Meet Ron - Lort Smith Animal Hospital

companion
WINTER 2011
LORT SMITH AnimAl Hospital newsletter
Meet Ron
the Maintenance Man
In this edition
Lort Smith
Cage Sponsorship
Helping the Homeless
Short & Snappy
Update from the CEO
BITSA
W
elcome to the winter edition of Companion. It’s hard to believe we’re already
over half way through the year. We hope you and your pets are keeping
warm as we shiver through one of the coldest seasons for some years now.
The last few months have seen demand for Lort Smith’s services continue to grow.
Our shelter has been at capacity, with our cattery and hospital staff also working
hard to provide care to the animals that pass through our doors. In Marketing &
Fundraising the team have been busy organising events and working on initiatives
to ensure everyone is aware of the special work we do. Recently, we had the good
fortune of attending a wonderful recital and drinks party to raise money for Lort
Smith at the original Myer family estate in Melbourne. A special thanks to Baillieu
and Sarah Myer for funding and hosting this special night, and also to Samantha
Baillieu (our Vice-President) for her wonderful assistance with this event.
In the world of social media, the Lort team have continued to dive head first into
Facebook and Twitter. Whilst personally I am still learning the ropes, we’ve already
seen the amazing results social networking can bring. We recently made a public
call for blanket donations for our shelter animals via Facebook – given the cold snap
we are always looking for blanket donations. To our delight, the social media world
responded with an offer of 10 bags from country Victoria. Thanks to Trish Parker for
keeping the online momentum going, and to Raquel Heron who made the trip up
from Geelong to drop them at Lort Smith. I look forward to seeing how our use of
social media continues to increase awareness of our activities.
Another exciting development is the forthcoming launch of our Cage Sponsorship
Program (see page 6). This initiative will provide groups,
including schools, businesses and community groups
with the opportunity to sponsor either our cat or
dog cages throughout the shelter and hospital. Of
course, individuals can also participate. Stay tuned
via our website for an update on program details.
Speaking of which, our website will be going live
with a completely refreshed look by mid August.
This will provide a wonderful platform for
us to continue communicating with
our supporters as well as provide
a range of information on
responsible pet ownership
and the benefits of the
human/animal bond.
I hope you enjoy this
edition of Companion
and thank you for
your ongoing
support of Lort
Smith.
Liz Walker
CEO
A special thank you to our corporate partners and supporters
2
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
B
ITSA (Breed Identification
Through Scientific Analysis)
uses cutting edge DNA technology
to provide an accurate history of
your dog’s ancestry. This involves
analysing hundreds of snippets of
your dog’s DNA - acquired through
a simple cheek swab. These snippets are then cross-referenced
against an extensive genetic database to provide a breed signature –
or a series of breed signatures.
The Benefits of BITSA;
• Identifies the breed(s) that make
up your dog
• Offers insight into behaviour and
personality
• Uncovers potential health issues
• Applies a simple, safe and noninvasive sampling method
• Provides assurance of knowing
who your dog really is
• Facilitates an even closer bond
with your loved pet
A BITSA test costs $145.95 with
$29 going to Lort Smith. If you
would like to order a BITSA test
please visit our online shop at
www.lortsmith.com or call
Jessie on 03 9321 7215.
connecting
hospital update
Us
W
ow, what a few months can bring! All the staff are
feeling invigorated and excited about the initiatives that are falling into place at the Lort as part of the
Connect Program, a continuous improvement program
that will see us deliver quality care to a greater number
of animals. We have seen the arrival of several new staff,
including a bunch of new faces in Business Services (our
reception area), a new Shelter Manager (Liz Walker – yes,
you read correctly... we now have two Liz Walkers) as well
as new managers to head up our Veterinary & Nursing
departments – did you know there are over 40 Vets and
50 nurses working at the Lort? Please join us in welcoming the new team members and if you happen to see them
around at the hospital, feel free to say hello and introduce
yourself.
