Reaching the Senior Community Golden Years for Animals and Elders

May/June 2010

The Hazards of “Do Not Adopt” Lists Finding Shelter Insurance

COVER: GILLIAN HERSH/MARIN HUMANE SOCIETY attention on four paws. four on attention and programs—affection visitation animal or—through assistance, and supplies pet their communities’ bringing elders, them to out reaching are shelters pany. Some com furry a little from benefit might pets have don’t many who them; for caring in assistance occasional need may but pets have Many population. of the portion make alarger up citizens senior lives, ier health and longer living Americans With to Seniors Out Reaching 24

- - pet owners are a big part of the problem. ofthe part abig are owners pet irresponsible that aware people making leash, ofthe end human the to change aims nance ordi city Arevised situation. unfortunate an of best the made organization the mixes, bull pit and bulls pit shelter’s ofthe some to place into trying put had Society Humane Nebraska the work the all to undo threatened Omaha in ordinance breed-specific anew When Truth Unexpected An 30 34 -

against potential liability in the form of everything from dog bites to workplace getting insurance coverage to guard injuries. Some insurance companies are

organization—and that includes lovers. dog true for a treat unique— something really are mutts able avail their that know public the let and stores ofboutique example the to follow well do might Shelters unto itself. likeone apurebred hybrids—each ultimate the actually are dogs Once disparaged as “mongrels,” mixed-breed TributeA Mutts to welfare organizations—seeing them as inherently risky—but youreluctant can convince to write policies for animal

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p. 39

- 5 Letterbox Animal Sheltering is a publication of The Humane Society of the United States. ANIMAL SHELTERING MAGAZINE STAFF Editor 6 Scoop Carrie Allan A low-cost spay/neuter program helps the Associate Editor James Hettinger poor of Washington state spay and neuter Staff Writer/Copy Editor their animals; animal welfare advocates Jim Baker Production/Marketing Manager contest the tradition of carriage horses in Amy Briggs New York; a raptor rehabilitator returns a n Advertising Manager hawk to the skies after she makes a wrong ReNae Vorgert Design turn—through someone’s dining room Bussolati Associates window; an event involving the Brooklyn n Chairman, Board of Directors, Humane Society Bridge and glow-in-the-dark leashes of the United States raises money and awareness for shelter Anita W. Coupe, Esq. President and CEO, Humane Society of the United States pets; a Louisiana community devastated HEY TIFFANY!/FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS Wayne Pacelle by Hurricane Katrina celebrates the long- n 49 Humane Law Forum ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE awaited opening of a new animal shelter; Animal Sheltering (ISSN 0734-3078) is published bimonthly by Animal welfare advocates and shelter staff The Humane Society of the United States. Our magazine serves and more. the people on the frontlines of animal protection—by offering may have the best of intentions when they practical expertise, technical know-how, forums for debate, program profiles, news on the latest research and trends, and a sense forward an e-mailed “DNA” (Do Not Adopt) of inspiration and community among those striving to make the 22 Coffee Break world a better place for animals. recommendation. But doing so can test In your space, you told us how your Subscription Prices the limits of free speech and even stray Single-copy subscriptions are $20 each ($25 for subscrib- organization handles naming adoptable ers outside the U.S.). Members of Shelter Partners receive a into illegality, possibly leading to claims of 10-percent discount. For information on multiple-copy dis- animals, who does it, if any names are counts, visit animalsheltering.org. defamation, libel, or slander. Circulation Offices forbidden, and whether some names have To order, renew, change your address, or inquire about other subscription-related issues, visit our website at more appeal to adopters. animalsheltering.org or contact our circulation office: 53 Volunteer Management Animal Sheltering P.O. Box 351; Congers, NY 10920-0351 Both inexperienced and expert volunteers can 866-512-3111 (toll free) 845-267-3004 (local) 39 The “101” Department 845-267-3478 (fax) be helpful to your program, but the last thing [email protected] Insurance companies have traditionally you want to do is bring in “green” volunteers Editorial Offices taken a dim view of writing policies for Please send letters to the editor, and fail to provide them the training they Coffee Break submissions, and article ideas to: shelters and rescue groups, seeing them Animal Sheltering magazine/HSUS need. This happens all the time in shelters 2100 L St., NW as complex, vaguely mysterious operations Washington, DC 20037 and rescue groups, and it’s a setup for 202-452-1100 (phone) rife with potential for lawsuits. But you can 301-258-3081 (fax) frustration and disappointment. Learn how to [email protected] take steps to persuade insurance carriers animalsheltering.org match volunteers’ skill sets to the tasks that Advertising Information that your organization is responsible and Contact ReNae Vorgert, Animal Sheltering’s advertising manager, need to be done. at 701-572-9100 or [email protected]. trustworthy—in other words, worth the risk. Job Listings To post a free job announcement, visit animalsheltering.org. 60 Off Leash Reprint Information 45 Q&A We encourage private humane organizations and public animal In a chance encounter during a trip to India, services agencies to reprint Animal Sheltering articles by HSUS Haunted by scenes of neglect and cruelty authors in whole or in part, without prior permission, provided British photographer Eloise Leyden stumbled that the reprinting serves educational purposes in keeping with she’d witnessed as a result of pets being the magazine’s intent. Please credit the article’s author as well as upon TOLFA (Tree of Life for Animals), a Animal Sheltering magazine, and send us a copy of the reprinted chained for long periods—sometimes until material. If you are interested in reprinting articles by non-HSUS nonprofit that cares for former street dogs authors, special permission may be required; e-mail us at they starved to death—Paulette Dean, [email protected]. at its sanctuary in Pushkar. The people (and The Small Print executive director of the Danville Area The HSUS does not endorse or guarantee any products, services, canines) she met there played a role in the or vendors mentioned in Animal Sheltering, nor can it be respon- Humane Society, was determined to end sible for problems with vendors or their products or services. Also, creation of her photography book, Slum The HSUS reserves the right to reject, at its discretion, any adver- the practice in her Virginia community. tising. Views expressed by non-HSUS authors are not necessarily Dogs of India. those of The HSUS. ©2010 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.

ED W NT IT RI H P

1 0 Y 0 % G W ER Cert no. SW-COC-002281 IND EN www.NewWindEnergy.com

2 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG

letterbox

The Legal Side of Adoptions In the first few months of 2010, some of the policies, many of these organizations have I have been reading your article on news from animal welfare groups around the learned to work together to make the biggest “Discrimination at the Adoption Counter,” country was anything but warm and fuzzy. possible difference for the animals in their (Jan-Feb 2010, p. 49). Something that The director of an Ohio shelter pleaded guilty communities. happened at our shelter reminded me of one to animal cruelty charges, after animals in What reasonable people who care for ani- of the examples presented. the care of the facility were found to be sick mals should not differ on is standards of care We had a couple from a larger town and living in their own filth. In California, an for the animals they’re sheltering. Whatever 204 miles south of us drive to our shelter to animal control officer was put on leave after your policy on euthanasia, your policy for adopt a puppy. Within a few days the puppy pleading guilty to a cruelty charge. The di- the living should be clear and uncompromis- had passed from parvo. … Per our adoption rector of an animal shelter in Tennessee was ing. The Farm Animal Welfare Council’s Five contract, we issued a voucher so this couple arrested, along with several other staff, on Freedoms state the case best: Animals deserve could adopt another animal. The girlfriend cruelty charges. In Texas, 64 animals were freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from returned, decided on a beautiful, long-haired seized from a rescue group after many of discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and dis- German shepherd, signed papers once again, them were found to be starving. ease; freedom to express normal behaviors, and drove the dog home. We’re sure you’ll agree with us when we and freedom from fear and distress. The boyfriend is a large-framed African- say … yuck. Every organization that takes in animals American, and the adult dog she adopted These groups had similar missions, but should self-assess on a regular basis. Ask: Are seemed to be afraid of him (he’s afraid of different operating policies. They were a no- we providing the basics to the animals we most men). She returned the dog, wanting kill shelter, a public humane society, a county care for so much? And if not, can we really her money back. animal control department, and a rescue call our passion “compassion,” or has it be- It is noted in our adoption papers that group, respectively. The one thing they had come something darker? only vouchers can be issued, but by this in common was that, in ways big or small, Animal rescue and sheltering work is time she was angry and threw out “lawsuit” their mission to shelter and protect animals dirty, difficult, heartbreaking, and incredibly conversation. We feel we are protected had somehow run off the rails. valuable. The work you do inspires us every with our current adoption form, but she As all of us work toward the end of eutha- day. So keep the Five Freedoms in mind, and has written a letter to our board of directors nasia of healthy, treatable animals, we should remember: Anything worth doing is worth insisting on a complete refund. keep these cases in mind. doing well. We can disagree on plenty, but Please share your thoughts. While saving animals’ lives should be we have to agree on that. —A reader in Minnesota a primary focus at shelters, reasonable If you’re struggling, The HSUS has people can still differ about euthanasia resources that may help. Check out Cherie Travis, author of the article, policies. Many excellent, compassionate the Programs and Services section of offered some suggestions, excerpted here: shelters still euthanize to cope with the animalsheltering.org, and remember, many You may want to consider refunding all or influx of animals into their facilities. Many of our old issues are available in our online some portion of the adoption fee with a excellent, compassionate rescue groups resource library. letter stating that it is a goodwill gesture and limited-admission shelters do not. And —Carrie, James, Jim, and Amy and not a contractual obligation. You in spite of the differences in their operating Animal Sheltering magazine staff might want to point out that you are doing this, in part, because she honored the contract and returned the dog to you. (You said she lives more than 200 miles away, so Editor’s note: In a follow-up letter to Animal We would add that such situations have bringing the dog back was an effort on her Sheltering, the letter writer reported that her at least two aspects—a legal aspect and part. She could have dumped the dog or board members decided to deny the refund. a customer-service aspect. Shelters should given it away.) They sent the couple a letter that included a be aware that while they may be legally Going forward, you could avoid this portion of the shelter’s liability release, which protected by their adoption contract, they problem by implementing a policy that all explains that adopters are responsible for the may not be protected from bad word-of- members of the household be present costs incurred following adoptions, and that mouth. for the adoption (even if it was as part of adopters shall not hold the humane society the voucher). That way, you can observe responsible for adopted animals’ pre-existing Got a question? Enjoyed a each person’s interaction with the animal medical conditions. They offered a voucher, story? Write to us at and ensure a good fit before it leaves which the client turned down; the matter [email protected]. your facility. appears to have been resolved.

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 5 scoop

On the Road Again In Washington state, a mobile clinic helps disadvantaged people and pets

BY CARREEN MALONEY CARREEN MALONEY CARREEN

Veterinary technician Kathryn Weiss adjusts the lighting for Karen Mueller in the van’s surgery bay, which provides cramped but functional quarters.

It’s barely 6 a.m. in northern Washington Their mission is to reduce animal births boards. The placards tell staff all the animals state, cold and still dark on a December morn- and, in turn, the community’s euthanasia have been signed in, and once they have, the ing before Christmas, but people are already rates. Their target is low-income communi- pets are rounded up and brought onto the arriving in the parking lot of a big-box store. ties, helping families who can barely afford Spay Station for the day. They might be mistaken for bargain hunt- to look after themselves. The crew on board ers trying to snag a deal on holiday gifts, do what they can to remove any obstacles Come Together and in fact, they are here to save. But the that might prevent people from spaying and In 2008, WeSnip was created to administer deals they’re after won’t be found inside the neutering, whether the barriers are practical, a low-income spay/neuter program in the Bellingham Big Lots store. Instead, the big sav- financial, or educational. Bellingham area. It was desperately needed ings are found inside a truck parked outside, “If you don’t do it, they won’t come,” in the community, and WeSnip’s creators, one that serves as a mobile spay/neuter clinic. says Patricia Maass, co-founder of WeSnip. Maass and veterinarian Karen Mueller, who The Whatcom Education Spay and The group’s proactive approach reso- met years ago at a spay/neuter event, wanted Neuter Impact Program (better known as nates with its clients, some of whom have to find a way to meet the need. WeSnip) operates out of a mobile spay/neu- been known to sleep overnight in their cars Maass had been a volunteer and foster ter vehicle, one of two Spay Stations owned to make sure they’re on time to drop off their program coordinator at Whatcom Humane by Pasado’s Safe Haven, an animal rescue or- animals before they have to get to their jobs. Society (WHS) for five years. In her time there, ganization in Sultan, Wash. The two organi- “That’s a big commitment,” says WeSnip she’d sat with many animals and tried to pro- zations are collaborating to serve Whatcom volunteer Chris Haulgren, standing in the lot vide comfort to them during euthanasia, but and Skagit counties’ working poor, unem- beside a battered brown van laden with file- the death rates had begun to discourage her. ployed, and those on social assistance—and, filled boxes, checking people in and handing That’s why she helped put together this crew, of course, their pets. out identification placards for their dash- she says—because by taking this act on the

6 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG Animal Sheltering Online Your magazine isn’t just in print—it’s on the Web, too. Check out this issue’s online extras. n More answers to this issue’s Coffee Break road, it means other animals won’t have to And while there’s no question are at animalsheltering.org/coffeebreak. die in her arms. way to prove definitively that n Go to animalsheltering.org/mouthpieces Mueller had been an animal welfare ac- it’s the truck that’s caused to download campaign materials promoting tivist since veterinary school, and when she the drop, WHS staff see a spay/neuter. became a veterinarian, she gravitated toward correlation. n Use the chart provided at animalsheltering.org/ animal rescue. Along with local projects, she’s “We have noticed a sub- volunteer_skills to identify the knowledge and abilities taken several trips to Mexico to spay and neu- stantial drop in our cat and needed for any volunteer position in your agency. ter strays for Compassion Without Borders, kitten incoming animal pop- n Read the complete interview with Paulette Dean a volunteer group of veterinarians and other ulation, and because of this, about her shelter’s anti-chaining campaign at animal advocates who help unwanted pets a reduction in our euthana- animalsheltering.org/Danville_chaining. south of the border. sia numbers,” says WHS ex- In 2001, she had worked on the first ecutive director Laura Clark. Spay Station, still operated by Pasado’s Safe “WeSnip is incredible.” Haven. That’s where she got to know Susan There’s a big bill for WeSnip to keep on Michaels, the founder of Pasado’s. So when truckin’. The customized Spay Station cost the WeSnip team was trying to figure out about $385,000 to purchase, and operat- what kind of spay/neuter assistance would ing expenses ran about $238,000 last year. be the best fit for their community, it seemed Pasado’s paid $164,000 of that amount, natural for Pasado’s to fund the project, and WeSnip collected $57,000 from its clients, to lend WeSnip the second Spay Station. and another $17,000 came in from miscella- Pasado’s only expectation is that Mueller neous donors. This year the Spay Station will and her team reach 3,500 sterilizations a year, ramp up its schedule from two or three days says Michaels—a goal the group is well on the a week to four, and the operating budget will way to meeting. likely increase to more than $300,000. The alliance enables people to get the help Thanks to Pasado’s grant money, spay/ they need—people like Tammi Lynch, who’s still neuter prices are deeply discounted from in her fleecy pajamas when she pulls her car those charged at traditional veterinary clinics. into Big Lots. Toting a sleeping toddler, Lynch Rates range from $30 to $60, depending on MALONEY CARREEN explains that she took in a stray cat who had kit- species and gender. A teenager brings her cherished black cat in tens before she could afford to get her spayed. But about half of the surgeries are per- for surgery on the Spay Station. Thanks to the Spay Station, that won’t formed at no charge, for people on social assis- happen to the next generation. If Lynch pays tance. Given such a great offer, you might think sage. WeSnip’s clients, Maass says, “need a $30 to spay the mother, WeSnip will fix the that getting clients to take advantage of the lot of encouragement” to take advantage of kittens for free. services would be the easiest part of the job. the service. Lynch is grateful for the help. “I wish I had In fact, Maass says, it’s the most difficult. Maass and Mueller recall recent cases. more money to donate to them,” she says. There were the people who were supposed Tomorrow, the van and its skeleton crew Reaching the Underserved to bring their pets in, but called to say they of vets, vet techs, and volunteers will move Many of the people targeted by WeSnip live couldn’t make it because their car was stolen. on to a new location. They cover a 50-mile in neighborhoods characterized by poverty, And the pregnant woman who was about stretch, sterilizing every cat and dog they can crime, and rampant addiction. Some are senior to set off toward the clinic, ready to walk for find. Since hitting the road in August 2008, citizens living on fixed incomes, or disabled miles in the rain with her two cats. Both times, WeSnip has fixed an impressive 3,400 animals. people with service animals, or students who WeSnip quickly arranged transportation. obtained a pet on impulse and don’t really “That kind of drama doesn’t happen at a Making a Dent have the money to provide the necessary care. regular clinic,” says Mueller. “When was the Their work seems to be having an impact on Making arrangements to sterilize these last time one of us had to decide whether shelter numbers. WHS, one of the shelters serv- animals can require cajoling, counseling, and to walk through the rain for an hour so our ing the area traveled by WeSnip, has logged a educating. Unusual situations are the norm; animal can get surgery? None of us have significant decrease in feline intake, from 2,915 it all comes with the territory. It’s crucial to that difficulty.” cats in 2007 to 2,422 in 2009. That’s almost be accommodating, and so is having a phone Forging trust and building rapport with 500 fewer cats in a community that—like so line with a real person to answer questions, people who are accustomed to being treated many—is constantly battling huge surpluses. rather than the ubiquitous voicemail mes- poorly and looked down upon are essential

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 7 [scoop]

to the project’s success. “We’re gaining mo- mentum because we’re reaching out to these groups,” says Maass. “You can’t be the least bit rude, condescending, or judgmental. They don’t want people to make fun of them.” That can happen at a regular veterinary clinic. Even if they could scrape together enough money to cover the cost of an expensive surgery, some of WeSnip’s clients are illiterate, so they can’t fill out forms, and they can’t read the after-care information that explains what their pets will need in the hours following surgery. That’s why a WeSnip staffer always takes the time to explain everything when clients return to pick up their animals at the end of the day. “Every customer is treated well,” Maass says. “When I see someone with holes in their shoes who’s got no teeth, I say, ‘Yeah!’ That’s who we want. That’s our clientele.”

