuster’s were dogs not involved— someone— threatened or attacked who dogs wolf owned involving ofcases series a been also has There ownership. for illegal easier,prosecutions tomore leading fication identi- made has testing ofDNA form a new Schuster had not fulfilled Since then, them). conditions; certain inunder grandfathered animalsmaybe (some state inthe dogs wolf and ofwolves ownership the banning 2002 The Alaska legislature passed alawin passed legislature Alaska The fruitless, according to according Peterson. fruitless, were initially placement alternate to find efforts since a judge—killed, from order acourt and—with state tothe forfeited be likely to were dogs wolf The them. house to nowhere had state the since property his on dogs wolf keepthe to temporarily Schuster allowed but hisanimals, to seize 2011, right the had it that anddetermined warrant in June on Schuster’s property asearch executed state The Anchorage. of north miles inPalmer, 40 about located USA, atWolf Country look to take acloser These developments led officials state developments These

THIS PAGE: AUSTIN BRISCO. OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT: STEPHEN COLEMAN; RIGHT: LOCKWOOD ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER Lorin Lindner and her husband Matthew transport the wolf dogs from Simmons, co-founders of the Lockwood Palmer to Anchorage. “We Animal Rescue Center, heard about the are the only low-cost spay/ situation through contacts in the field. The neuter clinic in the state of pair’s 20-acre sanctuary, located about 75 Alaska, and so there was no miles northwest of Los Angeles, is largely doubt that we were going to devoted to providing care to wolves and help,” says executive director wolf dogs. The sanctuary has four staff who Maureen O’Nell. participate in its Warriors and Wolves work/ As it turned out, state law therapy program for veterans, helping care prohibits out-of-state veterinar- for the animals onsite. Cooperating with ians from providing services in Peterson and Alaska law enforcement of- Alaska, so Paula Schmidt, the ficials, Lindner and Simmons came up with clinic’s veterinarian, performed a plan: They would have all the wolf dogs all 29 surgeries—with two of spayed and neutered, then transport them the visiting vets serving in a to their sanctuary to live. technical role. Everyone had They soon discovered that getting to watch the clock, because a 29 wolf dogs from Alaska to California is cargo plane was waiting to fly no easy matter. They couldn’t find a suit- the wolf dogs to Washington. able flight from Alaska to Los Angeles The animals were placed in International Airport; any such flight would crates filled with straw to lie have required a layover in Seattle, and the on, and given ice that they animals would have had to remain in cargo; could lick to keep hydrated, or Matthew Simmons (left), co-founder of Lockwood Animal the team wouldn’t have had access to them curl up on to lower their body Rescue Center, and Stanley McDonald, the rescue center’s foreman, remove one of 29 wolf dogs in December from until they arrived in L.A. 15 to 20 hours after temperature if they got too Wolf Country USA near Anchorage, Alaska. leaving Alaska. warm due to their thick fur. So Simmons drove a trailer to Bellingham, The flight took about three Wash., then flew to Seattle and on to and a half hours, and then the crated dogs three coyotes, three rescued German shep- Anchorage, where he met up with Lindner and were moved into the trailer for the 24-hour herds, and several of the couple’s own dogs. five California veterinarians who had offered drive to the sanctuary. “They actually did ex- They now live in a series of large, securely their services to spay and neuter the wolf dogs. tremely well,” Simmons says. He speculates fenced enclosures that occupy eight acres, Meanwhile, the Alaska SPCA offered its that “they knew they were going to a better including a 2½-acre area dubbed “Wolf box truck and several staff members to help place, and were on their best behavior.” Mansion.” Of the 29 wolf dogs transported to The rescue and transport California, four have gone on to sanctuaries in was a costly effort. Simmons es- Colorado and Washington state. timates the cost of spaying and At first, the animals seemed over- neutering the wolf dogs, getting whelmed by their new surroundings. But the them back to the sanctuary, and couple has found it easy to bond with some building appropriate enclosures of the wolf dogs, who are “very doggy. They for them at around $185,000. want belly rubs, and they want to be totally Thankfully, they had some fund- petted up,” she says. Others in the group ing: Former game-show host are more timid, owing to their wild genet- and longtime animal activist ics and lack of socialization. But, Lindner Bob Barker donated $100,000 says, they’re adjusting to their new home—a to the project, the International home that allows them to behave a bit more Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) like the animals they were meant to be. AS gave $43,000, and The HSUS provided a $5,000 grant. In February, Werner Schuster, his wife, The Alaskan animals joined and Wolf Country USA were charged Lorin Lindner, co-founder of the Lockwood Animal 16 wolf dogs Lindner and with a total of nine counts of illegal Rescue Center, hangs out with 3-year-old wolf dog Yoli, who was rescued from a house in foreclosure in Simmons had previously rescued possession of, or intent to sell, a wolf Bakersfield, Calif. from around the country—plus dog without a permit.