The great work continues across the hospital and shelter,
with our appointment system resulting in the team seeing
a substantial increase in the number of clients. This is a
wonderful result and one that we are very proud of. Naturally,
we still have our accident and emergency process with any
urgent cases being seen accordingly. For appointments
please phone 03 9328 3021.
Our participation at fundraising events continues to ramp
up, with the Lort team recently attending the VRC Raceday,
Beneful Bark in the Park and a number of other smaller
fundraising BBQs and other events. Thanks to everyone who
assisted along the way. Community fundraising is the lifeblood
of the Lort and we welcome any opportunity to participate
in activities that will help raise money and further our cause.
A special mention to the Friends of Lort Smith who put on a
fabulous luncheon at 9 Darling Street, South Yarra.
We are currently seeking donations for our forthcoming
charity grand final dinner in September. If you, or someone
you know can assist by donating silent auction prizes for the
event please contact Shane on 03 9321 7286.
Over the coming months you will continue to see some new
initiatives roll out across Lort Smith, which have all been put
together for the purpose of supporting our vision: a world in
which animals are respected and the human/animal bond is
understood and valued. Already our reception area is looking
fresher and less cluttered, and we are excitedly waiting for
the paintbrushes to arrive. Also, keep an eye out for our
refreshed logo which will place a clearer focus on what we
do whilst continuing to celebrate the heritage of Lort Smith.
As always, if you have any ideas or can assist us in any way,
we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to call our Marketing
& Fundraising team on 03 9321 7215 or email marketing@
lortsmith.com
Newsletter
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Lort Smith Animal Hospital
3
Adoption Line-Up
6
56
50
46
40
0
seek out new confidant
TYSON
3 9328 3021
CAPPY
9328 3021
MINI
9328 3021
DAISY
9328 3021
D
espite being well looked after by the kind and caring staff at Lort Smith, we’d really love a new home. If you think you can
give us the chance we’re longing for, please visit us at the Lort Smith shelter or call 03 9328 3021. Hope to see you soon!
Hi there! My name is Tyson! I am just over two years old
and am a Ridge Back Cross. I was brought to the Lort Smith
Kennels because my family could no longer take care of me.
I am an absolutely beautiful boy with a super happy smile.
I am also EXTREMELY STRONG and muscular! Because of
my strength and size my new owner will have to be a very
strong and confident individual. I will definitely require an
experienced dog handler, some firm obedience training and
plenty of socialisation and no kids or cats please! I love to
play, fetch and cuddle and I would love plenty of room to run
and frolic as I must keep up my superb physique with some
quality exercise! I’m a very smart boy too, quite the thinker,
so will need a good amount of mental stimulation to keep me
occupied throughout the day so I can challenge my noodle.
So if you think you have the qualities I need, such as assertive
leadership and guidance and TLC, please come in to visit me!
Hi we are Daisy and Buttercup, 1 year old dwarf rabbits
and who are sisters! We are young rabbits who are full of
energy and love to hop around. Daisy is the big explorer and
Buttercup loves to feast on lettuce and pellets. Unfortunately
our previous owner could no longer afford to care for us.
They have given us a second chance by surrendering us to
Lort Smith Animal Hospital where the staff keep a close eye
on us everyday whilst also providing lots of care and cuddles.
We are seeking new owners who adore rabbits and would
love to spoil us rotten with attention and a nice safe place to
call home. If you think you have the right spot for us in your
family, we would love to be adopted together so please call
Lort Smith where we will be waiting to meet you.
My name is Mini and I am around 6 years old. I am an
independent young lady who really doesn’t like other animals!
I love the company of people and enjoy lots of pats and being
brushed. I am very playful and some might suggest that I
am addicted to catnip! I would need a home without any
other animals or children and I would need to be indoors only
cat so that I don’t get sunburnt. Please come and meet me
today!
Hello potential parents! My name is Cappy and I am a 3 year
old, grey tabby looking for a new home to call my own, as my
previous parents could not keep me when they moved house.
I am a very inquisitive and playful young girl and I know that
if you come into meet me we will soon be great friends,
perhaps even family! Please drop in for a play and cuddle
sometime soon.
