Washington Humane Society Blog

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!

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.

WHS to Host Fourth Grade Students on an Animal Sanctuary Field Trip

By: Tara

Tomorrow WHS's Humane Education Program will take twenty-five fourth graders from Hendley Elementary School in Southeast Washington, DC on a field trip to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, a 400 acre non-profit refuge for farm animals and wildlife.

The students in Mr. Kenneth Robinson’s fourth grade class have been working with WHS’s Humane Education Program Manager, Shakela Brown, over the course of the school year. The WHS Humane Education program is an enriching curriculum 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.

“One of the goals of the program is to teach children to make compassionate and responsible decisions. I have been working with Mr. Robinson for 3 years; he’s a wonderful teacher that not only teaches his class math and history lessons, but also life lessons, pushing his students to strive for excellence.  It is a great opportunity to take these students out of a neighborhood riddled with violence and into a new and stimulating learning environment,” said Shakela Brown.

The students will arrive with WHS’s Shakela Brown to Poplar Springs Animal Sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. They will be given an overview on the work of the sanctuary and how the animals came to Poplar Springs. Then, the students will be led on a tour of the sanctuary where they will see, touch and feed pigs, cows, chickens, goats and horses. 

WHS's first ever Meow Mixer!

Join us for our first ever Meow Mixer; a cat OPEN HOUSE adoption event, on Thursday, May 22nd from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., where you just might find your “purrfect” match!

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks compliments of Whole Foods (P Street) and meet WHS's Mascat, Mr. Pibb. The event will take place at the NEW WHS Behavior & Learning Center (7315 Georgia Avenue). To R.S.V.P please contact, Diana Foley, 202-723-5730 (ext. 150) or dfoley@washhumane.org

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!

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.

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

Kitten Season ... It’s coming!

By: Kate Zapf, Foster Program Coordinator

It’s coming!

It seems to get here earlier every year…first the soft pitter patter of a few tiny little paws, then the thunder of hundreds and hundreds of tiny little paws. It’s Kitten Season. Due to the nature of animals’ breeding cycles, the warm weather brings with it an overwhelming number of baby animals of every kind, but nothing prepares you for the masses of kittens that come pouring in the doors. In the shelter, our minds are already turning, just trying to figure out the answer to the Kitten Season Question: “Where will they all GO?”

The shelter is not a good place for young kittens, or for moms trying to raise their litters. Young animals are extremely vulnerable to disease, and stress adds significantly to the risk. Most of the kittens that come into the shelter in the spring are too young for adoption (they must be at least 8-weeks-old), and the moms and litters of babies must wait several weeks before they can be adopted. We can’t hold them in the shelter for that time—even if we have the space to hold them, the stress and illness will take its toll.

This is why we need foster homes so much in the spring. Our foster parents are ready, on short notice, to come rescue moms and litters, or young kittens by themselves, from the shelter. They bring them home and give them a safe, quiet space to grow and develop. They socialize the kittens, feed them and love them and then, when the time is right, find the “purrfect” adopters and send them off to their new forever homes. It’s a little work with a lot of reward—not only do you get to play with and love some unbelievably adorable kittens, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing that without you, they wouldn’t have had the chance to find loving homes.

All you need to foster kittens is a safe, quiet place for them, isolated from your other pets. Moms and litters do well in spare bathrooms; older kittens are perfectly happy to set up camp in your guest room or study. When the kittens are old enough, we publicize them on our web site, showcase them at our adoption events, and help you find them their new home! Once everyone is adopted you are ready to bring home another group of tiny little kitten paws.

Our amazing foster homes help us save hundreds of lives every year, but we need more help to bear the load of Kitten Season. Please consider opening your home to these adorable babies this spring and helping us to save more lives! If you would like to learn more about fostering, or fill out a foster home application, please email me at kzapf@washhumane.org. I will be holding a Cat and Kitten Foster Training on Wednesday, March 26^th at 6 p.m. at our Behavior and Learning Center (7315 Georgia Ave., NW), and would love to have your applications before then so that we can get you started fostering right away! 

WHS Shelter Director Michelle Otis Needs Your Help

This past Thursday evening, Michelle Otis, Shelter Director of our private shelter on Georgia Avenue, returned home to find her two beloved dogs missing. Her roommate accidentally left the door open, and her French bulldog, Boogie and pug, Misu, escaped from her Northeast Washington, DC home. (photo below of Misu and Michelle)

On Sunday, Washington Humane Society President and CEO, Lisa LaFontaine, and Chief Operating Officer, Tiffany Barrow-Rogers, assembled a search party to canvas Michelle's Northeast, DC neighborhood.

Thanks to the efforts of the search party, a patron came forward on Sunday afternoon that had been holding Boogie, and was planning to keep him until they saw the desperate efforts made to return the dog's to their original owner. Now, Boogie awaits with his worrisome mother Michelle, who is beside herself with fear of where Misu, the remaining missing dog might be and if she is okay. A member of the search party was told that Misu had been seen walking down the street in a women's arms.    

Michelle is offering a reward for Misu's safe return, or for information leading to her safe return, no questions asked. The number to call is 202-487-8885 or 202-299-7127.

Misu is a 6-year-old, female, tan (fawn) and black, pug. Misu has a medical condition and must have her medication. She is spayed and microchipped.

Please spread the word to anyone you think may be able to help! Thank you.

The Whole "Kitten" Caboodle

By: Bridget Speiser, Program Manager: CatNiPP

(Photo below of Bridget and her near 20-year old cat, Wilma)

This is my inaugural post to launch a new corner of the WHS blog relating to all things cat, and I just couldn't resist the easy play-on-words! 

For those just meeting me, I am a program manager here at Washington Humane Society.  My official role is in managing supportive resources for the stray and feral cats living in our communities.  But I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise to enrich the lives of all felines -- owned and unowned -- and in helping the people who love cats to better bond with and understand these funny creatures.

Moving forward, while I cannot promise to spare you further painful word-play, I can tell you that I aim to provide informational tidbits on the many facets of loving a feline, including: Basic Feline Health & Wellness; General Information on normal feline behaviors and challenges (like scratching) and news and events facing cats living in-and-around the Greater DC area.

This is your opportunity to find out a little more about the mysterious felines we all love and wonder over.  While I cannot divulge all of their inner secrets -- and what true cat lover really *wants* to know all the secrets Snowball has? -- I hope to help unmask some of the general "whys" associated with being loved by a cat.

I hope to update often enough for you all.  And you can also email me your own feline behavior related questions to: askthetrainer@washhumane.org. 

This could be where I sign off with a "Meow" or a "Purr", but I'll leave that for another time.