PLACE YOUR BETS ON VEGAS! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 7 [scoop] groups so that more animals’ lives can be saved. saved. be can lives animals’ more that so groups is having opened her shelter to working more with rescue Shelter director battles idea that pets are disposable are pets that idea battles director Shelter Changing Perceptionsin 8 Carolina, North central In accomplishment proudest her says Carolina, North in Shelter of the director RandolphAnimal County Leigh Casaus, cause that’s all you talked about.” talked allyou that’s cause back into the animal sh “Youand said, togo know, need really you aside her pulled manager district her deal, a toclose tried she dayafter one that calls “and out.” burnt really Iwas honestly line,” the down came says, animal that she every torescue abreak.“I trying was needed being outdoors. aroundand moving sheloves says one who for some- job ideal seemingly officer—a trol about a year was promoted to animal con- CountyRandolph Animal Shelter, and after atthereer. anattendant as hired got She aca- for ready was she decided she school, four childrenwerea animals. for fondness a developed and (“Youpigs it”) Ihad it, name and horses, dogs, cats, among country” the animals’gain. the been has loss business’ ANIMAL SHELTERING She took a job selling insurance, re- but selling ajob took She anACO, as four years after But Casaus ago, Casaus’s when a decade About shegrewup“out says Casaus Leigh in BETTER KNOW AN ACO AN KNOW BETTER MAY | JUNE 2012 MAY |JUNE ll in middle or high eltering be- business, the insurance ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG those things. to change asacounty and let’s worktogether are, they like, don’t what it you usknow let citizen,a county and if there’s things about know thatthisisyourshelter. for It’s youas to citizens county up. Wewantthe shelter the now. program We’ve opened volunteer Wehavea perception. that tochange been county shelter? Ewww. Yuck.” My goal has “The astigmatism: was job, there this started reach is I probably when my passion. Because out- community but part, best animals isthe Leigh Casaus: job? your of part favorite Animal Sheltering: tor James Hettinger about her work. her about Hettinger James tor to talks cats, terrier, two and Chihuahuas, aManchester three 47, include Casaus, pets own whose way to merge the two together, and educate.” together, and two the way tomerge a tofind She’s for Leigh. trying community the about just not it’s animalsand the about just thatsheis,” not “It’s says. of person Alboum In the In edited below, interview Animal Sheltering Always, working the with Always, plies. “That’s just the kind the just “That’s plies. sup- more buy and money save tohelp time own their on shelter the painted even husband andher Casaus that notes HSUS, The for director state Carolina 7,000 animalsayear. in andtakes and 70 cats, 100 dogs about house can that atashelter reins ing the tak- it, got and applied she animalcontrol— and county the Randolph County shelter for bothsupervisor/director new up— opened position a When job’s rigors. daily unable to that withstand from a car accident left her as an ACO, but a back injury theTar HeelState Kim Alboum, North towork returned Casaus What’s your associate edi- associate

the Randolph County shelter, see p. 14. p. see shelter, County Randolph the at project ofaremodeling details For caring what’s going on. is atlarge public I’m the that animal?” excited this for chances arethe animal?to this What happen gonna “What’s areasking, people animal, stray a up pick to have we when now, that.” after happens And what care I don’t myproperty. off up, it it animal, get pick stray were like, people the part, “Yeah, most it’s a 10 ago, for field inthis years Istarted When awareofanimalissues. aremore people that] [is I’m about things ofthe excited One right now? going onWhat’s in your community me. So she hung up the phone cussin’ me. cussin’ phone hungupthe she me. So from male anunaltered toadopt wants she and spayed, to get afford can’t she that dogs, areher that property, her on females in-heat toalady. two has out She toadopt I refused like ago, minutes a few or, cases, ers, insome they weren’tfrom own- them because good You’vefriend. ananimalaway taken either you’re one’s where no best an environment be can in.…This be can you environment sive anexplo- awareofwhat be bandry, andalso animalhus- about can allyou learn just And leges. That’s always a good steppingstone. col- community atthe areoffered grams that Take pro- animalcare or classes any tech vet into field? the of thinking getting person ayoung give you’d advice any there Is one. old for your Look one. ing for anew one.” anew for look- looking be here Don’t we’re so ago, aweek cat our lost “We say], [and door inour walking come people when aggravated so Iget property. disposable not are pets that stressing just goal, immediate far amore as As animals. for our to change havegot things and us, behind coming tion the they’re community, because the genera- in children with education more I wanttodo future? the for Do you have any goals particular AS

THIS PAGE: CALEB SCOTT. OPPOSITE PAGE: KATHY MILANI/THE HSUS NEWS FROM THE HSUS [scoop]

You’re helping us. We’re helping you. We’re all helping animals. Carry on!

