Vol. 31 No. 3

Winter Issue - Published Quarterly

Our New Year’s Resolution? A Forever Home for Every Pet!

“This is Wally. I adopted him almost 9 years ago. I love him so much.” Harmony Menendez

Winter 2014

House to Home!

As we close 2014, we are extremely excited to announce that SpokAnimal has been chosen to partner with the House to Home Community organization for an extreme remodel/ makeover of our Event Center. The makeover will revamp the Event Center to be used for trainings, education, volunteer orientations, fundraising/outreach events for SpokAnimal and partners, and many other local community programs. Project manager will be Dave Nerren of Lexington Homes, in conjunction with Clyde Hasse (Hassee Greenhouses) and Kent Adams (of Half Round Productions) the update will include updating existing rooms, more storage and a more efficient workspace.  Cost of the project is around $100k.  Dave will be assisting us in obtaining volunteer contractors, and we will need painting and other project volunteers. Our business partners will be providing lunch for crews during the one week build out.  Donations of materials, food, labor, etc are welcome.  Please contact Gail if you can help. The project is a 4-day build beginning on January 12, 2015 culminating in a 30 minute TV special to be aired multiple times including Saturday, February 14th immediately following NASCAR. Lexington Commercial has signed on as the primary contractor for the job and we are so thrilled they are a part of this team. We do need other partners to help as well since there are so many facets to the remodel. The House to Home folks will provide many avenues to promote your business throughout and after the remodel is finished and the show is aired. Continued on page 2

We can’t do what we do without YOU! Thank you for all your help in the past year and for all your help in the year to come!

What’s Inside:

Page

From the Executive Director................................................. 2

What’s Inside:

Page

Adoptions................................................................................ 8

Happy Endings....................................................................... 3

Rachael Ray Challenge.......................................................... 9

Thank You Pet Sponsors........................................................ 3

Volunteer Corner.................................................................. 10

I Want a Puppy.................................................................... 4-5

How You Can Help...............................................................11

Spiffy Prison Pups Thanks to Shear Heaven...................... 6

Purrs, Licks & Tailwags.................................................. 12-13

Does the Word “Bath” Make Your Dog Hide?................ 6-7

Wrigley Writes...................................................................... 14

Stanley Speaks........................................................................ 7

In Loving Memory and Honoring Tributes...................... 15

House to Home! continued

Board of Directors

Pres: Cynthia Schwartz Vice President: Molly Lundberg Treas: Barbara Grant Secretary: Angela Scheres Terri Atkinson Christel Carlson Suzy Dix Sam Evans Kathy Hull Kim Kamel Carmen Murphy

Advisory Board Terry Black

Location:

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. 710 N. Napa • Spokane, WA 99202

Phone:

(509) 534-8133 • Fax: (509) 535-9630 Clinic: (509) 534-4253

Website:

http://www.spokanimal.org

Shelter Hours:

11AM-6:00PM ~ Mon-Fri Noon-4PM ~ Sat-Sun Veterinary Clinic: Vaccinations, microchips and well-care exams. Sterilization by appointment. Walk-in Clinic Hours: 9:00AM-5:00PM ~ Monday 9:00AM-5:00PM ~ Tue. 9:00AM-5:00PM ~ Wed. 2:30-4:30PM ~ Thurs. 2:30-4:30PM ~ Friday

~ OUR MISSION ~

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. is pas-

sionately dedicated to the placement, protection and health of animals through legislation, education and programs for pets and their people.

If you are able to donate time, talent, or financial support for this major project, please call Dori Peck 509-9956010 or email: [email protected] for more information on how to get involved. Thank you to everyone who has supported SpokAnimal through the years and continue to support us as we move forward in a very positive, exciting way to help the animals in need.

From the Executive Director

Dear Friends, Wow, it doesn’t seem like 30 years ago when SpokAnimal first started.  We were awarded the Spokane City contract for animal control the Christmas eve and in the next seven days, leased a building and vehicles, renovated the building, hired staff, obtained computers and installed programs, found insurance, purchased uniforms, and were open for business on January 1.  Carol Byrnes and I are the only two original employees from the group that opened that first day.  My, oh my, how far we have come since that day.  January 1st of this year, we started on our new model, without that major animal control contract.  Our focus now is on sterilization of pets, educating pet owners and children, making a difference in the lives of our seniors, and saving as many lives as we can in the process.  We transfer cats from local agencies that are in need, but here in Spokane, we have a pretty good handle on the dogs for adoption.  Because of this, we have partnered with the Rescue Waggin from PetSmart Charities, the ASPCA Maps (moving animals places) and various northwest shelters in need.  So far in 2014, we have saved hundreds more lives than we did in 2013, and are blowing adoptions out of the water.  I

Come See Us Online!

