ConneCting

CalgaryHumane .ca

Lives

Fall 2011

Compassion support proteCt loveadopt learn

PAWS Program

adoption

show Your love 365 daYs a Year

Dog Training &TAG Teach

happy tails

Classes for a Cause

court updatescourt updates

Christmas , Winter & your petChristmas , Winter & your pet

The power of voLunteers

The power of voLunteers

2 Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

Welcome to Connecting Lives, a publication that provides a fresh look on the lives of the animals at the Calgary Humane Society and the people they touch.

These are just some of the stories of the homeless animals we shelter and adopt each year. Your generosity and support makes our work possible.

EditorChristy Thompson

Contributors Patricia Cameron, Christina Cabral, Shandell Dugdale, Ainsley Grant, Jamie Hickey, Karen Moreland, Brad Nichols, Barbara Walmer.

The opinions expressed in Connecting Lives are not necessarily those of the Calgary Humane Society. We welcome your comments on any articles in this issue.

©2011 by the Calgary Humane Society. Permission to reprint articles, artwork or photographs must be obtained from the editor.

Help us recycle. Pass this newsletter on to a friend or donate it to an office.

Executive DirectorPatricia Cameron

Calgary Humane Society4455 110 Avenue SECalgary, AB T2C 2T7www.calgaryhumane.ca

Telephone (403) 205-4455Facsimile (403) 723-6050

Hours of OperationMonday to FridayAdmissions 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.Adoptions 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Weekends Admissions 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Adoptions Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Holidays

The Calgary Humane Society is a non-profit, charitable organization. Charitable Reg # 11882 3632 RR0001 .

Our mission: to help as many animals as we can.

Caring for your Pet in Cold Weather

With temperatures dipping, your pets will need a little special attention. Here are some tips to help your pet stay warm, happy, healthy and safe this winter.

• Keep your cats inside. Outdoor cats can freeze, become lost or stolen, injured or killed.

• Many pets love curling up in a warm place for a nap. Prevent potential burns and fires by protecting your pets from open fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.

• Cold, damp weather can aggravate arthritis. Arthritis is most common in middle age and geriatric pets. Overweight pets suffer from arthritis more than their normal-weight counterparts. If your pet is having trouble getting up or laying down, navigating the stairs, or has started to snap or cry when picked up, a visit to the veterinarian is in order.

• Stray and feral cats often seek out warm places to sleep, like a car’s engine compartment. Before starting your car, bang loudly on the hood and wait a few seconds to give the cat a chance to escape.

• Antifreeze, even in tiny doses, is a lethal poison for cats and dogs. Unfortunately, its sweet taste attracts animals to it. Thoroughly clean up spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisoning, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than traditional products containing ethylene glycol.

• Clean your dog’s paws well when coming inside, or teach them to wear boots in the cold (would you like to walk outside barefoot?). Even if your pet doesn’t go outside, your shoes and boots can track in de-icer from sidewalks and driveways. Ensure you are using pet-friendly products to protect them from the chemicals in traditional ice melters

Karen Moreland, Adoptions Counselor

3Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

The Power of VolunteersChristina Cabral, Manager of Volunteer Resources

The Calgary Humane Society is very fortunate to have an amazing team of volunteers supporting all aspects of the programs and services offered by the organization. The volunteer team currently consists of 850 volunteers between the ages of 16 and 75.

This number includes just over 300 foster homes that provide care to those animals requiring an extra bit of TLC before they are ready to be adopted. There are also over 300 volunteers who come in for weekly shifts at the shelter to work hands on with the animals providing socialization, stress reduction and of course lots of love on a daily basis.

Our Dog Walker volunteers ensure that all of our adoptable dogs have a chance for exercise and outdoor time throughout each day, while our Stressbuster volunteers spend quiet time with the pooches helping them to relax. We also have volunteers who prepare Kongs and hand deliver them to the dogs so they have a little something extra to do in the evenings.

Our Kitty Karma volunteers provide lots of cuddles and playtime to the many cats in the

shelter and the Third Watch volunteers have the special job of feeding and looking after the little kittens every evening that are too young to be adopted. Our Bunny Huggers provide the opportunity for our rabbits to have exercise and playtime every day which is very important to their well-being.

