Washington Humane Society Blog

Where Are They Now? The animals of our anti-cruelty public service campaign

The “stars” of our 2010 Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign touched us with their heart-wrenching stories of abuse and neglect. Recently, we checked in with a few of their forever families.

Gracie
“Gracie is doing great! Ever since I picked her up in 2010 she has been my little shadow. She has adjusted very well, and last May got a roommate, a three-year-old Goldendoodle brother named Harry. Grace passed obedience class last year and has been swimming a couple of times and also enjoys jogging.  She still loves to sit in chairs and can be found sometimes on the back deck sitting upright in a chair watching for passersby.” 
-Brendan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ovie, formerly known as Fendi
“Ovie is doing absolutely terrific and now has a sister (piglet) to play with, though she also spends a lot of time playing mother to her. People love to come up to her and pet her.  She does really well with our 3-year-old niece, Madison, too.  Her photo shows them cuddling on Thanksgiving.  Ovie is so well-behaved and cuddle-obsessed that we are looking at getting her into the Canine Good Citizen program and then into Therapy Dog certification.  We think she could be really good at comforting people in need. We can't thank everyone at WHS enough for giving us such a great family member.  She lives to be with us, and us with her.  She's made rescuing her breed a life-long passion now and we are looking to someday open up our own family rescue in New England.”
-Liz Cavallaro and Hank Webster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Danger Powers
“Danger has been a complete joy, as have Babs (our female rabbit whom we adopted) and Josie (the coolest hamster, who came from WHS as well).  Danger is quite fond of jumping up on the bed and digging through the covers, and he still readily jumps out of his hutch when I call him.  I think it speaks volumes about the care they got at WHS that they're all so affectionate. Babs was shy at first but has now come into her own enough that she's pretty much in charge of the whole crew ;-)”
-Ally Hazen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zeus
And finally, we are very sad to report that Zeus, our original “poster pup,” has passed away due to what is believed to be heart disease. He was with his mom, Anne, and his closest human friend, knowing he was loved right up to the end. When we reached out to his amazing caregiver and shared a photo of her with her beloved Zeus, she thanked us for “the nice reminder of the joy he brought me,” and continued, “I am glad we could help the [anti-cruelty] program…and I know Zeus helped debunk the pit bull myth with every person who met him.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our hearts go out to Anne and her family. We have no doubt that Zeus is in a wonderful place and that his legacy will live on.

We can’t thank all of our incredible adopters enough for opening their hearts and homes to animals who deserve a second chance at life. We love nothing more than uniting people and animals to help create meaningful lifelong bonds. Keep an eye out for a new round of PSAs highlighting the human-animal bond coming this spring.

Goldfish Rescue Part II: Help Needed!

In the fall, we told you about a tremendous effort to rescue some rather tremendously small animals. Over several days in November, the Washington Humane Society (WHS) Humane Law Enforcement team, headed by Officer Michael Triebwasser, rescued over 1,000 goldfish from a manmade pond that was to be drained without concern for the fish living inside it.

After several days of very creative and extensive efforts, with the aid of our caring community, we slowly and carefully rescued every last possible fish, proving once again how much dc loves all dc animals.

Many of these fish found homes in the ponds of neighbors and organizations throughout the community. WHS offices have become temporary homes to more still—over 100 to be specific. These fish—of which several came to us just the size of a fingernail—are growing into big and beautiful orange, red and white adults, and will soon no longer fit comfortably in the large tanks in which they currently reside.

This is where we hope our community can help once again. We are calling on our friends and neighbors to open their hearts and homes to our finned friends and consider adopting one or several of these fish. Please contact Zita Macinanti at ZMacinanti@washhumane.org to learn how.

If you are unable to adopt, please spread the word to your families and communities. With your help, we are confident we can achieve the happiest of endings for this most unusual—but no less powerful—rescue story.

Thank you for your continued support!

Support DC Animals This Season

The holidays are here and we want to share with our community a few suggestions for last-minute gift ideas for your animal-loving friends and family.

Get your loved ones tickets to this year's Sugar & Champagne Affair! Treat your two- and four-legged friends to an evening of cocktails & confections to benefit the Washington Humane Society. Join us February 1 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for the 11th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair. Hosts Chef Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox & Watershed Restaurants and Muse at the Corcoran Gallery of Art will once again welcome guests in honor of our local crusaders against animal cruelty. Come and enjoy delectable confections by the metropolitan area’s most talented pastry chefs complemented by fine sparkling wines. A VIP reception presents an exclusive savory gathering by top chefs. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.sugarandchampagne.org.
 

Help your loved ones ring in the New Year with a WHS calendar. This year, we are offering our Humane Law Enforcement edition featuring stories of animals rescued by our heroic team of officers. Get your copy by emailing ZMacinanti@washhumane.org. ($25 including S&H.)

