PawPrints - Second Chance For Animals

PawPrints
April – May – June 2008
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
BY LISA REVEL
Happy Birthday to us! This July, SCFA celebrates its
10th Anniversary. It’s been a long ride with many
bumps in the road; but the achievements we have
made were worth all the challenges we faced along the
way. SCFA started with six members. Ten years later
we now have over 160! Our growth as a corporation is
due to the dedicated volunteers who put in countless
hours at many different venues making our name
known.
Our success is not only due to the dedication of our
members but also to Katie Nordhaus. Without Katie,
we never would have accomplished as much as we
have. For Katie, being the Animal Control Officer is not
just a job. Like us, Katie loves every one of the animals
at the shelter. And just like us, their health and wellbeing are her main priority. This common goal is what
has made us so successful so quickly. Our socialization
and foster programs are great examples of how we
work together.
So now it’s time to look ahead towards our next ten
years. We are in the process of identifying what will be
our next major long-term goal. As I’ve said in the past,
we would love to hear your ideas.
You should all be proud of the work that you have put
in over the years. Your hard work has made a
difference in the lives of many animals. Thank you!
Page: 1
Come to our 10th Anniversary Celebration!
When: July 8 at 7pm
Where: Library Community Room
Refreshments will be served.
RSVP to:
[email protected]
October – November - December 2007
HOW TO CONTACT US
Second Chance for Animals, Inc.
732-748-SCFA (7232)
P.O. Box 5172
Somerset, NJ 08875
General Information:
[email protected]
President:
[email protected]
Animal Enrichment:
[email protected]
Scheduling and Volunteer Coordination:
[email protected]
Fund Raising:
[email protected]
Newsletter:
[email protected]
Team Leader:
[email protected]
Web site:
[email protected]
Franklin Township Animal Shelter
475 DeMott Lane
Somerset, NJ 08873
732 873-2500 x255
Mon. – Fri. 10 AM - 4 PM, Sat. 12 PM - 3 PM
PAWS FOR A CAUSE DOG WALKATHON
BY KATHLEEN LINN
It was a wonderful turnout for the first annual SCFA Dog Walkathon that took place
at Colonial Park on Sunday, May 4. It was a beautiful spring day with more than
fifty dogs dragging their owners out for a day of fun in the sun. The event started
with the Agility Demonstration led by On Good Behavior, LLC. Gathering quite a
crowd, the students of the school led their dogs over jumps, ramps, tunnels, and
shoots. A few participants tried the course after the demonstration with their own
pets. Halo, a three-year-old Husky and his master Nicole Smith attempted the
difficult course. Nicole said she had a great time at the event; it was fun to get
together with other dogs and walk for a good cause. Anne Macaulay, owner and
operator of On Good Behavior and long-time volunteer with SCFA, was there
helping the owners with the agility course. She noted that agility training is an
“exciting sport that you and your dog can participate in together.”
The walk began soon after the demonstration. Leading the pack was shelter dog
Winston, a beagle looking for a home with adults or teenagers, and SCFA volunteer
Eileen Becht. All types of dogs participated, from the very small toy poodle to the
golden retrievers. Many opted for the two-mile course that stretched around a
field, through the playground, and across the street to the lake. There were
frequent water stops along the way for any thirsty dog. Some participants chose
the shorter one-mile course. Along this route at the rear of the walkers, were
Diesel and his master Elissa Ott. Elissa rescued the eight-year-old bulldog from a
bulldog rescue organization in December on the very first day Diesel was up for
adoption.
After the walk the K-9 Leaders of the 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Club did a
demonstration on how they pre-train puppies as potential Seeing Eye dogs. Three
excited dogs and their foster parents explained that the dogs are trained on praise,
not food, so they will help the blind even when their bellies are full. Pamphlets on
training tips were available for owners. After a year and a half, the foster puppies
go into the official training program. More than 300 Seeing Eye dogs are
successfully trained yearly.
This event raised over $4,000 for the Franklin Township Animal Shelter. Special
thanks to the top pledge gatherers Kathleen Smith, Jennie Ray, Ron Gehringer,
Linda Hobson, Brook Sachau, Sharlene Sarboukh and Uhrich Howells for their
generous donations. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who pledged their money
or time to the event. SCFA would also like to thank the vendors, Franklin Township,
Camp Bow-Wow, Shaklee’s Independent Distributor Debbie French, and Grey
Hound Friends for their participation and support.
