Washington Humane Society Blog

Run, Gregory, Run!

By Mr. Gregory Xavier Pibb, WHS Mascat

Imagine you're a cat. 

Ok, if you can't do the whiskers and tail then just imagine you're the size of a cat.  Now imagine that someone plunks you down in front of a giant black machine with a moving belly and noises like a jet engine before blast-off.  Would you run away?  You bet your tail you would!

Now what if there was a glorious chocolate cake sitting beside this machine?  You might actually get up the guts to move closer, right?  You might actually cut yourself a big hefty slice and forget all about how scared you are.  And if you knew there would always be cake waiting for you beside this big scary thing, it might not be bad after all.  In fact, a lot of things might seem less scary with a "cake" incentive.  Welcome to the Washington Humane Society Behavior and Learning Center, where people eat cake (sometimes) and there is no limit to what animals can learn and overcome.

Being the Mascat for the Washington Humane Society means that I'm always looking for new ways to expand my horizons and really knock people's socks off, and this means that I end up spending lots of quality time at the Behavior and Learning Center.  Kevin Simpson, the Washington Humane Society's Director of Animal Behavior and Training, really knows his stuff and I've been lucky enough to work with him over the past few months.  If you were wondering what my inspiration was for the"big scary machine" experience that I mentioned earlier, it was actually the treadmill at the Behavior and Learning Center.  No, no, no, they're not pumping out Schwarzenegger cats over there, it's a tool to help animals build their confidence by over-coming their fears.

I have to admit, the first time I saw the treadmill I made a run for it.  But Kevin was so patient and knew exactly what to do.  He may not have gotten out a giant chocolate cake, but he did pull out the kitty equivalent- a nice big can of stinky wet cat food. Yum! How could I resist?  Step by step he brought me closer to that crazy machine and the more I chowed down, the more I realized it was harmless after all.  A few days and lots of treats later, I was going like a marathon man on mile five!

 Now you may be wondering why I, Mr Gregory Pibb, Mascat extraordinaire, would need to walk on a treadmill.  I mean, they've finished up the qualifying rounds of this summer's Olympic games, right?  And I certainly get plenty of exercise playing with all my kitten friends.  I've mastered the treadmill because you should never stop learning whether you're on two-legs or four.  Everyone can use a confidence boost now and then, and my treadmill experience taught me two important things- that I don't have to run away from something just because it's new, loud, and huge, and that doing the right thing will get me delicious snacks!  I now have a little more confidence and a few more tasty incentives to take on my amazing Mascat work.  If Kevin Simpson and the Behavior and Learning Center can do that for me, imagine what can be done for all the animals in the District of Columbia.

So check out their website, ok? http://washhumane.org/learningcenter.asp

And give them a call if you or some four-legged creature you know needs behavior assistance.  The Washington Humane Society's Behavior and Learning Center certainly gets my Pibb Seal of Approval, and let me tell you, I'm a very discriminating cat!

Mr. Pibb Learns A Lesson

By: WHS Mascat, Mr. Pibb

People can be pretty cool.  Their paws are perfect for getting that oh so lovely scratching spot on my chin, they're always placing a plate of something delicious before me, AND their laps are permanently cozy warm. So when Shakela Brown, our Humane Education Program Manager asked me to go with her to visit some kids at school, I asked- "What are kids?"  When she told me they were miniature people I responded with a very loud "ME-OW."

Now I have to admit, before going to school I didn't know much about kids.  I'd heard that they might pull my tail, or squeeze me really hard, or even hold me like a sack of potatoes (ouch!).  I mean, I was excited at first but the more I thought about it the more nervous I became.  Finally, I just pulled myself together and said, "Pibb, hold your hairballs! Maybe what everyone has been saying is wrong.  Maybe you'll actually like kids."

So I cleaned my paws, brushed my whiskers and went to school.  And you know what?  Kids are SO nice! Know what else?  They didn't know what to expect when they met ME.  Some of the kids at school had been told that cats are mean, and unfriendly, and scratch and bite! Can you even imagine? So I let them press their funny looking ears against me and listen to the little motor that rumbles in my chest.  I also showed off my leash skills, and proved that us felines can be a very friendly folk. 

The best part is that I learned something too.  Little humans can be just as nice and cool as big humans.  I certainly loved making new friends and I can't wait to go back! 

I mean, maybe there IS some truth to the rumors. I'm sure there are cats out there who hiss and scratch when they meet people, and there are probably some kids who would (oh, it's almost too awful to say) pull my lovely little tail!  But if cats and kids are too scared to meet each other, how can we ever get so many horrible rumors straightened out?  I'm really grateful that Shakela Brown has asked me to continue going to schools with her because I have a lot of Purrrrrrrrrrrs to share with all the kids out there.

-Mr. Gregory Xavier Pibb

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 

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!"