Through a Volunteer s Eyes by Tara Rose

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1 TELL TAILS INSIDE: Through a volunteer s eyes President s Letter Welcome new volunteers Bandit Peaches An amazing dog More from our volunteers Volunteers at work Saki A Happy Tail Egypt Spark Got Gallileo bones Meet Prince Meet Bella Jolie Come Meet Lil Foot Through a Volunteer s Eyes by Tara Rose While volunteering at the shelter I am occasionally asked by prospective volunteers how it is that I can volunteer at an animal shelter when it s so sad. To me, the answer is simple. They need us. The dogs need us. They need us to advocate for them. They need us to educate the public on the importance of saving a life. They need us to educate others that shelter dogs make wonderful pets, deserving of a loving family and home. They need us to raise awareness about our shelter, and the activities that shelter staff and dog handlers partake in to help our dogs adapt to home life. They need us to raise vital funds that help maintain shelter operations so that they can have a better quality of life during their shelter stay. And most importantly, they need us as their matchmaker, to help them unite with the best possible family so they can flourish in their forever home. We experience great joy watching our shelter dogs progress from scared and unsocialized to healthy happy pets. Tara with Bella Spring 2013 The staff needs us. They are very busy caring for the dogs, and with operations that help run the shelter successfully. We need to be their front line, greeting visitors at the door to help guide them toward the dog who would best fit their lifestyle. I can t help but mention something that has left an impression on me while volunteering at our shelter. And that is the caring and compassionate staff. The dogs are truly treated as their own, and to me, that sets our shelter apart from others. It just makes me proud to be a part of the team. Continued on page 4 The Shelter Connection is a volunteer organization at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter. Our mission, in partnership with the Town, is to improve the quality of life for the dogs at the shelter and increase adoptions through training and socialization. A secondary mission is public education to shift the public perception about shelters and dispel the myth that shelter dogs are damaged goods. The shelter is located at 75 Marino Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050

2 The Shelter Connection 2 Board of Directors Robert Slifkin MD President Jeff Rosen Treasurer Marianne Sikora Secretary Rosanne Palumbo Wellmaker Director of Training Regina Lagrasta Volunteer Coordinator Denise Waters Special Events Coordinator Newsletter Editor Paula Hornak Kellner Education and Public Awareness Coordinator Advisory Board Sue Hassett Asst. Director, North Hempstead Animal Shelter Erik Tallbe, CPA Accountant Chantelle DiLorenzo Attorney Special Thanks to: CastleRock Printing for their Contribution towards printing This newsletter The Shelter Connection P.O. Box 226 Greenvale, NY tsc@theshelterconnection.com The Shelter Connection is an all volunteer nonprofit charitable organization. All contributions are spent on programs and services to improve the quality of life of dogs at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter. All contributions are fully tax deductible. President s Letter: 2012 was a good year for The Shelter Connection. Despite a horrible economy our supporters remained generous enabling us to meet our primary obligation to improve the quality of life for our shelter dogs. In addition to funding the Mend-A- Paw Fund, shelter improvements and the food budget supplement (detailed in the Winter 2013 Tell Tails newsletter): Every dog taken in was tested for Heartworm and dogs that tested positive were treated before being adopted (testing and treatment by Mend-A-Paw). Several Pit Bull Terriers from the community were neutered (the Pit Stop program) courtesy of The Shelter Connection The highly successful Progressive Pit Program has worked wonders and increased adoptions for a difficult to adopt breed. The Shelter Connection provided books and lessons for entire classes in community schools to foster humane education and respect for animals. To give back to our community The Shelter Connection purchased play equipment for a Town of North Hempstead community dog park. The Shelter Connection sponsored 35 rescue dogs in 2012 (more than 500 as of 2012). Dedicated volunteers spent countless hours as Adoption Advisors helping potential adopters find new four footed family members and, as dog handlers, helping our dogs become better potential family members. For the future we are researching programs to microchip all of the dogs at the shelter with the shelter listed as a second contact to ensure that our dogs get home. We also hope to resume our lecture series in the evenings at the shelter. All of this could not have been accomplished without fantastic community support. THANK YOU! Bob Slifkin WELCOME! The shelter would like to welcome our newest volunteer adoption advisors: Jody Amsel, Ryan Bloom, Suzanne Bloom, Alba Cera, Christine Cralidis, David Fritzhand, Alex Himel, Robin Flaton Livote, Holly Marvin, Victoria Russo, Kailyn Shupnick, Hanna Suh, Ellie Suh BANDIT Our Bandito has been with us for quite a while. He is a handsome Hound/Pit mix and probably the best trained dog at the shelter! He is super smart and well-loved! He has an exuberant but restrained personality from all his training. He is not comfortable around other dogs so he will not be a dog park or play date kind of dog but he would be great with human playmates. If you have a fenced in backyard and a willingness to play catch with a best buddy, Bandit is your guy!!

