Vol. 5 Issue 2 Newsletter of Frederick County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center Fall/WInter 2019

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Saving Sticky FeetBy Bethany Davidson

Like most kids her age, nine-year-old Piper Uttermohlen has a bedtime routine. Every night the little girl walks around her house in search of good night kisses. The kisses, howev-er, are not for Piper. It’s her best friend, a teddy bear hamster named Sticky Feet, who gets gen-tle kisses from Mom and Dad on the top of her head.

Piper comes from a family of animal lovers. In fact, her father is an animal control officer at Frederick County Animal Control where the child is a frequent visitor. It was on one such visit that Piper and Sticky Feet’s friendship began.

The Uttermohlens arrived a little later than they had planned to FCAC’s Open House in May of 2019. There had been an unexpected death in the family. Piper’s beloved hamster Sake had died that morning. The young pet owner was devastated. With the help of her parents, she buried Sake in the yard and held a

small graveside service, which the child loving-ly marked with colored pencils and her stuffed unicorn.

Piper was so sad that her dad couldn’t take it. He said, “you know I have $30 extra cash, I guess I could buy you a hamster,” but Piper teared up and said “No. I don’t want to replace Sake.” So the family headed to the shelter to see if bounce houses, junk food and adoptable ani-mals could cheer everyone up.

Word quickly spread about the death of Sake at FCAC and staff had just the thing to brighten Piper’s day, a tiny hamster named Willow. Though the little girl was adamant that she didn’t want another hamster, it couldn’t hurt to just hold it, right? But once Willow was cud-dled up in Piper’s hands and she heard Willow’s story everything changed.

Willow had arrived at the shelter three weeks earlier. A man came to the front door holding a brown paper bag. He explained to the staff that

Sweet ReunionThough she’d never been

outside, Twix must have been curious about the world on the other side of the door. One day in July, the indoor-only tortie saw her chance. “She snuck out the door when we turned our backs for a second,” says cat mom Amy Gibson.

Once they realized Twix was gone, the Gibsons didn’t hesitate. “We did search par-ties and put flyers on every door in our neighborhood, two other neighborhoods, and on all stop signs leading in and out,” Amy recalls. They posted Twix on pawboost.com, nextdoor.com, and the lost and found pets Facebook page. They notified all area shelters and vets and

checked the Frederick County Animal Control stray page every day.

Before allowing the kitty’s scent to grow cold, Amy contact-ed Dogs Finding Dogs, a local organization that tracks lost pets. Tracking team Sherry Webb and Tucker came out. “It was incredible to watch them work! Tucker found her scent

right away,” says Amy, “and Sherry came up with a plan for us to try and get Twix to come to us.” The family borrowed traps, which they set and frequently checked for almost four weeks. “We caught an opossum  and a few neighborhood cats, … no Twix though,” says Amy.

Continued on Page 2

What To Do if You Lose a Pet• File a lost report with Frederick

County Animal Control (FCAC) and neighboring counties’ shelters. Renew the lost report every 6 months.

• Go to FCAC and other area shelters to look for your pet in person. (Remember, one person’s “shepherd mix” is another person’s “hound mix.”)

• Call a tracking organization or com-pany.

• Post clear, visible flyers everywhere.• For a missing dog, put some

unwashed shirts and socks by the door.

• For a missing indoor cat, thoroughly search close to home—usually they’ll be hiding nearby.

• Call your microchip company to report your pet missing and to be sure your contact information is correct.

• Don’t give up hope!Continued on Page 3

Page 2 Fall/Winter 2019

Director’s Letter: Collaborative CompassionBy Linda Shea

On Sunday, November 10, 2019, Frederick County’s first and only cat café opened for business. The café, formally known as K.A.T. Café, houses 15 shelter cats that are available for adoption. This population of felines includes some of our long-term residents, a mix of strays and owner-surrenders, with a combined history that runs the gamut of reasons animals end up at shelters.

