Washington Humane Society Blog

Happy Mother's Day!

  By: Bridget Speiser, Program Manager: CatNiPP

Mother's Day seems like a really appropriate time to reflect on all that the Washington Humane Society is doing to support the effort of animal population control through our various spay & neuter programs. 

While we all love the cuddles and kisses of puppies and kittens, the stark reality is that a real crisis exists when it comes to the number of animals and the number of available, loving homes.  Affordable, accessible spay & neuter services are key in combatting the population boom and really getting ahead of the crisis of available homes.

CatNiPP - the Cat Neighborhood Partnership Program - works through our Spay & Neuter Center to provide spay/neuter and vaccination services to the stray and feral cats that share our neighborhoods.  These services are provided through the work week and then once-a-month we hold a special clinic day on a Sunday, dedicated only to these often forgotten neighbors.  This Sunday clinic is typically held the 2nd Sunday of each month.

Normally I work to coordinate around calendar holidays.  It's nice for the volunteers to not have to choose between family commitments and community support.  But Mother's Day felt like a great day to hold a clinic.

In the past year, through CatNiPP, we have spayed, vaccinated and health-checked 740 female cats without traditional homes or families.  That's 740 kitty-mamas that can relax this year and simply enjoy their retired status.  I know that each of their dedicated community caregivers will be providing them with the very best pampering this holiday, like they do every day of the year.

Of course, there were male cats cared for as well - 668 male cats received services, too.  But we'll give them their day in July!  This weekend is about remembering the mommies!

If you are mommy to a sweet cat (or dog) of your own -- HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you!  If you regularly see a kitty in your neighborhood, stop for a moment this weekend and let them know you value them, too.  And we can help with spay/neuter services, if they need it! 

This Sunday, and in the days to come, we will continue to work to reduce the numbers of kitty-mamas until each and every kitten and cat can have a loving home to call her own.  Because every cat deserves a mommy of her own!

It's that time of year... the Bark Ball is Almost Here!

By: Tara

Mark your calendars; in just about one month (June 7th) the Washington Humane Society will celebrate its 21st Annual Bark Ball! In its 21st year, we assure you this Bark Ball will be one of the very best yet! This year, NBC News Chief White House Correspondent, David Gregory will be our Event Chair, and Mary Matalin and James Carville will be the honorary Chairs.

In keeping with a Decision 2008 theme, dogs attending the event (usually about 400 dogs in black-tie wag their tails in the ballroom at the Renaissance Hotel) will participate in Washington, DC's first ever Canine Primary, hosted by Capitol Dog Bakery!

You may not know this, but the Bark Ball is how I first became involved with the Washington Humane Society (WHS). At the time I was working for Washington Life Magazine, and had wanted to volunteer my public relations skills to a leading non-profit open-access animal welfare organization. I did my research and WHS caught my attention. So, I asked if I could help and be on the Bark Ball planning committee. Then, one thing led to another and I was asked to come on board full-time in October of 2006, and now here I am today!

The Bark Ball is an incredibly unique event, and the only one of its kind in Washington, DC where guests dressed in black-tie attire can bring their four-legged companion as their date. Something that I think is so very special about this event is its ability to bring people together; no matter who you are or where you come from, when your dog decides he/she wants to drag you over to meet the dressed up Great Dane in the corner, you instantly become friends with the owner of that dog. The human/animal bond transcends all boundaries and walls we build up around ourselves, and this type of interaction allows us to get to the substance of a person very quickly! So, to say the least, this is not your typical Washington, DC black-tie affair!

I remember last year watching our Event Chairs, Mary Matalin and James Carville make their way through the ballroom with their 5 dogs in hand, and seeing them connect with fellow guests on such an authentic level as their dogs sniffed and mingled with others. After attending so many different events in this town, it is so refreshing that this is one where people really can get to know each other and have fun while doing it. Most importantly, it is one of WHS's largest fundraisers and supports our programs and all of the thousands of animals we rehabilitate and care for each year! (photo below of WHS Board Chairman Jay Timmons, WHS President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine, Mary Matalin and James Carville)

So, before we sell out of tables and tickets, click here to purchase yours! It is a night you don't want to miss!