3 Tell Tails Spring 2013 Peaches An AMAZING Dog by Sarah E. Holinski Peaches Holinski was truly an amazing dog. She was found on the streets near Northern Boulevard at about 8 years old. Rescued by The Shelter Connection, under their tender loving care, Peaches grew stronger, her sweet gentle personality immediately endearing her to the entire staff. An affectionate and obedient Pit Bull that seldom bared her teeth, especially when accepting a biscuit, Peaches became a fast favorite at the shelter. Classes of small children would even frequently visit her, eager to meet the dog who was living proof that Pit Bulls are one of the most genial and often misunderstood breeds of dogs. After nearly 6 months at The Shelter Connection, Peaches encountered a loving but grieving family who acknowledged her quiet sweetness but was still mourning the loss of their beloved Dalmatian, Pepper. Ever kind and sensitive, this Pit Bull patiently waited until they were ready to take her home, so overjoyed when they finally did that she fairly leaped into the backseat of their Oldsmobile. Peaches adored her new house, sniffing and in some cases rolling around every inch of it. She also loved her handcrafted doggy bed made by her new Daddy, but her favorite place would always be upstairs, curled up next to her Mommy, Daddy or Sarah. A mother at heart, Peaches instinctively recognized when a family member was sick, never straying far from their side and careful not to make too much noise around them. In fact, she rarely barked inside the house, unless she saw another dog or personwalk too closely to the front yard. As long as people came in calm and friendly, however she would welcome them with open paws! In fact, Peaches was such a well-behaved dog, her Daddy could drive her anywhere the beach, a neighbor s garage, even the office of the NALC Postal Union. Everywhere she went, this tough looking but golden-hearted Pit Bull garnered new friends and admirers. Despite her hearing loss and weakness in her back legs, Peaches never complained, happy to do and help her family in any way she could, protecting and adoring them with all her heart until the very end. It was with heavy hearts and many tears that the Holinskis decided to put their dear Peaches to sleep. For two years, she had been a loving and devoted companion. Her legs had rapidly worsened however, to the point where she couldn t really walk anywhere. She was not able to do her business without assistance. This was no life for any dog, especially one as extraordinary as Peaches. From the Holinskis: We love you, Peaches! Your kind presence will be deeply missed. You may have been older when we adopted you, but we couldn t have asked for a better pet! You opened our minds and hearts to loving a new dog. You showed us that losing a beloved animal may break your heart, but letting another dog that needs you into it only makes it grow back even bigger. So, all of you future pet owners out there, remember: rescuing a dog, especially an older one, may have its difficulties, saying goodbye to them sooner than you like being one of the toughest, but the gains far outweigh the losses you experience. They certainly did for us, with our beautiful Peaches. ****R.I.P. Peaches! Thanks for everything! God bless you, now and always!**** 3