We’re on Facebook! Stay up to date with all things SpokAnimal and talk to us! Our Companion Animal News quarterly newsletter is available for download on our website at www. spokanimal.org. We hope you will share your paper copy with another animal lover when you have finished reading it - reduce, re-use, recycle! For 2

want to tell you, our team is SMOKIN.  However, we are only able to continue because of donors and friends like you.  YOU are the ones that truly make a difference between accepting animals that are brought to us by people who cannot care for them anymore and the transports of 30-50 coming from areas where the shelters have run out of options.  Everyone wins in the transport program: adopters find just the right pet, dogs and cats are in loving homes, and lives are saved.  Thank you to all of you for helping us make it happen.

Gail B. Mackie, Executive Director

Best Wishes, Barbara

We’ll miss you, Barbara! Barbara Grant is leaving us.  She has served many years as our treasurer, on the finance committee, on the auction committee.  She is moving to the SF Bay area to be closer to her mother.  We wish her well and thank her for her many years of service.  Without her guidance, SpokAnimal wouldn’t be where we are today. 

an up-to-the-minute update, we also put out a regular e-letter. If you would like to join our email list, you can submit your email address on our website, or email [email protected] to be included.

Happy Endings

Poppy Dear Friends, On August 30, 2014, my husband and I adopted a little “mill mama” Lhasa Apso from your shelter (actually offsite at Petco on that day) and we wanted to follow up and share with you our pure joy. Her name was Coco Puff but we call her Poppy. She is a sweet, inquisitive, energetic, playful dog and is settling nicely into the routine of her new hone. She has bonded with our Chocolate Lab and is curious about our two cats. She regularly visits my mother in assisted living and has quite a growing fan club there as well. We appreciate all the good work that you do. We could not be happier with her and want to thank you. Very truly yours, Barbee LeClair Strawberry I thought you would like to see this nice note from a couple who adopted a kitten from me a while back.  They had an older cat who had died and their other cat was lonely so they found Strawberry at PetCo and took her home.  Strawberry did indeed hit

the jackpot with them, and they have kept in touch to let me know.   This is one of the many perks of being a SpokAnimal volunteer - knowing how many happy matches have been made where animals and their new forever families live happily ever after! Debbie

Strawberry Takes a Lickin’ When we took her to the vet for the first time, all the Doctors and staff grabbed Strawberry up and told her she hit the jackpot with us as her parents. It is a fact, we spend more healthcare money on the two cats than we do on ourselves. These guys bring so much joy into our lives and really don’t ask for much in return. I hope you know the time your volunteer to help our furry friends

Thank You, Pet Sponsors!

out is not wasted and is in fact needed. I don’t know if everyone you have helped keeps you in the loop after they get their animal, be we will never forget you. Happy Thanksgiving !!! From the four of us, Neil, Josie, El Bee and Strawberry. Ivy

This is Ivy who was rescued from the shelter by Shepherds for Lost Sheep about 2 years ago.  She is now a welltrained service dog for a disabled veteran and doing a great job.  She was a mouthy, hyperactive 10 month old when we first got her and has come a long way.  I’m proud that SpokAnimal was part of it.  This is the second dog they have donated to the program.   Debbie

The following amazing pet lovers have donated $25 or more to sponsor homeless pets in our adoption center. Thank you, so very much, for helping us find homes for these wonderful animals. Debbie Walker x 5 Lisa Reitemeier x 2 Boyce Clark x 2 Donnetta Havens x 10 Nathan Martin x 1 Pam Whitcomb x 2 Ellen Tanaka x 6 Scott Wigton x 1 Robert & Micaela Sutphin x 2 Dolores Leaf x 1 Deanne & Andrew Langreder x 1 Margaret Herbert x 1 Boyce Clark x 1 Bernice Furukawa x 23 Richard Reierson x 1 Richard Reierson x 2 Kelli O’Brien-Collins x 1 Bernice Furukawa x 4 Jessica Moody x 1 Pam Whitcomb x 2 Jennifer Leinberger x 1 Marni Zdanovec x 1 Nancy Bookamer x 1 James Evans x 1 Elicia Spotts x 1 Ken Adams x 1 Ellen Tanaka x 3 Pam Whitcomb x 1 Carol Jones x 1 Melanie Claggett x 1 Carolyn Nunemaker x 1 Katherine Coley x 1 Duwayne Rust x 1 Shirley Mitchell x 1 Peter & Joann Klager x 1 Kim Lynch x 2 Alene Swain x 1 Colleen Webber x 1 Donna Mergen x 1 Jan & Johnny Humphreys x 4 Jim & Lois Weinstock x 1 Jim Reierson x 1 Carol Eakin x 2 Scott Howe x 2 Elicia Spotts x 4 Greg & Amy Ammons x 2 Gloria Bounds x 1 Dr. Jon & Sally Wamba x 4 Katherine Fair x 3 Shirley Alexander x 12 Sally Poutiatine x 3 Robert & Micaela Sutphin x 2 Julian Bingham x 5 Brenda Craig x 1 Mary Sullivan x 20 Judy Siemer x 1 Carole Zuppe x 2 Anita Lamp x 3 Richard Czernik x 1 Christopher Mingeaud x 1 Shirley Alexander x 12 Ken Norikane x 1 Thank You One and All! Ruby McNeill x 7 Truella Stone x 4 3

