Washington Humane Society Blog

It's Better To Give Than Receive!

 
WHS gave away 4 tons of dog food to area rescues Tuesday. Nearly 20 of our humane partners showed up despite the soggy conditions. The food was donated by Mainline Animal Rescue of Philadelphia as part of their "Tackle against Michael Vick" campaign. The event was a success!

 
  

Inside WHS: Staff Foster Dad to the Rescue!

Peter Larson is not only WHS’ Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, he’s now a foster dad.  After meeting the cute little pit puppies, Peter decided to take on the challenge of being a foster parent and is chronicling his adventure in a new blog to inspire others to foster animals in need at the Washington Humane Society.

 

Pet Parenting Day 1 -

The puppies’ 10^th day on earth was my first day with puppies this young.  I’m still calling them the “Bottle Babies” since that’s what Zita Macinanti, our Director of Humane Law Enforcement called them and that’s what they are.  Luckily we had a very experienced foster mom, Mary who took them over the weekend and really worked with them to get them healthy and back on track after a shaky first week in their original home.

It’s been amazing.  They are both such tiny, little beings; so dependent on others to take care of them.  It’s hard to believe they will grow up to be full sized dogs, right now they look more like hamsters.  The little girl and her brother weigh just over a pound each.

Who knew that besides bottle feeding a puppy that young, you also have to coax the bi-product out the other end?  So much to learn.  Thank you to foster mom Mary and Zita for providing training and insight to start me on this journey.

Dog Tags Graduate in the news...

Level III Dog Tags Graduate, Seth Stephen, was in the newsrecently when his hometown in upstate New York held a ceremony honoring him for his 3 tours of duty in Iraq.  While recovering at nearby Walter Reed Army Medical Center for injuries sustained from an IED attack last year, Seth enrolled for 6 months in the Washington Humane Society's Dog Tags program.

WHS' Dog Tagsprogram prepares Wounded Soldiers recovering at Walter Reed for a future career in the animal behavior and husbandry industry with a 3 tier, certificate based, vocational training curriculum.  The program, which has been in operation for a year and a half, gives the Injured Soldiers the option of using their time spent at WHS' Behavior & Learning Center as a recreational means or as a launching pad for a new career working with animals.  At the same time, the Injured Soldiers provide enrichment, training, and companionship for the animals in our care, while they await adoption.  This program gives WHS an opportunity to give back to the men and women of the Armed Forces while creating healing relationships that benefit both humans and animals.

Seth received the Purple Heart for Bravery and will officially retire from the Army with an Honorable Medical Discharge. The Daily Mail

Scooter Strays, educates, and benefits

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

There’s a new book hitting shelves that not only entertains with a wonderful story, but educates children (and adults) about the perils that can befall a lost dog.  Longtime Washington Humane Society volunteer and supporter Howard Edelstein has written a children’s book called "Scooter Strays" which tells the story of a dog that wanders away from home, and faces difficult challenges on his way back. The book is in an “interactive” format (at the bottom of each page readers get to select from a list of options as to what Scooter does next) so readers take an active role in creating the story, and helping Scooter find his way. 

The book was born out of Howard’s volunteer work with the WHS Humane Education program, and is designed to teach children about the hazards that might befall an unsupervised animal, and hopefully instill in children the need to be responsible guardians for animals that they have in their lives, or see on the street.  The book was also recently highlighted at the recent annual Association of Professional Humane Educators' Conference held in Arlington, VA. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Washington Humane Society to support all of our programs and services.

 

  Howard is currently holding a series of book readings, where you can purchase the book and have it signed by the author.  For dates, times and more information, visit the Scooter Strays website at: http://www.scooterstrays.com/events.htm

The book can also be purchased at: http://www.orchardhousepress.com/howardedelstein/scooterstrays.htm

A long awaited friend....

By Julie Stack, WHS SIT & PACK Volunteer

As I headed out to Hains Point for our Saturday morning volunteer WHS PACK Run (People and Animal Cardio Club), I knew it was very cold outside, and the thought of just getting a Starbucks coffee back in my neighborhood did cross my mind. However, those thoughts quickly passed once I arrived at Hains Point and saw my other PACK running team members waiting with several great Washington Humane Society (WHS) dogs who would be our running companions that day. 

 

One fantastic WHS Pit Bull Terrier who joined our PACK runs regularly was Jaisy. Jaisy had been available for adoption for literally months at the Georgia Ave. Shelter and had run with the PACK group numerous times.  I couldn't understand how such a sweet dog was being overlooked, but I was really looking forward to seeing her that morning.  But Jaisy wasn't there.  She had been adopted! 

 

 

 

It was just Jaisy's luck that while she was our regular running partner on the PACK runs, that an interested couple came by the WHS shelter, who were specifically looking for a Pit Bull Terrier because of their friendly nature and altheticism.  It also came out that they were looking for a good running partner too as the adopters were marathon runners. It is a good thing that Jaisy went on so many pack runs with the WHS running group, because her new family was very interested to know that she was an athletic runner and could easily run with them for about a 3 to 5 mile jog.  I remember running with Jaisy.  It was great that her attributes were highlighted by not only running with the PACK, but also being able to share with her new family.

 

Jaisy held such a great record running with the group, but now it is time for the next running canidate to take her place in the PACK.   

 

 

 

 

 

(Jaisy at home with her new family)

 

 

 

 

 

If you're interested to learn more about

the PACK or any of WHS' Volunteer Programs, please contact our Volunteer

Program Manager at volunteer@washhumane.org

Running With the PACK

By WHS Volunteer, Dolores Hamilton

A few months ago, I received an email introducing a new volunteering option at the Washington Humane Society - running with shelter dogs.  I've been volunteering for a while at WHS, doing things like attending adoption events and walking some of the dogs around the neighborhood - but this was different.  It gave us volunteers the opportunity to interact with the animals in a less "artificial" environment.  Since I was in desperate need of exercise, this initiative also served a dual purpose. 

