Washington Humane Society Blog

Trooper in the News!

After seeing the great pictures of Trooper on our blog, today NBC 4 did a follow up story on Trooper's recovery. Reporter Jim Handly visited Trooper as she took a short afternoon walk outside Friendship Hospital for the Animals.  

Click here to view video

As Trooper embarks on the next phase of her recovery, WHS would like to once again thank everyone who donated to Trooper through Sophie’s Fund.  Your contributions have not only saved Trooper, but many others like her. We call on Sophie’s Fund regularly to pay for the medical needs of the animals that come into our care and it only gets replenished through your generosity. Thank you for your kindness and your continued support.

Donate to Sophie's Fund

Humane Education: All in a Day’s Work

By: Tara

As you have probably already heard by now, our 6th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair is next Thursday, January 24th. If you have not yet purchased your ticket, please click here. This event is in honor of the Washington Humane Society Officers who work 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, saving homeless, lost, neglected and abused animals in DC, and our Humane Education program that teaches elementary school children compassion and respect for animals.

Not everyone is familiar with the in-depth work the Washington Humane Society does with the city's at-risk youth, so I thought I would take this opportunity to share an article with you by our incredibly dedicated and hard working Humane Education Program Manager, Shakela Brown.

Humane Education: All in a Day’s Work
By: Shakela Brown 

It has been thirteen years since I began working for the Washington Humane Society (WHS).  I have done it all, including working in the shelters as a caretaker, answering the phones as a front desk assistant, transporting animals for spay/neuter surgery to our Clinic, and even served as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer for five years.  However, it is my current role as Program Manager for humane education that I find to be most rewarding. (photo below of Shakela Brown taken at the WHS Bark Ball)

When I started in this role, I was amazed to see elementary school children wanting to read to dogs.  As a child I read to my grandfather's dogs and loved it. I understood how the human–animal bond had helped to build my confidence, and I identified with these children. I enjoyed seeing the effect the dogs had on the children when we brought them into the classroom, and even the most bashful student suddenly jumped out of his or her shell to be electrified by the presence of the pups.

The volunteers and their beloved four-legged educators are a vital part of our program, and I am so grateful for their commitment and support. Last year we visited six different schools in the DC Metro area in a bi-weekly program targeted at teaching elementary and middle school children and teenagers. Together we served more than 250 students on a regular basis. When the school year ended, we quickly became involved in a summer initiative program, which gave WHS the chance to partner with the Metropolitan Police Department and other local community groups. (photo below taken by Shakela Brown at a WHS community Humane Education outreach event: Devon Golson, Lashonda Johnson, Police Chief Cathy Lanier and Marcus White)

WHS’s humane education program has evolved into an enriching activity, teaching students more than just animal care basics. Young people in the program also learn about issues affecting their everyday lives. They are taught about bullying, violence in their community, violence against people and violence against animals. Most importantly, they are empowered to speak up for themselves and for animals rather than just accept the role of the passive observers. 

In the year ahead, I look forward to reaching out to more students and communities who can especially benefit from our services.  Many of the schools we work with focus on at-risk young people who live in the neighborhoods where the majority of animal cruelty incidents occur.  Ultimately, the young people who participate in our programs will become WHS supporters and animal advocates rather than perpetrators of animal abuse and neglect.

As WHS and the humane education program continue to grow and evolve, I look forward to hosting even more outreach events that can educate not only students, but entire communities.  Also, we intend to broaden our student volunteer program to work with students required to fulfill community service hours. This will provide them with hands-on experience and give them the ability to strengthen their connection with animals.  An important aspect of this program is that it reaches out, connecting people and building positive relationships, not only with animals, but also with people.

If you would like to learn more about the Humane Education Program, or volunteer to be a classroom educator with your dog, please contact me by calling 202-723-5730 (ext. 133) or sbrown@washhumane.org

A Washington Humane Society Style Christmas

By: Tara

This will be my last blog of 2007, as I hop on a plane tomorrow and head to London and then Madrid for a week. It is so hard to pack up and leave for a week; my office is my second home and the thought of not being here for a little over a week is so upsetting. I'll miss my work, my colleagues, and the animals.

I will especially miss my beloved dog Dubious, who will be "on vacation" as I call it on my family's farm outside of Charlottesville, Virginia for the time I am away. The second I pulled my suitcase out last night to begin packing, he started his sad routine, where he follows me around frantically, as though he is begging me not to leave. So, I make myself feel better by telling him he is going on vacation too, and will be on the farm where he can run on more than sixty acres and play with all of his little friends. Always right before I leave for a big trip, I feel so incredibly guilty for leaving him behind; he's been my companion for almost 9 years... that is my longest relationship to date! (photo of Dubi below)

Since I was a little girl, I always found Christmas day to be very hard, as I looked around at all of the people gathered together, always in the back of my mind were those animals left with no one, out in the cold. I always thought they could sense it was a special day that brought people together, and that it must make them sad since it is a reminder they do not have a family of their own. This is why the Washington Humane Society's Christmas Has Gone to the Dogs program means so much to me.

