the newsletter! - Central PA Humane Society

Central PA Humane Society’s
PAW PRINTS
May – June – July 2016
CPHS BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Charlotte Ames
VICE PRESIDENT
Barbara Thaler
SECRETARY
Wendy Reitz
TREASURER
Joe Murgo
BOARD MEMBERS
Cortney Steiner
Cindy Bickel
Susan Bryan
Lisa Fry
Charles LaMark
Denise Nicodemus
Rick Vanevenhoven
Robert Pennington (Honorary)
Dan Lawruk (Honorary)
Paul Davis (Honorary)
SOLICITOR
Mike Wagner
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH
& DEVELOPMENT
Becky Felton
CPHS MISSION STATEMENT
To prevent animal neglect and
cruelty through education and
enforcement while providing a
safe haven and finding forever
homes for those in need.
CPHS VISION/VALUES
STATEMENT
To meet the needs of the animals in our
community through communication,
compassion, and conviction.
Central PA Humane Society
@CentralPAHumane
814.942.5402
www.centralpahumane.org
THE CPHS—A LIFESAVING SHELTER
There are no time limits for animals in
our shelter. Animals remain available for
adoption as long as they are physically
and mentally healthy. The Central
Pennsylvania Humane Society does not
euthanize adoptable pets. The designation of “no-kill” can be
applied to any shelter that euthanizes
less than ten percent of their animals
a year, for reasons of health and
temperament. CPHS has met this
designation and has provided a safe
haven and forever homes to more than
90% of animals that enter our facility. Our adoption programs, our outreach to
rescue groups, and our use of foster care
have created a flow of animals in and out
of our shelter that, more often than not,
leaves us with space available. CPHS
won’t euthanize for illness that can be
treated, behavior that can be modified,
or for length of stay, providing there is
quality of life for the pet.
Because definitions such as treatable
and modified can vary with each case
and we question the need for definitions
or catch-phrases, we at CPHS choose to
refer to our shelter and the work we do
here as life-saving rather than no-kill.
CPHS BISCUIT
CHALLENGE
The Central PA Humane Society
announces the CPHS Biscuit Challenge
which began in February 2016. The
CPHS wants everyone to join together
and help raise awareness and financial
support to help meet our shelter’s
ongoing needs. We hope to achieve
these goals by having folks take a bite of
biscuit, a dog biscuit!
We are asking supporters to make a
donation of $25 or more using the
CPHS website. Then make a video of
yourself taking the challenge and eating
a biscuit. Then in your video challenge
family and friends to donate and eat a
biscuit for a good cause. Ask out of state
friends and family to join in also.
Upload your video on your Facebook
page, and tag the CPHS by posting it to
the shelter’s Facebook page too. Our
goal is to raise $50,000 to fund shelter
operations.
The CPHS is non-profit and is funded
almost entirely through the generosity
of the community. We receive no
government or national humane society
funding. The CPHS expenses exceed
$800,000. All of this goes for the care
and adoption of thousands of animals
that go through our doors each year. Let’s make history and have fun
supporting a great cause!
TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN (TNR)
The Humane Way to Manage Feral Cat Population
Feral cats are not indigenous wild animals — they
are domestic animals that have reverted to the wild.
People domesticated them thousands of years ago.
And it’s people’s responsibility to care for their pets.
This means annual checkups, proper vaccinations and
the big one — SPAY and NEUTER them.
Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t and they end up
living on the streets, trying to find food and shelter
and just survive day to day. And because they aren’t
spayed or neutered, they breed, thus begins yet
another vicious cycle.
TNR programs have been proven to reduce these
feral cat populations. It is a statistical fact that the
removal and euthanizing of outdoor cats that many
communities still practice does not make the problem
go away. It creates what they call a vacuum effect — it
just allows more cats to move into the empty spaces
created by killing these poor innocent animals.
There are many reasons why TNR works:
1. Colonies will decrease in size over time. A study
done at the University of Florida over an 11 year
period had a decrease of 66% of feral cats with no
kittens being born after the first four years.
2. TNR stabilizes a feral population by ending reproduction and removing socialized cats and placing
them in loving homes. In the beginning of this
article they were able to reduce the cat population
in the feral colony by 75% over the first few years.
3. TNR improves the lives of the feral cats that live
there. They are healthier, don’t spread disease
since they’ve been vaccinated, the males don’t
spray or fight and they are less likely to roam the
surrounding neighborhoods.
ALTERNATIVE
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT INC.
P.O. Box 401 • Duncansville, PA 16635
Ph 814-696-6326 • Fax 814-693-1757
Digital Connectivity
Mailing
Copying
Printing