There are also volunteers who give their time to our Animal Health, Animal Admissions, Animal Care and Behaviour departments. And we can’t forget our volunteers who assist with office work, special events and fundraising, taking photos and writing biographies for our web site, those gracious volunteers who even help with the laundry and dishes and of course our Board of Directors.

Our volunteers were instrumental this year in facilitating the promotion of Project T1Y and all of the Dog Park visits around the city throughout the summer as part of the Saving Lives Takes Balls campaign.

So far this year our volunteer team has contributed over 25,000 hours of their time, an astounding amount that is so appreciated by everyone involved at the Calgary Humane Society! We couldn’t do the work that we do without you!

Matt Wega, Kitty Karma Volunteer

403-726-1113Please call to make your appointment today!

34 High Street SEMcKenzie Towne Centre

10% OFF For Newly Adopted Pets !

Gentle and CompassionateCare For Your Dogs & Cats

Dog and CatGrooming & Daycare

Karen Moreland, Adoptions Counselor

4 Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

The PAWS Program – show your love for animals 365 days a year!

calgary.ca/animalservices | call 3-1-1

All dogs and cats over the age of three months must be licensed in Calgary.

The penalty for an unlicensed pet is $250.

A licence assists Animal Services in returning your missing cat or dog home.

Licensing: the value is in bringing them home.

2011

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3

Did you know the Calgary Humane Society (CHS) has a monthly giving program? By joining this program you will be supporting more than 8,000 animals cared for each year at CHS. Becoming a PAWS donor couldn’t be easier!

PAWS — or pre-authorized withdrawal system — allows donors to make a commitment to Calgary’s animals in need by making an automatic monthly gift. It is the easiest and most convenient way to show your support for homeless, neglected and abused animals in our community.

Why become a PAWS member?It’s convenient and manageable.Since your support is regular and ongoing, you never have to worry about keeping your donations up to date. Your monthly donations are payable through your bank account, Visa, MasterCard or American Express and you’ll get just one tax receipt a year. It’s flexible.You can increase or decrease your support, put it on hold for a few months or cancel at any time. Breaking down your support into small, regular donations is a budget-friendly way to make a difference to animals. It’s completely up to you!

It makes a huge impact.Last year alone, over 8,000 animals were provided a caring and compassionate

haven at the Calgary Humane Society. This year the need will only continue to grow.

Long-time PAWS donor Steve R. joined the program in 2001 and has been giving monthly since then. “I make a donation each month to the Calgary Humane Society because I love animals and the wonderful work the organization does,” Steven explains.

“My donation comes out of my bank account automatically each month and I don’t even notice – it’s a very easy, convenient way to support CHS!

I know that I am making a difference in the lives of animals here in Calgary and it feels great!”

Monthly donations are one of the best ways to support the Calgary Humane

Society because:

• You’ll receive one tax receipt early in the new year, for the total of your donations the previous year.

• You help provide CHS with a steady, reliable source of funding. Like any well-run organization, CHS benefits from efficient, long-term planning.

Please join the PAWS program today!

Ainsley Grant, Senior Resource Development Coordinator

5Fall 2011 Connecting Lives5 Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

Edco Financial Holdings Ltd.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor:

Robert & Anne Hobbs

Paul & Gillian Baay

artevo Associate Veterinary Clinics

CDMVCIBC Wood Gundy

Doggie LiciousJewls by Maximes

Irene Besse Paul & Janet Sparks

Petsecure Petvalu

PSAVMorrison Homes

WestJet

With your support, the Calgary Humane Society raised over $225,000 to provide care

for the over 8,000 homeless, neglected and abandoned

animals we shelter each year.

Thank you Calgary.

6 Fall 2011 Connecting Lives 6 Connecting Lives

The Protection and Investigation department of the Calgary Humane Society investigates roughly 1,500 concerns of abuse, neglect, cruelty and abandonment every year.

Protection Update

Court Case Updates(to October 31, 2011)

Bassam MAHJID was charged November 25, 2010 for neglect of a dog after leaving a small breed dog outside for long periods in sub -30 degrees Celcius weather, at trial, MAHJID was convicted and sentenced to a $350 fine.

Jamie O’LEARY was charged October 18, 2009 for medical neglect of a dog after failing to adequately treat severe dogfight wounds. At trial O’LEARY was convicted and sentenced to a $2000 fine.