I Want a Puppy

Risë VanFleet, Ph.D. “I want a puppy!” “Let’s adopt a cat!” Children are drawn to animals and often beg their parents to get a pet. Parents might eventually decide to get a pet, perhaps liking the idea themselves or thinking this will be a good way to teach responsibility. They might yield to their children’s pleas, either happily or with resignation, as long as their children promise to “do all the chores and take full responsibility.” Is this a good idea? Childhood experiences with pets offer many benefits, but the scenario described above often results in family arguments, disappointment, and ultimately, one of the parents providing most of the pet care. There are several considerations that help this process go better. Benefits of Pets for Children Children often benefit from pets in the home. Research has shown that children experience the following benefits: • reduced anxiety • lowered blood pressure • more exercise • stronger immune systems • companionship • opportunity to learn about relationships • improved empathy and care-giving • self-regulation • outlet for playfulness • social lubricant effects (easing of social interactions) • development of competencies Of course, problems sometimes occur between children and pets, or between parents and children about the pets.

This is not a decision for parents to take lightly! Parents’ Opinions Matter, Too Parents who dislike animals or who have never taken care of a pet need to educate themselves about the many aspects of pet ownership: i.e., training, exercise, considerable attention, feeding, veterinary visits, and supervision of child-pet interactions. There is much to learn and to do throughout the life of a pet. Adding a dog or cat to the family needs almost the same consideration as adding another child! If parents don’t have the time, money, or interest in having a pet themselves, it’s probably not the best choice. It’s a long-term commitment, too. Re-homing a pet when things “don’t work out” can be very upsetting for children and stressful for the animals. Furthermore, doing so provides a poor model for children in terms of responsibility, commitment, and empathy. Parents will want to make sure that they are prepared for the animal to

Dog Park Upgrade Story

SpokAnimal’s Thanks For The Walk Thanksgiving Day Dog Walk at SpokAnimal’s Dog Park at High Bridge was so much fun for all the 2- and 4-legged friends who gathered to start off the morning. It was a beautiful sunny morning and we wish to thank each and everyone of you who participated and donated. A very special thank you to Keign Vedvick and his family for the special ribbon cutting ceremony for the beautiful pavilion that Keign built along with many donations from our community. The pavilion will be with us for many, many years and a beloved part of the park for all the guests. Keign has been instrumental in making the park the great place it is. 4

become a family member for his/her lifetime. Colleen Pelar’s excellent book, Living with Kids & Dogs...Without Losing Your Mind, is highly recommended for parents anticipating bringing a pet into the family. Holiday Pets The holiday season is a popular time for families to surprise their children with a new pet. The excitement that children express is the stuff of wonderful photos and videos. Even so, the holidays generally are not the best time for families to add pets to the household. First, it is a busy season, with many family gatherings, trips, shopping, or cooking. There is little time left to supervise a pet and the children. Second, if one is getting a puppy that needs to be house-trained, winter is not an ideal time for accomplishing that. In general, it is better to surprise children at other times of the year unless the family is able to provide all the attention a new pet needs. Continued on page 5

I Want a Puppy! (continued) Keeping Everyone Safe While children and animals enjoy playing together, accidents happen. Children get scratched, pets get dropped, animals get stressed, and sometimes bites cause facial disfigurement and trauma. Most of these problems can be prevented with parental supervision. Children need to learn safe ways to interact with pets, and parents need to be vigilant that interactions remain enjoyable for both child and animal. There are a number of excellent resources on this topic: www.doggonesafe.com; another book by Colleen Pelar about supervising children, Kids & Dogs; a blog by Dr. Sophia Yin at http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/ kids-anddogs-how-kids-should-andshould-not-interact-with-dogs; and a wonderful recent blog by Madeline Clark Gabriel - http://www.dogsandbabieslearning.com/2013/09/03/ how-to-be-a-kid-dogs-feel-safe-with/. Learn About Animal Body Language One of the most interesting and useful things for families with pets to do is to learn about their animal’s body language. Animals are communicating all the time, but we often fail to see their messages. Learning about body language can help families reduce stress on their pets, prevent injuries, and strengthen children’s empathy for others. Two excellent family-friendly resources on this are What Is My Dog Saying? and What Is My Cat Saying? which are both available from www. diamondsintheruff.com.