4. TNR improves the lives of the female cats by
ending the constant reproduction cycle. Cats
can have three litters a year, which is very hard
on these poor girls. Not only do they have to find
food for themselves, they have to nurse a litter of
kittens. And before they’re done with one litter,
they are already pregnant with the next one.
5. TNR cats are vaccinated against rabies. This makes
them healthier and more resistant to other diseases
as well. The average feral cat left to survive on their
own will only live two to three years. The average
kitten born to a feral cat has a 20% chance of surviving to their first birthday. Between disease, marauding tomcats that will kill a kitten if given the chance,
other wildlife and not to mention the ever present
automobile they don’t stand much of a chance.
If living in a colony where TNR is practiced, their
chances greatly increase. The feral cats in a colony
are more affectionate to each other and they don’t
have all those hormones raging through them, giving them a much calmer demeanor. No fighting
or yowling and their human neighbors have fewer
complaints of undesirable behaviors.
6. TNR cats are also ear-tipped. While under the
anesthesia, the tip of one ear is removed. This
enables anyone to see at a distance that the cat
has been spayed/neutered and vaccinated for
rabies without actually having to handle the cat.
Over the past four years the CPHS has made many
improvements such as adding a full time veterinarian
and two full time technicians. We have spayed/neutered
almost 1,000 cats over the last 48 months with a grant
received from Petsmart Charities for a designated
time frame – 24 months and area. Our hope is to be
approved for another grant which is still in limbo to
enable the TNR area and service to be expanded.
Underhill Farm
Churchill • Stowell
Wool/Mohair Yarns
Heritage Sheep
1658 West Loop Road
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
814.695.8732
[email protected]
www.underhillfarmpa.com
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Cont.
Join the ranks of these forward thinking people and see what you can do in your own neighborhood. The need
is everywhere if you just dare to notice. Be proactive – make a difference – SAVE A LIFE! You’ll be amazed at
the benefits you’ll reap. You might even find your new best friend!
TNR
TRAP/NEUTER/RETURN I would like to help reduce feral cat overpopulation by
sponsoring a surgery! My check is enclosed for $35 to cover the cost of one procedure
or $________ is enclosed to help CPHS continue its TNR Program.
Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Email_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________
REMIT TO: CPHS TNR Program, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602
9TH ANNUAL PINTS FOR PETS
The 2016 Pints for Pets Brewfest — one
of the country’s largest and longestestablished brewfests benefitting shelter
animals — will be held on Saturday, May 14
at the Peoples Natural Gas Field. Merry
Maids Session (Session 1) will be from 1 to
4 pm and Servicemaster by Ryan Session
(Session 2) from 6 to 9 pm. Proceeds
benefit the Central Pennsylvania Humane
Society (CPHS).
Last year’s Pints for Pets attracted more than 3,000
attendees, generating over $90,000 for the area
shelter. With more than 90 breweries from around the
US and world representing many excellent craft and
import brews, Pints for Pets rivals the country’s top beer
festivals in scope and scale. Session 1 tickets are $40
and Session 2 tickets are $45. Tickets are now on sale.
“We are adding even more breweries this year, and we
have great line-up of bands for entertainment,” states
Rick Vanevenhoven, the Pints for Pets
Committee Chairman. “Our unique venue,
the beautiful PNG Field, has it all. Because
the brewfest is held on the mezzanine
level of the ballpark, we can hold this
event rain or shine. Pints for Pets enjoys
great success because we strive to deliver
a great experience for a great cause.”
Becky Felton, CPHS Director of Marketing
and Development, shares “Pints for Pets is so much
more than a brewfest – it is an instrument of hope to
thousands of area animals. The life-sustaining medical
and shelter care services provided by CPHS cannot
possibly be recovered through adoptions, so events
like Pints for Pets are vital to support the daily work
performed by our dedicated staff and volunteers.”
Check out the pintsforpets.com for all the details. Also
check us out on Facebook.
Your local connection
to great printing.
A lt o o n a A r e a O f f i c e
3495 Route 764, Suite 100
Duncansville, PA 16635
Phone/Fax | 814-515-1627
[email protected]
www.gazetteprinters.com
www.delgrossos.com
A NIGHT AT THE RACES
It was a cold night for horse racing in late January. Such
a good thing it was all electronically done on a big
screen with only a fun evening in mind! No real horses
at the Bavarian Hall. The evening started with placing
your bets at the betters table for $2 a bet. No one knew
of course who the winner was because all of the disks
were unsealed before each race. There were a total of
ten horses per derby and ten Derby’s. All 100 horses
were sold for $25 and each owner proudly named their
