March - April 2013 Newsletter

HUMANE SOCIETY OF WHITLEY COUNTY
951 South Line Street, Columbia City, Indiana
Hours: Tues, Wed & Fri 12-5pm, Thurs 12-7pm, Sat 11-4 pm
“What’s Happening” at the Shelter
March-April, 2013
JOIN US AT THE AUCTION!
Elvis & Priscilla found a home together! They have been housemates their entire lives and will continue to live together as best friends. These two beautiful cats are now calling Columbia City their permanent home.
Rory was featured in the Jan-Feb newsletter and he just found his forever home in March. We’re so happy for him!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Why Adopt from our Shelter?............ Page 2
From Our Director…………………… Page 2
Do You Ever Wonder?..................... Page 3
Our Wish List……………………….. Page 3
Upcoming Events………………….. Page 4
Dog Training Tip……………………. Page 4
How You Can Help/Special Thanks Page 5
Snickers’ Story / Louie’s Story….…. Page 6
National Animal Cruelty Month……. Page 7
Thank You to our Donors………….. Page 8&9
Be a “Friend of the Shelter”……… Page 10
There’s still time to purchase advance tickets to our 14th Annual “Be A Lifesaver” Auction on May 10, 5:00 pm at the Eagles Nest Event Center.
This year’s event will be the best yet, with lots of great items up for bid such as;; a 19” flatscreen TV, a Coach purse, tickets to Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, King’s Island in Ohio, furniture, original art, pottery and much more!
The staff and volunteers are working hard to make this event special. If you have not attended before, come and see what you’ve been missing.
Buy early and save - tickets are $20 in advance and we’ll include a free drink ticket. Stop at the shelter or Espich Printing and get yours today. Or send a check to HSWC and mail it to 951 South Line Street, Columbia City, IN 46725. We’ll mail tickets directly to your door.
Join us for a great evening of fun, food and fellowship with other animal lovers. It’s a special evening for a great cause, you’ll be glad you came!
“What’s Happening” at the Shelter
March-April, 2013
WHY ADOPT FROM OUR SHELTER?
FROM OUR DIRECTOR
There are many advantages to adopting your next pet from our shelter. If you have a vision of what type of dog or cat you want (lively or lap-cat, outgoing or introverted), our shelter staff and volunteers can tell you which animals will be best suited to your wants:
It’s 4:30am and I can’t sleep. I was called out last night around 10:30pm by the County Police asking for help with an animal neglect case and I’m still thinking about what lies ahead for the animals we rescued. As I walk to the kitchen – like every morning, I am followed by the slight sound of small footprints. It’s Kitty, my 10-year old grey and white shorthair feline.  We know which dogs are playful, which are comfortable with kids and which would prefer living with adults
 We spend time observing which cats are outgoing and playful, and which are willing to warm your lap all day long
Adopting from the shelter may save you money:
 All our animals have been vaccinated.
 Many have been spayed or neutered
 In some cases, cats are already declawed
We offer a wide variety of cats and dogs:
 Longhaired, shorthaired, calico, tabby, and occasionally even purebred cats are available for adoption
 Boxers, collies, beagles, puggles, labs and more, as well as mixed breed dogs to choose from, all in one location
And the most important reason for adopting a pet from our shelter:
 Providing a home to an animal in need!
Hearing your new cat purr as he settles into his new home, or giving your new dog room to run and play before settling down at your feet.
This early morning, Kitty is ready for breakfast but looks confused, as if to say, “Already?” His normal routine involves climbing into bed with my daughter while loudly purring and kissing her face. As she wakes up, he begins to meow loudly and dances around leading the way to his food bowl.
As I collect Kitty in my arms and settle on the couch, I can feel my muscles start to relax. The more I pet him, the more I collapse from fatigue. Ahhhhhh, I need this therapy right now. He sat silently with me like he knew in that moment I needed someone to just absorb the reality of the night.
I never realized until this moment that he is the silent leader of our home. He proudly strolls down the hall surveying his territory. Our three dogs have learned one way or another to respect Kitty. He takes the initiative, letting the dogs know when they are getting out of line, while he oversees the daily routine. In the chaos, Kitty is calm and serene. He is there, in this moment, offering support in the power of silence and understanding eyes. His presence is just what I need to finally relax and get some sleep.
