Washington Humane Society Blog

Doga in the Park on Saturday

4th annual Doga in the Park

(Yoga with your four legged friend, hosted by tranquil space yoga and Kimberly Wilson)

Saturday, July 19th

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Rose Park (P Street NW between 26th Steet and Rock Creek Parkway)

 

Bring your yoga mat and your canine yogi (bring your own, borrow one, or come alone) for an afternoon of yoga in the park, just steps away from the tranquil space studio. The Washington Humane Society is teaming with the tranquil space studio and Doggie Style Bakery to bring an afternoon of fun, focused around your four-legged friend. WHS's Mobile Adoption Center will also be on hand with animals available for adoption!

 

Kimberly Wilson, of tranquil space studio, will lead puppy parents and friends through a complimentary yoga practice in the park. Treats will be provided to humans AND canines, compliments of tranquil space, the Washington Humane Society, and Doggie Style Bakery!

 

Weather permitting: we will reschedule our canine celebration if it rains. $5 donation requested for WHS. Additional donations for the Washington Humane Society can be made here. No pre-registration required. Just drop by!

 

WHS Behavior & Learning Center ... The Domino Effect

By: Kevin Simpson, Director of Animal Training and Behavior

 

Last year just after I was finishing up a private behavioral consultation with a client and her dog, I found myself facing a dilemma that I’ve encountered time and time again.

This client, like many others we’ve worked with, originally sought help from us with a problem commonly referred to as leash aggression. Leash aggression is a loosely used term to describe that embarrassing moment when your dog lunges and snarls at another dog while walking on leash.There are many motivators for a dog to act out in this manner. Most respond readily to intervention, but others can be quite tricky to rehabilitate. Nonetheless, there I was with this client contemplating how I was going to tell her that we could no longer help.  She and her dog were making great progress and had learned all they needed from the one-on-one consultations.Her timing and handling skills were becoming impeccably sharp and in order for them to continue progressing, they now needed the benefits of group classes.Group classes would provide them with not only more affordable training and socialization for less cost than private lessons, but more importantly it would give them ample opportunity to practice their new-found skills around other dogs. After all, if you are going to address a problem like leash aggression you need to work around other dogs, not avoid them.And, as a team, they were both ready for the challenge.So my problem was, quite simply, that I did not know where to refer them.

Group classes specializing in “dog reactive dogs” are very limited in the DC area, and due to a lack of an indoor training arena, at the time we were also unable to provide any assistance. The good news was that this client and her dog had undergone a dramatic change. She could now walk her dog in public places with confidence. Change had a domino affect that rippled throughout their entire life.Together they now enjoyed longer, more frequent walks, and longer walks meant more meaningful exercise. More meaningful exercise meant better rest, which in turn produced a better behaved dog and so on.Domino effects seem to be a common occurrence with “change”.  We witnessed it with the grand opening of our National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Centerlast October. With the move of our Spay/Neuter Clinic to the new state-of-the-art facility on 1001 L Street in Southeast, we had a vacancy on the main floor of our old Spay/Neuter Clinic on Georgia Avenue in Northwest. It’s funny how long it can take to construct a building, but only a day to tear it down.Well, we didn’t exactly tear down the old Clinic, but with the amazing work of Rand Construction Corp., we did remove the dividing walls of the old surgical suites to open up one, large, useable space, big enough to construct a training center that could hold group training classes.

For the first time in the history of the Washington Humane Society’s 137 year mission to serve and protect the animals in DC, we now have our own indoor venue to hold behavior and learning classes for both the animals and people of the region. The new training center enables us to train adoptable dogs while they wait for their new homes, providing additional enrichment and emotional stability.As an in-house benefit we now have ample space to provide training for both our staff and volunteers on the philosophies of animal learning.And for our community we are offering competitively priced private and group classes. Group training classes, open to the public, provide education and training in subjects such as socialization, preparedness, general manners, specific obedience, cat and dog topics, clicker, AKC Canine Good Citizen, and will even address leash aggression.Like any new business we are starting out small until our roots grow strong enough to support a much larger venue.  But, given the experience, drive, and dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the critical support of our donors, I fully expect the Washington Humane Society to one day become the premier leader in the animal behavior and training industry on the East Coast.  The dominos are all just beginning to fall into place….

If you are interested in learning more about our new training facility or would like to sign up for classes, please visit http://www.washhumane.org/learningcenter.asp

WHS OFFERS $35 MICROCHIPPING

The Washington Humane Society is committed to reuniting animals with their owners, and offers $35 microchipping to the public.

 

The public is welcome to visit either of our two shelters or our National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center for this quick and painless $35 procedure to safeguard your pet. For locations and hours of operations, please visit: www.washhumane.org or call 202-723-5730.

 

 

 

Comcast Pets on Demand!