Spreading the Word To find potential customers, WeSnip haunts CARREEN MALONEY CARREEN the same places its target market hangs out. Volunteer Chris Haulgren greets a client bringing his pit bull to be fixed at the “We go where they sell beer, lottery tickets, Pasado’s Spay Station. and cigarettes, because that’s our clients’ rec- reation,” Maass says. Besides putting WeSnip’s services on Craigslist and placing classified ads in free community newspapers, the group also spreads the 5.3 million people word by dropping fliers at libraries, farm stores, view your pets on Petfinder.comeach each mont month.h. food banks, and social services agencies. But these methods aren’t as effective Now potential adopters can view your pets as old-fashioned word-of-mouth. “We anywhere using the Petfinder.com iPhone app! consider it a real compliment when our clientele refers their friends to us,” Mueller says, noting that most clinics offering the occasional special discount don’t want it publicized. “Clinics usually say, ‘Don’t tell anyone I did you a favor.’ We want people to tell all their friends.” It’s a purpose that inspires others to be part of the project—volunteers like Chris Haulgren, who checks in animals five morn- ings a week. The program’s impact on her has been profound. “I’ve been doing rescue for 25 years,” Haulgren says, tears welling in her eyes. “And this is the first time I’ve had hope.”

Carreen Maloney has been a writer and animal rescuer for 20 years. She lives in Washington state and created the humane education website fuzzytown.com.

8 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG Your Partner for New Grant Opportunities

PetSmart Charities® is offering exciting new grant opportunities, including targeted spay/neuter and free-roaming cat spay/neuter grants. So now, working together, we can do even more to reduce homeless pet overpopulation in our communities.

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BY JAMES HETTINGER

To some, horse-drawn carriage rides are a New York City tradition, an enjoyable way to experience the beauty of Central Park or the bustle of Times Square—and a quintes- sential Big Apple experience, like watching a game at Yankee Stadium or ascending to the top of the Empire State Building. Others, though, believe the enjoyment the rides provide isn’t enough to justify the stress the horses experience as they trudge through clusters of honking, exhaust-spewing taxis over asphalt that’s hard on their legs. For decades, carriage horses have carted people through city streets and Central Park, and the debate has intensified in recent years. The industry wants to carry on a tradition it asserts is safe and nostalgic, while animal welfare advocates are decrying the horses’ “nose-to-tailpipe” existence and calling for the business to be discontinued. The New York City Council, which failed to act on a ban then- council member Tony Avella first proposed in HEY TIFFANY!/FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS 2007, is reconsidering that proposal and mull- ing a new bill—one that would phase out the City streets are no place for horses, according to animal welfare advocates pushing to ban carriages in three years, replacing them with New York’s horse-drawn carriages. eco-friendly replicas of antique cars. “Horses do not belong in cities in this day licensed drivers. Among other concerns, “Our New York City office is right by and age. It’s really inhumane, and it’s very dan- the audit found that the horses weren’t get- Central Park, and we definitely see day in gerous for both the people and the animals,” ting enough water, risked overheating on hot and day out how mixing horses and traffic is says Stacy Segal, an equine protection spe- asphalt, and were left to stand in pools of an inhumane and dangerous combination,” cialist for The Humane Society of the United dirty water because of inadequate drainage says Patrick Kwan, the New York state direc- States (HSUS). The animals spook easily, re- where they line up. The city was faulted for tor for The HSUS, which supports both the sulting in accidents with motor vehicles, she its failure to provide adequate oversight of proposed ban and the phaseout plan. City says. “Traffic and horses really do not mix.” the industry—the veterinarian from the city’s regulations prohibit carriage horses from Several high-profile accidents in recent Department of Health and Mental Hygiene working when the temperature drops below years galvanized activists and drew attention never went into the field to inspect the 18 or rises above 90, but Kwan says wind chill to the dangers of the industry. In September horses, the audit noted, and the Department and humidity aren’t taken into account, leav- 2007, for example, a carriage horse named of Consumer Affairs did not perform the re- ing the animals to work in extreme heat and Smoothie panicked upon hearing someone quired number of carriage inspections. bitter cold. They stand in hack lines for hours beating a drum near Central Park. The horse A 2009 follow-up audit found that the city with no shelter from the elements, and walk- bolted onto a sidewalk and then collapsed had implemented seven of the earlier audit’s ing on pavement takes a toll on their legs, and died after the carriage she was hauling 11 recommendations to improve procedures he adds. Many people assume the carriage got caught between two trees, according to for oversight. But the 2009 audit also discov- horses live in the park and get to frolic there news reports. ered new issues, including the health depart- after working hours, but in fact most are kept Smoothie’s death occurred days after ment’s failure to maintain an accurate list of on the west side of Manhattan in stalls that the city comptroller’s office had issued its horse licenses. Kwan says barely allow them to lie down. first-ever audit of the way the city oversees Animal welfare advocates say the Carriage horse companies, rather than taking the industry, which consists of 68 licensed industry’s standard operating procedures care of retired horses for life, sometimes sell carriages, about 200 horses, and nearly 300 remain troubling. them for slaughter.

10 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG The proposal to ban the industry outright The efforts to ban the industry lack merit, he attracted only about a half dozen support- adds. “I’ll say one thing: Have we had acci- ers on the 51-member city council in 2007. dents? Do we have mishaps? Of course we Council member Melissa Mark-Viverito says have. We’re not infallible here,” Malone says. the 2009 election added some progressive “We operate in the city, but our track record members to the council, so she hopes to gain is our track record, and that’s all we can say more support for the new bill mandating the about that.” phased-in switch to replica antique cars—for Pamela Corey, a veterinarian and di- which she is the lead sponsor. rector of equine veterinary services for The new bill has the backing of an ad- the ASPCA (which monitors the industry), vocacy organization called New Yorkers for says that while no carriage horse owners Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS). have been charged with state cruelty law The proposal aims to be more palatable to violations, horses have been found to be horse-carriage operators by phasing out overworked, and consumer affairs regula- the business over three years and creating tions have been violated—resulting in ap- Carriage horses in New York City mix with an alternate industry to prevent the loss of vehicular traffic and work in wintry weather. propriate summonses. Individual horses jobs. Each year, a certain number of car- are suspended from work if they’re found to riages would be discontinued and replaced Carriage Association of New York (which be lame or have other medical conditions, by replica cars with hybrid-electric engines represents industry workers), Malone calls Corey says. “If the owner does not comply that shut off when the cars stop, minimizing the replica-car proposal “a completely un- with these directives—and it happens a few exhaust. The early-20th-century-style cars founded business” and notes that the cars times a year that we suspend an individual would give passengers “a feel of nostalgia, currently don’t exist. “There’s no way horse—then they would be guilty of cruelty,” as the horse carriages currently purport to they’re gonna build 68 cars just for us, and Corey says. “So we effectively prevent this.” do,” while adding modern safety features— then just hand them to us.” The ASPCA enforces state and local such as seat belts—that the carriages lack, Jake Delemani, a NYCLASS lobbyist, says animal protection laws in New York City— says Jared Rosen, NYCLASS’s executive di- the car manufacturer is still undetermined. conducting monthly stable inspections and rector. The cars would move slowly in the Carriage owners would have to purchase monitoring the horses on the streets—but park and be better able than horses to keep the cars, but financing would be available Corey notes that, unfortunately, “not all be- up with traffic on city streets, he explains. through the nonprofit Partnership for New havior that is inhumane or commonly under- Similar businesses currently operate in San York City. stood as ‘cruel’ is illegal.” Francisco and Prague. Further, Malone defends his industry’s And while there may have been only a Stephen Malone isn’t buying the idea. safety record, asserting it has experienced handful of accidents causing horse fatali- A licensed carriage driver since 1987 only three horse deaths related to traffic in ties over the years, she adds that there are and the executive director of the Horse and 25 years and has never been cited for cruelty. anecdotal reports of incidents involving horses and pedi-cabs, pedestrians, and yellow taxis. The ASPCA backed Avella’s proposed ban and also supports NYCLASS’s plan to replace the horse carriages with the eco-friendly replica cars. The plan to replace the carriage horses with cars isn’t drawing unanimous support from animal welfare advocates. Elizabeth Forel, president of the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages—an advocacy group that formed in 2006—says she favors the bill “that would ban the industry outright and not be caught up in the promotion of a fledgling industry.” “What I’d say to her is the solution that NYCLASS is proposing is a practical solution,”

DONNY MOSS DONNY responds Delemani. “… It’s more practical to

Carriage horses like this one in New York’s Times Square lead what animal welfare advocates do it this way because the city council’s not call a “nose-to-tailpipe” existence—which has prompted proposals to ban the industry. looking to put anyone out of business.”

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 11 SHOW ME THE MONEY BY JAMES HETTINGER Bright Leashes, Big City Brooklyn Bridge dog walk raises money and awareness for shelter pets

As he was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge one day last spring, Joseph Hassan got an idea. The bridge connects the borough to Manhattan, but Hassan was considering another connection: the one between the home foreclosure crisis and abandoned animals. Hassan, an animal lover and public relations consultant who lives in Brooklyn, had seen a TV news report that included an ASPCA estimate that as many as a million pets nationwide might lose their homes due to foreclosures. “That number just kind of struck me,” Hassan recalls. “Obviously we’ve all thought about the direct impact that foreclo-

sures and the economy have on us humans, JOSE J. MARTINEZ but I’d never really thought about it kind of Participants in the Brooklyn Bridge Pup Crawl last September lit up the night trickling down to pets as well.” with the help of illuminated leashes donated by Lulu Leash. Hassan soon hatched a plan for a benefit dog walk across the bridge to increase links to three shelter websites: the Brooklyn Hassan recalls, “I got e-mails from people just awareness of the plight of homeless pets Animal Rescue Coalition (BARC), Get-A-Life saying, ‘We heard about the Pup Crawl. How and raise money for animal shelters. Dubbed Pet Rescue in Florida, and Ace of Hearts in do we get involved? What can we do?’” the Brooklyn Bridge Pup Crawl, the Sept. 26 California. BARC is in Hassan’s neighbor- Kim adds, “We were amazed at how event attracted about 300 people and 400 hood, while Florida resident Gottfried sug- much support we were able to get from so dogs, and raised an estimated $4,000 for gested Get-A-Life, and a friend of Hassan’s many different avenues. We just kind of put three animal shelters around the country. in California suggested Ace of Hearts. Walk all our feelers out there,” utilizing Twitter and The support the event received from New registration was free, but participants were other social media. York pet lovers “was really humbling and sat- encouraged to donate to those shelters or Organizers needed a parade permit from isfying,” Hassan says. And it was also colorful, another of their choice, Hassan says. the New York City Police Department to thanks to the glow-in-the-dark “Lulu Leashes” Getting Gottfried and her illuminated cross the bridge, as well as a permit from the donated to Pup Crawl participants by the de- leashes involved proved to be a key connec- city parks department for a pre-walk rally in vice’s inventor, Betty Gottfried, a retired den- tion, Hassan says, because “we could encour- nearby City Hall Park. That process took sev- tist and the mother of one of Hassan’s friends. age people to attend and kind of light up the eral months and posed the biggest logistical “The leashes actually really helped out, night to draw attention to the cause.” challenge for the Pup Crawl, despite helpful because they kind of made everyone visible to Christine Kim, a friend of Hassan’s who staffers in both departments, Hassan says. the other folks who were on the bridge,” says works in the fashion industry, became a On event day the weather was cloudy, but Hassan, explaining that participants walked co-organizer of the event and helped get it the sun emerged late in the afternoon as peo- from the Manhattan side to the Brooklyn side publicized on East Village Radio—a hip, com- ple gathered in the park. “It was like the gods on the walkway that runs above the bridge’s munity-oriented station that Kim describes were looking down on us,” says Gottfried. lanes for motorized vehicles. as the heartbeat of downtown New York. Hassan and Kim plan to stage another Pup “From a distance, you just saw all these Getting the event mentioned on the station Crawl in fall 2010. Any advice for a commu- illuminated leashes,” says Gottfried, whose gave it “some street cred, if you will,” Kim nity thinking of doing something similar? “It battery-powered invention—developed years says. She also had a contact at Pet Head, a might seem like a challenge, but it’s definitely ago after she and her dog were almost hit by manufacturer of high-end pet products, doable. Just start early with [acquiring] the a car during a nighttime run—comes in two which donated items for Pup Crawl gift bags. permits,” Hassan says. “If it can be done over different glowing color combinations. “It Pup Crawl organizers reached out to The the Brooklyn Bridge, I would hazard a guess added to the whole allure of the evening.” Bark and Doggie Aficionado magazines for that it can be done almost anywhere.” The organizers decided to expand their publicity. IAMS agreed to donate pet food to focus beyond New York to emphasize that be distributed to local shelters. Volunteers de- For information on the 2010 Brooklyn Bridge pet homelessness is a nationwide problem. signed a logo and set up and ran the website, Pup Crawl, visit thepupcrawl.com or e-mail The Pup Crawl website included donation which attracted about 30 additional volunteers. [email protected].

12 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG

TO THE RESCUE BY JIM BAKER Next Time, Use the Door Sometimes raptors make house calls. Luckily, so does wildlife rehabilitator Victor Collazo

Joan Fairman Kanes is used to taking pictures of wild animals in natural settings. In her own home, not so much. Kanes, a freelance photographer based in Haverford, Pa., a western suburb of Philadelphia, specializes in animal pictures, but her photography experiences couldn’t have prepared her for a visitor who flew into town and crashed her pad, literally. Last November, Kanes was driving home when she got a call from her husband, telling her that a large window in their dining room had been shattered, blasting shards of glass everywhere. “And while we were talking, I said, ‘Is there an animal in the house somewhere?’ Because my first thought was something KANES FAIRMAN JOAN must have gone through the window and When it came time to release the hawk, raptor rehabilitator Victor Collazo took her back to had probably been killed in doing so,” Kanes the same neighborhood in Haverford, Pa.. The bird flew right to the high perch he’d hoped she would. Soon after, she flew off, followed by two adult red-tailed hawks Collazo took to says. “And he said, ‘I don’t see anything,’ and be her parents. he was walking around the house, talking on the phone, and then suddenly he said, ‘Oh cial, soft net designed to prevent injuries to ous fluids. During this time, he moved her my God—there is a very large bird on top of a birds—and heavy-duty gloves to protect him through a series of ever-larger flight enclo- bookcase. It just flapped its wings.’” from the raptor’s talons—Collazo quickly cap- sures, so that she would have room to start It’s never a good time for a large, wild tured the feathered visitor. He soon identified flying and regain muscle tone. “Our objec- bird to crash through your dining room her as a juvenile, female red-tailed hawk. tive with raptors is the quicker we can get window, and Kanes soon discovered that 6 He examined her, looking for any blood them back to the wild, the better it is for the p.m. Sunday is probably the worst time to try or bits of glass in her feathers, and checking bird,” he says. to find someone to come over and remove to make sure that her neck wasn’t broken. Less than a week after the hawk made her one from your home. Miraculously, the bird appeared unharmed. sudden appearance at the home of Kanes, She got online and searched for wildlife “She seemed OK; everything was fine,” Collazo transported her back to Kanes’ neigh- rehabilitators in her area, trying to contact Collazo says. “She was a bit underweight. I borhood to release her. (Hawks are highly several of them, only to get voicemail believe she was trying to chase a bird [when territorial; if he were to release her elsewhere, messages. While she was leaving yet another she crashed through the window].” other raptors might attack her.) message, a woman picked up the phone and, Once Collazo had a firm grip on the bird’s And Kanes—ever the photographer— hearing about the situation, recommended legs, he brought her out for Kanes to see. “I was there to witness the release, and got to that Kanes call Victor Collazo, who operates said, ‘Do you mind if I take some pictures? take some pictures of Collazo releasing the Skyking Raptor Rescue out of his home in This is killing me, because I’m a photogra- beautiful bird. Maple Glen, Pa. pher,’” Kanes says, laughing at the memory. She marvels at the fact that she was Collazo, 44, is also affiliated with the She was able to take a few shots without up- able to actually find a wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife rehabilitation clinic at the Schuykill setting the animal. especially one who specializes in raptors, in Center for Environmental Education in Then Collazo put the hawk into a her area on a Sunday evening. “It’s entirely Philadelphia, where he works with several transport box and took her to his home, possible I never would have found Victor. types of raptors (a term that refers to birds of where he’s set up for rehabilitation work. I don’t know what I would have done,” prey). He has trained at the Carolina Raptor A more in-depth exam revealed no sign she says. “He’s so full of information—he Center in Huntersville, N.C., where he has of bruises, broken bones, or injury to her knows so much about hawks, and I found it earned certification in working with bald beak or talons. absolutely fascinating.” and golden eagles. Collazo spent the next several days car- To learn more about the wildlife rehabili- Kanes reached Collazo, and he arrived at ing for the bird, giving her a high-calorie tation clinic, go to schuykillcenter.org/depart- her home in less than an hour. Using a spe- vitamin mix for hawks, as well as subcutane- ments/wildlife/.