I would like to thank our generous Bark Ball sponsors: EJF CAPITAL, AMERICAN AIRLINES, COMCAST, NELSON B. DELAVAN FOUNDATION, WEIR FOUNDATION, HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS, LARRY AND ANISSA GROSSMAN, SAP AMERICA, US STEEL CORPORATION AND TERRY STRAUB, JAY TIMMONS, ERNST AND YOUNG LLP, AON CORPORATION, DOUG ZIMMERMAN.

BARK BALL GOURMET DOG TREATS WILL BE PROVIDED BY: DOGGIE STYLE BAKERY! (FYI, Doggie Style just re-opened their fancy all natural pet spa, so be sure to stop in and check it out. Call 202-667-0595 to make an appointment)

If you are interested in becoming a 2008 Bark Ball Sponsor, please click here! 

I hope to see you on June 7th!

Tinsley is found!

Tinsley was finally found at about 7pm this evening. She'd been hiding in a dark garage and is a little bit scratched up - but she's ok! Tara would like to send her thanks to everyone who was out looking for her - it means the world to know so many people care.

A collective sigh of relief was heard across the city!

Urgent- Please help us find Tinsley!

Hi Everyone,

We need your help today urgently to find our Director of Media and Communications' dog, Tinsley.  You may remember Tara DeNicolas introducing you all to Tinsley months ago.  Unfortunately today she was with a dog sitter and snuck out the door after getting spooked by something.  She was last seen running along MacArthur Blvd and Q St in NW DC. 

Tinsley is a very small tri-colored Jack Russell Terrier.  She weighs around 12 pounds and is wearing a Burberry patterned harness.  She also has a leather collar around her neck with Tara's phone number on it. 

Tinsley is most likely very scared and will run away from you if you try to chase her.  Please call DC Animal Control at 202-576-6664 immediately if you see her and we will relay the message to Tara who is in the area searching for her. 

Thank you all in advance for your help in this search - we'll post as soon as we find her.   

House Guest

By: Eleanor Blackford, Volunteer Program Manager

 

My house is currently foster-less, and with an impending mini-holiday on the horizon now is not the time to bring home a new critter.  However, I’m suffering from foster-syndrome after only a few days of not having one – and decided the next best thing would be to bring home our MasCat instead, Mr. Gregory Xavier Pibb. 

After checking with Hanna and Bridget, who heartily encouraged this endeavor, I picked him up from our WHS

Georgia Avenue shelter

on Friday afternoon and we headed home for a long weekend.  As volunteer Isabel pointed out, Gregory even fits in with my color scheme (Both of my dogs are black and white, and most of my foster animals have been as well.  Even my hamster fits in!). 

What a weekend!  Gregory is one busy little man.  In order for our MasCat to do his job well, he has to have a lot of gumption.  And gumption is definitely what Gregory has!  At one point this weekend I noticed him out of the corner of my eye, dancing across my living room on his back two legs, waving his front paws in the air.  Upon closer inspection, I realized he’d got his harness stuck around his bottom jaw – somehow (don’t worry – he didn’t wear the harness when I was gone.  But, I didn’t really think he could get into that much trouble with it on!  How wrong I was!).  He also kept trying to dart INTO the refrigerator every time I opened it, accidentally getting himself shut inside for a brief second before I realized he was behind the spinach.  There were also all those times he kept leaping onto something that just didn’t exist, instead creating a dull thud as he hit the ground.  Always running, of course. (photo below of Mr. Gregory Pibb investigating my bike)

 

He LOVED my dogs.  After a second or two of hissing when they first met, really more posturing than anything, he was racing around the house trying to get them to chase him.  My two kept looking up at me with eyes that said "ok – so I know we’re not supposed to chase the cats, but look mom.  He wants us to!’.  This morning it took me the longest time to figure out why Elsie was barking.  I realized Mr. Pibb was hiding under a blanket waiting to pounce on Ruckus’ tail, and Elsie was trying to join in the fun.  Instigating it, actually, I’m sure. 