Comcast Pets On Demand gives pet lovers throughout

Maryland

,

Virginia

and the District an opportunity to view 30 or more profiles of lovable cats and dogs available for adoption at the Washington Humane Society. Pet profiles can be accessed for free in the “Get Local” category of the ON DEMAND menu by selecting Pet Adoptions ON DEMAND.

Through Comcast’s Pet Adoptions ON DEMAND, viewers can watch a two to three minute, live-action video profile of animals up for adoption.  In the profiles Washington Humane Society staff members Kelly Manion and Diana Foley interact with each animal and talk about its unique personality and ideal living environment.  Each profile also has a specific identification code viewers can use to find out more information about the featured pet.  Profiles are categorized by animal type and size and will be updated on a bi-monthly basis.

 

How to access Pet Adoptions ON DEMAND:

o        Step one: Tune to Channel 1 on your Comcast Digital Cable or press the “ON DEMAND” button on your remote control

o        Step two: Select “Get Local” from the ON DEMAND menu

o        Step three: Select “Pet Adoption”

o        Step four: Select “Small Dogs”, “Large Dogs”, or “Cats”

o        Step five: Watch video clips of a furry pet

o        Step six: Contact the Washington Humane Society to adopt a pet!

Vacationing with Your Four-legged Friend

By: Kevin Simpson, Director of Animal Training and Behavior

For many cat and dog owners deciding where to spend their summer vacation, resorts with animal friendly lodging are catching their eyes; and the resorts themselves are cashing in. Including your pet on vacation can be a rewarding experience for the entire family. But, to ensure that it is a safe experience for your cat or dog, plan your pet’s journey from home well in advance. Before you load your cat or dog into the car, you should ask yourself a few important questions. First, “Am I certain that my vacation spot has accommodations for and is expecting my pet?” You certainly don’t want to be caught in a dispute with your hotel manager at eleven o’clock at night regarding where your Great Dane is going to sleep. You should also honestly answer, “How much time am I willing to devote to my pet once I arrive at my destination?” If a good deal of your time will be spent skiing, shopping, dining or other non-pet related activities, you may want to rethink your pet’s vacation plans.

It is also a good idea to check with your veterinarian to learn if your pet is protected against parasites and any infectious disease found regionally at your vacation spot. Some diseases, such as Lyme’s Disease, have higher reported cases occurring in regions where ticks tend to live. Also, when packing your vehicle consider bringing your dog’s bedding, favorite toys, copies of vet records, recent photos, extra leash and collars, (delete current vaccination history) and current license, medications, and any over-the-counter or prescribed treatments that may be necessary depending on your destination.

Once on the road monitor your pet for motion sickness and proper hydration. Plan on stopping the car more often than you normally would for yourself, and be careful when opening car doors at interstate rest areas. After a lengthy car ride your cat or dog might surprise you by bouncing out of the car unexpectedly. When you arrive at your destination, set aside time to take your dog for a light walk. This will give her opportunity to stretch her muscles after the long car ride and to become a little familiar with the new surroundings. She will need more exercise later, but give her a chance to unwind from the trip first. Check for regular bowel movements over the next few days. Stress from the trip (even the change in water) may agitate her intestinal track. For most dogs, traveling outside of the home will be a fun exploration full of new sights and smells. For your dog this can be a great distraction from day to day life, but keep in mind that these same “distractions” can also take away your dog’s attention from you. If you have a young dog or most of your obedience training was done at home, your dog may not respond to commands in her usual manner while in the new environment. Keep this in mind if you plan to have her off-leash. To give your family additional peace of mind, consider permanently identifying your pet with a Microchip. You can bring your pet to either of the two Washington Humane Society shelters for the quick and painless procedure to safeguard your pet for $35 or consult your veterinarian.

For most cats, venturing from the house is a highly stressful situation. Stress can weaken immune systems and for a cat that means a much greater risk for developing a urinary track infection, or loss of appetite. If you do travel with your cat plan ahead to help alleviate the affects of stress by making the litter box and sleeping arrangements far in advance. Bring along familiar items (bedding, scratching posts, scented items, etc.) to help her become acclimated to the new environment. If you are traveling to a multi-room space, limit your cat’s freedom to one room until she feels secure enough to be given more. Be sure she is current on vaccinations and take copies of these records with you. Also, include recent photos of your cat, should she go missing, and consider microchipping along with ID tags, and a breakaway collar before you leave home. Closely monitor her hydration and food consumption during your trip. Wishing you and your four-legged best friend a fun and safe summer vacation season!