 

In addition, our Fashion for Paws calendar has just been released. Check out last year's runway show supermodels in this 2012 edition. Get your copy here. ($25 including S&H.)

Share your DC animal pride by shopping our dc loves dc animals store. Browse shirts, bags, hats, mugs and much more online.
 
Finally, we continue to celebrate Hope for the Holidays through December 31. All adoption fees on all of our animals are half off! We also deeply appreciate your consideration of donating or purchasing items for our homeless shelter animals in need or sponsoring an animal this season.

We thank you for your support and wish you a very merry holiday! 

Washington Humane Society Rescues Fish in Meridian Hill Park Pond with the Help of a Caring Community

Over several days in November, the Washington Humane Society (WHS) Humane Law Enforcement team, headed by Officer Michael Triebwasser, responded to the first case of its kind. The officers sought to rescue close to 1,000 fish – originally thought to be koi, but later determined to be primarily goldfish – who were dropped into a “pond” at Meridian Hill Park in Northwest Washington by a local resident this summer.

These fish were brought to the pond by a man who wanted to beautify his neighborhood; however, over the months, the fish multiplied tremendously and eventually, the pond needed to be drained for the winter season. There was no plan in place for the fish who were living there. The community was concerned, and when our officers learned that these fish might not survive, they immediately sprang into action. WHS contacted groups across the region to help ensure these fish could be safely removed from the pond and given a new home.

The rescue began on a chilly and wet Thursday morning in mid-November. Two officers geared up in waterproof attire and dove right into the pond with nets of all shapes and sizes. With so many fish covering two very large separate fountain areas, they quickly realized they had their work cut out for them. After a long day’s efforts, they were able to rescue a small portion of the population by very slowly and carefully gathering the fish and placing them into large buckets filled with water. The following day, they came back to the park prepared with a larger team, including WHS Animal Care & Control Officers, dressed in dry suits kindly supplied by DC Fire/EMS. However, even with the aid of additional officers, hundreds of fish still remained.

The pond was to be drained without exception on November 30. With that in mind, WHS put out a plea to our friends and neighbors; and almost immediately, the community who had expressed concern for these fish came to the rescue – quite literally. After reading our calls for support on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and on local blogs like Prince of Petworth, volunteers quickly began contacting our officers to see how they could help save the remaining fish. On Wednesday morning, the WHS team led a group of over 20 volunteers of all ages to collect the remaining fish. Sifting through cold, wet algae piece by piece, the final fish were recovered. Shouts of joy came from the youngest of volunteers with each fish found.

The fish have found homes in the ponds of caring neighbors and organizations throughout the community. A special thanks goes out to the National Aquarium for loaning us multiple nets, which helped us complete a successful rescue, and for connecting us with G and G Aquatics, a trusted group that is helping to find homes for these fish. We would also like to thank Raymond Yee Jr. with Aquamarine Systems LLC, who aided with the rescue and personally helped to place these fish in new home environments, and DC Fire for allowing us to use the dry suits they supplied for much longer than anticipated.

The Washington Humane Society provides comfort and care to nearly 30,000 animals each year. Our doors are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without exception. While serving an urban area means we see a lot of dogs, cats and companion animals, we believe that every animal matters, regardless of species, breed or any other factor; we never say “no” to an animal. This assignment – though different from our usual duties – proves once again that when we partner with a caring community, together we can develop real solutions to all types of animal-related issues.

Watch the team in action on FOX 5: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/local-group-rescues-fish-from-dc-park-12111

Thank you for 30 years, Sergeant Deppner

By Lisa LaFontaine, President & CEO

True mastery is a rare thing to see. In a world where people are frequently changing jobs, cities and professions it is difficult to acquire the skills, the wisdom and the perspective to become truly elite at what you do. On those rare occasions when it happens, it is beautiful to see.

Today, Sergeant Ted Deppner celebrates his 30th anniversary with the Washington Humane Society. During those three decades, he has worked as an Animal Control Officer and now serves as the department’s deputy director.  He does some administrative duties, trains other officers and works a more than full shift on the streets, every day. Ted has seen his city, his organization and his profession change in ways that were unimaginable when his career began. Through it all he has retained his center, his focus and his heart – at the same time becoming completely and thoroughly proficient in his role.

Everyone who likes animals fantasizes at some point about working in a field that serves them, and being an animal control officer is one way to fulfill that dream. And yet, very few can actually handle the demands, and fewer still can sustain themselves through a career.

The work is hard in every way – physically, spiritually and emotionally. It is dangerous – involving volatile encounters with angry humans and frightened and injured animals. It often means having to climb great heights, navigate underground or perform a complex rescue in a small space. The work is perplexing, and requires you to figure out how to perform a rescue or resolve a dispute with the resources at hand. And it is taxing, because you are often working outdoors in extremes of climate – and seeing and experiencing things that go against every fiber of what called you to work in the field in the first place.

