the scoop - Pennsylvania SPCA
Transcription
the scoop - Pennsylvania SPCA
THE SCOOP www.pspca.org IN THIS ISSUE w Letter from Our CEO w New Departments at PSPCA w Micah Learns About Adoption w Phillies/Pets at the Park w Inside Perspectives w What’s the Scoop? Save a Life Medical Fund: Helping Dustin and Others Heal Betty Grable When you think of a puppy, what adjectives come to mind? Adorable? Energetic? Playful? Dustin, a pit bull puppy, was certainly adorable, but pain and immobility had sapped his puppy energy and playfulness. His hind knees and hips floated in their sockets, making it hard for him to even stand. Dustin needed specialized orthopedic surgery on both legs. These complex surgeries would not be cheap, but we knew Dustin was worth it. Last fall, we asked for your support to heal Dustin, and you answered our call tenfold. Because of the many supporters who donated to Dustin’s medical fund, he is now walking. In fact, after two surgeries and months of recovery, Dustin is now enthusiastically enjoying life with his new family. Each day, animals who have been abused, neglected, starved, and forgotten come into our care. Each of these animals receives high-quality veterinary care through our Shelter Hospital, but animals such as Dustin need further medical treatments only offered outside of our shelter. PSPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officers rescued kitten Betty Grable from a hoarding situation when she was just a few weeks old. Compounding her severe upper respiratory infection, she developed a bacterial infection that weakened her bones. She fractured one leg, which our Shelter Hospital team successfully treated. A second, more complex fracture required surgery, and thanks to our Medical Fund, her leg was saved. Campbell We established the Save a Life Medical Fund so our sick and injured shelter animals can receive advanced lifesaving care. er surgery Dustin aft ine l n o e We’r www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaSPCA www.twitter.com/PSPCA www.youtube.com/user/pspcaonline To support the Save a Life Medical Fund, please call 267-463-2313 or visit our website at pspca.org. After two men set him on fire, Campbell suffered severe burns to more than 60 percent of his body. Our Shelter Hospital staff stabilized the cat and treated his wounds for three weeks, but then his skin began to slough off, dangerously exposing subcutaneous tissue. Our supporters kindly funded his surgeries at Penn’s Veterinary Hospital, and Campbell is now healing in his new adoptive home. A Message from CEO, Jerry Buckley Dear Friends, In 2013, we embarked on a new strategic plan to strengthen our mission to improve the welfare of animals in our region. With your joint advocacy, we have already taken several key steps to make Pennsylvania a safer place for pets. Last year, you helped us: The Pennsylvania SPCA is dedicated to protecting animals, preventing cruelty and improving the health and quality of life for animals in Pennsylvania. w Investigate 11,135 reports of animal cruelty; Locations Headquarters: 350 E. Erie Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19134 215-426-6300 w Find loving homes for 6,139 animals; w Treat 26,290 animals in our outpatient clinics; w Spay and neuter 9,222 pets; w Establish a Humane Litigation department and expand our law enforcement to Lancaster County; w Create a medical fund to help save the lives of critically ill and injured shelter animals; and w Pave the way for our Humane Education department, launched early this year. Every one of these accomplishments was possible because you are on our team of animal advocates. As you read about some of our recent news, events, and initiatives in the following pages, I hope you are inspired to continue saving lives with us as adopters, as fosters, as volunteers, and as donors. Jerry Buckley, CEO Pennsylvania SPCA Meet our new Chief Operating Officer We’re pleased to announce that Mary Jo Bernardo joined us in November from Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation in California, where she had spent the past six years as Chief Operating Officer. “I believed in the PSPCA mission when I started,” said Mary Jo, “but seeing how dedicated the staff and volunteers are as they work to carry out our mission is truly impressive. Every day I’m here, I’m inspired by something new.” Mary Jo’s rescue spaniel, Jersey, was named after her home state. 