Page: 2
Welcome to the new volunteers
with Second Chance!
April
December
Staci Brown
Beverly Brown
Judy Larsen
February
Parag Dalsania
Jillian Venkateswaran
Janine Spoto
Margaret Reeve
Donna Pelkey
Amy Ingandela
Josephine Incardona
March
Amy Tsui
Gi'Ana Walker
Vicki Anto
Rebecca Stivers
Jessica Kubacz
Katy Qian
Eva Feketa
Maxine AugustNudelman
Antoinette Padovano
Richard Russo
Melinda Back
Stacey Battaglia
Judy Best
Tami Bulfinch
Lauren Cyrski
Lisa Phipps
Ginger Recchia
Zoltan Sisko
Tom Solomita
Katie Zielenkievicz
Katheryn Zielenkievicz
Peter Padia
Michelle Lease
KATIE’S CORNER - CALLING ALL FOSTER PARENTS
BY KATIE NORDHAUS AND KATHLEEN LINN
The coming of spring brought our first litter of kittens born at
the shelter. This marks the start of “Kitten Season,” which
lasts about six months during the warm weather. Foster care
is needed year-round, but at this particular time the shelter
often gets over-run with these lovable creatures.
How does foster care benefit the kittens? The shelter
environment can be very stressful for both kittens and
moms. Noise and the constant change of people can be
scary for ones so young. Fostering gives these animals a
stable home with more room to run, play, and explore than
the standard shelter cage. Kittens are particularly
susceptible to disease, so remaining at the shelter at such a
young age places them at great risk, unlike adult cats with
fully developed immune systems. Finally, living in a foster
home helps make kittens more adoptable because of their
close interactions and socialization with people.
The foster care program is currently only open to any active
SCFA volunteer who has worked at the shelter and is familiar
with Katie. There is a training program you will have to
attend. Foster care isn’t for everyone and can be a big
responsibility. First, the kittens need a separate space in
your house and can’t interact with other pets. These kittens
and cats are often found in the wild, are too young to be
vaccinated, and could transmit diseases to your pets. A spare
bathroom or bedroom is often the best place for them. The
number of kittens you might receive varies; sometimes a
family of six might need a home, other times one lone kitten
might be found abandoned. Unfortunately, as the natural
processes of life go, a kitten could die, which is a sad event
that foster volunteers might have to endure. Another
difficult emotional event is giving the kittens back to the
shelter! Kittens are returned to the shelter after they reach
two pounds, at which time they are spayed or neutered and
put up for adoption. All vet expenses are reimbursed by
SCFA, however, food, litter, and toys are the fosterer's
responsibility.
Currently there are only six-to-eight foster volunteers, all of
whom are holding animals. At this moment, there are six
litters of kittens waiting to be fostered at the shelter, and
more are expected to come. If you are interested in
providing a loving, stable home for kittens or cats, please
contact Lisa Revel at [email protected]
and Katie at the shelter.
Page: 3
Shelter Wish List
The shelter is in need of volunteers to separate
newspapers and fold them. The staff uses 4-5 sheets
of paper per cat cage everyday as linings.
“Animals forgive and forget so quickly. Maybe God did give
The shelter is also always in need of cat food
(preferably Purina or Iams) and canned soft food
(please no fish). Food for the shelter is run
completely on donations from the public so any and
all contributions are much appreciated.
them to us to teach us love like we have never known”
Author Unknown
UNCONDITIONAL PET LOVE
BY IRINA DYMARSKY
We have all heard stories about heroics of animals.
Remember Lassie, who loved Timmy so much she saved
him from disaster time and again? A simple internet search
would return hundreds of heart wrenching stories about
Who is Stacy Megna?
finned, furry, and winged heroes. The loyalty of our pets is
Hi my name is Stacy Megna and I am your
new chair person for the fund raising
committee. I have been with SCFA for a
few years. You may have seen me at the
shelter, walking dogs or volunteering at
Tricky Tray, Santa Paws and most recently
the Dog Walk.
unconditional. For the most part, our pets would go to bat
I am looking forward to my new role and
working with everyone on this years
events. Please come out and meet me
at our next fund raising meeting on
Tuesday, June 17th 7pm at the Library.
