Humanely Speaking Bangor Humane Society Newsletter

Transcription

1 Humanely Speaking Bangor Humane Society Newsletter Summer 2012 Features Every Match Made is a Life Saved Once Upon a Time Adoption Update The Upward Bound Experience Paws on Parade 2012 In Every Issue From the Director Ask the Vet Paws for Thought Shelter Highlights/Events Austin s Corner Our Guiding Principles Our Mission The Bangor Humane Society champions the humane treatment and adoption of companion animals, provides quality care for homeless pets, and promotes animal welfare through education and advocacy. Bangor Humane Society 693 Mt. Hope Ave. Bangor, ME Visit us on Facebook! BHS is proud to feed our pets Hill s Science Diet food! Every Match Made is a Life Saved By: Stacey R. Coventry Staff and volunteers show off their How to Save a Life Challenge t-shirts! O n August 1st, the Bangor Humane Society embarked on one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced in our 164-year history to save more lives than ever before and have a chance to win $100K for the shelter. BHS is competing against 50 other shelters nationwide for the same goal. The grand prize winner must have the largest net gain of lives saved between August 1st and October 31st (in comparison to the same timeframe for 2011). Competing shelters are eligible to win various grant prizes, including a $25K grant for the shelter that is able to demonstrate the most community engagement. We are energized and driven by the possibility to transform our agency through this challenge into the premier pet adoption facility in our community, says Suzan Bell, Executive Director. If we win the challenge, we will reinvest the money into developing and strengthening our community outreach programs to expand off-site adoption opportunities, grow our foster care family, and increase our collaborative partnerships with community organizations to increase the adoptability of our pets and to encourage pet adoption with our agency. BHS kicked off the Challenge during the first weekend of August and invited other shelters from across the state to support BHS and leverage the opportunity to save more lives. Greater Andrsocoggin Humane Society and Coastal Humane Society joined BHS for the kick-off and helped create momentum in the community for the challenge. Also, radio personality, Mike Dow from Kiss 94.5 reported live to help spread the word and encourage community members to adopt. Our goal through the kickoff mega adoption event was to kick off the challenge strong and see each of our animals get adopted into loving homes, says Bell. It was also an opportunity for us to collaborate with shelters across the state, so that all animals throughout Maine could be offered the same opportunity. Throughout the challenge, we hope to build a statewide coalition that supports and advocates for pet adoption and we invite everyone in the community to join us. Working together we can save more lives and enrich the lives of new adopting families. In the spirit of competition, BHS staff donned orange t-shirts with the slogan, Ask me how to save a life? Adopt! The lobby was decorated with orange and paw- First adoption of the challenge!! Continued on page 7

