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Tom Campbell a
Sponsor of Humane Care for Outside Dogs
January 10, 2010
January is “Unchain a Dog” month. Representative Tom Cambell (R
states, “I have a bill, HB 2387 that would help stop this cruel
treatment of dogs in Washington State:
“It is an unlawful practice leaving dogs out in the cold, heat and
wet conditions. It is particularly interesting that chained dogs are
more likely to bite kids and cause injuries” The bill is also
sponsored by Maralyn Chase (D), and Shery Appleton (D).
Awwww Alert
Rescued Bunnies Thriving...
%20APRIL%2013,%2008.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
April 13, 2008 - by Dixie A. Walter: Bob and
Gail Schaub became foster parents to a pair of bunnies "about
eight or nine days" ago, and started feeding them immediately. Bob
explained the mother, a domestic rabbit, is still seen around his
area. But won't come near Schaub's property because of their
terrier dogs.
It appears the mother abandoned her
litter because the dogs scared her off. Although how she got under
the extremely sturdy fence is a question. The litter was left
close to the back door. One was killed by a terrier and Bob said
he couldn't leave them out to die. And, since the dogs would kill
them for sure he took them in.
Gail and Bob went to a feed store and
were told to feed the babies kitten formula. They have thrived on
this food. When first found the bunnies, brother and sister,
barely had fur and were just starting to open their eyes. Gail
went to the Internet for help and learned to weigh the tiny
bunnies on a food scale. It takes both people to weigh the active
little ones. Baby rabbits are called "kittens" or "kits."
For every ounce they gain the babies get another
eyedropper of formula. They are up to four or five a day now.
They also have tiny teeth which can be heard and felt on the tip
of the eyedropper. The siblings have started to nibble dandelion
greens and sample other solid food.
When they aren't cuddled together the little guys
are very active and inquisitive. Schaub's had a moment of panic Sunday after moving the babies into a new, larger cage. Even
though Bob and Gail thought they had the cage escape proof, the
female figured out how to get high enough to squeeze through the
cage bars.
Then she had the laundry room to
herself. Schaubs had to move a washing machine loaded with wet
clothes and finally caught her. Bob said when they put the
escapee back with her brother Bob said he was "so happy to see
her" they licked each other's faces in excited greeting. "It was
like they were kissing," Bob explained.
Animal Lover Active in
Community...
Active in the
community Bob is presently Chair of the Planning Commission. He
has served two terms on the town council in the past and is a
retired elementary school teacher. He came to Eatonville in 1971
and taught fifth grade. Bob also taught for a time at Columbia
Crest Elementary where he also served as principal. Later he was
named principal at Eatonville Elementary. While in this position
Bob oversaw construction of the "new" elementary school. He
retired from his education career in 1990.
In keeping with Bob's interest in children and their
issues he was an active board member of the Youth
Connection,
he is an "at large" board member currently. Bob is also a member
of the Community Center Committee (he wrote the major part of the
center's grant) and serves on the Park Committee.
But no matter how busy he is Bob makes the time to
hand feed the little Schaub bunnies. Gail fixes the formula and they worry over the temperature before letting the babies
feed. When Bob finished feeding the female, he got up to take her
back to her cage and kissed her on the top of her head.
So far Schaubs haven't named the tiny rabbits.
To watch a video of Bob feeding
the dainty female please see
Female Bunny
And to watch the video of Bob
feeding the bigger male please see
Male Bunny
Missing Bird
$500 Reward...
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*As of late
last week it is believed this lost bird is still alive. She was
spotted flying over her owner's home
with some wild birds and one neighbor says she has heard Sam
vocalizing in the area.
April 8, 2008: A small Sun Conure parrot resembling the photo
above has been missing near Smallwood
Park (Kid's Pond) since Thursday, April 3. The missing bird has a
yellow head, cape and belly, red cheeks, teal wings, is
approximately ten inches tall and has a band on one leg.
The bird's name is Sam and is "very tame" according
to his owners. If you see Sam, or "even think you see
him,
please call anytime day or night." Home phone -
360.832.1201; cell - 253.548.5917 or cell - 253.820.6825.
There is a $500 reward.
Feeding Frenzy at Tony's...
%20APRIL%206,%2008%201AVS3836.jpg)
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
April 7, 2008: Tony explains, "The little guys are going through
almost a full feeder bottle a day now. Every
evening
before dark there are up to 14 that we can count buzzing around."
Is it Spring Yet?
%20MARCH%2026,%2008%20n1AVS3594.jpg)
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
March 26, 2008: March is a
fussy month, never seeming to know what to do weather-wise.
Eatonville woke up
to the white stuff this morning. Later, the sun was shining.
Then the next thing you saw was more snow. It's very cold
outside this evening, raising some worries about icy roads.
Tony Sirgedas sent ENN this photo of a male Rufous
hummingbird with the following message. "I found this little
gem in the snow. It found a nice perch outside the front window
after hitting the feeder during this evening's snow shower."
Rufous hummer's have the longest migration route of
all United States hummingbirds. The tiny males usually come
back to this area sometime in February. Females arrive later.
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic Opens to Save Pet
Lives
Open House Friday, March 28
Changing This...
To This...
(TACOMA,
WA, March 25, 2008) – The first low cost spay/neuter clinic has
opened in Pierce County. In
just 13 days of surgery, over 300
dogs and cats have been altered at the Coalition: HUMAnE Spay &
Neuter Clinic in Tacoma! Many unwanted puppies and kittens will
not be born thanks to this effort.
In order to stop the killing of over 10,000 pets per
year, Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project orchestrated an
effort
among local animal welfare groups to raise funds and raise the
roof on a model spay/neuter clinic to address pet overpopulation.
Pierce County’s first low cost spay/neuter clinic will provide
surgeries for at least 6,000 dogs and cats per year.
A celebratory Grand Opening will be held on Friday,
March 28 from 6pm – 8pm. The new clinic is located at 2106
Tacoma Avenue South in Tacoma. Spaying and neutering is the most
effective solution to pet overpopulation. It is also non-lethal.
“Our goal was to start a clinic at the lowest cost
possible to serve the largest number of animals, therefore an immediate impact on shelter intakes and euthanasia. We
are thrilled to bring this clinic to the community,” said Patty Rusnak, PSNP Vice President. Please visit
www.coalitionhumane.org
for more information.
Spay/Neuter
Project Gets $35,000 PetSmart Grant
%20%20OCT.%2030,%2007%20_JPEG[1].jpg)
( photo courtesy PSNP )
Frodo,
a pit bull mix, became Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project's 10,000th
client last fall.
by Holly Bukes
February 7, 2008
(
GIG HARBOR
- February 7, 2008) -
Peninsula
Spay/Neuter Project (PSNP) has received a $35,000 grant
from
PetSmart Charities to establish a new spay-neuter clinic for cats
and dogs. This clinic is expected to complete a minimum of 6,000
sterilizations for companion animals in the first year. The
Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic, located in
Tacoma , will begin taking appointments on February 17.
Spaying and neutering is
the most effective solution to pet overpopulation.
It is also non-lethal.
“Our goal is to start a clinic at the
lowest cost possible to serve the largest number of animals,
therefore making an immediate impact on shelter intakes and
euthanasia,” said Patty Rusnak, PSNP Vice-President.
“We hope that our spay/neuter clinic will become a model
for other agencies across the country.”
Inquiries and donations to Coalition: HUMAnE are welcome.
Please call 253.627.SPAY for more information or visit
www.coalitionhumane.org.
About
Peninsula
Spay/Neuter Project
PSNP’s six-year old pet sterilization program has successfully
funded over 10,000 spay and neuter
surgeries.
Its mission is to promote and provide funding for low cost
spay and neuter services for pet cats and dogs, as well as for
feral cats. The majority of
PSNP’s clients are low income families receiving public
assistance, along with Good Samaritan caretakers of abandoned
feral cats.
About
PetSmart Charities
Since its inception in 1994, PetSmart Charities (PCI) has helped
save the lives of more than 3.2 million homeless
pets and has given more than $65 million to animal welfare
programs across the
United States
and
Canada . PCI works to improve the quality of lives for companion animals
by creating and supporting programs that save the lives of
homeless pets, facilitating adoptions through in-store programs,
raising awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and
promoting healthy relationships between people and pets. To learn
more about how PCI is working to help find a lifelong, loving home
for every pet, visit
http://www.petsmartcharities.org/
or call 1.800.423.PETS.
Our
Neighbors Look at the Loss of Their Neighborhood...
%20JAN.%2026,%2008%20DSC_00451.jpg)
(photo by Linda Cossalman)
January
29, 2008: This adult pair of bald eagles have been seen in the Hilltop
Area where extensive logging
has
taken place. Another part of their neighborhood, Van Eaton Parkland,
was completely denuded of any vegetation. Vegetation which would be
cover for rodents, squirrels perhaps rabbits. Take away their habitat
and the food supply goes away too. The photographs were taken
Saturday, January 26.
This magnificent bird, the totem
animal which has symbolized American for 226 years, was almost driven
to
extinction by the widely used pesticide DDT After decades of
conservation, breeding programs etc. the big bird has made an
impressive comeback and was removed from endangered status, delisted,
in June 2007. Eagles are still protected. The Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are federal laws
prohibiting "taking - killing, selling or otherwise harming
eagle's, their nests and eggs. They are also protected under the Lacey
Act.
Tall treetops are a favorite place
for the birds to keep an eagle eye on their territory and watch for
food like
the one the pair in the photograph have staked out. Bald
eagles have a territory of one to two square miles, with a wingspan
between six to eight feet and weighing from seven to fourteen pounds,
the giant raptors need plenty of space to soar. The eagles body can be
from 34 to 43 inches with the female is the largest which is
characteristic in birds of prey. Their size is relative to a human
male of six feet.
They are opportunistic feeders and will
eat carrion, chase other birds away from food and make spectacular
swoops
over water to catch fish or ducks. Sometimes they get a fish or water
fowl almost too big to handle. But eagles swim rather well and often
flap their way out of the water to land instead of giving up the kill.
About 60 to 90 percent of their diet is made up of fish. They feast on
salmon carcasses along river banks and can live up to 50 years in
captivity with an average of 28 to 30 years in the wild.
Bald Eagles Mate for
Life...
Bald eagles mature around five years old. Until the when the
distinctive white head and tail are finally on
display it is
difficult to tell a juvenile from a golden eagle or a big hawk. They
begin to nest in March and April. Both parents build the nest, called
an aerie, and the bird will usually use the same site for years adding
to it's size until the aerie becomes huge. The biggest nest recorded
was 9.5 feet wide, 20 feet high and weighed over two tons. The birds
mate for life but will take another mate if one dies.
The first year of life can be very
dangerous for bald eagles. The mother bird usually lays two eggs
several days
apart. The gestation period is 35 days with the first
egg laid hatching first. Parents feed the first hatched and sometime
the second bird is too small to fight for attention and food. They
often are pushed out of the nest and perish. About 50 percent of eagle
chicks don't survive their first year. Both parents nurture the
eaglets until they are able to fly at around 12 weeks old.
According to the American Eagle
Foundation, "The
Bald Eagle was officially declared the National Emblem of
the
United States by the Second Continental Congress in 1782. It was
selected by the U.S.A.'s founding fathers because it is a species
unique to North America. Ben Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the
national bird, because he thought the eagle was of bad moral
character. The Bald Eagle has since become the living symbol of the
U.S.A.'s freedoms, spirit and pursuit of excellence. Its image and
symbolism have played a significant role in American art, folklore,
music and architecture."
As the icon of our American freedoms the eagle
is a noble figure whose imagine adorns just about everything
patriotic. Many people revere these beautiful birds and protect them
as much as possible. Others, evening flag-waving "patriots,"
destroy the eagles living spaces, and food sources, without blinking
an eye.
It is believed this pair are also the eagles seen
frequently around the Mashell River near the bridge and batch plant.
The location of this pair's nest is not known, which is a good
situation for the birds as spring comes knocking.
Keeping
Watch...
%20(OP%205)%20JAN.%2027,%2008%20Eagle2.jpg)
(photo
by Linda Cossalman)
While its
mate flies off to look for food this bird keeps watch over their
territory.
Wingspan from
Seven to Eight Feet...
%20JAN.%2027,%2008%20Eagle005.jpg)
(photo
by Arlen Paranto)
"The
time will soon be here when my grandchild will long for the cry of a
loon, the flash of a salmon, the
whisper of spruce needles, or
the screech of an eagle. But he will not make friends with any
of these creatures and when
his heart aches with longing he will curse me. Have I done all
to keep the air fresh? Have I cared enough about the water?
Have I left the eagle to soar in freedom? Have I done
everything I could to earn my grandchild’s fondness?" ~
Chief Dan George - Salish Chief
To hear the often melodious vocalizations of Bald Eagles please go to
National Geographic Magazine's Sights & Sounds of Bald
Eagles
Reminder for
all Dog and Cat Owners
Pet
Licenses are Due at End of Year
It
is that time of year again to renew your pet license. All 2007 pet
licenses expire December 31. Protect your pets. Please visit Town Hall to
purchase your 2008 pet license. Contact Eatonville Police Department for a
pet license application to be mailed to you at 360.832.6111.
Dog
License Schedule
Spayed/Neutered
$20
Unaltered
$50
Cat
License Schedule
Spayed/Neutered
$12
Unaltered
$50
Senior
or Disabled Dog Owner
Spayed/Neutered
$10
Unaltered
$30
Senior
or Disabled Cat Owner
Spayed/Neutered $6
Unaltered
$30
Tips
for a Pet-Friendly Winter from American Humane...
%20winterdog.jpg)
With colder winter
weather on its way -- not to mention the busy holiday season -- pets
need a little extra loving care. Below are some precautions you can
take to ensure a happy holiday season for the furry members of your
family.
Beware
the Elements
-
Keep pets inside when the temperature drops. Cats can get
frostbite and should be kept indoors year-round. Many dog breeds,
such as greyhounds, are also highly susceptible to the cold.
-
Make sure antifreeze is inaccessible, and clean up any spills in
your garage immediately. Antifreeze has a sweet taste animals find
irresistible, but it can be deadly if swallowed.
Give
Thanks, Not Turkey Bones
-
Keep turkey, ham or any other leftover bones away from pets. Bones
can tear or obstruct your pet’s intestinal tract.
-
Don’t “stuff” your pets. Found in abundance in turkey
stuffing, onions can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to
anemia. In addition, rich, fatty foods like turkey skin or gravy can
cause pancreatitis in animals.
Decorate With an Eye for Safety
- Keep enticing tinsel,
ribbons and garlands away from pets. If ingested, these can become
lodged in animals’ intestines, causing life-threatening
obstructions.
- Secure or cover light cords
to deter chewing. Pet-proof extension cords are an even better way
to make sure your pet does not shock or electrocute himself.
And Then There
Were None...
( photo courtesy PSNP )
Press release
November 1, 2007
Gig Harbor, WA – Without
balloons, fanfare or a door prize, when
Frodo crossed
through the doorway of
Minter Veterinary Hospital on Key Peninsula he
unwittingly became Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project’s (PSNP) 10,000th
client. PSNP, a not
for profit organization dedicated to saving lives through prevention,
has facilitated over
10, 000 spay and neuter surgeries since its inception just six year
ago. This accomplishment
was achieved with an all volunteer PSNP staff and partner veterinary
clinics in Pierce, Kitsap
and King County. The majority of PSNP's clients are low income
families receiving public
assistance and caregivers of feral cats. Earlier this year, PSNP
announced the formation of
Coalition: HUMAnE, a group
of local animal welfare agencies dedicated to opening a freestanding
spay/neuter clinic in Pierce
County.
The opening of the clinic in early 2008 will
assist in the countdown to
zero of the number of homeless pets in Pierce County.
Sonja Finally Home...
%20OCT.%2027,%2007%20Picture854.jpg)
(courtesy photo)
November 12, 2007: Sonja, the Morgan mare who was missing over three
months has been recovered and is
now home. For more of Sonja's story
please see below.
Morgan Mare Missing for Three
Months
"Bought," Moved, but Never Paid For...
Sonja, the Morgan Mare, is Missing...
October 27,
2007
Sonja is a 19-year-old Registered Morgan Mare. She has the sweetest
personality, very personable. Will
come to her name when
called. Loves treats. Sonja is chestnut, caramel colored. Her mane
is always very thick and long.
She is 14 plus hands tall, very stocky and long bodied who looks like
an over sized pony. She also looks sway
backed without a saddle. She was sold, but not paid, for this past
July. Payment arrangements were made, but never followed through.
A promise was made to Sonja's owner that she could see the horse when
she needed to. However, according
to the mare's legal owner, the purchaser was evicted from her
home, and moved Sonja with out telling her.
All the purchaser provided were directions to
were Sonja is supposed to be, but she hasn't been found.
Sonja's owner said,
"I
have been doing alot of traveling around the area to find Sonja."
The owner has tried multiple times to contact the woman purchaser but
her phone calls have not been returned. The purchaser has no proof of
ownership, this was withheld by the owner until the mare was paid for.
The horse was last
known to be in the Eatonville to Roy area.
Any
information to her recovery greatly appreciated. Contact 253.961.9728
mysaloj@rainierconnect.com.
Sonja Profile...
%20OCT.%2027,%2007%20Picture853.jpg)
Sonja Saddled and Shod...
Sonja Unsaddled...
%20%20OCT.%2027,%2007%20Picture906.jpg)
When Not Saddled Sonja is Swaybacked...
Sonja Close Up...
%20OCT.%2027,%2007%20Picture878.jpg)
Detail of Sonja's Head. Photos Courtesy of Mare's
Legal Owner...
Tony Captures Crows...
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
July 29, 2007: Tony captured this magnificent American crow, , Corvus
brachyrynchos, with his camera and
shares his photo with ENN readers. Although crows are hated by
many, these extremely intelligent birds have been revered in many
cultures, and are the subject of myths and lore in most cultures. Most
myths, including Native American stories, emphasize the wisdom, intellect
and wiliness of the this large bird.
Crows are found almost everywhere on the
planet with the exception of New Zealand, Antarctica and South
America.
Crows have been documented making use of tools, and are said, by some,
to be the most intelligent of birds. Although it is illegal to keep
them as "pets," crows can become very good companion birds
and some will even repeat human words.
These handsome birds will fiercely defend and
protect their family. They will also fly to the aid of unrelated
crows
in trouble or distress. Their main enemies are humans, owls and hawks.
Crows will eat just about anything and are useful as carrion feeders,
eager to consume road kills and other dead animals. Crows are often
hated for ruining crops, however, many experts say crows do more good
than harm as insects destructive to crops are a favorite food of the
species.
In the wild crows can live up to ten
years. The record for longevity in a wild, banded crow was twenty-nine
and a
half years. Crows have not been fazed by human development
and actually thrive on the garbage generated by humans. Their ability
to adapt is illustrated by aNative American tale says that coyote will
eat the bones of the last man living and crow will eat the bones of
coyote.
Th Hawaiian crow and Mariana crow are
endangered. Hawaiian crows, 'alala in Hawaiian, are believed to be
extinct
in the wild with thirty to forty birds in captivity. The numbers of
Marian crows, native to the north Pacific, have been in steady decline
since the 1960s.
Kamp
Kindness...
%20Untitled.jpg)
from
Tom Sayer
July 14, 2007
Kamp
Kindness – a week-long day camp offered by the Humane Society for
Tacoma
and
Pierce
County
through
Lakewood Parks & Recreation - is a wonderful opportunity for your
child to explore the world of animals while learning about respect for
people, animals and the environment.
Through games, crafts, guest
speakers and field trips, we’ll examine pet behavior and
socialization, animal
rescue, pet adoption, pets and wildlife, and
companion animals as our link to nature. Participants will enjoy a
visit by a police officer and an animal control officer, who teach
them about cruelty investigations. The kids will then be presented
with investigative scenarios and be asked to do their own
investigations!
All participants will receive exclusive Kamp
Kindness T-shirts. Trained chaperones and counselors will be
on
staff. The highlight of the week will be a guided field trip at the
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
The camps are open to children ages 9-12, and will
be held at
Lochburn
Middle School
. There are two
separate camps: July 23-27 and July 30 to Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
with lunches and snacks provided. The fee is $175. Some scholarships
are available to qualifying families. Call Lakewood Parks &
Recreation at 253.589.2489 for more information or to request a
registration form. The forms are also available through the Humane
Society’s Humane Education Office at 253.284.5814.
Dog-a-Thon
2007 Saturday
%20%20046.jpg)
(2006 photo by Bob Walter)
This young Bassett hound took a break from last year's Dog-a-Thon and
charmed everyone. Children's
wading pools filled with water are on hand for
participating dogs to splash in and cool off. Drinking water is also
available during the event as are veterinarians. The Dog-a-Thon for
the humane society began many years ago as the idea of a school girl
to raise money for homeless pets. It has since become the society's
biggest fundraiser. And a lot of fun for dogs and their owners.
Dog
Lovers Alert...
July 14, 2007
If you’re more than just a dog owner and you consider yourself
as a dog lover, then you’ll want to know about the
largest dog walking event in the state: Dog-A-Thon 2007, The Humane
Society’s Walk for Homeless Pets.
On Saturday, July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
more than 1,000 dogs and their families will meet at
Fort
Steilacoom
Park
in
Lakewood
to have a great time while helping homeless animals.
Choose the one-mile stroll on the paved, level
trail around Lake Waughop (perfect for the older dog) or hike the
four-mile forested trail that leads up to spectacular views of the
lake, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and the waters of Puget
Sound. Along the routes, stop and enjoy the Treat Stop, Toy
Stop, Water Stops and the Photo Stop.
Walking with your dog is only half the fun! There will be
opportunities to participate in the Magnificent Mutt Show, and
to observe demonstrations by:
Tacoma
’s Police Department K-9 Unit, Department of Corrections drug
sniffing dogs, Ewe-Topia Herding Dogs, or collapse on the grass and
soak up the sun with the friendliest dogs (and people!) around.
If that isn’t enough, stop by and have your pet microchipped for
only $20!
To
get started, log onto www.thehumanesociety.org
and
download a pledge form or call (253) 284-5811. This day is
for the dogs!
Awesome
Elk Photos
from
Tony Sirgedas...