Gregory also adores shoes (he’s a man after my own heart).  All weekend long, he’d go to my shoe pile, pick up a flip-flop or heel, and just carry it somewhere else in the apartment.  That’s all he’d do.  Just carry it.  I’d come home and find half a dozen shoes scattered all over the apartment, with a very tired kitty sleeping in the middle of it all.

 

Of course we worked on his training; went for walks outside, practiced ‘high five’, and met lots of different people.  So keep your eyes out for our fabulous and very lively little MasCat at a WHS event near you – you never know when you’ll get to meet Mr. Gregory Xavier Pibb.

What a Welcome!

by: Mr. Gregory Pibb - WHS Mascat Extraordinare

I have to admit that I fancy myself to be quite the fantastic feline, but the welcome I have received from the humans in this city has been nothing short of amazing. 

First, a big MEOW to the incredible staff of caregivers and attendants at both the Georgia Avenue Shelter and the New York Avenue Shelter.  My goodness!  These people work tirelessly, folks!  I am telling you!  The care and compassion that they show to each and every four-legged (or two-winged; or fork-tongued) creature that comes through the doors is unsurpassed.  I *still* think CATS RULE! . . . but I am really coming to love these humans I am meeting.

Second, a MEOW-MEOW to the amazing people at The Big Bad Woof in Takoma Park.  Yeah, it sounds like a dog-place, I know.  Some of my best friends are dogs . . . really.  And they do have wonderful things for dogs.  But this place is way more than dog-stuff!  I went there this morning with two of my staff and WOW!  Was I treated like royalty or what?!  They were so happy to greet me.  And they were ready to donate an incredible amount of gear and supplies to my cat closet!  I may have been born in a tuxedo, but a fine cat like me still needs to have some gear, you know.  Especially in my position as Feline Ambassador.  I've got to be ready to show cats of the world that nail trimming is easy; tooth brushing is a breeze, and how walking politely on a leash is not just for dogs.  All of that takes some supplies.  And the marvelous folks at The Big Bad Woof were more than happy to help me build my kit!

I could go on-and-on, but I recommend you visit them yourself!  You can see them online here: The Big Bad Woof. Poke around the site.  Look at how active they are in the community!  There are some great photos of cats and dogs in their Woof Buddies corner. 

And, of course, pay them a visit in person!  The Big Bad Woof -- 117 Carroll Street NW, DC -- in the heart of Takoma Park -- one block away from the Takoma Red Line Stop.  You can call them at: 202-291-2404.  The people and the selection of specialty foods and supplies will please even the most finicky of cats.

I can't wait to try out my new harness and leash!  Until next time, remember: The cat could very well be man's best friend but would never stoop to admitting it.  Meow for now!

  Mr. Pibb 

Foster Your Love for Cats!

By: Kate Zapf, Foster Program Coordinator

It seems like just a few days ago I was bundling up my dog for our treks in the cold winter weather, but with this beautiful balmy weather we’re having, there’s no denying now that Spring is here to stay! With the Spring come the kittens and they’re pouring into our shelters—tiny mewling ones still with their mom, rambunctious boys wrestling with their brothers, cuddly girls just learning to eat on their own. Our most valuable resource in addressing this onslaught is our Foster Program, which gets these vulnerable little ones out of the shelter and into safe, quiet homes where they can get big enough, strong enough and socialized enough for adoption. Without the dedication of our amazing volunteer Foster Parents, we would have few options for these adorable springtime specials.

Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways to help the animals of the District. Just by opening your home to some needy kittens until they are adopted, you can experience the joys of kitten companionship AND the pride of finding them a new, permanent home. You’ll also know that you’ve helped expand the walls of our shelter and opened up more space for homeless animals that need our help. 

All you need to care for kittens is a spare room—even a bathroom will do!—and a lot of love.  Becoming a Foster Parent is easy—just fill out an application and attend one of our upcoming  Cat/Kitten Foster Trainings. To learn more about our Foster Program, visit our website: http://www.washhumane.org/fostercare.asp or email me at kzapf@washhumane.org. 

Contact me for an application and then plan to attend one of these trainings:

Wednesday, April 30, 6 p.m. at 7319 Georgia Ave., NW

Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m. at 7319 Georgia Ave., NW

Saturday, May 10,  11 a.m. at 7319 Georgia Ave., NW

Wednesday, May 14, 6 p.m. at 1201 New York Ave., NW

Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. at 1201 New York Ave., NW

Monday, May 19, 7 p.m. at 7319 Georgia Ave., NW

Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. at 7319 Georgia Ave., NW

Fashion for Paws - A Success!

By: Tara

Well, it's official... in only its second year, Fashion for Paws held last Saturday at the Embassy of Italy was a tremendous success! Thanks to the hard work of the fundraising models, and generous gift from Event Chairman, Michael Saylor, Fashion for Paws raised $260,000 for the programs and animals in the care of the Washington Humane Society!!!

(Photos below by Steven Bobb, FidoJournalism.com)

Event Chairman Michael Saylor, and Emcee Pamela Brown on the runway before the show began
 

Fashion for Paws Female Model Washingtonian of the Year, Chantal Attias,  who raised $15,205 for WHS, walking the runway with her dog Sophie
 

Joseph Robert III, Fashion for Paws '08 Male Model Washingtonian of the Year winner, raising $8,373 for WHS, walking the runway with his dog Kali

Guests dancing on the runway after the fashion show

If you missed the event, you can Click Here to read the review in the Washington Post Express, or click on the links pasted below to take a look at photos and more coverage from the event!

Joseph Allen Photography: http://galleries.jallenimages.com/gallery/4732822_Zz2aR#280285622_oAW67

WHS Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/washhumane

BizBash

Washington

: http://www.bizbash.com/washington/content/editorial/e10710.php

DC Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/blogs-73-yeas_and_nays~y2008m4d14-Local-VIPs-take-to-the-runway-for-animals

Danny Bright Photography: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=19olow09.9pgsv31h&Uy=-x3d5qt&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=484049610420_812153866306&localeid=en_US

Washingtonian Magazine: http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/7405.html

Samy K Hot 99.5: http://hotspot.hot995.com/samy/blog/2008/04/15/fashion_for_paws

Steven Bobb Photography: http://www.fidojournalism.com/blog/

Vithaya Phongsavan Photography: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=193l58ze.41vpcjya&x=0&h=1&y=r91tla&localeid=en_US

Mr. Pibb Comes To Washington

By: Hanna Lentz, Adoptions Coordinator

 The Washington Humane Society has added an incredible new member to our team and it's with great pleasure that I'm able to introduce Mr. Gregory Pibb, our first official Mascat! 

     Coming to us with sixteen weeks of kitten experience, Mr. Pibb is an expert lap-warmer, chaser of paper (both real and invisible), digger of litter-boxes, and intimidator of dogs twenty times his size.  He graduated from the Stray School in early March, with a degree in Apartment Complex Hallways.  Always studious, he credits his early weeks as giving him "the street smarts and feline savvy necessary for the job."  Having initially joined us as a foster cat, Mr. Pibb used the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the home environment and successfully complete two additional courses: How to Negotiate the Grumpy Resident Feline, and Getting Over the Hamster.  With his extensive knowledge of being fluffy and adorable, he is well qualified to represent the Washington Humane Society and all of the cats in DC.  Mr. Pibb will be working closely with our Behavior and Learning Department, the Capitol Area Spay and Neuter Center, and our Adoptions Staff to raise awareness of the problems facing felines through the District of Columbia.  In addition, he will exemplify the potential of cats everywhere to be, in his words, "the coolest pets ever."  And what exactly makes cats so cool?