Jennifer THERRIAIULT was charged March 22, 2011 for medical neglect of a dog after failing to seek veterinary assistance for the dog after it lost half of its body weight. THERRIAIULT pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a $100 fine and a 10 year prohibition from owning animals.

Olive O’CONNOR was charged March 17, 2011 for neglect of several dogs after failing to provide adequate food and veterinary care for 4 whippets. O’CONNOR pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a $1000 fine and a 10 year 4 dog limit.

Vivian GAZERYAN, charged May 31, 2010 for medical neglect of a dog after failing to provide adequate veterinary care. GAZERYAN was sentenced to an $800 fine and a prohibition from owning animals.

Derrick ANDERSON, charged November 25, 2010 for alleged physical abuse of a dog, pleaded guilty. ANDERSON’s sentencing has been adjourned to March 1, 2012.

May YEE-POLEGATO, charged March 23, 2011 for alleged physical abuse of a dog, pleaded not guilty and a trial date has been set for December 23, 2011.

Peggy ANDERSON, charged March 17, 2011 for alleged medical neglect of a dog and practicing veterinary medicine

Protection statistics for 2011 (ending October 31)

Abandoned 149Beaten/Abused 108Hot Car 55 Dead Animal 10Dirty Conditions 49Food/Water/Shelter 300Grooming 13Injured 16Medical Care 122Overcrowding 12Pet Store Concern 13Poisoning 12Emergency 13Trapping 0Other 91Total 963

without a license, pleaded not guilty. A trial has been scheduled for February 9, 2012.

Sandra ANDERSON, charged April 28, 2011 for alleged medical neglect of a dog, pleaded not guilty. A trial date has been set for March 14, 2012.

Ashley ONEN, charged February 25, 2011 for alleged neglect of a dog, pleaded not guilty. A trial date has been set for April 4, 2012.

David TAYLOR, charged May 27, 2009 with alleged abandonment of a dog, pleaded not guilty. A trial date has been set for April 16, 2012.

Victor PHAN, charged July 21, 2011 for alleged medical neglect of a dog appears in court to enter his plea on November 24, 2011.

Trevor GOULIQUER, charged September 6, 2011 for alleged medical neglect of a dog, adjourned his plea to November 23, 2011

Colleen OPPERMAN, charged November 3, 2011 with alleged medical neglect of a cat, appears in court for first appearance on January 3, 2012.

Joseph HOGAN, charged March 21, 2011 for alleged medical neglect of a dog, failed to appear in court. An arrest warrant was issued for HOGAN.

Joseph HOGAN, charged again on May 18, 2011 for alleged neglect and overcrowding of 34 dogs, failed to appear in court. An arrest warrant was issued for HOGAN.

Michael HARDER, charged June 24, 2011 for alleged medical neglect of a dog failed to appear in court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Amaritpal GILL, charged September 8, 2011 for physical abuse and medical neglect of a dog had a warrant issued for his arrest.

Robert HABERMEHL, charged November 27, 2009 for alleged physical abuse of a cat. Several trial dates have been set and cancelled. A new trial date will be set November 18, 2011.

De c e m b e r 10,

2011

Christmas Party

for the Animals

Save the Date

7Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

We Believe in a Second Chance

for Love.TM

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is proud to support the Calgary Humane Society and the homeless pets they care for by providing them with free Science Diet® pet food.

Visit HillsPet.ca/Shelter to learn more.

* Among small animal practitioners for healthy pets. Science Diet is available as Science Plan in Europe. ©2011 Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada, Inc. ®/TM Trademarks owned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.

Vets’ #1 Choice Worldwide to Feed Their Own Pets™*

Protection statistics for 2011 (ending October 31)

Classes for a CausePatricia Cameron, Executive Director

Another school year has just begun and already students are getting into the spirit of giving. At about this time every year school groups gear up with special projects and donation drives to benefit local Calgary charities.

Many students have or have had a pet and feel a special connection to the animals here at CHS. In Humane Education we get the terrific job of acting as ambassadors for CHS and accepting donations on behalf of the animals. We are constantly amazed by the generosity and creativity exhibited by both the students and their teachers. These donations are almost always the result of weeks or months of brainstorming and hard work.