Do you have a similar animal experience you would like to share? Please send us your story at [email protected] or [email protected]
“What’s Happening” at the Shelter
March-April, 2013
DO YOU EVER WONDER...
why your cat insists on pawing water out of your glass or lapping up the trickle from the kitchen sink instead of drinking from his own perfectly clean and full bowl? The answer may be in its location.
Cats are great survivors, and drinking water that is not contaminated with bacteria is an important part of survival. When you place your cat's food (which he will consider to be "dead prey", store bought or not) next to his water bowl, his wildcat instincts tell him that the water could be contaminated with bacteria from the food. He will then search out what he believes to be a cleaner water source.
I recommend creating a designated watering hole for your cat by placing his water bowl in a completely different location than where he is fed (or from where his litter box resides for
2013 Board of Directors
Loretta Benner
Mark Espich, President
Sandi Gray
Chris Meyers
Kayli Roop
Laurel Steill
Dan Stauffer
Katie Sweeney
Danette Till
Larry Trumbull
Laura Underwood
that matter). This separate location could be in an entirely different room that is easily accessible to your cat 24/7, or simply on the opposite side of the kitchen where you currently feed him. If you're unsure of the best placement, introduce several locations and watch your cat's behavior. He will show you which area(s) he prefers.
If you haven't yet tried a cat water fountain, you may be in for a treat. Not only can the shimmering and flowing water entertain your cat, but he may be encouraged to drink more water than he did from his stagnant water bowl.
If you have a multi-cat household, creating several watering holes can help ensure that all of your cats are drinking a healthy amount of water, particularly if one cat is intimidated by other cats in the household and is fearful to visit the water bowl as often as he'd like. In fact, having only one watering hole for multiple cats often causes territorial tension, which leads to chasing and fighting.
“The Watering Hole”, by Mieshelle Nagelschneider, Cat Behaviorist, author of The Cat Whisperer
OUR WISH LIST
Here’s a new addition to our Wish List! We’re planning to construct cat towers and dog beds for our shelter dog and cats.
If you can donate PVC tubing in 3/4”, 1” and 1.5” sizes, you’ll be helping make the animals at the shelter more comfortable. “What’s Happening” at the Shelter
March-April, 2013
IS JUMPING A PROBLEM
WITH YOUR DOG?
Jumping on both family and strangers is a common behavior problem many people have with their dogs. There are a couple of different ways to solve this issue. The first is to use your leash and give your dog a slight correction when he jumps up on someone. If you have this problem when company comes over, keep a leash hanging by your front door and when someone knocks, leash up your dog before they enter your house. This way you have control of your dog. Without using a leash, solving jumping issues a little more difficult.
Second, when your dog jumps up on you without the leash on, you can take hold of their paws and hold onto them for 5 seconds. Dogs don’t think it’s much fun when you hold their paws, the “game” is not so much fun anymore! Third, try turning your back on the dog when he or she jumps up on you. In my experience, this method is not as effective as the previous two methods. Your consistency in how you handle the jumping will make the biggest difference for your dog. Stacey Keily, Whitley County Humane Society Dog Trainer
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Kid’s Club!
Monday, March 11, 6:00 pm
Monday, April 8, 6:00 pm
At the Shelter, 951 South Line Street
You only have a few chances left in the school year to join us for Kids Club! It’s a fun evening at the shelter for kids in grades 2-6. They can spend time learning about the animals and creating great craft projects.
Reserve your spot for the next Kids Club by calling 260-244-6664 and ask to speak to Sandy.
Annual Plant Sale!
Saturday, May 4, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
At TSC, Columbia City
Bring your green thumb and your sweet tooth to the HSWC Plant Sale. This popular fundraiser offers a variety of gorgeous plants, crafts and delicious baked goods for sale. All proceeds go toward caring for the homeless animals at the shelter.
If you are crafty or love to bake and are interested in donating items to this sale, please contact Sandy at the shelter, 244-6664.
DID YOU KNOW?
More kittens are born in March and April than any other time of the year. “Kitten Season” overwhelms shelters and animal welfare organizations. There are simply too many kittens and not enough homes.
“Spay Delay” is the leading contributor to kitten season,” said Leisha Sigler of Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana, Inc.. Reasons for Spay Delay include procrastination, misinformation regarding health benefits and simply not knowing when to spay and neuter pets. Pets should be fixed by the age of 5 months. Visit www.FiveSavesLives.org to learn more about when to spay and neuter your pets.