4 The Shelter Connection Through a Volunteer s Eyes continued from page 1 Like any animal shelter, there are occasionally difficult circumstances that arise that can make you angry or sad, and possibly even question your faith in mankind. But the reward greatly outweighs the bad, any day. Volunteers just have to visit our website shelterconnection.org and view our Happy Tails section a long list of testimonials of loving matches that we, the volunteers, helped create...and THAT is priceless. More from our volunteers: To walk through the kennel, speak kindly to the dogs, and feed them biscuits, is to feel that I am doing something, however small, to rebuild their trust in people and make their lives better. The heartbreak of seeing them without families turns to teary-eyed joy each time one of them finds a home. Deborah Marchini I adore the dogs, seeing them, giving them a treat, and talking to them. I love that they recognize me and accept me and no longer bark. I also have made friends with many of the volunteers and the people that work there are wonderful Merill Janover The most rewarding experience! There is nothing like spending time with a great group of people whose hearts of gold focus on helping dogs in every way they can. Rosanne Wellmaker I am an Adoption advisor and Dog Handler. Being a Dog Handler makes me a better Adoption Advisor because I really know the temperament of many of the dogs and can match up prospective adopters to the right dog. Kathleen Gloznek Volunteering at this shelter isn t just volunteering, it is my hobby and I love coming to the shelter as often as possible! Michael Greener Despite the best efforts of our dedicated staff, the lives of shelter dogs are lonely and stressful. The fact that these dogs can retain their capacity for joy and affection never ceases to amaze me. Ruth Stern Beginning as an Adoption Advisor and then as a Dog Handler has been soulfully rewarding on many levels. The skills and level of professionalism learned from this remarkable shelter recently enabled me to assist with Hurricane Sandy Dog Rescues at our local college. Many many woofs!! Janice Mancuso I like helping out. I like to help out animals as well as people. It feels good to help out for a good cause. Dylan Mahalko Kelsey Nathan started last February as part of her Bat-Mitzvah project. She enjoyed the experience so much that she has continued volunteering every other Saturday throughout this year as well. In May, when she becomes a Bat-Mitzvah she has also established a donation box to further aid the shelter and the dogs that she has grown to love. But the most fulfilling part of her experience has been interacting with the dogs and watching as they go to loving families where they can find a true home. Sari Nathan 4

5 Tell Tails Spring 2013 Regina with Ruby John teaches Ebony the walk Ebony teaches John the Jump VOLUNTEERS AT Work Louise, Luther, & Laura Denise with Ruby Jiggs goes home party! Julie & Denise with Ruby Adrienne & Laura with Colette Tara with Chip going home Jim (middle) with Gusto going home Laura, Denise, Roc & Linda with Egypt 5