Kudos & Thank Yous on scene. The shelter medicine department part of the Emergency Placement Partners Working Together of the veterinary school at Mississippi State program at The HSUS, and without their In early January, Kern County Animal also dispatched a team of volunteers to assist help with transport, continued care, and Control in California contacted The HSUS with assessment and medical care. The City placement, we would not be able to con- after discovering more than 200 animals of Macon provided a building for sheltering, duct a fraction of our work to help animals languishing at a so-called rescue facility in and a follow-up meeting between the rescue in these crisis situations. We want to thank Rosedale. The county ended up removing teams and city and county officials resulted all of our partners, but especially the year’s roughly 180 dogs, 12 cats, two horses, in veterinary students from Mississippi State top 10 helpers: New Albany/Floyd County one pig, and ducks and chickens from the holding a free spay-and-neuter clinic for the Animal Shelter (Indiana), Peggy Adams property—too many to house at the shelter. community. They got such a large response Animal Rescue League (Florida), Washington With help from the Bakersfield SPCA, The that they now plan to hold the clinics quar- Animal Rescue League (Washington, D.C.), HSUS helped put together an emergency terly; currently there are 55 people on the Norfolk SPCA (Virginia), Second Chance shelter at a local fairground, and sent a team waiting list for the next clinic. Animal Shelter (Massachusetts), Jacksonville to help with sheltering operations; The HSUS In 2011, HSUS helped pass H.B. 1043, up- Humane Society (Florida), Guilford County also paid for all veterinary supplies needed at grading Texas state law on cockfighting. The Animal Shelter (North Carolina), Dumb the shelter. By the end of January, most of the new law makes it illegal to be a spectator at Friends League (Colorado), Nashville Humane dogs had been placed, and the county was a cockfight, breed the birds with the intent to Association (Tennessee), and the Lost Dog able to take over. fight them, possess the paraphernalia, allow and Cat Foundation (Virginia). In December 2011, The HSUS ani- your land to be used to host a cockfight, and We deeply appreciate the assistance of our mal rescue team responded to a situa- take part in the earnings of a cockfight. The many partners around the country. For more tion in Macon, Miss. A local rescue group HSUS has been notifying law enforcement information, visit humanesociety.org/espp. had turned hoarder, and the county has no agencies and providing training through- animal control or shelter. The Starkville out Texas—including at Houston Humane Heads Up! Police Department Animal Control Unit, Society, San Antonio Animal Care Looking for training but don’t have the cash Waveland Animal Shelter, and Rankin Services, and Cameron County Animal to hit the road to a conference? Contact County Sheriff’s Department all assisted Control—on how to identify and investigate us about free webinars on whatever is- a cockfighting case. The train- sues your agency or organization is strug- ings have already paid off in gling with; we can help with everything enforcement of the new law from disease control to customer service. in Galveston County and San All you need is an hour of time and access Antonio. Enactment of H.B. to the Web (trainings are provided remotely 1043 provides law enforce- via WebEx)—we’ll do the rest! For more ment with the tools to crack information, visit animalsheltering.org/ down on this illegal activity shelterservices. and aligns Texas’s laws with In 2010, The HSUS created the Pledge neighboring states and most for Humane Discourse and Conduct of the country. Within Animal Welfare, asking everyone Over the course of 2011, who cares about animals to commit to pro- The HSUS animal rescue team moting compassion and respect, not just for assisted with the seizure of the animals but for those who work tire- hundreds of animals from lessly on their behalf. To date, more than puppy mills, hoarders, and 160 organizations and 300 individuals have disaster situations, helping pledged their support! This year, learn how relocate them to temporary to put the pledge into action with ideas for shelters for immediate vet- promoting compassion and respect, oper- erinary care and then on to ating your organization at the highest stan- cooperating animal shelters dards, and communicating productively—visit In 2011, The HSUS helped pass H.B. 1043 in the Texas House of Representatives, legislation that closes major loopholes and rescue groups around animalsheltering.org/pledge to sign the in the state’s cockfighting law. the country. These groups are Pledge and access these helpful tips. AS

PLACE YOUR BETS ON VEGAS! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 9 [scoop] SQUEAKS, SQUAWKS, & SLITHERS

The Beakly Standard MOUTHPIECES

With all the purring, woof- ing visitors that shelters have We’ve opened the to care for, adapting to the ar- Mouthpieces department rival of someone who chirps to reader submissions! can ruffle the feathers of the Many shelters and most adaptive kennel man- rescues have produced ager. Many shelters opt to fantastic public service work with local bird rescues announcements. If you’ve to handle their avian visitors, created one you’d like which is a great option; good to share, please submit bird rescuers not only have the it to us. We’ll use some knowledge to care for particu- of the best ones in the lar species, they’ll have housing magazine. options that will improve upon what a crowded and hectic ani- The small print: Submitted mal shelter can provide. PSAs can retain your But for shelters that don’t organizational branding, have immediate access to an but you must be OK with avian rescue partner, the best allowing other groups to add their contact info place to keep a bird is some- so that they’ll be able to where warm (65-85 degrees use the ad in their own F is ideal) and away from the communities. sounds of predatory animals like cats and dogs. Or as you might The technical stuff: Our call this place, “not the shelter.” preferred file format is PDF/X-1a:2001 with crop Kidding! In all seriousness, It’s a good idea to add items for avian care and enrichment to your donation needs list, so that you’ll marks at least .125 inches consider an administrative office, be ready with the appropriate supplies when feathered from artwork. Accepted an unused or low-traffic stor- visitors arrive at your shelter. alternate file formats are age space, or your small-animal QuarkXPress, InDesign, room. Caging should provide ample space for a bird to spread her wings, a variety of perches Illustrator, or Photoshop. and food and water dishes, and enrichment items for any feathered friend who’s spending If an ad is submitted in a more than 24 hours with you. It’s smart to add items for avian care to your donation needs list format other than PDF, so that you’ll have supplies around when birds come in. graphics and fonts must be Caging shouldn’t include wood (birds love to chew it and could make an escape route), included — images must or lead and zinc, which are toxic to the animals, and should be cleaned regularly. Bird poop be CMYK and 300 dpi. Line can become aerosolized, and some diseases can transfer between birds and humans, so staff art must be at least 600 dpi. The dimensions must be (or may want to wear surgical masks while cleaning and should definitely wash their hands be- must be adjustable to) full fore and after. page including bleed: 8.375 Make sure adopters know the animals are there! Include them in your adoption listings, inches by 10.75 inches; live and mention them regularly on your social media platforms (especially, er, Twitter). And if area/non bleed: 7.125 inches they’re kept in a less visible area of the shelter, make sure to have signage letting visitors by 9.5 inches. know they’re there. You could even make a paper trail of birds “flying” along the wall leading people to their housing. To download this and With all the possible birds you could get in—parakeets, cockatiels, and canaries are prior Mouthpieces to use, common, but larger parrots are unfortunately still in the pet trade as well—you’ll want to go to animalsheltering. make sure you’ve got care, feeding, and health information that’s species-specific. Captive org/mouthpieces. Exotic Bird Care: A Guide for Shelters is a terrific resource from the Avian Welfare Coalition; To submit a PSA, the group also maintains a working list of bird rescue groups organized by state. Go to please contact us at

