the scoop - Washington Humane Society

SPRING
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THE SCOOP
NEWS FROM THE WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY
EXCITING NEWS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE!
WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY AND
WASHINGTON ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE MERGE
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 was a momentous day for the animals
of the National Capital Area. The Washington Humane Society (WHS)
and the Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) announced a
definitive agreement to merge the two organizations. This historic
merger has created the first end-to-end animal care organization in
a major U.S. city.
Founded in 1870 and 1914 respectively, WHS and WARL have long
worked together to benefit the animals and people living in the
District. As we have collaborated over the past decade, we have
become more alike with regard to our philosophies and practices.
Both organizations have been on the leading edge of what are now
considered best practices in the field of animal welfare with customer and animal-centric adoption policies; an unparalleled
commitment to saving lives; care assistance for pet owners in need;
and a collaborative, open approach to community partnerships.
As we continued to grow and evolve, it became apparent that we
could expand our impact and reach if we created one united,
dynamic, industry-leading animal welfare organization in the Nation’s Capital.
Lisa LaFontaine, now President and CEO of WHS
and WARL, with Roger Marmet, of the newly
combined board of directors, and Jay Timmons,
formerly chairman of the WHS board of directors,
now first vice president.
As we announce this merger, our shared vision is finally a reality.
• Together, we will run every major animal welfare program in the Nation’s
Capital: rescue and adoption, animal control, humane law
enforcement, low-cost vet care, spay-neuter services, behavior and
training, humane education, and more.
• Together, we will be able to profoundly strengthen the safety net for animals in our region, offer
subsidized vet care to families in need, provide citywide behavior training to keep pets and
families together, expand our spay-neuter efforts to end pet overpopulation, and protect animals in our
area from cruelty and harm.
• Most importantly, we can now create a unified vision, backed by powerful and creative programs, to
establish a model urban community for all animals – pets and wildlife alike – and the people who love
them. Continued on Page 8
Protecting Animals for Over 140 Years
The Washington Humane Society publishes
The Scoop quarterly to inform friends and
supporters about our work protecting,
sheltering, and improving the lives of homeless
THE SCOOP
and abused animals in Washington, DC.
Editor: Brittany Burnes
GETTING IN TOUCH
Cruelty/Neglect Reports: 202-723-5730
Cruelty reports are accepted
24 hours a day.
For administrative assistance please call 202735-0330 and enter an extension for the
following departments:
Development/Fundraising ext. 210
Finance ext. 201
Human Resources ext. 209
Special Events ext. 226
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Sir Walter Scott once said, “Cats are a mysterious kind of folk. There
is more passing in their minds than we are aware of.”
Having spent a lot of time with these wonderful animals, I couldn’t
agree more. My life path was forever changed when a small feral
kitten joined my family. In his own mysterious way, Merlin provided
comfort to my daughter while she learned to deal with the effects
of Tourette Syndrome. His purring and presence gave her the
strength and focus to face some significant challenges. Merlin gave her
something that no human being had been able to give, and although
we lost him many years ago I think of him often as I watch my
beautiful, successful daughter move powerfully in the world.
Many ancient cultures honored cats, especially in Egypt. The goddess Bastet, commonly depicted
as a cat, was among the most prominent of deities. She was the keeper of hearth and home,
and the guardian against evil spirits and disease. Over the centuries, households and families
throughout the world have included valued feline members.
For Public Relations and Media inquiries,
please call 202-375-7750
In my family, we have shared our lives with countless cats and kittens. One of the three current
keepers of my hearth and home is WHS adoptee Mr. Pibb; he came to us several years ago after
retiring from his role at WHS.
HOURS AND LOCATIONS
In 2008, WHS was struggling with very significant over-abundance of cats, and our spay neuter
programs were just ramping up. We had more volunteers interested in dog activities than in cat
socialization so we had to think creatively to engage the community in our cat programming and
outreach. Our continually creative behavior and training team decided to train Mr. Pibb using
positive reinforcement methods. Mr. Pibb exceeded expectations and become an integral part of
our humane education program, teaching hundreds of young people in DC that the purring of a
content cat is a beautiful sound.
71 Oglethorpe St, NW
Washington, DC 20011
202-726-2556
Adoption Hours
Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed for adoptions on Mondays
1201 New York Avenue, NE
202-576-6664
Adoption Hours
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
Closed for adoptions on Wednesdays
Stray animals are accepted
24 hours a day.
National Capital Area Spay
& Neuter Center
1001 L Street, SE
For appointments call
202-88-ALTER (202-608-1356)
(Surgeries by appointment only)
Walk-In Vaccination Clinic
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Eventually we developed many programs to better serve cats. In 2013, we launched our hugely
popular Designs for Felines, which supports our Cat Neighborhood Partnership Program
(CatNiPP). Participating architects design creative outdoor shelters for community cats to use
during the winters’ freezing temperatures. This year’s event was closely followed by a blizzard
that dumped over two feet of snow over much of the region. Awareness of our CatNiPP
program, together with the shelters built by staff, volunteers, and architects, helped many
homeless cats to weather the storms.
Nearly eight years of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts have helped reduce the numbers of
cats being born outdoors. Our dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to facilitate TNR,
and there are countless caretakers throughout the District who quietly feed and monitor the
health of the feral and community cat populations. As the program grows, we are watching
intake levels decline as more cats are sterilized.
Yet the challenges of cat overpopulation are far from resolved. We have to work together, as
a community of animal lovers, to continue our progress. The recent merger of the Washington
Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League is a way to deliver consistently
improving services to the felines in our community. Our Oglethorpe Medical Center provides
low cost vet services to income qualified individuals to help keep their cats healthy and at home.
I am often asked “How can I help?” We have some targeted giving opportunities for cats. Please
go to our website at www.washhumane.org and select “Support Us” from the banner to see
the various ways you can help cats. A gift to CatNiPP allows us to continue to sterilize and
provide basic healthcare to feral and community cats. A gift to the Feline Friends Fund supports
enrichment programs for our shelter cats as well as adoption efforts. Through Amazon.com you
can access our Wish List and provide in-kind donations of food, toys, and treats. Those are just
a few of the many ways you can show your devotion to these ancient and mysterious creatures
who grace us with their companionship.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support to help us successfully care for the cats who
call the District home. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Lisa LaFontaine
President and CEO
[email protected]
THIRD ANNUAL DESIGNS FOR FELINES
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GIVING COMMUNITY CATS SHELTER
By: Sarah Cook, Special Events Manager
The third annual “Designs for Felines: Giving Community
Cats Shelter” was held on January 20, 2016 at The Blind
Whino Arts Club in Southeast DC. This meow-velous event
was enjoyed by more than 300 guests and a record-breaking
$17,600 was raised to benefit the programs and services
of WHS, particularly the community Cat Neighborhood
Partnership Program (CatNiPP). We are so thankful to our
generous supporters for showing just how much DC loves
DC animals.