%20JULY%202,%202007%20_ONY3263.jpg)
Tony
says, "Here's a couple of snaps from Dogwood Park early on July 2
with a herd of elk hanging around in the light fog."
Detail
of Elk in the Mist...
%20JULY%202,%202007%20_ONY3256.jpg)
"Six
of the seven elk are young bulls as you can see their antlers in the
closer shot of them."
Humane
Society on Euthanasia Alert...
62
Adoptable Pets Euthanized in the Past Week
%20MAY%202,%2006%20KittenLitter018_retouch.jpg)
(photo courtesy of The Humane Society
2006)
Foster Families and Adopters Urgently Needed Now...
from
Tom Sayre
Events and
Community Relations Manager
May 19, 2006
With spring upon us, hundreds of homeless kittens, cats and dogs are
and will be arriving daily at the
Humane Society for
Tacoma and Pierce
County
. The shelter and current foster families are now at capacity and we
will need to continue euthanizing adoptable pets if the community does
not step forward. The Humane Society currently is caring for a total of
271 dogs and cats.
We need the communities help and there are several ways to become
involved!
·
If
someone is ready to provide a permanent and loving home for either a dog
or cat, now is the time to adopt!
-
Spay and/or neuter all of your pets. There are far too many
healthy adoptable pets in this community
and not enough homes.
-
Foster families and adopters are urgently needed. Fostering a
pet involves caring for it temporarily
until the kitten or puppy is old enough to be permanently
adopted. To find out more about becoming a
foster family, please call 253.284.5832.
“It takes a community working together to stop the needless killing
of thousands of pets,” says Kathleen
Olson, Executive Director,
Humane Society.
In December 2008, the
Humane Society will become a no-kill shelter and is working to ensure
that
Pierce
County
becomes a no-kill community. Please help now!
The
Humane Society for
Tacoma
and
Pierce
County
is the largest animal shelter in
Washington
State
,
caring for more nearly 18,000 homeless pets annually. We
protect and promote the well-being of animals and foster loving
relationships between animals and people through pet adoption,
spay/neuter programs, humane education and animal protection. We are not
a government agency, nor are we associated with or funded by any
national, animal welfare organization. We are a private, non-profit
organization that depends upon the tax-deductible donations of our
community.
Our goal is to end euthanasia of
all healthy, adoptable pets by December of 2008, becoming the only open-admission,
no-kill community in Washington State, and one of only a few nationwide.
We envision a community where every pet has a permanent and loving home,
every companion animal is spayed or neutered, and all pets are treated
with respect and compassion. Please do your part in helping to make
Pierce
County
a “no-kill” community. Adopt a society pet, spay or neuter your
pets, foster a pet, volunteer and give generously to the Humane Society
for
Tacoma
and
Pierce
County
.
Open Your Heart
and Home, Adopt a Homeless Pet May 19
%20OCT.%2017,%2006%20PA170019.jpg)
The Humane
Society’s Special Day Offers Reduced Adoption Fees for Pets...
Press release
from Tom Sayre
May 14, 2007
TACOMA ,
Wash.
– The Adoptathon event is a chance to unite people with a dog or a
cat and to combat the
needless deaths of thousands of pets that
occur each year in
Pierce
County
.
“Adoptathon is more important
this year as we move toward ‘fixing the problem’ of euthanizing
healthy adoptable pets. Promoting pet adoption is one way
The Humane Society can reach its goal of becoming a ‘no-kill
community’ by the end of 2008,” says Dick Heaton, Humane Society
Board President.
Hundreds of homeless pets will be
available for adoption at a greatly reduced cost during Adoptathon
at the William Gazecki Animal Shelter,
2608 Center St.
in
Tacoma
, on Saturday, May 19, starting at 9 a.m.
In 2006, there was a record
breaking adoption event with 180 pets adopted! “This year
the goal is to clean out the entire cattery and every dog
kennel” says
Tom Sayre
, event organizer. “Every pet deserves a chance at life and
we hope to place them all in permanent, loving homes.
As part of the Adoptathon event, there
will be a percent discount for all cats one year or older and a 25
percent discount for all dogs over the age of one year. All
adoptions include: wellness exam, spay/neuter, microchip with
national registration, initial vaccinations, pet care counseling and
– for cats – feline leukemia test, collar and cat carrier.
Free pet toys will also be given with every adoption.
For more information please call 253.383.2733.
Zoo
Society Director Chosen to Head Humane Society...
%20FEB.%2028,%2007%20Copy(2)ofFromFreeway.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
The
William Gazecki
Animal Shelter (Humane Society) in Tacoma. Pet animals found in
Eatonville and not
claimed by owners or adopted in town are
taken to the Humane Society in Tacoma.
Kathleen
Olson New Director...
Press release
February 28, 2007
Contact Tom Sayre 253.284.5869
or Marguerite Richmond 253.284.5823
The
Humane Society for
Tacoma
and
Pierce
County
is pleased to announce that Kathleen Olson has been
selected as
the new Executive Director of The Humane Society for
Tacoma
and
Pierce
County
.
The
Tacoma
resident has been Executive Director of The Point Defiance
Zoological Society since 2001.
She joined the staff as Zoobilee
Coordinator and Grant Writer in 1998 and was promoted to Development
Director in 1999. Previously, she was Executive Director for
FISH Food Banks of Pierce County for five years.
Ms. Olson comes to the Humane Society
with a strong background in animal welfare and community
service. “I believe we have a duty to protect all
animals,” stated Ms. Olson. “For years I have worked to
protect threatened and endangered species and wild animals
represented in the Zoo collection. It is a natural transition for me
to now concentrate on protecting our companion animals and working
to eliminate the tragedy of needless pet euthanasia in our
community. I am looking forward to leading The Humane Society
through the exciting times ahead, especially in reaching our goal of
becoming a no-kill community by December 2008.
The Humane
Society’s board of directors has been searching for a new Executive
Director for four months.
“We conducted a nation-wide search,”
said Board President John Ciccarelli, “and we had quite a few qualified
candidates. We were impressed with Ms. Olson’s skills and leadership
experience, and her knowledge of the community. She was really the best
fit for the Humane Society.” Olson will make the transition to the
Humane Society in mid-March.
Lost Parrot
Recovered
by "Guardian"
%20FEB.%2022,%202007%20P1010027.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
February
24, 2007 : The
stray, yellow-naped Amazon that had been in temporary residence at
the William
Gazecki
Animal Shelter (Humane Society) in Tacoma has been reclaimed. The
individual who lost the bird hadn't thought to visit or contact the
local animal shelter to check for his feathered companion. But after The
Humane Society's spokesperson Tom Sayre sent out a press
release about the bird, and several local television news programs
aired the story, word reached the bird's guardian.
The staff at the Humane Society thought the
bird's name might be "Bert," since the parrot seemed to
be saying the word repeatedly, along with "Bye!" as one walked
away. The bird's name, in fact, is "Sonny." He had
flown out of an open car window as his owners were driving, very
near where Andy Rogers, or rather, Roger's dog, discovered
him.
Lost
Parrot Calling
for Owner?
Parrot
Repeatedly Says "Bert"
(photo by Bob Walter)
This stray yellow nape Amazon parrot has become an instant media star
since arriving at the Humane Society. TV and radio stations have
picked up the story to help find the bird's owner. Yellow nape parrots
are hardy, intelligent, affectionate and are noted for speaking human
words. Sex must be determined either by DNA testing or surgically. The
yellow spot on the back of the head doesn't appear until the bird is a
year old.
from Tom Sayre
February 22, 2007
When local resident Andy Rogers went out back to see what his dog
was barking at, he would have never
guessed that an Amazon parrot
would land on his extended arm! Andy said that "it is
obvious that this parrot has been around people and dogs as neither
seemed to startle it."
Knowing it was well cared for; Andy knew that someone would be looking
for it so he took it to the Humane
Society where it is being cared for
until it can be hopefully reunited with its owner. Since taking up
residence at the Humane Society the feathered friend is becoming quite
chatty. In addition to calling the name “Bert” over and over, it
also greets visitors with “good morning” and sends them off with a
“bye.”
This parrot is
banded, if someone claims ownership the shelter will ask for
verification of the numbers. If
the owner doesn’t come forward, the Humane Society plans to
make this yellow
nape Amazon parrot available for adoption.
The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce
County is the largest animal shelter in Washington State,
caring for
more nearly 23,000 homeless pets annually. We protect and promote
the well-being of animals and foster loving relationships between animals
and people through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, humane education
and animal protection. We are not a government agency, nor are we
associated with or funded by any national, animal welfare organization. We
are a private, non-profit organization that depends upon the
tax-deductible donations of our community.
Our goal is to end
euthanasia of all healthy, adoptable pets by December of 2008, becoming
the only open-admission, no-kill community in Washington State, and
one of only a few nationwide. We envision a community where every pet has
a permanent and loving home, every companion animal is spayed or neutered,
and all pets are treated with respect and compassion. Please do your part
in helping to make Pierce County a “no-kill” community. Adopt a
society pet, spay or neuter your pets, foster a pet, volunteer and give
generously to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.
%20%20birdin144.jpg)
For Bird Lovers %20%20birdin144.jpg)
January 18, 2007: Making its way through the Internet via email is
a charming "love story" about a pair of
Australian
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo flew cockatoos. The female was hit by a
car and the injury resulted in the loss of a wing. She lived in a
cage outside and was visited by wild cockatoos. Eventually a male
decided she was the one for him and eventually figured out how to
open her "tamper proof" cage latch. After a while the
birds mated and produced young. The story is wonderfully
photographed and told on the following site, Tale
of Two Cockatoos
- Be sure to keep clicking on "Next Page" for the
full story.
Waiting
for the School Bus...
%20JAN.%2014,%2007%20sallyprincess.jpg)
(1952 photo by Ruby Feldtman)
January 16, 2007: This sweet photo was taken by Gary Feldtman's
mother, Ruby, fifty-five years ago in
Swafford
Valley near Mossyrock. The little girl is four-year-old Sally,
Gary's youngest sister, who is cuddling with the family dog,
Princess. The two were waiting for the school bus to bring Gary and
his other sister, Marilyn, home from school.
The photo was sent by Gary's wife, Linda.
Gary and Linda were long-time, active residents of Eatonville
before moving to Lacey many years ago. Linda and Gary were among the
people who helped starte the first Art Festival over thirty-five
years ago. Linda graduated from Eatonville High School as Linda
Treadwell. She says this is her "favorite photo ever," and
it "hangs over her desk."
Abandoned Dog Needs a Loving,
Warm Home...
%20JAN.%2011,%2006%20adoption.jpg)
(photo by Tera Pella)
from
Tera Pine
Eatonville Animal Control Officer
January 11, 2007
This poor
fellow was abandoned here in Eatonville over 1 month ago. He is only
about 1 year old. Neutered
male chow/retriever mix, with no
black on the his tongue. He is very kind, gentle and sweet soul.
Gets along well with other dogs and kids. Adoption fee is requested
through a donation to Eatonville Animal Control. Please contact me
through email mysaloj@rainierconnect.com
or Eatonville Police Department, 360.832.6111.
Reminder: Pet
Licenses Available December 22...
November 28, 2006
Courtesy reminder for all dog and cat owners from the Eatonville
Police Department. It’s
getting close to that time of year again to renew you pet
license. The new 2007 licenses will become available December 22,,
2006.
The 2007 license tags are in.
Please visit town
hall to get your new pet license.
Licenses
protect your pets and bring revenue to the town for animal control
and shelter for lost dogs and cats.
Dog
License Schedule:
Spayed/Neutered
$20
Unaltered
$50
Senior
Pet Owner 60 or older
Spayed/Neutered
$10
Unaltered
$30
Cat License Schedule:
Spayed/Neutered
$12
Unaltered
$50
Senior
Pet Owner 60 or older
Spayed/Neutered
$6
Unaltered
$30
Awww Alert,
Ann and Leslie Rule Trying to Find Good Homes for Pups
Their First Shots, Spays and Neuters Will be
Paid For...
%20DEC.%2013,%2006%20.jpg)
Are you looking for puppy
therapy? These irresistible puppies are looking for good homes. They
are
Labrador retriever and border
collie
mixed pups.
Labradors are one of the best breeds for families and are also the dog
of choice when training Guide Dogs for the Blind. Border collies consistently
rank number one in canine intelligence, Labs are listed at number
seven. These puppies will be smart, energetic and will give loving
companionship for many years to come.
As Bern Williams said, "There
is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."
Kindness
Rules in the Rule Family...
by
Dixie A. Walter
December 13, 2006
Ann Rule and her daughter, Leslie Rule, are working to find
good homes for these adorable
puppies. The
little ones are Labrador/ border collie mixes with the
dad being purebred border collie. The puppies came from a "very
large litter" in Leslie's neighborhood according to her mom.
In an email Ann writes, "She
[Leslie] and I will be showing them to prospective puppy parents on
Sunday
afternoon. We will each give one of our books autographed, [Leslie is a
writer like her mom], a free Ann Rule mousepad, and promise
to pay for their first shots and spaying or neutering (directly to the
vet they choose) with every puppy given away.
"If people are sincerely interested,
they can write to me at this email address BlueZinnia9@aol.com
or call
and leave a message for me at 206.248.0811 and I will call back when
I've finished my writing day (I am so close to a deadline)."
Ann also assures people the pups won't
go to "...animal control or a no-kill shelter. We're finding more
new
owners every day now, and we'll keep trying!" Leslie, another
animal person, lived in Ashford several years ago.
Yes, the Ann Rule who is helping find
excellent homes for these puppies is the same Ann Rule who is
internationally famous, and respected, for her enormous volume of work
writing books mostly about true crime stories. The same Ann Rule who
has written twenty-six books, all of which are still in print. The
same Ann Rule who is currently working on her latest - Never Too
Late to Say Goodbye - which is due out April 15, 2007. No
Regrets and Other True Cases hit the New York Times Bestseller
List at Number Five Sunday, November 26.
Yes, this is the same Ann Rule who
works extremely hard to bring true cases to the attention of the
public
via her writing, yet has time to help find homes for puppies. She and
Leslie are helping these puppies, not to sell books (Ann has sold
millions.), but as a pure act of kindness.
Humane shelters across the country try
to dissuade people from buying pets, dogs or cats, for surprise
Christmas presents. However, if people want to take a pup or kitten before
the holiday and new one(s) get acclimated prior to, or after, the
excitement of family gatherings, opening of gifts, etc., a cuddly
puppy or kitten can be a wonderful early Christmas present.
For more information about Ann Rule
please see
www.annrules.com
Keep Your Pet
Food in and Watch Your Small Pets...
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
November 7, 2006 - From
Tony Sirgedas: "I've been hearing the coyotes in the area for
quite a while at
night, but now
they are getting braver and coming around during the day. This is the
second day in a row this guy has shown up in the yard, even after
chasing him away with rocks he still returns.
"This is in the city limits and
probably makes a good time to remind folks to keep track of their pets
and don't leave any type of food outside that will attract unwanted
wildlife. Usually the wildlife loses when that occurs."
Is this Coyote
Confused by the Weather?
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
By Dixie A. Walter: Tony's advice above is exactly right. Tony's coyote
was photographed in the Dow Hill
area. Although coyotes hunt by
night, they also hunt during the day. This handsome canid may be out
around humans during the day because its hunting territory flooded.
However, coyotes become bold even in good weather.
Especially if people have left food outside. Although
coyote usually
prey on small rodents, reptiles, rabbits, fish, insects, carrion and
will even fruits and berries, domestic cats are a popular prey species.
The wise cat owner will keep their pets inside and
out of harm's way. Raccoons will also prey on cats, and
they, like
the coyote, are drawn to homes because people leave food outside. Small
dogs are also sometimes taken by coyotes.
Although usually avoiding humans, some
coyotes have become aggressive and injured people. The best
course
of action is to avoid contact with these wild dogs. Keep your small pets
inside or watch them very carefully when they are outside, coyotes can
grab an animal in an instant. It's recommended that people walk their
small pets on leashes to keep them safe.
It is also recommended that walking people
should carry a sick in case a coyote goes after their pet, or them,
but that is very rare. Coyotes can live 15 years in the wild and can
weigh up to fifty pounds, run close to forty miles per hour and get over
an eight foot fenced. One was even seen climbing a fifteen foot fence.
Coyotes can breed with domestic dogs - their
young are called "coydogs." These mixed coydogs can be very
intelligent,
but they do not make good pets. Even if the mother is a domestic dog,
the pups will always be half-wild. Some people think it's cool or
macho to have a dog mixed with a coyote. It isn't. Coyotes can also
breed with wolves.
We must remember the coyote was here before
we were, and if left alone, will usually cause no harm. Indeed,
instead
of doing harm, coyotes are helpful varmint hunters.
Kittenkaboodle
Saved Many Lives...
The Humane Society's annual Kittenkaboodle adoption event resulted
in 180 new homes, most for kittens
and cats. Many of the cat adoptions were multiple adoptions. While the
event was a big success, lost or surrendered dogs and cats still
continue to fill the cages.
Turning
into a Pup...
%20OCT.%2014,%2006%20KittenKaboodle2006002.jpg)
This tyke became a puppy
during the Kittenkaboodle event. He is transformed by excellent
face painter
Ruby
Harr who also painted faces during this summer's art
festival.
To avoid having your pet become a statistic in this category, plan
ahead before acquiring a pet, educate
yourself about proper
rearing techniques, spay/neuter at the earliest opportunity, and
make a commitment for the life of the pet.
For more helpful information, visit www.americanhumane.org, www.aspca.org.
Kittenkaboodle
This Saturday
Your Chance to Save a Cat or Two...
%20OCT.%205,06%20Twincats.jpg)
(courtesy photo)
Calico sisters
cuddle up at The Humane Society. If you are thinking about adopting a cat
you might
seriously consider adopting two. They keep each other
company, wear off energy by playing together and love to snuggle together.
by Tom Sayre
October 9, 2006
TACOMA, WA. – Kittenkaboodle, to be held Saturday, October 14, is not
only an opportunity to unite people
with homeless cats/kittens, but it also combats the needless deaths of
thousands of pets that occur each year in Pierce County.
Kittenkaboodle is more important this year as we move
toward ‘fixing the problem’ of euthanizing healthy
adoptable pets. Promoting pet adoption is one way The Humane Society
can reach its goal of making Pierce County a ‘no-kill community’ by
the end of 2008.
Hundreds of homeless pets will be available for
adoption at reduced cost during Kittenkaboodle at the
William Gazecki Animal Shelter, 2608 Center St. in Tacoma, starting at 9
a.m. Saturday.
In 1998, there were a record breaking one-hundred-two
kittens and cats adopted. “This year the goal is to
clean out the entire cattery and adopt every cat” according to Tom
Sayre, event organizer. “Every cat deserves a chance at life and
we hope to place them all in permanent, loving homes."
As part of the Kittenkaboodle event, there will be a $20
discount on all adoption prices. All adoptions
include: wellness exam, spay/neuter, microchip with national registration,
initial vaccinations, pet care counseling and - for cats - feline leukemia
test, collar and cat carrier. Free pet toys will also be given with
every adoption.
For more information call (253) 383-2733 or
visit
www.thehumanesociety.org.
Humane Society to Spay/Neuter 20,000th Pet
Fifty-one
Percent Decrease in Euthanasia Attributed to Program
%20NOV%2013,2004.jpg)
by Marguerite
Richmond
October 3, 2006
TACOMA. – On
Wednesday, October 11, one of the six pets entering the spay/neuter
clinic at The Humane
Society will make history as the 20,000th
animal to be spayed or neutered through the Society’s Cinderella
Fund for pets of low-income
residents.
The Cinderella Fund program began in 1992 as a way to ensure that
pets were spayed or neutered even if
their owners could not afford
the surgery. More than
1,200 pets have been spayed or neutered every year since then.
The significance of 20,000 spay/neuter surgeries can be
demonstrated by the dramatic fifty-one
percent
decrease
in pet euthanasia in the past fourteen years – from
16,174 dogs and cats in 1992 to 7,943 in 2005.
The Humane Society attributes this decrease to a combination of
efforts, but believes aggressive spay/neuter
programs such as the
Cinderella Fund have had the most impact.
The
landmark surgery will occur October 11, and the celebration will
continue through Saturday, October 14
during the Humane
Society’s annual Kittenkaboodle adoption event.
For more information, visit
www.thehumanesociety.org
Statistics
from Annual Reports...
1992
2005
Dogs and cats entering kennel/cattery:
26,099
16,615
Dogs and cats euthanized:
16,164 7,943
Youth Connection
Kids Work on Birdhouses
Little Dog Lost Finds
New Home,
Finally...
%20AUG.%206,%202006%20022.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
August 28, 2006: This
Jack Russell terrier was lost during the art festival August 6 and
lost again around August 18 when Animal Control Officer Tera
Pella rescued him from the streets. Happily this handsome and mellow
fellow has now been adopted into a loving family and will never find
himself wandering the streets and dodging traffic again.
Little Dog
Lost
Again!
(photo by Bob Walter)
August
24, 2006: This handsome and mellow Jack Russell terrier was lost
during the confusion of the art festival August 6. He was
rescued by Susie and Mike Robinson owners of Mountain Take Out who
kept him for a day before he was claimed by his owners August 7.
Robinson's learned his name was Bruno.
However, his odyssey continues. Since
Friday, August 18 the little guy, who is neutered, is being cared for
by
Terra Pella Eatonville's animal control officer. Pella
estimates his age at eight-years-old and has been searching for his
owners for close to a week with no luck.
He stays at the town's kennels during
the day and Pella walks him twice a day. She also takes him home at night
so he won't be lonely. If you know where this little, lost dog
belongs please call the Eatonville Police Department 360-832-6111.
Bruno needs his home, or another where he won't be allowed to wander
around town.
 Happy
Ending:
Little Dog
Found
August 10, 2006: The little Jack Russell terrier who was lost at the art
festival was found by his owners Monday night. Mike Robinson
said the dog, named Bruno, belongs to a family who lives near Glacier
View Park and somehow ended up at the park during the event. His young
teen aged owner was heart broken when he lost his buddy, and very, very
happy to find Bruno. For more of Bruno's story please see below. He was
Artie for a day.