avianwelfare.org to check them out, and find more bird resources at animalsheltering.org. AS RILEY/THEMICHELLE HSUS [email protected].

10 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY | JUNE 2012 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG ADOPTERS ARE

YOU MAY NOT BE WEARING A CAPE OR SHINY RED BOOTS. OUR HEROES. BUT YOU’VE COME HERE TO HELP US SAVE A LIFE.

TO US, THAT’S SOMETIMES, COOLER THAN THOUGH, HEROES LEAPING TALL NEED A LITTLE HELP. BUILDINGS IN A AFTER ALL, EVEN SINGLE BOUND. BATMAN HAD ROBIN.

Getting to know your new pet will take time and patience, so call us if you have any questions or concerns about your new adopted friend. Whether it’s a question about litter boxes or crate training, we’ve got the advice and resources that can help, right here in our utility belt.

You’ve been there for them, and now we want to be here for you. [scoop] driving a 22-compartment, stainless-steel stainless-steel a22-compartment, driving themselves, runs delivery long-distance the Center, Space Kennedy from makeretirees andCanada. States United inthe groups cue res- greyhound topartnering them porting them out either oradopts locally by trans- them spayed gets ily or neutered, pets, then fam- tobecome fitness dogs’ the evaluates tion program at Melbourne Greyhound Park, 12 12 time of alot Tyler spends Dennis HETTINGER JAMES BY dogs racing far and forretired near homes finds group Florida On theRight Track or injury, qual nolonger toage due who, for dogs homes new find Tyler helps (GPACF), Central Florida America race. last their run pier outcome for the greyhounds have who isahap- on he’s what but betting track, dog ANIMAL SHELTERING Tyler Claire, andhiswife areboth who His organization, which runs the adop- the runs which organization, His of Pets ofGreyhound president As PEOPLE POWER MAY | JUNE 2012 MAY |JUNE ify to race at a track. atatrack. torace ify atthe ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG decrease if the state legislature passes a passes legislature state the if decrease are in Florida,tracks but that number could ofthose Thirteen 22remain, Tyleronly says. now but nationwide, tracks 50 than more pens. or incrates lives oftheir much spend and excessively arebred dogs the problems, other among because, advocates bymany animalwelfare decried business profit that’s neutral racing—a on dog more than 7,200more into greyhounds homes. 1996, GPACF Since move great: helped has way. the along groups rescue with dogs off drop and fuel tore- than other stop don’t typically They N.Y. andBuffalo, (21 hours) hours). (23 trailer to Jersey as such New locales distant The industry is waning; there once were once there iswaning; industry The Greyhound Pets of America isanon- ofAmerica Pets Greyhound are rewards the but arelong, drives The Melbourne track.Melbourne Track officials “asked if we atthe agency adoption official the became in1995. group 1996, the In president became out.” adopted weren’t that getting dogs of alot [were] a need,” “There Tyler says. plus at the track. “We that saw there was sur- greyhound the about learned and they bystruck just how nice greyhounds are, are,” they thinks were They body Tyler says. every- that dog they’re “not race hyper the that anddiscovering worked track, atthe who neighbor next-door their from dog racing female aninjured acquiring after hound racing. grey- live offer also ofgambling types other offering facilities that requirement a state nix would time—that atpress bill—pending Tyler got involved inGPACFTyler involved got in1991 and TylersThe hooked got ongreyhounds members of the from Florida to Connection at a stop in New Dennis Tyler, Philadelphia deliver dogs dogs deliver Greyhound third from left, helps left, Jersey.