Studio 3877
Cat Cave
This year we had a variety of participating teams including
architecture firms, college students, and friends each designing
and building creative and functional outdoor shelters.
After guest voting concluded, and much deliberation from
our esteemed judges, the following teams were awarded top
shelter designs of the night.
Howard University
Department of Architecture
Cat Crib
Page Southerland Page, Inc
Meow Luau
Congratulations to all of our participants and thank you for your support! Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for their support of
this year’s event including Page Southerland Page, Inc., Friendship Hospital for Animals, pHinicky pHeline Cat Café, The Blind Whino,
Bluejacket Brewery, NOVADog Magazine, The Virginia Maryland Dog Magazine, and Inside Look TV.
Check out photos from this year’s event at www.washhumane.org/D4Fpics. We look forward to seeing everyone next year at the 4th
Annual Designs for Felines!
PUPS IN THE PARK
Bring your dog to the baseball game!
Every year the Washington Nationals
welcome four-legged fans for WHS
Pups in the Park.
If you’re bringing your dog, don’t
forget to buy a dog ticket! One
hundred percent of the
proceeds from dog tickets
($10 each) benefit the
Washington Humane Society.
SAT. APRIL 23 VS. TWINS
SAT. MAY 14 VS. MARLINS
SAT. MAY 28 VS. CARDINALS
MON. JUNE 13 VS. CUBS
THURS. SEPT. 8 VS. PHILLIES
SAT. OCT. 1 VS. MARLINS
Get your tickets quickly,
they sell out fast!
www.nationals.com/pups
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SPRING WILDLIFE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
By: Lando McCall, Wildlife Specialist
Washington, DC boasts a wide variety of wildlife within its
boundaries. One can frequently observe large mammals
and birds like deer and bald eagles (the national bird) all
the way down to chipmunks and the occasional
migrating hummingbird. With the arrival of Spring comes
a new batch of furry and feathered critters in the District.
In an ideal situation, the animal parents would be making
their nests or dens in parks or trees. However in a
heavily urbanized area that contains both natural parks
and constructed houses, close encounters with wildlife may
be unavoidable. Taking steps to critter-proof your home
to prevent wildlife from entering your residence is the best
way to minimize any unwanted encounters.
Critter-proofing your home or business can be as easy as
walking the perimeter of the building and looking for a
few vulnerable spots. As a general rule if an animal can
get their head through a hole they will be able to get
the rest of their body in as well. Holes in siding or pieces
that are not properly secured can present easy access to
an animal looking for shelter. Raccoons are very adept
at manipulating objects with their paws and can easily
remove a loose piece of siding. Make sure that any
missing or loose pieces of siding are replaced or secured.
A properly attached chimney cap can prevent birds from
nesting and raccoons or possums from entering the flue.
Under porch roofs or awnings one should look for twigs or
sticks that are being arranged in a nest shape. Birds will
gladly set up a nest in an area where they are covered
from the elements.
Active bird nests, or nests that contain eggs or young birds,
are federally protected and cannot be removed.
Occasionally if a bird nest is allowed to remain in place,
a young bird that is not yet able to fly may fall out of the
nest. If the young bird appears uninjured with no broken
bones, it can be picked up and placed back in the nest.
It is a myth that once a young wild animal is touched by
a person it will not be accepted by the parents. Similarly,
young animals that are still being taken care of by the
parents can be placed as near as possible to the adult to
re-unite them.
Easy access to shelter may not be the only perk wildlife
is looking for. Access to a food source like a trash can
is something that should be eliminated to discourage
animals from hanging around your property. Trash from
the home and especially food scraps should be bagged
and disposed of in a trash can. Lids for the cans may be
secured with the addition of a bungee cord or a cinder
block. Sprinkling non-toxic materials such as cayenne
pepper or spraying the inside of the can with vinegar may
also help in deterring any hungry visitors.
Easy access to shelter and food are the main attractants
luring wildlife to your property. Having a vigilant eye and
being proactive about maintaining your property will
greatly help in deterring wildlife from moving in. If food
sources and shelter are eliminated, critters will be
encouraged to forage naturally and seek shelter in
natural areas such as trees or burrows.
Wildlife is very capable of foraging and finding natural
shelter, and they should be encouraged to do so in their
natural habitat. Encounters with wildlife in the District can
be entertaining and educational, but it is important to
remember that wild animals can also be dangerous if
provoked or if they feel threatened. By taking steps to
eliminate sources of food or shelter, close encounters can
be minimized.
www.washhumane.org
5
GOT OUTDOOR CATS? CALL CATNIPP!
By: Niki Cochran, Community Cat Program Manager
CatNiPP is a Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program that
contributes to the long-term management of feral cat
populations in the District and breaks the cycle of trap-andremove. TNR works because it addresses the root of the problem
– breeding. Due to the high demand for this service, WHS has also
provided TNR assistance to many communities in Maryland and
Virginia.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE TNR PROCESS:
• Cat is trapped by CatNiPP staff, Animal Control Officer,
or volunteer
• Cat is taken to the National Capital Area Spay
& Neuter Center
• Cat is sterilized, vaccinated, and receives an “ear tip”
(universal sign to mark TNR status)
• Cat is returned to same community the following day
WHS is regularly called by residents who spot cats and kittens in
their alleys and yards. They’ve noticed more kittens born each
year, are worried about them surviving out on the streets, and
express concern with the number of cats increasing each year.
They want to learn what they can do to help these animals without
causing harm to them. CatNiPP offers a humane solution that they
can turn to, protecting these cats by controlling the population
and keeping them healthy.
Ear tip
seen for several years! Areas with a high volume of complaint calls
have tapered off, indicating the cat populations have stabilized
and the program is effective.
Finally, we come to the kittens. While it is hard to “deferalize” a
cat, it is a completely different story with kittens. Cats between six
and ten weeks of age are young enough to be socialized and
adopted; we just need the manpower to make this happen. Working with a small group of foster parents who specialize in socialization, WHS has been able to find permanent homes for these
adoptable kittens. But we could always use more helping hands! If
you are interested in volunteering or donating to CatNiPP, please
call 202-608-1356.