During those thirty years, hundreds of animal welfare professionals have worked beside and learned from Ted. Untold numbers of community members have welcomed him into their homes to solve a problem, provide advice or help them with a difficult situation. Tens of thousands of animals have been rescued, have experienced his tremendous skill and compassion – and have had a second chance at a fantastic life as a result.

But here is what is truly remarkable. Ted does his work in a quiet and low-key manner, without expectation of praise or honor. He does it because he believes in it and because it is the right thing to do. Mastery with humility is one of the most inspiring of combinations.

A couple of weeks ago, Ted’s colleagues gathered around him to honor his work. They presented him with a scrapbook of his career so far – leaving many pages in the back blank because we all fully expect to fill it over the next couple of decades with more memorable rescues and encounters.

If you get an opportunity in the next couple of days, I hope you will shake Ted’s hand, or drop him a line to thank him. If you love animals, but don’t live around here or never met Ted, please say your own private thanks. If we all did so a hundred times, we wouldn’t come near to thanking him enough for the difference he has made for his community, for individuals within it and for the cause of animal welfare.

Throughout history people have tried to define a life well lived. What about thirty years of increasing excellence in a role where you get to enhance the lives of people and animals – without expectation of return? Thank you, Ted – it is a privilege to work with you.

Humane Law Enforcement Officers Rescue Animals in Need

UPDATE: Pumpkin has been adopted, and Goldie is now in foster care!

By Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO

Thanks to our Humane Law Enforcement Officers, two seriously abused cats have been rescued and will never again face cruelty at the hands of uncaring individuals. 

Pumpkin, a year-old orange tabby cat, was severely beaten by his owner’s boyfriend when he walked on the kitchen counter. Among other things Pumpkin was thrown against the wall, which has left him with severe soft tissue damage and a dislocated hip. 

Goldie, a three-month-old orange tabby, was beaten after it was discovered that he went to the bathroom on the floor. A kitten received six broken ribs simply for missing the litter box.  

Now recovering with officers in our Humane Law Enforcement Department, both of these cats are sweet, playful and outgoing. For now their physical activity levels need to be restricted, but they are available for adoption by someone who is willing to provide specialized care for the first few weeks. Now that we have gotten to know them we can be sure they will bond with their new people as they heal over the next month.

We are determined to bring justice to abused animals in the city. Our four full-time Humane Law Enforcement Officers respond to cruelty complaints 24 hours a day every day of the week, and investigate over 1,300 complaints of animal cruelty each year. These dedicated officers rescue hundreds of dogs, cats and other animals each year from neglect and abuse who are subsequently adopted into loving new homes.

People throughout the community make this work possible, and there are several ways in which you can help WHS combat cruelty. First and foremost, don’t ever look away from animal cruelty; report it immediately. If you have any question in your mind, contact us. To learn how to recognize and report animal cruelty, please visit our Report Cruelty page.

Preventing cruelty can only be done to the extent current laws allow. WHS has a long history of working with the DC City Council to help ensure the District has some of the most progressive laws in the country. Our Animal Advocacy Team volunteers help by writing letters and scheduling meetings with City Council members to help strengthen the animal laws here in the District. Click here to learn more about our legislative efforts.

Don't look away from animal cruelty. Do something. Report abuse or suspected abuse to the Washington Humane Society 24 hours a day by calling 202-BE-HUMANE (202-234-8626). To learn more about our Humane Law Enforcement program, click here.

The cases against Pumpkin’s and Goldie’s abusers are still under investigation, and as we seek justice we have assured these wonderful cats that they will never have to be scared of their family again. If you could help us fulfill our promise to Pumpkin and Goldie by adopting either or both of them, please contact Claudia Roll, Shelter Director, at croll@washhumane.org

WHS in Arkansas - Notes from the field

Today, we were given the green light by the state vet to place all the healthy animals in the emergency shelter up for a 'foster to adopt' program. The dogs have been held for their 10-day legal minimum hold period and under normal circumstances, they would be made available for adoption. But no one erects an emergency shelter during normal circumstances. It was agreed that the dogs would be fostered out into the community for 90 days while awaiting their original owners to claim them. If the dog is not claimed during that time period the foster family must have the dog spayed or neutered (paid for by the state) and then they will become the owners of the pup. What does this mean for me? Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. Before each dog leaves out we must scan for a microchip (although this was done on intake, it can never be done enough) and photographed (3 pictures,1 from the front and one for each side). That's 900 photographs!

We are still having animals come in from the area affected by the tornado in Vilonia including a gray and white adolescent cat who is being kept in the volunteer sleeping quarters because she is the only cat we have. 'Burrito' the burro returned home today, his family was able to get their fence repaired. A 3 legged border collie mix is being fostered by a family that has a 3 legged goat!