Little Dog Lost...
(photo by Bob Walter)
August 6,
2006 - by Dixie A. Walter: This charming Jack Russell terrier wound up
lost at the art festival Sunday around noon. The little guy
"found" Susie Robinson while she was tending a booth near the
kitchen during the festival.
How did the male dog know that Susie was the
perfect person to "find?" During the big event with masses of
noise, odors, movement and real confusion, especially looking at the
art festival from the dog's perspective. He's very short. Why did the
dog make such a good choice? For many reasons. One of them is that Susie
and her husband, Mike, have a Jack Russell terrier, Dobby, as part of
their family. This breed of dog can be challenging for some people since
they are often very energetic animals.
Susie said they dubbed the dog "Artie"
since he was found at the art festival. He is a very gentle, well-behaved
dog - estimated age around six or seven. Very calm under duress. He is
with Susie and Mike - Susie explained that they would take Artie to the
local veterinarian to have him scanned for an identification chip. If
you recognize this very nice dog please call Mountain Take out -
360.832.8646.
View
Adoptable Pets
on Television...
The Humane Society and
Comcast Launch New
"On Demand" Pet Adoption Program
by Kitty Gibbs
June 13, 2006
Comcast On Demand subscribers can now see pets available
for adoption at the Humane Society for
Tacoma & Pierce
County
from their couch. The Humane Society, in partnership with Comcast Cable,
has just launched the Meet Your Match – Adopt-A-Pet television
program.
Subscribers can find pets currently
available for adoption through their On Demand menu (Channel 01).
Click "Get Local," then "Adopt-A-Pet." There you
will learn how to adopt a dog through The Humane Society’s innovative
new Meet Your Match program - where you are matched with a dog that fits
your lifestyle. Adoptable pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea
pigs and others will be updated weekly.
This partnership is one of the Humane
Society’s strategies to lead
Pierce
County
in becoming the only "open-admission," "no-kill"
community in
Washington
by the end of 2008. “Increasing adoption of homeless pets is a primary
way to achieve this goal, said Steve Pierce, the shelter’s executive
director. Spaying and neutering our pets and fixing the problem of pet
overpopulation; helping to foster pets until they’re old enough to be
adopted; and donating to The Humane Society, are other ways the
community can help us to achieve this goal,” he said.
“Comcast is delighted to partner with the
Humane Society of Tacoma and
Pierce
County
to assist our customers in finding the pet that’s right for them.
Our segments highlight the Humane Society’s methods of matching the
personalities of both the pet and the prospective owner. We hope this
increased exposure will lead to more adoptions enriching the lives of
both our customers and their respective pets. In other Comcast markets
where Pet Adoption is available, at least one in 10 pet adoptions
originates from On Demand segments. Pet Adoption has
consistently ranked as one of the most popular local segments available
via On Demand,” said Craig Friedson, Comcast’s marketing
director.
Tune into Comcast On Demand and adopt
a pet today!
Supporting
Tighter Regulation
of Bird Breeders
Press
release
by Kitty Gibbs
August 1, 2006
Please see the front page article in the News Tribune regarding the Pierce
County Council’s proposed options for regulating bird-breeding facilities
to ensure humane conditions. Consideration for stronger regulation was prompted
by the recent problems at Scudder’s Parrot Depot in Roy.
thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/5992128p-5266356c.html
The
Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County strongly supports council member,
Barbara Gelman’s position on this issue. She is proposing an ordinance
that would require inspections and licensing for aviaries selling or
transferring title to more than 30 birds a year. An opposing option presented by
council member, Dick Muri, would seek to establish a committee to advise the
County Council and county executive on issues related to bird breeding.
Enough
time has passed, and tighter regulation is the clear solution to this problem.
Please
exercise your concern for animals by contacting Council Members’ Barbara
Gelman and Dick Muri at the link below, or by attending the public hearing on
August 8 before the Public Safety and Human Services Committee, which Gelman
chairs. The entire council will decide whether to take-up the matter. Contact
information is provided online co.pierce.wa.us/pc/Abtus/ourorg/council/district5.htm
Thank
you for your support of this and other animal welfare issues we face in our
region.
Is This a
"Vicious" Dog? Absolutely Not...
Also from Tony: "This is pretty cool just to sit and watch. It's from the
National Geopraphic site - a live camera viewing the bears feeding at
McNeil Falls in Alaska wildcamgrizzlies/wildcam.html
Tony Finds
an "Alien"
%20JULY%2011,%2006%20_J9K6090.jpg)
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
July
11, 2006: The stuff of nightmares for some folks. Photographer Tony Sirgedas
has fun with this guy. "Oh My! Aliens
have landed in Eatonville. Today while out in the yard I found one of the
small green aliens crawling through the grass looking for his next victim.
More than likely it was looking for it's next perch where it would blend in
with the surroundings waiting to pounce on it's unsuspecting prey.
"More
than likely this praying mantis was introduced to the area by a
gardener who bought the mantis to help control the
population of garden pests. This little guy only measured out at one
inch in length, hopefully he helps to keep the aphids from my
roses."
by Bob Walter
July 23, 2006
It was a perfect
morning Saturday, July 15, for Dog-A-Thon 2006, The Humane Society's Walk for
Homeless Pets,
celebrated at Fort
Steilacoom Park in Lakewood. The cooling clouds stayed for most of the morning - perfect weather
for the Society's signature fundraiser, which began in 1991 when
10-year-old Tara Arndt approached the Society with a request to have a
pet parade as a fundraiser.
That first year, about 30 participants
raised just over one hundred dollars. This year's event raised over $120,000.
"We raised $18,000 more than last year," said Steve Pierce, executive
director. "It's great to see so many animal lovers and so many breeds of
dogs in one place at one time. To see the special bonds between people and their
dogs, many adopted from The Humane Society, gives our staff a tremendous sense
of reward in all we do to save the animals," said Pierce.
Dogs of every size and
description came with their humans, to walk either the flat, paved,
one-mile loop around Waughop Lake, or the more challenging, four-mile
hike through the park's fields and forests. At several stops, people
and their dogs enjoyed ice water, treats and toys. At one stop, for a
small donation walkers could have an instant photo taken to remember
the walk.
Back at the start/finish
area, Tacoma Police dogs, Department of Corrections drug detection
dogs, Ewetopia herding dogs, Washington Mixed Breed Dog Club agility dogs and
the Flying Disk Dogs performed in a
central ring. Winners of the Magnificent Mutt Show included: Rocky -
Best Trick; Chica - Biggest Dog; Gypsy Gin - Smallest Dog; Portia - Most Spots;
McKenzie - Best Dressed; Babe - Loudest Bark; Sandy - Most Like Owner; Rosie -
Cutest; and Blue - Best in Show.
Dogs up for adoption from Puyallup Animal Rescue, Cascade
Animal Protection Society and The Humane Society were paraded around
the ring to meet potential adopters. As the late morning temperature
climbed to near 80 degrees, dogs cooled off by lounging in wading
pools. Nearby, children could make their own floppy ears and tails to
wear. Dozens of vendors offered every kind of canine and human
accessory. The event ended with drawings for great prizes.
The money raised will go toward The
Humane Society's general fund, which will help to improve animal
welfare through shelter enrichment, pet adoptions, spay/neuter
assistance, outreach and cruelty prevention.
At The Humane Society's own booth,
homeless kittens and cats snoozed in their cages as hundreds of people
and their leashed dogs walked by. By the time the event ended at 1:00
pm,
at least three kittens and one dog had found new homes.
Cats
Gone Wild!
(photo courtesy of The Humane Society
2006)
Overpopulation
Crisis
at Humane Society
Shelter
"Overflows" with Cats
(and Dogs)
by Kitty Gibbs
July 14, 2006
The Humane Society for
Tacoma & Pierce
County
is full to capacity today, Friday, July 14, 2006 with over two-hundred-twenty
cats and 211 two-hundred-eleven dogs; a total of four-hundred-thirty-one
homeless pets total. “With summer upon us, hundreds of homeless
kittens, cats and dogs are arriving daily, and are at increased risk for
euthanasia if the community and local rescue organizations don’t
continue to step forward and help us to reach our goal of making Pierce
County a “no-kill” community by December, 2008,” said Steve
Pierce, executive director of the shelter. “We see an average of
eighty new cats per day arrive at the shelter this time of year,”
Pierce said.
Adopters
and foster families are urgently needed. Together, we can we stop the
needless killing of thousands of pets. To adopt a pet, stop by
the shelter at
2608 Center Street
in
Tacoma
or visit www.thehumanesociety.org
to view adoptable pets. To become a temporary foster family for a
litter of puppies or kittens, call 253.284.5833. Fostering a pet
involves caring for it temporarily until the kitten or puppy is old
enough to be permanently adopted.
Several
cats and dogs will be available for adoption at Dog-A-Thon 2006 - The
Humane Society’s Walk for Homeless Pets on Saturday, July 15, from
8:30 a/m. to 1 p.m. at
Fort
Steilacoom
Park
in
Lakewood
. Cats will be available for $20 off the regular price in an effort to
find more homes.
If
The Humane Society can adopt and foster enough cats and dogs, they can
avoid using euthanasia as an option. Financial assistance for pet
spay/neuter is available for low-income individuals. Spay. Neuter.
Fix the problem.
To help, please visit
the Humane Society at
2608 Center Street
in
Tacoma
, go to thehumanesociety.org,
or call 253.383.2733.
Humane
Society
Dog-A-Thon Saturday
%20JULY%2016,%202005%20016.jpg)
(2005 photo by Bob Walter)
Some of the Magnificent Mutts and their people posed for the camera during
Dog-A-Thon 2005.
Dog-A-Thon
2006
%20dogathonlogo.gif)
Magnificent
Mutt Show Highlight of Dog-A-Thon 2006...
by
Kitty Gibbs
July 11, 2006
Saturday, July 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., more than
1,500 pets and their people will meet at beautiful Fort Steilacoom
Park in Lakewood, Washington, to help raise over $125,000 for homeless animals
in our community. Funds raised help the Humane Society care for nearly 23,000
shelter animals annually, find loving homes for over 7,000 homeless pets every
year, reunite 2,000 lost animals with their owners, and fund thousands of
spay/neuter surgeries for pets of low-income families.
Walkers can enjoy a one-mile stroll on a paved, level trail around Lake
Waughop, or hike a four-mile trail through Fort Steilacoom Park, that leads
up to forested ridges with breath-taking views. Along the routes, enjoy rest
stops, treats, doggie toys, water and photos.
The
Magnificent Mutt Show starts at 8:35 am. Categories include biggest dog,
smallest, most spots, looks most like owner, tallest, best dressed, loudest
bark, best trick and cutest. The contest is free to all participants and awards
will be presented around 10:00 am. Other featured activities include a free
barbeque lunch, $20 microchiping, the Flying Disk Dogs, the Ewe-Topia Herding
Dogs, Narcotic Detection Dogs from the Department of Corrections, Tacoma Police
Department K-9 Unit, Washington Mixed Breed Dog Club, and drawings for great
prizes.
The minimum
suggested donation or fundraising level is $75 which earns walkers an official
Dog-A-Thon 2006 tee-shirt. Walkers should donate and/or raise pledges in
advance of the event and submit all funds raised at registration the morning of
the event, starting at 8:30 am. Teams of two or more people, earning a minimum
of $500, are encouraged to pool their raised funds and turn them into the Humane
Society prior to July 14.
To gather pledges and register, download a
Dog-A-Thon 2006 pledge form at www.thehumanesociety.org.
Pick a pledge form up at the Humane Society at 2608 Center Street, Tacoma, or
your favorite pet business. Pet lovers are also welcome to just show-up, donate
to walk and have fun.
Dog-A-Thon 2006 is presented by Lawyer’s Title and sponsored by
The News Tribune, Click Network, Robert Larson Automotive Group, The
Mountain 103.7, The Wolf 100.7, Big Dogs and The Walking Company, Rush, Hannula,
Harkins, Kyler Trial Lawyers and Mountain Mist. Other supporting sponsors
include VCA Animal Hospitals, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Invisible
Fence, Deb Main Elliot Sales, Morton McGoldrick Attorneys at Law, Brooke Auto
Insurance, Columbia Bank, Petco, Precise, The Animal Emergency Clinic,
Commercial Bank and hundreds of Humane Society volunteers who dedicate their
lives to helping save animals.
Taking
a Break During Dog-A-Thon 2005
%20JULY%2016,%202005%20026.jpg)
(2005 photo by Bob Walter)
This
happy Dog-A-Thon participant and her equally happy, relaxed dog took a play
break during last year's walk for homeless
pets. The event is The Humane Society's biggest fundraiser with money raised
going toward helping thousands of pets.
Have You Seen This Large
Dangerous Animal?
It May Still be in Our Area...
%20alligator-snapping-turtle.jpg)
June 10,
2006: by Dixie A. Walter: The animal pictured above is an alligator snapping
turtle. One of his species, or a common snapping turtle, was found
recently by employees of Lynch Creek Quarry. One person identified it as an
alligator snapper. The turtle seen at the quarry had an eighteen inch shell
according to Bob Holt. The animal was put back in the brush and left alone.
Like all snappers it was aggressive.
Alligator snappers are the largest fresh water
turtle in America. They have been documented to reach over two-hundred
pounds with shells close to a yard in length. And are listed as endangered in
Illinois and Indiana and is considered "imperiled" in Missouri. They
inhabit ponds, lakes, bayous, canals and slow-moving streams in the Midwest
and southern states. The common snapper is smaller with a shell measured up
to eighteen inches and weighing up to forty-five pounds. They are nocturnal
and have a smoother top shell (carapace).
Regardless of the species these turtles are not
native to this area. The turtle found by the people at the quarry was most
likely purchased at a pet store and released when it became to large to keep.
Both types of turtle can give painful bites. A large alligator snapper can
easily take the finger off an adult human and possibly the hand off a child.
Small pets like cats can also be injured or killed. Alligator snappers have a
bite force measure at one thousand four pounds - compared to the bite for of a
huge, great white shark at 669 pounds. A non-native animal can also wreak
havoc on native wildlife.
If you see this animal, or one like it, please
immediately contact Eatonville's Animal Control Officer Tera Pella at the
police department 360.832.6111. Please don't injure the animal or allow it to
injure you. There are rescue groups which will take it and care for it. After
all, it's not the animal's fault it happens to be in the wrong part of the
country.
Is Your Dog Afraid of
Fireworks?
July 2, 2006: By Dixie A.
Walter: If your dog is frightened by all the explosions
surrounding it during the Fourth
festivities try giving him or her a treat the minute a "bomb"
goes off. This works very well, especially with younger dogs. Our dogs
have been conditioned since puppy hood to equate loud noises with
something exciting, a special treat. Consequently our dogs are not
stressed by the Fourth and life is easier for them and for us.
I don't know if this works with cats since
our cats don't seem concerned. They are inside only cats so they evidently
feel safe.
Another tip. We are so apt to comfort our
pets and make an issue over their fright. Our animals take non-verbal
cues from us. If we jump and act disturbed when firecrackers (illegal in
town by the way) go off our pets see this reaction and think this is the
way to act. If you go about your business as if life is normal your
actions go a long way toward giving your pets the idea that since you
aren't in a panic maybe they shouldn't be either. And,
"babying" the pet isn't a good idea either. Although it sounds
harsh not to be overly sympathetic to a frightened animal it's better to
act matter-of-fact.
Every year humane shelter's across the
country fill up on the Fourth with terrified dogs and cats who have tried
to run from the "bombs bursting in air." To keep your pets
safe the best idea is to keep them inside until the frenzy dies away and
they calm down.
Please
do not leave
your pets or children in a vehicle even for a few minutes during the
heat of summer...they could die!
A Sign of the Times...
%20%20MAY%2006%20006.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
May
20, 2006 - by Dixie A. Walter: This is the new logo for the animal
control van. The used van was recently purchased from The Humane Society
for Tacoma and Pierce County for about $1000. It is a mid-1980's Chevrolet
van, with 265,000 miles on it. Tera says, "It was old Number 71, used
in Area One, in Tacoma. Everything still works great on it."
Animal control becomes a problem anywhere people
gather. People who are irresponsible with pets add to the sad
problem. As time goes by, and more people arrive, more pets arrive also. It's
a fact of life, and Eatonville had been beset with all kinds of animal control
problems since the settlers started arriving.
Name the animals, from horses to chickens, and they are mentioned
somewhere in handwritten town minutes. From The History of Tacoma Eastern
Area by Jeannette Larin Hlavin and Pearl Engel comes the following:
"Feathered and four-footed friends have figured prominently in the deliberations
of the city fathers since 1910 and are still a problem in 1954 [the year
this town history was published]"
The authors point out, "Man's best friend,
the dog, can and often does make a first class nuisance of himself
and many citizens have always felt that some measure of control should
be exercised to keep down Eatonville's teeming dog population."
Eatonville also had a teeming rat population and there was a ten cent bounty
on rats. The title of this part of the town history is rather ironic,
"The dogs, the horses, the Chinese pheasants, the rats, the pigs, the
rabbits, the cows and the chickens (But the cats haven't bothered
anybody)."
Today the cats do bother people, but there isn't
a rat problem anymore. Irresponsible citizens allow their unneutered
cats to roam and breed freely, constantly adding to the population of feral
cats and litters of kittens. In 1910 the council passed an ordinance to
license dogs and "...authorizing the marshal to keep, sell or kill all
dogs without collar or license found on public highways, the tax [license]
to be $1 each, and the number of each license to be kept on the collar of
the dog."
Today, cats also must be licensed and there is a
long-standing leash law forbidding people to allow their dogs to roam
freely about town. And, while licenses do cost more than $1, the cost for
surgically altered animals is still minimal. Altered dog
licenses cost $20 per animal and $10 for senior citizens. Altered cat fees
are $12 per cat and just $6 for seniors. Unaltered dogs and cats are $50 and
for seniors the cost is $30.
The average household has at least one dog
or cat, and many have more than one of these popular pets. As more people
move to the area, more dogs and cats move in too. Right now Eatonville has one
animal control officer - Tera Pella - who began work March 6, and who serves
the town's animal control needs just two days a week. Officer Pella has
created a brochure that includes the local pet laws and the license fee
schedule, which is available at Town Hall. She also has made and
printed a door hanger as a reminder and a means for people to purchase their
licenses.
Someday, growth
will demand more than one person to keep the animal population under
control.
Happy
Ending:
Whittaker Finds a
Home...
%20MAY%2006%201weekprior.jpg)
(photo by Tera Pella)
Whittaker
was found at eight thousand feet on Mount Rainier April 29. When Tera
took him in the poor guy was skin and bones. After weeks of loving care he
is now a happy dog. For more of Whittaker's story please see About Animals
This photo was taken about a week before he was adopted.
by Tera Pella
Eatonville Animal Control Officer
May 20, 2006
"Whittaker" did find a home Tuesday. A perfect elderly couple
were looking for an older dog to replace their dog they recently
had to put down. He will get the much desired attention he had lost while on
the mountain. And they are keeping the name we chose for him.
They opened the third door to
their truck and had a bed all prepared for him to sit.
"Whittaker," never wanting to be left behind again, jumped
right in and made himself at home. No tears were shed when he left, just the
feeling of happiness for a dog that will never have to worry about his next
meal. And he will live out a happy healthy rest of his life.
Good Bye Sweet
Boy. I hope you have the life you have deserved.
Whittaker, the Day He Went to
His New Home...
%20MAY%206%20ThedayheleftWhittacker.jpg)
(photo by Tera Pella)
 
"Tutors
with Tails" Makes Great Friends and Readers
Kids
and Dogs Read Together at the Library...
by
Kitty Gibbs
May 15, 2006
Dogs helping children read? That’s exactly what’s
happening with the Tutors with Tails program presented by the
Humane Society for
Tacoma and Pierce
County
in cooperation with the Pierce County Library System. Through Tutors
with Tails, children in the first through sixth grades read to dogs
and learn about responsible pet care and safety.
“Reading
with the dogs is tremendous,” says Bob Walter, Humane Society
director of education." Kids gain confidence and pride
in their reading skills because they feel more comfortable reading to
dogs and don’t feel they’re being judged. The dogs love the
attention and cozy right up to the kids – they all bond, it’s
great.”
The dogs used in this program have
gone through rigorous testing and have passed the Canine Good Citizen
Test. Some are even certified therapy dogs and have passed special
testing by the Delta Society. Dogs are owned and handled by their
owner volunteers, many of the dogs have been adopted from The Humane
Society.
The program takes place at the University
Place Library, 3605 Bridgeport Way West, on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon, May 27, June 10 and 24, July 8
and 22, and August 12 and 26. Call the library at 253.565.9447 for
more information or to register.
Hundreds of kids at
Lakewood
and Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Libraries have already
participated in this program.
The Humane Society
Launches Meet Your MatchTM
%20Nov.%207,%202004.jpg)
(2004 photo by Bob Walter)
Anne Shore cuddles with Ella an English Springer Spaniel bred by Pam
Holt. Ella's mom is Pam's
champion Springer, Dixie.
New Adoption
Program uses Research to Match Dogs with People...
by Kitty Gibbs
May 15, 2006
A new matchmaking program will help you distinguish a “couch
potato” from the “life of the party,” increasing the odds
of a lifelong relationship with your pet.
Thanks to Meet Your Match™,
an innovative new program launched recently by The Humane Society
for Tacoma and Pierce County, dogs at the shelter are now given
a personality description, increasing the success of adoptions by
better matching pets with their new families. The program uses a
research-based approach to assess every dog’s personality and
assign it a “canine-ality.” Potential adopters also complete a
comprehensive survey about their lifestyle and are then matched with
dogs that best fit them using a color-coded personality
system.
“Meet Your Match™
helps people find the dog of their dreams,” says Cecily Joque,
animal behavior coordinator at The Humane Society. “People
have fun with it and walk out of the shelter knowing all about their
new dog’s personality and needs.”
A key part of Meet Your Match™
is its “canine-ality” descriptions, which were developed by the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
in partnership with IAMS. They help potential adopters focus on the
dog’s personality and needs, rather than on more superficial
characteristics such as popularity of the breed, size, age, coat
length and color.