14 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG

FIELD TRIP BY JIM BAKER Parting the Waters Out of Katrina’s ruins, a haven emerges

Even before Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, life for homeless pets in Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish was no day at the dog park. The animal shelter was a ramshackle collection of trailers, outbuildings, and outdoor cages unprotected from the weather. By some accounts, it was also a warehouse for unwanted pets, badly understaffed, and constantly in need of basic repairs. There was no air conditioning to stave off the swampy Louisiana heat, and during winter cold snaps, only a few space heaters provided warmth. Then came Katrina, leaving unimaginable destruction in its wake and forcing a mass exo- dus from the flooded parish where almost every home had become uninhabitable. For nearly two years, the shelter’s main building lacked its own sources of electricity and running water, relying on wires and hoses from a Federal Emergency Management Agency trailer. By the time Cathy Landry joined the shelter in September 2007, she was one of two people DEB DRAKE/THE HSUS on the skeleton staff, handling cleaning and The Jan. 11 grand opening of the St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter in Violet, La., drew animal care while the director did everything officials from The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, the Louisiana SPCA, and the local government, as well as many visitors. else. “It was a nightmare. … We had outside kennels where we had dogs housed, and they had to stay out all the time,” says Landry, now the shelter’s secretary. “The cats were in crates, and they were stacked three high.” But following an arduous road to recovery, the agency reached a milestone in January, opening a new facility that’s nearly twice as large as its pre-Katrina operation. The $1.25 million bill was footed by FEMA funds, insurance proceeds, and a $250,000 grant and other in-kind assistance from The HSUS. Now employing six people, St. Bernard can house twice the animals it once could—64 dogs and 30 cats. Dogs can move freely be- MELISSA RUBIN/THE HSUS tween indoor and outdoor runs, and they have The Houndquarters building and new play area offer dogs plenty of room to roam; they a large play area and agility course. Separate can access exercise space through doggie doors in their kennels. They won’t get muddy paws, once the grass starts growing. ventilation systems help keep germs from sick animals away from the rest of the population. “The community now has a place where The latest development in The HSUS’s sition for three years. The purchase of a they can go to adopt pets and find lost multimillion-dollar effort to help rebuild new $80,000 transport vehicle, also jointly animals, as well as a place that they can the Gulf Coast’s animal services infrastruc- funded by The HSUS and the ASPCA, will be proud to call their animal shelter,” says ture, the relief package for the St. Bernard help the shelter bring animals to more pop- Melissa Seide Rubin, HSUS vice president for Animal Shelter includes joint funding (with ulated areas where they will have a better animal care centers and veterinary services. the ASPCA) of its executive director po- chance of adoption.

16 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG [scoop] Survey Says ... Get a Cat! Results reveal mixed perceptions of felines— and some surprising demographics As the human population has slowly BY ARNA COHEN regenerated—to about 60 percent of its pre-Katrina levels—so too has the number Other common concerns included the litter of pets. Those strays who survived the box smell, unprovoked biting, and a per- hurricane continued breeding, and many ception that cats couldn’t get along with people who lost everything to the storm other pets. Nearly one-third of respondents have not been able to afford services said someone in the household was allergic for their animals. With support from to cats. The HSUS, Louisiana State University On the bright side, about 20 percent of veterinarians and veterinary students have respondents said they might consider a feline helped address the problem by performing pet. What they liked best about cats was that

spay/neuter surgeries and providing KIMEVERUSS/ISTOCK.COM they’re playful, can entertain themselves, and general care at the shelter. make people smile. These respondents indi- New executive director Beth Brewster While cats are the most popular pet in cated that they would most likely adopt a cat is now helping guide the shelter’s recovery. the United States, there are still thousands from a shelter or rescue group. Before taking the job at St. Bernard Parish in animal shelters waiting for loving homes. Olson believes the pet industry should Animal Control in October 2008, Brewster In an effort to boost cat adoptions and save focus on this group. Many of the problems reserved for three years as director of St. lives, the Morris Animal Foundation, a non- spondents identified can be readily addressed, Tammany Humane Society, a private, not-for- profit that funds research studies to advance she says, with solutions like behavioral train- profit shelter in Covington, La. animal health and welfare, surveyed 1,102 ing, scratching posts, and specific diets. The Louisiana SPCA helped find the non-cat owners about their perceptions of The most surprising results were the de- new executive director, according to Rubin. cats to gain insight into what may be pre- mographics of the 20 percent that would “[Brewster] was looking for a job, and she venting them from finding those homes. consider getting a cat. “If you asked me what wanted a challenge. And boy, she got it,” The results show that the next wave of cat population would be a good target, I would Rubin says, laughing. “Everyone thought owners may come from unexpected seg- have said older women like myself,” Olson she was wonderful; she had a very good ments of society. says. “It turns out we didn’t do so well!” reputation.” More cats than dogs live in American The survey instead found that 18-to-24- The building itself, though, is the jewel households today—93.6 million felines ver- year-olds had a more positive attitude to- in the Mardi Gras crown. Brewster views the sus 77.5 million dogs. Yet the American ward cats than older respondents. Singles, new Houndquarters facility as “paradise”— Humane Association estimates that nearly suburbanites, Hispanics, and men also re- easier to clean, more comfortable for the three-quarters of cats who enter shelters are sponded more positively when compared to animals, a more pleasant place for staff to euthanized. married participants, urban and rural resi- work and people to visit. The Morris Foundation had been meeting dents, other ethnicities, and women, respec- Its grand opening is yet another affirma- with different groups concerned about cats, tively—but according to the Morris Animal tion that the hurricane-ravaged St. Bernard says Patricia Olson, D.V.M., the foundation’s Foundation, very little marketing is being Parish is moving on, says parish president president and CEO. “It seemed that the pet done to these groups. Craig Taffaro Jr. A four-year collaboration industry was very interested in people who “We who already have cats are ‘low- with local, state, and national organiza- have cats to see if they could be persuaded to hanging fruit,’” Olson says. “We’re saying tions—including the Louisiana SPCA and take one more. ... But I thought it would be to the industry that they’re missing a whole the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable fun for our foundation to gather some infor- population out there who could be your next Foundation—has fulfilled the parish’s de- mation about why people don’t have them in group of customers that could take care of cade-long wish to modernize its animal ser- the first place,” she says. these animals.” vices operations. The participants in the survey did not Based on the survey’s results, the founda- “You know the [saying] ‘Every time currently own cats, had never previously tion posits that if just 10 percent of non-cat- a bell rings, an angel gets his wings’?” owned one, and had never previously con- owning households in the U.S. would consider Taffaro asks. “That’s what this is. Every time sidered owning one. Not surprisingly, more adopting one, an additional 6.2 million cats we cut a [grand-opening] ribbon, it’s one than half of the respondents had an overall could be placed in loving homes, greatly re- more acknowledgement that our commu- negative attitude about felines, expressing ducing the number in animal shelters. nity is back. We are not going to be beaten concerns about their furniture scratching, For complete results of the survey, visit by the storm.” hairball coughing, and counter jumping. morrisanimalfoundation.org/cattitudes.

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 17 [scoop] MOUTHPIECES

Don’t Miss Animal Care Expo 2010! The Mouthpieces department is It’s nearly here, and that means you’re animal protection, and networking with designed to help you nearly out of luck—that is, if you haven’t reg- your colleagues from across the coun- convey your messages istered for Expo yet! try and around the world. to the public. The biggest, best, and most cost-effec- There’s still time to register, and The poster here is tive conference and exhibit in animal care if you’re worried about money (who one piece of the extensive and control is coming up May 12-15. It’s in isn’t, these days?), check out spaceshare. campaign materials devel- Nashville, Tenn., this year, com/hsus_animal_care/. By filling oped by The Humane at the sumptuous out a form, you can get matched Society of the United States in Gaylord Opryland with folks to carpool, taxi-share, the wake of Hurricane Katrina, designed to increase spay/neuter rates Resort—that’s or room with at the confer- Have an idea in Louisiana and Mississippi. The right next door ence—which will help you for a great campaign is based on extensive re- to the Grand save your moola for impor- Expo workshop? search into pet owners’ attitudes and Ole Opry, tant things, like the cup behaviors on the issue. To read more which means We are accepting of coffee you’ll need to about the campaign, check out the you should proposals for wake up early and take Animal Sheltering feature “Saving be able to Expo 2011 online at advantage of all the great Lives in the Gulf Coast” from our catch some animalsheltering.org/expo workshops. July-Aug 2009 issue. great coun- from May 15–July 15. You shouldn’t miss the To view more of the campaign try music after conference. Check out the materials and download ads you you’re done with details at animalsheltering.org/ can repurpose and brand with your own organization’s branding and the days of checking expo and make sure to stop by the contact information, go out the exhibitors, learn- Animal Sheltering booth at the exhibit to animalsheltering.org/ ing the latest approaches to hall to say hi! spayneutercampaign.

18 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG

MUTTerings BY ARNA COHEN

Notable Numbers. Ripped from the pages or air conditioning, no isolation areas for sick of the Guinness Book of World Records: or frightened pets, and inadequate space for Longest kiss—31 hours, 30 minutes, 31 sec- cats. “We serve two counties in a rural area onds. Loudest burp—107.1 decibels. Largest neither. Peoplepets.com reports that he in- where the population has grown 80 percent gathering of people dressed as gorillas—637. structed his person, dermatologist Leslie in the last 30 years,” says Manriquez. “But our Ho-hum. For record-breaking with impact, Capin, to donate it all to his brothers and sis- space hasn’t grown at all. We’re so thankful to check out the Sacramento SPCA. Its “lives ters at two area animal shelters, the Dumb Mrs. Zilke and her family.” saved in 2009” figures totally shredded all Friends League in Denver and the Max n its previous years’ statistics. The high-volume Fund. The pooch was a gift to Capin from a spay/neuter clinic sterilized 16,422 animals; well-meaning friend who had unknowingly 6,059 pets were adopted out; 10,000 vac- purchased him from a puppy mill; he became cinations were administered in low-cost deathly ill within days and was diagnosed clinics; and 1,200 sick or underage animals with Addison’s disease. The kennel was were cared for by dedicated foster families. subsequently investigated and shut down, And the shelter’s 1,300 volunteers voted the and Capin has become a staunch opponent organization “Best Place to Volunteer” in of puppy mills. Now 3 years old, the pooch Sacramento magazine. knows he’s one lucky dog and is thrilled to n be sharing his wealth. As he “writes” on his Help in Haiti. Jerry’s a hero, but he doesn’t Goodnight, sweet prince. The town of owner’s blog, “With the downturn in our care. All he wants is a toy and a pat on the Newburyport, Mass., said goodbye on Dec. 9 to economy many of my furry friends are finding head. Trained to sniff out survivors of disas- Zorro, a 16-year-old coal black shorthaired cat themselves homeless. I along with my Mom ters, the 3-year-old black Lab arrived in who was the last of his kin. The Newburyport am passionate about helping these animals!” Haiti as part of the Orange County Federal News reported that Zorro was the sole remain- n Emergency Management Agency Urban ing resident of a colony Where there’s a will. Last fall, a letter arrived Search and Rescue team after the devastating of feral cats that had at the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society January earthquake crippled the island nation. once numbered about in Wenatchee, Wash., from a financial institu- A CNN clip shows Jerry and a canine partner 300; his passing, while tion with the news that their client, 92-year- racing over a rubble heap, barking whenever sad, is a testament to the old Helen Zilke, had recently passed away they sense the presence of a living human in effectiveness of a well- and bequeathed some money to the shelter. the debris. According to the clip, the National managed trap-neuter- Interim director Stephanie Manriquez sent Disaster Search Dog Foundation discovered return program. In 1992, in the required form and received a check for Jerry at a shelter, where his energy level and a group of volunteers formed the Merrimack $87,000. A really nice windfall, especially com- high-strung personality had kept him from River Feline Rescue Society and undertook ing from someone who had never set foot in being adopted. The foundation turned those to control the colony humanely using TNR. the shelter. But it didn’t end there. Check after negatives into one great big paws-itive. Jerry Eighteen years later, the colony is gone, and the check arrived, totaling $340,000. Then, in and his fellow sniffer take 10 minutes to clear a society has found homes for 14,600 pets, and January of this year, Manriquez, now the shel- pile of ruins that would otherwise take a team spayed and neutered 7,700 ferals throughout ter’s permanent director, was called by Zilke’s of 80 people equipped with cameras and lis- Massachusetts and parts of New Hampshire. attorney and told that the humane society tening equipment two hours to search. There “Zorro was beautiful and a little spoiled—the would be receiving another $800,000. “It was are currently 70 SDF-trained search teams volunteers gave him sardines on Sundays,” says stunning,” Manriquez recalls. “None of the in five states and Washington, D.C., who re- Maryellen Madaio, MRFRS’ executive direc- staff had ever met her, and we knew very little spond to national and international requests tor. “We mourn his passing, but we focus on about her.” She says Zilke’s daughters told her for search assistance. the success story that this project has been.” their mother adored animals and that every n n year at Christmas, they would drive her to the Turnabout is fair play. In 2003, Miami- Well-heeled dog is no heel. If you were shelter to make a donation, usually about $50 Dade Animal Services was in terrible shape. a dog, and you won a million dollars, what or $100. But she just couldn’t bring herself to Run by the police department, the unit was would you do? Buy a diamond collar? go in, finding it too upsetting to see the home- the subject of so many complaints that the Invest in hydrant-front property? When Dr. less animals. The money couldn’t have come Miami-Dade County Manager’s Office and Papidies, a longhaired Chihuahua from at a better time—the society was planning a Office of the Inspector General called Parker, Colo., won first prize in All American capital campaign to raise funds to replace its The HSUS for help. Last November, Pet Brands’ “Cutest Dog” contest, he did 1970s-era facility, which has no central heat the shelter and staff received three

20 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG awards from the Florida Animal Control Association for its work, including being named 2009 Animal Control Agency of the Year. The difference? An evaluation by a team of HSUS shelter services consultants, the hiring of a dedicated director, and a lot of hard work. In 2005, Sara Pizano, D.V.M., was brought on board to address the 578 recommendations made by the evaluation team. “There were thousands of animals missing, a very high disease and mortality rate in the kennels, no sani- tation procedures in place,” and a 30 percent vacancy rate on the staff, says Pizano. She created a new management team, which wrote and implemented standard operating procedures for every area of the shelter and started holding people accountable. The raised standards of care as well as the establishment of a volunteer program and formal relationships with area rescue groups have greatly increased the number of animal lives saved. In 2004, the shelter adopted out 3,000 animals; in 2008- 09, 8,300 found new homes, and rescue groups took another 4,000. “Knowing where we started … it’s an astonishing accomplish- ment and honor to get that award after four years,” Pizano says, who adds that the local community is equally excited about the recognition that the shelter has received. n Take this stamp and stick it. Who can say no to a pair of sparkling eyes in a furry face? No one we know. And that’s what the U.S. Postal Service hopes. To encourage people to consider adopting their next pet from a shelter, in April, USPS is introducing a set of first-class stamps featuring 10 ir- resistible shelter cats and dogs THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE and the slogan “Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet.” The photos were taken by photographer Sally Andersen-Bruce, who found the cuties in facilities near her home in New Milford, Conn. And, happily, all but one had been spoken for at the time they sat for their portraits.