2 From the Director 2 I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of our staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and community partners who go above and beyond everyday to help us save more lives. Through their compassion, quality care, and dedication to treating every animal with dignity, respect, and humanity, we are able to embark on the biggest journey that the Bangor Humane Society has ever traveled on the ASPCA $100K Rachael Ray Challenge striving to save more lives than ever before! I am confident that our staff, community partners, and volunteers can rise to this challenge. Whether you come in and groom our cats, walk our dogs, foster our bottle-fed babies, generously sponsor one of our kennels, or spay/neuter our pets, you are part of our challenge team. For that, I thank you. As I write this, it is day six of the challenge. We have only just begun. But, I am proud to say that we are starting the challenge off strong with 157 adoptions to date. To all of our loyal adopters who visit regularly to adopt a new furry feline or canine into their family, thank you. To all those who attended our kick-off event in early August and adopted from us for the first time, thank you, and welcome to our expanding BHS family. While I am confident that our team can meet this extraordinary challenge, we cannot do it alone. We need every member of the community who supports our mission and chooses adoption to join forces with us. Because, for every animal that has been adopted since we began this competition, two have been surrendered. While many have a legitimate reason or need to surrender their pet, there is a segment of the population in the community that fails to take responsibility, or to spay/neuter their pet. Despite local spay/neuter programs and despite our efforts to educate the community on responsible pet ownership, individuals continue to bring us their pets. Many don t leave a monetary donation to help support their care and many continue to return regularly. I am happy to say these individuals are in the minority. So, I ask all of you in the majority to join us during the challenge, help us educate our community, and to each do our part for a great reward to save more lives. Each of these lives has a value and there is a monetary cost to being a responsible pet owner- there s no such thing as a free kitten. There s food and shelter costs, veterinary expenses, and staff wages that are required for us to do right by these furry companions that is the least of what they deserve. Whether you foster, adopt, visit our new mobile adoption van, share inspiring accolades on Facebook, write a check, or donate blankets thank you and welcome to the team. Now, onward, to 1,200 lives saved by October 31st! Photo courtesy: Karen Littlefield Ike, a transfer pup, adopted during the kick-off. Best Regards, Hours of Operation Monday Friday: 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Board of Directors Emily McIntosh, President Amy Faircloth, Vice-President Steve Thomas, Treasurer/Past President Lani Naihe, Secretary Robert Shuman Anne Marie Storey, Past President David Cloutier, DVM Louise Cross Shriar Patterson Bob Williams Renee Ordway John Kenney Lanni Moffatt Matt Nye Jeff Russell Our Staff Executive Director Suzan Bell Shelter Operations Manager Chris Young Office Manager & Bookkeeper Deborah Hawkins Volunteer & Public Relations Manager Stacey R. Coventry Adoption Counselors Sonia, Brittney, Kristin, Brittany, Cody, Carol, Trevor Animal Technicians Sadie, Charmaine, Sarah, Tasha, Kimberly, and Jill Veterinary Technician Alayne Newton Foster Care Program Kimberly Patterson

3 Your Donor Dollars Matter... Once Upon a Time... By: Stacey R. Coventry 3 Most of the animals that find their way to BHS are wonderful, loving household pets that are simply victims of circumstance. But, every once in a while, the staff and volunteers at BHS are called to action. In these times, they must offer the most compassionate care, sympathetic attention, and patient rehabilitation to some of the most vulnerable animals. On June 28th, Maine Animal Welfare agents rescued eighteen huskies from the most inhumane living conditions that one could ever imagine. These dogs were made to live in small, dirty outdoor kennels without food and adequate water supply. Their primary purpose was to breed litter after litter of puppies to be sold for income. They were severely under socialized, scared, underweight and their coats were dirty, matted, and covered with mites. Animal Welfare Director, Liam Hughes, contacted BHS Executive Director Suzan Bell and asked if BHS could serve as a central headquarters to set up triage. Staff and volunteers, along with shelters from across the state, greeted Animal Welfare and the eighteen huskies at 1 p.m. The scene replicated a hospital s E.R. during a trauma crisis. One of the 18 huskies during the June triage at BHS. The overwhelming sights, smells, and sounds that unfolded triggered tre- Cinderella, today I n our Winter Newsletter we mentioned, Marley, a oneyear-old lab mix who desperately needed a double hip surgery for his severe hip dysplasia. Thanks to donor support and community partnerships, we successfully repaired and rehabbed both of Marley s hips. He was adopted in April to the Reynolds family. His new family tells us: He is doing fabulous. Aside from a funny shuffle that shows from the back when he walks, you wouldn't know he had the surgery. He has fit right in with our family and has developed a strong bond. He hates it when we go out and leave him behind! He starts obedience training soon. During the summer, we have lots of people visiting from Massachusetts and he just loves the company! We have a good size pond in our back yard and he loves to swim with everyone. He wakes up with the birds and is ready to go for his morning walk by 5:00-5:30 am. Lucky for him we are morning people. We walk about three or four miles Jasmine, today Adoption Update mendous empathy and emotion, but did not interfere with the ability for staff to focus and treat each husky with the care they so desperately needed and deserved. After three hours, every husky had been vet-checked, vaccinated, photographed and transferred to a shelter within the state. The events of that day show what a true community resource BHS is, says Hughes. It really showed the teamwork between state humane agents, BHS, and the other shelters. It sets a positive example of what the shelter world can do in the state of Maine. Of the rescued huskies, BHS took in four females two one-year-olds, a five year old, and a pregnant two year old. Staff has been working hard to rehabilitate each of the huskies. To date, they have all gained weight, Ariel (momma husky) gave birth to two viable pups, and they each have been aptly named after a Disney princess to help them on their journey One of Ariel s pups One of Ariel s pups to find a fairytale ending. We hope that in the next newsletter we can share their happily-ever-after s that they each deserve. with him in the morning and about another 1/2 mile to a mile again in the evening. He makes us laugh and has added so much quality to our lives. We are so glad we found him. We will bring him back for a visit just as soon as our tourist season is over. Continued on page 8