On Christmas morning, two teams lead by Washington Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement Officer's Tim Moyer and Ann Russell, deliver food and treats to the lonesome guard dogs in the District of Columbia. (photo of Officer Moyer below)
In DC there are fifty to sixty guard dogs left out alone in the cold. On Christmas morning, as children all around the city unwrap gifts from Santa Claus, the Washington Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement Officers and their volunteer teams trek to every junk yard and down every alley to deliver the tasty treats to every guard dog in the city. The dogs, typically German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls, love the treats and attention the Officers deliver.

Since we enforce all of the District's animal laws, anti-cruelty statutes under an 1870 Congressional charter, and all animal control laws under a contract with the Department of Health. The Humane Law Enforcement Officers also use this as an additional opportunity to assess the health and the living conditions of the guard dogs, to be sure that their owners are not in any violation of the law. (the sad photo below was taken in '06 by a Washington Humane Society Officer while delivering treats to a local guard dog)

While I spend time with friends in London and unwrap my presents, I am truly thankful that the Washington Humane Society is here, and Officer's Moyer and Russell, and their teams of volunteers are kindly sacrificing their Christmas morning to give attention, love and treats to those animals without a loving family to call their own.

I wish everyone a very happy holiday! I will return to DC on December 31st, just in time to join friends for a grand New Year's party at the City Tavern Club. For those of you who read the first blog I ever wrote... I bet you can guess what my new year's resolution will be! Looking forward to sharing my 2008 with you! It will be a very busy year, kicking off with our Sugar & Champagne Affair on January 24th at the Galleria at Lafayette Center, followed by our Fashion for Paws event (my baby) at the Italian Embassy on April 12th, and then the unforgettable 21st Annual Bark Ball on June 7th, not to mention a few very exciting surprises I can't mention just yet! Stay tuned!

Tis the Season on Fox5 Tomorrow!

By: Tara

Well, this was my first weekend out on the town as an "official" WHS blogger and I have to say a very big thank you to the wonderful people who approached me at our event on Saturday at Bloomingdale's, to tell me they have been reading this! While my initial reaction to this was to run and hide in a rack of designer dresses, I was comforted to learn that people have actually been reading this blog (people not actually on WHS staff that is), learning more about the Washington Humane Society, the work we do, the animals we care for, and maybe even enjoying the read.

Most importantly, I realizing that I am well on my way to conquering my own fears of being judged and misunderstood by "people," and really putting myself out there on behalf of the animals in our care. Talk about progress! Even this is proof that the human – animal bond is a healing one; a sentiment expressed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in October when he recognized the Washington Humane Society.

While I referenced in my first blog that it was the animals I have always counted on to be my most trusted and loyal friends through my life, it is now the animals teaching me that it is okay and "safe" to put myself out there, and that it is possible to trust those on two-legs as well! Funny how that is working out!

On that note, be sure to tune into Fox WTTG tomorrow morning starting at 6:40 a.m., as I will be on with 3 WHS dogs available for adoptions with Fox's Claudia Coffey (photo below).

We will be live from Barkley Square from 6:40 a.m. to 8:25 a.m., and will host a little holiday themed pet fashion show with our shelter dogs, and give viewers a plethora of holiday pet tips; from what your pet should not eat during the holidays, to how to report a tip to the Washington Humane Society about a dog or cat being kept outside in freezing temperatures, or report someone in violation of an animal law. Just as an FYI, the number is (202)BE HUMANE! Don't forget it is our Officers who are on the streets 24 hours a day, 7 sevens a week protecting animals in the District from cruelty and harm!

I have to get back to my mile long "to do" list now, we are working on so many exciting things! I look forward to sharing so much more with you soon. Photos from our weekend Holiday photo events will be posted on our Flickr page shortly. Again, thank you to everyone who came to support us on Saturday, and a very big thank you to PR Manager, Heather Guay and the entire Bloomingdale's, Chevy Chase team for welcoming just about one hundred dogs into their brand new store! Thanks to all of you, we raised more than $1500 for the animals in our care. Also, a very special thank you to our extraordinary volunteers, we certainly know how to put the "fun" in fund raising, and the best part of all.... 4 of the dogs our Adoption Outreach Coordinator, Kelly Manion, brought from the shelter met their forever families that day! 

Adopting from the Washington Humane Society is Hot, Hot, Hot!