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 21 coffee break

How does your organization handle naming adoptable animals? Who does it? Are any The foster parents name their foster kittens. Naming cats is one of the few chances we Many use TV shows (Leonard, Sheldon and get to be a little goofy in our work, so we run names forbidden? Penny from The Big Bang Theory), singing with it! Sometimes we go with themes—like groups (John, Paul, George, and Ringo), mov- types of cheese (Gouda, Velveeta, Dubliner, Do any names ies (Butch and Sundance), a name that fits etc.) or cereals (Sugar Pops, Froot Loops, the cat (Bobby for a bobtail, Calli for calicos, Lucky Charms, etc.)—for litters of kittens or seem to have Cinnamon for Siamese, Domino for black and large groups of cats. Much of the time the white). Or they name them with a theme in themes are food-related, but we did once more appeal to mind: the French duo Babette and Pierre, name 52 cats from a hoarding situation after presidential candidates Barack and Hillary, different types of fish and other sea crea- adopters? or football players Eli and Peyton Manning. tures (Manta, Trout, Abalone, Snook, etc.). ... We encourage people not to name them Sometimes a cat just “speaks” to us and says, That was the question we asked anything that would give someone a negative “Hi, I’m George,” and that’s that—and some- you for this issue’s Coffee Break, impression of the kitten (such as Crybaby for times we’re just feeling downright silly, and and you responded with a roll a kitten that meows a lot). so we end up with names like Princess Prickle call of great names, some funny, —Julie Bowen, volunteer Paws, Gobbles, Fangus (who had his teeth some sweet. To see more of your Friends of Jefferson Animal Shelter pulled and is now Fangless!), or a litter of kit- answers—including a terrific Metairie, Louisiana tens called Measles, Mumps, and Rubella! one from Emily Abrahamson of —Liz Pease, director of operations KittyKind in New York, which Several years ago we started assigning a let- Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society we loved but couldn’t fit!—go to ter of the alphabet to each month, so that Salisbury, Massachusetts animalsheltering.org/coffeebreak. all the animals that come in to the shelter on any given month have a name that starts The staff here at MCAR really takes pride and with the same letter. This helps us to know enjoyment in picking out names for our ani- right away approximately how long an animal mals. Sometimes we have themes with litters. has been with us, and it’s fun too. There are Some of our favorites have been TV shows websites dedicated to dog names. My favor- (Friends, The Brady Bunch, Peanuts, Andy ite is dooziedog.com. I print the list and cross Griffith, etc.) musicians (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jim off all the undesirable names such as Kujo, Morrison, Pink Floyd) and even Greek mythol- Hurricane, and Fangs and the much-overused ogy. We try to keep a list of names handy that names such as Bella, Oreo, Lady, and King. we get from baby- or pet-naming websites. We also retire the names of the animals who We also keep a baby name book on hand. We had to be euthanized for behavioral or health like to name pets according to the time of year reasons (we are a no-kill shelter). Try it! they are brought in. We like to use reindeer —Manon Fortier, vice president names at Christmas and names like Heart and Sullivan County SPCA Cupid near Valentine’s Day. Sometimes if we Rock Hill, New York are super-busy we grab the Yellow Pages or a newspaper and borrow names from there. We almost always give hound dogs country names like Conway, Banjo, Loretta, and our

22 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG favorite, Moonshine. We have learned that One of the vets we work with suggested Animal Sheltering congratulates names like Angel, Sweetie, and Baby are just what we now call our “Veterinary Memorial Katie Mehle of Charleston, S.C., bad luck. They never live up to the expecta- Program.” When a patient at his clinic dies, whose submission was selected tions of those names! they send us the name/address of the own- in a random drawing from —Amber Lowery, kennel technician ers, the name of the pet, and we send a card those published in this issue. Mitchell County Animal Rescue in the pet’s honor, notifying them that the vet Her organization, Pet Helpers, Spruce Pine, North Carolina has made a donation to our facility in mem- will receive a free coffee break: ory of their pet. We also send info on grief a $50 gift certificate to a local Because Indianapolis is obsessed with sports, counseling and a note that tells them we’re cofffee shop. “Bone” appetit! we often name animals in conjunction with going to use their pet’s name to name an major sporting events. The Colts were unde- animal in our shelter in the near future. This feated for much of the season, and we have provides us with a fresh, new list of names to a litter of puppies named after key players choose from—and we find some of the peo- (Peyton, Freeney, etc.)—they’ll be adopted ple go on our website to find the namesake How does your in no time at all! Our biggest fundraiser, of their pet, and find a new one to adopt! Mutt Strut, is held at the Indianapolis Motor While some names seem to appeal to certain organization Speedway’s world-famous track just before adopters, I think that is a very personal and the Indy 500, so we’ve named dogs and cats unpredictable thing. We try to avoid recycling make its facilities after drivers, makes of cars, and other things derogatory names. associated with racing. We avoid using names —Monica Gates, operations manager more appealing associated with “bad” connotations (Cujo, Humane Society of Waupaca County Killer, Capone, Vick), and do our best to name Waupaca, Wisconsin to the public? the animals affectionately. ... With all our animals, we try to carefully consider their names Name choices are all about connecting with Do you decorate to represent them in the best light. potential adopters. We often choose themes —Tristan Schmid, director of for litters or groups of new animals, which your lobby? communications and marketing spark interest when adopters recognize Humane Society of Indianapolis the reference or feel a connection with the Deodorize your Indianapolis, Indiana theme. Examples include: sections of the orchestra (brass, strings, winds, drums) or kennels? Disguise I like to handle the animal and then pick a Flintstone characters (Fred, Barney, Wilma, name that seems to fit his/her temperament. Betty). We’ve also done TV show charac- ugly parts of the I prefer to choose names that people can pro- ters, superheroes, herbs, presidents, months nounce with ease. I have gone to seminars of the year, and reindeer. This helps us keep building? where they say unique names help adoptions, track of litters, and it often draws potential but what I have found is unique, yes, but hard owners into considering a particular animal to pronounce, no. I like to keep track of the for another moment. Another easy source is Please submit your responses (150 words names used in a year, and I pay attention to a simple reference to the area where the ani- or less) at animalsheltering.org/coffeebreak the black dog who gets looked at first to see mal was found—a street, subdivision, park, or send them to Editor, Animal Sheltering/ what kind of name he/she had. You would be school, or forest can make for a recognizable HSUS, 2100 L St. NW, Washington, DC surprised that some of the repetitive names name with local flavor. We also collect name 20037. Your answer may be printed in we dread actually help the animal get ad- suggestions from local elementary students. a future issue of Animal Sheltering. If opted. People remember a pet they had as The students make lists of name suggestions, your response is chosen for publication, a child with a common name and are drawn which are often imaginative and very unique! you will be entered into a drawing to win to the animal with that name, like Shadow, —Katie Mehle, director of a free coffee break (valued at $50) Oreo, and Whiskers. We change names of public relations and outreach for your organization. Responses may be animals who come in with undesirable names Pet Helpers edited for length or clarity; no donation such as Killer and Cocaine. They quickly be- Charleston, South Carolina or purchase is necessary to win. See come Miller and Cain. animalsheltering.org for contest rules, —Maggie Skovera, rescue/transfer coordinator or send an e-mail or letter to the above Countryside Humane Society addresses to request a printed copy. Racine, Wisconsin

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 23

Reaching Out to the Senior Community Older and wiser, the retirement set can be great resource for shelters—and vice versa BY DEBBIE SWANSON

James Jenkins, 91 years old, waits for his “The goal is to keep people and pets together,” guests in his front yard, supporting him- Harrington says. “Some owners can take care of their pets, self with a cane. His two loyal dogs hover but are just physically unable to do certain things, like clean around, enjoying the day while keeping a a litter box.” Others who are unable to drive to stores to watchful eye on their owner. get food and supplies depend on the deliveries to maintain No longer able to drive, Jenkins relies on SHARE (Special their household. Human-Animal Relationships), a Marin Humane Society SHARE began providing home visits to eligible home- program that assists homebound pet owners. Jenkins and bound pet owners in 1987, in memory of Erica Ettinger. An other clients receive regular deliveries of donated dog and animal lover concerned with the fate of homeless animals, cat food, vet care assistance, basic pet medications—and a by third grade Erica had already organized a fundraiser for little friendly company. When the staff from Marin pull into Marin and visited a convalescent home with her own dog, the driveway, Jenkins lights up. Marcy. When a tragic bike accident took her life at age 8, “The pets are part of their family—sometimes the only the memorial funds that poured in in her name were used to family they have nearby—and without this help, these owners continue her efforts and finance the SHARE program. may not be able to keep their pets,” says Carrie Harrington, SHARE originally offered pet-assisted therapy to conva- communications manager for the Novato, Calif., shelter. lescent centers, but now provides a variety of services de- Keeping animals in their homes is what the SHARE pro- signed to keep animals and owners together. The program gram is all about. Needs vary with each situation, but eligible received national recognition in 1989, when it received a clients—typically seniors on a limited income, or HIV/AIDS model program award from the Delta Society, a nonprofit patients living at home—receive deliveries of pet food, help that uses animal-assisted therapy to improve human health. with litter box cleaning or dog walking, or just routine well- Considering a similar program at your shelter? “Don’t being checks. Currently, the program assists approximately hesitate to reach out,” Harrington says. Other local groups 250 area pet owners. and social service agencies—the Salvation Army, hospice

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 25 reaching senior citizens

and elder visitation groups, Meals on Wheels—can become valuable partners. That kind of external assistance has been vital for Marin. “It would be nearly impossible to do it alone. Community support, as well as forming networks with other community-based organizations, has made this program possible.” Harrington also credits the success of the program to Marin’s supporters. “Our holiday drive brings in a big portion of our donations of time and goods. Volunteer groups come in and put together gift bags for clients, and we have cookies and try to make it festive.”

Seniors and Animals: A Good Mix With Americans living longer and healthier lives, senior citizens make up a larger portion of the population. Many have pets; many who don’t might benefit from their company.

Several ’90s-era studies reported on the benefit pets bring BOND MERI to the elderly. A study published in the Journal of the American When screening canine candidates for senior outreach Geriatrics Society reported that senior citizens who owned cats programs, it’s good to look for dogs who are calm, or dogs maintained a higher level of physical and social activity, attentive to their owners, and like attention. It can also be helpful to test a dog’s reaction to things like buzzers, loud experienced less depression, and were more tolerant of social voices, and dropped items to see how he reacts. isolation. Animals have also been credited with comforting those with Alzheimer’s and other memory-impairment disor- may be an untapped resource of potential adopters, sup- ders. These effects were noted in a 1999 study in the Journal porters, and volunteers for your organization. of Psychological Nursing and Mental Health Services, which With more free time and more routine lifestyles, senior demonstrated that dogs could soothe patients who experi- adults living on their own can often provide great foster enced increased anxiety toward the end of the day. or permanent homes for shelter pets. “Some of the best And while less-mobile older people may need assistance homes are with seniors because they often have the most with caring for their animals, many active, healthy seniors time for socializing—which is frequently what the animal needs,” says Holly McArthur, director of marketing and development at Pet’s Lifeline Animal Shelter in Sonoma, Calif. “Animal companionship of all types is about good matches. Age, per se, is rarely a determining factor.” McArthur has found that mature cats often make ideal companions for senior citizens—a bonus, since they’re often overlooked by younger families seeking more active felines. Pet’s Lifeline has reached out to seniors with mobile adoption events, seniors-for-senior animal programs, and reduced adoption fees. The shelter also welcomes seniors as foster parents, particularly for older animals and those with special needs. These potential owners go through the same screening and educational process anyone else would, McArthur says. Some seniors may be excellent pet owners, but have limited transportation options—they may find it hard to get in to the shelter to check out available companions. Organizations can help by seeking ways to overcome those obstacles. Encourage staff and volunteers to regularly identify animals who seem more suited to a senior owner, and organize ways to bring those animals to the attention of po-

LAURA EVONNE STEINMAN LAURA EVONNE tential owners—for example, by planning a senior spotlight day, running a mobile adoption event at a nearby retirement Visits from pets bring happiness to residents of assisted living centers, and the animals seem to enjoy them, too. Socialized pets who are prepared for such community, highlighting senior pets on your website, or duties are typically delighted by the extra attention and caresses. making prearranged home visits.

26 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG reaching senior citizens

Staff involved in the SHARE program at Marin often bring pets to meet potential owners. “Some clients want another cat or dog, but can’t get in to the shelter. If staff see a dog or cat with the right temperament, they’ll ar- range to bring them to visit the homebound potential owner,” says Harrington.

Share an Animal Bond Bringing joy to others is a driving motivation for many of those who participate in senior outreach programs. When Eileen Weinberg adopted a docile dachshund mix, Phoebe, from Save a Sato—an organization that helps place Puerto Rican street dogs in homes—she wanted to give the pup a happier life. And she also wanted a pet who would help to spread some happiness to others. “The elder community is a community that’s lost … they really need the visitation,” says Weinberg. At first, though, Weinberg wasn’t sure the shy dog would be a success as a visitor. “Two trainers told me it wouldn’t happen—she was too skittish ...” said Weinberg. But she didn’t give up on her

new friend. “I brought her to a behaviorist, and after seven STEINMAN LAURA EVONNE months of training, brought Phoebe to PetPals.” Phoebe passed the required screening, and soon she and her adopted mom began visiting residents of a Boston- Krowka, a 5-year-old kitty owned by the photographer, makes weekly area nursing home through the PetPals program, run by visits to residents of the Cambridge Homes, where she is greeted with FriendshipWorks. The group collaborates with the Animal open arms. Rescue League of Boston to organize volunteer visits at nursing homes. owner pairs making the rounds at a group gathering in a Phoebe seems to be a natural at charming the residents. facility’s social hall. “One person doesn’t really like to pet Phoebe, so she sits at my feet and lets that person look. For others, she’ll jump right Picking and Choosing up on their bed. She’s very intuitive about who likes what, While shelter behaviorists and volunteers may be perfect and behaves accordingly,” says Weinberg. “The residents matches for running senior outreach programs, shelter pets love her—she’s like a rock star walking through the halls.” are often another story. Many assisted living facilities don’t allow residents to Cohen and other experts say that bringing shelter pets keep pets, but will be more than happy to entertain well- as visitors to nursing homes can be risky. It’s difficult to be behaved four-legged visitors from time to time. Animals sure about an animal’s true personality based on a limited are a natural morale booster, and can bring a burst of stay in a shelter, and there may be some safety and liabil- wagging (or sometimes purring) joy to senior centers, and ity issues for those animals whose personalities, likes, and a special pleasure to those residents who may miss their dislikes aren’t known quantities. Instead, at Northeast, pets own pets. Animal visitors can serve as icebreakers, and owned by staff members or community volunteers make often draw out the residents who keep to their rooms, and the visits, serving as representatives of the shelter. inspire the quieter residents to start conversing about their Animals who’ve been adopted from the shelter and own past beloved pets. been in their homes for a while can make ideal participants. Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Mass., has been That mellow basset hound mix who went home with the bringing animals and seniors together for several years. “It cheerful 20-something with the great smile? That highly began when one employee brought her two dogs to visit an social, affectionate cat who could never get enough of assisted living center. It went so well that soon another em- meeting new people? They may be perfect candidates; ployee joined in, and it grew to include volunteers from the a shelter’s adopters and active supporters may serve as a community,” says executive director Randi Cohen. “Now we great recruiting pool for organizations looking to start a se- have a full-time volunteer who organizes our program.” nior visiting program. Typical visits involve an animal-owner pair and one Cohen can’t say enough about the rewards. “Shelters resident of an assisted living center, or one or two animal- are all about finding homes for animals, but it’s also about the