Dog descriptions are upbeat, positive
and easy-to-understand. For example, one description,
”Goofball,” reads, “I’m a fun-loving,
happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking for
someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense
of humor and a bunch of tennis balls.
Currently,
about ten to fifteen percent of dogs adopted at The Humane Society
are returned due to a poor match. Meet Your Match™
has reduced this statistic by an average of 50 percent in other
shelters that have implemented the program. The Humane Society is
the only shelter in the state and one of the largest nationally to
use Meet Your Match™.
Meet
Your Match™
is one of the many tools The Humane Society is using to reach its
goal of becoming the state’s first no-kill, open admission
shelter by December 31, 2008.
Since
1888, The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County has been at
the forefront of animal welfare, sheltering and
finding homes for abandoned, lost or unwanted animals and reuniting
lost pets with their owners. A local nonprofit, The Humane Society
also operates as an “open admission” organization, meaning it
shelters every pet that comes through its doors and works to find
homes for pets, rather than needlessly ending their lives. For
more information about The Humane Society, visit www.thehumanesociety.org
or
call 253.284.5844
Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality Adoption
Program was developed in partnership with ASPCA and IAMS as
a creative new approach for matching dogs and adopters. It is
copyright protected by ASPCA.
Meet
Your Match™
Fact
Sheet
The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County recently launched
Meet Your Match™, an innovative dog adoption program designed
to assure a loving and lasting home for homeless animals and help
the organization reach its goal of becoming a no-kill shelter by December
31, 2008. The Humane Society is the only shelter in the state and
one of the largest nationally to use Meet Your Match™.
How
it Works
Staff evaluates every adoptable dog’s personality and assign it
an easy-to-understand color code that matches the potential
adopter’s lifestyle: green for higher maintenance dogs, orange for
an average pet and purple for low maintenance.
Individuals and families who
are considering adoption complete a lifestyle survey to determine
what category of dog will be the best match for them. Some
highlights:
The
problem.
Historically, about ten to fifteen percent of the pets adopted at
The Humane Society are later returned because the match isn’t
a good one. This is difficult for families and for pets and puts
additional strain on shelter space.
Matchmaking
works.
Meet Your Match™ has cut return rates by an average of fifty
percent in other shelters that have implemented the
program.
Focus
on the sensible, rather than the superficial.
Meet Your Match™ helps people think beyond color, size,
gender and coat length or popularity of a breed, focusing instead on
the dog’s needs and personality and if they match the adopter’s
lifestyle and expectations. For example, an eighty-pound golden
retriever-lab mix that’s all about action and adventure may not be
the best match for a single mother with three kids under five.
It’s fun. A key part of Meet Your Match™ is its
“canine-ality” descriptions - they make picking a pet even more
fun. Want a dog to accompany you on your daily runs? Looking for a
fun-loving, playful pet? Do you want a pet who likes to watch
movies, nap and take it easy? Meet Your Match™ helps
adopters find pets that fit them. Here’s a sampling of ”canine-alities,”
provided by ASPCA:
Life of the Party – “I think
everything is fun, interesting and meant for play, especially you!
Anything you do, I’ll want to do too. With my own brand of
surprises, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and
the fun is guaranteed.” (A higher maintenance dog description).
Wallflower
–
“Shy, yet charming canine searching for patient owner with
relaxed lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come
out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I’ll blossom.” (An
average maintenance pet).
Couch
Potato –
“Like the easy life? Then I’m the perfect match for you.
I’m a relaxed, laid back kind of dog who enjoys long naps,
watching movies, curling up on laps, and walking very short
distances – from the couch to the food bowl and back.” (A low
maintenance dog).
It’s
a key tool for reaching The Humane Society’s goal. The Humane
Society set an aggressive goal to become the state’s only
no-kill, open admission shelter by December 31, 2008. Fewer returned
pets and more pets adopted into good homes, improving the lives of
people, will help make the goal a reality.
Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality Adoption
program was developed in partnership with ASPCA and IAMS as a
creative new approach for matching dogs and adopters. It is
copyright protected by ASPCA.
Interviews and photo opportunities with
families who have adopted a dog using the new Meet Your Match™ program
may be arranged by calling 253.284.5844.
One Dog's Sad Story
Found as a Stray at Mount Rainier...
%20MtRainierDog.jpg)
(photos by Tera Pella)
Dog
Rescued at Eight Thousand Feet...
by
Tera Pella
May 6, 2006
Tera
Pella, Eatonville's new animal control officer, sends a a brief, and touching
story about a dog who was either abandoned, or lost, at Mount Rainier. Tera says she
called the dog "Rainier" at first, but her husband calls him "Whittaker" after the
famous mountain climber.
"Whittaker's"
Story...
"Whittaker's" story: from Tera:
This dog came to me last Saturday [April 29]. He was at Paradise on Mount
Rainier at 8000 feet and was coaxed down by an agency there. Pierce
County wouldn't take the dog so Chief Jim Lewis offered to take the dog into
our shelter.
The dog was very skinny looking almost dead. I
have been caring for the dog a week now. He had to have been lost for
some months by his appearance. On a scale of one - ten (ten being obese)
this dog was a one. He has put on some weight and life has come back to him.
He is a wonderful dog. I hope the owners of the dog reclaim him. He is about
four to six years old, male yellow Labrador mix. If no owner reclaims him he
will be put up for adoption.
I
have introduced him to all my critters and had no signs of aggression
towards the animals or people. He kissed my five-year-old on the back of
the neck and is curious of where he is all the time. Including me and my
husband. If I go to the car he jumps in. He will not be left behind again.
He is very attentive and willing to do as you ask of him. Truly a man's best
friend kind of dog. I can't imagine his story, how he could've been
left to fend for himself on the mountain.
"Lazy
Circles in the Sky"
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
May 15, 2006: Late last month Tony took this photograph of a migrating
turkey buzzard. "He was catching the thermals in the
afternoon off Mineral Hill."
Another One of Mother Nature's
Masterpieces...
Humane
Society on Euthanasia Alert...
%20MAY%202,%2006%20KittenLitter018_retouch.jpg)
(courtesy photo)
These charming kittens are four of thousands born each spring during
"kitten season." The Humane Society wants to be a "no kill
shelter" in a few years. If you agree with this goal and care about cats
and dogs, you might consider becoming a foster "parent" to help with
the overwhelming number of kittens being brought to the shelter for the next
several months. You can help save the lives of pets.
Foster
Families and Adopters Urgently Needed!
by
Kitty Gibbs
May 2, 2006
With spring upon us, hundreds of homeless kittens, cats and dogs are arriving
daily at the Humane Society for
Tacoma & Pierce
County
. The shelter is nearing capacity and may have to start euthanizing pets soon.
We need the community’s help to end the heartache.
Foster families and adopters are urgently needed.
Together we can stop the needless killing of thousands of pets. To help, spay or
neuter your pet and become a temporary foster family for a litter of puppies or
kittens by calling (253) 284-5833. Fostering a pet involves caring for a puppy
or kitten temporarily until it is old enough to be permanently adopted.
Media tours of the shelter, plus interviews with
shelter staff and current foster families, can be arranged. See for
yourself the severity of our animal over population problem in
Pierce
County
. Contact
Kitty Gibbs
at 253. 284.5844.
To help ease the problem, The Humane Society’s
Adoptathon will be held Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m., featuring a $20 discount on all
pets, and $10 discount on already discounted and older pets.
The Humane Society for
Tacoma & Pierce
County
is the largest shelter in the state, sheltering more animals than
all of
King
County’s facilities combined. In 2005, we handled more than 22,000 animals and were
forced to euthanize nearly 2,500 healthy, adoptable pets.
The Humane Society aspires to become a no-kill
shelter and is working to ensure that
Pierce
County
becomes a no-kill community. Please help us.
Spay.
Neuter. Fix the
problem.
Find
a Pet and a Friend at Adoptathon 2006
Humane
Society's Special Day Offers
Reduced Cost for Pets
Press Release
by Kitty Gibbs
April 26, 2006
TACOMA
- For
Steve Pierce
, executive director of The Humane Society, Adoptathon 2006 holds
special meaning. It's the first pet adoption event since the announcement
to make Pierce
County
a "no-kill" community by the end of 2008.
The director said the May 6 event is not only a chance to unite people with a
dog or a cat but to combat the needless deaths of thousands of pets that
occur in the county each year.
"Adoptathon is more important this year as we move toward 'fixing the
problem' of euthanizing unwanted animals," said Pierce.
"Promoting pet adoption is one way we can reach our goal of becoming a
'no-kill community' by the end of 2008."
Hundreds of homeless animals will be available for
adoption at reduced cost during Adoptathon at the William Gazecki Animal
Shelter,
2608 Center St.reet in
Tacoma
, starting at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2006. Other Adoptathon sites include
PetSmart in
Tacoma
and
Lakewood, and Wild Birds in
Gig
Harbor
.
Pierce said the goal is to top one-hundred adoptions. Last year, eighty-one
pets were adopted, most of them cats. Adopting dogs has gotten easier
through the Meet Your Match program launched last month that helps adopters
match their lifestyle with a dog's personality.
"It helps assure a loving and lasting home
for a shelter animal," Pierce said.
As part of Adoptathon 2006, there will be a $20 discount on regular
adoption prices and $10 on already reduced prices for pets. All adoptions
include: wellness exam, spay/neuter surgery, microchip with national
registration, initial vaccinations, pet care counseling and - for cats -
feline leukemia test, collar and cat carrier. Free pet toys will be given with
every adoption.
Since 1888, The Humane Society for
Tacoma
and
Pierce
County
has been at the forefront of animal welfare, sheltering and finding homes
for abandoned, lost or unwanted animals and reuniting lost pets with their
owners. A local nonprofit, The Humane Society also operates as an "open
admission" organization, meaning it shelters every pet that comes through
its doors and works to find homes for pets, rather than needlessly ending
their lives. For more information about The Humane Society, visit www.thehumanesociety.org,
or call 253-383-2733.
%2005.jpg)
(photo by Tera Pella)
April 9, 2006: Tera tells us, "This is the eagle that came to breakfast
last year. He/she didn't like an audience and never came back, but it was
awesome. Yes, that was one of my chickens he/she had for breakfast." Tera
lives right outside of Eatonville.
Can You Hear Me Now?
%20lastscan.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
Frog Songs Tell us
Spring
is in the Air...
Almost Spring 2006
In spite of the wintry weather of late, the tree frogs are beginning to announce
their annual spring mating ritual, sending up a chorus of croaking to entice
females. How the females can pick one "voice" from another remains a
mystery. This little one, whose photo was taken in a previous year,
nestled in the petals of a rose blossom.
The little jewel of nature above is a Pacific Tree
Frog, probably a female. The sex of a tree frog can be determined by a dark
patch on the throat of the males, who do the singing. As is common to most frogs
the female is a bit larger than the male.
Shallow temporary wetlands and ponds, which often
dry up in midsummer, are the little frog's breeding waters. What you hear
during this time of year are territorial males calling for mates. They begin to
sing in early March and continue until around the end of May. The tiny males
stake out small areas of the waters and protect them from other males. Sometimes
their voices can be nearly deafening and difficult to speak over.
Adults eat a large amount of insects and spiders.
They come in a variety of colors and can change colors quickly from light to
dark. Pacific Tree Frogs produce the quintessential frog calls which are used in
movies and animations. Because the little amphibians can throw their voices, it
is very tricky to follow the call of one frog and find the singer. To hear a
song please click Tree Frog Call
Meet Tera Pella - New
Animal Control Officer...
%20%20MARCH%207,%2006%20043.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
March
5, 2006 - by Bob Walter: The
Town of Eatonville's newest employee is Tera Pella of Eatonville. Tera started
her job as animal control officer/park and storm maintenance Monday
morning. She will devote sixteen hours of her work weekly to animal control duties, the
other twenty-four will be divided between parks and storm maintenance, on an alternating
shift.
Tera was one of several people laid off from
The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County on December 31, 2005, when
the Society eliminated its animal control and pet licensing divisions and
contracts. She had worked there for four years, starting in customer service and
eventually becoming a license compliance officer.
Tera brings her genuine love
and knowledge of animals, and lots of experience in people relations, into the
full-time, union position. At the Pella household are three cats, four horses
(an Arabian, a quarter horse, an Appaloosa, and a thoroughbred), Mysti the dog,
ducks, and chickens. Tera will attend the two-week Animal Control Officer
Academy in Des Moines this month.
One
Baby Wolverine Dies The Other Still Survives...
%20%20fd5a5401b6f0d7ff.jpg)
(Northwest Trek photo)
by Dixie A. Walter
March 4, 2006
The unusual birth of two wolverines February 14 saw the death
of one infant six days later. The surviving kit was taken from the
mother at birth because this was her first litter and park officials didn't know
how she would react. The infant left with the mother died.
This tiny Mustelidae, if she survives,
will eventually weigh between seventeen and twenty-two pounds. Males
weigh twenty-six to thirty pounds. Some other members of the Mustelids are
minks, weasels, otters and skunks.
Wolverines are also called Devil Bear,
Skunk Bear, Glutton and Carcajou by Native Americans - Carcajou meaning
Evil Spirit or Mountain Devil. Like skunks and other members of the Mustelid
family wolverines produce a musty odor which is unmistakable, especially if one
breaks into a cabin and feasts on the bounty it finds.
Known for its fierce disposition, the
wolverine makes the Tasmanian Devil look like a sissy according to some
writers. Wolverines are carnivores who hunt by day and night, and while they are
capable of bringing down a deer they often scavenge from the leftovers of wolves
and other predators. They can also climb trees. Man is the predator who hunts
the animal for its frost-resistant fur, which is a thick, glossy, dark brown.
The wolverine doesn't hibernate so must feed all year long. For this it has
thirty-eight extremely sharp teeth and five very sharp claws on each foot which
are slightly retractable.
This large, fierce and fearless animal
is noted for its fearlessness, strength, cunning and insatiable appetite.
They may follow trap lines to cabins and eat what they find. They are solitary
hunters who will prey on many types of game and won't hesitate to attack sheep,
deer or even small bears.
Their most dangerous predator is man.
Some kill them for their coats and ranchers kill them because they
pose a threat to livestock.
Some interesting facts about the
wolverine: If it was the size of a bear it would be the strongest animal on earth;
its jaws can crush bones; the animal is skilled enough to bring down a deer or
caribou; it will steal foxes and minks from traps set by humans; it has enough
strength to drag a dead animal three times its size for some distance; its sense
of smell is so acute it can smell food under the snow; it has been known to
drive wolf packs from their kills, and will even back down a cougar from a
carcass. Wolves, cougars and bears will prey on wolverines, but that doesn't
seem to stop them from stealing food from the larger carnivores.
Are wolverines endangered? The
animal is not listed as endangered or threatened in the United States. It is
listed by the USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management as a
"Sensitive Species." A number of states have their own
classifications. Wolverines can be found in Canada, Finland, Norway, Russia,
Sweden, North America and Estonia. Washington State lists wolverines as a
Candidate Species meaning the wild population is being closely watched for
"signs of decline."
According to a press release from
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, "Only ten accredited zoos including Trek
exhibit the species and only one of these, the Detroit Zoo, reports a surviving
litter in the last two years." The surviving kit will not be displayed for
"several weeks" until she is strong enough to be on her own. In the
wild wolverine kits stay with their mothers for two years.
A
Mature, Wild Wolverine...
%20NPS%20PHOTO%20WolverinePhoto.jpg)
(photo from National Park
Service)
If the new
Trek wolverine kit reaches maturity she will look like this big fellow.
Humane
Society wants a "No Kill Community" by 2009...
%202106%20015.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
Humane
Society board president Walli Roarke addressed the media on Wednesday at a
press conference in the William Gazecki Animal Shelter in Tacoma. Roarke
spoke about the Society's "End the Heartache" pet overpopulation
awareness campaign, after unveiling a series of billboard and bus ads that
will soon be appearing throughout Pierce County.
She added, "Our goal isn't simply
to operate a no-kill shelter and turn animals away when we are full. Rather,
our goal is to become a no-kill community, and to never turn away a pet that
needs help or shelter. That's the difference here in Pierce County. We're an
"open-admission" shelter, meaning we never turn a pet away. Other
[no-kill] shelters do not accept animals when they are full."
Campaign
to Save Lives...
by Dixie A. Walter
My View
February 3, 2006
Kathryn Schwarz, a communications consultant from Jay Ray, explained
the The Humane Society's new campaign, "The Humane Society
for Tacoma and Pierce County today announced its plans to end the
needless euthanasia of thousands of healthy pets every year and lead
Pierce County to become a no-kill community. The Humane Society, which
sheltered 22,000 pets last year - more than all King County shelters
combined - is also an open admission shelter, meaning it never turns a
pet away."
The ambitious plans for ending euthanasia
can only take place with the complete cooperation of the citizens of
Tacoma, Pierce County and incorporated cities and towns in the county.
Eatonville has been without an animal control person for too long, and
a new person should be hired any time if one hasn't been hired yet. At
the January 23 town council meeting Eatonville Police Chief Jim Lewis
told the council he was eager to hire someone as quickly as possible
to handle any animal problems in town. Kitten season begins in the
spring and kittens are a very real problem for several months.
Although the town has a facility to hold
dogs, Lewis said they still didn't have what is needed to hold cats. The
town has a contract with The Humane Society to take animals which
can't be placed or their owners found. The contract calls for holding
animals for a certain length of time but also states the animals may
have to be euthanized, which is a nice way of saying they will be
killed.
A small town such as ours can help lead
the campaign to end the killing of healthy animals. Just imagine for
a moment that everyone who owns a pet has that pet
"fixed" to prevent the overpopulation which leads to the
killing. Imagine for a moment that all citizens of Eatonville were
truly responsible pet owners and thought about the health and quality
of life their pets deserve.
Take this responsibility even further and
think about the stress put on your neighbors if your cat is allowed to
roam unaltered, have kittens under your neighbors' house, and let the
neighbor take care of the problem. It happens every year in town and
it's a sorry, sad situation which does not make for good neighbors.
It's inhumane all the way around. Inhumane to the female cat, her
kittens, the neighbors, animal control people, and the people at the
shelter who may in the end have to kill both kittens and mother cats.
The same applies to unaltered dogs. However, dogs breed all year and
cats tend to breed for several months during spring and summer,
resulting in a tragic spike in the population during those months.
Human
Suffering can be Ended Also
Humane Society Development Director
Marguerite Richmond described how painful euthanizing healthy pets can
be for the person who must kill them. "I can tell you it's almost
unbearable to watch a worker hold a kitten or puppy one last time, before
gently giving them an injection that will end their life. Euthanasia's daily
toll is simply unbearable.
"And simply put, it is avoidable. It has to
change. I'm proud to report that The Humane Society has made big strides
in addressing the problem. Since 1992, the number of healthy, adoptable dogs
euthanized has decreased by eighty-three percent and the number of healthy,
adoptable cats euthanized has dropped by twenty-seven percent"
My husband, Bob Walter, has been Director of
Humane Education for about twenty-four years. During this time I have had
the opportunity to discuss what killing animals does to the spirit and hearts
of those whose job it is to carry out the death sentences. The nightmares I've
heard described by various staff are enough to give anyone nightmares. They
are so graphic and frightening I will spare you descriptions. Suffice it to
say another aspect of ending the killing of healthy pets is the humane
treatment of shelter workers.
You can make an important difference. Don't fall
into the trap of thinking you want your kids to experience the miracle of
birth. Let them watch a film of a cat and her kittens. Or be totally honest
and also show them the finality of death when those kittens end up in the
killing room.
If you are a man don't fall into the macho trap of
thinking that castrating your dog or cat is the same as castrating
yourself. Because it is not. And strangely enough that is an argument I have
heard ad nauseum. Every time I hear it I know another puppy, kitten, dog or
cat will eventfully die because of this anthropomorphic way of thinking. A
real man treats his pets responsibly. A real man isn't afraid to alter his
pets because he's smart enough to understand he doesn't live vicariously
through his pet's sex life.
"Mythinformation"
From The Humane Society comes the following "Mythinformation"
about spaying and neutering pets:
It's too expensive. Fact is, fixing
your pet saves money over time and The Humane Society offers financial
assistance
for low income families.
It will change the pet's behavior. Fact
is, fixing your pet makes him or her a more affectionate companion.
Dogs are still protective, male cats will stop spraying and female cats
are less likely to roam.
It will make the pet fat or lazy. Fact is, fixing
your pet doesn't affect his or her weight or activity level.
It's better for a female pet to have one litter
first. Fact is, spaying a
female pet before she has her first heat reduces health problems
and reduces the cost for the spay procedure.
It will make their male dog or cat feel less like a male. Fact
is, research has shown that pets have no concept of sexual
identity or ego.
They will find good homes for all the puppies and kittens from a litter. Fact
is, The Humane Society frequently shelters puppies and kittens
whose owners have been unable to find them homes. Sadly, more than
one-thousand puppies and kittens were euthanized in 2005.
It's unnatural to prevent a pet from breeding. Fact
is, domesticating dogs and cats is already an "unnatural process.
It will make the dog less protective. Fact is, spaying
or neutering a dog doesn't affect its natural instincts to protect, nor
does it change its personality.
Some of the shelter's goals are: Help every owner find their lost pet;
build shelter capacity, expand current facilities and make room for more
dogs and cats; make The Humane Society the first choice for pet adoption;
"Fix the Problem..."
What can the community do? Spay
and neuter your pets; adopt; foster; volunteer; make a donation.
In 2005 nearly 2,500 healthy, adoptable dogs and cats were killed in Pierce
County. Fourteen thousand five hundred and seventy one animals were
abandoned, lost or unwanted and found shelter at The Humane Society. Averaging
one thousand two hundred animals monthly, forty animals a day. Six thousand
one hundred and thirty six pets were adopted. Altogether the shelter handled
twenty two thousand seven hundred animals.
Wake
up and Help "Fix the Problem"
%20%20lastscan.jpg)
This graphic
depicts four homes. On the left are
the homes with neutered cats represented by
black dots. The houses on the right illustrate out-of-control breeding
by unneutered cats. This
could be your neighborhood this spring
during kitten season.
%20%20lastscan.jpg)
FYI: For Horse Lovers...
(Publisher's
Note: I signed an online petition protesting the slaughter of
horses for food. Below is the response I received from U. S.