4 4 Ask the Vet Q: Now that my kids have gone back to school, I ve noticed our family dog demonstrating some negative behaviors. What is going on? A: Dogs are like kids. They need and thrive on quality time and attention. During the summer, our family pets get accustomed to the extra playtime they get from the kids being home from school. Now that it is back to school time, many family dogs will be feeling left out and in need of more attention. The quantity of time is not as important as the quality of time spent. Be sure to make some extra time to play with your family dog once the kids go back to school. Go for an extra long walk or spend and extra thirty minutes playing Frisbee in the backyard. Engaging in activities that will tire them out quickly will help eliminate their need to act out. If you have a dog-friendly dog than perhaps it is a good time of year to consider doggie daycare. Shelter Highlights & Events Thank you Qualey Granite & Quartz for hosting a Facebook fundraiser that raised $962 towards our veterinary expenses. And, thank you, Dr. Mark Hanks at Kindred Spirits for matching the dollars raised, for a total of $1,924! We like that for sure! Thank you Darlene Sweezey for painting a dog park theme to brighten and inspire our staff bathroom! Thank you Hallie Tyler from the Canine Camp for grooming 15 of our Shitz Tzu s! Follow our Facebook page and website for the up-to-date news on the Challenge, our Cats on Tour Mobile Adoption Program, and Paws on Parade! Seasonal Pet Tips You may think you are in the clear for flea and tick control, but stay diligent until consistent, cold frosts and snow set in! Ticks are most active during spring and fall. Be persistent! Keep your pets inside in a quiet environment, during Halloween festivities. And, remember, no candy or chocolate treats! If you change your own antifreeze, be sure to dispose of it correctly and clean up any spills. Even trace amounts can be fatal to your pet! Dr. Benson, Broadway Paws for Thought Female pets spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age! BHS Mobile Adoption Program Cats on Tour Lineup August 29: Kindred Spirits Vet Clinic in Orrington 12-4 pm September 10: Renaissance Dogs in Holden 12-4 pm September 15: TBD September 22: For Dogs in Holden 12-4 pm September 28: Green Acres Kennel in Bangor 12-4 pm October 1: Camden National Bank in Hampden 12-4 pm October 5: Camden National Bank in Hermon 12-4 pm October 13: Orono Rabies Clinic with Veazie Vet 9-11 am October 20: Bear s One Stop in Newport 12-4 pm October 26: Broadway Vet in Bangor 12-4 pm Thank you to Kah Bang, Tractor Supply, and Black Bear Inn who welcomed our Cats on Tour in August! Our new Cats on Tour Van Wrap! Thank you Davinci Signs!

