Getting to Know Peninsula SPCA People: Allison Hendricks

Allison Hendricks is perhaps, one of the most popular personalities at the Peninsula SPCA. With her hair always on a ponytail, Allison is very visible around the shelter, which seems like a second home to her. Who wouldn't, if you've been there for approximately 32 years! Yes, Allison started as a volunteer when she was still in 9th grade, back when she wanted to become a veterinarian. So to make sure she would work with animals, the best way was to volunteer at the SPCA.

Allison may not have become a vet, but as the SPCA's Customer Care Manager, she gets to work on adoptions and finding a family for the homeless animals, a job that gets fulfilling every time she sees a family bring home an animal. She also does temperament evaluations of animals together with Kennel Manager Don Branch. To Allison, the reward of the job comes in seeing an animal that came in scared and would try to bite, and thinking that no one will ever adopt it. Then, helping the animal calm down and finding it a loving, hopefully, forever home.

With her long years with the SPCA, Allison has had a lot of memorable experiences and cites three recent ones: First is about King and Queen, two dogs that have stayed in the shelter for about six months. She contacted a rescue group called ART, which took the two canines and was able to place them in a loving home within a few weeks. The shelter received photos and notes of King and Queen on how well they are doing now. Second is Shadow, a mix shepherd dog that reminded Allison of a dog she once had. Shadow came to the shelter very scared and would try to bite the kennel staff. Allison placed Shadow with a rescue group that doesn't have a "shelter environment" since it didn't do well in a cage. And the dog responded positively!

She also recalls the two very think Pit Bulls which were brought to the shelter due to cruelty cases. "We did an evaluation on them - SWEET dogs, but no one was interested because they looked so bad. A lady, who has been a supporter of the shelter for years, came in and I jokingly told her she needed to take at least one of these dogs home. She looked at them and the next day, came back and adopted one, and found a home for the other. As the saying goes, 'Saving one animal will not change the world, but it changes the world for that one animal," said Allison.

When not at the shelter (which is likely not that often), Allison likes to spend her free time reading fictional books about lawyers or about the medical field. She also plays in her iris garden during summer, and of course, she enjoys spending time with her pets Spot, a Calico; Sadie, a Bull Dog-Sharpei mix; and Kimber, a mixed breed that came into the shelter as a starving almost dead pup.

Allison has this to say to the volunteers: "Stick with it, even when sometimes, the staff is not at all that friendly. When I first started as a volunteer, the lady in the front office was not very nice - I don't think she liked many people at all at the time - I kept being nice to her and she came around and we still see each other 32 years later. It's not the people you're here for - it's the animals and they make it all worthwhile!"

Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month

October is Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month! Spread the word...

Schools in Session

September is here again and it's time for school. Have you adopted a new dog or has the long summer slackened your training regimen? Why not go to a doggie training class? Even if your dog is well trained you can take him/her to the next level in their training. Your dog will love the challenge! There are several places in the Hampton Roads to get your training regimen back on track. Why not check out the Merrimac Dog Training Club or PetSmart? They can determine your dog's level of training and where best to start again or for the first time. Classes are probably the best way to get your into a routine. Take your family along to the classes so everyone uses the same technique and plays a part in your dogs success.

Do the classes not match up with your schedule? How about checking out Petfinder training videos. They even have training videos for cats! Petfinder has organized tons of videos with great techniques to helping you achieve the level of training you would like. It takes consistancy to achieve the results you want. So be prepared to work! Going back to school will strengthen your bond with your dog. So do something good for your friend and sign up for classes today!

Become a Blogger!

This is a shoutout to volunteers. Are you having a hard time making it into the shelter to fulfill your monthly hours? Well I may have a solution for you! We are looking for more volunteers to contribute to the blog. We want to hear about things from your point of view. We are especially interested in dog/kitty squad members, foster families or people who do petfinder pictures for the dogs to write about their favorite shelter pups/kitties. All the blogging you do will count toward your monthly volunteering hours. So please consider volunteering your time and experiences with everyone. If you are interested email the blog or Sarah to get started. We look forward to hearing from everyone!