model of caring behavior for children. Things to be avoided are choke chains, prong collars, or electronic collars (sometimes called “stim”collars or “ecollars”). They are things of the past. Methods that promote dominating one’s pets are outdated and potentially dangerous for children. Approaches that rely on positive reinforcement offer the best options for families. Furthermore, positive training can be used to teach tricks to dogs, and these are often quite popular with children. There is an article about selecting the right type of dog trainer at http:// playtherapy.com/playfulpooch/images_resources/FindDogTrainer.pdf Turn “Chores” into Fun Most adults have grown up with the notion that taking care of pets is a chore. Typically when we think of anything as a chore, we are not particularly motivated to do it. The way that parents present pet care to children can make a big difference in their motivation and cooperation. It can be quite fun to listen to a dog slurp his/ her supper, watch the things a dog sniffs on a walk, or groom a pet in a manner that the animal truly enjoys. Parents might want to present pet care as a privilege rather than as a chore. Instead of saying, “You have to feed the dog tonight.” a parent might use a lighter tone of voice to say, “You get to feed the dog tonight! Let’s see how long it takes him to eat tonight!” Redefining pet chores as enjoyable activities can enhance children’s cooperation.

Make Training a Family Affair Just as it is with children, consistency from the human family is important for good pet behavior. In particular, dogs do not come with pre-installed good behavior, even though we might wish for that! Training is very important for a happy adjustment for everyone in the family. It’s important that all family members learn how to train dogs, for example. Classes and in-home training are available in most communities. It is extremely important that only positive training methods be used for training dogs, in part because it increases dogs’ motivation to do what their humans want, and also because it provides the best 5

Summary Pets can be wonderful companions for children and families. They offer many benefits and countless hours of fun and laughter. They require considerable care and commitment, and so the decision to add a pet requires much thought. Once acquired, however, the right amount of parental guidance and supervision, with reasonable sharing of pet care tasks, can help everyone live happily with the new family member! Reference: VanFleet, R. (2013). I want a puppy! Psychological News You Can Use, Winter, Pennsylvania Psychological Assoc. Risë VanFleet, Ph.D., is a child and family psychologist, a registered play therapist-supervisor, and a certified dog behavior consultant in Boiling Springs, PA. Dr. VanFleet works with children with a wide range of difficulties and their families and trains mental health professionals to conduct play therapy and Filial Therapy. She has helped develop the field of Animal Assisted Play Therapy and is the author of the award-winning book, Play Therapy with Kids & Canines as well as several books about play and family therapies. She also provides in-home dog training and behavior consultations for families. Dr. VanFleet can be reached at rise@ risevanfleet.com, and access to her websites is at www.risevanfleet.com. She was the recipient of PPA’s 2013 Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Science and Profession of Psychology.

Spiffy Prison Pups Thanks to Shear Heaven Pawsitive Dog prison training program’s session 9 graduates got a special spa day thanks to Jamie Wilke from Shear Heaven Pet Salon. Jamie has become an Airway Heights Corrections Center volunteer so she can come to the prison to give grooming lessons to the inmate handlers. We so appreciate her sharing her time for this amazing program. Jamie’s partner Cari Haider also shares her time by grooming dogs prior to their entering the prison.

Zoe the wooly Havanese needed an extra hair cut during this session and Cari volunteered to help. Cari’s husband DJ made a special trip to pick Zoe up and deliver her to the grooming shop on Pines Rd in the Valley. Cari also donates the settle down mats for all of our dogs each session! Thank you so much, Jamie & Cari for the gentle handling and care you show to both the dogs and their handlers at the prison!

Does the Word “Bath” Make Your Dog Hide Under the Bed? How Can You Make Bath Time More Positive?

fun pre-bath parties he experiences, the more eager he will be to get in and the more relaxed he will be when you add water. Let him investigate the shower hose and play with a soap bottle. 3. A big traumatic first experience will set the stage for years of bath time battles. Make a list of all the things that might bother your dog about the bath time event and manage to prevent accidents: A. Slippery footing – always put a rubber mat or towel on the floor of the tub – this also helps a little bit with problem B. B. The echoing noise. Invite your puppy to join you in the bathroom while you shower and dry your hair. Supply a favorite chew toy, stuffed Kong toy or make your shower time his breakfast time. He should hear the water rushing and the sound of the dryer while he does something he enjoys.