6 The Shelter Connection 6 SAKI: A Happy Tail By Anne Bartolotta I wanted to adopt Saki from the minute I met him but he wasn t available for adoption. He belonged to a family that I pet sit for. When they called to book the pet sitting they informed me that they added a second dog to the household a Shih Tzu that they adopted from the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter. I d find him in the house when I went there. I was apprehensive at first. I ve met a few Shih Tzus that are snappy. I was hoping I would be able to handle him for the weekend. The family assured me that Saki was sweet. When I first met him he wagged his tail softly and looked up at me with his big brown eyes. I lifted him out of the crate and he leaned into me. I was immediately impressed with how trusting and affectionate he was. He had come to the animal shelter as a stray. I was even more impressed with him when we went for a walk. Not only was he housebroken but he was confident, friendly and amazing with other dogs. When dogs barked at us, he ignored them. After I pet-sat Saki for the second time, I was even more taken with him, and he with me (I think). I asked the family if I could have him. They said no, they loved him and were keeping him. In September I found out the family was moving. I asked if they were taking Saki. They said yes. I was deeply disappointed. They were moving far away. I would never see him again. Imagine my surprise when I got a call in November asking if I was serious about adopting Saki. Family circumstances had changed. They weren t able to keep him. I said yes of course. They said I could have him as soon as the next day. Then the phone went dead. We were in the middle of another storm. Trees were down. The power was out. I sent a text stating that I would pick up Saki as soon as I could. I wondered if they got it. Finally I picked him up on November 10th. He settled in quickly. Training went well. He taught me that he doesn t like dry dog food and that he doesn t want to sleep in his crate. By Thanksgiving he was ready to meet the extended family. Everyone loved him right away. I take him most places with me. When he isn t with me, people ask for him. When I wasn t able to attend a family dinner my brother expressed his disappointment. He said that everyone would miss the dog. When we took him to the outlets for the day, my sister pointed out that we could hardly shop. So many people stopped to meet Saki. He brings a smile to everyone s face. Sometimes I wonder how he could be so gentle and trusting. He was bounced around a bit in his short life. I don t know where he spent the first year of his life or how he was treated. One thing is for certain Saki is home at last! Egypt Dear sweet Egypt had to be surrendered when her family s living situation prohibited dogs. She is another victim of family circumstances changing a sad fact happening with more and more frequency. She is fun in training class and is happy to just sit on a rug and chew a bone. She will probably be best in a single dog household where she can have your undivided attention! Spark Sparkalicious as she is a known by handlers and staff, is about as squishy as a dog can be, always melting herself into anyone willing to pat her head and give her a kind word! She is a bouncy girl who has learned to crate easily. She is learning her manners living in the office of a shelter employee. If you want a dog you can meld with, she is your girl.

7 GOT Galileo bones, Large Nylabones? Tell Tails Spring 2013 As always, many dogs, many needs. Continuing the GOT? Series we again ask for your help with large bones for the dogs. We can also use extra large black kongs. These help keep our pups sane until they get adopted. The dogs burn up lots of stress chewing for hours on these simple dog toys. The dogs thank you as do we! Meet Prince: Smarter than a fifth grader Gotta tell ya, after handling dogs at the shelter for nigh on 13 years now, and tho there have been many smart dogs, Prince should be a MENSA dog! He has far surpassed the basic sits and downs, and there is nothing he can t master! We keep our Ipads under lock and key because we believe he could learn to surf the web and shop for his own toys and treats!! If you have the smarts to keep up with this guy, come down to the shelter and meet him. One caveat he is smart enough to know he wants to be your one and only dog devoted to you, so he cannot go to a multi-dog household nor would he be a candidate for the dog park. If you enjoy a nice walk with your special guy, have a backyard to play with him and a soft bed for him to cuddle up, Prince is your guy! Meet Bella Our go to girl Groups of Girl Scouts regularly visit our shelter and Bella usually greets them. In the last group one of the girls was frightened of dogs since her little brother had been bitten by a dog. By the end of Bella s meet and greet the girl was smiling and asking to pet her and saying how very soft and nice she was! One small step for Pit Bulls reputations, but a big step for this little girl and her family and friends. Go Bella! Please Help us help the dogs At our local shelter Yes, I want to help improve the quality of life for the dogs at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter. Enclosed is my gift to support The Shelter Connection: $100 $50 $25 $15 $10 Other $ Please make checks payable to: The Shelter Connection and mail to: Your donation is fully tax deductible and will be acknowledged with a receipt. 100% of your donation will be applied directly to program services. The Shelter Connection P.O. Box 226 Greenvale, NY

8 The Shelter Connection Tell Tails Spring 2013 Jolie Jolie has the kind of face that makes you smile just looking at her. She has a twinkle of mischief in her eye that happens to be endearing...she makes you laugh with her silly antics and we think she knows it! She came to us emaciated and hairless. Her hair is almost all grown back and she has gained back her weight. She always does silly things in her training sessions that makes the handlers giggle at her! She would need to be the only dog as she prefers human to canine company and frankly, she deserves a nice back yard, a warm bed and a human to love! The Shelter Connection P.O. Box 226 Greenvale, NY Got large black kongs? Got Galileo bones?