Senator Patty Murray. I believe the statistics in her letter are
of interest to horse lovers and other animal lovers as well.
Senator Murray's eddress is Senator@murray.senate.gov)
from
Senator Patty Murray
December 16, 2005
Senator Against Horse Slaughter
Dear Mrs. Walter:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about horse slaughter. I
appreciate knowing of your views on this issue.
Each year, more than 60,000 horses are slaughtered
for human consumption in the U.S. or shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada
and Mexico. The U.S. processes an estimated 10,000 pounds of horsemeat
annually, which is then shipped overseas where it is considered a delicacy in
many countries. Horses are targeted for slaughter regardless of gender, age,
or breed.
They can range from Amish working horses to accomplished
show ponies. Many of these animals are subjected to cruel and
inhumane treatment while in transport and during the actual slaughter.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) “Guidelines for
Handling and Transporting Equines to Slaughter,” the majority of the horses
sent to slaughter are in “good” condition.
As you may know, Representative John Sweeney (R-NY)
and Senator John Ensign (R-NV) have introduced the American Horse
Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 853, S. 1915, respectively) to ban the
slaughter of horses for human consumption. The legislation would
permanently outlaw this practice in the United States, as well as prohibit the
sale and transport of horsemeat intended for human consumption.
Passed in October 2005, the fiscal year 2006
Agriculture Appropriations bill includes this language banning horse
slaughter in the U.S. Unfortunately, implementation of the ban was delayed by
120 days. Yet, while the ban is only valid through October 2006, the
provision will certainly help save tens of thousands of horses nationwide.
I supported this amendment during the Senate
debate on the Agriculture Appropriations bill, which passed by a large
margin. The provision also received overwhelming support in the House
and I was pleased that it was retained during final negotiations on the
legislation.
I do, however, understand the unease expressed by
many horse owners and breeders over the potential impact of the
legislation. For some, slaughter is seen as a solution to disposal of
their aged or ailing animals. I believe, however, there are a number of
alternatives to slaughter that would help ensure more humane treatment than
the often overcrowded and poorly regulated slaughterhouses. These
include selling or adopting unwanted horses to new owners, as well as humanely
euthanizing the animals by a licensed veterinarian.
Throughout my Senate tenure, I have consistently
supported efforts to protect animals from cruel and inhumane treatment.
For many people, horses provide wonderful companions and are an iconic symbol
of our national culture and history. It is important that we implement
strict regulations against the trade, sale, and slaughter of these noble
animals for purposes of human consumption. Should the American Horse
Slaughter Prevention Act come before the full Senate for a vote, I will
certainly keep your thoughts in mind.
Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this
important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any
additional concerns.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray
United States Senator
P.S. I'd like to invite you to receive Patty Murray's
Washington View, my weekly legislative update by e-mail. If you are
interested in receiving my update, please sign up here: http://murray.senate.gov/updates.
Tony
and the Audubon Society...
From Tony Sirgedas
December
10, 2005
Here's an interesting link for you to look at. It's got one of
my pictures, a Western Grebe, on it along with the story. I
had sent it to the Seattle Audubon Society for their web page and the
guy there asked if they could use it for the Bird Notes page where
they put up their short radio spots. The short audio is a little
interesting. To see the
site and hear the audio please see http://www.birdnote.org/birdnote.cfm?id=480
New
Washington State License Plate to Benefit Pets
by
Marguerite Richmond
December 8, 2005
"We
are excited about these license plates,” said Steve Pierce,
Executive Director of The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce
County. “It’s a great way for people to show how much they
love their pets, and help reduce pet overpopulation at the same
time.”
Spaying or neutering pets helps to reduce overpopulation while
providing dogs and cats with significant health and behavioral
benefits. In 2004, more than 150,000 animals ended up in Washington
shelters.
The original cost to purchase a plate is $40.00 plus any
applicable licensing fees. When the vehicle registration comes
due, you will need to pay an additional $30.00 to keep the plate on
your vehicle even if you have not had the plate for a full year.
Plates can be issued only to registered
passenger vehicles, light duty pickups, trailers, motorcycles and campers
in Washington State. Plate numbers are assigned sequentially and
automatically by the Department of Licensing's computer system.
The earlier you are at a Vehicle Licensing office, the lower license
plate number you will be assigned. Beginning March 1, 2007, specialty
plates can be personalized. For questions or to locate vehicle
licensing offices visit https://wws2.wa.gov/dol/vsagents.
The
Washington State Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies is
dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals and advancing
the humane ethic in Washington state by providing support services,
professional training and advocacy resources.
Student
Completes String of Pet Food Drives...
%20HilaryFoodDrive1.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
Weyerhaeuser Elementary fifth grade
student Hilary Harris (second from left) finished her fifth and last
birthday pet food drive at the school Friday, November 4. The 481
pounds of food collected by students will feed needy dogs and cats in
Pierce County. Helping load the pet food were, left to right, Riley
Gray, Hilary Harris, Madi and Cassidy (in front) Tobin, Maddie Gray,
Doug Whitted and Kennedy Tobin. Last year Hilary was honored as a
national runner-up Be Kind To Animals Kid for her efforts to help
animals. Next year she'll move on to middle school, and is likely to
find new ways to make life for animals a little easier.
Girls Jailed
the Boys...
%20N%20OV%204,%20052005HilaryBoyslockedin.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
Students from Weyerhaeuser
Elementary ham it up after helping load 481 pounds of pet food
collected for needy pets.
Boys Turn the
Tables on Girls...
%20NOV.%204,%2005%202005HilaryGirlslockedin.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
Don't try this at home. Here, the
boys turn the tables on the girls of Weyerhaeuser Elementary, locking
them into the rear cages of The Humane Society animal control van.
They were confined only for the length of time it took to photograph
them. The students were winding down after a day of school, and after
loading nearly 500 pounds of pet food.
Black Bear Hit by Cars in Rare
Road Accident...
October
24, 2005
An
eyewitness said he rounded a bend at the 42000 block of State Road 161
October 18 and saw a bear try to cross the
highway. The witness saw the vehicle in front of him hit the large
animal. The man said he tried to miss the bear but couldn't swerve
because of oncoming traffic and he also hit the bear. The bear was not
killed but its injuries were so extreme it had to be killed by a
police officer.
The bear was hit at night according to
Judy Justice owner of Judy's Tan & Tips in Eatonville. Justice
said she was on her way to Eatonville at 9:35 p.m.
"...heading up the hill from the valley and around the first
curve there was a dead (I thought it was dead) bear to the right of
the road. A few trucks stopped on the left so of course I slowed
down." She then went to her shop and explained that on the way
out of Eatonville saw many police cars with lights flashing. Just
described the scene as "blinding" and "sad."
Male black bears, Ursus
americanus, weigh up to three-hundred pounds or more. Bears weighing
more than
six-hundred pounds have been reported. Females average between
one-hundred to one-hundred-fifty pounds. Black bears are not always
black. Brown and cinnamon colored animals are seen also. Black bears
don't hibernate but might be dormant during the winter. Dormant bears
can awaken in minutes if bothered. These large mammals require huge
amounts of undisturbed land. In the mountains females range close to
three-hundred acres and males average about eleven-thousand acres.
Like many other wild animals black bears try to avoid humans. However,
loss of habitat forces them into human occupied areas.
A Moment of Tranquility in
This Chaotic World...
.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
Koi fish at the Windmill Gardens
and Nursery in Sumner of 2005
Local
Veterinarian Returns
to Tacoma...
%20Dr.Pam.jpg)
(photo by Tom Sayre)
Doctor Pam Bennett
by Tom Sayre
October 21, 2005
As the water subsides, people involved with hurricane relief
efforts return home. Doctor Pam
Bennett, a veterinarian who flew to the aid of animals in need,
recently returned to the Tacoma area, but not alone.
Upon Dr. Bennett’s return, she conveyed that “this was a
very fulfilling experience for me and I want to thank The Humane
Society for Tacoma and Pierce County for facilitating this trip.” The
Humane Society was fortunate to partner with a professional who gives
unselfishly and from the heart.
During Dr. Bennett’s visit to Baton Rouge, she examined and
treated homeless pets at Louisiana State University.
Her efforts contributed to the success of this rescue site both
in the treatment and placement of the homeless animals.
In addition to insuring the health and safety of the homeless
pets, ninety-five percent of them were reunited with their owners and
the remaining three hundred were fostered and/or adopted out.
“People
opened their hearts, homes and their wallets in this time of need,”
Doc Bennett explained. Dr. Bennett
also opened up her own home to an elderly, mixed-breed dog named Mitzi
and to Sugarfoot, a thin cat in need of a little extra attention.
Along with sponsoring Dr. Bennett’s trip, The Humane
Society has also gathered over $10,000 in community donations
that will be used to rebuild a stricken shelter.
“You all in the Northwest are all so generous; a significant
amount of the donations that we received came from your area,” said
Dr. Rebecca Adcock, Director of Public Programs at Louisiana State
University.
Officer
Returns Home after Hurricane Relief Assistance
%20ericinvan.jpg)
(photo by Marguerite Richmond)
Humane Society Officer
Eric O'Donnell recently returned from helping animal hurricane victims.
by
Bob Walter
Humane Education Director
October 10, 2005
Officer
Eric O’Donnell of The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County
returned a few days ago from the
animal relief effort in Louisiana and Mississippi, where he has been since
September 17, assisting with the huge task of processing thousands of
domestic animals displaced by Hurricane Katrina. There were dogs, cats,
horses, reptiles, exotic birds and rodents, rescued from houses, other
buildings or found running loose.
In addition to the rescue organizations
arriving with animals from New Orleans at the end of each day,
private citizens would also show up with pets they had rescued, adding
to a situation that was at times very chaotic.
Arriving at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
in Gonzales, Louisiana at the rate of 100 to 300 a day, the animals had
to be photographed and identified by species, breed, age and sex. Records
of each were entered into a database using an animal sheltering software
called Chameleon, that the consortium of rescue groups have linked with
Petfinder.com and other Web sites to help reunite lost pets with their
owners. These records included the location where they were found and
owner information if available.
O’Donnell’s familiarity with the software
became very useful in the effort, when he was asked to train others in
its use. Over 8,000 animals have been rescued to date. Rescuers return
daily to the flooded New Orleans neighborhoods, still finding some animals
that have survived. Rescuers, knowing there are still animals roaming in
search of food and water, have been leaving both on the streets each day.
This is keeping many of the animals alive, at least the ones who were not
trapped in buildings or enclosures.
Says O’Donnell, “I stayed in a large FEMA
tent on cots. They treated us well, providing packaged dinners to choose
from, power bars, energy food, sodas, water and ice. The temperature was
92 degrees with 100% humidity.” As for the animals he processed,
“There were many, many dogs in very thin to emaciated condition coming
in at Gonzales. There were a lot of animal-aggressive dogs.”
Before returning to Tacoma, O’Donnell transferred
from Gonzales to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where another staging area
was set up to handle the displaced pets. Some of the animals at these two
sites were transported from shelters along the gulf coast destroyed by the
Hurricanes, before being processed, and in some cases, transferred to
shelters around the U.S. for fostering and placement.
Humane
Society Sending Local Vet to Baton Rouge
(photo by Tom Sayre)
Veterinarian
Doctor Pam Bennett
by Tom Sayre
September 27, 2995
The number of suffering animals being brought into Baton Rouge,
Louisiana continues to grow every day. Veterinarians in the area
are overwhelmed with the number of pets that are in dire need of
medial attention. This is why The Humane Society for Tacoma and
Pierce County is responding by sponsoring Doctor Pam Bennett’s
journey to help the animal victims of hurricane Katrina.
Doctor
Bennett is experienced in traveling to aid animals in need. “I
have traveled to remote areas before to help animals and I cannot
wait to get there to make a difference” she explained. “I don’t
know until I get there if I will perform emergency care or performing
general welfare examinations.”
Doctor
Bennett is a retired veterinarian who has worked for some local
veterinary clinics such as Fircrest Veterinary Hospital, Sacajawea
Healthcare for Pets, and she is currently teaching biology at the
University of Puget Sound. She will leave this Saturday, October
1 and return Monday, October 10.
You
can help with the efforts to aid animals victimized by Hurricane
Katrina by donating to The Humane Society. All donations
designated for the animals will go directly to their aid.
Tony Warns,
"Bee Careful"
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
September
25, 2005: Tony says, "It's that time of year when the yellow
jackets are more aggressive as they look
for new food sources. Keep an eye open for the little critters,
especially around opened pop containers." Yellow jackets aren't
actually "bees," they are aggressive wasps. During the
fall they do become more aggressive and may be a serious aggravation
as they search for food people eat or throw away. Keep garbage cans
tightly closed and beware, they are beautiful but dangerous..
Humane
Society Officer in
Mississippi to Help with Pet Evacuations...
(photo by Marguerite Richmond)
Humane Society Officer Eric O'Donnell is in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi offering assistance for animals displaced
by Hurricane Katrina. O'Donnell has been officer at the shelter for
sixteen years.
by Marguerite Richmond
Development Director,
September 19, 2005
The situation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is overwhelming.
More than 600 animals are sheltered in the Forest City
Multipurpose Center, with 100 more arriving every day to be shipped to
shelters all over the country. Fewer than 50 volunteers have been caring for the animals,
and many need to return to their home states.
A call went out for shelter volunteers, and The Humane Society
for Tacoma and Pierce County is sending one of their most experienced
officers, Eric O’Donnell.
“One of their biggest concerns
right now is gathering information on the animals, putting them into a
computer database and tracking them,” explained Executive Director
Steve Pierce. “They just
received a software system for shelters – Chameleon -- that we use
here, and they really need people who already know how to use it to help
process these animals.”
Officer Eric O’Donnell is not only proficient with the
software, he’s been an animal welfare officer for sixteen years,
and has received the Red Cross Real Heroes Award for animal rescues.
“He’ll be able to help in almost any capacity,” said Mr.
Pierce. “We’ll miss him here, but the animals really need him.”
Volunteers are expected to bring
their own equipment, sleep on army cots, and work hard in extreme temperatures.
The center reported that seventeen volunteers required IV fluids
for hydration after a particularly hot day.
O'Donnell left Saturday,
September 17 for an indefinite period of time.
For
information about helping animal victims of Katrina please see below.
Letter to the Editor:
More
About Helping Animal Hurricane Victims...
|
September
6, 2005
To the Editor:
I received this on my Yahoo Springer list. I thought it
might be of interest to you. I have donated on the AKC
website, in Dixie's (an English Springer Spaniel) name for the rescue, but will be sending
a donation direct to the Louisiana State University (LSU) Vet school also. We are
starting to hear of a lot of rescued animals, now some
with their family members, finally. I cannot imagine being
told to leave my pets behind, as was necessary in the first
days of the disaster.
Our Ramblewood owners
in Michigan had a direct link to Coast Guard workers and
prepared packages with individual meals, leashes, etc. for
the flat bottom boats they've been using in the effort.
I realize that it's
the suffering people that need help most, but the pets are also in need and it is an area
that we can help with.
Along with trash bags, I'm going to send collars and leashes together with
unused medicine,
vitamins, shampoos, and toys. I 'm sure some little four
legged kids will enjoy some toys to play with.
Also, I placed a drop-ship order of big bags of
dog food from here to be sent over to them right away. If everyone could send
just one bag of dog or cat food, it will greatly help out! Don't forget to check off the box for the
5 percent discount
they are offering.
Pam Holt
Eatonville
Dixie: Intl A/CH
Ramblewood There's Your Trouble
Bertie: Ramblewood
Dark Lady
Patch: Black Cat
Extrodinaire
"Dogs
feel very strongly that they should always go with you in
the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark at
nothing right in your ear." - Unknown
More
Information from Pam Holt...
Financial donations are being accepted to fund the animals
care through the Dr. Walter J. Ernst, Jr. Veterinary Memorial Foundation at
the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association at 1-800-524-2996. Make
checks payable to the LVMA Dr. Walter J. Ernst Veterinary
Memorial Foundation (write Disaster Relief Fund on the memo
line) and send to the LVMA, 8550 United Plaza Blvd., Suite
1001, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. They will be able to use these funds
quickly.
A regional donation center is being established. Our needs
include: large air kennels and metal cages, leashes, disposable bowls, canned
cat and dog food, disposable litter pans, spray bleach, paper towels, sheets,
towels, locks, hoses, bottled water, trash cans, trash bags, pooper
scoopers, cat litter, extension cords, fans.
The most urgent needs are kennels and
monetary donations. The media will be advised of the address once
determined. At
least 175 animals are currently en route to Baton Rouge. For more information or to make donations of the materials
listed above, please call the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine at
225-578-9900, www.vetmed.lsu.edu
or the LVMA at 1-800-524-2996, www.lyma.org
Animal Evacuation and Recovery
Plan Contact Information: Louisiana SPCA contact Laura Maloney
225.413.8813;
East Baton Rouge Animal Control Center Hilton Cole
225.774.7700;
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Becky Adcock
225.578.9900; Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association
225.9285862.
|
Disaster
Relief for Animals...
Press Release
September 3, 2005
In
response to incoming requests from practices and their clients as
to how they can help respond to the Hurricane Disaster, Maine
VMA President Dr. Matt Townsend hopes that information such as the
following will be helpful to you:
Direct Relief to
Animals: The ASPCA is of course assisting all shelters in the Gulf
Region. Donations can be made through www.aspca.com,
or by calling 866-275-3923.
For
relief efforts in Louisiana, go to www.la-spca.org.
To assist the Houston SPCA, which like the Houston Astrodome is
becoming a rescue site, go to www.spcahouston.org.
To assist animals, and
help provide veterinary care for them: Go to the Louisiana
Veterinary Medical Association, www.lvma.org;
the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, www.tvma.org,
Click Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (which is helping both
animals and veterinarians displaced from Louisiana). To be
sure that a donation goes for animal care, write
"disaster relief fund-animal care" on the check.
To
assist the Long-Term Effort of Relief Coordination for this and
future natural disasters, go to www.avmf.org.
This is the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, which is
making grants (Maine has just applied for one) for training
volunteers in animal rescue programs.
For Humane Society of the United States
updates please see HSUS
Disaster Relief Fund Update - 2005
Humane
Society Warns Cat Owners About Deadly Virus
by Marguerite Richmond
Humane Society Development Director
September 14,
2005
The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is advising
cat owners to be sure their cats are vaccinated in the wake of an
outbreak of feline panleukopenia in Pierce County.
Eight confirmed cases of panleukopenia have been traced
to locations in Pierce County. One
cat came from Sumner, two were from Spanaway, two from Fircrest,
and three from North Tacoma. All were strays.
Vaccination against panleukopenia is normally part of a
cat’s annual vaccines, so cat owners are advised to check with
their veterinarian to be sure their cat’s vaccines are current. Any
sick cat should be seen by a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of panleukopenia include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, and lethargy.
In order to control an outbreak of the disease at the
shelter, The Humane Society stopped cat adoptions and began strict
quarantine procedures for all incoming cats. “It’s heartbreaking
when this happens,” says Dr. Byrd, shelter veterinarian. “It is a
very contagious disease, but it can be prevented so easily.”
Other animal shelters in the Pacific Northwest have also
seen a number of cases of feline panleukopenia in recent months.
Panleukopenia, or feline distemper, spreads quickly and is often
deadly. It affects only
cats, and is not transmissible to dogs or to humans.
The Humane Society expects to begin adopting cats again on
September 20. Dogs are
not affected by the quarantine, and are available for adoption
during regular shelter hours.
A
Disaster Can Happen at Any Time
Are You Prepared to Protect Your Pets?
by Tom Sayre
September 3, 2005
The recent tragedies resulting from
Hurricane Katrina remind us to make sure we are prepared to take care of our pets!
Protect your pets by taking these precautions before disaster
strikes:
- Store a seven-day supply of
food.
- Store a seven-day supply of
bottled water per animal.
- f you must evacuate your home, do
not leave your pets behind.
Take them with you.
If it is unsafe for you to remain, then it is unsafe for
them as well.
- If you evacuate your home,
don’t forget your pet’s medications, medical records and
your veterinarian’s phone number.
- Prepare a pet first aid kit
(blankets, gauze pads, ace bandage, hydrogen peroxide,
antiseptic cream, adhesive tape, tweezers, thermometer,
scissors).
- Always have a leash handy
for each pet. A
harness will be more effective than a collar in keeping your cat
safe when you travel.
- Obtain a portable carrier
large enough for each pet to stand up and turn around in.
- In case you should become
separated from your pets, place a tag with an out-of-state
contact name and number, as well as your own, on their collars
along with their license tags.
- Have your pets’ health
certificates and a photo of each handy at all times, to prove
ownership if you’re separated during a disaster.
- Keep your pet’s
vaccinations up-to-date in case you have to board them or leave
the state.
- Contact hotels and motels
outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets.
Ask if “no pet” policies would be waved in an
emergency. Make a
list of pet-friendly accommodations and keep it handy. Remember, federal regulations do not allow pets to be
kept at Red Cross shelters.
- Make a list of friends and
relatives who could care for your pets for an extended period of
time if needed.
For more information, please contact The Humane Society for Tacoma
and Pierce County’s education director at (253) 284-5814.
Back to Front
Page
Hey
Jude, Here's Bogie...
(photo by Bob Walter)
by Dixie A. Walter
January 18, 2004
Last week at Judy Justice's Tan & Tips in
Eatonville I ran into Judy Bertram (Eatonville Furniture), and we got
into a discussion about turtles. Judy Bertram had a musk turtle (aquatic)
for years, and it died not so very long ago, so we were chatting a lot about
how cool these animals can be. Judy B. asked me to put Bogie's picture on
ENN and here he is, just for Judy!
I explained to the Judys how the animal
above, Bogie, came to live with my husband, Bob, and I. Over three years
ago we went into one of those dreadful pet stores (which has since been shut
down) that do everything wrong. I was looking for millet spray to give my
little birds. Instead what I found was this big guy. His shell was thickly
covered with macaw parrot feces, there were flies crawling around
his eyes, and the look in his eyes was hopeless.
Cutting to the chase, we rescued this animal and
he's been a hoot ever since. He's about ten years old now; the bumps you
see on his shell are the result of poor nutrition when he was younger. Most
captives of his species are pyramided, some more than others.