Share your ideas and help plan this years
upcoming Tricky Tray and Santa Paws
events.
You can also contact me at:
[email protected]
Chuck Augello was our previous fund
raising chair and I would like to thank him
for his service.
for us, even on our worst and most intolerable day.
Dr. Dean Ornish based his best-selling book Love and
Survival on a single but powerful idea: "Our survival
depends on the healing power of love, intimacy and
relationships."
Ask yourself - Is it possible pets are here to teach us
unconditional love? We can scold and punish our pets
when they have been bad, and yet when we go back to
them in just a few minutes they are eagerly licking our
faces or purring in our laps. Animals forgive and forget so
quickly. How wonderful would this world be if we all could
forgive and heal and love as quickly as our pets!
Page: 4
Feline Physics Laws
ORGANIC WAYS TO KEEP PETS FLEA-, TICK-, AND MOSQUITO-FREE
BY JENNA YESALAVICH
Law of Cat Inertia
A cat at rest will tend to
remain at rest, unless acted
upon by some outside force
- such as the opening of cat
food, or a nearby scurrying
mouse.
Summer is just around the corner, which brings us into the dreaded season of
fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. If you are neurotic when it comes to crawly, bloodsucking creatures in your home and on your pets, relax! We will discuss healthy
organic alternatives to safeguard your pets this summer. The most organic
approach to making pets unattractive to fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes is a three step process. Be proactive with your pet's diet, utilize herbs, and protect your
yard.
Law of Cat Magnetism
All blue blazers and black
sweaters attract cat hair in
direct proportion to the
darkness of the fabric.
Scientists have proven that a well-balanced diet for pets is the first defense
against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Invest in a well-balanced and more
expensive pet food. You can decipher the quality of the pet food by looking at the
ingredients list on the back of the bag. A balanced pet food will have the most
nutritious food materials listed first, for example, meat, poultry, carrots, etc.
Remember, healthy immune systems are less attractive to crawly pests.
Law of Cat Obstruction
A cat must lay on the floor in
such a position to obstruct
the maximum amount of
human foot traffic.
Herbal remedies should be used with caution and are only safe for use on dogs.
Cat owners take special note: Cats should not be given any essential oils, period.
The use of essential oils with cats is a potentially volatile combination. Cats do not
efficiently metabolize essential oils and their use can lead to symptoms of toxicity
and ultimately, death. Herbal infused water in a spray bottle is safer and less
toxic than over-the-counter flea remedies for Fido. Recently, the FDA (Food &
Drug Administration) approved the use of lemon and eucalyptus oil for human use
as a safe and effective alternative to DEET to repel mosquitoes. Slicing a lemon,
placing it in one cup of boiling water, and letting it stand overnight will provide a
quick emergency potion that can be rubbed into a dog's fur and let dry to repel
fleas and other insects. Below are some other combinations:
Law of Refrigerator
Observation
If a cat watches a
refrigerator long enough,
someone will come along
and take out something
good to eat.
Law of Bag / Box Occupancy
All bags and boxes in a given
room must contain a cat
within the earliest possible
nanosecond.
Law of Furniture
Replacement
A cat's desire to scratch
furniture is directly
proportional to the cost of
the furniture.
Law of Cat Composition
A cat is composed of Matter
+ Anti-Matter + It Doesn't
Matter.
Flea Spritzer Blend:
2- drops of cedarwood, lemongrass,
and rose geranium essential oils
1- teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1- teaspoon of vodka
1-2 cups of water
Tick Spritzer Blend:
2- drops of lavender, basil, lemon,
opponax & eucalyptus essential oils
1- teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1- teaspoon of vodka
1-2 cups of water
** Add the essential oils and vodka in a spray bottle, tighten lid, and shake well.
Once mixture is blended add the apple cider vinegar. Spray on dog, massage into
fur, do not spray in dog's eyes or face.
Lastly, certain materials are a known deterrent and create an environment that is
not attractive to fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes in your yard. Avoid the pitfall of
standing water in your yard, as this becomes a breeding oasis for mosquitoes.
Use cedar mulch in landscaping, the scent sends fleas and ticks running. Make
your summer more enjoyable and pest free!