If you are interested in adopting a new pet please either
come in to the hospital for a visit, check out our website
www.lortsmith.com or call us on 03 9328 3021.
Enjoying retirement....
I
n the last issue of Companion we featured a story on an older gentleman, Big Ben. Over 7
years old, Ben was a Greyhound that had been surrendered into Lort Smith back in September
last year. After many months with us Big Ben has finally found his new and loving home with a
compassionate and caring family who saw Ben in our newsletter and came in to adopt him the very
next day! Big Ben joined his new owner Simon and the rest of the family on their 40 acre property and
quickly became close friends with the family’s other dogs – Zephyr, Spike & Sophie. Ben now spends his
days relaxing on the sofa, exploring the property and enjoying the company of his new family. We want
to thank Simon and his family for adopting Ben; he couldn’t have gone to a better home!
Big Ben
4
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
A Day in
the Life of
Ron
Chapple
Maintenance Man
R
on started at Lort Smith Animal Hospital (LSAH) nearly
4 years ago as a driver and handyman. Very quickly
he proved to be the jack of all trades (literally) and is now
responsible for all maintenance and building services around
Lort Smith.
Charities are extremely close to Ron’s heart, and he was
previously the President of the ‘Pied Pipers’ – a voluntary
group aimed at raising funds for the Royal Children’s
Hospital. He has also received a Governorship for
recognition of his work with the Children’s Hospital.
There is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ when it comes
to Ron’s role. With a task list currently 33 pages long, he
is continually working on many different jobs as well as
“stomping out the fires” that commonly crop up in such
a busy workplace.
Ron’s day normally starts very early; he is often one of
the first here each morning checking to see if everything
is running smoothly. A proud and satisfying moment for
him was when he completed our very own ‘Cat Palace’
after 3 months of extremely hard work. The Cat Palace is a
fantastic, safe and fun enclosed area where our many cats
and kittens get a chance to get out of their cage for
a few hours to socialise and play with each other.
Ron relishes the chance to interact with animals,
often helping out with the temperament tests of our shelter
dogs. As much as Ron loves all animals, he
admits that he does in fact have a favourite; Jeffery,
one of our permanent hospital cats who loves to keep
an eye on things and often climbs up the ladder to inspect
Ron’s work.
‘‘There is no such thing as
a ‘typical day’ when it
comes to Ron’s role.’’
Ron enjoys his job because it is never boring and always
varied. Only recently he received delivery of over $3,500
worth of cat food that had been donated by Whiskas. “It
always astonishes me how kind and generous people are
with donating goods to the hospital”, he said.
The main thing he loves about Lort Smith are the people
he gets to work with each day, “The staff and volunteers at
Lort Smith are all committed to the hospital, their jobs and
the animals”.
Ron and his wife Jackie have two grown sons and share
their home with a 13 year old Shetland Sheep dog, Bobby,
who they have had since a puppy. Prior to working at Lort
Smith, Ron had over 35 years experience in administrative
roles at some of Australia’s largest companies. Taking
a handyman position at an animal hospital was a huge
change, however Ron’s skills and good humour makes him
a great fit and someone who we all greatly admire.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
5
Lort Smith
Cage
sponsorship
L
ort Smith has
introduced a new
sponsorship scheme;
you can now sponsor one
of our Kennel or Cattery
cages starting at just $200
per year.
It is a great way to show your
support for the amazing work
done by our caring staff in
the shelters, who play a huge
role in re-homing thousands of
abandoned, mistreated, sick
and injured animals each year.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital has 30 cages
in our kennels and 47 in cattery, which
can often house more than one animal at
any one time. It costs Lort Smith between
1-2 million dollars a year to run the shelter
with most of the animals that come into
us requiring de sexing or other various
medical procedures to bring them back to
good health so that they can be re-homed.
News
By sponsoring a cage, you will be
helping to ensure that Lort Smith can
continue to provide shelter animals with
the care and treatment that they need.