Bogie is a sulcata tortoise, the third largest
tortoise on the planet. Their original habitat is in the sub-Sahara.
This species can live over a century and weigh close to 200 pounds when
grown. (Reptiles never really stop growing.)
This photo was taken early last spring when
Eatonville residents still had green lawns. This species eats like a
horse. Lots of hay makes Bogie very happy, but he also loves roses,
dandelions, dahlias, grape leaves and bunches of stuff that aren't good for
him.
His intelligence is amazing, considering he is a
reptile after all. One day I will tell you about some of his
accomplishments. He understands at least some "words" and sizes up
new situations quickly. Bogie weighs about 30 pounds, and he's a baby. We'll
never breed him. Captive breeding of sulcatas is relatively easy to
accomplish, resulting in dozens of offspring, which in turn means a large
number of cast-off torts whose novelty wore off and whose size and behavior
got to be an " inconvenience" for their owners. As with many
captive exotic species, there is a network of tortoise rescue groups
scrambling to help these animals when they become homeless or suffer from
poor husbandry.
Dog-A-Thon 2005
Breaks Another Record...
Raises Over $133,000 for
Homeless Animals
%20JULY%2016,%202005%20005.jpg)
by Bob Walter
July 16, 2005
A thousand dogs, accompanied by their human friends, strutted their
stuff, competed for prizes, demonstrated their unique talents, and
went for a walk in the park, at the 15th annual Dog-A-Thon - The
Humane Society's Walk for Homeless Pets Saturday, July 16.
The event was once again held at historic Fort
Steilacoom Park in Lakewood. The presenting sponsor was Lawyer's
Title, The Mountain 107.3 FM, The News Tribune, Click! Network, Robert
Larson Automotive Groups and KeyBank and a number of other local
businesses. The Dog-A-Thon
raised over $133,000 in cash, along with thousands of dollars worth of
gifts in kind.
"Adoptables"
%20JULY%2016,%202005%20016.jpg)
An
impromptu "Parade of Adoptables" at the Dog-A-Thon brought
together representatives from several pet rescue and adoption
groups, who then posed for a group photo. They included Cascade Animal
Protection, Puyallup Animal Rescue, The Humane Society for Tacoma and
Pierce County, Rescue Every Dog, and Bullseye Rescue. This being
kitten season, and the walk being for all homeless pets, even a few
crated kittens and cats were shown during the parade. At least one
kitten was adopted during the event.
Canine
Educators...
%20JULY%2016,%202005%20028.jpg)
A new humane education/pet therapy program being developed at The
Humane Society was recruiting new volunteer dog and handler teams
from their booth at the Dog-A-Thon. The volunteer-driven program,
called "Tutors With Tails," is coordinated by volunteer
Patty Rusnak. On
the left is Kirby Schlotterback with Rocky, and Kirstan Sanders is
sitting on the ground with her dog, Cobi.
The animals, who are carefully screened
and certified, sit with young readers as non-judgmental
listeners, helping them to improve their reading skills
dramatically. The kids can't wait for their next reading session with
the animals. Libraries and schools are requesting the program, but
more volunteer teams are needed in order to meet the demand.
Happy Dogs Take
a Break...
%20JULY%2016,%202005%20032.jpg)
Two handsome, happy dogs and their human relax after walking with
hundreds of other participants at the 2005 Dog-a-Thon. They
enjoyed water stops, treats and toys along the way. At the
walk's staging area there were doggie wading pools, kids' crafts,
kitten adoptions (secure carriers supplied, applications required),
demos, many vendors, and earned prizes for individual and team pledge
collectors.
The Dog-A-Thon, begun in 1991 after
10-year-old Tara Arndt approached The Humane Society with the idea
of a pet parade as a fundraiser, has grown each year. This was the
most successful event yet. The Dog-A-Thon is held the third Saturday
of July each year.
Dog-A-Thon 2005
- For Another Tail Waggin’ Good Time...
by Tom Sayre
June 21, 2005
Do
your friends and family refer to you as a “dog nut?” If
you’re more than just a dog owner and you consider yourself as
a dog lover, then you’ll want to know about the largest dog event
of the year: Dog-A-Thon 2005, The Humane Society’s walk for
homeless pets. This event is brought to you by: The Humane
Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, Lawyers Title, 103.7 The
Mountain, The News Tribune, Robert Larson Automotive Group, Key
Bank, Click! Network and Columbia Bank.
On
Saturday, July 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. more than 900 dogs
and their families will meet at beautiful, historic Fort
Steilacoom County Park near Tacoma, Washington to have a great time
while helping homeless animals in our community.
Choose
the one-mile stroll on the paved, level trail around Lake Waughop
(perfect for the older dog) or hike the four-mile forested trail
that leads up to spectacular views of the lake, Mount Rainier, the
Olympic Mountains and the waters of Puget Sound. Along the
routes, stop and enjoy the Treat Stop, Toy Stop, Water Stops and the
Photo Stop.
Walking
with your dog is only half the fun! There will be
opportunities to participate in the Magnificent Mutt Show, and
to observe demonstrations by: Tacoma’s Police Department K-9 Unit,
Department of Corrections drug sniffing dogs, Washington Owners of
Flying Disc Dogs, Washington Mixed Breed Dog Club, Ewe-Topia
Herding Dogs, or collapse on the grass and soak up the sun with the
friendliest dogs (and people!) around. If that isn’t enough,
stop by and have your pet microchipped for only $20!
You
do not need to have a dog to participate and all funds raised
support all homeless animals in our community. To get
started, call 253.284.5811 to request a pledge form. Or, visit our
website at www.thehumanesociety.org.
Next, talk to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers… anyone
who is a friend of animals and ask them to sponsor your walk to help
our community’s homeless pets.
Bob
Walter's Dog-A-Thon Web Page
It's that time of year again. The Dog-a-Thon is Saturday,
July 16. I've created my own fundraising web page, which you
can reach by clicking on the link below. Will you make a
small donation to the cause? Thank you!
Behold the
Ladybug...
%20MAY%2029,%202005.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
May
29, 2005: A voracious predator, this tiny handsome insect is a monster to
aphids, but a symbol of good luck to
humans. A bug so pleasing to the human eye, and so hungry for aphids,
that we go out of our way to protect them. Not only are these beetles
lovely to look and harmless to humans but they are one of the most
beneficial. Sometimes called Lady Bird beetles or Lady beetles, these
little ones, in the larval stage and as adults, consume huge quantities
of aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and other soft scaled insects. It is
estimated one Ladybug, female or male, will consume 5,000 aphids during
the course of its short life. Some eat plant and pollen mildews. There
may be as many as six generations annually.
There are number of species and various
colors. Some are solid colors, red, orange, black even yellow. Some,
like the one in the photo are heavily spotted while others have fewer
spots or just one.
These small, helpful insects can sometimes
become pests when they congregate by the thousands on wall of homes.
However, all gardeners and plant lovers admonish against killing these
animals. Just enjoy them and eventually they will go away.
One species of Ladybug Beetle was
named Ohio's official state insect in 1975. The green darner dragonfly is
the official state insect of Washington. It's one of the biggest pond
dragonflies and is often called the Mosquito Hawk because of its dining
pleasure.
Governor
Signs Animal Cruelty Bill...
Press Release
OLYMPIA MAY 16, 2005 Govenor Christine Gregoire signed
a bill today to increase the penalty for animal cruelty,
including brutal dog fighting and cock fighting for public
entertainment and profit.
House Bill 1304 was directed toward
people who intentionally or knowingly inflict substantial pain, cause physical
injury or kill an animal by means causing undue suffering or death. In
addition, Representative Tom Campbell (R-Roy)
successfully amended the bill to include his 'animal fighting' bill (HB
1579).
Under the new law, intentionally
inflicting substantial pain or cause physical injury or death is a
Class C felony for conviction in the first degree. A second
section of the bill classifies as a misdemeanor when, through criminal
negligence, a person starves, dehydrates or suffocates an animal,
causing unnecessary suffering or pain upon an animal.
With Campbell's amendment, it adds
'animal fighting' as a Class C felony. Any person who knowingly and intentionally
owns, breeds, trains, buys or sells animals for the purpose of staging
fights commits the crime of animal fighting, punishable by up to five
years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Campbell had the support of many
prosecutors and humane workers who appeared in committee to tell of
the horrors of the extreme levels of violence that result from
animal fighting exhibitions.
He noted an instance where a
rottweiler -- probably someone's pet -- was stolen by an organizer of
a dog fighting exhibition where the rottweiler was put in an arena
with a trained pit bull. "While the crowd cheered, a vicious
fight between the two dogs ensued as the pit bull savagely destroyed
the hapless rottweiler.
Campbell said there is growing
activity in this region that includes organized crime. The current law
which required paying a fine, was not a deterrent as the felony
punishment would be.
The amended bill relating to
animal cruelty and animal fighting passed both the House and the
Senate unanimously.
Hello Mr. Chips...
%20MAY%2012,%202005.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
by
Dixie A. Walter
May 13, 2005
Chips is the
official "greeter" at Mountain Take Out Restaurant in
Eatonville. He and his tabby sibling, Fish, were found behind the
restaurant last spring as lost, or abandoned, kittens. The pair were
rescued by Susie and Mike Robinson owners of the popular
eatery.
This beautiful black cat is a very friendly
fellow who often adorns the front porch as he welcomes patrons to
the restaurant. His affectionate attitude and happy disposition belies
the folk tales of malevolent spirits inhabiting felines of his color.
This black cat crosses the paths of many people and no bad luck follows
them. Instead he brings a smile and, often, delight, with his sweetness
and good looks.
Humane
Society Epidemic Coming Close to an End...
by Dixie A. Walter
May 14, 2005
A
viral disease which swept through The Humane Society for Tacoma and
Pierce County's William Gazecki Animal Shelter last week will
hopefully be under control by Monday. According to Tom Sayre,
society spokesman, it would be a good idea to wait until then to
take stray and unwanted cats to the shelter if it's possible to
wait. This is kitten season which puts a strain on all shelters at
this time of year.
Sayre said he had no idea how the disease, at
first thought to be an upper respiratory infection, was introduced
to the cattery at the humane shelter. With the large number of cats
and kittens taken to the shelter on a daily basis it is impossible
to know which animal carried the virus which prompted the euthanasia
of some cats. It's impossible to know how many cats died of the
disease, as evidence of some illness has been noticed six to seven
weeks ago, and a lot of cats have been adopted since then.
Cats have been quarantined in various places
in the shelter, and the cattery has been cleaned and disinfected to
kill the virus. Strays are still on public display, so owners may
search for their pets. Strays are not in the infected area. Sayre
said a veterinarian said it would be helpful to have cats'
vaccinations updated, but that isn't a guarantee against the virus.
When large numbers of animals are congregated,
eventually a disease will take it course through the population,
although it only happens every few years. Sayre pointed out that in
the past when an illness hit, the shelter did a "clean
sweep" killing all animals in the infected area. That was not
the case this time, and as many animals as possible were saved.
The William Gazecki Shelter is the
largest in the state. "The shelter receives and adopts out more
animals than all three King County shelters," Sayre pointed
out. He said the real story wasn't the viral outbreak but the new
no-kill policy which is being put in place.
Sayre noted that in April 2004, 76 dogs
and 117 cats were euthanized, compared to April 2005 when zero cats
and dogs were killed for "reasons of time and space,"
in other words, healthy, adoptable animals. And from January 1, 2005
until May 11 and the outbreak of illness, 360 fewer animals were put
to death than the same time last year. Expanding foster programs are
one reason the shelter's transition to a no-kill facility is being
made easier.
Bob Walter, The Humane Society's
director of humane education, points out that cats who are allowed
to live indoors are far less likely to be at risk for
contracting viruses such as these, and avoid many other dangers cats
face outdoors. Indoor cats also cannot prey on songbirds, chipmunks
and other small wildlife not considered pests.
Animals
in Art Poster Contest
Building
the Bond...
Eatonville
High School student, Megan Vail, was awarded The Humane Society's Top
High School Entry in the society's Animals in Art Contest last
year. The theme in 2004 was "Kids Helping Animals."
April 5, 2005
The
deadline for The Humane Society’s 45th Annual Animals In
Art Contest is coming up on April 15. Rules
and information packets are available from the Society’s Education
Office.
This
contest aims to give teachers of grades 1-12 a vehicle to direct
students’ attention to the mutual benefits of the bond with
companion animals.
Students
whose entries are selected for exhibit will receive certificates, and
be invited, along with their families and teachers, to be
recognized at the annual awards ceremony in May, during Be Kind To
Animals Week. The top entries will also receive cash prizes, and
engraved plaques to take back to their schools for the year.
The selection of this year’s contest theme, “Building
The Bond,” was picked to emphasize that a healthy bond with a
pet helps build a child’s self esteem, which social service
professionals say is a key to
combating youth violence, drug use, illiteracy and unwanted
pregnancies. A bond with
a pet helps children to value the differences in others, and to
develop their ability to nurture others.
The deadline for entries to reach the William Gazecki Animal
Shelter is Friday April 15. For
more information, or to request a rules packet or a class
discussion about the contest theme, call The Humane Society’s
Education Director, Bob Walter, at 253. 284.5814.
Humane Society Epidemic Coming
Close to an End...
by
Dixie A. Walter
May 14, 2005
A viral disease which
swept through The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County's William
Gazecki Animal Shelter last week will hopefully be under control by
Monday. According to Tom Sayre, society spokesman, it would be a good
idea to wait until then to take stray and unwanted cats to the shelter
if it's possible to wait. This is kitten season which puts a strain on
all shelters at this time of year.
Sayre said he had no idea how the disease, at
first thought to be an upper respiratory infection, was introduced
to the cattery at the humane shelter. With the large number of cats and
kittens taken to the shelter on a daily basis it is impossible to know
which animal carried the virus which prompted the euthanasia of some
cats. It's impossible to know how many cats died of the disease, as
evidence of some illness has been noticed six to seven weeks ago, and a
lot of cats have been adopted since then.
Cats have been quarantined in various places in
the shelter, and the cattery has been cleaned and disinfected to
kill the virus. Strays are still on public display, so owners may search
for their pets. Strays are not in the infected area. Sayre said a
veterinarian said it would be helpful to have cats' vaccinations
updated, but that isn't a guarantee against the virus.
When large numbers of animals are congregated,
eventually a disease will take it course through the population,
although it only happens every few years. Sayre pointed out that in the
past when an illness hit, the shelter did a "clean sweep"
killing all animals in the infected area. That was not the case this
time, and as many animals as possible were saved.
The William Gazecki Shelter is the largest
in the state. "The shelter receives and adopts out more animals
than all three King County shelters," Sayre pointed out. He said
the real story wasn't the viral outbreak but the new no-kill policy
which is being put in place.
Sayre noted that in April 2004, 76 dogs and
117 cats were euthanized, compared to April 2005 when zero cats and
dogs were killed for "reasons of time and space," in other
words, healthy, adoptable animals. And from January 1, 2005 until May 11
and the outbreak of illness, 360 fewer animals were put to death than
the same time last year. Expanding foster programs are one reason the
shelter's transition to a no-kill facility is being made easier.
Bob Walter, The Humane Society's
director of humane education, points out that cats who are allowed to live
indoors are far less likely to be at risk for contracting viruses such
as these, and avoid many other dangers cats face outdoors. Indoor cats
also cannot prey on songbirds, chipmunks and other small wildlife not
considered pests.
Can This be Prevented?
%200015-0409-2908-2112_SM.jpg)
by Bob
Walter
February 22, 2005
On
Thursday, Feb. 17, about a dozen local citizens met at the
Eatonville Library to explore ways to help homeless pets
in the area. The group included a number of people who have devoted
many years to rescuing and adopting out abandoned pets.
Representatives from Puyallup Animal Rescue described their efforts,
working since the early 1980’s to get homeless pets spayed,
neutered, wormed, vaccinated and adopted. The South Hill PetsMart
store has provided a great adoption venue for them. Founder Vickie
Pearson related how they must turn animals away whenever their
foster homes are filled, and that solving the problem still requires
a huge commitment.
Although most privately run shelters and
foster homes have no-kill policies, the sad truth is that foster homes
for unwanted animals are too often filled to capacity and animals
must be turned away. Often this means they are sent to shelters
where euthanasia is practiced.
" Burn Out" is
not uncommon among men and women working toward animal rescue. One
local woman told how she had become “burnt out” trying to
help hundreds of needy pets left to fend for themselves because of
human neglect and ignorance. She finally had to take some time away
from the cause for her own sanity. Abuse and lack of caring puts
many kind, loving people in this position.
One couple, originally from Florida, came to
this area by way of Kentucky, where they said there was little community
interest in helping animals. Another couple recently moved here from
an island near Ketchikan, Alaska, where they, too, had taken in and
adopted out pets. The consensus seemed to be that, even with the
enthusiasm and commitment of a dedicated group of animal advocates,
reaching a zero euthanasia rate is a long way off, if not
impossible.
There
was discussion of ways to address the problem, including greater
support for municipal animal control, pet adoption events,
recruiting good foster families, spay/neuter education and
assistance, behavior and training advice, and a pet food bank.
The
Town of Eatonville currently has no animal control officer, and
while dog and cat licensing is mandatory, both in
Eatonville and throughout unincorporated Pierce County, many pet
owners are not in compliance, allowing their animals to roam without
collars or tags. The same day as the group gathered only 39 pet
licenses had been sold in Eatonville, and six of them were sold to
one of the people attending the meeting. In addition to the hazards
the animals face, this also presents a human health and public
safety issue.
Officer
Kevin Wade of Eatonville Police Department described the town’s
existing stray dog runs in one of the maintenance buildings, and
added that Police Chief Jim Lewis is hoping to soon have
indoor/outdoor runs built at another location near the south end of
town. Officer Wade explained that town police weren't allowed to
pick up stray animals in the patrol cars. There is one police car
which s set aside for this purpose, but there isn't an animal
control person in town presently to use the vehicle.
Officer Wade also explained that no dogs had
been picked up in town during the past six months because the town
lacks an animal control person. He explained that dogs are most apt
to be seen running loose at night. And that cat control is almost
impossible, especially in the spring during kitten season.
For
years, the town has had an agreement with The Humane Society for
Tacoma and Pierce County, whereby unclaimed stray animals are
picked up by an animal control officer on an individual basis. The
Humane Society announced last November it is getting out of the
animal control business at the end of this year, prompting
municipalities to begin planning new measures to handle animal
control issues. Pierce
County now provides its own animal control, but currently
employs just two officers for the entire county. The Humane Society
still employs four animal control officers, funded through contracts
with, and serving the communities of, Tacoma, Edgewood, Bonney Lake,
Steilacoom, University Place and Fircrest. One officer will retire within a month and
by December 31, 2005 the others will also be gone.
No goals were prioritized,
and while some members pledged to keep in touch
there was no date set for another meeting.
Letter to the Editor:
Animal Anti Cruelty Bills
February 10, 2005
Last
year we heard of a heinous act of animal cruelty here in Pierce
County. Two young men tied an unsuspecting, innocent dog to a
tree and shot her repeatedly with a bow and arrow. They pulled
the same arrow out of the helpless dying animal and reused it for
every shot fired into her. Many of us were dismayed to learn
that due to a loophole in the law, upon conviction, these two adults
could only be sentenced to a maximum of one year in county jail.
In spite of the fact that they were sentenced to the maximum, they
only served about two months actual confinement due to crowded
conditions at the county jail.
The Washington Federation of Animal Control
Officers has proposed legislation that would eliminate this and
other loopholes in the present Washington State animal cruelty
laws as well as authorize stiffer penalties for gratuitous, wanton
acts of cruelty to animals. This bill is referred to as House Bill
1499 in the house and Senate Bill 5532 in the senate.
There are other animal cruelty reform bills
pending, however, the Federation's legislative package is more
comprehensive and addresses the existing loopholes, while the others
do not. Had the Federation's bill been existing law last year, the
two miscreants who killed the dog would still be in prison. The link
between animal cruelty and violent crimes against humans, including
domestic violence, has been shown in many clinical studies. The
majority of serial killers started out as animal torturers.
Animal control officers are on the front
lines protecting beings who can not call for help, can not report being
tortured, neglected or abused, and rarely can protect themselves
from their assailants and tormentors. Please help them do their job
by putting some teeth in the laws they enforce! This
legislation comes up for review on February 11. Call or write you
state representative and state senator and tell them you want them
to support HB1499 and SB5532.
Matt Rusnak
Tacoma
More About Anti
Cruelty Bills From Matt Rusnak...
February 10, 2005
This legislation is proposed by the Washington Federation of Animal
Care and Control Agencies, and sponsored by the following State Senators:
Jeanne
Kohl-Welles
432 John A. Cherberg Building
PO
Box 40436
Olympia, WA 98504-0436
Telephone: (360) 786-7670
Fax: (360) 786-1999
Luke Esser
416 Legislative Building
PO Box 40448
Olympia, WA 98504-0448
Telephone:
(360) 786-7694
Fax: (360) 786-1999
Erik Poulsen
336 John A. Cherberg Building
PO Box 40434
Olympia,
WA 98504-0434
Telephone: (360) 786-7667
Fax: (360) 786-1999
The bills are referred to as HB1499 in the
house and SB5532 in the senate. The texts of both bills are identical,
so only the house bill is attached.
Action
Alert...
Pasado's Safe Haven is also proposing a much less comprehensive bill to amend
anti cruelty statutes. While their bill is well-intended, it is
very limited in scope and some of the terms used are vague and limiting.
Their proposed legislation is HB1304 and SB5352. I have also
enclosed their version for comparison. Because of Pasado's
extensive public relations network, many people are only aware of
their legislative package.
The Federation of Animal Control Officers'
legislation, in my opinion, is far superior, but has not been brought
to the attention of the public. Legislators support bills that
their voting constituents want passed. If the Pasado people are the
only voices the legislators hear on this issue, the weaker bill will be
passed, and the legislature probably will not revisit this issue
again for years.
What You Can
Do...