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 27 reaching senior citizens

community and humane education,” she says. “It’s just a nice feeling to do this and make the seniors happy.” A Bird with Purpose And while the visits bring happiness to the residents, the Most people have heard about dogs visiting nursing animals enjoy them as well. Most dogs will rise to the occa- homes, but they’re not the only creatures capable of sion when they sense they have a job to do, and the social- spreading the love. ized pets who are best prepared for such duties are usually Indy, a dusky conure, was picked up by the Animal delighted by the extra attention and caresses. Rescue League of Boston when he was found on the Careful screening of the people and animal participants streets talking to passersby. who are representing your organization is important. Ellen When no owner surfaced, Debbie Vogel, the Kirchheimer, program director of PetPals, encourages run- League’s volunteer manager, adopted the bird. Since he ning a background check and contacting references for the loves to talk, Vogel thought he would be a great addi- owner, and collecting health records for the animal. Once tion to the PetPals program, and Indy soon signed on for that’s satisfactory, you can set up a meeting with the owner, visitations. and then with the owner and pet together. “Indy frequently visits an adult day health program. With dogs, Kirchheimer suggests, look for one who’s at- He loves to watch the men playing dominoes, and asks tentive to his owner, not too exuberant or easily stressed, them, “What are you doing?”’ says Ellen Kirchheimer, and one who seeks people and enjoys attention. program director. “They’ll stop what they’re doing, and “Make sure the dog will tolerate things like wheelchairs answer him. His family may be tired of answering him and other stresses,” says Kirchheimer, who’s helped screen all the time, but the seniors he visits are ready to answer numerous prospective canine and feline visitors. Test dogs’ Indy’s question!” reaction to things such as buzzers, loud voices, and dropped In addition to chatting, Indy amuses his audience by items. Also think from a dog’s perspective: for example, barking, imitating phones, alarms, and microwaves, reports some brands of walkers have a tennis ball at the base of Vogel. He also enjoys being handled. His trimmed wings each strut for padding. “We’ve had dogs, particularly Labs, keep his flying to a minimum, a safety precaution designed who want to go after the tennis balls,” she says. to prevent a repeat of his earlier wandering ways. While cats can make visits too, the nature of kitty stress Indy has developed a following of fans, and has even can make it more challenging. Whereas most dogs like noth- flapped his way into the hearts of many devout dog loving better than a ride in the car, most cats would do almost ers. He’ll even treat listeners to an occasional “Let’s go, anything to avoid one. After a drive, even the most cuddly Red Sox!” lap cat may be in no mood for visiting. Some cats can recuperate quickly and do their duty, though. “We had a gentleman who brought his cat, and at first the cat was a bit stressed from the transport, but then the cat seemed to get used to it,” says Kirchheimer. Kitty participants should be tolerant of travel, accepting of a harness, and not inclined to jump, swat, or scratch. Once you’ve completed your screening, educate the new visitors. Conduct one-on-one or small-group training sessions that newcomers must attend prior to going out on the road. Describe a typical visit, how long it should be, what to do and not to do, and the types of residents they should expect to encounter. Review your organization’s methods for dealing with potential problems, such as difficulty handling a pet, medical issues the seniors may be facing and procedures for dealing with a medical emergency, and guidelines for canceling visits, should either member of the visiting team be ill. Your experienced visitors can be a great pool of information; tap into their knowledge and invite them to assist with training. GILLIAN HERSH/MARIN HUMANE SOCIETY HERSH/MARINGILLIAN HUMANE After completing their education process, consider ini- SHARE (Special Human-Animal Relationships), a program tially sending the new pair of visitors out with a more ex- of the Marin Humane Society, helps homebound, elderly people keep pets in their homes. SHARE client Mimi Slama perienced pair. This helps newcomers learn the ropes, and enjoys the comfort of her devoted companion, Misty. the experienced visitor can provide feedback and advice if

28 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG reaching senior citizens LAURA EVONNE STEINMAN LAURA EVONNE

Many dogs like nothing better than a ride in the car, but most cats loathe such a trip. But Krowka, visiting with residents at the Cambridge Homes in Cambridge, Mass., seems to have completely forgotten how she got there. needed. Then follow up with the newcomers to answer any Meeting people is good for the puppies, too, who gain questions and get their impressions. exposure to a variety of people and situations, an important “I’ve read a lot of the studies,” says Kirchheimer, “but step in their early socialization. witnessing a pet visitation in a nursing home brings the When bringing visitors in, be sure to have staff on hand studies to life. These people perk up and come alive when to assist with the animals. Inquire ahead of time if the visi- an animal visits. It’s just amazing to witness.” tors have any special circumstances or any preferences— meeting cats versus dogs, for example—and have an empty Back and Forth office or conference room ready in case a visitor needs a Animals can go visit seniors, but seniors can come visit them break from the animals. in the shelter, too. Northeast Animal Shelter occasionally in- As the country grows grayer, it’s smart for any ani- vites nursing home residents to stop by and meet some of mal welfare organization to figure out how to reach out the shelter animals. For this type of visit, carefully selected to elders, both those who need company and assistance, shelter pets are brought out to interact with the guests. and those who are eager to spend their golden years help- “Puppies seem to work best,” says Cohen. “We’ve had ing others. Outreach and visitation programs, promotion groups of Alzheimer’s patients come visit, and they just of adoptable animals to senior communities—all of these love the puppies. These are people that might not smile all provide great opportunities for companionship, goodwill, day otherwise.” and community involvement, and may help you find more homes for the many cats and dogs who deserve their own happy retirement. Resources For helpful guidelines on nursing home visit: n avma.org/issues/policy/animal_assisted_guidelines.asp. n The Delta Society (deltasociety.org)

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 29 nhs essay An Unexpected Truth In Nebraska, one shelter’s strategy for coping with breed-specific legislation saves lives BY VAL POULTON

Because Omaha has a problem with of us who work in this field would recognize there were dogfighting, when I started with the several factors in the care and keeping of this dog—he was Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) five years intact, and spent his days tethered in a backyard where he ago, we had a policy not to adopt out pit was frequently teased by neighbor children—that made bulls or pit bull mixes. Concerned for the safety of him a bite risk. His breed was the least of these factors, but our citizens who might adopt a pit bull or pit bull mix of the media and the public grabbed on to the dog’s breed questionable background, and fearing that one of our dogs identification and ignored the circumstances. could end up used for fighting, we did not place any dog The mauling led to a push for a breed ban, threatening who looked like he might be a pit bull mix. Thus, a dog with to undo all the work we’d put into trying to find a safe way “pitty features” would likely be euthanized. to place some of these dogs. In the end, we managed to But dogfighting decreased dramatically in our avoid a ban, but we do now have breed-specific legislation. community. According to Mark Langan, our vice president (Don’t think it will never happen to you!) of field operations, after a police-assisted 2005 investigation In October 2008, the city council passed a breed-specific of an Omaha-based dogfighting operation resulted in the muzzling ordinance. Beginning January 2009, all “pit bulls” main player being indicted on federal drug charges, many were required to be muzzled and harnessed when outside other dogfighting participants fled Nebraska. In 2006, we a securely fenced area. At the Nebraska Humane Society, began offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to we were dismayed that we would be dealing with breed- the bust of a dogfight in progress. While we haven’t paid it specific ordinances—but there has been an interesting twist out, it’s publicized frequently, and Mark believes it’s caused a to this unfortunate event. slowdown in dogfighting. When the ordinance was passed, it defined “pit bull” In the wake of the decrease in fighting activity, the staff as “... any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American of our behavior department was confident that we could Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dogo evaluate individual animals’ behavior and find safe and Argentina, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, American Bulldog, or stable dogs to offer for adoption to responsible owners. any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one In 2007, we pulled together a task force to investigate the or more of the above breeds (more so than any other breed), challenges and identify the pros and cons of adding pit bulls or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics and pit bull mixes to our adoption program. which substantially conform to the standards established by The task force contacted pit bull advocacy groups and the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of shelters that included pit bulls in their adoption programs, and the above breeds.” we ended up with a special adoption program for pit bulls. Accordingly, those dogs that physically appear to be Interested parties could pre-apply, and if, after a background primarily pit bull (and according to the city, that includes check, we were comfortable with adopting to them, we would several breeds, including some mastiffs) must be muzzled, find them a dog. In the early days of the program in 2007, we harnessed, and follow other breed-specific rules. adopted out two pit bulls. It was more difficult to find interested adopters than it was to find adoptable dogs, but this may have Sweetening Bitter Medicine been due to an overall lack of familiarity with the program. To make the new ordinance more bearable, we proposed a program that allows dogs to “test out” of the muzzling Tragic Misdirection requirement. When a “majority” pit bull passes a Canine Good Then in 2008, something terrible happened: A local child Citizen test administered by NHS, he trades his muzzle for a was mauled by a dog who was identified as a pit bull. Those Breed Ambassador vest. The dog must retest and pass annually

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 31 breed ambassadors

that restricts tethering to no more than 15 minutes. Thus we managed to get a good tethering law in on the heels of an ordinance that at first seemed to have no silver lining. These revisions are aimed at changing the other end of the leash, promoting awareness that irresponsible pet owners are a large part of the problem. We feel that these revisions to the breed-specific part of the city’s ordinances have brought public attention to responsible pet ownership. One indicator that it’s working has been a sharp increase in our licensing compliance. As we were working through the issues of identifying dogs who fit the ordinance’s definition, we began to contemplate whether any dog who seemed less than a “majority” pit bull was really a pit bull. So many breeds of dogs share physical traits with animals mentioned in the ordinance, how could we know that this dog with “pitty features” actually had any pit bull in him at all? We approached our board of directors about considering placements for those dogs identified as having pitty features, but whom we identified as being less than “majority” pit bull. The dogs would have to pass behavior and medical evaluations in order to be offered for adoption. The board agreed. We did so well with adopting out these “minority” pit bulls and “All-Americans” (our term for dogs with such NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETYNEBRASKA HUMANE mixed heritage that we couldn’t venture a guess) that we again approached our board, this time about considering to keep his ambassador status. As of December 2009, 53 pit “majority” pit bulls for adoption. bulls have passed the test and become Breed Ambassadors. We also proposed (and Omaha adopted) revisions to the A Promise Kept city’s dangerous-dog ordinance. The city also accepted our Again, the BOD agreed, and in October 2009 we adopted recommendations to add a “potentially dangerous” citation out our first. Her name is Promise, and she was adopted (one that’s based on a particular dog’s behavior history, not out with the required muzzle and harness and free on his breed), a reckless-owner citation, and an ordinance classes. Under the ordinance, she is not allowed to visit the local dog park, so she comes to our staff dog play groups on Sundays. Before we began adopting out pit bulls, we anticipated some major problems. We were concerned that no one in We could have come up our community would adopt them, and that their behavior with reason after reason not might deteriorate while they were waiting for new homes. But interestingly, at the end of 2009, the average length to promote pit bull mixes of stay in adoption for our pit bulls/mixes was shorter than and “majority” pit bulls for average for dogs overall. Promise was in the adoption area for only two days before finding her family. Her adopter had been adoption. … But we have used so excited we had a pit bull available for adoption that he the legislation to move forward came in just to see her, just to see if it was true. This man had no intention of adopting Promise (now named Simi)—that is, and promote this often until he met her. She gets along famously with his resident pit neglected and abused breed, bull mix. Our experience with this man showed us what we’d and provide our community known already: Local pit bull lovers were well-aware of with a program that helps what had previously happened when one came to NHS— euthanasia—and they were now ecstatic about the new make the dogs safer. opportunities for these dogs in Omaha.

32 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG breed ambassadors NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETYNEBRASKA HUMANE PAM WIESE/NEBRASKA SOCIETY HUMANE PAM

Val Poulton is vice president of behavior and placement at the Nebraska Humane Society. The photos on the wall behind her honor dogs who are part of the shelter’s Breed Ambassador program. NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETYNEBRASKA HUMANE

Promise, now named Simi (right), cuddles up with her buddy in her new home.

As a result of the breed-specific legislation, we could used the legislation to move forward and promote this often have come up with reason after reason not to promote pit neglected and abused breed, and provide our community bull mixes and “majority” pit bulls for adoption. And heaven with a program that helps make the dogs safer. knows the local media continues to give our citizens reasons I’m proud of my shelter for taking a stand and trusting not to adopt them—the coverage of pit bull behavior there are people in our community who will step up and do continues to be focused on the breed rather than the other the right thing for these dogs. I am equally proud of those in factors that could make any dog a bite risk. But we have my community who demonstrate that trust is deserved.

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 33

A Tribute to Mutts Like snowflakes, each one is unique—and never to be seen again BY CARRIE ALLAN

When I walk our dog around the neighborhood, I Winston: Adopted by the Carlson family often see a springer spaniel curled up on his front porch with his family. There’s a Pomeranian who lives a couple of Everybody needs somebody to lean on. blocks over, and a set of miniature dachshunds who greet But not everybody has been leaned on by a us by howling, hurtling off their front steps, and flinging 128-pound Doberman mix. When Winston leans af- themselves at the fence like low-slung ninjas. fectionately, the objects of his devotion sometimes There are several glossy golden retrievers, and in the topple over. early fall evenings, they promenade with their people, their That doesn’t make coats shining in the last of the day’s light. the pale golden dog Often I stop to chat with these fellow walkers. The any less popular with conversation, of course, is mostly about the creatures at the his adopters, a Spokane, end of our leashes. Wash., family who’d “What a beautiful poodle!” I will say to a young mom planned to foster and her daughter, as their dog prances proudly at their side. Winston just briefly for “Oh—thanks!” the mom will answer and, seeking to Spokanimal C.A.R.E. respond in kind, will glance admiringly toward my feet to They’ve fostered and meet the eyes of our chubby little pooch, Coltrane. “Your … adopted many animals in dog … is very cute, too.” the past for the group, This is the subtle approach. Sassier kids in the whose executive direc- neighborhood have been known to put it more succinctly: tor, Gail Mackie, is a “What is that dog?” friend of the family. My response varies with my mood. Sometimes I But the dog identify our dog as a “purebred beach ball,” other times as acclimated to the Carlsons’ household so well they “a beagle-pig mix.” And I think—I do not say it out loud, ended up keeping him. He insisted on staking his because it seems rude to rub it in—And no matter how hard claim, Christel Carlson says; when he arrived at you look, no matter how much you pay for some fancypants the home, he bypassed the three shepherds and name-brand pooch, you will never find another dog who shepherd mixes to flop onto the dog bed closest looks just like him. to the fireplace, the warmest seat in the house. “I guess everyone realized he had the shortest hair and That is the beauty of those dogs once disparaged as needed that bed,” Carlson says, “because there were “mongrels.” never any arguments.” Mongrels! Ha! More like purebreds unto themselves. While Winston fits perfectly into the family, Our dog is a mongrel, a mix, a mutt. He’s the ultimate he doesn’t always fit under their table, which is hybrid vehicle, a plump little scoop from the melting pot of where he likes to hang out during meals. Taller doghood. And though his muttness means he was the result than the rescued pony who lives on the Carlsons’ of an unplanned pregnancy—sometimes I whisper into his farm, Winston has to crouch down when he sneaks ear, “You were an accident!”—we could not be prouder. under, occupying most of the territory usually re- Don’t get me wrong: A dog is a dog is a dog, and all of served for feet. them are beautiful and worthy of love. I have a soft spot for certain breeds—the hilariously hyper miniature pinschers,

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 35 mutts tribute

my fellow redheaded Irish setters. And while I was growing animals as unique as they are. Adopting from a shelter is like up, my family had purebred English cocker spaniels who shopping at a boutique where every item is one of a kind. all came from amazing, caring breeders. They were sweet- (OK, most boutique stores don’t smell like bleach and tempered, beautiful dogs, and for a while, I couldn’t imagine cat food, but otherwise, the comparison stands.) getting another kind. But in my 20s I came to work at The Humane Society of Over the years I’ve been baffled by the attitude that the United States (HSUS) and discovered shelter adoption. years of breeding for certain traits make for a better, more The first time I visited a shelter, I was floored by how many valuable animal. Maybe it’s a difference in how we measure different kinds of funny, adorable, strange, lovely mixes were value; to my eye, no matter how perfectly pedigreed and in the cages. healthy, a purebred collie looks virtually identical to the next My first adoptee was a fluffy, lustrous, red-and-black purebred collie. And the more closely a purebred’s physical shepherd-beagle-chow mix with shining golden-brown eyes; traits meet the recognized breed standard, the “better” dog she looked like no dog I’d ever seen before. When people told he is judged to be. me I looked like her, I took it as the highest compliment. I understand the nostalgia that drives someone to get a Animal shelters that have been slow to capitalize on these dog just like the one she had as a child—or the desire that rare commodities would do well to learn from more profit- prompts a person to choose a canine companion based on driven entities—like the snooty jewelry store aiming to appeal the herding, jumping, and otherwise delightfully obsessive to well-heeled consumers in a TV commercial I recently saw. traits he’s been bred for. But if looks alone are the measure “We don’t sell watches,” the voice-over intoned in a velvety of the ultimate dog, why get a replica? purr. “We don’t sell bracelets. We sell … exclusivity.” Among some diehards I’ve known are women who Can’t shelters make the same claim? With their would be mortified if they showed up at a party in the same poodlebassettrievers and their Labracolliewhatsits and dress as another woman—and yet take pride in having a their ever-evolving lineup of shepherdsomethings, shelters dog who looks exactly like every other dog of that breed. should be the first place discriminating consumers go to find Yawn.