1. Start young! The younger you start exposing your puppy to the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of a grooming session, the easier it will be when he is older. Positive pairing and gentle exposure are essential. 2. Practice without water or soap. Put a soft towel on the floor of the tub and sit in the empty tub with your puppy and feed him special treats while you massage him all over and play with toys. Repeat often. Make it a fun tub party. The more 6

4. Handling and restraint. Practice when it is NOT bath time. Frightened dogs may panic when they feel they are trapped and don’t have a choice. Gentle massage, foot, ear, belly, shoulders, back, legs and tail. Pretend you are lathering and rinsing. Practice drying. Start with a face cloth, then a hand towel, and then a bath towel. Make hugs and snuggling pleasant experiences. Practice gently lifting and setting him down again. Continued on page 7

Baffled By Behavior?

Dear Playdates, I think the biggest thing to remember about adult dogs is that, like us, the games we play and the types of people we hang out with change as we mature. The mosh pit at the rock concert might have been great in our twenties. A theater play and quiet dinner at home with close friends would be our choice at forty. Most adult dogs do not want to be crashed into by an adolescent dog any more that we want to roughhouse with

the local high school football team. Play style variation and age and status and personality and past experience (or lack of) all play into what a dog thinks is safe as well as what a dog thinks is fun. The dog who prefers quietly sunbathing and bird watching with a dog friend is normal. They don’t have to chase or wrestle to enjoy each others’ company. A cautious dog might let his guard down with familiar friends, but be very inhibited with new friends and completely avoid - or become reactive with

strangers. For this dog, the best answer is can he look to you to for help? They may “meet” without actually being loose together several times before the other dog is familiar enough to be safe.

Good Luck!

St a n ley

Does the Word “Bath” Make Your Dog Hide Under the Bed? (continued)

5. Just add water. Add a little water at a time. It should be luke warm, not hot or cold. Let him stand in a few inches of water while licking peanut butter out of a Kong toy. Water should be tepid, not hot or cold. Pour water from a cup over his legs, shoulders, hips. Avoid sensitive areas – we want him to get out of the tub thinking, “that wasn’t so bad.” 6. Lather, rinse, repeat your now-trusting and confident dog. 7. Visit your groomer’s for treat parties before you need to leave your dog for their first real grooming. Let your dog sniff around, meet the groomers and stand on the table and eat yummy treats several times before you make the first appointment. While all of this might seem tedious and time consuming, remember you are investing in a LIFETIME of pleasant grooming sessions - it’s well worth the time you spend now! 7

Over 3,000 wonderful pets found homes in 2014, thanks to you!

8



Rachael Ray $100k Challenge  

SpokAnimal was chosen as a participant in the last of the challenges.  We knew going into the competition that it was going to be a tough challenge as we had to exceed not only our adoptions for the same period last year, but our transfers and return to owners as well.  This put us at 1200 for the number of pets we to place in the three month time frame.  Additionally, our sources for pets for adoptions only yielded a handful at a time rather than the 15-20 per day from our animal control contract.  We are very proud of the fact that we adopted 500 more than the same time period last year. Partnering to help save lives at shelters all over the northwest helped those communities as well.  We learned a few things from this endeavor - people like to see pictures of the pets and new family after adoption, volunteers really want to help make a difference in the lives of the animals in our care, and staff members get really jazzed seeing all the happy faces and wagging tails.  We are still transferring cats from SCRAPS to adopt here, but they are doing an admirable job finding homes for dogs.  We are now helping other cities through three transport programs:  PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin, the Jason Heigl Foundation and the MAPS program with the ASPCA. With these partners, we are saving lives of dogs that had run out of options at their originating shelters. Working with these three partners, we usually know ahead of time what is coming and can contact adopters so the dogs can go quickly to their new homes without spending more nights in sheltering situations.  We thank all of our partners, volunteers, the A Team behavior assistance group, staff and our drivers.

 Together we ARE making a difference!