By: Tara

Two days ago when I drafted my first official blog, I remember thinking, will I really have enough to blog about every day? Now, just two days later I can't stop telling myself, don't forget to mention this, this, and this! I have so much to tell you about, I don't know where to start! Today, I want to give a HUGE thank you the radio station Hot 99.5, who has partnered with us on their "12 Strays of Christmas" promotion. I also have to thank a very good friend and supporter of WHS, Heather Guay, (Side note: Heather and I become good friends when we worked together at Washington Life Magazine a few years back) who is the PR Manager of the new Bloomingdale's in Chevy Chase, or "Chevy Chic" as Heather likes to say. Heather was on the way to work last week and heard on the radio that Hot 99.5 was hoping to do this, and e-mailed immediately to tell me.

Starting this morning Hot 99.5's well-known morning host, Kane (see photo), will promote 12 of our wonderful Washington Humane Society (WHS) animals available for adoption, featuring 6 cats and 6 dogs on their web site, and talking about it on air all through next week!

In honor of this, we named one of our fantastic Georgia Avenue shelter residents after Kane (see photo of our four-legged Kane below)

This promotion means so much to WHS and to me. Since we operate the only two open-access shelters in Washington, DC, we take in an average of thirty animals a day, and we are committed to our 5-year Good Home Guarantee plan that promises to place every adoptable animal entering our shelters in a loving by 2010. I often find from talking to members of our community that so many do not know the amount of incredible work that WHS does, how multifaceted we are, that we are the only DC based organization answering every single call for help, and turning NO animal away (24 hours a day-7 days a week), and just how much support we give the entire DC metro region through all of our programs and services, (not done yet) and just how committed we are to becoming a model for urban animal care to lead the entire country!

All of this is what brought me to WHS just a little over a year ago, and I can't wait to tell you all the story on how I got here! It is quiet an interesting "tail!" I hope to see you tomorrow at the new Bloomingdale's, Chevy Chase, for our holiday Santa/Frosty photo event! Please keep your comments coming, they are really helping me through this blogging process!   

BON APPÉTIT!

By: Tara

Never mind counting calories, tickets are now on sale for the Washington Humane Society’s 6th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair. We invite you and your four-legged companion to join us on Thursday, January 24th at the Galleria at Lafayette Center from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

You can snack until your heart is content, all in the name of saving homeless, neglected and abused animals, guilt free! Although, I admit, I am not a girl who counts calories and enjoyed my chocolate lunch while on a conference call today with our Director of Annual Giving, Peter Larson. Peter set out a lovely bowl of holiday themed chocolate for the WHS staff, and by the time the call was over, I had demolished it. So, you know I am really looking forward to this Affair, as I know my beloved dog Dubious is (Photo of Dubi)!

This annual event is hosted by the incredible Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox Restaurant, and treats guests on two legs to the world’s finest sparkling wines, champagne and delicious desserts from the area’s top Pastry Chefs, all while treating those guest on four legs to scrumptious gourmet snacks by Doggie Style Bakery.

Tickets will be $85 per person, with a special VIP reception ticket for $135. All proceeds from a Sugar & Champagne Affair benefit the Washington Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement and Humane Education programs. Click here to purchase your ticket!

Even though the Washington Humane Society has been doing this for more than 137 years, not everyone knows that we enforce all of the District's animal laws, anti-cruelty statutes under an 1870 Congressional charter, and all animal control laws under a contract with the Department of Health. This event is in honor of the Washington Humane Society Officers who work 24-hours a day, saving the homeless, lost, neglected and abused animals in DC, and our Humane Education program that teaches elementary school children compassion and respect for animals.

For those of you who love to shop, this year’s Affair will feature a new shopping corner for the fashion conscious pooch and feline! Participating Stores Include: Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery and Pet Boutique, Doggie Style Bakery, GreenPets/Dogs By Day, The Big Bad Woof, The Dog Spot, The Posh Pooch.

There will also be a special appearance by photographer, Traer Scott, and a book signing for her new book, Street Dogs!

Drum roll please... the participating restaurants include:

Equinox - Pastry Chef, Melanie Parker
Artisan Confections - Pastry Chef, Jason Andelman
Berliner Good Humor Ice Creams - Pastry Chef, Mitch Berliner
Bistro Bis -Pastry Chef, Beverly A. Bates
Brasserie Beck - Pastry Chef, Shaun C. McCarty
Butterfield 9 - Pastry Chef, Manubu Inoue
Buzz Bakery - Pastry Chef, Josh Short
Central - Michel Richard Cheesetique - Pastry Chefs, Jill Erber and Carolyn Stromberg
The Dairy Godmother- Liz Davis
Dolcezza - Pastry Chefs, Robb Duncan and Dimas Rodriguez Hook - Pastry Chef, Heather Chittum
IndeBleu
Lebanese Taverna
The Majestic - Pastry Chef, Rebecca Willis
Market Salamander- Pastry Chef, Jason Reaves
Nage
Occidental - Pastry Chef, Casper Gibson
Rock Creek - Pastry Chef, Roger Potter
Sticky Fingers Bakery - Pastry Chef, Jenny Webb
The Source - Pastry Chef, Karen Crawford
Bark Bar: Doggie Style Bakery- Krista Heinz

BON APPÉTIT!