Sponsor a WHS Shelter Animal

Caring individuals can have a positive impact on the life of a Washington, DC homeless animal by sponsoring a dog or cat in one of our two shelters as they await permanent homes. For just $150 (the average cost of each animal’s stay to WHS ), you can have the satisfaction of knowing that your generosity sponsored the bedding, treats, special foods, toys, gentle leader leashes, dog “Adopt Me” vests, etc. that make an animal’s stay at the shelter as comfortable as possible. Your name will be prominently displayed on an animal’s cage for all visitors to see, and you may visit and meet the beneficiary of your generosity (WHS will work with you to choose the right animal).

To sponsor a dog or a cat, please send your one-time gift of $150 (or spread your payments over 12 months at $12 per month) and specify if you prefer to sponsor a dog or a cat. You can also make your gift online by donating with credit card. For more information, contact Peter Larson 202-723-5730, (ext. 206) or via e-mail at plarson@washhumane.org.

Top 10 Summer Safety Tips for Pets

By: Kevin Simpson, Director of Behavior and Animal Training

 

 

1) Heat Exhaustion – Heat exhaustion can occur in a dog when the dogs body temperature rises to a higher than normal level.  This is especially prevalent during warm weather conditions and/or when over-exerted a dog becomes unable to fully regulate her body temperature.  Breeds, such as Pugs, are more susceptible due to their smaller air passageways and should be monitored closely for symptoms during these conditions. 

  

2) Never leave your pet unattended in a car.  Even during mild seasons, temperatures in a car can quickly soar to extreme levels making it impossible for a dog or cat to regain control of its body temperature.

 

3) Burnt Pads – Pavement can burn the pads of a dog’s foot, especially early in the season when pads are less calloused.  When taking your dog on a long walk it’s a good idea to lift up their feet to check their pads for cracks and burns.  Dogs with light-colored pigmented pads are more susceptible to burns than dogs with dark pigmentation.

 

4) Sunburn – Dogs exposed to prolonged periods of sun can develop sunburn on sensitive areas of their face, ears, and abdomen.  Dogs with light pigmented skin and short coats are

 especially vulnerable and should be protected from long exposure to the sun.  Sunlight

 reflected up from sidewalks and sandy beaches can also burn abdomens where skin is less

 protected by hair.  When taking your dog out for a long walk consider applying sunscreen to

 your pet’s vulnerable burn areas.  Many pet stores now carry specially formulated sun block

  for dogs that will help protect them from harmful UV rays. 

 

5) Proper Hydration – Water helps regulate body temperature and similar to humans, our

 pets’ bodies are primarily made up of water.   Water keeps tissues moist and transports

 essential nutrients throughout the body.  Dehydration occurs when water intake does not

 match water expenditures.  A 15% decrease in water and electrolytes can even cause death. 

 Keep your pets hydrated by always having several full bowls of clean, fresh water available to them at all times. 

 

6) Coat Maintenance –A dog’s coat acts as an insulator from cold temperatures during winter months and from heat during the summer.  To help regulate body temperature, dogs with undercoats will shed their coat twice a year with the change of the season.  With regular

brushing and grooming you can help them remove excess dead hair and them comfortable year round.

 

7) Parasites – During the summer months your pet has more exposure to mosquitoes,

 worms, ticks, and fleas.  Regularly check your yard for standing water and protect your pet

 from parasitical infestations with treatment available from your veterinarian.

 

8) Allergies – Just like people, some dogs and cats are more sensitive to the pollens associated with spring and summer.  Be observant to any changes in your pet’s diet and behavior and check with your veterinarian should any changes occur.

 

9) Securing Screens –With the nicer weather approaching many of us will open windows to let in fresh air.  However, unsecured-screens in open windows can give way, allowing your

pet to escape from the house or worse.  Since cats and dogs alike are attracted to the scenic view and pleasures of open windows, frequently check the integrity of screens to keep your  pet safely indoors.

 

10) House Temperatures – During the hot summer months be certain to keep your pet

Comfortable with climate controlled temperatures when you leave for the day.  Body temperatures in cats and dogs naturally run higher than that of a human, so keep them safe; keep it cool.

WHS on Fox's Mike and Juliet Show

By: WHS President and CEO, Lisa LaFontaine

(photo below of Lisa)

 Last week, some of our beautiful adoption candidates were featured on national television on the Fox “Mike and Juliet” program. In an effort to promote shelters as the locale of choice when adopting a four-legged family member, they selected ten shelters across the country. We were fortunate to be one of them. In watching this program, you can see just how wonderful our adoption candidates are, and if you are like me, you will marvel that the vast majority of these precious animals were dumped somewhere in our city.

 

I’ve attached the video for those of you who didn’t see it; there are two clips to watch (pre and post commercial!)

 

http://www.mandjshow.com/features/mj-save-the-dogs-this-week-washington-dc/ 

 

Thank you so much for supporting our work and making it possible to give animals like these a chance at the life they all deserve. At this point, all of them have adoptions pending!