Last spring the students at Somerset School raised $250.00 and donated another $250.00 in cat toys and food through a donation drive. The students at Willow Park School held bake sales,

raffles and sold friendship bracelets to raise $1000.00 for our animals. The grade five group at Jennie Elliot School also held a donation drive to raise over $500.00 in monetary and material donations.

Sometimes the acts of kindness that end up being the most touching are not the ones that bring in the most money but the ones that come straight from the heart.

Students take a lot of pride in donating items that are special to them or hand-making things like blankets, toys and treats. Students at Battalion Park School hand made blankets for our dogs and cats to comfortably sleep on.

Most recently, Terrace Road School ran a “stuffy drive”. What began as a project involving one class soon snowballed to involve all of the children in the school, with every student donating at least one stuffed

animal. Many students looked no further than their own bedrooms for a suitable toy to donate, choosing a stuffy they played with and loved, hoping that the receiver of this special toy would love it as much as they did.

On behalf of all our animals at CHS we send out a big

“Thank-mew” to the generous students

in Calgary schools.

8 Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

Pet Gear Store Toy Review Jamie HickeyKong Knots

Kong Knots are available for purchase at the Calgary Humane Society Pet Gear Store, located at 4455 110 Ave SE .

My name is Storm and my mommy just bought me the COOLEST new toy from the Pet Gear Store! Have you heard of a Kong Knot? If you haven’t, you’re missing out.

As a wee dog I always have trouble finding toys that are perfect for me. Most rope toys are too heavy and most plush toys are huge and not nearly fetchible enough.

Last week I had to resort to playing with CAT toys!!! Now, I did find out I like catnip, but after only a few good chews those toys were down for the count.

My mom brought me home a Kong Knot this week and BOY DO I LOVE IT! It comes in two sizes and the small size is just perfect for the petite canine like myself. One throw and I was hooked. This toy has rope ends for tugging and playing fetch. It even has my very favourite thing in the whole wide world... SQUEEKIES! The squeaker is well protected by the rope so even enthusiastic chewers should have trouble popping it.

The Kong Knot combines the best of all worlds. The sturdy build of a rope toy with the soft chewable fun of a stuffed toy. I tried out the lion toy and I have had lots of fun with it.

The Kong Knot is just one of the cool toys I have tried out from the Pet Gear Store. Did you know the Pet Gear Store helps shelter animals?

It’s true! I was adopted from the Calgary Humane Society in 2007 so I try to shop at the Pet Gear Store whenever I can.

2012 CHS CalendarGet your 2012 Connecting LIves Calendar today. Purchasing the 2012 calendar helps the Calgary Humane Society care for over 8,000 homeless, neglected and abandoned animals each year. Enjoy an adorable new critter each month!

Cost is $20 and all proceeds go to the animals.

9Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

Dog Training & TAG TeachBarbara Walmer, Department Head of Behaviour

Every week the Calgary Humane Society’s Behaviour Team receives inquiries about becoming a dog trainer. Many people are interested in this occupation because of their love for animals. People talk about the impact that their pets have made on their life and how they want to help other dogs. In many of these conversations there is typically little said about working with people.

I always enjoy talking to people about my profession and the fun and challenges I have experienced along the way. I truly believe my job as a dog trainer has more to do with teaching people than dogs. I can’t help a dog if they don’t have a human attached to them. This applies to dogs with owners and dogs in our Shelter. I spend a good part of my day meeting with families and their dogs and training staff or volunteers regarding animal behaviour.

During a typical behaviour consult I get to observe a dog’s behaviour, talk to the family members about what behaviours their dog currently displays, and what they would like to have happen. I get to discuss my observations, canine ethology (which can be misinterpreted), learning theory (how dogs learn), and then work with the owners to develop a plan to modify their dog’s behaviour. That is actually the easy part! Once the plan is developed I have to teach the family how to train their dog.

When people watch a skilled trainer train a dog it looks easy. This is deceiving because they are fluent in dog language, they are aware of many approaches to getting one behaviour, and they have practiced each of the approaches many times with many dogs. Often times when the family tries to implement a behaviour

modification program for their dog they struggle because they don’t have proficient dog training skills.