horse for the program.
Along with naming the horses, each derby was named
by its sponsor. The derby names were fun and added
to the enjoyment of the evening. They included:
Altoona Honda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honda Dealer Derby
McMullen Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Couch Potato Derby
Coldwell Banker Town & Country Real Estate. . . . . . The Home-A-Day Plus Derby
The Meadows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flavor of the Day Derby
Altoona Professional Hearing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hearing Loss Solution Derby
Ken Wertz Hauling & Septic Service, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . The Pooper Scooper Derby
Mattas Asphalt Maintenance Co. Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mattas Sealcoating Derby
Austins Texas Hotdogs -Now Open Year Round. . . . . . . . . . . . . The Weiner Derby
The Brew Zoo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Brew Zoo Triple Hop Derby
Saleme Insurance Services, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Saleme Stallions Derby
Lehman Engineers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dreams Go On Derby
Holland Bros Meats (Daily Double sponsor). . . . . . . . Crisp P Bacon Daily Double
After the tenth derby, there was a crown derby
sponsored by Lehman Engineering. It was called
“Dreams Go On Derby” after the therapeutic
horseback riding program they have for physically
challenged children and adults in Hollidaysburg, PA.
All of the winning ten horses from the first ten derby’s
then raced against each other for the Crown. The
winners of the first ten derby’s won $50 each and the
Crown winner won $100! All bets for the final crown
derby were $5 each.
The big winners for the night were all the paws at the
shelter though! Thanks to the Bavarian Hall for such a
generous monetary donation and everyone enjoying a
night of fun, we ended the evening at $7,500 for all of
our furry four-legged friends!
5TH ANNUAL FUR BALL
The 5th annual Fur Ball to benefit the Central
Pennsylvania Humane Society will be held
on Saturday, September 24 at 6 pm at the
beautiful Blairmont Club in Hollidaysburg.
New this year! Mercedes Benz of State
College,
SAVE one of our “Best in Breed” sponsors,
THE
will
offer one lucky guest the opportunity to
drive SEPTEMER
a Mercedes
Benz Convertible for an
SATURDAY,
24, 2016
6:00 PM
entire month
in 2017! All you have to do is
make a reservation to the event and come
enjoy! Additional chances will be available
to purchase at the event increasing your
possibility of winning.$100
Date
FUr baLl2016
fIftH annuAL
The Fur Ball is a fun but casual evening of
good friends enjoying great food, hors
d’oeuvres, food stations, full bars including
great wines and craft beers, live and silent
auctions along with live entertainment. This
year we are featuring the music of Kenney
Fetterman & Michal Wiles, also known as “Free Donuts”.
As in past years we will be having our highly popular
“Pooch Parade” where you will get to meet some of the
dogs that are seeking their forever homes.
Each year the Fur Ball attracts hundreds of attendees
and shelter supporters. The funds raised at this great
event go directly to help fund the much needed work
of the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.
The Blairmont Club
235 Larch Street
Hollidaysburg, PA
$100 per person
Lavish Hors d’Oeuvres | Food Stations
Complimentary Drinks | Photo Booth | Live Music
The Pooch Parade | Live Auction | The Man Cave
One lucky attendant will have the chance to
drive a Mercedes Benz Convertible for 30 days!
Compliments of Mercedes Benz of State College.
For more information visit: www.centralpahumane.org
PER PERSON
The reservation price is $100 per person and
the dress is cocktail chic. For additional information
and to see our Fur Ball Sponsors go to our website
www.centralpahumane.org. If you would like to be
included in our invitation mailing list please email
Becky Felton, Director of Outreach and Development
at [email protected].
It’s always a great night and the cause is tremendous.
See you September 24 at the Fur Ball!
1ST ANNUAL BOOTS,
BULLS & BREW
Please join us for the 1st annual Boots, Bulls
& Brew. Your evening will feature a menu fit
for a cowboy served in the Chuck Wagon
Pavilion, the opportunity to make eight
seconds on “Bodacious” the world’s meanest
mechanical bull in the PBR Pavilion, line
dancing with your favorite guy or girl, cash
bar at the Saloon throughout the evening,
theme related vendors, your photo on
“Bodacious” and to close the evening enter
our bull riding and line dancing competitions.
Winners take home the blue ribbon and prize
(to be announced that evening).
Tickets are $25 per person. Space is limited
so don’t dilly dally!
If you want to enjoy a frosty brew in the
Saloon don’t forget your government
issued photo I.D. It’s the law! Stay safe and
have a designated driver. Tickets are nonrefundable.
For sponsorship opportunities contact
Wendy Reitz at 814-935-0149. Visit www.
centralpahumanesociety.org for ticket
information.
Become a Member of the