9

Volunteer Corner Volunteer of the Quarter

SpokAnimal is proud to announce the Volunteer of the Quarter, Barbara Burns. Barbara spent 32 years as an attorney for the City of Spokane. After retiring, she looked for volunteer opportunities to give back to the community. SpokAnimal caught her attention and she has spent countless hours volunteering her times and talents. Barbara loves dogs and spends many happy hours with her own furry friends. To say that Barbara is an asset to SpokAnimal is a gross understatement. Barbara has single handedly and diligently worked through the stacks of volunteer applications entering them and correcting them in our volunteer database. If there is a need, Barbara jumps in and helps with no prompting. She epitomizes the self-directed, self-motivated volunteer spirit. She realized that the yard sale was a huge project and donated many hours to pricing and clean-

Development Director

Hello, my name is Dori Peck and I am the new Development Director at SpokAnimal. I have spent most of my life rescuing, fostering, and caring for animals. I grew up in St. Maries, Idaho and graduated with a degree in Education from the University of Idaho. After teaching for 5 years in St. Maries, I moved to Spokane and worked for The Spokesman-Review for 7 years in marketing and advertising.   As much fun as the newspaper was, my heart has always been with the animals so I jumped at the chance to learn this job at another local shelter in the same position which gave me a strong working knowledge of this community and the needs that are seen every day for the animals.

ing all the items we were able to sell. The event was a huge success because Barbara dedicated her time to make it work. We wish to honor and thank Barbara for her time and talents. She and so many others are the reason why we are able to help thousands of animals in need in our community.

New Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

Hi, my name is Sandy Montgomery, and I am excited to be the new Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for SpokAnimal C.AR.E. I am a mom to a great son, I have 2 darling grandsons, and my sweet rescue pup, (now 13) Maggie. I have been volunteering since I was in my teens (many years ago!), thanks to my mom, who always believed in giving back to those in need. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at many facilities in Spokane, from designing the Wishing Star newsletter, Ten years ago, I chose to adopt four children. They are now 25, 21, 15, and 10 and all huge animal lovers and rescuers. For all of you that come volunteer at outreach adoption events, you will have the opportunity to meet them as they give their time and energy to this worthy cause. Currently, we have dogs and cats and one rat at home and always a few kittens or puppies that we are bottle feeding. Contributors are the backbone of every non profit organization. I am so thrilled to once again be working with and for the animals of our community and with all of you to bring the dream of no more homeless pets to reality.  Please stop in to chat any time as I am so excited to meet you.

posters for shoe and diaper drives, sorting food at 2nd Harvest, painting houses, photos with animals for pet adoption drives, and food drives for The Spokesman-Review and the Postal Service – these are among a few of my many adventures. For almost 5 years, I have also been a part-time staff member at Miryam’s House, a transitional living center for women (and will continue to be with them for many years to come). I also enjoyed working full-time, (18 years), as a Graphic Designer for The Spokesman-Review. When the opportunity came along to help out the animals at SpokAnimal, I knew it was time to make a change, and that SpokAnimal was the place for me. As the new Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, I am excited to help animals find their “fur”ever family, and I look forward to meeting you in my new home here at SpokAnimal. Thank you so much for giving your time, talent, and financial support to our amazing organization. Dori

Dori Peck and her daughter Gabby at a SpokAnimal event.

YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS!

Donate to your favorite SpokAnimal program(s) and we’ll list your name in our next newsletter! Just specify where you would like your donation to be spent and we will target your favorite. Cruisin’ Critters Dog Park Pawsitive Dog Prison Program

Farm Livin’ Guardian Angel Program Veterinary Clinic Pet Sponsor

Your name _________________________________ Contribution amount $ ________ 10

HOW YOU CAN HELP SpokAnimal is a non-profit and tax-exempt organization. All contributions, donations and gifts are tax-deductible. Caring - Ever After

We often assist people who, after the death of a loved one, bring the pets to SpokAnimal because there was nobody who wanted them.  Many of these pets just curl up and won’t eat, often grieving as much as other family members.  When these pets, who are used to sleeping on the bed or in their owner’s laps, are relinquished, the experience can be totally overwhelming for them.  Many become despondent. There is no guarantee that you will outlive your pet. Thousands of pets are brought to shelters each year after their owners pass or become incapacitated.  Why do otherwise loving and caring owners fail to make such plans?  Death and disability are topics that many people refuse to face.  Nobody can predict the future.  Even the healthy and the young are vulnerable to accidents.  A little planning can provide peace of mind—knowing that whatever happens to you, your four-legged friends will be fine. Don’t assume a family member or friend will take your pet.  Ask them, get a commitment, and find an alternate.  Create an information notebook, including all pets.  This notebook should include all information on the pet—name, age, what they eat, who their veterinarian is, any health issues and include a photo-

graph.  Set aside a fund to cover your pet’s needs for the person/organization that will be doing the care.  In Washington, you can establish a pet trust with a trustee to insure immediate cash for your pet’s food, veterinary care, and toys.  At SpokAnimal, we have long time supporters who have chosen us as their designated team to address the issues for them.  In some cases, funds are left to be used for the care of the animal with residual being left for us to help other animals.  Some wish their pets to go to new homes.  Some ask that aged pets be humanely euthanized as it would be traumatic for them to go through placement.  One person has even asked that we place a trusted person in her home to care for her pets as long as they live.  She has provided a trust to care and provide for them until that time.  When all are gone, the home and the remainder of the trust will help us with our mission to save more lives.  There are many types of trusts and wills, so it is crucial to carefully prepare a plan then seek legal advice.  Contact Dori or Gail at SpokAnimal for one of our brochures on planning. Our sincere thanks to Earl DeCamp. He has left a bequest to help us in our work for the animals.  Our thanks to him for remembering us in his will. His gift will help us save more lives.