Forward this to anyone in law enforcement or
the criminal justice system, particularly prosecutors, or anyone
else who cares about animal welfare and justice. Contact the
senators above to voice your support. Find out who your state
representatives and senators are, call, email and/or write to them and
tell them you want this version of the anti-cruelty statutes enacted (be
sure to specifically mention our bill numbers, HB1499 and SB5532).
For those of you who are really committed, the legislators will be
hearing testimony from supporters in Olympia on February 11, 2005 at
8 a.m. Yes, it's early, but we need every voice heard. Hope you can
make it!
To read House
Bill 1499 please see House
Bill -
To read present and proposed revisions of state
law please see Statutes
More Bald
Eagles... 
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
February
2004: Tony said, "The
eagles were in a tree in the logged-off area along Eatonville Highway, just
west of town overlooking the Ohop Valley." Hoping they are a mated
pair, Tony took these photos on a
beautiful February day masquerading as spring.
Puyallup
Tribe Surveys Bald Eagles
Press Release:
ORTING (December
6, 2004) – More bald eagles are calling the Puyallup River
watershed home, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians wants more to
come south every year. “It seems that there are more bald eagles
using the
Puyallup
as a winter home than the last time surveys were done regularly,”
said Barbara Moeller, wildlife biologist with the Puyallup Tribe of
Indians.
Last winter Moeller conducted the
first comprehensive survey of bald eagles along the
Puyallup
River
in more than a decade. Moeller will conduct a second survey this
winter, in addition to spot checks on specific roosting sites. “On
just one float down the
Puyallup
, we saw as many as 60 eagles.” During earlier surveys on the
Puyallup
River
in the 1980s, counts ranged from a low of three to upwards of
20.
In addition to keeping tabs on their numbers, the tribe also gives
the eagles an incentive to make the
Puyallup
River
their winter home by distributing up to 10,000 chum carcasses in the
upper watershed. “We’ve seen up to 40 bald eagles just in the
area around where we put the carcasses in to the river,” said
Blake Smith
, enhancement manager for the Puyallup Tribe.
“Because eagles feed primarily on salmon carcasses during the
winter, the success of the salmon play a large role in
the success of the eagles,” said Moeller. “The tribe
distributing carcasses from their hatchery is very important in
terms of bringing back the eagles.”
“Bald eagles start coming south to the
Puyallup
at pretty much the same time salmon runs are peaking,” said
Moeller. “When the weather starts getting too cold in
Alaska
and
British Columbia
and the salmon start running here, bald eagles start moving
south.”
“This basic data collection helps ensure bald eagles can continue
to be protected,” said Moeller. Since the banning of the
pesticide DDT in the 1970s, bald eagles populations have been
increasing nationwide. After changing their status from
“endangered” to “threatened” in 1995, the federal government
recently petitioned to remove the bald eagle from the protection of
the Endangered Species Act.
Moeller plans to expand the eagle survey by identifying and mapping
night roosting areas within the
Puyallup
River
watershed. She would like to update nesting locations in the system
as well. “Even though more bald eagles have been coming back here,
they still face pressure from development,” she said. “Most of
the development in the
Puyallup
watershed is near the river, the same place bald eagles nest, feed
and roost. By mapping where bald eagles live, we can protect them
more effectively.”
Winter habitat is vital to the life history of bald eagles because
most build nests and mate during the winter months. “Where
bald eagles spend their winters is crucial to the rest of their
lives,” said Moeller. “Without protected, isolated areas around
the river to build nests, roost, and feed, bald eagles might not
continue to successfully reproduce, resulting in fewer eagles
returning along the
Puyallup
.”
Bald
Eagle Fast Facts...
·
Scientific name: Haliaeetus
leucocephalus, which means
“white-headed sea eagle.”
·
Bald eagles are one of the
largest birds of prey in the world with a 6.5 to 8-foot wing span.
Bald eagles can be 3 to 3.5-feet long and weigh up to 15 pounds.
·
The distinctive white head and
tail marks a mature eagle at least four to five years old. Younger
individuals vary from solid dark brown to a generally mottled brown
and white plumage.
·
Fish compose 60 to 90 percent of
the bald eagle’s diet.
·
Bald
eagles usually build nests in the tops of giant trees. A nest
is enlarged annually and can become the largest of any North
American bird. The largest nest ever recorded was 20 feet deep, 10
feet wide, and weighed two tons.
·
Bald eagles have lived 50 years
in captivity, and in the wild may live up to 30 years.
·
Bald eagles formerly lived
throughout
North America
, but now breed mainly in
Canada
and adjacent states and
Florida
.
Humane
Society to Become
No-Kill Shelter...
The
Humane Society Refocuses, Calls for an End to
Euthanizing Healthy, Adoptable Animals
Society
chooses not to renew animal control contracts with municipalities in
2006
(staff photo)
In
the future, when The Humane Society phases out animal control,
beautiful, healthy animals like
this cat will no longer be euthanized. The outlook is much happier
for lost and abandoned pets.
TACOMA,
Washington: November 29, 2004
- The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County announced today
its renewed commitment to animal welfare and its intent to give up all
animal control contracts. Responsibility for animal control will revert
to Pierce County and local municipalities by January 1, 2006.
"The
Humane Society is committed to leading the effort to eliminate the
euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in Pierce County. Animal
control is a diversion of resources The Humane Society and animals can
no longer afford. So we are getting out of animal control to focus on
animal welfare," said Dan Kyler, chair of The Humane Society Board
of Directors.
Board
members have examined the issue for a few years and made the unanimous
decision after thoughtful deliberation, Kyler said.
Added
Steve Pierce, executive director of the society, "We are a
nonprofit with a mission to protect animals and promote good
relationships between animals and people. Animal control is a policing
responsibility better suited to government.”
Currently,
the nonprofit Humane Society contracts to provide animal control
services to unincorporated Pierce County and the cities of Tacoma,
University Place, Bonney Lake,
Edgewood,
Fircrest and Steilacoom. In most places in the country and the state,
local government is responsible for animal control. Locally, Lakewood,
Puyallup and Sumner handle their own animal control.
When
municipalities take over animal control by Jan. 1, 2006, they also will
begin handling pet licenses. Revenue from pet licenses may fund
animal control activities and help municipal budgets at a time when
extra resources are scarce.
The
Humane Society will provide expertise and support to help municipalities
make a smooth transition. Municipalities will have the option to
contract for animal shelter space at The Humane Society.
By
the end of 2005, The Humane Society will no longer employ its 16 animal
control officers. Society officials expect that a similar number of
animal control jobs will open up with local governments.
The
Society's many Humane Programs will continue to expand, including pet
adoptions, low-cost spay/neuter, education outreach, pet visitation
to elder care facilities, emergency pet food bank, pet behavior
counseling and many others. The Humane Society will focus its resources
on programs that will serve its goal of eliminating pet euthanasia and
enhancing the relationships between people and their pets.
The
Humane Society was founded 116 years ago with a mission to promote
animal welfare. The Society began accepting contracts to provide
animal control services in 1951. By focusing its efforts on animal
welfare and away from public safety and pet law enforcement issues, The
Humane Society expects to reduce the
number of dogs and cats euthanized each year in Pierce County.
The
Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is an independent nonprofit
organization. It is not associated with any national organization,
nor is it a department of any government agency. The Humane Society is
governed by an all-volunteer board of directors and funds its
many Humane Programs through donations and community support.
The Humane Society operates the William Gazecki Animal Shelter, the
largest animal welfare facility in Washington state. The shelter
receives more than 20,000 animals each year. Of these animals, 45
percent (9,000) are returned to their owners or placed in loving homes,
and 11,000 (55 percent) are euthanized. Forty percent (4,600) of those
euthanized animals are healthy, adoptable pets with no serious health or
behavioral issues.
 Another
Great Pet Food Drive by Local Kids...
%20Nov.%2017,%2004.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
by Bob Walter
November 22, 2004
The students and staff of Eatonville Elementary School (EES) collected
a whopping 3,000 pounds of pet food for Pierce County’ homeless
and needy animals during their pet food drive the past three weeks.
EES
Pet Food Drive coordinator Danette Brons quickly organized a team of
eager students on Tuesday morning, November 16 to load the bulk of
it from behind the school stage to The Humane Society’s outreach
van, "Rover." Among those hoisting, hauling and loading the
food were (alphabetically): Marisa Bass, Jennie Brons, Hailey Latherow,
Dakota Louwien, Brandon Lunsford, Stephen Morris and Morgan Phillips.
These and others pitched in again on Wednesday when the rest of the
massive pile was loaded.
Over
2,700 pounds of pet food was hauled from Weyerhaeuser Elementary on
Nov. 5th, also bound for food banks and the animal shelter.
Weyerhaeuser student Hilary Harris has led that school’s pet food
drive, collecting donations for homeless animals for several years.
This year Principal Pam Burke of Weyerhaeuser challenged Principal
Diane Heersink of EES to a friendly competition in which everyone
wins. Principals, teachers and other staff, parents and students all
got into the action at both schools.
More
food was still coming in due to each school’s drive.
Feeding
"Rover" 3,000 Pounds of Food
%20Nov.%2017,%2004.jpg)
(photo by Bob
Walter)
Awwww Alert...
%20Nov.%207,%2004%20004.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
November 10, 2004: Dixie, the English
Springer Spaniel Champion allows three of her five puppies to nurse
for a minute although they are thisclose to being weaned completely.
Dixie lives with Pam and Bob Holt and this is her first litter. The five
female pups were born September 15. Pam explains the process involved in
buying one of Dixie's pups, "The
pups will not go to their new homes until the week of Thanksgiving. They
will be ten weeks old and have had their eyes checked by a canine
ophthalmologist.
"Dixie will have taught them all of the
things a mother needs to teach puppies, such as proper bite inhibition, how
to play well with others, etc. They are all going to wonderful homes
where they will be enrolled in puppy classes and will learn to be good
citizens. They will be sold with a contract that requires neutering at
six months of age. If, in their lifetime, the family cannot care for
them, then they must be returned to me, the breeder. This insures that
they will not end up homeless or in a rescue shelter."
The pup's sire is "Sam" Ramblewood
Ray of Light. Dixie's registered name is Ramblewood
There's Your Trouble. Pam and Bob are keeping one pup,
Ella. She will be registered with the American Kennel Club as Ramblewood
Strictly From Dixie, an Ella Fitzgerald song. Mom has finished her
American championship and one day Pam hopes to have her finish her
Canadian championship. However, that will be in the future as pregnancy,
birth and raising puppies takes some of the punch out of Mom's figure
and coat.
Awww Alert Two...
(photo by Bob Walter)
Six-year-old
Anne Shore cuddles with Ella. This was a big treat for Anne because
Dixie's pups are harder to visit than Elvis in Las Vegas. All the
puppies are excellent with children and are socialized perfectly.
Pet Food
Drive Huge,
Heavy Success!
%20(OP%202)%20NOV.5%20010.jpg)
(photo by Tom Sayre)
The
crew of Weyerhaeuser Elementary students who loaded donated pet food
into The Humane Society's outreach van,
"Rover," after school on Friday, takes a break. Front row, Eli
Loftus, Humane Society Education Director Bob Walter, Smith Chernek.
Second row, Shelby Myton, Ally Banks, Kaitlyn Harrison, Ainsley Chernek.
At top is the founder of the pet food drive, Hilary Harris. Not visible
is a truck owned by Humane Society Events and Community Relations
Coordinator Tom Sayre, which was also filled with bags of pet food.
by
Bob Walter
November 7, 2004
An
estimated 6,700 pounds of donated pet food has been collected so far in
the pet food drive being conducted by students at Weyerhaeuser and
Eatonville Elementary schools. Principals at the two schools, Pam Burke
and Diane Heersink, respectively, agreed to a friendly school challenge
for the collection drive, begun four years ago by Weyerhaeuser student
Hilary Harris (please see story as an alternative to birthday
gifts.
While Weyerhaeuser concluded its drive on Friday,
Eatonville Elementary will continue to take donations through
November 19. An article about Hilary's annual project, which appeared in
the News Tribune this week, generated further donations - a $50 check
from a Gig Harbor resident, and a 1,000 pound pallet of pet food from
Central Garden and Pet Supply. For their part, Principal Pam Burke,
teacher Mrs. Reiten and school custodian Mrs. King purchased 500 pounds
of dog food from Plaza Market to add to the total.
School
vs. School in Pet
Food Challenge...
.jpg)
(2003
photo by Bob Walter)
Left
to right: Shelby Myton, Hilary Harris, Ainsley Chernek, Ainsley's brother, Smith, Weyerhaeuser
Elementary Principal Pam Burke and third grade teacher Mrs. Robertson
displaying 1,700 pounds of pet food donated last fall by Weyerhaeuser students.
by Bob Walter
November 1, 2004
Occasionally, in a moment of pure generosity and
kindness, someone will arrive at a wonderful idea, and nurture it
along, until suddenly, the idea takes on a life of its own. For this
reason, Hilary Harris' birthday, she will be 10 November 21, is becoming an annual boon to Pierce
County's homeless pets. Just a few years ago, the young Weyerhaeuser
Elementary student visited area animal shelters to learn about how she
could help the animals.
After getting a tour of The
Humane Society's animal shelter in Tacoma, she knew then what she would
do: Each year for her birthday, instead of presents, Hilary asked
her friends and classmates to donate pet food for homeless pets. Hilary
often states, “I don’t want any animal to go
hungry.”
Last fall, for
her birthday, Hilary arranged a school-wide, class challenge, with help
from her mom, Robin, her teacher, the school principal, and a
small army of generous students. Over 1,700 pounds of pet food was
collected, filling two pickup trucks to the brim. This year's
Weyerhaeuser class collecting the most food will win a pizza
party.
In early October
Hilary's mother, Robin, said, "She had so much fun
last year. So, this year she has challenged
Eatonville Elementary to a bigger and better drive. They are competing
with each other to see who can donated the most food by weight."
Classes began accepting cans or bags of pet food October 25, and each
school will total their donations on Friday, November 5. Eatonville
Elementary ends their pet food drive November 19.
The Humane Society, for its part, is gearing
up to transport the collected food back to the animal shelter, where
it will feed the dogs and cats they've rescued. Some of the food
collected by area students will also help senior citizens to keep their
pets, through the Senior Pet Food Bank, and will feed other homeless
pets as well. ENN will keep you posted on the results!
"Mother
Geese" Watch over Tony's Orphan Fawns...
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
October 15, 2004: Tony Sirgedas says, "Almost
looks like a real life "Mother Goose" nursery rhyme. The
same fawns I've been keeping an eye on since they were born Father's Day
weekend. No sign of mom for over three months."
Wilkeson Dog
Killers Get Nine Months in Jail...
And 240 Hours of Community Service
at Humane Society
October 1, 2004
One month ago, two
Wilkeson men, Steven Paulson, 21, and Troy Loney, 19, were convicted
of first degree animal cruelty by Pierce County Superior Court
Judge Thomas J. Felnagle for the March 8, 2004 killing of a stray
Siberian husky that had been following them for several days. The
court determined that the two had intentionally caused the dog to
suffer, when they tied it to a tree, and shot an arrow into it
numerous times, then threw the dog into Wilkeson Creek. The dog's body
was never found.
Judge Felnagle today sentenced the two men to nine months
in jail, after which they must successfully complete an
anti-cruelty treatment program administered by a state-licensed mental
health practitioner, then perform 240 hours of community service at
The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County. The last month of
incarceration was suspended in lieu of the community service, to be
conducted over one month time.
The
judge agreed to a request by Humane Society Education Director Bob
Walter to make a *statement to
*statement to
the
court on behalf of the dog, which had no known family. "As
you think about what’s next for you, try to remember the look in the
dog’s eyes, as he followed you around, looking for companionship, as
you shot him. As you walked back up to him over and over to pull the
arrow out. Try to imagine what he felt -- the confusion, the pain, and
the fear that your rope prevented him from escaping. Try to understand
what you put him through."
During the investigation of the incident,
the two men at one point claimed they killed the dog because it
was suffering, then later claimed the dog was aggressive,
but both stories were contradicted by statements from other
residents whose children had played with the dog. The
killing was witnessed by a Wilkeson Elementary School custodian, who
testified seeing the men tie the dog to a tree and repeatedly
shoot the animal with the same arrow.
In arriving at the sentence, the judge took into consideration the
men's previous felony criminal convictions, saying at one point
that first degree child molestation (which one of the men was
convicted of as a juvenile), together with the current conviction
of animal cruelty, was "disturbing."
*Please
read Bob Walter's statement below.
Education
Director Speaks on Behalf of Killed Dog...
Bob
Walter's statement in support of the Siberian husky killed by an act of
animal cruelty in the first degree in the Town of Wilkeson on March 8,
2004:
Your Honor, since there was no known
family for the victim of this crime, I’d like to speak on behalf of
the victim, as a representative of The Humane Society for Tacoma and
Pierce County.
Often abusive behavior has its roots
in childhood. Perhaps other factors led you to make the choices you
made. But there are many people who, in spite of unfair circumstances,
become compassionate, caring citizens. It’s not too late for you both
to make the conscious decision to be caring. And you now have some time
to contemplate doing that.
As you think about what’s next for you, try
to remember the look in the dog’s eyes, as he followed you around,
looking for companionship, as you shot at him, and as you walked back up
to him over and over to pull the arrow out. Try to imagine what he felt
-- the confusion, the pain, and the fear that your rope prevented him
from escaping. Try to understand what you put him through.
As you spend those long hours confined by walls from which you
can’t escape, talk to the soul of this dog. Ask for his
forgiveness. If he had survived, his experience would have changed the
way he responded to you, or perhaps any man, but revenge would play no
part in that.
The next time you’re around an animal -
and I’m sure there will be opportunities - look into his eyes, and ask
him to help you understand what compassion means.
 Be
Wary of Dead Bats
by Dixie A. Walter
September 21, 2004
During the last few months at least four dead bats have been found, in
daylight, within Eatonville's town limits. Three of the recent bats
were found on Antonie Avenue, and another was found in the Kelsey-Mashell
sub-division. There may be more dead, or dying bats, found in the
immediate Eatonville area which have not been brought to ENN's
attention.
One local businesswoman told ENN her brother in Chehalis
also found a dead bat. The brother, and others, thought
the dead bats found on their premises were the result of hunting
housecats. If the bats aren't roosting in the home's attic, or
elsewhere, the chances are pretty slim that the bat's death was caused
by the cat. Most bats navigate by "echolocation" -
"sonar."
Bats fly at night when the insect population is buzzing
around porch lights, water and whatever bugs are drawn to. Cats,
while having a certain amount of night vision, don't, as a rule,
capture healthy bats. If cats aren't catching the bats what is killing
them? Or, if the cat catches a bat, why was the cat able to catch the
bat?
If you find a dead or dying bat in your yard or
neighborhood, do not touch it with bare hands.
A rabid bat can infect humans, even if you are just scratched, and
even though the animal is dead. Although a rare disease in humans,
rabies is a fatal disease once symptoms appear.
Don't take chances. Use a shovel, heavy gloves or other
protection to pick up a dead bat (or other animal). You should call
the health department for your area and have the bat checked. This is
especially true for dead, or dying, bats found during the daylight
hours. Bats are nocturnal animals, they fly by night, and should not be
outside during daylight; this is suspicious behavior.
According to the Washington State Department of Health,
"Bats are the only rabies reservoir in the Pacific Northwest.
In Washington, rabies has not been found in raccoons, skunks, foxes or
coyotes. These species may carry the virus in other regions of the
United States."
The DOH also explains, in a 2002 report, "There was
one fatal case of human rabies in Washington in 1995 and one in
1997. Both were due to bat rabies virus. These cases were the first
reported in the state since 1939." Recently a rabid bat was found
in Western Washington and several years ago a rabid bat was found in the
Kapowsin area.
Be certain your pets have up-to-date
rabies shots. The shots are given as juveniles with a booster at
one year, then every three years. Teach your children to never,
under any circumstances, touch any dead animal, especially a bat,
with their bare hands.
There are 16 species of bats in Washington State and
about 1000 species in the world. Insect eating bats, the ones found
in this area, eat nearly their entire body weight in bugs nightly. A
human eating the equivalent would need to eat about 50 pizzas!
Bats are extremely beneficial animals and should be
protected from uninformed people wanting to kill them because they
are "evil." However, a mature bat found outside during
daylight hours should be treated with the utmost caution. Your life, or
the life of other humans, could depend on it.
Back
to Front Page
Tony's Tame Fawn,
not a Good Thing...
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
September 24, 2004
Outstanding
photographer, and wildlife devotee, Tony Sirgedas says, "This is
one of the twins I've been watching that was born on Father's Day
weekend. I'm kind of worried about them since I haven't seen Mom
around for more than a month, and now they seem to have no fear of
people. This little guy walked right up to me, and if I had wanted to
I could have petted it...... that's not good."
Back
to Front Page
Convicted
Dog Killer/Child Sex Offender Has
Local Ties...
%20lastscan.jpg)
September
8, 2004
This
handmade flyer is currently posted on the Eatonville Plaza Market public
bulletin board. The flyer ties Troy Loney to the
Eatonville/Alder area. Loney is a child sex offender and was recently
convicted of torturing and killing the Wilkeson dog, see story below. ENN
removed the Loney address and homeowner's parcel number which
verifies the flyer's statements.
On the right side the circular says, "Call Vine
Program...with Problems in This Area," and gives a phone number
which isn't complete. Calls to variations of this number have not
connected to the "Vine Program." If anyone can clear this up
please contact ENN.
Judge
Finds Wilkeson
Dog Killers Guilty...
Men
Who Tortured Dog to Death Led Away in Handcuffs
by Bob Walter
September 2, 2004
Today Superior Court Judge Thomas Felnagle, in leading up to
his verdict in the three-day trial of two men being tried for
killing a stray Siberian husky in Wilkeson, compared the credibility
of testimony from eyewitness Anthony Flora, a janitor at Wilkeson
Elementary School, against that of the two defendants, Steven Paulson,
21, and Troy Loney, 19.
On March 8, 2004 the two men tied the dog to
a tree with a rope, and took turns shooting it multiple times
with a hunting bow and arrow, pulling out and using the same arrow at
least ten times. He said that Flora's statements were consistent, that
since he did not know either man previous to the crime, he had
no reason to harbor any bias against them, and that he had a clear view
of what happened. The defendants, on the other hand, lied about what
had happened, and their statements conflicted even though they
acted in concert.