Crosby: Adopted by Sarah Babcock

Many folks get their mutts owner through fliers and dogs were still being jerked He was still fetching at the local animal shelter, ads in the paper. around by trainers and drinks from the fridge until but Sarah Babcock’s first No one showed up, realized I could be a part his last few weeks. mutt came to get her. and Babcock decided to of changing that, I got “There was a mutt keep him. Crosby was her hooked.” who definitely changed a first dog since childhood, She quit her job of 14 life,” Babcock says. “You when she’d enjoyed teach- years, went back to gradu- don’t expect one dog ing the family pooches to ate school, and is now the wandering up will make behave. chief of education and you give up a corporate ca- When she took Crosby training at the Richmond reer and do something so to training classes, Babcock SPCA. She’s adopted different.” learned that the old domi- several mutts since then, nation models for teach- three of whom were on a ing dogs had evolved into cover of The Bark maga- more cooperative methods. zine last year. And Crosby turned out to Crosby died last

SARAH BABCOCK be a fast learner. August. He had spent “I taught him how to more than 10 years with When a Doberman get me drinks from the Babcock, learned 50 tricks, mix turned up at Babcock’s fridge in one morning,” worked as a therapy dog, door as a stray in she says. “And I thought, and become part of the Richmond, Va., in 1996, ‘This is so cool.’ And when SPCA’s humane education Babcock searched for his I thought about how many program.

36 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG mutts tribute

Amelia: Adopted by Amy Briggs

Almost as soon as The Amelia had an adven- adopting a dog—found her into Australian shepherds. HSUS “adopted” Amy turesome background. An on Petfinder.com. “When I found her, that’s Briggs as Animal Sheltering escape artist, she’d slipped Since then, the initially how she was listed,” she magazine’s production away from her former skittish Amelia has settled says. “But she doesn’t have home and headed straight into her new life. Now any of that in her.” for the local golf course, Briggs’ cubicle mate as Instead, the test results where she evaded capture part of The HSUS’s Dogs in revealed that Amelia was for several weeks. She was the Office program, she’s one-quarter chow, one- finally humanely trapped known for looking just a quarter Lab, and one-quar- by Hedgesville Hounds, little like a werewolf. ter whippet, with assorted a rescue group based in Curious about the odds and ends making up Rockville, Md., but her genetic background of this that last 25 percent—mak- family didn’t appreciate mystical creature, Briggs ing her a mystery who may her Houdini act and no had Amelia DNA-tested last never be fully solved, but is longer wanted her. year to see exactly what now fully loved.

CARY SMITH / THE HSUS The rescue group had blend she had brought more sense and took the home. “I’d never seen any- and marketing manager in dog in for fostering. thing like her,” she says. 2008, Briggs returned the And soon enough, Before the test, Briggs favor, adopting Amelia, Briggs—a recent col- assumed her dog’s ten- a mysterious mix with lege graduate whose top dency to follow behind smoke-colored fur and postgraduation plans had was prompted by the golden eyes. included finding a job and herding instincts bred

Susie: Adopted by the Donovan family

Susie’s profile had been on- the shelter staff and vol- taking pictures outside and by getting her out of the line for several weeks, but unteers, her broad face adding video and music shelter, but it’s the other she’d had no takers yet. silvered and serious. She (the Isley Brothers’ “Who’s way around,” says adopter The black mutt with a was having a hard time at That Lady?”) in the hopes Betsy Donovan. “She’s speckled white chest had the shelter and was get- of catching someone’s eye done us the favor by bring- several strikes against her. ting depressed. Volunteers and ear. ing us so much love and She was a big dog (many were working to bring her It worked: A family laughter.” people are looking for pets out of her shell. When looking for an older pet who’ll meet the arbitrary they took her out in the to round out their crew of weight requirements of yard, they discovered that husband, wife, 4-year-old apartment complexes), the old girl had a lot of daughter, 7-year old dog, a black dog (they often love left to give. She would and 21-year-old cat saw don’t show well in online even chase a ball—“only a Susie’s profile online and photos, disappearing into few times, and only a few fell in love with her. the shadows of their ken- feet, but still!” says Amy The feeling was mu- nels), and an old dog (ev- Hirschkron. tual. Susie went home, eryone wants an adorable With fellow volunteers and the last Hirschkron puppy). Tim Anderson and Steve heard, the dog was licking She had come to LaChapelle, Hirschkron the tears off the little girl’s Oakland Animal Services had gone above and be- face when she hurt herself because her previous yond the call of duty to playing. owner had died. Day after highlight Susie’s sweet “I really thought we day, she looked back at nature on her Web profile, were doing her the favor OAKLAND SPCAOAKLAND

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 37 mutts tribute

SPICY CONDI-MUTTS Heinz 57 sauce is a condiment, reddish and spicy, but the term “Heinz 57” was originally coined to brag about the great variety of products offered by the ketchup company. Over time, the phrase has also come to refer to a single mutt made up of so many different breeds that it’s really anyone’s guess exactly what “ingredients” he contains.

MICHELLE RILEY/THEMICHELLE HSUS HE’S A TRAMP, BUT THEY LOVE HIM Animal Sheltering editor Carrie Allan with her mysterious Many still think of Lassie as the quintes- “beagle-pig mix.” sential American dog, but the fictional Mutts are for dog lovers. Where purebreds are primarily purebred collie has some muttly friends examples of the breed, mixes are primarily dogs, their who are just as iconic, including dogginess superseding all breedy characteristics. Give me Disney’s Tramp, TV dog Benji—first the short-legged retriever mix, the protuberant pug-spaniel played by a shelter adoptee named cross, the piggy-tailed greyhound with long, dangly ears. Higgins, who was already 15 years old There is no more American dog. when he signed on for the role in the first For years, scientists have debated the merits of “hybrid Benji flick in 1974—and the dog who broke vigor”—the notion that crossbreeding different genetic a thousand hearts, Old Yeller. lines makes for healthier individuals—and how it applies to dogs. Many experts say it’s only logical that animals SIX MIXED-BREEDS OF KEVIN BACON? from genetically diverse backgrounds will be healthier and When it comes to getting a pet, “doing less prone to the inherited flaws passed down through the right thing is also doing the sexy family lines. thing,” says Julia Szabo, a writer and mutt But I’m not interested in proving that mutts have proponent who’s quick to rattle off a better genes; I just think they’re cooler. I want a dog I can long list of celebs, including Kevin contemplate, and I find mutts more interesting: Each one is Bacon and wife Kyra Sedgwick, who a fingerprint, a unique work of art who’s part Pollack, part have adopted mutts. Szabo once Picasso. Each one is her own little self-contained mystery, a dyed her own hair to match one dog to inspire reflection about the vast history of doghood of her mutts, and she loves mixed that came before—the wolves, the foxes, the hounds and breeds so much she even wrote a book spaniels and terriers, a millennia-old baying, bawling pack about them, The Underdog. She continues rolled into one righteous pooch. to advocate for shelter adoption whenever Coltrane’s primary breed is obviously beagle, but there’s she can. “It’s the cool, sexy, Hollywood a good bit of something else mixed in there, too. He’s thing to do,” she says. stockier and plumper than a traditional beagle, his ears are shorter, and he lacks the classic black patches that mark the DOGGIE DNA standard tricolors of the breed. (Sometimes I like to imagine These days, you can solve the mystery the unholy union between beagle and sow that might have background of your own mutt by having produced him.) his DNA tested. Most of the com- He is getting older, and my husband and I are beginning mercially available tests cost around to have moments when we realize—as we watch him become $60; more expensive ones screen for whiter, struggle to rise from the couch, and sleep more and more breeds. The dog’s DNA is gath- more of his hours away—that he will not be with us forever. ered via a cheek swab—which you And there’s the real heartbreaker of mutts. Now and can do at home, provided your pooch then you find that perfect beaglepiggywhatsit, the one you is amenable—or a blood test, which must love so much and find so endearingly funny and delightful be conducted by a veterinarian. and cannot imagine living without—and you know you’re in the same boat with your poor deprived neighbors: You, too, will never find another dog like him.

38 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG 101

Risky Business Finding insurance can be tough for shelters and rescue groups, but here’s how to convince companies that you’re a safe bet

BY JIM BAKER PHOTO COLLAGE /BUSSOLATI

A dog you’ve adopted out bites a child insurance brokerage in Hicksville, N.Y., that of- open to the public; organizations that de- a few weeks later. fers a program for insuring animal welfare or- pend on volunteers who, despite training and A customer slips and falls on a wet floor ganizations. (Prince Associates doesn’t actually orientation, might not follow rules. in your building. hold the policies, but helps shelters find cover- On top of that, animal welfare organi- A volunteer transporting a pet to a nurs- age.) “The insurance pays for the settlements, zations are an unknown quantity for lots of ing home to visit residents has a car accident, for the claim payments, for the injuries or prop- insurance companies that don’t really un- and the other driver is hurt. erty damage to others, and the goal is for the derstand the details of their facilities and Any of these situations, if it were to result organization to transfer that risk, that possible operations. And what is unknown is seen as in a lawsuit, could lead to the financial crip- monetary loss, to the insurance policy.” potentially risky. Have a restaurant or a retail pling of an animal shelter or rescue group— But it’s often hard for shelters and rescues store that needs insuring? No problem—these and the end of its mission. to find the coverage they need at a price they companies write that type of coverage every That’s where insurance comes in. can afford. The reason: Rightly or wrongly, day. Need insurance for your shelter or rescue “Our job is to make sure when these many insurance companies view them as big group? You’ve got some persuading to do. things go wrong—because they will, no mat- claims waiting to happen. ter what—that the organization has proper Insurers see operations fraught with po- The Knowledge Gap insurance to protect itself, to make sure that it tential liability: staff performing physically Sheltering is “just an area that isn’t very well doesn’t bankrupt itself by defending a case or demanding tasks and working closely with understood. If you ask a hundred people in paying a settlement out of pocket,” says Craig animals who have an unknown history and any town, “What do they do at your local Sherman, a partner at Prince Associates Inc., an may behave unpredictably; facilities that are shelter,” they’d say, ‘Oh, I don’t know—they

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Shelters can make take in strays, and they adopt them,’ and dent that their partner—the policy holder— that’s really about all they know about it,” is going to do a good job of minimizing themselves more says Steve Putnam, executive director of the claims,” says Jeff Stone, vice president of appealing as potential National Federation of Humane Societies in John O. Bronson Co., an insurance broker- Vienna, Va. age in Sacramento, Calif. clients by having “So people don’t have a real good grasp of what all kinds of work shelters do, and Barking Up the Right Tree standard operating consequently, insurance companies haven’t Go local—that’s the first step many ani- procedures in place and really wanted to take the time to assess the mal welfare organizations take when they real risk in the business and write a policy.” start their search for insurance, according to doing all they can to Putnam’s familiar with this issue from his Sherman. reduce potential liability former work with The Humane Society of the A shelter executive director may think of United States, where he served as vice presi- the local insurance agent she turned to for in their operations. dent of business development and corporate her own home and auto insurance. But while relations. He helped create its Shelter Partners the agent’s probably a nice guy, he typically program, which provides participating shelters specializes in personal lines of insurance, and with discounts on products and services (in- that’s not what a shelter requires. cluding, now, preferred rates on insurance). What’s needed is a commercial insurance “The whole idea behind Shelter Partners broker, but not just anyone. Rather, you need … is that it’s designed to provide group buy- to find a broker who has the expertise and ing for shelters, and insurance is one of the knowledge to deal with a shelter or rescue things that shelters told us they had a real group—which, if you’ll forgive the pun—is an issue with,” he says. entirely different animal than, say, a delicates- Putnam tried to come up with a group sen or retail store that needs insurance. health insurance policy that the program “This is the kind of thing that most agents could get for shelter staff and volunteers, but don’t see every day, so they don’t know what he could never find an insurance company the availability for markets [is], and they don’t willing to underwrite it. know how to write it, and usually they just “We did get a company to write gen- give up,” Sherman says. “So a lot of the eral liability for shelters through the Shelter phone calls we get from prospective organi- Partners program. It was priced reasonably zations are, ‘You know, we tried with a local well, [but] it was never very successful, and broker, and he just couldn’t do anything.’” the company dropped it, because they only Of course, this isn’t always the case, but had 25 or 30 shelters sign up for it,” he says. it’s a good general rule of thumb. If there’s a It’s a still a challenging environment, but commercial broker in your town or state who fortunately, there are brokers and insurance can do the job for you, great. But you may carriers out there that have decided to ser- need to do some research, and cast your net vice the sheltering field or that specialize in a little wider—sometimes a lot wider—to find insuring nonprofits, including animal welfare what you need. organizations. Prince Associates has benefited from Shelters and rescues can also take steps knowing the sheltering market. About 1,800 to make themselves more appealing as poten- animal welfare organizations around the na- tial clients by demonstrating professionalism tion participate in the insurance program that and transparency, having written policies and the brokerage specifically designed for shelters, standard operating procedures designed to rescue groups, and spay/neuter clinics. Some protect staff and the public from injury, and of the industry-specific elements the company doing all they can to reduce potential liability offers include professional liability that en- in their operations. compasses certain jobs or sideline operations “When you’re talking to an insurance shelters might be involved in, like veterinarians company, you’re talking to a for-profit en- working in a spay/neuter clinic or animal train- tity, and we’re asking them often to put up ers doing obedience training. Prince also offers a million, two million, five million dollars of “animal bailee” coverage, which is property their own capital at risk for really a pretty coverage for animals who are in the organiza- small payment, and they want to feel confi- tion’s custody while they’re being held.

40 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 41 [101]

Resources But the executive director of a small shel- If you’re interested in learning more ter in, say, rural Oklahoma isn’t going to find about insurance issues affecting ani- the company in the Yellow Pages of the local mal welfare organizations, or want to phone book, nor is the name of that broker- start looking for a commercial broker age likely to be on the lips of a hometown or insurance carrier, here are some insurance agent. good places to go: That’s why it’s smart to reach out to col- n Nonprofit Risk Management Center leagues in the animal welfare field, such as (nonprofitrisk.org) offers a wealth of executive directors of other shelters, for re- information, including advice, online ferrals to insurance experts who could help— tools, and a library of relevant articles. whether they’re located in the nearest big n Nonprofits Insurance Alliance city, another state, or even halfway across Group (insurancefornonprofits.org) will the country. guide you to two sister organizations: The next step is taking your search online, Be prepared to address Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance and where you can find the websites of insur- Risk Management Group, operating in ance brokerages and underwriters that have any issues that the 25 states; and Nonprofits’ Insurance programs for nonprofits and, in some cases, broker identifies as Alliance of California, operating only in shelters and rescues in particular. potential barriers to that state. Both of these are insurance In other words, don’t be afraid to think carriers (and nonprofits themselves) national. coverage. You need to that exclusively serve 501(c)(3) organi- promote yourself as a zations, including hundreds of shelters Make the Rules— and rescues. and Follow Them risk worth taking. n Prince Associates Inc. Insurance An insurance broker who has experience Managers (www.animalshelterinsurance. working with shelters and rescues can advise com) is an insurance agency that offers a you on steps you can take to make yourself program specifically designed for animal more attractive to insurance companies. welfare organizations. Prince Associates It starts with the way your organization is also an associate in the Shelter Partners presents itself to the broker, and through program of The Humane Society of the him or her, to the insurance companies who Be prepared to address any issues that United States. Shelters that become mem- will review your application for coverage. the broker identifies as potential barriers to bers of the program are eligible to receive That application, and often a site visit by the coverage. “You want to promote [yourself] preferred rates, among other benefits. broker, will give the companies a window to the insurance industry: ‘We’re a very good n Philadelphia Insurance Cos. (phly. into your operations, and what they see business, we’re doing something very valuable com) offers a Nonprofit Package should instill confidence that you will make for the community, and we need your help to Insurance Program designed to provide a trustworthy partner. cover the risks that we have. We want your a wide range of special insurance needs (Note to the insurance-lingo challenged: recommendations. We want you to give us for 501(c)(3) organizations, including A broker’s job is to find, compare, and present ideas on how to improve our operations,’” animal shelters. competitive quotations from insurance Nagy says. n Insurance Group USA (insurancegroup carriers, regarding price and coverage, for Insurers look for evidence that an usa.com) has a program designed for a client’s consideration. The broker typically organization has clear, written policies and animal rescue organizations and shelters. gets a service fee or commission, based procedures in place that outline how your n Great American Insurance Group on a percentage of the premium, from the shelter or rescue should function, especially (greatamericaninsurance.com) has a insurance company for making a sale.) in regard to any task or activity that has the specialty human services division that And a site visit to your facility (if you potential to injure a staff member or visitor. offers products and services to animal- have one) is standard. Your broker, and Having those policies is one thing; related organizations, including animal often a local or regional representative of the ensuring they’re followed is equally important. protection and welfare groups, shelters, insurance company, will tour your property Employees and volunteers must be trained in aquariums, humane societies, sanctuar- and do a safety inspection. those procedures “and know that it’s absolutely ies, and zoos. “In some ways, it’s no different than when important—essential—that they follow them,” n John O. Bronson Co. (johnobronson. you talk to donors—it’s just a different kind of says Pamela Davis, president and CEO of the com) is an independent insurance agency ‘sell,’ if I can use that word,” says John Nagy, Nonprofits’ Insurance Alliance of California, a in Sacramento, Calif., with experience in vice president for finance and administration liability insurance pool that exclusively serves insuring animal welfare organizations. at the Dumb Friends League in Denver. 501(c)(3) organizations in that state.