See You At The Auction!
Friday, May 10, 2013, 5:00 pm
Eagle Nest Event Center
Join us for a wonderful evening of fundraising for the animals. It’s an entertaining way to help homeless animals toward a better life
“What’s Happening” at the Shelter
March-April, 2013
SPECIAL THANKS TO...
Everyone who participated in our “Litter Us With Love” drive. We received 1,000 lbs of cat litter, double our goal!
Those of us who do it, love it!
It’s a great feeling to help enrich the lives of homeless dogs and cats. Come to the shelter and find out how you can help!
We are still looking for volunteers We are still looking for volunteers to to walk dogs Monday –Friday from 8:00 – 11:00 am. Please call 244-6664 if you can help!
The Shelter’s food prep area now has new sinks and cabinets, thanks to JG Cabinets! They are beautiful and a big improvement to this area.
with a Whitley County Humane Society T-Shirt
Stop into the shelter and pick up one of our new T-shirts for $10!
Joy’s Dog Grooming now offers grooming services at the Whitley County Shelter. All proceeds go to the shelter. Call 244-6664 for an appointment for your dog on any Wednesday from 10am to 6pm.
Tax-deductible for you, and proceeds for us! Bring your items such as antiques, old working computer games, old unique toys, used working cell phones, anything with at least a $25 value (no clothing or personal items)
The Greg Biffle Foundation,
who awarded our shelter with a grant to purchase a new gas clothes dryer. This appliance was purchased and installed by Hosler’s Appliance Store. We are so grateful to the Greg Biffle Foundation for making this possible!
“What’s Happening” at the Shelter
March-April, 2013
SNICKERS’ STORY:
Helllllloooooooooooo!!! My name is Snickers LOUIE’S STORY:
If you're looking for a handsome boy, please come in and visit with me!
I know, I know, you never really thought about adopting a black cat before, but I can tell you, I’m worth a second look!
and I am a neutered male, smooooooth coated Fox Terrier mix. I have to tell you I am pretty smart and I am a people pleaser. I love to entertain myself with toys and like to play with other dogs. I am looking for a new home, so if 'm not the right fit for you, tell your friends cause I'm a real catch!
My name is Louie, and I'm a neutered male, about 2 years old. I came to the shelter in midFebruary as a stray. Life is better here than outside and I'm told that a real home is the best of all worlds.
My coat is pure black and shiny, even my nose and whiskers are black! My eyes are a beautiful shade of green. The volunteers say I look like a little panther, with the soul of a marshmallow. I love having my head rubbed and love it when people talk with me. I’m pretty good at holding up my end of the conversation too! I know there’s someone special out there for me. If you want to be my best friend, come in and meet me.
“What’s Happening” at the Shelter
March-April, 2013
NATIONAL ANIMAL CRUELTY AWARENESS MONTH
APRIL, 2013
April is Prevent Cruelty to Animals Month across the nation, but Whitley County residents need not look beyond their own county’s border to find horrid examples of animal cruelty. In January, residents awoke to headlines of arrests from a dog fighting ring in Churubusco. Of the 18 people at the fight, only two were local residents, the rest traveled from elsewhere in the state and the Chicago area. Three dogs were at the house, two of them injured, one of them badly. The dogs were fighting in a homemade dog fighting pit, constructed of plywood sheets in the garage. The dogs were taken to the Humane Society of Whitley County where they received muchneeded medical attention and care.
More recently, two dogs were saved from a situation of severe neglect. The animals were so malnourished that one was at least 25 pounds underweight.
To look at the victims of animal abuse is heartwrenching, so the ASPCA has a list of ways to prevent and notice animal cruelty.
 First and foremost, be aware of the animals in a neighborhood and whether you notice any sudden changes with the animals, such as weight loss or a change in behavior.
 For parents, talking and educating children about the signs of abuse and how important it is to never treat an animal badly are great ways to reduce the instances of abuse and increase the reporting of such incidents.
 Tight collars on dogs that rub the skin raw, open wounds, fur loss, weakness or limping, spending all day without shelter or water or having a yard full of animal waste are all signs that an animal may be neglected or abused, according to the ASPCA.
 Check out www.aspca.org, for more tips and links to pages about animal cruelty in light of the focus of the month.