5 The Upward Bound Experience Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded program which assists qualified students to improve their skills in high school and to prepare to enter and succeed in college. UB provides academic support during the school year and an intense six-week residential summer experience at UMaine, according to the program website. The funding for Upward Bound programs across the U.S. is in danger of elimination, making their 2012 potentially the last year for the program. The Upward Bound program serves around 120 freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors attending high school in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Waldo counties as well as the Greater Boston Area, the Greater Portland Area, and Oxford Hills. Students qualify economically, will usually be the first in the family to go to college, and are interested in pursuing higher education. This unique educational experience consists of daily studies focusing on the areas of math, science, English composition, foreign language, and literature. Courses are also offered in career development and the college selection process. Afternoon activities include either career related job-shadowing, individual project research or community service. We (Upward Bound at the University of Maine) have been very fortunate to have worked with the great people at the Bangor Humane Society for the past 20 plus years in our summer Work Experience program, says Rusty Brown, UB coordinator. Our students have gained valuable insight into the field of animal care as a potential ca- Our students have reaped the benefits of giving time and effort to such a valuable community resource. ~Rusty Brown Austin s Corner Hello again. It s Austin, beloved BHS house cat here to bring you the inside scoop on all the happenings at BHS. Unfortunately, since summer is the busiest time for the shelter with lots of animals coming and going, I have had to spend much of my summer safely tucked away in my own special feline quarters. I am sure you have heard by now about this ASPCA $100K Rachael Ray challenge that we are competing in. It doesn't surprise me one bit that the BHS commitment to pet adoption landed us as one of the 50 competitors. But, now that we are there, we need your help more than ever. Do you know what $100K could do for the shelter? With that kind of cash we could give the entire feline adoption room a face lift and maybe even build some nice outdoor kennels for those crazy canines (as long as there was enough left over for a lasting supply of catnip for yours truly). But, seriously, it s not just about the catnip. It s about community engagement. Like, our Volunteer Spotlight reer goal and they have also reaped the rewards of giving time and effort to such a valuable community resource." Summer is the busiest time of year for BHS, as we see an overwhelming influx of animals during this time. Having students from the Upward Bound program not only provides our agency with extra support in completing daily tasks, such as cleaning kennels, doing dishes, and walking dogs, that would otherwise prove burdensome, but it greatly contributes to the overall emotional and physical well-being of our shelter pets. The support that Upward Bound students provide helps decrease disease and increase the mental and emotional stimulation of our animals while they wait to be adopted. Not only does the agency benefit as a whole from their service, but it also gives us an opportunity By: Stacey R. Coventry to educate a motivated and passionate group on the tasks vital to shelter management. For those who want to advocate for continued funding for the Upward Bound program you are encouraged to contact your state representative. BHS extends our full support and gratitude for all that Upward Bound has done to help us save more lives, while forging an opportunity for us to educate young people. new Mobile Adoption Program, Cats on Tour, that may just bring your new furry feline match right to your backyard! So far, we have saved 158 lives since August 1st! That s a great start, but it is a long way from our 1,200 goal! To get us there, we need, you, to come visit us and adopt. If you can t adopt, drop off some donations of litter, toys, and food. And, if you re doing your summer cleaning, bring us your old towels and blankets we re going to need them especially for those litters of puppies we will be making room for. I, mean, frankly, I don t see what the fuss is all about with those miniature canines rolling about in their business. Us felines are practically born digging in our litter boxes. But, they tell me those pups will help our adult felines and canines find new homes. If that s true, then fuss away. So come visit me, adopt, bring a donation or a friend, or five. I ll be here waiting and making sure those pups don t find my catnip. Austin 5 An Upward Bound volunteer bottle feeds a kitten.