He said the law does not require evidence of why someone intends to
inflict undue suffering on an animal, but simply to show
that the intent existed. He said their attempts to get the
stray dog that was following them picked up or placed were
"pitiful."
Concluding, Judge Felnagle said Paulson and Loney lacked
credibility. Stating, "Mr. Flora is believable, and the
defendants are not," the judge pronounced them "guilty of
animal cruelty in the first degree [First Degree Felony Animal
Cruelty]."
Before deciding whether to allow the two convicted men to remain
free pending the October 1 sentencing date or be taken into
custody immediately, Judge Felnagle asked prosecutor Dennis Ashman to
relate their prior history of convictions. Ashman, reading from his
case file, said Paulson had convictions for burglary, theft and
forgery, while Loney was previously convicted of first degree child
molestation. Judge Felnagle then ordered them taken into custody, and
both were handcuffed and led away.
The courtroom was filled with observers, a half-dozen law
enforcement officers and many members of the local media.
Tom Sayre, Humane Society spokesman, warns, "I think this
demonstrates that if you're an animal abuser in Pierce County, at
some point the law is going to catch up with you, and you will be
punished."
The men, who waived their right to a jury trial, will be
sentenced Friday, October 1 at 1:30 p.m. in the Pierce County
Courthouse. They face up to a year in prison and fines.
For more information please see Pasado's
Safe Haven
Bob Walter is the Education Director at The
Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.
Back
to Front Page
Ally Capps and a Cuddly
Friend...
%20Ali%20at%20Fur%20Feather%20and%20Fins%207.31.04%20001.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
August 2, 2004
Ally Capps, owner-operator of Fur,
Feather and Fins, holds a Guinea pig in the dog and cat food section of
her new pet supply store at 107 Mashell Avene North in Eatonville. Ally just
opened the new business July 4 supplying local pet owners with
virtually all the needs of their companion animals, from caging, treats,
and toys to health aids and equipment.
In the Belly of the
Beast...
%20Ali%20at%20Fur%20Feather%20and%20Fins%207.31.04%20005.jpg)
(photo by Bob Walter)
A hamster, lying down with a lion, at Fur,
Feather and Fins neighborhood pet supply in Eatonville. The new store
offers pets, care information, and dog, cat, small mammal, fish,
bird and reptile supplies and equipment.
Back
to Front Page
Dixie
Wins Another Big One...
June,
16, 2004
This is
*Dixie's win picture from the weekend of June 5 Santa Clara Valley English Springer Spaniel Association. The
Specialty was held in Lodi, California. Dixie and her person, Pam
Holt, flew to Lodi Friday night and
flew back Sunday night. Linda Riedel, one of her co-breeders and Pam went
with three dogs. Best of opposite sex is the second place dog. First
went to a male, second to the best female AKA Bitch.
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Pam explains,
"When a bitch goes Best in Breed
then the Best of Opposite Sex is a male. Unfortunately
most of the time the males get Best of Breed. They
mature faster than bitches, and have more
feathering, not necessarily better structure.
"Once again Dixie proved that she is, indeed, a very special
representative of her breed. I'm so proud of her, she took
the flight in stride like a seasoned pro, and never let down
at all. It is complicated, I know for people not familiar to
the terminology, but it means that she was the best female
in the show. I knew that anyway, but the judges don't
always agree."
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Pam added, "Her
championship is finished. She is now shown in strictly Best of Breed
competition. Tier - wise the dog has to finish
their championship before they are eligible to
compete for Best in Breed. The only ones in the class are
finished Champions, plus the Winners Dog & Winners
Bitch. I know it is complicated. Then the best in each breed goes to group
competition where four placements are awarded. The first place in
each group goes to Best in Show competition. Unless, as in
this case it is a show of all one breed, then you have
already reached the best. Whew!"
*Dixie's
"fancy" American Kennel Club name is Ramblewood
There's Your Trouble. She lives with Pam and Bob Holt in
Eatonville with Ramblewood
Life's A Dance aka Harley and Patch:
Black Cat Extraordinary.
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Dog-A-Thon
2004 – For a Tail Waggin’ Good Time!
Press
Release
June
16, 2004
Do your friends and family
refer to you as a “dog nut?”
If you’re more than just a dog owner and you consider
yourself as a dog lover, then you’ll want to know about the largest
dog event of the year: Dog-A-Thon 2004, The Humane Society’s walk
for homeless pets. This
event is brought to you by: The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce
County, Lawyers Title, 103.7 The Mountain, The News Tribune, Robert
Larson Automotive Group, Key Bank and Click! Network.
On Saturday, July 17 from
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., more than 900 dogs and their families will meet
at beautiful, historic Fort Steilacoom County Park near Tacoma,
Washington to have a great time while helping homeless animals in our
community.
Choose the one-mile stroll on the
paved, level trail around Lake Waughop (perfect for the older dog)
or hike the four-mile forested trail that leads up to spectacular
views of the lake, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and the waters
of Puget Sound. Along the
routes, stop and enjoy the “Treat Stop”, “Toy Stop”, “Water
Stops” and the “Photo Stop.”
Walking with your dog is only half
the fun! There will be
opportunities to participate in the Magnificent Mutt Show, test
your dogs’ ability on the agility course, observe demonstrations by
Tacoma’s Police Department K-9 Unit, Department of Corrections drug
sniffing dogs, search and rescue dogs, watch the latest craze –
dancing with your dog, or collapse on the grass and soak up the sun
with the friendliest dogs (and people!) around.
If that isn’t enough, stop by and have your pet microchipped
for only $20!
To get started, call 253. 284.5811
to request a pledge form. Or,
visit our website at www.thehumanesociety.org.
Next, talk to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers…
anyone who is a friend of animals and ask them to sponsor your walk to
help our community’s homeless pets.
Humane
Society New Outreach Van
(photo by Bob Walter)
by Bob Walter, Education Director
June 16, 2004
The
new Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County van is named
"Rover." It's a Freightliner Sprinter Van and was
purchased with grants from four foundations: PetsMart Charities,
the
Elinor
Patterson Baker Foundation, the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and Jane's
Fund. It is for expanding our adoption and education outreach efforts
throughout Pierce County. Some events will include adoptable animals,
and all will include pet care tips, safety around pets, and behavior and
training advice.
We
are scheduling it at malls, recreation centers, community centers and
eventually, schools. It will be at South Hill Mall again on Wednesday,
June 16, from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at
Sprinker Recreation Center Saturday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,
at our Dog-a-thon (at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood) on July 17 from
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and back to South Hill Mall July 31, August. 14
and 28 (all Saturdays; all from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.). Visitors will
also be able to tour the van at our booth at the Puyallup Fair in the
Northwest Outdoors Building., September. 10-26.
Eatonville Student,
Meghan Vail, Awarded a Top Prize in Humane Society Poster Contest
Meghan Vail, an eleventh grader attending Eatonville
Independent Study Center was awarded top high school entry in the Humane
Society's 44th Annual Animals in Art Poster Contest.
Animals In Art
Winners Announced
Press Release
May 5, 2004
The Humane Society for Tacoma and
Pierce County proudly announced today the winners of the 44th
annual Animals In Art Contest.
All
Pierce County students from grades one through twelve were invited to
submit entries. Entry categories included a poster division and a
poetry/essay division. The 90
winners, their families and teachers, were honored at an awards
ceremony at Tacoma Little Theatre on Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m.
Students found ingenious ways to
address this year’s theme-- “Kids Helping Animals.” In the poster by
Best of Show winner Caroline Tsoi, 8th grade, Pioneer Middle School, a
baby and a puppy gaze out at the viewer, next to the caption , “Size
does not matter in love.”
The first place entry in the poetry/essay
division was a poem by Alicyn Swords, a forth grader at Lister
Elementary in Tacoma. Her
poem describes three dogs, hungry and homeless, each for a different
reason, and each in need of help from humans.
Elaine Collins of Discovery Elementary took second place, and
Robbie Biehl, also from Discovery, took third.
The three other top winners in the poster
division were: Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz from Lowell Elementary, David
Flynn from Pioneer Middle School, and Meghan Vail, an eleventh grader
attending Eatonville Independent Study Center.
An exhibit of the winning entries will be on
display at the South Hill Mall from May 10 through June 3.
Best
of Show
Size Does Not
Matter in Love...
A Happy Ending... 
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
March 28, 2004
Our favorite wildlife photographer, Tony
Sirgedas, asks, "Is this close enough for a hummingbird shot? My
cat was pretty nimble this evening [March 27] and nabbed this hummingbird
out of the air. Luckily I was able to rescue it, and after it sat in my
hand and rested for about ten minutes it flew off." This is a male
rufous hummingbird, the most common type seen in our area. For a little
more information about hummingbirds please see "More Internet
Fun" About Animals
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Humane
Society Warns About
Easter "Pets"
by Tom Sayre
April 5, 200
The
only Easter Bunny you should encounter this Easter is the dressed up one
at the retail mall or the wild type.
Live baby rabbits, chicks, or ducklings should not be given as
Easter gifts.
“Rabbits have specific needs and present
unique challenges. If this is
the type of pet you desire, do your homework first, then consider
adopting one from a shelter or rescue group.
Baby chicks or ducklings shouldn’t even be considered as pets”
said Bob Walter, Education Director for The Humane Society.
These Easter pets often times suffer
from accidents, neglect or improper care in the weeks and months
following the Easter Holiday. Often,
after recognizing the difficulties of proper care or just the loss of
interest, guardians of these defenseless pets are dumping them in forests
or ponds with the belief that they can survive on their own.
Repeatedly, these animals die.
Pierce
County law also states that “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm,
or corporation to sell or offer for sale, barter or give away living
baby chicks, rabbits, ducklings or other fowl under two months of age in
any quantity less than six.” (Pierce
County Code, Chapter 6.14.010.)
If you do decide to bring a
rabbit, chick, or duckling into your life, please do the responsible thing
and research the needs of proper care before considering the lifelong
commitment. More information
on rabbits can be found online at www.rabbit.org,
or call The Humane Society’s Education Department at (253) 284-5814.
The Lost Turtle Has a Safe New Home
(photo by Dixie A. Walter)
April 5, 2004
Acting on the advice of a respected Tacoma herpetologist the turtle
rescued by Patty Rath was released yesterday in a
friend's private pond. The pond is completely protected from traffic and
people on ten acres of beautiful farmland. This was a happy turtle as he
hurried toward the beckoning water and freedom. He went out a few feet
into the water, ducked under and watched the humans on the shore. Of
course he knew we couldn't see him because he kept very still. It was a
good feeling to see him free, the great natural habitat sure beats a
kitchen sink! See below for the back story of this turtle's
adventure.
Is This Your Turtle? 
(photo by Bob Walter)
by Dixie A. Walter
March 31, 2004
On Monday afternoon I got a call from Eatonville's new
"First Lady" Patty Rath. She was on her way home and
discovered this turtle walking along the hill. Knowing I have a tortoise
Patty called me, then brought this handsome fellow to me in a box.
He is a red-eared slider (res) and is not native to this
area. We have no idea why he was in a place so far from water as these
animals are almost exclusively aquatic. They rarely ventures out of the
water except to lay eggs or to migrate to a new water body, should the
need arise.
This res measures a little over seven inches from the top
of his shell to the bottom. We can tell his sex because of his very
long front nails which are used in courtship. Now is the breeding season
for this species. Several people have come up with theories as to why this
animal was so far from water: he a pet who was "dumped;" he was
a pet that escaped; he lived in a local wetlands that was filled in or he
was looking for a mate.
He probably was active Monday because of the heat.
This is a lucky turtle because Patty was kind enough to rescue, him
he could have easily been killed on the road by a vehicle, other animals
or even cruel humans. I belong to several tortoise/turtle groups through
the Internet and their publications often tell of sad stories about human
behavior to these harmless reptiles.
These animals live in sluggish rivers, shallow streams,
swamps, ponds, and lakes with soft bottoms and dense vegetation. I
have written to a turtle/tortoise rescue group, Turtle Homes, asking if
there are any rehabbers in our area. The turtle is in good physical
condition and seems content to sit quietly in my kitchen sink. But he
needs a better home.
If you know of anyone who lost a turtle please have them
call me, my number is in the phone book. If noone claims
him soon I will send him to the humane society where he will be adopted.
However, these animals are not the easiest to care for because they can't
even eat unless they are in water. Plus, small living quarters get fouled
quickly. I just wish people would be more informed and take better care of
all animals they take in as pets. This turtle had to have been in
captivity at one time. It would be nice if he could be wild but that's not
going to happen. The best we can do is find him a good home and thank
Patty for caring enough to rescue him.
Daffodil Festival Magnificent Mutt
Show...
(photo by Bob Walter)
April 1,
2004
Puyallup
Valley Daffodil Festival's annual Magnificent Mutt Show, held Sat.,
March 27 at Frontier Park in Graham. The judges for the show were the
Festival's princesses. Bethel High School Princess Alayna Melton, and
Eatonville High School Princess Rachel Abrahams, enjoy a moment with
this English pug during a break in the competition.
More
Mutt Photos
A Little More About Reptiles...
(photo by Dixie A. Walter)
by
Dixie A. Walter
April 1, 2004
The Reptile Man, Scott Petersen, holds a deadly puff
adder aloft last week during his visit to Eatonville Elementary
School's evening reptile show. The puff adder, a member of the viper
family, is one of several poisonous snakes that Petersen travels with to
various schools and corporate functions. All the venomous snakes in
Petersen's show have had their poison sacs surgically removed. Because of
this the snakes must be force fed.
The
puff adder
is the second largest of the poisonous vipers. It is one of the most
common snakes in
Africa. It is largely nocturnal, hunting at night and seeking shelter
during the day's heat. This puff adder is quick to strike and it's venom
is highly toxic, destroying bloods cells and causing extensive tissue
damage.
A
puff adder (Bitis arietans) can deliver multiple bites and has been known
to bite without injecting venom. This is a very dangerous snake is
native to most of Africa and portions of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon,
Israel and Jordan. Studies have shown that more than 50 percent of severe
venomous bites left untreated result in death. Death may follow
rapidly but more commonly occurs in 12-24 hours.
This viper's habitat is arid regions, swamps,
dense forests and is common around human settlements. The Reptile Man
cautioned students and parents to visit his "zoo" and research
reptiles before going to the pet store and purchasing one as a
"pet." He also warned that various species of turtles are
endangered because they cannot reproduce quickly enough to keep up with
man's destructive nature. Petersen said never order turtle soup if you see
it on a menu.
For more information about The Reptile
Man please see the
reptile man
Hands On at the Reptile Show... 
(photo by Dixie A. Walter)
Children and adults alike are enthralled by a large green iguana in mating
colors. The big lizard appeared to enjoy the gentle petting as he snoozed
amidst the hubbub of the reptile show. Green iguanas are one of the top
"throw away pets" in America. Humane shelters and rescue groups
are inundated with these animals. People buy them at pet stores and are
often not given proper care instructions. The lizards grow and become aggressive
if not handled and given large amounts of attention. A big iguana can
inflict a dangerous bite. If you are interested in getting an iguana for a
pet you may want to adopt from a shelter or rescue group. For more
information please see Adoptions
& Rescues and/or North
Carolina Iguana Rescue Association
More
Photos
Another Roadside
Attraction 
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
March
26, 2004 ENN's
wonderful wildlife photographer Tony Sirgedas shares these photos of a
local elk herd. Tony spotted this herd, "... in one of the fields
along Hwy 161 north of Clear Lake this afternoon [March 25] enjoying the
new shoots of grass popping up. Some still with last year's antlers and
others with new growth sprouting just tall enough that they look like
another set of ears." 
(photo by Tony Sirgedas)
A four eared elk? Nope, just
growing antlers for the fall rut.
More Internet Fun... 
by
Dixie A. Walter
February 24,
2004
The Internet provides the bad and the beautiful
with the click of a mouse. The link below shows a
little part of the beautiful side. You will see a photographic
series of a hummingbird nest waiting for eggs until the fledgling takes to
the air. Hummers usually nest as high as possible so this series of
photographs are unusual since the mother bird built her nest so close to
the ground. The photos were taken by a woman in California over a period
of 24 days last year. Be sure and share these great images with kids and
grandkids.
The hummingbirds most common to our area is
the Rufous hummer. Males often hit Eatonville and environs in
February and March. Years ago when I was in the Dogwood Garden Club I held
a hummingbird contest for several years to see who spotted the first bird
of the year. Often the "winners" arrived in mid-February.
Females arrive later than males. To help this tiny dynamos get through the
cold weather it's a good idea to hang your feeders now.
Hummingbirds have little fear of humans. If
you hold a feeder and stand very still it won't take them long to
feed. I've had them sit on my arms and shoulders while holding a feeder.
But, for your own safety you don't want to move quickly, you could get a
hummingbird in the eye!
To view the amazing photos please see http://community-2.webtv.net/hotmail.com/verle33/HummingBirdNest/
For solutions to helping hummers trapped in the garage, nests on the
ground, injured birds and general information about these
delightful birds please see About
Hummingbirds
Want more information about Rufous
hummingbirds? Please see Rufous
Hummingbird
Pamper
Your Pets...
For More
Information Please See
Pet
Boarding Grooming and Daycare
It's all About
Pets...
Have a 
for Chained Dogs
February 7-14 is
Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
For More Information Please See
Dogs
Deserve Better Home: NO CHAINS!
And Please See
The
Facts About Chaining or Tethering Dogs
America Needs a
No Pets Left Behind Act.
by Ginny McConnell
Not too long ago I opened my weekend Daily News
and, on the Pet of the Week page, saw the serenely beautiful face of a cat
up for adoption at the Whitman County Humane Society. She was taken to the
shelter because her owners were moving. And - check this out - she is 14
years old. Now I will admit that I don't know the particulars of this
surrender. But, in my opinion, the only time a pet should be left behind
is when you move to: a retirement home (and some of these do take pets);
the hospital for an extended stay; or the cemetery.
What possible set of circumstances can justify
the abandonment of a pet that someone has had for 14 years?
This is not an isolated instance, either. A
neighbor who volunteered at a humane society told me I would not believe
the excuses people had for surrendering their pets. Most of these had to
do with moving. Our local vet told me the same. Someone will say, "I
have to find another home for my dog/cat because I'm moving to San
Diego." Why? Are pets forbidden in San Diego?
Sometimes people with pets move to a
no-pets-allowed situation. But if that place forbade children, and you had
those, would you still move there? There is really no excuse for this, and
many pets - such as the 14-year-old cat - are so disoriented that they may
never adjust. If a place doesn't allow pets, don't move there.
Taking on a pet is a voluntary act that requires a
commitment. If you don't want it, don't get it. Of course, there often has
to be a "test drive" period where you see if the pet fits into
your household. For example, an 80-something woman got a golden retriever
puppy for companionship and then realized that the dog was really too much
for her to handle. She surrendered the dog while it was still young, and
now it is thriving in a family with four young children. Sometimes people
realize that a newly acquired pet triggers allergies, or doesn't adjust
well to other pets in the household, or snaps at children.
But there comes a time when this trial period
must end and you are no longer allowed to relinquish this pet unless
absolutely extraordinary circumstances arise (see reasons above). Just
because you are moving, or moving on, is not a valid reason. My sister and
her husband recently adopted a beautiful 6-year-old golden retriever
because the couple who owned him were divorcing. Neither wanted to take
him.
Another cruel notice appeared in the latest Latah
Eagle: Four little puppies, only a few weeks old, were abandoned in a
field in Steptoe. Luckily, they were rescued and taken to a shelter. But
they could easily have been coyote snacks long before then, which is
possibly what the owner planned on.
Acquiring a pet is not to be undertaken lightly.
Think it through before you do it. If you are struggling to make ends
meet, how will you afford to feed a pet and provide veterinary care? If
you travel a lot, how will you provide exercise and companionship for it?
If you have a small living space, why would you select a large breed, or a
puppy with over-large feet? If you are elderly or frail, why would you
select a large or energetic dog? If you or your family members have asthma
or allergies, why would you select a pet with long hair? All of these
scenarios are invitations to abandonment or surrender of a pet.
Unfortunately, we live in a throw-away society. If
something isn't working out for us - a marriage, a job, an appliance - we
toss it away and get another. But pets are living beings who depend on us
for so much and at the same time provide so much richness in our lives -
if we let them. They require a commitment of our time, our attention, our
resources, and they should be neither taken on nor relinquished lightly.
I propose that we enact a No Pet Left Behind Act.
* Ginny McConnell lives in Troy, Idaho,
and teaches English at Walla Walla Community College in Clarkston,
Washington.
(Publisher's Note: This excellent article
was originally published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News January
8, 2004 and is reprinted with permission by the author. An animal
loving ENN reader sent us this column.)
Please
Contact
The
Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County
2608 Center St.,
Tacoma, WA 98409
253.383.2733
Help
End Pet Overpopulation. Encourage Spay/Neuter!
 Pet
Safety Tips for the Cold Weather
The
Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County urges you to consider your pet's
well-being during the cold weather...
Press Release
January 5, 2004
With winter upon us, it’s
time for us to remember how to keep our pets safe in the cold weather.
Here are a few things that you can do to keep your pets safe this
season.
- Anti-Freeze
– we all know by now that it is a deadly poison and pets will drink
it. Wipe up spills and
store antifreeze out of reach. Better
yet, use an antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed
in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife or people.
- Even
though companion animals with thicker coats or more body fat are better
able to handle cold temperatures, they’re still vulnerable.
To help them cope, keep them inside as much as possible.
- If
your animals do spend time outdoors, be sure to provide them with extra
food so they can fend off the cold better; also check several times
a day to assure that their water dish doesn’t become a brick of ice.
Avoid using metal dishes; how would you like your tongue stuck to
a frozen dish?
- Wind-chill
can also be a deadly threat to your pet, no matter what the temperature
is outside. Outdoor
dogs must be protected by having a dry, draft free dog house that is
large enough for them to lie down comfortably, but yet small enough to
hold in his/her body heat. The
floor of the dog house should also be raised a few inches off of the
ground and be layered with straw or cedar shavings.
The house should be situated so that the opening is facing away
from the wind, and the doo
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