2 Danville Branch 2801 Bloom Road Danville, PA 17821 570-275-0340 To Donate Visit www.pspca.org/donation or email [email protected] To Volunteer Visit www.pspca.org/volunteer or email [email protected] 24-Hour Humane Law Enforcement Hotline: Call 866-601-SPCA Chief Executive Officer Jerry Buckley Chief Operating Officer Mary Jo Bernardo Financial Controller Jennifer Green Director of Humane Law Enforcement George Bengal Director of Development Patricia Mecca Visit us online at: www.pspca.org New Departments at PSPCA C onsistent with our 2013-2016 Strategic Plan, we have established two departments we believe are essential to our mission’s growth: Humane Litigation, and Humane Education. Through these vibrant programs, we will work to ensure we successfully prosecute cases of animal abuse and neglect while also tackling the issue at the root by teaching responsible and compassionate pet ownership. Humane Litigation Investigating cases of cruelty and neglect is central to our mission. But the investigation is only the beginning. Our Humane Litigation department handles all the legal aspects of our Humane Law Enforcement division, helping ensure that we successfully prosecute the cases we pursue. Rebecca Glenn-Dinwoodie, an attorney, serves as Director of Humane Litigation, and she has built a forensics team that reports to her and assists with investigations and prosecutions. rney, odie, atto n-Dinwo ane Litigation n le G a c Rebec of Hum Director serves as This department has already achieved more than 70 guilty verdicts. It also won the first-ever petition under Pennsylvania’s new Costs of Care of Seized Animals Act. The new law allows a shelter to petition the court for an order requiring a suspect to pay for the costs of caring for a seized animal during the course of litigation. Our successful petition resulted in the guilty owner of three neglected shih tzu dogs reimbursing us for the $3,000 we expended to treat and house them. After the owner surrendered the animals, we found homes for little Oreo, Peanut, and Cookie. Today, 17 percent of the animals in our care are pending legal cases. With this new department, we can better advocate for these victims of animal cruelty who are waiting in legal limbo. Humane Education It takes care, compassion, and respect for all animals to prevent animal cruelty. At PSPCA, we are educating people not simply to treat animals humanely, but to truly change the way our entire community treats animals. That’s what Allyson Wurst, our new Director of Humane Education, has already started doing. A school teacher and administrator with extensive experience in Philadelphia area schools, Allyson is leading engaging programs at schools, youth programs, and community organizations. If you are interested in holding a PSPCA Humane Education class at your school or organization, please contact Allyson at [email protected]. PSPCA Humane Educat ion class To help us build our Humane Education Library, please consider purchasing a book from our wish list. Go to pspca.org/humane-education to view our list. 3 A Young Philanthropist: Micah Learns About Adoption W hen nine-year old Micah wanted a cat, he told his Mom, Maria, he would use his own money and would take full responsibility for the cat’s care. He started saving money he made watering the neighbor’s lawn. One day at the bus stop, Micah saw a cat, and he asked his Mom again if they could have a cat. She said she would think about it. When Maria got home that day, she saw the Facebook post for our “Fall in Love” cat adoption event. She decided Micah was ready for the responsibility and that “it would make a great life lesson about adoption.” Micah’s family had adopted him from Guatemala when he was a year old, and Maria saw adopting a cat as the perfect way to show Micah how special it is to be adopted. “We didn’t tell Micah where we were going,” Maria said. “We just drove to your place; he read the sign and realized where we were. He came into the room, and he and Sally instantly fell in love with each other. The only thing I did was fill out the paper work. Micah paid the adoption fee and carried her out of the door.” ying time jo Micah en y with Fluff Micah and Sally, renamed Fluffy Lovable, have developed a special bond. Maria recently told us, “The other day Micah was outside playing. His friend hurt his feelings, and he came inside crying. The cat was upstairs and ran down to him and rubbed her head under his hand.” Sue Schlisman Makes Animal Advocacy Her Business What does running two successful Philadelphia restaurants have to do with saving the lives of animals? Everything, according to Sue Schlisman, owner of Smokin’ Betty’s and Devil’s Alley in Philadelphia. “I’ve seen first-hand the work performed at the PSPCA, and I know the need for funding,” said Sue, a PSPCA volunteer, adopter, and event organizer. That need inspired Puppy Love, an annual adoption and fundraising event, held at the 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia. Puppy Love is an alternative to the usual Valentine’s Day events. “You can bring the one you really love [your dog],” Sue explained, “have a fun time in a casual environment, and meet other animal lovers.” With Sue’s business connections, she covers the event costs through sponsors and donations, so the proceeds go entirely to the PSPCA. Generously donating their time to work the event are Sue’s restaurant employees, including Emily Smith, manager of Smokin’ Betty’s and the event’s main organizer. But Sue’s support goes far beyond Puppy Love. She donates food to adoption events, lent a hand at the screening of “Shelter Me,” a PBS documentary we presented at WHYY, and even posts photos of adoptable animals in her restaurants. It’s all to help animals find their new homes. Please help us say a hearty “thank you” to Sue and her employees by stopping by for a meal at Smokin’ Betty’s, located at 116 S. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, and Devil’s Alley, at 907 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103. 4 Sue Schlisman and her adopted dog, Gracie Phillies/ Pets at the Park Take me out to the ball game! Hit a home run for our animals this year by checking out Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, May 24 (Phillies vs. Dodgers at 3:05 p.m.), for the Phillies Wives Save a Pet at the Park event. We will be there with adoptable dogs and cats. The May 24th game is also Bark in the Park, when you can also bring your dog to enjoy the game with you. To bring your dog, you will need a special ticket and there is limited seating. For more information about Bark in the Park, please contact Dana Parks at 215-463-500 ext. 5103 or [email protected]. The Phillies will also be selling a calendar of Phillies players and their pets during the baseball season. The calendar will be available for sale at the Phillies games and on their website, www.philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com. Proceeds from all of these activities will benefit the Pennsylvania SPCA. So come out and support the Phillies, the PSPCA and the animals! Inside Perspectives Advocates from the Inside Out Nancy Garvey has always been passionate about animals, especially abused and abandoned dogs. But with a family, a full-time job, and a few pets of her own, Nancy didn’t think she could do more than provide financial support. That all changed five years ago, when Nancy attended our volunteer orientation and fell in love with a playful pit bull named Gabbana. Today, Nancy volunteers 10 to 12 hours a week, showing up even in excessive heat, rain, sleet, hail, or snow to help give animals the love they deserve. She enjoys helping out throughout the shelter, but admits she could spend hours just giving the animals belly rubs and hugs. “These animals need all our love, attention, and positive reinforcement,” Nancy said. “I care about each and every one of them. It is a happy time when they get adopted, because I know I played a small part in helping prepare them for their forever home.” Bernestine Griffiths works in one of our shelter’s busiest areas. The cheerful Client Service Representative is one of the first faces visitors see, whether they’re seeking information or checking in their animals for wellness, vaccine, or spay and neuter appointments. Having previously worked as a nursing assistant for Hahnemann Hospital’s Cardiac Unit, she’s used to busy hospital settings. Photo by: Heddy Bergsman A lifelong animal lover, Bernestine is thrilled to interact with pets on a regular basis. “When I see the compassion our clients show their pets, I feel connected to them because we share that in common,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing to witness.” Bernestine’s work does not end when she leaves our shelter each night. She is a regular foster parent to our bottle feeding kittens, and spends her evenings and mornings providing them with the special care they require to thrive. So far, she has fostered more than 10 kittens for PSPCA. 5 Ask the Experts Introducing a Cat into Your Home Welcoming a cat into your family is an exciting time. Pennsylvania SPCA animal behavior expert Jamie Cooper shares tips for success. Q. “Why is my cat hiding?” A. Moving into a new home can be a stressful time for a cat. Give your cat a chance to acclimate by starting it out in a quiet room with a closed door. Place all the cat’s goodies — food, water, bed, and litterbox — in one room with a closed door to let the cat get used to the new surroundings in small increments. It’s not unusual for a cat to hide when it first arrives, and some cats could take a few weeks to feel confident enough to come out. Q. “How do I know when the cat is ready to explore the house?” A. The cat will tell you when it’s ready to explore by showing more confidence and expressing interest in the door. Open up your home as gradually as possible, letting the cat out for small periods of time and only when you’re home. Also, be cautious with any other animals in the house, never leaving them alone together until well into the introductory period and when each animal shows a sense of confidence. Q. “What do I do if my cat isn’t adjusting after a few weeks?” 