Fashion for Paws
10th Annual Runway Show Benefiting the Washington Humane Society
In 2015, CatNiPP experienced much success and WHS was able
to perform TNR on 2,300 feral cats in the District alone. We have
helped over 14,000 cats from Maryland, Virginia, and DC since
the launch of the program in 2006. The program’s success is due
to the dedicated group of volunteer trappers, Animal Control Officers in the field to assist neighbors, and a grass-roots approach to
‘recruiting’ colony caregivers to help with TNR. WHS has many areas of ‘completed’ TNR colonies where no new kittens have been
April 23, 2016 | Grand Hyatt | Washington, DC
Tickets on Sale February 1, 2016!
For more information: www.fashionforpaws.org
202-735-0324 • [email protected]
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THE SCOOP
CARL’S STORY: A FOSTER KITTEN’S ROAD TO HIS FOREVER HOME
By: Jennah Billeter,
Foster Program Manager
Last year between April and
October, the Washington Humane
Society (WHS) placed 675 cats and
kittens into foster care. As the weather
warms up, so does Kitten Season! During this undeniably adorable season,
we are bursting at the seams with
kittens. If you’re looking to help
homeless animals, fostering is a
wonderfully rewarding way
to contribute.
Wondering what it’s like to foster
kittens? Check out Carl’s story…
Hi! I’m Carl. I’m all grown up now,
but when I was a wee kitten, I was
pretty sick. I had an eye infection and
an upper respiratory infection. The
medical staff at WHS took good care
of me, but they knew that because
I was so small and so sick, a foster
home would be the best place for me
to get better.
This really nice lady came along. She
called herself a foster mom, and she
took me home. Man, that place was
awesome! Cozy blankets, a little
house just for me, and lots of love!
I kind of looked like a little flower for
a while because I had to wear a tiny
cone so my eyes would get better.
Just look at how little I was! I was
only about four weeks old when I
went to foster care. When I was living
in foster care, my eyes and my upper
respiratory infection got better. I got
the chance to learn how to live in a
home with people and other animals.
Zoey, my foster sister, was always
playing with me and giving me cat
baths (that wasn’t always my favorite).
Chirp, my foster brother, was pretty
cool, and he would let me snuggle
with him sometimes.
When I was about eight weeks old,
I was ready for adoption! My foster
mom told me she was really going
to miss me, but I was ready to find
a family of my own. I was a little
scared, but let me tell you, I found the
bestest forever mom! Look, there she
is giving me my first snuggles. I have
an amazing life all because my foster
mom opened her heart and home to
a little guy in need of a little
extra TLC.
have medical needs, or who have
been in the shelter environment for
an extended period of time. We also
need fosters for our momma cats who
are still nursing a litter of kittens. We
place bottle babies (kittens who are
too young to eat independently and
need to be bottle fed), undersocialized kittens, kittens who are
too young to be spayed/neutered
(between four and seven weeks
old), and kittens with illness into foster
homes. Ready to get started? Fill out
a foster application today! Still have
questions? You can e-mail
[email protected].
Here at WHS, we have lots of kittens
and cats that could use a loving foster
home. We place adult cats who are
Have questions
yourenvironment,
WHS pet? Ask our team
scaredabout
in the shelter
of experts at [email protected].
www.washhumane.org
MEET THE BOARD - PRISCILLA CLAPP
 WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING ON THE
WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
I have had the pleasure of serving on the WHS board for almost 20
years. During those years I have seen the organization transform itself
from one with a small board of dedicated volunteers to a meaningful
organization with a sophisticated board of directors. The board has
evolved in its stewardship of WHS under the current management team.
We can focus on broader issues impacting the lives of the animals in the
District and develop a vision for the future. I am proud to have been a
part of the evolution.
 HOW MANY PETS DO YOU HAVE?
TELL US ABOUT THEM…
I have three cats and a sweet little Yorkie mix - all from the New
York Avenue Adoption Center. Batman is my oldest. I adopted him
with his sister Robin and they traveled with me to Burma. Batman is
now over 17 and his sister has been gone for several years. In 2009,
I was adopted by another set of siblings I call the “MINIS” – Miniman
and Minimouse. Both white with black markings like Batman. Yes, you
could say I have a type. My little Yorkie mix, Kobe, started as a medical
foster. He had two broken legs and I volunteered to nurse him back to
health. Now he is my faithful companion, often joining me on trips to
the WHS offices where he can visit with his old friend, Edgar.
 WHAT IS ONE THING YOU ARE PARTICULARLY
EXCITED ABOUT FOR WHS’S FUTURE?
Priscilla enjoying some time with
adoptable cats at
the New York Avenue Adoptio
n Center
For the past 20 years, I have dreamed of a facility that would provide superior animal care
and humane education for all District residents. Now that dream is coming true and I am excited to be a part of it.
 WHAT IS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU ARE VERY PROUD OF?
Over the past 20 years, WHS has made incredible advances in cat care. The shelter conditions have improved for our
feline inhabitants with spaces that allow greater socialization. The cat programs have become more robust with the success
of our Trap, Neuter, and Return initiative and CatNiPP. I have seen the humane treatment of cats improve with more
cats being adopted, fewer cats being unnecessarily euthanized, and a significant decrease in unwanted cats. Those are
accomplishments that are near and dear to me.
 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL, AND WHY?
I couldn’t possibly choose just one animal. I love them all!
 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STORY TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT WHS?
Of all the animals WHS has saved and put into forever homes, those that I have personally helped hold a special place
in my heart. I have a god-dog, Daisy, whom I helped place. She now lives in a wonderful home and gets to run with the
horses. I also helped place a wonderful pittie/lab mix, Penny, who was cared for during Bark Ball by a friend’s daughter.
Now Penny is part of a loving family and is a wonderful example of the animals we have available for adoption. My favorite
stories are those I hear from families who have opened their homes and their hearts to animals I have introduced to them.
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WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY AND WASHINGTON ANIMAL RESCUE
LEAGUE MERGE Continued from Front page
Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of WHS, has become
President and CEO of the combined organization, with Roger
Marmet, former chairman of the board of WARL, serving as
board chair. A new name and brand for the combined
organization will be announced in coming months.