Any suspected incidents of animal cruelty or neglect should be reported to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for that area or the local animal shelter to see if staff can evaluate the animal and its living conditions. With help from citizens like you, we can reduce and eliminate acts of cruelty toward our defenseless four-legged friends. The recent local examples are only a couple of the tens of thousands of cases of animal neglect reported each year across Indiana and the United States. Take a stand and do what you can to make a difference and support your local shelter. It’s the only place these animals will get the care they deserve.
******************
ARE YOU UNDER STRESS?
Here’s the purr-fect way to bust a bad mood! Next time you have a rough day, keep this in mind;; cuddling your cat can relax and revitalize you fast! A recent study involving 500 adults found that a cat’s soothing purrs and playfulness help erase annoyances as quickly and effectively as getting a warm hug from your sweetie!
“What’s Happening” at the Shelter
, 2013
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT:
We are so grateful to everyone who has already contributed to help support the animals at the shelter. We could not continue to care for them without your support!
Capital Campaign
Helen Avins
Myrna Bailey
Suzanne Baker
Roberta Boyden
Jeff & Penny Brookes
Bernard Caley
Mike & Sue Ann Collier
Phyllis Crace
Keith & Donna Darstein
Brad & Trudy Deutsch Melissa Fey
Marilyn Flowers
Lois Foellinger
Michael & Toni Foster
Adam & Melissa Frock
Dennis Fudge
Joy Richey & Michael Gayle
Nancy Ginghert
Teresa Gotz
Randy Grawcock
Jim & Cindy Hart
Tamara Herendeen
Bill & Jane Hicks
Jean Hively
Jacque Hoffman
Jeff & Dawn Hoffman
Robert Howard
Candi Hull
Jay & Cindy Hursh
James & Lorene Jenkins\
Mike Johnson
Todd & Rhonda Jones
Margaret Kimble
Melissa Larue
Brandon n& Cheryl Loer
Bob & Bonnie Louagie
Jimmie Melvin
Janeie Meyer
Patti Miller
Jeffrey Mollendore
Jim Muniga
Stan & Carol Needham
Fred Palmer
Seth Poorman
Tom & Diana Presutti
Mike & Chris Redman
Craig Reese
Kathaleen Reese
Ray Rogers
Jenna L. Roman
Eugene Rudek
Errol Schuman
Nancy Shoda
Darian Stein
Evelyn Troutman
Danette Till
Jon & Laura Underwood
Weatherhead Federal Credit Union
Brittany Weyforth
Help The Hungry Fund
Judith Dowdal
Peter Grandstaff
Edward Leeuw
Mary Jane McClure
Patricia & Joe Miller
Patricia Siri
Paula Smith
Rebecca Workman
“What’s Happening” at the Shelter
, 2013
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Donations
Kimberly Amburgey
Wm & Shannen Auker
Beverly Bennett
Charlotte Blain
Phil & Joan Blancardi
Bernard Caley
Deutschs Boarding Kennels
Mark Espich
Ryan & Theresa Faulkner
Marianne & Michael Fitzpatrick
Nanette Fredericks
Jonathan Gerardot
Richard & Terry Goodwin
Joseph & Julie Gruss
Kathy Harrison
Norma Hawk
Robert & Sarah Howard
Janica Larmore
Joby & Angella Lee
Brian Marshall
Wm & Marcia Meader
Items Donated
Mrs. Gawthrop’s 3rd Grade class
Mrs. Mohr’s 3rd Grade cdlass
Angi Adams
Judy Bowers
Pat Dean
Amanda Dillon
Leslie Lembeck
Lori Reader
Anna Simmons
Vickey Smith
Liz Sponaugie
Tractor Supply Center
Mike & Lynn Todd
Erika Wolfe
In Memory of JoEllen McConnell
Emily Deutsch
Christopher & Kimberly Egolf
Kasey Humphrey
In Memory of Ashley Storm
Chad Kruse
Roger & Virginia Schinbeckler
HOPE Fund
Damon & Jennifer Muzzy
POP Fund
Carmen Eger
HANDS Foundation
Whitley County Community Foundation
Again, our mission of sheltering and caring for homeless animals depends on the support of those who share our love of animals and our belief that every homeless and abandoned animal deserves a chance to find a permanent home. Thank you for your continued help!
Crystal, available for adoption
Cheetoh, available for adoption