THIS PAGE: PHILADELPHIA GREYHOUND CONNECTION. OPPOSITE PAGE: MICHAEL MALAT could move 70 dogs [a kennels … and you see that one, too.’” A broken leg can cost $1,200 to year], and I about fell out all those faces and every- repair, but GPACF has beefed up its fundraising of my chair,” Tyler recalls. thing. That’s what keeps over the years to cover such expenses. Florida is inundated with you going. They all need The dogs he’s helped save aren’t shy greyhounds, making local homes,” he says. There about expressing their gratitude, even years adopters tough to find. are about 9,000 dogs after their rescue. Tyler recalls his first racing in Florida, and on When Tyler visits the annual picnic fun- year as a “baptism of any given day there are draiser held by GPA’s Maryland chapter to fire,” but the group probably 400 or 500 showcase dogs enjoying life after racing, learned about shipping who need homes, ac- greyhounds “will drag their owners across greyhounds to other parts cording to Tyler. this huge park,” says Ethel Whitehurst, the of the country, and man- Dennis Tyler has devoted much Tyler sometimes visits group’s president. “They catch sight of him, of his retirement to transporting aged to move 160 dogs. greyhounds from tracks in Florida other tracks in Florida with and they’re pulling and pulling … and they The adoption efforts to rescue groups throughout the a “shopping list” from the remember him, and they whimper. When eastern half of the United States. grew from there. The fol- rescue groups he works they get to him, they just go nuts.” lowing year, four kennels with—one might want “That’s really the payoff. They do remem- went out of business at the end of the racing a female, brindle greyhound who’s good with ber you,” Tyler says. “… At least one time [the season, and GPACF moved 509 dogs. children and cats, for example. “There’s some group gave me] a shirt, and by the end of the “The track manager used to ask me, dogs that we’re looking for, some dogs that day I had paw prints all over it.” AS ‘How you gonna move all them dogs?’ I said, we need, and then we’ll see dogs that need ‘One dog at a time.’” us—one with a broken leg, one with no hair on For more information about Greyhound Tyler volunteers nearly full time for their back, one that has some kind of a medical Pets of America Central Florida, visit GPACF. “Every day you walk into all these problem,” Tyler says. “And we say, ‘We’ll take floridagreyhounds.com. CRAWFORD Cremation Systems Animal incineration/cremation equipment designed to exceed your expectations. • EPA Compliant • Totally Automated • Safe, Clean Operation • Efficient & Economical • Durable & Dependable • Great Revenue Builder

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PLACE YOUR BETS ON VEGAS! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 13 [scoop] THE BUILD-OUT

BY JIM BAKER Bright Lights, Big City (Shelter)

Some animal shelters suffer from lousy locations. It’s safe to say the SPCA of Texas’s new home will never have that problem. The facility, which fronts Interstate 30 in Dallas, has a commanding presence. “There are these three big walls that go up about 60 feet that have ‘SPCA’ in neon lights, so when you go by at night, you don’t miss it. The building is terra cotta and purple, so it kind of stands out from all the rest in the community,” says James Bias, president. The facility features a fully equipped medical wing and surgery suite to care for injured animals and to provide spay/neuter and well- ness services to both shelter animals and owned pets; play- rooms and outdoor green spaces where visitors can connect with adoptable pets; and classrooms for humane education pro- The Cat Rotunda, with a grams and volunteer training. view of the Cat Suites, at the new SPCA of Texas in Dallas. The 75,000-square-foot building already housed the SPCA of Texas’s public call center, its rescue and the footprint and renovate existing space Ryan Architects, served as the project’s de- investigations team, and administrative of- in 2010. Total cost of the project was sign consultant. “Everything was very much fices, and replaces the 40-year-old Dealey about $15 million. Hinojosa Architecture & about showcasing the animals … with the Animal Care Center near downtown. The Interiors of Dallas was hired to design the best lighting and the best colors and the SPCA of Texas bought the building in interior and exterior spaces; Martha Seng, best graphics, and everything that made it 2006, and started construction to expand a principal with Houston-based Jackson & feel like a retail experience,” Hinojosa says.

Better Reception Randolph County Animal Shelter in Randleman, N.C., got a much-needed facelift in January, thanks to a pair of $3,000 grants from The HSUS and the ASPCA. Before the project, the shelter didn’t have much of a reception area—there was just room for a staff member and one visitor. “If it was raining, sometimes they were left standing out in the rain, because they just couldn’t get in the door,” supervisor Leigh Casaus says. To make the facility more accessible and inviting, walls were knocked out, and a reception space was created. The county’s maintenance department did much of the work. They didn’t hire an architect; Casaus just described what she wanted to a carpenter, who took it from there. Casaus and her husband George spent their evenings and weekends painting and doing some of the finishing work on a wbig, wraparound counter in the new reception room. “I’m hoping that when people feel that they’re welcome, that A recent renovation at the Randolph County Animal Shelter in North Carolina created a there’s a comfortable space for them, that they will be more inclined to come here to JENKINS JEFF PAGE: OPPOSITE BOTTOM: CALEB SCOTT. DAVIS; M. CHAD TOP: PAGE, THIS more customer-friendly reception area. choose their next pet,” Casaus says.

14 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY | JUNE 2012 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG You help animals. We help you.