Wait! I am not done yet! Please join us this Saturday, December 15th for the Haute Holidays for the Hounds event, at the new Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays by treating your pet to pampering, gourmet holiday snacks by Barkley Square Gourmet Dog Bakery and Pet Boutique and holiday photos with Frosty the Snowman and/or with Santa Claus, all to benefit the homeless animals in the care of the Washington Humane Society! Sip hot cocoa and nibble on chocolate chip cookies, compliments of the Bloomingdale’s hot cocoa and cookie bar, and enjoy holiday music, while your pet is indulged, brushed and spritzed before posing with Frosty the Snowman and/or Santa Claus.

Cat lovers do not despair, Frosty and Santa love your cat just as much as we do, and be sure to look at the photo below. Many a cat came out to pose and purr on Santa's lap for our other December Santa photo events, and cats are welcome!

This event is free, with a required donation of $20 to the Washington Humane Society for pet spa services and holiday photo. Bloomingdale’s, (Level 1) 5300 Western Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815.

We need your support this holiday season, and now that you all are getting to know me, I would love for you to come so I can meet you!

Thank you!

Happy (re)birthday, Barth!

By: Isabel

Once upon a time, Barth lived in a tiny, dirty cage where he was always cold and hungry and could barely stand up straight. But on November 29, 2006, Humane Law Enforcement officer Chris Schindler (pictured below with another lucky rescue) showed up on his door step. So began his new life.

Chris brought Barth to Washington Humane Society, where he met future foster dad Peter Larson (also our Director of Annual Giving), who introduced him to future adopter Anissa Grossman (also one of our board members). [Peter and Anissa are pictured below at our Saks Fifth Avenue event back in September. If the shop-with-your-dog photos look like fun, please join us at the new Bloomingdales in Chevy Chase from 1-4pm on Saturday, December 15!]

Fast forward to the anniversary of his rescue; Barth is one happy dog these days! He enjoyed his Thanksgiving trip to New England and summer vacation at the beach. He even has a gorgeous girlfriend! Happy birthday, Barth! And best wishes for many more joyful years to come!

PS - How cool; November 29 is CS Lewis' birthday too!

Barth Le Chien is our newest Flickr friend!

Barth Le Chien is living the good life! This photo was taken during his recent beach vacation. He enjoys sunning on the deck and taking long walks on the National Mall, preferably with friends. At the end of the day, he sometimes hogs the bed.

You'd never have guessed, but Barth once endured severe abuse. Last Thanksgiving, Chris, one of our Humane Law Enforcement officers, found him locked in this tiny cage. Poor Barth was cold, hungry, sick - and most of all terribly lonely.

Chris brought Barth back to Washington Humane Society, where he received much-needed medical treatment. Then foster dad Peter Larson (who's also our Director of Development) took over; he and his family made up for lost time in giving Barth all the TLC he'd missed out on. By the time Barth moved into his permanent home (which he shares with Washington Humane Society board member Anissa Grossman and her family), he was starting to get used to being the center of attention.

You can see more of Barth's photos on Flickr. Please check out Barth's friends at our shelters, too, and consider being a part of their happily-ever-after stories - by adopting or sponsoring a dog or cat, or joining Peter as a foster parent. Barth was the first of 6 rescued dogs (and counting) whom Peter has helped adjust to a home environment. It's a great way to make an *enormous* difference in someone's life. For more information, please contact Kate Zapf, our rescue and foster coordinator. Thanks!!

Cassidy gets a second chance

I made a new friend yesterday. Cassidy, a super sweet Chocolate Lab mix with cute white spots, was brought to Washington Humane Society by our law enforcement officers. She was neglected, dehydrated and had a serious injury. She'd gotten tangled in a clothesline that cut off circulation to one of her hind legs - and her previous owners inexplicably did nothing to help! :( We rushed her to Friendship Hospital for Animals. Unfortunately the only possible treatment was to amputate the entire leg.

In spite of the trauma she's been through, Cassidy is as friendly and playful as ever. Here she is at our Eastern Avenue office with new pals Rocky and Loki. She's well on her way to recovery and foster dad Mark McLaughlin (our Finance Director and Loki's human) says her adoption is pending!

If you live in the District and come across neglected or abused animals, please give us a call at 202 BE HUMANE (202-234-8626). You can make the difference between hopeless suffering and happily ever after!