Local government is discussing opening some levies that will flood out some areas near Little Rock to absorb some of the water coming from the north. We will see what tomorrow brings us.

 

Submitted by: Humane Law Enforcement Officer  and Disaster Response Specialist Ann Russell

WHS in Arkansas - Notes from the Field

The dogs have been barking ever since they were awoken at 7 AM by a team of volunteers ready to feed and exercise the displaced pups. The team consists vastly of trained volunteers from the east and west coast, there are not many locals working at the shelter and when residents do come by and ask, 'where are you from?', they are shocked when one of us shouts 'New York', another 'California' then I pipe in with 'DC'. They are grateful to have us here (I must mention  the home made chocolate chip cookies dropped off for the volunteers today) but the community was definately not prepared to be displaced. Mitigation, the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters as defined by FEMA. It can be as simple as having an emergency plan in place for you, your family and your extended furry family. 

All of the lost dogs from this community, Conway Arkansas, are being house on these fairgrounds, the news and radio are spreading the word for pet owners to come by and look for their lost pets. It astonishes me that only a handful of the 100+ dogs that were brought to this shelter were wearing ID tags. I have seen familys cry from being seperated from their pet and when asked, was he wearing ID?, the response is "no". 

 We are still getting in as many animals as we reunite. Today, 9 more dogs came. One litter of  shepherd mix puppies were discovered in  cardboard box besides the dumpster of a trailer park. Oh, and don't let me forget 'Scratchy', an adult shar-pei mix that was brought in by some community members who were able to catch him. He is completely bald except for the scabs from the secondary skin infection he is suffering from likely as a result of his severe mange. The state vet looked him over and 'Scratchy' is in quarientine for now so he will be cared for by the livestock volunteers to try and prevent cross contamination to other dogs.

The dogs have stopped barking, I think we all need a good nites sleep.

 

Sunshine After the Rain

Attached to a fence by a short chain is how Washington Humane Society Law Enforcement found Rain in November of 2010. She had jumped over the fence and was standing on her back legs on top of a doghouse, to prevent from strangling herself.  Rain was in a sorry state when she arrived at WHS. Each of her ribs could be counted and she was very fearful.

As Rain became familiar in her new surroundings, her true colors came out. As a result of the dedicated WHS staff and volunteers as well as her astounding ability to overcome her past, Rain turned out to be a true sweetheart.  Her whole body wags every time she sees somebody and she always has a big grin on her face.

Yet the odds were against Rain on her quest for a family to call her own. A four-year-old white pit bull-type dog with special food requirements that requires regular ear cleanings and allergy medication, Rain was passed over for adoption again and again. Rain spent six long months at the shelter. During that time she took part in WHS’s Dog Tags and PACK programs. Through these programs she gained confidence and skills for her to carry over into her new home.

On April 6, 2011 Rain’s special day finally arrived. She walked out the doors of WHS to live in a loving home with a great couple and their daughter. Rain’s new family is working hard to make her as comfortable as possible. She is seeing an allergy specialist to pinpoint her allergy and find the best possible food for her. She got to snuggle in bed last night and is already part of the family. Rain, is finally seeing some sunshine.

 

Help the Washington Humane Society continue to rescue dogs like Rain and give them new hope. WHS is the only agency in the District of Columbia out there in the streets 24/7 saving animals lives. To help them help even more animals vote for Washington Humane Society today and everyday at www.votetosavelives.org

 

Submitted by: Louisa Phillips, Adoptions Manager/Dog Foster Coordinator WHS Georgia Ave

Cat Torched - $1000 Reward

 
This innocent cat was set on fire. The poor feline suffered burns to her ears and body. WHS Animal Control Officer, Shawn Covington and WHS Humane Law Enforcement Officer, Jennifer Gardner found her on the 4000 block of Meade Street NE on Wednesday. Residents in the neighborhood say she is friendly and had been living in the community for a few months, and may have been someone's family pet.  We have  named her Nola. She is now recovering from her injuries at a local animal hospital.

This is a horrible case of animal abuse and the person(s) responsible must be brought to justice. If you have any information on who may have committed this despicable crime the Washington Humane Society would like to hear from you.

Callers may remain anonymous. A $1000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for torturing this innocent animal.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Humane Law Enforcement Officer Jennifer Gardner at 202-723-5730 ext. 134 or email her at JGardner@washhumane.org.

If you would like to help nurse Nola back to health, please consider donating to the Sophie's Fund. The Sophie’s Fund is a special account set aside for WHS shelter animals in need of expensive medical care. Every dollar donated will go towards life saving medical care for WHS shelter animals. Please consider donating to Sophie’s Fund the today.

Your contribution will save a life!