Wanna Go Outside? In December, Chicago Animal Care Humane Society University provides an academic and Control opened its new Puppy curriculum exclusively dedicated to human-animal studies. Undergraduate Playgrounds—four fenced-in play yards degrees and graduate certificates can be completed online or with where many of the shelter’s dogs can a combination of online and onsite classes. We also offer a variety romp and play off leash to their hearts’ of professional development courses on topics such as animals in delight. For many years, volunteers took disaster, animal fighting investigations, mastering animal sheltering the dogs out for walks, says Cherie Travis, basics, and confronting compassion fatigue. former executive director. “But if you can just get the dog out to a play area, and let For more information, visit humanesocietyuniversity.org the dog off leash, and let the dog run off or contact [email protected]. some of that energy instead of dragging you around, it’s a lot more fun.” The play Humane Society University yards, which she likens to mini dog parks, 2100 L Street, NW also allow the dogs to interact with other Washington, DC 20037 pooches. Travis hopes that calmer dogs p 202.676.2390 will make a better impression on poten- f 202.778.6147 tial adopters, leading to more pets find- ing homes. The play yards didn’t cost the Licensed by the DC Education Licensure Commission city a dime—Travis pitched the idea to the Animal Farm Foundation in Dutchess County, N.Y., as a great project that would benefit the shelter’s dogs for a long time. The foundation provided a $25,000 grant, and Safe Humane Chicago—a local nonprofit that the organization has donated to in the past—got estimates and over- saw construction of the play yards. Shelter staff are working with Jeff Jenkins (former lead trainer with The HSUS’s Pets for Life Chicago) and others to develop play groups, and Travis envisions adding agility equipment to the yards “so it’s fun for the volunteers and fun for the dogs.”AS

Learn. Lead. Achieve. Humane Society University is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for all applicants re- gardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital, or veteran status in com- pliance with Federal and state laws and regulations. All benefits, privileges, and opportunities offered by Humane Society University are available to all students and employees in accordance with federal and District of Columbia laws and reg- A dog at Chicago Animal Care and Control’s ulations. This policy is applicable to all personnel policies and practices including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, transfers, layoffs, terminations, benefits, and social and recreational programs. shelter gets a workout in one of the shelter’s four new Puppy Playgrounds.

PLACE YOUR BETS ON VEGAS! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 15 16 16 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY | JUNE 2012 MAY |JUNE ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG national HIV/AIDS fundraising and aware- and fundraising HIV/AIDS national values. ascore munity com- inthe andvolunteering causes good Washington, D.C., for raisingmoney counts in Washington University atGeorge Epsilon Budweiser. ofSigmaPhi Butthechapter day. game on andbarbecues parties member and current volunteer Stacey Severe. Severe. Stacey volunteer current and member staff former from help with manager, care animal Lantella, Gina by here performed being manicure canine like the TLC special as well as programs, important toward put can shelter A fraternity fundraiser brought in $12,000 for [scoop] Fraternities aren’t just about BAKER JIM BY shelter local forits thousands raises chapter A fraternity House Animal In recent aIn chose the fraternity years, aremajoring in frat guys some OK, SHOW ME THE MONEY beer-soaked theWashington Humane Society. It’s money the chicken”—did a little research, anddiscov- research, chicken”—did alittle toa adog ranging from apet, had always how they were makingsee a difference. actually could brothers so nonprofit, a local topick wanted ofprogramming, president vice fraternity’s the as Fla., serving Miami, was who events. ofphilanthropic annual week to fromthechapter’s campaign benefit ness So theSo longtime animal lover—“I’ve from fall, ajunior Kyle last Campbell, But

MICHELLE RILEY/THE HSUS [scoop]

ered that the Washington Humane Society event brought in more than $500. (The as well as bark at the statue of FDR’s dog at (WHS) had two shelters nearby. His brothers donation jars were set out at subsequent the FDR Memorial on the Washington Mall. enthusiastically agreed to designate WHS as events, so that people could Jacquie Topping, WHS’s director of their new charity. continue contributing.) marketing and communications, Campbell contacted the shelter to out- The second day fea- served as a judge for both the line his plan for a series of activities during tured a lighthearted beauty beauty pageant and dance the fraternity’s Sweetheart Week, which pageant (hey, it’s still a competition. enlists GW students—particularly those in frat), which included a con- After one event at the Greek system—to participate and fund- testant from each soror- GW’s student center, raise for a worthy cause. ity; their houses paid an Darcy Levit, WHS’s di- Sweetheart Week was held in November; entrance fee for them rector of major gifts, the goal is for participating sororities to raise to participate. The pag- gave a presentation the most money, and thus become the frater- eant featured an inter- on the shelter, which nity’s “sweethearts.” view round, a pajama about 100 people at- Each day brought a different activ- round, onstage talent, tended. One student ap- ity. The kickoff was Paper for Puppies— and a question round proached Levit afterward “paper” meaning cash. Eight sororities set in which the women to ask if the shelter offers up tables and empty jars for donations; were asked about animals or summer internships. Levit gave her a any bill dropped into a jar counted for 100 WHS. The fraternity also organized a dance card, and the girl followed up. “So I think points, while any coin was a negative point. competition and a scavenger hunt in which there’s going to be an extended relationship So sororities could undercut their competi- items on the list related to animals—com- with GW. It really opened our eyes to what tion by dropping coins in their jars—either petitors had to take a picture in front of our local universities can be doing with us,” way, it raised money for the shelter. The three of the various horse statues in the city, Levit says. AS