In general, cat cafés house a limited number of felines. Though the overar-ching goal is to find forever homes for each resident feline, cat cafés also offer a comfortable place in which anyone—potential adopter or not—may simply enjoy feline companionship. For those who are interested in adoption, a cat café has an advantage over a traditional shelter setting in that all kitties are able to roam freely (within the confines of the café) rather than peering out from cages, which can be stressful to the animals, causing them to seem more timid—or sassy—than they would be in a home environment. In addition, as the name implies, many cat cafés offer coffee, tea, soft drinks, and light snacks. K.A.T. (short for Kitties, Adoptions, Treats) Café houses shelter cats from Frederick County Animal Control and offers snacks and refreshments.

During Fiscal Year 2019, the shelter took in more than 3,400 animals—of that total, 2,040 were cats and kittens. Since felines consistently make up over half of our animal intake, we know we must work harder to place them. Although we already have modest adoption fees, we readily participate in events with even further reduced fees to promote adoptions. We have ongo-ing public education to enlighten people through traditional and social media, tours, and presentations. We work with rescue organizations that pull animals from our shelter. We have a robust foster care program. Saving ani-mal lives requires multiple, creative, ongoing efforts. And K.A.T. Café, along with the Town of New Market, are now part of those lifesaving efforts.

For a nominal fee (to help maintain cat care), visitors have the opportunity to visit with the adoptables in a relaxing, no-pressure environment. And, if a visitor determines that a K.A.T. Café cat is destined to be part of their family, they follow up through Animal Control’s adoption process. IIn its first three weeks of operation, K.A.T. Cafe has already found forever homes for nine cats, including a mother-son pair who had been waiting eight months for a home.

For more information, visit www.katcafe.net or check out K.A.T. Café on Facebook @katcafefrederick.n Linda Shea is Director, Frederick County Animal Control.

Frederick County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center1832 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702 • 301-600-1546frederickcountymd.gov/15/Animal-Control

Frederick County Animal Control Supervisory TeamLinda Shea, DirectorSGT Dave Luckenbaugh, Animal Control Officer SupervisorShawn Snyder, Volunteer Coordinator Bethany Davidson, Humane EducatorBrandy Odin, Kennel ManagerAmanda Clarke, Office ManagerDr. Sharon Thomas, Shelter Veterinarian

Newsletter VolunteersBette Stallman Brown, EditorMina Forsythe Rempe, Graphic Designer

Our Mission: To prevent cruelty, abuse, and neglect of animals in Frederick County by enforcing all state, county, and city ordinances to the fullest extent possible. We will shelter homeless animals and attempt to place them in safe and loving home environments. We will educate the public on all animal issues to foster a more aware and caring community.

there was a hamster in there. This hamster was Willow. She had escaped from her cage a while back and the family thought she was gone. They bought a new hamster and went on with their lives. Much later they noticed that items from their pantry were being eaten by a rodent. They set a glue trap expecting to catch a mouse, but instead caught the hamster.

Staff encouraged the man to take the hamster to a local small animal vet who could remove the animal from the trap. But unfortu-nately, the family didn’t want the hamster. They didn’t need two. So FCAC staff gently began the tedious work of setting Willow, who had been nicknamed Sticky

Feet, free. Once all the glue was removed, staff gave the animal some time to settle in and recover before being placed on the adop-tion floor.

By the end of the story, it was decided. “Even though she was heartbroken, she still found it in her heart to want Sticky Feet,” says Piper’s mother Jennifer Uttermohlen. “As a mom it was difficult watching her cry that morning and not being able to

ease her pain. A simple visit to the shelter made her feel so much bet-ter. Piper went from sadness over the loss of Sake to a happy little girl who felt like she was meant to save Sticky Feet.”

From that moment on the pair have been inseparable. Sticky Feet sleeps right beside Piper’s bed on a special custom-made hamster stand made by her Pappy. The hamster climbs her cage and chews on the bars to get Piper’s attention and then the two play. The little girl loves to hold and snuggle her tiny pet. The two watch tv together and even go on little adventures around the house.

The youngest Uttermohlen is responsible for her pet and does all the feeding and watering herself, although she might be a little heavy on the treats. Sticky Feet’s favorites include bran flakes, bananas and strawberries. Piper even helps her mom clean the cage by entertaining her best friend.