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




Adopt stray and owner-surrendered pets into
their new forever homes
Reunite lost pets with their owners
Investigate and prosecute incidents of animal
cruelty
Sell Blair County & City of Altoona dog
licenses
Rent traps for capture of feral cats
Perform private euthanasia and cremation
services
Offer low cost spay/neuter through our Spay
Days program
Target Trap Neuter Return (TNR) for feral cat
colonies
Hats, Boots and Spurs Optional
Membership Application
Membership
Levels & Benefits
It is with your support that the Central PA Humane
Society (CPHS) can provide services to nearly
2,000 animals every year. We refuse no animal and
our ability to continue helping animals comes solely
from membership, donations and fundraising.
We receive no funding from any state or national
humane society or government agency. All of this
financial support stays right here in Central PA to:
Legion Park
132 Washington Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
For the Animals the Benefits are Endless!
S
(Ahnelter
nua Sup
l) por
$30ter
She
(An lter
nua Cha
l) mp
$6i0on
Lif
etim
eG
uar
d
$30ian
0
Lif
etim
eD
efe
n
$50der
0
Members Make a Difference
for Shelter Animals
Every Day
Saturday, August 13
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
*Address
*City
*State
*Zip
Phone
*E-mail
BENEFITS:
Lifetime
Defender
Personalized
Plaque

Pet Park Paver
CPHS Blanket
*Name



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

Membership Level:
$30 Shelter Supporter (Annual)
$60 Shelter Champion (Annual)
$300 Lifetime Guardian*
$500 Lifetime Defender*
$250 ^Existing Lifetime Member*
Upgrade
*Lifetime Members Paver to read: “Lifetime
Guardian or Defender” plus Pet Name:
______________________________________
*Method of Payment: (check one)
1/2 price
Microchip @
Wellness Center




Adoption
Discounts
10%
10%
10%
10%
Magnet Card
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Newsletter
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Discount
Coupon: Flea &
Tick medicine
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Authorized Signature: ________________
*Choose One:
 Send Certificate to redeem Reward items
 Mail my Reward Items (Allow 6-8 weeks)
 No Thanks. Use the money for the animals
 Paid @ Shelter: Rewards given to member
(*Required information)

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Coffee Mug

Discount
Coupon: Nail
Trim &/or Ear
Clean
^Existing Lifetime members will continue to receive Newsletter.
Upgrade for $250 to receive all the benefits above!

To help keep our funds for the animals, please pick these Benefit
items up at the Shelter or call 942-6900 for pickup at a CPHS event.