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PLACE YOUR BETS ON VEGAS! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 17 [scoop] Helping Cats BreatheEasier Cats Helping times daily.times three in10 ideally cc ofsaline minutes, 4-6 delivering notes. recommends He Greenberg byit,”to make surehe’s stressed too not ofminutes, acouple for atleast closely, he should watched be pretty tion chamber], benefit from nebulization,” says Greenberg. Greenberg. nebulization,” from says benefit would acat then duration, signs ofacertain of set acertain exhibits acat if example, therapy might where help. “Forthe cases torecognize and nebulizer the touse trained shouldbe shelterstaff followed; should be protocol awritten so URI, with ulize allcats at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. inIthaca, University at Cornell fellow program Medicine Shelter a Maddie’s fore,” Greenberg, Michael veterinarian notes be- andthingsthatyouhadn’t seen crusts coughing up mucous and cats, productive pretty some seeing you’lleffective, start it’s being “When pathogens. toattack cells and sinuses, allowing a cat’s own immune passages nasal clogging cells inflammatory and upmucous andbreak tomoisten liquids with nebulization therapy. arenowfighting theproblem shelters Some 18 18 ANIMAL SHELTERING “The first time a cat is put in [a nebuliza- in[a isput acat time first “The It’s not practical or cost effective toneb- effective cost or practical not It’s aerosolizes that isadevice A nebulizer with upper respiratory infections. infections. respiratory upper with Shelter commonly cats break KITS & PITS MAY | JUNE 2012 MAY |JUNE ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG

efit,” says. Greenberg treatment a with potential ben- low-risk very it’s a cleaning, regarding follow guidelines probably them get donated. “As long as you can you but $30, about cost Nebulizers ment. the equipment each before treat-disinfect lizer tubes, it’s to critical thoroughly clean and andnebu- chamber inthe lurking pathogens cultureresults. on based occasionally antibiotics, uses and then only only Greenberg toresistance, lead can otics ofantibi- anduse system, immune the press sup- steroids Because tract. respiratory of the cells delicate the damage can quantity large in vapor andwater nebulized, when damage that it contains could bacteria cause because water, adds never He cats. line, tonebulize saline, aka normal saline or physiological sa- youtube.com/watch?v=x61dYiFQ-Aw. to go care, foster in kittens and cats Center in Austin on how to nebulize Animal Town by Lake posted video a NebulizationTherapy.cfm sheltermedicine.vet.cornell.edu/shelter/ out check information, more For To avoid showering the cat’s lungswithTo cat’s the showering avoid Greenberg uses only sterile 0.9 percent Cat Programs manager, HSUS The Cat Programs to Play agree: groups kennel time, by leaps Playgrounds seems seems Playgrounds This dog enjoying Animal and Care — Peterson Nancy are than better one of Chicago Control’s new, . To watch fenced Puppy and bounds!

ticular dog continues to antagonize others. toantagonize continues dog ticular onlywhat is if intervene appropriate; a par- other each toteach dogs the for opportunity ample Allow background andobserve. in the stay should you other; each from and learn group play is time for to the dogs exercise tempting to involved. get that But remember out. tune “white dogs noise” the become can chatter, voices isconstant behavior, there andif dogs’ toredirect voice your touse may need You interact. waydogs the andaffect dynamic the change thiscan gaging inconversations; one too without watching many people or en- disputes. may cause toand chews ensure nothing is present that food, areafor toys, the check and thoroughly together. designate an area Then and time make grouped should be of dogs a which list Next, andshake areuseful. cans bottles, such as deterrent spray,dogs—items spray be needed to separate or calm down any team. a as work and decisive be removed, or removed. tobe needs a dog should in be ch person andgo, andone come will dogs where trance en- ofthe isincharge who clear be should It yard/room. the manage tobest and how personalities, their dogs, the discuss should staff Supervising be. will groups the cessful play, andappropriate language suc- themore better group supervisors understand body The groups. play indesigning involved be process. adoption inthe aid will that information able valu- provide also can atplay dogs Observing tasks. for other upstaff andfrees efficient ismore atonce, which dogs several exhaust can groups Play time. same atthe skills social andgainvaluable toexercise dogs for multiple chance the offer They addition. a wonderful be play groupscan great,butwell-designed be can yardtime and training, walks, Leash dogs. Play Time for Pitties Pets for Life Philadelphia manager, HSUS The Philadelphia Life for Pets Watching play is fun, dogs be andit can is group aplay for environment ideal The up, gather setting tools thatWhen might In the event dogs need to be separated Your behavior department staff should One of the biggest face is providing sufficient exercise for exercise sufficient face isproviding arge of deciding when when ofdeciding arge — Kenny Lamberti — Kenny challenges shelters shelters challenges