“This is a historic day for the animals of our region,” said Lisa
LaFontaine, President and CEO on the day of the
announcement. “Washington will be the first major city to bring
together every animal-related program in an end-to-end
system for area residents and animals. By unifying the District’s
two iconic animal welfare organizations, we are creating a
model organization that can tackle the systemic challenges
facing animals in our region and nationally. Together, we can
achieve our vision of a community where there is a loving
home for every unwanted animal, affordable medical care for
every sick and injured animal, an end to animal abuse and
cruelty, and stronger bonds between animals and people
through education and training. Both of our organizations
shared a single guiding principle throughout this process - that
we should do whatever is best for the people and animals
of our region.”
The merger has been approved in unanimous votes of both the
WARL and WHS boards, and the two organizations have been
working at the leadership level for the last several months to lay
the groundwork for a smooth and efficient combination. Given
the significant and growing responsibilities of the combined
organization, the organization expects to have a larger
combined staff as programs continue to expand and grow.
“When we looked at the incredible opportunities through this
merger, the answer was clear,” said Roger Marmet, chairman of
the board of the combined organization. “This merger will allow us to save more animals, help more animals, protect more
animals, and find more animals permanent loving homes. Even
better, it creates a one-stop destination for residents for all
animal-related needs, whether a search for a new
companion to join their family, financial assistance with
veterinary care or pet food, assistance with behavioral
problems, vaccination or spay/neuter services, or help from
officers for a lost, injured, or abused animal.”
www.washhumane.org
MERGER
Continued from Page 8
Please join us in celebrating
this historic moment in animal
welfare. We are excited for
what the future holds and look
forward to sharing many more
years of success with you.
Thank you from the bottom of
our hearts to all of you, our
devoted supporters and
friends, for having done so
much to make this partnership
possible. We look forward to
working with you in the months
and years ahead to create a
bright future for the people
and animals of the National
Capital region.
WHS and WARL will bring together a
comprehensive set of animal care and protection
programs that currently touch the lives of more than
60,000 animal annually, including:
l Rescue and Adoption – With a combined 90%
save rate for animals, WHS and WARL have built
national models for effective rescue and adoption
programs, and offer public access to two major
adoption facilities.
l Humane Law Enforcement – Under its 145-year-old
Congressional Charter, WHS serves as DC’s “animal
cops” protecting the District’s animals from
cruelty and harm.
l Low-Cost Veterinary Services – WARL’s state-of-theart medical center provides veterinary care to all
families in the District, regardless of their
ability to pay.
l Animal Control – WHS serves as the District’s
animal control agency, responding to nearly 1,500
calls per month for animal emergencies ranging from
lost and injured companion animals to injured wildlife.
9
l Behavior and Learning – WHS and WARL offer a
wide range of education programs for pet
owners to help strengthen relationships and address
common household problems.
l Spay/Neuter Services – WHS runs the region’s only
high-volume low-cost spay and neuter center,
helping address the root cause of pet
overpopulation.
l Pets for Life - WHS goes door-to-door in under
resourced communities to help pet owners get
information and access to veterinary services,
vaccinations, behavior training, spay-neuter
services, and other important resources.
l Other Programs – WHS and WARL also offer
programs ranging from humane education programs
to a “Safe Haven” program for the pets of victims of
domestic violence, and a pet food bank for families
facing difficult financial times.
LITTER BOX SET UP
By: Melissa Morris, Behavior & Training Counselor
Litter box issues are one of the most common reasons cats are
surrendered by their owners. Cats may start pottying outside the
box as the result of a large variety of issues, ranging from
medical reasons to stress from a change in the household. Here
are some tips to help set your cat up for success.
First, the location of the litter box is important. Ideally, it should
be somewhere easy for the cat to access, but out of the way
of a lot of household traffic. No cat wants to potty where there
are a lot of people or other animals always walking by. A
bathroom or a quiet corner of a bedroom are usually good
options. It is important to ensure that the cat is not going to
be disturbed while using the bathroom. Having a dog stick his
head in the litter box while the cat is trying to potty is a quick
way for the cat to develop a negative association with the
box, so consider putting up a barrier like a baby gate to the
room to help keep other animals out.
How many litter boxes should you have? The ideal formula
is the number of cats plus one. So if you have two cats, you
should have three litter boxes located throughout the house.
This way, the cats don’t have to wait until another cat is finished
or accidentally run into another cat while on their way
to the box.
As for the litter box itself, you want to make sure that the litter
box is large enough for your particular cat. The ideal size is
1.5 times the length of the cat. I recommend starting with an
uncovered litter box at first. You can always try adding an
additional covered litter box later to see if the cat is
comfortable with it.
There are many different types of cat litters available. I
recommend starting with an unscented, scoopable litter. If you
ever want to switch litters down the road, be sure to start with
only one of the litter boxes in order to see if the cat likes that
particular litter. That way, if he doesn’t like the feel of it, he can
still use the other box with the familiar litter. If, after two weeks,
he is using the new litter regularly, you can phase
out the old litter.
The most important factor when it comes to litter boxes is
cleaning. No kitty wants to use a dirty box. Litter boxes should
be scooped at least twice a day. This will not only be more
pleasant for the cat, it will also help control any odor.
These simple steps should help to set up the cat for a lifetime
of good potty habits. If your cat does suddenly start pottying
elsewhere, the first step is to take him to the vet to rule out any
medical causes.
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THE SCOOP
Honorariums and Memorials listed here were received through December 31, 2015. For more information,
please contact [email protected]. Thank you!