Check (enclosed)
Visa Mastercard (circle one)
Card # _________________________
3 digit Security Code: _____________
Annual Credit Card Membership renewal:
Signature ________________________
Monthly EFT Draft (Include Voided check
to set up draft) Amount: $______________
Mail completed application to:
Central PA Humane Society
1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Altoona, PA 16602
814-942-6900
NEW CPHS EVENING DOG
WALKING PROGRAM
More shelter dogs are enjoying belly
rubs, having fun chasing balls and
bubbles, or just relaxing, lounging
around outside. That’s thanks to
volunteers and staff lending their
helping paws to the new CPHS
Evening Walking Program that
stepped out in April.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays from
7:00pm until 9:30 pm, volunteers
who’ve signed up for the program,
come to the shelter and get the
eager canines out of their cages, one by one. Some
of the dogs are released into the outside play yards
to blow off steam, while others are walked around
the grounds. All of the dogs get a walk before the
evenings over.
Mara Murgo and Barbara Thaler were the first
evening volunteer team, out of the gate, leashes in
hand, with Mara’s husband Joe, joining in, when he
can. They have a system worked out. For example,
on one night, Mara may take the dogs into the play
yards, while Barbara cleans out their kennels for
the night, and Joe plays ball or rubs bellies, and
gives some extra attention to the dogs in the play
yards. They alternate these tasks so that each has a
chance to enjoy the dogs. Only a few weeks into this
new effort Barb says, “this has been an incredibly
rewarding experience for me.” When the dogs return to their clean kennels, they’re
given toys or Kongs filled with peanut butter. Joe
says, smiling, “I feel like Santa Claus when I’m
handing out those treats.” And his wife Mara adds,
“by the time we’re ready to leave, the dogs are
resting peacefully or quietly enjoying their toys. I
enjoy this special time with them.”
It’s hoped this special time for shelter animals
and volunteers will eventually become available
throughout the week, but more trained helpers are
needed. Prospective volunteers can get that expert
guidance from CPHS Volunteer Coordinator Megan
Sanchez, who’s AKC certified in shelter pet training
and other areas including dog training, pet sitting,
pet walking, pet nutrition and diet, and pet massage.
Megan notes that, “the shelter is a
very stressful place where dogs have
little control over their environment.
Many are lonely anxious, fearful,
frustrated or depressed.” She’s
designed a comprehensive program
for prospective volunteers to
help them better understand and
positively cope with shelter dog
behaviors to make the experience
safe and rewarding, for those at
both ends of the leash. Prospective dog walkers are asked to sign up for a
session with Megan and a follow-up with CPHS dog
walking pioneers, volunteers who’ve been walking
during regular shelter hours for years. The session
with Megan includes a premier on dog behavior, with
particular emphasis on shelter dogs, an opportunity
to ask questions, a tour of the shelter, and a meet and
greet with the dogs.
It’s important to note that this special new program
wouldn’t be possible without “paws on the ground”
from others on the CPHS staff. They include Business
and Finance Manager Lisa Boland, who instituted a
dog walking program, during shelter hours, a few
years ago, and has been delighted to see it grow.
She took on the new challenge and found a way to
make it work. Lisa rearranged staffing and even came
in to oversee the first few evening walking shifts.
Thanks also to the two employees Nicole and Logan
who agreed to take the first evening shifts.
In Lisa’s words, “the dog walking program offers the
enrichment each and every dog needs during their
time at our shelter. It gives the shelter dogs some
exercise, which in turn helps them stay calm and
content while they patiently wait for their forever
family”. If you are currently a volunteer, you can sign up to
come in on Tuesdays or Thursdays to observe, play
with dogs, and fill Kongs and treats with peanut
butter. To participate in our walking program, please
contact [email protected] or Lisa at lisa@
centralpahumane.org or call the shelter at 814-9425402 to schedule an orientation and training session.
Please consider joining our volunteers and making a
difference in the world of a shelter dog.
ANGEL’S SUCCESS STORY
About six years
ago we went to the
Central PA Humane
Society to look
at a Jack Russell
Terrier mix that we
thought was going
to be perfect for
our family. Well she
would have nothing
to do with my mom.
She wouldn’t even
look at her. That was when we spotted Angel in the
office area walking around. She was about three then.
We fell in love with Angel the minute we saw her
ears! Her personality is so sweet, she loves to play
tug of war & going for lots of car rides. The wind in
her face is the best she says! At least once a week
we go for ice cream. Nothing less than a large cone
for our angel! Her name is so fitting, she truly is an
“Angel” from heaven.
The Central PA Humane Society is a temporary home
for lots of loving, wonderful animals. Please visit them
soon to find your “Angel.”
- Alice and Dave Kutch
Send your CPHS pet update and photos
to: [email protected] to be
featured in an upcoming issue of PawPrints!
Furniture
402 North 7th Street, Altoona, PA (Juniata)
Specializing in Hand Crafted Furniture
and Home Furnishing
www.RusticCountryFurniture.net
Paul G. Gottshall, Owner
Central Pennsylvania Humane Society
Wellness Center
(814) 942-2001
(814) 934-3935
ROBERT F. PENNINGTON, GRI, CRB
Broker / Owner
#I Coldwell Banker Affiliate Office in the U.S.A. (1995 & 2008)
(814) 946-4343 BUSINESS
(814) 946-5488 FAX
[email protected]
Sam Morgan, DVM
1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd. Altoona, PA 16602
Phone: 814-943-7575
Fax: 814-942-8505
www.centralpahumane.org
Tiffany N. Brought
Office Manager
270 Walker Drive Suite 104
State College, PA 16801
Toll Free 888-231-8223
[email protected]
www.aceansweringservice.com
Each Office Is Independently
Owned And Operated
TOWN & COUNTRY
REAL ESTATE
300 Union Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
www.centralpennhomes.com
Wax & Strip
Carpet Cleaning
Tile & Grout
Free Estimates • Fully Insured
Done Right Services
PROFESSIONAL FLOOR CARE
GENERAL CLEANING
814-946-1324
Non-Profit Org.
US POSTAGE
PAID
Permit #12
Indiana, PA
CENTRAL PA HUMANE SOCIETY
1837 EAST PLEASANT VALLEY BLVD.
ALTOONA, PA 16602
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2016 CPHS PAWPRINTS NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING
____ 2” x 3.5” Business Card (four issues) $100 or ____ 2.25” x 7.5” Banner Ad (four issues) $160
Business Name_______________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Name_____________________________________ Phone #__________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Email_______________________________________________________________________________________________
o Check enclosed
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Credit Card:
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Exp Date_________________
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Submit to: CPHS PawPrints Newsletter Advertising, Attn: Editor, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602