To sponsor a cage for 12 months,
the following donation is required:
• Kennel - $600
• Cattery – from $200
Your contribution will be acknowledged in
the form of a personalised Lort Smith sign
on your chosen cage and is tax deductible.
For more information contact
Shane on 03 9321 7286 or email
[email protected] for an info pack
toys
for our
Shelter Dogs!
E
very year thousands of dogs come
through Lort Smith Animal Hospital’s
doors. Many find their new home within
weeks but for some they may spend
more time at Lort Smith than first thought.
Being confined to a shelter environment can be
a challenge for some dogs. That is why it’s important
to interact with every dog each day as it decreases the
chances of unwanted behaviour and reduces stress for the dogs.
We have been fortunate enough to have received a generous
donation of dog toys from Aussie Dog. Aussie Dog makes toys
that are specially designed to stimulate natural enrichment
behaviours in animals. These toys are approved by animal
trainers, behavioural specialists, veterinarians and zoo keepers
worldwide. As well as being environmentally friendly these toys
can with stand the rough play of some of the larger than life dogs.
All of our furry friends love their new toys and we have seen
more tail wags than ever before. Thank you Aussie Dog. For more
information on Aussie Dog products visit www.aussiedog.com.au
6
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
Jo Jo, one of our
current shelter dogs,
enjoying the new toys
health &
wellbeing
Is your cat in
danger
of POISONING?
L
ort Smith launched its online
campaign – Party for Pets – on July
1st. We’re aiming to raise in excess
of $50,000 to update our surgical
equipment, which of course will ensure
the quality of care to all pets cared for
and treated is world class.
Please lend your support to Party for
Pets by hosting a party of your own.
It’s easy and a fun way to raise a few
dollars for a great cause.
Thanks to the amazing support from
Augustine Approved, Byron Bay
Summerhouse, and Neo Tokyo Animal
Lovers we’re giving away some great prizes
to those that not only throw a party, but also
to people who donate to the cause.
Dr Ildiko examining
Lort Smith Patient, Garfield
A
t the Lort Smith Animal Hospital,
we see a lot of cases of pets
accidentally poisoned through
inappropriate use of flea products. In
particular, cats are very sensitive to
pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which are
commonly used in dog flea control
products. Some pet owners assume
that dog and cat flea treatments are
the same and can be used on either
pet. However, treating a cat with
certain types of dog flea products can
result in poisoning of your cat, as cats
metabolise certain drugs differently
than dogs. Poisoning can also occur
if multiple flea products are used,
for example using a spot on flea
treatment in conjunction with a flea
collar. Cats can also become poisoned
if they lick the product off the dog’s
fur, or if they are in very close contact
with a dog who has been treated
with a pyrethroid product.
Pyrethroids principally affect the nervous
system, hence symptoms of pyrethrin
toxicity include salivation and tremors,
which can lead to full blown seizures and
can result in the death of the pet if not
treated. Typically recovery can take 3-7
days, depending on how severe the cat
has been affected.
If you suspect that your cat may have been
poisoned by a flea product, then seek
immediate veterinary attention. The first
step for us is to bathe the cat in an attempt
to remove some of the poison from the
fur; however these products are very
quickly absorbed into the skin. Intravenous
fluids and muscle relaxants are then
administered as part of the treatment.
Lort Smith are celebrating Party for Pets
by hosting our own Pancake Brekkie
at the Treasury Gardens on November
20th. We’d like to thanks Green’s General Foods for getting behind the event
and donating all the pancake mix for the
day.
For more information and to
register your party please go to
www.partyforpets.com or call
Shane on 03 9321 7286.
Pyrethrin toxicity can be prevented
by NEVER applying products to your
cat that are licensed for dogs only.
When purchasing your flea prevention
treatments always read the labels
carefully and if you have any doubt
contact your vet for clarification on
which products are best to use.