9 out of 10 people adopt a kitten. Only 1 out of 10 adopts an adult cat. Make a difference. Adopt an older cat. 11

Our Transporters Need: • Gas cards & food/restaurant cards from various chains for our transports Our Foster Animals Need: • Purina kitten/puppy food, hard and soft • Litter pans • Litter scoopers • Food bowls (double sided) • Kitten nursing bottles • Large dog crates • Dog toys • Dog Kongs and Kong filler • Cat toys The Development Office Needs: • Tall file cabinet The Dog Park Needs: • Trash bags – large heavy duty • Utility sponsor $100/month • Gravel and blacktop for pothole repair

Donations, however large or small, are always welcome!

Purrs, Licks & Tailwags Thank you!

Continued on page ? 12

Purrs, Licks & Tailwags (continued)

Your Inland Northwest Humane Society

13

Wrigley Writes

Hi there, friends! We’d like to share a story about one of our prison handlers who “graduated” was released right after our Session 9 Pawsitive Dogs left the prison. He spoke at the graduation. His words below:

they are fighting for a second chance, just like me!! My demeanor as a person has greatly turned for the better since my entering the dog handlers training program. Through the experience and studying, it’s caused me to re-think my philosophies and attitudes toward animals and my fellow man. So I can say honestly that this program has been a big influence on the change in my life. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been worthy of the chance to participate with smaller breeds of dogs. I plan to continue to work with dogs when I get released - which is in 22 days. I will close with a few words of wisdom. Criminality is a state of mind. A barred window through which we see the world. Change your frame of mind and everything changes. Not just the view of the world, but the one who views it. That is what the dog program has done for me. Power to the paw!!”

“What the Dog Program Has Done For Me” “I’ve been incarcerated for over 4 decades - 41 years straight. The person that I started out doing this bid as, and the person I’ve evolved into are not the same. I can honestly say that the many years or more have really changed my life and my view on the type of person I was and what I’ve changed into. And a lot of it has to do with this dog training program. Although seeing the first hands-on training, the responsibility of helping another life force that’s basically no different than me in regards to the fact that

Special Honorarium My Angel Kitty Bootsie

10/15/13 feeling I’d get when she’d climb onto I never thought I would find a soul my lap and then lick my nose. For that mate, let alone one covered in fur.  one brief moment the globe would But that’s what Bootsie was to me.  stop spinning and everything would She was my EVERYTHING and I be right with the world. Still connected miss her so.  I miss her darling face, by the Angel Bridge – my forever kitty her soft spongy head, even the many and me. ways she could get into trouble, but – Chris Kaufman most of all I miss that incredible 14

We wish the best of luck to this man as he starts his life over after 41 years in prison. This wonderful program not only helps make shelter dogs more adoptable, it also gives inmates at Airway Heights Corrections Center a second chance for success in a new life, too.

Have a Happy New Year, Everyone!

Wr i g ley “It is my pleasure to help, even in just a small way. You are doing the amazing stuff – for dogs and disadvantaged people. Thank YOU!” We would like to offer our thanks to Donna Weidert of Spokane and Lori Stevens of Seattle, for their kind donations of the book “Coaching People to Train Their Dogs” by Terry Ryan. This book is an amazing wealth of information. Our new inmate mentor handlers will be using it as their guide book.

of Jake - Donna Messinger of Rick Evenson - Sandra Johnson of George (person) - Suzy & Norm Lemay of Allen Jensen - Carol Jensen of George Mingo - Craig Porter of ‘Maggie’ - Katherine Coley of “Ru” - Douglas Meckelson & Ajay Ravindranathan of “Miss Darcy” (2000-2014) - William Drew of David Campbell (1938-2014) - Elaine Campbell of Karen Parker - Larry Parker of ‘Polly’ Adolfae - Alice Berg of Bob Rodwell and his dogs - Bonny Struthers

of Oscar – loved and missed by Leanne & Darren Dixon – all of us at Diamonds in the Ruff of ‘Sugar’ - Carolyn Guffin of Milaine McGoldrick - Tony & Suzanne Bamonte of ‘Sorrel’ & ‘Diablo’ - Marilyn Stedman of Chelsey Maile - Earlynne Maile of Patricia Bauer - Gladys Jimeno of ‘Charlie’ - Marie & Bill Malloy of ‘Big E’ - Craig Bluher of Jacques – Loved and missed by Pam Reeff - all of us at Diamonds in the Ruff of Jeanne Louise Yakawich - Russ, Mark, Linda B., Deb, John, and Linda A.