       "We can walk on leash and learn to swim, basically everything dogs can do.  Except, have you ever seen a dog jump straight up over six times its own height? From a standing position?  I don't think so." 

        Mr. Pibb has a few tricks up his sleeve and he can't wait to share.  We think you'll find Mr. Gregory Pibb to be charming, bright, funny, and passionate about kitten chow.  His perfect little tuxedo is hard to miss, so please introduce yourself and welcome our amazing new Mascat!

        In order to further document his experiences with the Washington Humane Society, Mr. Gregory Pibb will be maintaining his very own blog.  So be prepared for some serious personality fluffing up your computer screen.  And in the words of Mr. Pibb, "If you don't love cats now, it's because you haven't met me.  Meow!"

Pet Ownership Defies Laws of Physics

Kevin Simpson, Director of Animal Behavior & Training

About this time every Saturday, as I lay sprawled out on the sofa after a long run with my dogs, I find myself amused by watching these same creatures race around my house with bounds of energy.  My intentions to tire them out seem pointless.  They look recharged by the morning run, not exhausted by it.  But, for someone who's addicted to the feel-good endorphins a long workout can provide I can relate to what they're experiencing.  Noticeably they are projecting a positive energy, so I'm assured the morning wasn't entirely in vain.

It wasn't long after our new Chief Operating Officer, Tiffany Barrow-Rogers, moved to the area that she joined us on our Saturday runs - bringing with her a selfless twist to the group.  At the end of Tiffany's leash would be any one of our available dogs from the WHS adoption floor in need of some good ole fashion exercise.   We started running the dogs together, all of whom who had never met before, were soon running alongside one another as though they were old friends.  You may have seen us - a blur of feet - hitting the trails through Virginia & DC.  More than not you probably noticed the dogs sporting their bright orange and yellow Adopt Me jogging suits.

Together, both sets of dogs enjoy their adventure as a pack moving as if in perpetual motion.  Naturally the fresh air, new scenery, and exercise is had by all, but what's really great about it is it adds opportunity for the shelter dogs to receive additional socialization with other dogs and people in a manner that it should be received.  One without stressful confrontations, anxiety, or property stakes, but instead with order, exercise, stability, and acceptance working as a pack.

It's especially fun for us humans.  If you've never ran the wooded trail of Teddy Roosevelt Island with a pack of dogs alongside you - let me tell you it fills you with this surge of raw energy that puts a second wind to shame.  Come to think of it... it almost feels a teeny bit savage.  But, the good kind, if that makes sense.  The one that makes you feel as though you can conquer anything with your comrades beside you.  You also begin to sense this added energy building upon the bond between you and your dog.  They must be feeling it too, I suppose....

If you look up perpetual motion in Wikipedia it states that perpetual motion, taken literally, refers to movement that goes on forever.  However, perpetual motion usually refers to a device or system that delivers more energy than was put into it.  Such a device or system would be in violation of the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy can never be created or destroyed, and is therefore deemed impossible by the laws of physics.

The bond that takes place between humans and animals is forever in motion and that even if you put the littlest amount of energy into the relationship, you will be rewarded many times over with the energy you get back in return!

So pet ownership defies the laws of physics!  Energy can be created.  It just takes a little input.

The Washington Humane Society will soon be registering runners of all levels to join the pack of staff and volunteers to run with the adoptable dogs of the shelter.  Runners will also be encouraged to bring their own vaccinated/licensed pets or volunteer to handle one of the many available dogs awaiting adoption. 

Interested in learning more about the group run, please email your contact information, along with your running experience to AsktheTrainer@washhumane.org.  You may also keep an eye on our website at www.washhumane.org for further details coming soon!