Honorariums
Adam Chase
Carolyn L. Godberg
Adam Chase
Karl, Rachel, & Noah Myers
Adela
Margaret & Patricia Heck
Adrian Taylor
Lynn Karcich
Adrienne & Sofia Brown
Joy of Music
Alejandro Villa Bass
Margot S. Bass
Alex
Lonna & Mike Milburn
Alex Hunt
Anslie Stokes-Milligan
Alex Roosenburg
Anne Bernoux
Ali Miller
Emma Nagy
Ali, Baba, & Locket
Shelley Harlan
& Frank Gilmore
Alicia Dellario
Eye Bank Association of America
Amy Carter
Barbara & Bob Knight
Amy Riella
Michael Riella
Andrew & Lauren Fisher
Emily Farr
Angel
Celeste Puppolo
Anina Ertel
Karen Ertel
Anjali & Greg Zielinski
Steven Zielinski
Ann Patch
Richard Patch
Ann Russell Ashton
Beau Wilson
Anna Dutton
John & Jay
Anne C. Armstrong
Robert & Phoebe Armstrong
Annie
Sidha Hover & Jude Appan
Annie McLaughlin Cavallaro
Patricia Cavallaro
Arrow
Stefanie Doebler
Audrey Wellons
Cliff & Anne Babkirk
Avi Creditor
Bruce & Susan Creditor
Baby Leight
Melissa Stock
Bambi, Troubles, Gretel, & Pixie
David Foltz
Barbara Krumsiek & Bart Leonard
Adelaide Krumsiek
Baxter the Beagle
Frank & Hanne Correl
Beau Archer
Ellie & John Hagner
Betty Byrne & her two
rescue cats
Elaine Shafrin
Bill Doran
Bette Goldman
Blanca & Frankie
Vincent Hudock
Blaze
Jan Stovall
Blue, Moxie, Weezie, Willa, & Siesta
Murph
The Wonderful People of BMRA
John & Judy Dove
Boo
Roger Wilson
Boots Hoffman
Emma Miniscalco
Brett Weisband
Rachel Neugroschel
Buddy & Ginger
Helen Kay
Camsey Noonan
Gregory Noonan
Carla Tapp
Roger Wilson
Carolyn Dee
Robert Dee
Carolyn Tapp, Cindy, & Gunnar Welch
Roger Wilson
Cathy, Gabe, & Nicholas Faggiano
Roger Wilson
Chancy
Brian Thomson
Charlie Fisher
Suzanne Boyer
Charlotte Radomski
Julia Radomski
Charlotte Radomski
Mark & Carol Radomski
Christine Riddiough & Judith Nedrow
Paula Gerden
Chuck Weir
Gregg Weir
Coco & Folger
Heather Kelly
Community Cats Team
John Haddick
Corinne
Sheri Carline
Corinne & Fred Patt
Anne-Marie & Wes Smith
Craig Thomas & Gina Fiore
Carole Thomas
Cristina & Layla
Amber Burkhardt
Cubby & Barney
Dianne & Buzz
Curtis Bristol & Marie Drissel
The Friends of Mitchell Park
Dale
Barbara Coover
Daphne
Sheley Goldstein
David
Denise Brandon
David Pomerleano
Bob & Phillis Payne
Dexter
Lawrence Lorber
Diane H. Markman
Lenore Miller
Diane Lewis
The Persky-Hyman Family
The Egan-Stevens Family
Carol & Frankie
Elayne
Gregory Sybersma
Eliza Cava & Rachel Shorey
Eric, Shop, & Ella
Ella
John Oliver
Erik Blevins
John T. Barringer
Erin & Andrew Miceli
Katherine Moran Meeks
Erin & Lawrence McNamara
Debbie & Fred Anderson
Ethan Stoll
Janie Stoll
Evonne Hubbard
Jamie Nolan
Fezzie Web
Justin Supon
Fifi Wang
Rebecca Howard
Finney & Stephanie Williams
John Williams
Fiona & Rosalind
Kim Bryant
Florence Sandbloom
Celia Sandbloom
Frances Wang
Matthew Do
Gabe & Daisy Dog
Veronica Duron
The Garibay Hawkins Family Pets
Maura Garibay
Gary Sikora & Peg Shaw
Judith Katz
Ginger
Judith Suzuki
Glenda
Sue Carlton
Gracie
Lawrence Clark
Gracie
Sarah Holewinski
Greg Richards
Amy Collins
Gunther, Hurricane, Fiammetta, & Aryaa
Henry Mastroni
Gwenyth
Joleen Somerville
Hannah Grace
Libby Wile
Hannah Hein
Jonah Hein
Hannah von Rautenfeld
Kathryn von Rautenfeld
Heather Romani
Andrew, Charles, James, & Fiona
Hector Andes
Scott Andes
Heidi Menearchik
Debra Menarchik
Henry Bartlett
Seth Extein
Lisa Yen
Irene Hoffman
Pam Godwin
Jaime Knepper
Teresa Reichhardt
Jane Behan
Sally & Michael Behan
Janet & Tom
Erica Karp
Jay Facemire
Christine Mallett
Jay Timmons
Rosemary Obrien
Jay Timmons & Rick Olson
BOWA
Jean Bohinski
Linda Paul
Jeff Buckotz
Anna Van Lier
Jennifer Larson
Katya Larson
Jim & Courtney Spearman
Steven Worley
Jim & Linda Bikoff
Darlene Klinksieck
Joanna
Stuart & Ellen Seeherman
Joe Kraft
Elizabeth Mortimer
John & Suzanne
Helen Liversidge
John Savage & Chablis
Michael Lowery
John Skinner
Beau Wilson
Jordan Judice
Elise Ackley
Jordan Weiss
Daniel & Nancy Weiss
Julie Conway &
Kathryn Lehman
Nan & Scott Hayworth
Julius
John Hoffman
Juneau
James G. Dunn &
Kay A. Boerrigter
Kaelyn & Charlie Davey
Joy & Dave
Kathleen Moran
Barbara & Charles Moran
Katrina & Louise
Catherine & Clem Larson
Kaya
Andrew Grossman
Kenton Keith
Christine Covey
Kerri Patterson
Sara Zoe Patterson
Kerry Contini, Stark Sutton, & Ed
Evelyn Sutton
Kevin & Ann
The Shedd Family
Kim Sutton
LeRae Sutton
King Cat
Megan, Patrick, & Lady
Kirby
Carol & Jim Crew
The Knight Family
Beau Wilson
Kobe
Priscilla Clapp
Kristina
Jensen Chiu
Kwasi Mitchell
Jerome & Nancy Sullivan
Lauren & Eric Trabert
Iverson Bell
Leigh Sparks
John & Katherine Tucker
Leila Sheppard-Hindmand
Christal Sheppard &
Reed Hindmand
Leo & Aquarius
Paul Kaplan
Leo & Dottie Hannan
Scott Satkoske
Leroy Jethro
Howard & Serena Weisman
Lila & Jim
Johanna Elsemore & Courtney Tate
Lilly Goldberg
Mara Walker
Lily & Buffy
Susan Weilminster
Liz Thomas
Rhys Thomas
Loki
Lawrence Clark
Loki-San, Thor-San, Luna, & Orange Kitty
Roger Wilson
Louie Dweck
Jennifer Taylor
Louie Dweck
Harlan & Natasha Levine
Lucian Mattia
Lynn Bopf
Luci
Judith Johnson
Lucky
Arlene Brown
Lucy
Caroline Pardoe
Lusa Maria