6 A. C ats are magnificent, complex creatures, and any number of factors can influence their transition. We’re here to help. Just email us at training@pspca. org to connect with one of our behavior experts. What’s the Scoop? Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening at the Pennsylvania SPCA! Whine & k r a B Get ready for our second annual Bark & Whine event! Last year, more than 300 people attended our signature fundraising event, and we were thrilled to achieve our financial goals. The generous support from everyone who attended helps thousands of animals. We look forward to having you join us at this year’s event at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park on Thursday, November 6th – SAVE THE DATE! Give Back on Your Birthday! Celebrate your birthday, and support the animals in our care! The Pennsylvania SPCA cordially invites you to Give Back on Your Birthday by holding a donation drive and bringing those presents to our animals. We can use all donations, from dollars to towels, blankets, treats, and pet food. Contact us at development@pspca. org if you’d like some help planning your party. A Special Piazza Pet of the Week. Dave Max & Our friends at the Piazza Auto Group and CBS Radio support the Piazza Pet of the Week each Wednesday at 8:25am on The Chris Stigall Show on 1210 AM. Recently, Max, a five-year old German Shepherd, found his family before he even got on the show. As soon as CBS Radio employee Dave DiRenzo saw Max’s photo, he knew the big dog belonged with his family. “Max is an absolute joy,” Dave reported. “He has made his home with us, he is adjusting to his surroundings and schedule beautifully and, most important, he is loved.” This is our wish for all the shelter animals in our care. Our Young Friends want to meet you! Joining Young Friends of the Pennsylvania SPCA is a great way to connect with young animal advocates and help support the PSPCA mission. You can check the group out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PSPCAyoungfriends to see their past and upcoming events. Please send an email introducing yourself to [email protected] to join today! 7 Leaving a Legacy: Providing for Future Animals Cynthia Best, a member of the 1867 Bequest Society, has been a Pennsylvania PSCA friend and supporter for more than 50 years. “I found a receipt from September 9, 1963, taped into an old scrapbook,” she said. “I was 13, and the organization was thanking me for my $1 donation.” Cynthia explained what has encouraged her generosity: “My grandmother donated to the organizations that were close to her heart, and I have that as a guiding memory.” A native Pennsylvanian and longtime animal advocate, Cynthia was naturally drawn to the mission of the Pennsylvania SPCA. A decade ago, Cynthia really began thinking about the future; not only hers, but also those of the missions she cherishes. She considered the homeless and abandoned animals in Pennsylvania and decided to include the Pennsylvania SPCA as a beneficiary in her will. “I felt a calm and purpose to my life, and that my goodwill would follow me,” said Cynthia, confident that her support will meaningfully impact the future of animals in our region. Cynthia’s partner, Joan, also an animal lover, was inspired to name the Pennsylvania SPCA in her will as well. Cynthia and Joan have saved more than 10 animals through foster care and adoption. Their rescue family includes dogs Nadine and Lily, and cats Eva, Possum, June, Simon, Suzy, and Ziggy. “A life without animal companions is incomplete,” Cynthia said, grateful for the animals who have touched their lives. Now, she and Joan are comforted that their legacies will help ensure complete lives for thousands of homeless animals. Make a Lasting Legacy It’s the forethought that counts. Large or modest, your planned gift to the Pennsylvania SPCA will help prevent cruelty and improve the welfare of Pennsylvania’s animals. Each of our services — humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary care, shelter medicine, spay and neuter, adoptions and lifesaving, and training and rehabilitation — is 100 percent donor-funded. For information about the 1867 Bequest Society, please contact Jennifer Welsh, Director of Leadership Giving, at (267) 463-2312 or [email protected]. nd Cynthia a her dog, Nadine If you’ve already named the Pennsylvania SPCA in your estate plans, we want to thank you! Please let us know so we can recognize your thoughtfulness. How you can help! Your gift today will help us continue our mission of protecting and improving the lives of animals. To make a gift: Online: www.pspca.org/donate Phone: 215-426-6304 Ext. 272 Mail: The Pennsylvania SPCA Attention: Development 350 E. Erie Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19134 Stay connected with the Pennsylvania SPCA online: www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaSPCA www.twitter.com/PSPCA www.youtube.com/user/pspcaonline