Australia is currently leading a worldwide
initiative to improve the labelling of these
products. At Lort Smith we stock a wide
range of safe and effective flea controls
for both dogs and cats, and all of our
veterinary staff can give proper advice
on how to use these products.
supported
by
Dr Ildiko Plaganyi BVSc MACVS
Lort Smith Vet
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
7
Helping the
Homeless
D
uring the 2009 financial crisis Mr O’Sullivan lost his job
and soon found he was out of a place to live. A proud
man with a good work ethic, he was somewhat in shock
having gone from a relatively ‘normal’ existence to one
where he was effectively homeless and on the street. After
a few weeks of camping on friends’ sofas, he was falling
deeper and deeper into a depression whilst becoming
disillusioned with the constant job knockbacks. He was a
man that was down on his luck, but who continued to love
and care for his dog, Molly, a great deal.
Unfortunately due to his precarious financial position, Mr
O’Sullivan found himself unable to provide quality care for
Molly. In desperation, and at a loss of what to do, he came
to Lort Smith with the intention of surrendering Molly;
after all, in his mind he had no other option. The stars
were on Mr O’Sullivan’s side that day as thankfully he had
chosen to bring his dog to the Lort. Upon hearing his story,
the staff immediately qualified Molly to take part in our
Emergency Welfare Assistance Program which provided
Mr O’Sullivan with the option of leaving Molly with us for
a short while whilst he managed to get back on his feet.
The wonderful Shelter staff continued to care for Molly until Mr
O’Sullivan had found a new home and was financially able to
properly care for his dog again. As part of our service, we provided
Molly with a thorough vet check, ensuring her vaccinations were
up to date, as well as providing daily interaction and stimulation to
ensure she was at ease in the shelter surroundings.
Mr O’Sullivan had gone from a position where he thought he’d
have to give up his loved companion, to one where he could
take the time to get the help and assistance he needed whilst
knowing Molly would be looked after. This is a true measure
of how the Lort Smith Emergency Welfare Assistance Program
makes a real impact – both for the person and the animal.
Lort Smith sees many cases where people who are homeless, or
need temporary care, require a place where they can leave their
cat or dog whilst they get outside support for their own situation.
Often, we are their last option with our staff understanding and
respecting an owner’s devotion and bond with their pet. In line
with our vision; ‘a world in which animals are respected and
the human/animal bond is understood and valued’, Lort Smith’s
Emergency Welfare Assistance Program is a perfect example of
how we are working toward achieving this.
A Chance to Give Back
The future of animal welfare is in your hands! Pets give us so much love and companionship and ask for so little in
return. Here’s a chance to give something back – a chance to literally help thousands of animals. Gifts in will are
a vital source of income each year and help fund many of our animal welfare programs. Our founder, Louisa Lort
Smith, left a bequest of 67,500 pounds with her legacy still providing funds for the hospital today. Your act of
generosity will make a difference to hundreds and thousands of animals. For more information on leaving a
bequest, or to find out about our Heart and Home Program whereby you can plan for your pets’ future,
please contact Lucy Webster on 03 9321 7213 or email [email protected]
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
8
Grand Final
CharityforDinner
Animals
C
arrying on the tradition of
Keith King’s Grand Final
Fundraising Dinners, Lort
Smith will host the 2011 Lort
Smith Grand Final Dinner.
Keith King, along with Dorothy
Holland and Rhonda Sexton,
have been holding Grand Final
Fundraisers for various animal
charities (including Lort Smith)
over the past 23 years, and
have raised over $470,000.
In carrying on Keith’s tradition
this year, there will be plenty
of amazing prizes and auction
items (including AFL
memorabilia and Grand Final
Tickets) up for grabs on the
night, with all funds raised
going to the Lort Smith Animal
Hospital.
Tickets: $100 p/person or
$950 for a table of 10, includes
gourmet 3-course dinner and
drink on arrival (additional
drinks at bar prices); corporate
table of 10 available for $1100
(includes table signage and AV
acknowledgement)
Entertainment: BABBA plus
special musical guest, Joe
Darwish
Contact: Shane Buzza on
03 9321 7286 or email
[email protected]
RSVP: Friday 23rd Sept 2011
To purchase tickets or to
donate a gift-in-kind that will
be auctioned on the night,
please contact Shane.