Bryant Collins
Mr. & Mrs. Luther J. Carter
Barbara & Bob Knight
Maddy & Jasper Beckwith
Melissa Jones
Madhu Sreekumar
Courtney Kieba
Madison Bolis
Linnae Clinton
Maggie, Annie, & Charlie
Eugene & Carol Ludwig
Maia Berlow
Susan Blaustein
Marcy Porter
Orland Porter
Marie
Barbara Ilacaqua
Marika & Brandon Bragatto
Allen & Barbara Horowitz
Marjorie Frank
Cynthia Frank
Markus
Mercedes & David Shaw
Martin Angell
Michael Angell
Mary Gawronski
Mary K. O’Melveney
Matthew “Monkey” Newell
Thomas Klusmann
Meadow Sagner
Tessa Sagner
Meagan Squance-Sharp
Jonathan, Jessica, Ari, Einstein, Tchachkee, & Misha Lubetsky
The Meeker Family
Beau Wilson
Meg Milroy
Amy Anda
Megan Shawcross
George, Ryan, & Amy
Melissa Harris
Tony Harris
Melissa Kass
Charles Kass
Metta
Marc Wall
Mical Cecealia & Erik Ylitalo
Kate Connolly
Michele Boyd & Fabian Ramos
Mike & Tina Cutini
Millie
Margaret Ann Talbott
Millie Bade
Faith Bade
Miranda & Robert Liebscher
The Franke Family
Mollie the Wonder Dog
Michael Goldstein
Monkey
Mary Borja
Murphy & Piper
Ann Gilligan
Nakesha Villa Bass
Margot S. Bass
Nala & Ellie
Jared Levinson
Nancy Winchester
Adele Cerrelli
Eugene Salvo
Natalie Cahill
Emily & Brian Cahill
Nathaniel Rosenberg
Harold, Diane, & Michael Holt Feldman
Neal Rutledge
The Hershey Family
Nick Bravos
Noriah Bricker
Nikko
Walpole & Lucie Davis
Otis
Emily Dryfoos
Pam Godwin
Adrienne White
Rosemary Fluman
Patricia Rose
Eugene Rose
Paul Kim
Beau Wilson
Paul S. Garrard &
Nelson Smith
Deborah Garrard
Peggy Diekan
Marsha Dubrow
Pepper
Benjamin Sarlin
Pepper Potts
Candi Jones
Phoebe Fairburn
Susannah Beals-Simon
Pixie
Farah Aboo Baker
The Platek Family
Beau Wilson
Pluto
Harjant Gill
Ponce
Laurence Beck
Priscilla Clapp
Christine Covey
Quinn & Orange Guy
Ashley Harris
Rachel Epstein-Shuman
Molly Rauch &
Elka Longstreth
Robert Johnson
Byron C. Johnson
Robert M. Kimmitt, Jr.
Ambasssador & Mrs. Robert Kimmitt
Robert Taylor
Joseph Taylor
Ruby
John & Susan Warshawsky
Rufus
Karen Spencer
Sahand Miraminy
Callie Hawkins
Sally Cat & Coopurr
Helen Pajcic
Sammy & Lucy
Sue Bradley
Sarah & Cooper
Zizi & Ric
Sarah Prohopik
Carla Buss &
Carl Bergmann
Scott & Chris
Tom & Ann Stevens
Scott Stevens
Elizabeth & Benjamin Sislen
Shamus
Karen Zens
Shana Zallman
Leah Zallman
Sheila Ward Harry
Ed & Rita Bailey
Siesta
Murph
Simon Kapiamba
Nan Shellabarger
Smidge
Kristin & Sean Uhrig
Smitty Hayes
Cheryl Hayes
Snickerdoodle
Mary Jo George
Snowflake & Otis
Joyce Sinder
Snuggle Puss
Christina Diederich
Sparky & Abby
Ruth Ann & James Evans
Stan Hodziewich
Cassandra Sims
Steph Tatham & Tom Lee
Stephen Feyer
www.washhumane.org
11
Memorials Continued
Stephanie Barnes
Justin Wallace
Stephanie Weiner
Susan Beach
Steve & Phantom
Mark Scott
Sweeney
Trudy Todd
Sweet Fancy
Lynn Karcich
The Tanielian Family
Judith Browne
Taylor
Gail Soloway
Terri Fariello
Frank Fariello
Teresa Tarantola
Thomas Comparetto
The TorchLight Team
Tim & Bridget
Robert Moll
Tim DeMagistris
& David Medina
John & Jay
Tina Silber
Antoinnet Zabaldo
Todd Bostick
Ashley Edwards
Tom Hillin
Joshua Hillin
Tyler
Tobias Seggerman
Valerie Burden
DonnaRae Castillo
Emily Wack & Nick Perros
Katie Legomsky & Mike Posner
Weezie & Willa
Murph
Wesley King, Luka, & Stella
Beau Wilson
The White Family
Roger Wilson
WHS CatNiPP Crew
John Haddick
Winnie Catbagan & Rob Laciak
Wendy Catbagan
Wolfgang’s Dad
Jess McGlyn
Zack
Mary & Frederick Albert
Ziggy, Patches, & Sparky
Stephen Riddell
& Pamela Frederick
Memorials
Abbey, Toni, & Charles
Frieda Shama
Abigail
Marvin Grubbs
Adam Kamp
The Senate Steering Committee
Raymond Gabriel
Alma
Pat & Harley Davis
Ambassador William
McC Blair
Barbara Culliton
Amber, Squirt, Ellie, Sweetie,
& Jackson
Peg Shaw & Gary Sikera
Andy
Jeanne Konicki
Angie Galatzan
Gloria del Carmen Rodriguez & Napoleon The Cairn Terrier
Annie Crandall
Deborah Crandall
Annie Savitt
Frank & Lori Weisel
Audrey Beckford
Sterling Pease
Baby Seal
Hilary Foster
Bailey
Ann Ingram
Bailey
Michelle McGrath
Barney Bear
Michael Mulherin
Tracy Speelhoffer
Stella Hanley
Basil
Elaine Albers
Bastet
Jennifer Peters
Batman
Amy, Joe, Adam, & Winston Mazur
Baxter the Beagle
Hanne & Frank Correl
BC
Joan Bonk
Beau
David McB. Howell
Belle
Justine, Snooks, & Georgie
Belle Wager
Susan Davidson
Blackberry
Rena Toon
Blackie Stack
Suzanne J. Stack
Blackie & Rodie
Farhad Naseh & Fereste Shokrai
Boo
Roger Wilson
Brandon
Joan Miller
Brit & Barbara
Joan Shaffer
Bubbles
Jay Timmons & Rick Olson
Buckaroo
Katherine Cassling
Buddy, Jake, & Henry
Susan Wilson
Bullet
Stephanie Doebler
Burt
Thomas Ede
Caroline Dilweg
David Dombert
Casey Carmody
Mary Carmody
Cayenne
John Bettini
Chance
Beth Plumpe
Chancy
Brian Thomson
Charlie
Michelle McNamara
Chi-chi Pants
Pamela Patterson
Chloe
Dawn & Leon Harris
Cleo
Michelle & Glenn Engelmann
Cory Johnston
Corine Rodriguez
Daisey
Rene & Kathy
David, Bailey & Franklin
Jim Gregory
Derby
Nick Petrone
Desi Lu
Anne Beenick
Desperado
Leonard Kaufman
Dillon
Kathryn Gill Cook
Dillon McCullough
Stephanie Denney
Dolly & Millie
Marvin & Evelyn Bloom
Don Howard, Jr.