JEFF JENKINS [scoop] MUTTERINGS

Junk in the Trunk You know how they say pets look like their owners? Mostly they mean a fluffy hairdo or a long nose, but for some pairs it means a little extra baggage … around the middle. And that’s not healthy for humans or animals. So weight-loss company Jenny Craig teamed up with Purina’s Project: Pet Slim Down, a reducing program for pets, to encourage pudgy people, pugs, and Persians to lose weight together with proper eating and exercise. From January through March 2012, owners who regis- tered their pets on the Purina website re- ceived a free 30-day membership to Jenny Craig (excluding the cost of food). Because too-fast weight loss can be dangerous for pets, Project: Pet Slim Down helps owners and veterinarians work together to map out E PHOTOGRAPHY Hero Hound individualized programs; the site also offers a pet weight-loss reality series, online Last year, the Rose Brooks Center, a tracking tools, tips and reminders, ideas on domestic violence shelter in Kansas how to exercise with your pet, and lots of City, Mo., took in a woman whose other features that mirror weight-loss sites boyfriend had brutally beaten her for people. with a hammer. But there was a fellow victim: The woman had a 110-pound Great Dane she wouldn’t leave behind. Like many emergency shelters, Rose Card-iology Brooks didn’t take pets, but when CEO Feeling that existing pet sympathy cards just weren’t hitting the right note, Bari Mears of Susan Miller learned that the dog had Phoenix, Ariz., decided to design her own two years ago. “Only an animal lover knows how it saved his owner’s life by lying on top feels, and you don’t find the right cards out there,” says Mears. Her “Pawprints on the Heart” of her and taking many of the blows, cards feature original sentiments by Mears and black-and-white portraits taken by photogra- suffering serious injury, she decided an pher Susan Schmitz of pets adopted from shelters. Mears donates 25 percent of the proceeds exception had to be made. The pooch to her other pet project, the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition 911 (PACC911), which she founded saved not only his owner, but potentially to help shelters and rescue groups. PACC911 sponsors adoption events and fundraisers for its the lives of many more abused pet 125 partner groups and maintains an emergency medical fund for the groups’ injured and owners and their animals: MSNBC.com ill animals. Mears has expanded her reported that the dog’s presence in the line, adding birthday, thank you, shelter moved Miller to add pet-friendly get well, love, and—her personal accommodations to expansion plans favorite—“congratulations on your already under way. The improvements, adopted pet” cards. The cards are scheduled to be completed this spring, carried by several veterinarians include seven kennels, a walking trail, and retail stores in the Phoenix and a pet play area. Sheltering Animals area and have generated about & Friends Together (SAF-T), a group that $20,000 for the emergency medi- offers guidelines to domestic violence cal fund. Mears hopes to increase and emergency shelters for making their exposure and volume to provide facilities animal-friendly, maintains a “a steady stream of income for THIS PAGE, LEFT: ANASTASIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; TOP RIGHT: KATRINA ELENA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; BOTTOM RIGHT: SUSAN SCHMITZ/A DOG’S LIF nationwide list of 60 shelters that accept the … fund which has saved so CLEVELAND PLAIN ILLUSTRATION ISCHAY/THE DEALER; BOTTOM: BUSSOLATI LYNN TOP: PAGE, OPPOSITE pets at animalsandfamilies.org. many lives.”

20 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY | JUNE 2012 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG Lung Power It’s not known exactly how many pets die in fires each year, but informal estimates put it in the tens of thousands, mostly due to smoke inhalation. Losing a pet this way is a tragedy for the owner and for firefighters who, without the right equipment, can do nothing to resuscitate an overcome animal. To help prevent these deaths, Invisible Fence Brand, makers of electronic boundary systems, set up Project Breathe to provide pet oxygen masks free of charge to fire departments throughout the U.S. and Canada. Since 2007, the project has donated more than 3,000 sets of small, medium, and large masks and is now teaming up with state veterinary medical associations that assist with outreach and train firefighters in how to approach and handle animals in a fire. “We know of about 80 pets who have been saved by firefighters using a mask that we donated,” says Laura Wright, the company’s director of marketing. “That’s always the most rewarding aspect of the program.” To read about another program donating masks, go to animalsheltering.org to our story on the Maine POM Project in March-April 2012’s “Better Know an ACO.”

plan to kidnap, extort, and murder a wealthy lawyer and pin the crime on the intended victim’s cat. The Associated Press reported that Brett Nash, desperate to keep his house out of foreclosure, cooked up a plot to abduct the attorney, force him to with- draw a large amount of money from a bank, then bump him off by putting him in a hot tub and tossing in a radio. He’d throw sus- Colonel Calico picion onto the cat by sprinkling kitty litter in the Backyard into the hot tub. Riiiiight. Has he not heard that cats hate water? Perhaps fearing that with a Litter Box he’d be held responsible, the convicted killer Ratted out by a parolee with a conscience, Nash had attempted to recruit as an accom- an Illinois man was arrested in January by plice promptly reported the scheme to his FBI agents before he could carry out his parole officer, who informed the FBI.

PLACE YOUR BETS ON VEGAS! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 21