References:
1. http://tedeboy.tripod.com/drmichaelwfox/id35.html
2. http://www.eartheasy.com/article_natural_flea_control.htm
Page: 5
Top 9 Signs Your Cat Has Learned Your
Internet Password
9. E-mail flames from some guy named
"Fluffy."
PROTECT YOUR DOG
BY LYN SIROTA
You might not recognize your dog's scratching as a
symptom of anything but an itch. In most cases that is all
it is. In other cases, it may not be.
Sarcoptic mange - also known as canine scabies - is
caused by the parasite, Sarcoptes scabiei. These
microscopic mites can invade the skin of healthy dogs or
puppies and create a variety of skin problems. You'll
know your pet has mange when they cannot stop
scratching their fur and begin to bite at it, causing
hairless patches and sore skin. Fortunately, your
veterinarian can treat the mange. Check with your vet
about this potential health hazard. It is diagnosed
through a skin scraping and a microscope. A topical,
preventative treatment can be applied monthly to your
dog.
Demodectic mange - also known as red mange - is a skin
disease caused by a different type of mite, Demodex
canis. Demodectic mites of various species actually live
on the bodies of virtually every adult dog and most
human beings, without causing any harm or irritation.
Whether or not Demodex causes harm to a dog depends
on the animal's ability to keep the mite under control.
Usually it is a disease of young dogs that have poorly
developed immune systems or older dogs that have
depressed immune systems. Demodectic mange is also
diagnosed and treated topically like sarcoptic mange and
can be treated with dips, gels and ointments. For proper
diagnosis and treatment, see your veterinarian if your
pet is experiencing itching. This form of mange is
contagious to other animals and should be treated as
soon as possible.
8. Traces of kitty litter in your keyboard.
7. You find you've been subscribed to
strange newsgroups like
alt.recreational.catnip.
6. Your mouse has teeth marks in it... and a
strange aroma of tuna.
5. Hate-mail messages to Apple Computers,
Inc. about their release of "CyberDog."
4. Your new ergonomic keyboard has a
strange territorial scent to it.
3. You keep finding new software around
your house like CatinTax and WarCat II.
2. On IRC you're known as the IronMouser.
and the #1 Sign Your Cat Has Learned Your
Internet Password...
1. Little kitty carpal-tunnel braces near the
scratching post.
Information from: www.peteducation.com
Page: 6
ADOPTION UPDATE
BY CARYN RADICK
SCFA had a lot of wonderful news in the last several months as a
number of cats, dogs, and bunnies were adopted from the shelter and
Petsmart.
Adoptees included mother and son cats Tara and Cody along with
adult cats Raya, Amber, Pisha, Bennett, and Beauty among others.
Rabbits who found a "forever home" include Patrick and Queenie.
Dakota the dog and Trixie the boxer were also adopted.
Pet Salon
Congratulations to all the volunteers who helped make these
adoptions happen, and best wishes to the animals and their families.
May you have many happy times together.
a la LuLu
Getting your hair (ears) done.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MAGGIE
On June 18, 2008 we lost Maggie.
When she first came to the shelter, we were still in the old
building and Maggie was in a crate in the front room at the
end of "kitten row". She had skin and health problems.
Katie nursed her back to health (it took months). By then
she had become part of the shelter team and due to her age
and health issues Katie decided the best place for her to get
the care she needed was at the shelter. Of course she had
also made her way into all our hearts by then so we were
glad she was staying. And so Maggie became our shelter
"Mascot".
Maggie took her job very seriously. Very often you could
find her laying right in the middle of the shelter lobby floor.
You would have to step over her because that was her area
and she wasn't about to move.
People would stop into the shelter just to see her, she was
very popular. Maggie "cut" the ribbon when we moved into
the new shelter and she was always a hit at Santa Paws.
Maggie was 13 and has been with us at the shelter for over
4 years. She will be dearly missed.
Page: 7
If you are interested in adopting any of our animals, please contact the
Franklin Township Animal Shelter at 732-873-2500 ext. 255
Olive is an older spayed
short haired patch tabby
lady who was surrendered
due to allergies. She is 13
years old and fairly
independent. Olive will be
happiest in a quiet adults
only home with no other
animals.
Snowball is a 3.5 year old
male neutered domestic
short haired buff cat. He is
friendly and social. Lived
with cats and dogs.
Surrendered because he
would go outside and bring
ticks in. Lives with Tiger.