Date: Thursday 29th September
2011 from 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Venue: Moonee Valley
Racing Club – Victory Room,
McPherson St Moonee Ponds
paw
Prints
R
egistrations for the Paw Prints coffee table
photo book are now closed and the book is
currently in production. Lort Smith would like
to thank all 200 people who participated, and
encourage all pet lovers to pre-purchase this quality
book for $99.95* (all proceeds to Lort Smith).
A huge thank you to Brett Jacques, Pete Kalogris and
Anthaea Jones for their professionalism and donating
their time to get all the photo shoots completed.
Paw Prints could not have gone ahead without our
fantastic sponsors – Justin Cofield and the team at
Lonely Pets Club, our good friends at RAMS Home
Loans, and Bowens in North Melbourne.
Books delivered early September 2011.
Payment plans available. Contact Shane Buzza
on 03 9321 7286 for details.
Lort Smith Ambassador Giaan
Rooney with her dog Lester
9
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
Massive Christmas
Card/Gift wrap
clearout sale.
The following Christmas Cards
and Gift Wrap are available to
purchase for just $2.50 for a
pack of 10! (plus postage).
Phone orders only please and
if you would like to pay by
cash or money order please
call and your order will be put
aside until funds are received.
To place your order call Shane
on 03 9321 7286, be quick, as
stock will run out fast. Delivery:
please add $5 per order. .
$2.50
• Paw Play Card (ginger cat)
• Wrap Up Warm Card
(Gray cat)
•Happy Xmas Cats wrap
• Lort Smith Keep
Cups on SALE
$22 now only $15!!
thank you
W
hether you are a donor, volunteer or
sponsor, without the generosity and
support from the public, the Lort Smith
Animal Hospital would not be able to care
for the thousands of animals that come
through our doors each year! On behalf of
the many dogs, cats, ferrets, reptiles, birds
and rabbits (and all the other animals that
knock on our door), thank you for your
kindness and generosity!
We wanted to acknowledge a few people
who have helped us …
• The Friends of Lort Smith are a dedicated
group who volunteer their time in order to
increase the profile of, as well as raise money
for, the Lort Smith Animal Hospital. So far
this year they have held a BBQ at Prahran
market, attended Pets in the Park where they
conducted a raffle, as well as organised a
superb luncheon at 9 Darling Street South
Yarra. In total, they have raised over $6,700
this year alone - a fantastic achievement with
all their efforts being greatly appreciated by
the Lort family.
• Interlock Lockers for donating 12 new
lockers for use by our staff and volunteers
• On-Site Computer Clean - Laura, Doug,
Leo and Maureen (pictured) for donating their
time and equipment
$15.00
• The Orloff Family Charitable Trust
$65.00
• Veronica Kochan
- Administration
Volunteer
• Supa Deal Furniture
in Gladstone Park
Shopping Centre Charlie for allowing
us to advertise our
adoptees as well as
hospital services in his
store
• Sue Simmons
- Retail Shop Volunteer
Entertainment Books
This year Lort Smith Animal Hospital is
raising funds by selling the 2011/2012 Entertainment Book. Priced at
$65, $13 of each sale will go to Lort Smith. For only $65 you’ll receive over
$15,000 worth of valuable offers. There truly is something for everyone, with
great value offers from Nando’s, Coles, AFL, Crown Towers, Zoo’s Victoria,
Hamilton Island, and many more.
To purchase your Entertainment Book please contact Melissa Hughes
on (03) 9321 7214 or email [email protected]
24 Villiers Street,
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Tel: 03 9328 3021
Fax: 03 9321 7211
www.lortsmith.com
Weekdays
8.30 am – 6.30 pm
Emergency service
8.30 am – Midnight
7 days a week
Editor: Justin Eastcott & Jessie Catlin Photography: Moira Callegari Design: Ros Caré
Weekends
Sat: 8.30 am – 3.00 pm
Sun: 8.30 am – 1.00 pm
To donate please visit
www.lortsmith.com
or call 03 9321 7215.
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
10