 

And please tell your friends and family that we have a shelter full of cats and dogs just like this who are awaiting a good home. You would be surprised at the variety of breed, temperament and personality; for example, I was just told that a four-month old purebred Yorkshire Terrier was surrendered to us about an hour ago.

 

Again, on behalf of our staff and these great animals, thanks for standing behind us….

 

 

Mortgage Problems Hitting Home

By: Peter Larson, WHS Director of Annual Giving and Special Events

(Photo below of Peter holding Barth, a dog rescued by WHS Humane Law Enforcement Officers from a neglectful home, who Peter fostered back to health before he was adopted into his forever home)

Like a lot of people living in the

Washington

,

DC

area I used to think that our region was immune to the problems affecting the mortgage industry.  I tended to think that since our area is supported by recession-proof industries, and bolstered by the ever-increasing spending of our area’s largest employer – the Federal Government – that there was no need to be concerned about the mortgage problems affecting the rest of the country.  I was shocked to learn that the numbers of foreclosures were steadily on the rise in my home county.  According to county figures,

Fairfax

County

saw five times the number of foreclosures in the first six months of 2007 as it had during the first six months of 2006.

 

The hidden statistic in all of this is the number of companion animals also being affected!  Other parts of the country are reporting a rise in the number of animals surrendered at their animal shelters because the family home had been lost to foreclosure.  The family dog or cat, often considered more than a pet, is also finding themselves forced from their homes because of foreclosures.  These poor animals are also sadly being separated from their families, who are forced to move into apartments that don’t accept pets, or move in with friends or family members who don’t have the room for animals.  “Some areas of the country have been hit harder by foreclosures than others,” says Stephanie Shain, Director of Outreach for Companion Animals at The Humane Society of the

United States

.  “There are resources available to people in this situation, but homeowners must take the time and energy to research and plan ahead.”

 

Here are six helpful ideas if mortgage problems are causing you and your pet to lose sleep at night:

 

1.  Before your problem gets too big, seek the professional guidance of a certified nonprofit housing counselor.  A good place to start is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.  Visit their

Homeowner

Crisis

Resource

Center

at www.HousingHelpNow.org.

 

2. Talk to your mortgage lender.  Many times lenders are willing to work with you to make the mortgage work for both parties.  Their first choice is for you to stay in your home and not have to accept another foreclosure, so find out if they have any options.

 

3. Talk with friends and family about your situation.  Maybe you have a friend that needs a place to live, who could help you with your mortgage payments.  Or perhaps you have a family member who has money to put into an investment like your home.  You’ll never know unless you ask.

 

4. If you are afraid that you might loose your home, start looking for a pet-friendly place to live as soon as you can.  There is no time like the present to start calling around to locate pet-friendly apartment buildings or rental homes.  Some real estate professionals specialize in rentals, and some cater to clients with animals – find one that can help you with both.

 

5. Check with your local animal shelter or rescue group before you have to move.  Shelters and rescue groups often have lists of pet-friendly apartments or other resources to help you find a new place to live with your animal.  Some may also have foster care or short term care programs that could help you as you transition to a new living space that will accommodate your dog or cat.  Others may have assistance programs that could provide you with pet food, discounted vaccines, or other short term pet expenses to get you over a temporary financial hurdle. Visit our web site, www.washhumane.org for a list of pet-friendly places to live in and around the DC area.

 

6. No matter what, don’t leave your pet behind when you pack up and leave.  Leaving an animal in your house when you move is the wrong thing to do and a form of animal cruelty.  If you can’t find a new family for your pet, call and make arrangements with an animal shelter or rescue group. 

 

 

Giving Back 10!

Real estate agent and WHS supporter Gregory Nelson is shaking things up in today’s largely doom-and-gloom market with a creative and pioneering a program that allows clients to give to their favorite charity, including the Washington Humane Society.  (photo below of Gregory and his dog at a WHS event)

Nelson’s new “Giving Back Ten” program pledges that 10 percent of his commission on a home sale or purchase will go to the charitable organization of his client’s choice. Nelson and his brokerage company, Eden Properties, give the money directly to the organization once the sale is complete. “It’s a simple concept, and one that makes me feel good about being in the real estate business,” says Nelson, a corporate marketing veteran who has developed mutually beneficial marketing partnerships for companies such as Carlson Hospitality, USAirways and Nextel.

His inspiration for “Giving Back Ten” came while fundraising for the Washington Humane Society’s ‘07 Walk for the Animals. Nelson saw and experienced first-hand the amount of work done and degree of collaboration between volunteers, marketing partners and the organization itself to mount a major fundraising effort.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home and would like 10% of the proceeds to benefit WHS, please contact Greg Nelson by calling (202) 669-2896 or by visiting www.givingback10.com.