of Moki - Debra Sheil

of my wife, Debra Lynne Puschak, and our dogs, Spot, Maggie & Jake - Frank Puschak

of ‘Loki’ - Debra Sheil

of Sidney Siemer - Ada Harrison

Rest in Peace, Dr. Sophia Yin

It is with a heart almost too heavy to allow me to write this that I announce that my friend, colleague, and Fear-Free Advisory Board member “www.drsophiayin.com” Dr. Sophia Yin has passed away. Sophia was brilliant, passionate, and dedicated to easing the stress and fear that pets feel at the veterinary clinic or in shelters, and this is a major loss to animals. Sophia and her team were revolutionizing animal handling with her Stress Less materials and teaching, and I think the greatest gift all of us could

give her is to honor her memory by working doggedly to make sure her vision becomes reality. Rest in peace, Sophia. You leave a hole in our hearts and in the world. Dr. Marty Becker, DVM In 2009 Sophia Yin presented her Low Stress Handling seminar as one of the first presenters in SpokAnimal’s brand new event center. What a treat to get to meet her in person. The animals have lost an amazing advocate for fear-free handling and positive training. Her work will live on. 15

of Bootsie - Christine Kaufman of Carmella Arp - Rita, Larry, Bev, Tim, and Garry Loncon of Howard Rausch - Diana Huntington - Deanna Kuhn - Bob & Joyce Sleeth - Gaylord & Marilyn Schilling of TJ Tonani - Chris & Kris Mikkelsen - Roger Priest of Diane Baker’s sweet mom Lucy – all of us at Diamonds in the Ruff In Honor & Tribute of Judy Killin’s birthday - Alan Kiefer of Shellie & Patrick - Julie & Art Bookstrom of Kathleen Hull’s birthday - Diane Colliander of Carolyn Shults, Happy Birthday! - Zandra Saez of Janet Walker, Happy Birthday!! - Diane Colliander of Liz Jenkins, Happy Birthday! - John & Zandra

Support/Donation Form SpokAnimal C.A.R.E

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. 710 N. Napa Spokane, WA 99202 (509) 534-8133

A non-profit organization dedicated to pets and their people.

Pet Sponsor . . $25 Cat

Dog

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Spokane, WA Permit 1012

Either

Yes, I’m a SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. supporter! Please use the following supporter/donation

of $__________________________ in support

of SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. in its work with animals and public education.

Mr/Mrs/Ms _________________________________ (If different from label)

Phone _____________________________________ Address _ __________________________________ City___________________State _______ Zip______ Email _____________________________________

I’d like to volunteer! Please call me!

Looking to adopt a cat or dog?

Upcoming Events Volunteer & Foster Orientations - Meetings are held twice per month on the 2nd Saturday at 10:30am and the 4th Thursday at 6:00pm at SpokAnimal, 710 N. Napa. Visit our website: www.spokanimal.org for events coming up in the new year.

Pick up a mouse!

Mailed quarterly to over 13,000 animal lovers. Editor: Carol A. Byrnes Executive Director: Gail B. Mackie

For more info, call Sandy at (509) 534-8133, ext. 212 or email: [email protected]

When you finish this newsletter pass it along to a friend ! Issues of SpokAnimal’s Companion Animal News are now available for download online at www.spokanimal.org!

We Need To Know ! Is your name correct on our mailing list? Is your mailing address and zip code correct ? (Due to the use of bulk rate for mailings, Companion Animal News cannot be forwarded.) Are you receiving duplicate copies of Companion Animal News? Would you like to receive more than one issue of Companion Animal News? (Companion Animal News makes wonderful reading for office clients or school children.) If so contact Angela Scheres, 534-8133, ext. 210 or [email protected].

Visit us on the web! www.spokanimal.org and www.petfinder.com TUNE IN! SpokAnimal is featured on: KREM Ch 2 - Tuesday noon news KXLY Ch 4 - Monday on Good Morning NW

Please make changes below Please send me _____ complimentary copies of Companion Animal News

Enclosed is $ _____ to help with the printing and postage costs.