Teaching people is an art in many ways, teachers have to be able to relate to people, have empathy, and understand the skill they are teaching people to be able to break it down into easy to follow criteria or instructions. When we started using clicker training at the shelter approximately five years ago, the Behaviour Department started talking in terms of setting dogs up for success by starting to mark them for criteria that they were currently comfortable with and then raise the behaviour criteria from there. In 2007, I got a chance to experience clicker training for people, or TAG teach, at the APDT conference in Portland, Oregon. I immediately saw how this was going to help me teach my clients — dog owners. This past fall the Behaviour Department and a couple of other Calgary Humane Society staff got to attend a two-day TAG teach certification workshop that was hosted at the Calgary Humane Society. It was great to see all the applications of this teaching approach and better understand why it works.

TAG Teach is a really cool way to teach new skills. The ‘teacher’ will give an instruction; which is called a TAG point. When the skill executed correctly, a tag will be given (a unique, audible sound).

If a tag doesn’t happen, the learner has a moment to self-assess and try again. The learner is encouraged repeat the movement three times prior to moving on to the next step.

When teaching skills to other people, there are many reasons we want it to be effective. I want to be able to teach people how to efficiently and effectively train their dogs, so that those dogs— along with their people — can live enriched lives. My profession is a dog trainer, but my success has more to do with my ability to teach people.

For more information on TAG teach, please visit www.tagteach.com.

So you wanna be a dog trainer?

The Calgary Humane Society will be launching the CHS Dog Training Internship Academy in 2012.

The Calgary Humane Society will be launching the CHS Dog Training Internship Academy in 2012.

Details will soon be posted on our websitewww.calgaryhumane.ca

2012 CHS Calendar

10 Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

Max`s a-maze-ing journey!

Anna and Max went for a hike but Max got lost! Help Max find Anna by following the trail of his things that Anna has left from her backpack. Avoid any dangers along the way!

XXXPoison

Water

Water

Max Needs: Water, food, toys, love, time and his loving family (can you think of other things Max needs? Draw them along Max’s path if you can!)Dangers: Mean dogs, cars, poison, broken glass and candy!

11Fall 2011 Connecting Lives

Christmas Tree Safety TipsKaren Moreland, Adoptions Counselor

(403) 252-1500 www.nutrilawn.com

Here are some tips on how to minimize dangers associated with Christmas trees and your pet.

• Place Christmas trees in a stable stand and attach the tree securely to a window or wall with something like fish line.

• Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation. Even needles and wire of artificial trees could pose a problem. Be sure your pets are not chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.

• Tinsel’s shininess is attractive to pets. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. It is best to leave it off the tree altogether.

• Chewing on electrical cords— including cords of lights — can cause problems ranging from burned mouths to electrical shock. Unplug decorative lights when you are not there, use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with a product such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.

• Pets may knock glass ornaments off of trees, which could cause cuts to their paw pads. Sharp ornament hooks can also become troublesome. Place ornaments that are shiny, or could be swallowed or broken high up on your tree. Larger, less intriguing ornaments can go near the bottom.

• Decorating trees with food is asking for problems. Candy canes and gingerbread people can

be as enticing to your pet as they are to children. Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful,

but can cause an obstruction when eaten, requiring surgery.

• The water from the tree stand can harbor potentially

harmful bacteria. Fertilizers,

insecticides, or flame retardants that were

used on the tree. Be mindful of your pet drinking this water.

LivesConnected

4455 110 Avenue SECalgary, AB T2C 2T7

Please don’t change homes without us!If you’re moving send us your change of address.

Pictured Right: Ellie. She is very smart and learns very quickly. We adore her and love her so very much already!! We really hope that she comes to understand that this is now her ‘forever home’. ~ Brandie & Ron Bailey

Pictured Right: Cletus. Cletus does know how to sit, stay, shake a paw and come – although he really only WANTS to do that when there are treats to be had. He does fit right in here. ~Shawna & Keith

Pictured Below:Charlie

Charlie is a loveable gentle giant.

Charlie splashes in the river chasing the birds and then he runs and runs and runs.

He gets along well with other dogs and is very sociable. Charlie sleeps on a fleece bed on Ed’s side of our bed all night.

~Marjorie and Ed

Pictured Left: Elvis & Alexandra. Elvis has settled in nicely. He’s a real cuddle bug. He loves my husband and wants to be close to him whenever he is around. Our daughter Alexandra is thrilled to have a cat again.

It’s been 15 years since we’ve adopted from an animal shelter. We were more than pleased with our adoption experience. ~ Melanie Burchell