“Our family is complete having Sticky Feet in it. We all adore her,” says Jennifer. “I really think it was meant to be. If staff hadn’t told Piper her sad little story and put Sticky in her hands, we all would not have known the love and joy of having her. We all love her and think she is the cutest little critter ever.”n Bethany Davidson is the

humane educator, Frederick County Animal Control

STICKY FEET Cont'd from page 1

Fall/Winter 2019 Page 3

Homes WantedView all of our adoptable pets on Petfinder (www.frederick.petfinder.com) or Petango (www.petango.com/fcac).

Or stop by for a visit—you never know, you might just find true love!

MoMy people called me Monster; they said I was a mess.But if you look into my eyes, you’ll see my heart expressed.I long to be a lap cat, to be someone’s most dear.If you can give me time and love, I’ll overcome my fear.

ZadeA fraidy cat, not-ready cat. That’s what I was at first.The shelter is a scary place, I thought it’d be the worst.But now I know I’m safe, so I can ask for your attention.I’ll push my head into your hand, to show my sweet intentions

CaponeYou’ll see me as a great big oaf whose manners need some work.But in my heart, I’m delicate— a flower, not some jerk.I crave your touch, I seek your gaze, I try to do what’s right.I’ll love you with my whole heart— please be patient, firm, and kind.

HoochYou wouldn’t know to look at me, but I’ve survived a lot.Trapped inside, then running loose— just an afterthought.But that’s the past. I’m over it! I’m ready for forever!You’ll win, with just one belly rub, a love that can’t be severed.

Ruby You’ll think I’m bad—I know you will— but really, I’m just scared.I want to trust you but, as prey, I have to be prepared.I crave a sense of safety— I dream of one who knowsThat time and patience will pay off: my trust and love will grow.

BombayI’m all you need, as felines go, I’ll fill your home with purr.Meet me, pet me, play with me— you’ll find that you concur.Once on the street, alone and scared, I’m ready to be yours—I promise to be faithful, your best friend on all fours.

Sherry was incredibly supportive. “When we were feeling at our wits end, she always had the right thing to say,” notes Amy. “Any and every lead, she was on top of it.”

It was almost exactly four weeks later—and four blocks away from the Gibson home—when

a hungry, skinny cat approached Bri Shankle, who fed her. Bri’s dog later chased the cat into the shed, and the family closed the door. That night, Sherry received a message from Bri regarding the Facebook post about Twix. “I think we have this cat,” was the message.

“The night Twix came home … was incredi-ble and emotionally overwhelming,” says Amy. Twix was ok—skinny with a few fleas, but no injuries. “The Shankles have no idea what they

have done for our family,” continues Amy. “We will forever be thankful to them.”

What was the key to bringing Twix home? “I truly believe getting her face out everywhere was one of the best things we did—and working with Dogs Finding Dogs.” Reuniting Twix with her family was truly a community effort, with assis-tance—emotional support, social media shares, and possible sightings—coming in from all over. “There is a lot of good out there.”

SWEET REUNION Cont'd from page 1

Page 4 Fall/Winter 2019

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Adoption 101By Bette Brown

Adopting a homeless pet is the very best kind of altruism—a lifesaving act that yields the unconditional love that only a pet can give.

Before you bring home your new furry family member, do your research on the spe-cies and breed you’re considering and think through how the pet will fit in with—and alter—your lifestyle.

Why is preparation so important? Consider this: A pet at a shelter or rescue organization has already lost at least one family; this, in itself, is a lot for an animal to process. Some pets have additionally been abused or neglect-ed. So before you adopt, it’s important to (a) have a clear idea of the temperament that would be most compatible with your family and (b) plan for the new pet’s adjustment to your home.

Choose CarefullyThe animal’s temperament, energy level,

and past experiences will be key to deter-mining whether she’ll be a good fit with your family. Carefully read all available informa-tion about the pet you’re considering. A dog described as “athletic” or “high-energy” is perfect if you hike or jog regularly, you’re willing to play fetch every day in the back yard, or you plan to get involved in dog sports like agility. But if your brand of adven-ture involves curling up on the couch with a good book, look for a pet described as a “couch potato” or “expert snuggler.”