David & Elizabeth Mohre
Don LaFontaine
Martina Benton
Steve Bralove
Priscilla Clapp
Julie A. Conway
Theresa Fariello
Mary Jarvis
Kelly Madden
Alexandra Miller
Emily Miller
Andrew Platou
Alison Putnam
Stephanie Shain
Gloria Shaunesey
Andrew Weinstein
Chuck Weir
Gwyn Whittaker
Jay Timmons & Rick Olson
Louie & Ralph Dweck
Donald James Bowe, Sr.
Christy Bowe
Donut Kim
Jo A. Kim
Dorian Ivanov
Jason Claire
Dorothy O’Hara
Earlene Thomasberg
Dorothy Rivers
Katie Basiotis
Dorrie & Scruffy
Christina Fleps
Dottie
Beverly & John J. Krieger
Duffy
Aime & Paul Chapdelaine
Duffy
Amy, Joe, Adam & Winston Mazur
Einstein, Charlotte, & Scrod
Roger Wilson
Elizabeth (Libby) Cook Seguin
Robert Seguin
Elizabeth McIntire
Peter & Molly Lowcock
Elizabeth McIntire
Wesley Walsman
Eloise
Leslie Reid
Emmy
Mary Tracy
Emmy the Emerald Kitty
Patricia Richter
Esther Kolb Eveleth
Peter Eveleth
Eudell Stevens
Lisa Stevens
Fanny
Viola & Charles Lund
Farrah, Stoney, & Marvic
Eric C. Von Schilgen
Flip White
Maureen Nagle
Folly
Ruth Tiger
Francesca Freckles of
Windermere
Haleigh Spasojevich
Frankie
Diana & Nina Gregg
Fred & Archie
James F. Perna
Frisky
Reginald Chisholm
Fritz
Eddie VanArsdall
G. Esther Pollack
Ilene Pollack
Gator, Todd, & Lille
Megan Draheim
Geo
Samantha Jeschonek
George
Ahmad Shihadah
George A. Spencer
Robert Spencer
George A. Spencer
The Weinstein & Coakley Families
German Jordan
Dorris & Allen Jordan
Ghandi
Laura Ost
Ginger
Dorris & Allen Jordan
Goldie & Indy
Carole Fleck
Gracie & Slippers
Justin Navarro & Douglas Olson
Gray & Guy Noir
Janice & Joseph McKeever
Grayton Friedlander
Nat, Colin, Olivia, & Adelaide
Hailey
Erin Connolly
Halle
James Knowles
Henry Huddleston
Ashley Harris
Hobbes Fry
Gertrude Fry
Ida Mae Shapiro
Faith Rosenbaum
Isabel Nace
Cathy Nace & David Levy
Dr. Isadore & Rella Wexler
Sheila Wexler
Itty Bitty
Sabine Roy
Jacey
Adele McGhee
Jackie & Spanky
Doris Pollen
Jacob Santana Threatt
Adrianne Griffin Threatt
Jada Heft
Adrienne Heft
Jasmine & Verbena
Ronald & Pat Bitondo
Jean Weir
Joseph & Mary Hitt
Pandit Wright
Jeepers Petersen
Nicholas Petersen
Jem & Devon
Janet Hinchclif
Jesse Julie Holder
Anne Holder
Jiffy
Doris Faber
Joey & Casey
Chris Elder
Julie
Gay Pirozzi
Julius Bouvier Phelps
Kaarina Tuulikki Budow
Juma
John & Susan Warshawsky
Juneau
Kay Boerrigter & James Dunn
Kabuki & Primo
Wendla Wilkinson
Katie
Wanda & Michael Henderson
Kenneth & Nancy Tack
Josh & Helene Terry
Kitty
Karen, Erik, & Winnie
Kitty Miller
Julie A. Conway
Kitty Snow
M McGinnis
Kramer
Larry Gondelman & Pauline Sobel
Lenox
Michelle Haskey
Libby Belle
Jacqueline Schesnol
Lilly
Amy Dunbar
Little One, Duck, Baby Jesus, & Bunny Weinberger
Lesli Mangeri
Lizzie
James Quinn
Louie
Noelle Driscoll
Louie Smart
Helen McConnell
Lucky
Scott, Andrew, Art, Joy, & Rocket
Lucky Jack
Elisabeth O’Sullivan
Lucy
Charles McMillion
Lulu
Elizabeth Conklin
Maggie & Kayla
Hector Vargas
Maggie, Scooter, & Sparky
R. David Gary
Marian Burns
Clifford & Kathleen Neal
Max
Bethany Bridgham
Max Gillotti
Mary Ann Owsley
Max, Ollie, & Sunshine
The Shegogue Family
Maya & Vivian
Erin Darling
Mel & Copper
Kristin Ward
Michele Matsuda
Faith Hermann
Sandra Manwiller
Toni Schmidt
Sheila Waterstrat
Millie Velasquez
Stephanie Shain
Mimi
Lee Berger
Miss Muffin
Mary Beth Beetham
Missy
John Jay Hopkins Foundation
Misty, Callie, Tigger, & Katie
Harold & Marsha DeWeese
Mitzi
Susan Payne
Moe
Therese & John Castellani
Molly, Charlie, Sadie, & Buford
Katherine Jones
Monica
Diane Ordes & Carol Gross
Mosby
Sarah Nathanson
Murphy
Julie Miles
Musi
Casey & Bridger Cushman
The Nairs & Jesse
Girish & Gita Nair
Naomi Jennings & Baxter Sours
Linda Ford
Neal P. Rutledge
Laurie Sullivan
Helen Zitomer
Mary Ellen & William Switzer
Nero
Jennifer Boger
Nicki Thomas
Tracey LaTurner
Ninja Blasco-Starr
Erin Blasco
Norm Glaeberman & Brownie
Marnie Glaeberman
Ollie Schmidt
J. Marren Schmidt
Oreste Dimarzo
Giulia Dimarzo
Oscar Becker
Bonita Becker
Otto
Mark Linton
Patches
Jayme Harper
Patches
The Freeman Family
PD
Peter Kissel
Peepy Rose
Elizabethe Almeras
Pepsi, Hilo, Ginger, Maya, & Ellie May
Beau Wilson
Pesky
Joyce Harmon
Phyllis Hodes
Julie Polinger
Pierre Howard
Lynda Wright
Pippa & Maya Lewis
Jamie Coleman & CJ Batten
Pooh
Sujeeta Bhatt
Porker, Stumpy Joe, & Taboo
Michelle Bazie & Peter Van Rossum
Prince Hairy Harry
Martha S. Fletcher
Punkin
Deborah O’Connell
Puppy, Pip, Kitty, & Lulu
Catherine Chieco
Quill & Winston
Jennifer Kendrick
Ra
Linda Deringer
Reese Kissel
Russell Willig
Rex
Jane Stieber
Richard
Business Management Research Associates, Inc.