6 Paws on Parade 2012 By: Stacey R. Coventry 6 Now in its nineteenth year, Paws on Parade is a celebration of pets to benefit the shelter animals waiting forever homes at BHS. On October 6th, after months of individuals, teams, and businesses raising funds through pledges and sponsorships to support BHS, we will gather on the Bangor Waterfront to celebrate. Over a mile long, the route runs from the Bangor Waterfront through Downtown Bangor and meets back by the water. Last year over 300 participants walked with their dogs to help homeless pets in our community, despite the wet, soggy weather. Last year s event raised more than ever- $60,000! The event includes a variety of vendors, a pet costume contest, giveaways, and a runaway of BHS adoptable dogs for participants to enjoy. The money raised in Paws helps us attain important goals. In the last year we have: Spayed/neutered over 1500 animals. Provided emergency medical care to over 50 animals. Adopted out more than 2300 animals to loving homes. Reunited over 360 lost pets with their owners. Vaccinated over 1700 dogs and cats for rabies. Provided shelter, love and care to over 4250 animals that have found refuge at our door. Educated our local community on responsible pet ownership and raised awareness on the importance of spaying/neutering their pets. We hope to raise $65,000 during Paws on Parade This year, the money raised from Paws on Parade not only helps us fulfill our ongoing mission, but it will also help us save more lives as we compete in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, during August through October of this year. Our hope is to adopt out more animals during this time period than ever before, shifting us from the community s local animal shelter for unwanted pets to its premier pet adoption facility. Register in-person, at the event, or online at Then, join us on October 6th for a paws-itively good time! Photo courtesy: Karen Littlefield

7 Match Made. Continued from page 1 printed balloons. Every kennel was filled with furry friends hopeful that a new family would adopt them. O nce the doors opened, a slow and steady flow of adopters looking for their new best friend visited the humane society throughout the agency s extended hours for the kickoff weekend. In the first five days of the challenge, 138 matches were made and lives were saved. One-hundred-twenty during the kick-off weekend alone! To boost adoption numbers, BHS fee-waived adult cats and reduced adult dog adoption fees by 50% for the kick-off, and will continue to do so throughout the challenge. BHS also plans to have a steady flow of puppies available throughout the challenge by partnering with and transferring from other shelters. Research shows that adult cat and dog adoptions increase when puppies are available for adoption. BHS also plans to launch a Mobile Adoption Program, dubbed Cats on Tour, as a strategy to increase lives saved for the challenge. We plan to load up our newly fashioned BHS van, (thanks to Davinci Signs!) with lots of available cats and kittens. We will then travel to a new location each week. Businesses will welcome BHS to their site for a mini adoption event, offering incentives to adopters to thank them for choosing adoption. Some of the businesses committed so far are: Camden National Bank, Tractor Supply, Green Acres Kennel, Veazie Vet, Kindred Spirits, Black Bear Inn, Renaissance Dogs, For Dogs, and more. Photo courtesy: Karen Littlefield 7 It was an instant match-made between Peanut Butter, the kitten, and this sweet adopter! First adoption of the kickoff! Our 100th Adopter! Atlas, the Hound, waited for over 150 days in an Alabama shelter for an adopter that never came. He was transferred to BHS. On August 3rd, he finally found his match-made!

8 Adoption Update Continued from page 3 Kato, a six year old lab, also featured in our Winter newsletter, was finally adopted this July! After spending six months in foster care in order to lose 25 pounds, he was finally eligible for a cruciate repair surgery in his knee. His new family says: We have found a jewel in him. He is everything we could have asked for and more. The first night we went around the neighborhood to meet and greet all the kids. It was like the Pied Piper with his tail just a waggin' with every stop we made to pick up more kids to walk with us. We wanted to let you know that our boy, Kato, has stopped barking! He only barks now when he needs to go out. He has definitely had obedience training as he knows sit, down, stay, and no barking! He knows how to fetch and drop it. I truly believe Kato was meant to be with our family and is heaven sent. Thank you! Our Guiding Principles Treat all animals and people with respect, dignity, and integrity. Work diligently to end companion animal overpopulation by increasing awareness of spay and neuter programs. Promote adoption of physically and mentally healthy companion animals. Educate and train caretakers to develop fulfilling and lifelong relationships with their companion animals. Serve as responsible stewards of our resources. Hold ourselves to the highest standards of safety, care, and cleanliness. Raise public awareness with regard to the humane treatment of animals. Use euthanasia only as a last humane option in the best interest of the animal. 8 Kaiden thanks you for your support!