Tiger is a 7.5 year old gray and white
tabby. He is male and neutered.
Friendly and a little reserved unless
you have food in your hand.
Surrendered because the dog was
terrorizing him. Lives with Snowball.
Page: 8
Cookie is a lovely 9 year old
spayed female boxer. She was
surrendered because of a family
illness. Cookie needs a little work
on her leash skills as she tends to
pull a lot, but she is a sweet,
friendly lady who enjoys attention
and treats. She will do best in a
home without small children.
Rocky is a handsome
sable neutered male
shepherd/rottweiler
mix. At 7 years old,
he is very sweet,
friendly and
outgoing. He has
learned a few basic
commands already.
Rocky will probably
be fine with other
dogs, but will be
most comfortable in
a home without
small children.
OUR DONORS
For the period of January through May 2008, SCFA would like to thank the following individuals
for their donations of $50 or more:
Barbara Atatimur
Louis Buonocore
Maureen Canning
Diana Cottone
John & Lynn Deamicis
Luis Espinosa
Dorothy Gorel
Clifford Hallberg
Eileen Klingerman
Bonnie Jo & Jeffrey Katz
James Koutros
Michelle Lease
Margaret Ann Leitz
Boris & Lyubov Lekht
Vinit Makol
Dorothy McGrath
Wall of Paws
Franklin Township FMBA Local #88 Plaques
Ankur Marwaha Plaques
Marianne Mason Plaques
Lyn (& Harvey) Sirota Plaques
Mitchell Miller
John Nugent
Colleen Peacos
Carol Sabo
Mary Ann Stanko
Edward (& Natalie) Strez
Donations made in memory of:
Dorothea McGandy (by Cynthia Rooker, Harriet Webb)
Donation made in honor of:
Samantha & Smokey (by Lona Hicks)
Tuffy, Spunky, Dusty, & Precious (by Marilyn Horvath)
Poppop Dolan (by Patricia Dolan Abruzzo)
Homecoming (by Jack)
SCFA thanks the following corporations
for their donations:
Horizon Foundation (matching Bob Pezzano)
Pathmark Stores
Petsmart Charities (Holiday Wish Tree Program)
Prudential Foundation (matching Thomas Jackson)
Sun Microsystems (matching Shari Czar)
Unilever U.S. Foundation (Tricky Tray donation)
Paws for a Cause Donors & Pledges $50 or more
Burrus, Goldin, Foley
Joanne Stratowski
Elizabeth Blatchford
Denise Boucher
Lynn Fine
Linda Hobson
Edward Krizowsky
Tracey Matta
Jennie Perez-Ray
Alysia Sachau
Jeanne Varga (for Mildred, Lulu,
Tiggs, Olivia, Casper, & Victoria)
Paws for a Cause Sponsors
Eileen Becht
D. J & R Trucking, Inc.
Easton Animal Clinic
Franklin Eagles A.C.
Bonnie Fulham
Camp Bow Wow Liberty Pet
Ventures
Tina McDougal
Aaron Melahn
Sharlene Sarboukh
As always, we also thank the employees of Jack Dolan Plumbing & Heating
for their contributions as part of the Buck-a-Week Club for Ani mals.
Page: 9
Heather Steel
April Tarantino
Linda Wlechman
Jennifer Zinna-Chatman
Event
Fundraising Meeting
Animal Enrichment
Meeting
Animal Socialization
for Volunteers for
Volunteers
SCFA Board Meetings
DATES TO REMEMBER
Location
Date
rd
Time
Library
3 Tuesday
7:00 PM
Library
3rd
Wednesday
7:00 PM
Shelter
2nd, 3rd & 4th
Thursday
5:30 PM –
7:30 PM
Library Historical
Room
1st Thursday
7:00 PM
ADOPTION NUMBERS
The End
Shelter
Petsmart
Total
October
20
15
37
November
17
9
26
December
23
39
January
17
16
10
February
15
11
26
March
13
8
21
27
In our hearts forever – The Donor Wall of Paws
A special feature of our new shelter that we are
particularly proud of is our Donor Wall of Paws. Located
in the lobby, the wall is filling up with commemorative
paw prints. By sponsoring one of these paw shaped
plaques, you can forever honor or memorialize a special
pet or person who has touched your life. Sponsor forms
can be found at the shelter and on the SCFA website.
Page: 10