Riley
Charles Murik
Robie Sypolt
Corie Berkemeyer
Rosie
Beau Wilson
Rosie
Lucien & Christine Garo
Rubus & Weasley
Allison McCoy
Ruffian & Piper
Marilyn Muench
Rugger & Murphy
David Gilliland
Samantha Bedell
John Cooney
Shana Fischer Millican
Stephanie Salvator Burtt
The McDonald Family
Sammi
Mara Johnson
Scout
Julie Kaston & Roger Wentzel
Seca
Virginia Van Horne
Shari Barton
Chrysanthe Courniotes
Shelby
Corey Henry
Shelby
Todd & Veronika Bromberg
Simba & Scout
Diana Terrell
Simon
Catherine Brack
12
THE SCOOP
Memorials Continued
Sinclair
Brad Greenfield
Skylar
Sheila B. Moreland
Smiley
Ann Lowe & Jon Barrett
Smokey
Julie Brouse
Snowball
Ronald Trone
Sophie Tufano
Jeanne & Frank Tufano
Spanky
Kathy Maxwell
Sparky & Abby
Ruth Ann Evans
Spotsy
Caroline Pardoe
Stanley M. Hecht
Martin Kotler
Robert Hohl
Dr. Sukhen C. Chaudhuri
Neil Chaudhuri
Suzie
Thomas Swegle
Suzy & Katy
Michael Greene
Taco
Megan Moryerman
Tasha
Taryn, Kevin, & Xander
Teddy
Dianne Battle
Thurgood
Dennis Moore
Timmy, Riki, Jenny, Lucy, & Truffle
Mary Abate
Tinky
Thomas O’Keefe
Tito Levine
Marian Galeano
Toby
Kathleen O’Malley
Toby Rohde
Barbara Rohde
Tom Bandy
Robert Blizard
Topoli & Feferi
Robert Hunter
Tucker
Madeline Blankenship
Tucker Scharpf
Marianne Scharpf
Tuesday Kirstein
Kerry Kirstein
Vance & Mary Frances Bright
Cheryl Bright
Whitaker
Sandra Smith
Whitey
Charles & Kristen Salvo
Willy Butler
Headley Butler
Xena Warrior Princess Dog
Stephanie Vance
Yggdrasil
Meredith, Freyja, & Kisa Strider
Zephyr
Clare Palace
Zipper & Derby
Ginger Moss
Zoe
Susan Steel
ANIMAL CONTROL FIELD SERVICES:
WORKING TO KEEP CATS IN THEIR HOMES
BY: CPL. MEG HOLEVA, ANIMAL CONTROL FIELD SERVICES
Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Most people know that,
but until they are faced with compounding costs, it often doesn’t
sink in. As Animal Control Officers, by the time we arrive at a
situation, many times pet owners have already hit the final straw
and are overwhelmed by issues, particularly with cats. Our first
course of action when we arrive on scene is always to assess
the environment and the condition of the animal. If both of
those things are positive, then we have to figure out why the pet
owner wants to surrender the animal.
One of the biggest complaints we get from cat owners is that
the cat is being destructive. Examples of destruction can be
clawing furniture, defecating outside the litter box, spraying in
the house, or breaking out screens. We have heard tales of
cats getting out of the house and having multiple litters until the
owners are completely over-run and overwhelmed with kittens.
Then these cats are surrendered to our already full shelter. It’s
never an easy decision to make, and it’s one that
we try to help avoid.
Our job as Officers and representatives of WHS is to keep
animals out of our adoption centers. Provided that it is in the
best interest of the cat, we’ll offer many different levels of
assistance. For some cats, we offer the owner cat treats and a
scratch pad or two. For others, it’s as simple as counseling the
owners on proper litter changing and providing them with more
BLOG
litter boxes. For others, sometimes, we lend a compassionate
ear and help find the best solution for the individual situation.
In the case cited earlier of the cat that got out, with the owner
finding himself buried under far too many cats, the owner
ended up surrendering all of the cats because of how
overwhelming the situation had become. As I was leaving the
scene, I sat down with the owner and talked to him about
possibly keeping the original cat. He shook his head, still far too
overwhelmed to even entertain the thought of keeping a cat.
I told him that we could offer him support in the form of spay
surgery and vaccinations. He wanted to think about it. Later that
night, because of that support, we were able to arrange for the
original cat to go back to her home, spayed and vaccinated.
A majority of cats, just need basic care: yearly vaccinations
and checkups, food, litter, toys, and love. With services like our
low-cost vaccination clinics and voucher programs, being a cat
owner is more affordable than ever, as long as the community
is aware of the services being offered. Outreach and compassion are the first steps to keeping pets in homes. Sometimes it’s as
simple as listening; more often it’s being willing to offer support.
Keeping animals in their homes starts with empathy towards the
people that love them, regardless of their situation.
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15-WHSDC-0216-N