If you have young kids, be sure the animal is comfortable with kids, which can be scary to some pets because they move erratically, try to hug or pick up pets frequently, and make direct eye contact.

Prepare for a Slow AdjustmentBringing home a new pet will require a

serious adjustment. How you handle the adjustment period will mean the difference between a rewarding adoption experience and … a mess.

The number one rule to helping your new pet adjust: do not give her free run of your entire home on day one! She will want free run on day one, but remember, your new pet is, in some ways, like a human toddler: she does not know what’s in her best interest; you do. The adjustment process will go much more smoothly if you keep her world small at first.

Here are a few tips for the first 1–4 weeks (the initial adjustment period):• Use leashes, baby gates, closed doors, and a

plan for the use of space to keep your new pet’s world small and to slowly introduce her to your other pets.

• Don’t overwhelm your new pet with affec-tion; let her come to you when she’s ready.

• A new cat should be kept in a separate room for the adjustment period.

• A new dog should be either leashed or in a separate room, hallway, or crate (her quiet place); baby gates can be very helpful for dogs who don’t do well in a crate. Don’t forget to have a leash on a new dog when she’s not in her quiet place—even inside the house and even if, after the first few days, the dog is just dragging the leash.

• Remember that dogs and cats are predators. If you are combining a cat with pocket pets like gerbils, or a large dog with cats, toy size dogs, or rabbits, you must have a solid plan in place for preventing one pet from harm-ing another. Even a dog or cat who has done well with smaller animals in the past will need a slow adjustment to help them understand that their new small house-mates are friends, not food.

• For the best chance of success, allow your new pet at least 2 weeks to adjust to her new humans and home before you begin introducing her to your other pets (she will likely see your pets in passing before then, and that’s fine).

• Initial interactions with your other pets should be very brief. Two examples follow:

• When introducing two dogs, even if a meet ‘n’ greet prior to adoption went well, remember that meeting is one thing; living together is quite another. Start with long walks together and keep them moving, with occasional opportunities to briefly sniff each other (try not to let them suddenly approach each other face to face).

• For two cats, try dragging a string under a door separating new and res-ident cats to encourage them to play under the door without having to be face to face. When they are allowed to directly interact, don’t punish a hiss or growl; just calmly separate them and try again the next day.

Don’t Expect Your Kids To Do All the WorkMany parents expect their kids to provide

the bulk of a new pet’s care. This expectation sets up child and pet for failure because most kids, even teenagers, are not ready for this kind of responsibility. Instead, create a “chore chart” for your child that includes some pet care each week, such as playing with the pet after school for 30 minutes each day. The rest of the work will fall to you. If you’re not ok with that, then maybe now is not the best time for a pet.

Play by the RulesEach animal shelter and rescue organiza-

tion has its own adoption process and rules. The simplest process is usually found at a municipal or county-run animal shelter. However, pets in a stressful, overstimulating shelter environment do not typically behave as they would in a home environment. That barky dog may be quiet in your home; the shy cat hiding in the back of his cage may become the Walmart greeter of his new home.

Foster-based rescues tend to have a better idea of how their pets will behave in a home environment. But they typically have a more involved application process, involving refer-ence checks and a home visit.

Rescues that specialize in puppies or a single “in-demand” breed (e.g., poodles or Maine coons) tend to be the most restrictive. The rules do have a purpose; they stem from the rescue’s experience regarding the best ways to ensure a happily ever after for an animal. So hang in there and trust that the rescue is truly trying to do right by the ani-mals—and their adopters.

Once you’ve done your research and have prepared, go ahead and have fun looking for your new best buddy. Read the online bios, go to adoption events. Meet lots of pets and learn as much as you can about the animals and the organizations caring for them. When you’re ready, click “apply.”

n Bette Stallman Brown is president of Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelter. She and her husband and daugh-ter share their home with two cats and two dogs, all adopted from rescues or shelters or found as strays. This article originally appeared, with minor changes, in Sass Magazine.