42 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG “That’s just number one, because if you have policies and procedures in place that are excellent, but your people aren’t following them, that makes it even worse for you in a lawsuit, because your employees ignored what you said they should be doing.” The Sacramento (Calif.) SPCA, for example, has an Injury/Illness Prevention Program that guides the shelter as it tries to reduce risk. The program’s policy manual outlines the shelter’s policies, provides instructions on how to perform various tasks, explains the procedures for reporting injuries, offers directions on how to respond to emergencies, and details the responsibilities of different levels of management. Every month, there’s a training session for each department of the shelter, touching on different aspects of safety in the workplace. A committee is tasked with going through the facility routinely, making observations, and recommending how to make things safer. Staff members take the time to educate volunteers about the proper ways to interact with animals, in order to reduce the risk of injury. “We have a really comprehensive volunteer training program,” says Mike Oei, the shelter’s finance director/controller. “It’s four, separate weekend days that you have to come before you can even walk a dog.” The best way to persuade insurance companies that you’re a professional and responsible organization, of course, is to show them that you have a good track record. “We have a very large humane society that we’ve insured since 1993, and you look at their claims history, and they’ve had a hundred claims over that time, but they’re a very good insurance risk,” Davis says. “When they have do have claims, it’s clear that even though there may be a lawsuit, that they have followed their practices. There may be something that happens, but it doesn’t become a huge difficulty to defend, because they are a responsible organization, and accidents happen—that’s why you have insurance.”

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 43

q&a

Unchained A Virginia city passes a chaining ordinance a decade in the making MICHELLE RILEY/HSUSMICHELLE

Companion animals kept on chains for long periods of time have posed a big problem in Danville, Va. Many times each year, the Danville Area Humane Society has received dogs who had chains embedded in their necks, and there have even been cruelty cases involving cats kept on chains.

In December 2009, the city council staff and network of supporters. In December, advocacy. “But,” Markarian wrote, “if we of Danville, Va., unanimously passed an Mike Markarian, president of the Humane only address the symptoms of the problems ordinance that strictly limits the amount of Society Legislative Fund—a 501(c)(3) that when animals are in distress, we will never time people are allowed to keep their pets lobbies for animal welfare legislation and get to the root causes of those problems and on chains. The ordinance, which will go works to elect humane-minded candidates prevent animals from ending up in distress in into effect this July, forbids the chaining of to public office—interviewed Dean about her the first place.” any animal for more than four hours in any experiences and published the conversation 24-hour period, and forbids the practice on his blog; we’re reprinting an excerpted Mike Markarian: Can you tell us a little outright for animals who are injured or under version here. bit about Danville as a community? What 4 months old, and during times when the As Markarian pointed out, many are some of the challenges for animals temperature reaches freezing. animal shelter leaders believe they can’t and animal lovers there? The new law is the endpoint of years of lobby for animal protection laws, or are so Paulette Dean: Danville, a city of about work by Paulette Dean, executive director of overwhelmed with day-to-day operations 48,000 on the North Carolina state line, is the Danville Area Humane Society, and her that they don’t have the time to spend on struggling to redefine itself after the loss of

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 45 [q&a]

animals constantly kept on chains. We were problem and the plight of chained dogs “fortunate” to have a gallery of hundreds of topped the list of problems faced by animals. pictures that were taken of dogs on chains. Our anti-chaining campaign was Seventeen years ago when I began full- announced, with no plan of what we could time employment with the Danville Area do about it. The newspaper did an editorial Humane Society, we received a call from a about how we may be sincere, but we had man who said he had heard a dog whining not convinced the public. That we took as in the woods behind his house, but he had a challenge and a lesson. We met with the not heard the dog whine for a couple of editors of the paper (very nice people who days. The animal control officer went to the supported our work), and showed them address, and found the body of a dog in the pictures of our cases. We began to issue woods. The dog had once been chained more news releases of our court cases. and evidently broke lose somehow, but We purchased ads in the paper about the still dragged the chain. The chain became loneliness of chained dogs, and wrote articles entangled in bushes, and the dog starved to for our newsletter.

DANVILLE AREA HUMANE SOCIETY death. The animal control officer told me then I met separately with each of the nine that I should work to get all dogs off chains. city council members and shared the Paulette Dean In 1996, parts of Danville were flooded as pictures and stories with them. We proposed a result of Hurricane Fran. Then-Gov. George that an ordinance be enacted to prohibit the the textile and tobacco industries. It has the Allen toured the area, and saw the bodies chaining of dogs on unoccupied property. highest unemployment rate in the state, and of two dogs who had drowned as they were At the city council, we testified about how also struggles with low education and high chained to their doghouses. He had his driver people chained large numbers of pit bulls in poverty rates. stop, and he knocked on the door to tell the the yards of empty homes. That ordinance Animal issues have been low priorities in woman he wanted the bodies buried. He passed easily for, as one council member the past. The Danville Area Humane Society even stopped by later that day to make sure said, “It is a no-brainer.” operates the city animal shelter, and receives that had been done. about 5,500 dogs and cats each year, along The task of getting animals off chains How did you continue your campaign with approximately 250 other companion seemed pretty overwhelming at that time. after that first ordinance passed? animals and livestock. However, through the years that thought Nothing happened for a couple of years, and Perhaps because of the problems that never left my mind whenever we received then [in the summer of 2009], we decided come as a result of poverty, there is a severe pet a dog with an embedded chain in his neck we needed to reenergize the campaign. We overpopulation problem. Although the humane (many, many times each year) or when I saw issued a news release, inviting members of society has helped 17,000 dogs and cats get for myself the chained dogs in backyards with the public to come to a meeting about our spayed or neutered since 1993, the numbers no shelter, food, or water. I knew something anti-chaining campaign. We had a very nice received at the shelter increase each year. had to be done. turnout for that meeting. We seem to have a higher incidence of Most dogs we held for rabies quarantine We told the attendees that the best thing animal neglect and abuse than surrounding were dogs who were kept on chains. Make no they could do would be to call city council areas, although that may be because mistake—the problem was not just having members, and encourage their family and we have two court-appointed humane dogs constantly chained. We also investigated friends to do so. We told them we would investigators (a volunteer position in a few horrific cases of cats kept on chains. notify them when it was time to begin making Virginia). The board president and I have We knew that any effort to get dogs off chains the contacts. functioned as investigators for many years, had to include all companion animals. The board of directors of the Danville and we have a strong working relationship With the support of the board (after Area Humane Society voted to commit with the police department and animal all, the board president also functions as a $10,000 to help build fences for dogs to get control officers. We investigate and humane investigator; he was with me for the them off chains, with the requirement that we prosecute many cases each year, including vast majority of the cruelty cases), we held also be allowed to spay or neuter the animals, starvation, hoarding, dogfighting, and a summit meeting of sorts about three years at our expense, for whom we build fences. varying degrees of neglect. ago. We invited veterinarians, dog trainers, A city council member happened to visit representatives of the kennel club, and others the shelter as we were bringing in a dog we How did you approach the chaining issue, we thought would be interested. We showed had just seized. He saw the embedded collar and what has led to your successes? pictures of a few of our abuse and cruelty and the thin body condition, and asked As we investigated complaints of neglect, one cases. From that meeting, we had the support the city manager to please put a proposed thing became very apparent: 90 percent of of most of the people who worked with ordinance on the agenda for a work session the complaints received involve companion animals; we all agreed the overpopulation of the city council.

46 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG [q&a]

We prepared a PowerPoint presentation, we had asked strong speakers to speak up. I their dogs. A motion was made to table the and went to the work session. We asked for a gave a brief overview of my experiences with ordinance until that issue could be resolved. three-hour limit in a 24-hour period, and told chained animals. I reminded them that I had Immediately after that meeting, a small group about our $10,000 commitment. We talked personally taken the horrible pictures that attended the work session. Council members about how this would help decrease the num- they had seen, and the pictures were taken resolved that concern, and an amended ber of unwanted births. With the media there, in Danville, Va. A veterinarian, an attorney ordinance was submitted. Actually, the we showed the pictures and told the stories. who had helped us with our civil custody amendments strengthened the ordinance. We also asked for delayed enforcement to cases, and other supporters told stories and However, we sent yet another e-mail give people time to make other arrangements gave facts. alert, urging supporters to not give up the for their chained animals. We thought it would be helpful to have a battle. I heard from a few council members Council members decided to advance teenager speak. The president of a local high who said they had received only two negative the proposed ordinance, but they scheduled school club agreed, [but] tragically, her fa- comments, but had been inundated with two public hearings. We posted the dates on ther was killed three days before the public positive comments. our website, so no one could accuse us of hearing. I sent an urgent e-mail to our list, A week and a half later, the proposed hiding the truth from them. The editor of the asking them to help us find another young ordinance passed. One council member newspaper wrote a very strong editorial in person who could speak. One young woman could not attend, but he asked the mayor to support of the ordinance. stepped forward. She was terrified, and spoke give his regrets and assure the public that if As soon as the proposed ordinance was softly, but she begged the city council to make he had been there, his vote would have been put on the agenda, we sent out an e-mail alert Danville a better place to live—for the humans “yes.” When the mayor announced that and to supporters. Council members later said that and for the animals. She held them spellbound said the vote was unanimous, we gave the it was apparent that the community was in by her courage and her conviction. council a standing ovation. It was apparent overwhelming support. The newspaper allows A couple of days before the second to everyone that it was an ordinance whose anonymous online comments, so we asked public hearing, someone wrote a letter to time had come. people to respond to any negative comment. the city council, bringing up the point that We had about 45 supporters show up for people who live in the historic district are To read the complete interview, go to the two public hearings. For the first one, not allowed to have chain-link fences for animalsheltering.org/Danville_chaining.

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“Do Not Adopt”? More Like “Do Not Forward” The legal hazards of “do not adopt” lists

BY CHERIE TRAVIS

People in animal welfare often feel an over- warding an e-mail that originated with some- in the lawsuit if you send the messages from whelming desire to protect innocent animals one else. So, the question is, can you be liable your work computer. from harm. And an e-mail like this can be for creating a message like this? What about This column is not intended to scare hard to resist forwarding: What if it’s true? for forwarding it? anyone, but to educate readers about the What if, right this minute, the evil John Jones Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Under limits of free speech and provide advice on is at the front counter of an animal shelter, some circumstances, the subject of the e-mail how to remain an advocate without becom- trying to adopt an animal he may hurt? What can sue. ing a defendant! if forwarding this e-mail could stop that? Defamation and libel are legal causes of I frequently receive e-mails like the one action that are available to people if there What are Defamation and Libel? above from organizations and individuals have been publications of false statements Defamation, libel, and slander are civil ac- posting DNAs—Do Not Adopt recommenda- about them. In fact—even if you think you’re tions that allege harm to a person’s or entity’s tions. They also turn up on shelter and rescue simply just passing on the message, acting as reputation. Defamatory oral statements are listservs. Almost always, the sender is for- an individual—your employer may be named slander; written ones are libel. Most state

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 49 [humane law forum]

appeals court held that the plaintiff could proceed in her defamation case against the author of the e-mail, the employee who forwarded it, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Are Anonymous Postings Really Anonymous? It used to be that writers had to identify themselves in print publications. Newspapers rarely, if ever, ran a letter to the editor unless the author allowed the publication of her name. The Internet changed all that. Now, anyone with a computer can make statements that can reach a worldwide audience and very often, they can do so completely anonymously. Or at least they think they can. Anonymity can disappear quickly and unexpectedly. If you have any question about whether courts, like those of Kansas and New York, speech” means that a person has the right anonymous postings will always remain have defined the elements of a defamation to express her views and sentiments pub- anonymous, just ask Rosemary Port of New and libel claim to include false and defama- licly. It does not mean that a person can say York. The fashion blogger, who anonymously tory words regarding the plaintiff, communi- anything, anywhere with no repercussions. posted statements about model Liskula cated or published to a third person, which When a person publishes statements that are Cohen on a website called “Skanks in NYC,” result in harm to the reputation of the person illegal, offensive, or improper, he may be held found her anonymity lifted when Cohen won defamed. Damage to one’s reputation is the accountable. a court decision forcing Google to identify essence of an action for defamation. There are a number of areas of speech the anonymous blogger. Cohen’s lawyers Most states also consider certain types of that are outside the protection of the argued that, based on the statements that false statements to be so serious that they are Constitution—examples include obscenity, were defamatory per se, she would be a libelous or defamatory per se, which means child pornography, perjury, blackmail, threats plaintiff in a defamation action if she could that damages are presumed and need not be of violence, incitement to imminent lawless ac- ascertain the identity of the blogger. Port proven separately. These categories include tion, solicitation to commit a crime, and, most learned the hard way that freedom of speech false statements that the plaintiff has com- important to our discussion, defamation. is not unlimited. mitted a crime; statements that injure the plaintiff in his business, trade, or profession; E-mail is Speech Potential Defenses statements that a plaintiff has a communica- “But it was just a little e-mail!” you might say. In such defamation cases, the two available ble disease; or that allege unchastity. Even if you didn’t print your accusation defenses are: 1) arguing that the statements So is the content of the above e-mail on the front page of The New York Times, are true; and 2) arguing that they are opin- defamatory? even if you didn’t post it on the wall of your ion—neither can be proven “false.” Animal abuse is a crime in every state, so local grocery store, the defamation/libel re- So, if a “Do Not Adopt” e-mail stated stating that someone is an animal abuser is quirement that the false statements be “pub- that “Mr. X is a dogfighter” and, in fact, it accusing that person of committing a crime. lished” to a third party is met when you send could be shown that Mr. X has been recently Likewise, calling someone a “con man” or an e-mail. convicted of dogfighting, the statement is “con artist” suggests that he swindles people. Moreover, sending that e-mail from your truthful and cannot be defamatory. And in Illinois, beating a puppy to death is a work computer can subject you and your Likewise, if an e-mail stated, “I was un- felony. So all of these statements—if they employer to litigation. In a 2009 case, an comfortable with how Ms. Y handled the turned out to be false—would be defamatory. employee at the Indianapolis Metropolitan shelter dogs; I thought she was rough on Police Department received an e-mail that them,” that could be defended. It was the The Limits on Free Speech made defamatory statements about a mem- belief of the writer, and the statement is not I am often asked, “But what about free ber of her church. The employee forwarded defamatory because it is her opinion. speech?” that e-mail to 89 other e-mail addresses. But courts have declared that merely The term “free speech” is loosely tossed Because of that simple act, she and her em- couching a statement as an opinion is not about and quite a bit misunderstood. “Free ployer became defendants in a lawsuit. An necessarily a defense if there is an underly-

50 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG Increase Cat Adoptions ing fact that can be proven or disproven. with Fancy Feet! The statement, “I think Mr. Z abuses his children” can cause as much harm to Mr. “SoftClaws colored nail caps have Z’s reputation as saying, “Mr. Z abuses his proven to increase cat adoptions” children.” In other words, you can make –reported by HSUS of Vero Beach, Florida, statements of opinion, but if you want to be Sheltering Magazine July 2007 protected from accusations of defamation or libel, those statements cannot imply or express inaccurate facts.