The first PACK (People & Animal Cardio Klub) run I attended was on a wonderfully sunny Saturday morning.  Several volunteers attended - some quite fit, and some, well, like me.  And several adoptable dogs from both the Georgia Ave. and New York Ave. Adoption Centers attended as well - some svelte, and some a bit more...voluptuous.  But for all of us there was one common goal - to run 3 miles around Hains Point.  Our run seemed to mimic an old, yet trusty, car engine - we started off a bit shaky and awkward-like, every being looking for their place in the pack, but after a few minutes of running, we were making sweet music.  We looked as though we'd done this run every day.  Thanks to the smart thinking of WHS staff members, we were provided with a water station, where the dogs took full advantage in their efforts to press onward.

Towards the end, the dogs, like me, could sense when we were nearing the finish line.  There was utter jubilation upon our arrival (we even had a cheering squad at the ready to greet us).  I must admit, the most exciting and rewarding part was seeing these dogs, who are normally filled with pent-up energy, exhausted after the run, laying near the water bowls, savoring their victory of having completed such a huge feat.  This PACK run provided the dogs with much needed exercise, interaction with a pack of people and dogs alike, and publicity (who can ignore a group of folk runing with fabulous dogs sporting neon orange "adopt me" vests?).  And yet, I think the benefits to the human runners far outweighed those of our shelter dogs - do you know how rewarding it is to see a dog smile?

So, every other Saturday, I join a group of eclectic volunteers and eclectic dogs.  And we run.

Interested in joining Washington Humane Society's PACK?  Contact the Behavior & Training Dept. at 202.723.5730 ext. 122 or email AsktheTrainer@washhumane.org for further details!

I am in Love

By: Eleanor Blackford, Volunteer Program Manager

I am in love.  His name is Jeremy, he’s a 2-month-old goat living at Poplar Springs Farm Animal Sanctuary. 

Jeremy and his twin brother, Lenny, were brought to Poplar Springs after being rescued by a very kind woman. 

I was lucky enough to go along on our recent Humane Education Program Field trip, led by WHS Humane Education Program Manager, Shakela Brown, with a 4^th grade class from Hendley Elementary School in southeast DC.  I’ve said this many times before, and I’m sure will say it again, but I have a pretty cool job.  I got to spend my morning playing with farm animals and teaching kids about our responsibility toward all the creatures we share this earth with.  This whole trip left me with a smile on my face for the rest of the day, and I can’t wait to go back for another visit.

(photo below of WHS Chief Programs Officer, Scott Giacoppo, holding a chicken)

The thing about Poplar Springs that I loved the most was how compassionate each of the staff we met along the way was.  You or I might have no trouble telling the dogs apart at the local dog park, but have you ever tried to tell a flock of chickens apart?  The staff at Poplar Springs can not only tell their chickens apart, they can tell you their names and each rooster’s or hens’ story.  Not only that, but the staff also know what animals have funny little tricks to show off (like the hen that jumped 3 feet in the air for her treat.  Or Jeremy, who has the nifty little habit of liking to jump on the hood of cars). 

I’ve also never met a friendlier bunch of farm animals before in my life.  Maybe it’s because they’re a little bit thankful that they get to live out their lives in green pastures, surrounded by love.  Maybe it’s because they know they have a story to tell and a lesson to teach. I, along with all the 4th graders received so many kisses from horses, mules, goats, and pigs.

 

I also learned a few pretty neat things too! 1) goats wag their tails when happy. 2) you can teach a pig her name, and she’ll come when called.  3) Best of all, I learned that what we do spreads far and wide – the world of animal welfare is full of compassionate people and by teaching the children we are helping animals and children for generations to come.

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! 

Puppy in need of a family

By: Isabel

Eleanor mentioned that fellow volunteer Marc Jacobson just sent the following message to a whole bunch of friends. I thought I'd post his request here as well:

"Henna is the cutest little girl, sweet as can be and very affectionate. She's been trying to find a home for a couple of months now and could use your help. Please forward this on to everyone you know who might be interested in adopting Henna or who might know someone looking. I met Henna this past Saturday at the Washington Humane Society's Georgia Ave shelter, and if I could have dogs in my building I would have taken her with me."

(Update: Marc's good wishes - and yours! - brought her the new family she's been waiting so long for. She got adopted less than 24 hours after Marc's email went out. She is going home today!)

Henna's got other fans, too! Volunteer trainer Julie Stark says:

"Henna loves to go on walks and is very curious outside. She walks very quietly and always turns and looks back at me with a cute smile during our walk. She loves to be close, and always listens to me when we practice some training skills together."

Henna is an Azores Cattle Dog (Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel). Her previous people gave her up because they didn't have the time for a puppy. She is a little shy at first but, as Julie points out, she LOVES being next to you once she warms up. She will likely weigh 50 pounds when full grown. She needs a new family who'll help build her confidence with lots of affection and continued training.

Having spent lots of cuddle time with Henna, I know she'll be such a joy to have around. If you're looking for a new best friend, she's waiting to meet you at our Georgia Avenue shelter (7319 Georgia Avenue, between Fern and Geranium Streets). It's open from 12-7pm 7 days a week. You can also give Diana, our adoptions manager, a call at 202-723-5730 x150. If you aren't in a position to adopt, please forward her info to as many people as you can. Thank you very, very much!!

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!