Best Strategies BERLINER/PETRAITSSHERI Next time you receive one of these “Do Not Cherie Travis is adjunct professor of Adopt” e-mails, give it some serious consider- animal law at DePaul University College ation. Are the claims it makes provable? Can of Law and Northwestern University you find reference to them in reliable sources, School of Law, and was the associate such as newspapers or court records? (Most director of the Center for Animal Law blogs and listservs should not be considered at DePaul before being appointed reliable sources of facts.) Commissioner of Chicago Animal Care Do you trust the sender? Even if the and Control. She is president and co- sender is your dearest friend or trusted su- founder of PACT Humane Society. pervisor, do you believe the sender checked the facts in the e-mail personally and verified them before forwarding the message to you? well as 116 law schools that teach animal law; Shelter visitors easily become cat adopters If you think about these issues, and they set instructors at those institutions may be able off your internal alarm bells, don’t forward to advise you. knowing Soft Claws nail caps: the e-mail. Second, when making or passing along Help protect them and their children Still, these e-mails can be compelling. statements, make sure the “facts” are actu- from playful scratches And some of them may be factual. How can ally factual and that your opinion is stated as you balance your organization’s need not to your opinion. Example: Help protect their home furnishings end up at the wrong end of a libel suit with n I saw the dogs tied up outside her house. (If Easy to apply and each application its mission to protect animals? you saw this, it is a statement of fact.) lasts up to six weeks First and most important, if you have n I thought they looked very thin. (This is a knowledge that someone is harming animals, statement of opinion, one that describes contact the appropriate police or humane your concern without accusing anyone of law enforcement agency! Merely circulat- starving their animals.) ing e-mails, while well-intentioned, does not You can keep advocating for animals— prohibit an offender from obtaining animals just keep these points in mind before hitting 1 2 from “free to good home” ads in a newspa- the “send” key! 1. Trim 2. Apply adhesive per, adopting them from organizations that nails to caps aren’t as active on e-mail and listservs, or The information in this article does not even stealing them from backyards. constitute legal advice and should not be used If the police are dismissive or refuse to as a substitute for the advice of competent investigate, you may want to seek the help legal counsel. If your organization is facing a of an animal law attorney. The Animal Legal legal issue, contact an attorney. 3 4 Defense Fund is a great resource for finding 3. Apply caps 4. Observe for help—its website lists 19 state and 13 re- to nails 5 minutes gional bar associations that have animal law committees (aldf.org/article.php?id=277), as To purchase contact: Pet Edge - 800.738.3343 Have a question about how the law Ryan’s Pet Supplies - 800.525.7387 might apply to your agency’s policies and practices? Send it to us at asm@ For special adoption programs call: humanesociety.org. Soft Claws direct 800.762.7877 x508

www.softclaws.net SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 51 Soft Claws is a registered trademark of Soft Paws, Inc., Lafayette, LA. Patents #4,962,731, #7,069,879, # D564,713S other patents pending. Product components made in USA and China. Distributed exclusively by SmartPractice, Phoenix, AZ. 71826_1008 © 2008.

volunteer management

Take Time for Training Successful volunteer programs rely on well-prepared people matched to the right roles

BY HILARY ANNE HAGER AND MEGAN WEBB

KNOWS DAY-TO-DAY TASKS HAS CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS GRASPS BIG PICTURE

CAPABLE IS EMOTIONALLY OF LIFTING PREPARED HEAVY OBJECTS

CAN WALK DOGS

IS ABLE TO STAND FOR LONG PERIODS

Over and over again, we see it: Animal be disruptive, make high-stakes mistakes, give Keep in mind, though, that even if people welfare agencies caught in a catch-22. They out incorrect information, or somehow set up are experts in a general sense, they will have know they need volunteers to help complete the animals for failure. Nearly all of these is- little understanding of how their knowledge the tremendous amount of work that needs to sues can be prevented with the right training applies in your organization. They will still be done, but they often feel they don’t have for the right individuals in the right jobs. need orientation to the ground rules and lay time to train them. But failing to train volun- It’s critical to figure out what type of pro- of the land. teers always backfires and leads agencies to gram you need and want to have. If you need If the work requires little previous knowl- lose more time fixing the problems untrained people who are experts from the get-go, you edge of animal welfare or animal care, it volunteers can create. can recruit only dog trainers and cat whis- might not matter what type of volunteer you Staff members often fear that volunteers perers and cut down on your need to train bring in, as long as you can provide the gen- will cause more trouble than they’re worth, on basic animal handling and training skills. eral framework for their tasks. These volun-

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 53 [volunteer management]

Physical Skills Each volunteer position has a different set of physical requirements. For example, walking MANAGER SKILL: dogs is likely to be more physically rigorous CAN BEND OVER than assisting the public with the adoption BACKWARD TO process. Organizations should look at each ENSURE VOLUNTEERS task and identify the physical abilities the ARE PROPERLY volunteers need to be safe, do the job effec- TRAINED tively, and meet the organization’s needs. It’s useful to make potential volunteers aware of the requirements during their introduc- tion to the organization and its volunteer opportunities, especially if the requirements for each position vary widely. Many people simply don’t have any idea of what the organization’s needs are, or what volunteering might involve. Sharing the physical needs with them early in the process will help them to self-identify where they might fit best. Physical skills (such as the ability to lift certain weights or stand for long periods) are things the volunteers must innately have; the organization is unlikely to be able to train volunteers in these areas. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/EVA MADRAZO Mental Skills The mental skills required can range from teers might help organize donated supplies, when they start the position, and which ones being able to read, write, and communicate do yard work, or hand out informational fliers can your organization instill through training effectively to possessing excellent customer at events—all useful tasks, but ones that may or support? service and problem-solving abilities. Each not require experienced volunteers. For example, if you evaluate your dog volunteer task will have different require- Both inexperienced and expert volun- volunteer position and realize you need your ments, and a thorough examination of what teers can be helpful, but you should never volunteers to provide education to the public, the organization needs to succeed will help bring in inexperienced volunteers and assign the ability to communicate will be a critical determine which types of people will be best them work that must be done in a particular skill. Most agencies don’t have the ability to suited to each role. way (with serious consequences if it is not), teach new volunteers communication skills, and then fail to provide the training they so you’ll probably have to screen volunteers Emotional Skills need to succeed. This happens all the time, in beforehand. Most agencies remember that they need to all kinds of shelters and rescue groups across train their volunteers on the knowledge and the country. It’s a setup for frustration and Knowledge physical needs of the position, but they forget disappointment, and a surefire way to have Potential volunteers need to grasp the big- the emotional aspects. We need to prepare things go badly for everyone. ger picture of the organization (Is it public volunteers to deal with the emotions they are To create a training program or revise an or private? Does it provide sheltering or fos- going to face when working with homeless existing one, start by selecting one volunteer tering? What programs and services does it animals, upset citizens, and frustrated or even position in your agency, then break it down offer?) and the smaller picture, knowing how hostile staff. Volunteering with animals is not into its different elements. What specific to complete specific day-to-day tasks. They like volunteering at a Little League, child’s things do the volunteers need to know how need to know how to answer questions from school, or thrift store; it’s a highly emotionally to do from the minute they arrive for their the public, speaking about the organization charged environment that requires people shift until the time they’re ready to leave? and its functions with language that the or- to be emotionally prepared to function well Use the chart provided at animalsheltering. ganization provides—rather than making up within it. org/volunteer_skills to identify the knowl- their own answers based on possibly faulty When you look at the list of possible skills edge and abilities needed for the position. information. Each organization will need to we’ve provided, you may feel overwhelmed. How important are each of these to the po- determine the best way to provide instruction However, your agency will benefit by realiz- sition? Which ones must a volunteer have in these areas. ing that if you truly don’t have the resources

54 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG to do much training, then you need to focus tant things are left out or that too much time on screening for volunteers who already have will be spent on one thing over another. those skills or pare down the job descrip- tion to require less. You don’t want to put an Types of Training untrained volunteer into a position that asks People learn differently and have different them to do things beyond their capacities. preferences about how material is presented You must either provide training, require less to them. Some people learn best when they from the volunteers, or screen for volunteers hear things; others learn best when they read with existing skills. the material; and others learn best when they The good news is that you don’t have to learn hands-on. The best approach to take is conduct all the training yourself. You should to develop a training plan that incorporates take advantage of the expertise and experi- all of these elements so you can meet the ence of your staff and longtime volunteers by needs of a wide range of learners. having them help. It will save you quite a bit of Once the material is outlined, the next time, increase staff buy-in and support of the step is to focus on how best to deliver each volunteer program, and build leadership and piece of content. Some elements of the train- commitment among your core volunteers. ing are great to have in a written manual and The most important elements of success- touched upon briefly in a verbal presentation. ful training are making sure you properly Other things might need to be shown. For identify the information that needs to be example, if you have volunteers who will be shared, the right methods of sharing it, and doing laundry or dishes, it’s likely to be more the right people to deliver the material. We’ve effective to show someone how to set up the heard that humans only retain 20 percent sink and operate the dishwasher than to ex- of what they hear. They retain 40 percent of plain it in a step-by-step instruction sheet. what they hear and see, but retain 80 percent The size of the program might also inform of what they hear, see, and do. Good train- the training format. In a smaller program, it ings provide opportunities for people to ac- might be possible to do one-on-one trainings, tually practice (under supervision) the work or to put a small group of trainees with the they’ll be doing in order to ensure it’s being trainer in a group setting. With larger pro- done correctly. grams, a classroom setting might be a more effective way to train bigger groups of people Who Does the Training? at the same time. While it can be more effi- One thing we hear a lot from animal organiza- cient to train in large groups, it’s important to tions is that they don’t have the staff to do the keep in mind that the content needs to be the trainings. This should not be a barrier to put- guide: It’s a challenge to show 20 people at ting together an excellent training program. once how to work the washing machine. We both utilize volunteer trainers in our pro- There are lots of ways trainings can work; grams to train our other volunteers. there is no one right way to do it. Each organi- With input from staff, volunteers, and the zation needs to make a decision about what volunteer program manager, a curriculum will best suit its own structure and the goals can be developed that covers all of the items of the program. The critical part is that it gets the group decides are critical, and volunteers done, and done well. can be trained to deliver the content in the At Hilary’s shelter, volunteers attend a most effective ways possible, freeing up staff general orientation, and then are assigned to do their own work. to trainings for the volunteer opportunity in Regardless of who does the trainings, the which they plan to participate. Anyone who material must be developed in such a way will ever handle a dog at the shelter must at- that it can be delivered consistently no matter tend a class on safe dog handling; anyone who is leading the training. This means find- who will ever touch a cat attends one on safe ing trainers who are good at training, who cat handling. The courses include an intro- enjoy it, and who view it as a fun opportunity duction to animal body language and behav- rather than a chore. It also means creating a ior, how to read the animals’ paperwork, how script of some sort that everyone can follow, to handle the animals safely, how to get the which eliminates the possibility that impor- animals in and out of their kennels or cages,

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 55 [volunteer management]

and how to train and socialize the animals tors, it’s important that the trainees not only during their stay. observe the correct way to do it, but that they Following the safe-handling classes, vol- also do the task with the mentor watching unteers attend the training relevant for their and available to give feedback and answer position; they either attend a feline or canine questions. It might also be worth considering training class, and/or another one-on-one, developing a quiz. on-the-job training session. These trainings At Hilary’s shelter, an assessment has cover how to sign in and out of the shelter, been designed that has written, oral, and how to prepare for the shift, how to complete hands-on elements to gauge how prepared all the tasks on the shift, and how to answer junior volunteers are to work independently. all of the frequently asked questions they’ll The next step will be to develop this type encounter. All volunteers must also complete of assessment for all volunteers; if the teens a one-hour observation shift at the front coun- aren’t getting it right, it’s likely other folks ter so they’ll know what a “day in the life” of won’t, either. staff can be like. At each stage of the train- Another useful tool is a checklist of Megan Webb is the director of Oakland ing, the volunteer trainers can report back to training items for volunteers and their train- Animal Services in California. Hilary if they feel the trainee is having diffi- ers to mark; it represents an agreement that culty learning the material or if they are be- the content was taught by the trainer and having in a way that is a cause for concern. received by the trainee. In the event a volun- Each of the trainings described have vi- teer claims to have not learned something, sual elements (handouts, demonstrations, you will then have documentation that they PowerPoint presentations, or written docu- acknowledged receipt of the information, mentation), and an oral presentation with which can come in handy in the event of a plenty of opportunities to ask questions and disciplinary action. quiz the trainees to assess their comprehen- Finally, we highly recommend that the sion. The sessions also have hands-on ele- training be part of the application process ments where volunteers can practice getting a to be a volunteer. You need to actually see dog or cat out of the cage or kennel, or walk- a volunteer in action and doing the work to ing a dog with appropriate leash-handling see if they are going to be successful in the techniques. position. It’s important to make this clear at Some of the basic things volunteers need the outset and inform potential volunteers to know can be covered in a volunteer ori- that the training process is a way to see if the Hilary Anne Hager is the shelter activities entation or handbook, including volunteer volunteer position is a good fit for them. Too coordinator for Everett Animal Services in policies and required commitment; organiza- often shelters bring in people to volunteer Everett, Wash. tional mission, vision, and values; and griev- who aren’t right and can’t or won’t follow the ance procedures, termination policies, etc. training, but feel that they can’t ask them to Any informational handouts the organization leave after they’ve started. uses to share information with the public All of these steps require some effort on should also be provided to volunteers to help the part of volunteer managers and the orga- them understand adoption policies, what the nizations they serve. It might feel like an over- organization does, and anything else they’re whelming task, but the benefits are such that likely to be asked in their role. agencies can’t afford not to do the structural work required to make the program succeed. Making it Stick Stepping back from the hectic day-to-day No matter what type of training program is to accomplish this type of analysis and pro- implemented for the volunteers, it only works gram development will produce incredible if they’re actually learning. At every stage of dividends and benefit the program immeasur- the process, it’s important to check with the ably. You just need to be willing to take the trainees to make sure they understand what’s first step. being said. A great way to do that in a classroom setting is to take breaks from content Go to animalsheltering.org/volunteer_skills delivery to ask questions of the class, or to for a chart that will help you determine nec- ask students to demonstrate how to do a par- essary skills and training for your volunteer ticular task. If trainees are working with men- positions.

56 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG marketplace

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 57 [marketplace]

58 ANIMAL SHELTERING MAY/JUNE 2010 ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG [marketplace]

SEE YOU AT EXPO MAY 12–15! ANIMALSHELTERING.ORG/EXPO 59 off leash

Meet the REAL Slum Dogs of India A British photographer captures the daily lives of the subcontinent’s street dogs

BY JIM BAKER

When she left England in 2007 to travel through India, Eloise Leyden knew she’d see street dogs. She’d traveled in Asia and Central America in the past, and seen the profusion of stray animals who roam many city streets. She planned to put her newly minted degree in photography to good use by undertaking a project that would give her trip to the subcontinent more meaning. “So I had it in my head that I would con- centrate my camera on the stray dogs, and so ELOISE LEYDEN I got there, and the more I was photograph- Sharda Chandeliya, a staff member at TOLFA, prepares the daily food for the former street ing them, the more I sort of fell in love with dogs living at the sanctuary in Pushkar, Rajasthan. The happy guy on her lap is permanent resident, Squirrel. them … but I never anticipated that I would get so involved in their actual place in India, Change is slow to come, especially in a Dogs of India (Merrell Publishers Limited, the situation that is out there, and how they society plagued with other problems; more 2009). A portion of the proceeds from the can be helped,” Leyden says. than once, Leyden’s lens captured people sale of each book is donated to TOLFA; Through a chance encounter in living on the street in conditions little bet- Leyden now serves as one of the organiza- Pushkar—a city in the Indian state of ter than that of the dogs. And the dogs tion’s trustees. Rajasthan—Leyden heard about the work have lived this way for hundreds of years. Leyden says two huge things must hap- of Tree of Life for Animals (TOLFA), a non- “They’re hardy, they’re survivors, and they pen to improve the situation of India’s street profit group that runs an animal hospital and bear the scars of their survival,” Leyden says. dogs: India must find a way to reduce the shelter in the city. Founded by fellow Briton “I didn’t want people to see the book and trash that litters the streets, providing an Rachel Wright, TOLFA’s goal is to take steps go, ‘Oh, isn’t it dreadful?’ I wanted to get endless supply of food; and spay/neuter pro- to humanely control the dog population across that it’s just part of life out there, and grams must be established nationwide. through spay/neuter programs and provide that actually it’s kind of beautiful in a way. She found that the attitude of Indians veterinary care to any animal who needs it— You have to leave your perceptions at toward street dogs ranges from especially street dogs. home, and just see it for indifference to hostility to the Leyden spent three days at TOLFA’s com- what it is.” occasional gesture of kind- pound, helping to take care of its permanent But while she recog- ness—a scrap of food tossed residents (at that time, about 20 dogs, as well nized the reality, Leyden still their way. But they are such as cats, cows, and goats) and photographing wanted to help. Later in her a normal part of the fabric the animals, then left to continue her travels trip, she returned to TOLFA, of Indian life that, for most around the country. this time spending a month people, they simply fade into But the shelter stayed in her mind as she feeding and walking those the landscape. continued taking photos while making friends dogs who, due to illness or in- Maybe her book, de- with the dogs, learning to love them, and firmity, will live the rest of their picting the dogs as the seeing “their spirit and their personality and lives at the shelter. individuals that they are, will help to the hard life they live,” she says. “And yet Upon returning to England, change that. so many of them, all they really wanted was Leyden decided to shape her photos into a To learn more about Leyden’s photogra- a big cuddle, and if I had a chapathi [Indian book. The result was quickly picked up by phy, visit her website at eloiseleyden.co.uk. To flatbread], then all the better.” a publishing house, where it became Slum learn more about TOLFA, visit tolfa.org.uk.

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