I *heart* Frank

Frank is a sweet cat who captured my heart while taking petfinder pictures. I took him out of his cage and the first thing he did was wrap his paws around my neck and nuzzle my face.

Clearly this cat was born to love. He started purring and was clearly enjoying being loved on. He just wanted to be held and rubbed all day and I was more than happy to oblige.

Frank is a 1yr old, black domestic shorthair mix. He has beautiful eyes and very soft fur, which he would love for you to pet forever. He weighs about 8lbs, so tiny, and has been neutered. He has also been microchipped and tested FeLV/FIV negative, yay!

Unfortunately, like so many of our other cats, Frank was brought to the shelter by his owner because they were moving. He hasn't let it get him down though. He enjoys hugs and nuzzling. He just wants someone to love and to love him back. He loves to play with balls and string. He has a lot of energy and needs a loving, playful home. Frank has been waiting for a home since 8/11/2008.

Frank is an amazing cat and I think he would make someone very, very happy. So give Frank and cats like him a chance and adopt from the shelter. You will forever be changed by the love and joy they bring into your life.

For more information on Frank and other cats available at the Peninsula SPCA check out Petfinder.com or for a more interactive experience check out our shelter at 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA.

P.A.W.S.

Do you miss the company of a pet, but are unable to own one because you are in the military?
Well I have a solution for you.

P.A.W.S., Pairing Animals With Soldiers, is a program developed by the Peninsula SPCA to allow soldiers to take dogs from the shelter for the day. This is not an over night trip but this gives soldiers a chance to reconnect with the animals they love while giving the dogs a chance to get out for the day. The dogs can wear their adoptable dog vest so they can get more exposure and hopefully more potential adopters will see them. This program benefits both the dogs and the soldiers. The soldiers can even become volunteers if they are interested in helping the animals more. If you are interested in participating in the program check out the Peninsula SPCA for more information.

Mark Your Calendars for the Summer Bash!!!!

The festivities start Saturday August 23, 2008 from 12pm-4pm. There will be live music from local bands such as the Corsair Romantic, Under the Bridge, Wild Guns and View from the Top. We are hosting our very own SPCA pet parade featuring adoptable dogs from the shelter. There will also be a volunteer fashion show, showcasing our fabulous product line. If you enjoy music you can check out our battle of the bands contest. With raffle prizes, food and refreshments, what more could you ask for? So bring the family and maybe even the family dog and join us for a day full of fun. All proceeds benefit the SPCA animals so have fun and help the animals!



If you are interested in volunteering please contact our volunteer coordinator, Sarah at sarah@peninsulaspca.com or 757.595.1399. We look forward to seeing you all there!

A Shoutout to all Volunteers!

We really need help in the shelter this week. Many staff members are on vacation, leaving us short staffed. This is the case especially in the kitty room. If you have any free time, especially in the morning, please stop in and help out. We will greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

Fun times with dogs

Are you looking for fun things to do with your dog? Take them to the dog park. It's a cheap and fun way for your dog to socialize and play with other dogs.
One of the local dog parks is located at Sandy Bottom Nature Preserve. The Bark Park is open to members only. The park does this for the safety of your dog and the other dogs who frequent the park. All this means is that you have to sign up with them and pay a $10 fee for the year. I have the inside scoop on how to get in.



First you need to get your dog registered with the county. In York County the fee is $5 every year and they will send you new tags in the mail with a bill each year before it expires. After you have registered your dog with the county take your shot records and the tag number from your county tags to the Nature Center (pictured above). The staff will give you a paper to fill out which asks for your local address, when the shots expire and your dogs county license number. The staff will review your records to make sure your shots are up to date and then they will give you a tag. This tag allows you year long access to the park. All for the low price of $10. Take a quick look at the rules on the gate before you go into the park. This will save you trouble later when the park rangers come by.

There are some fun agility games to play with your dog. Such as the stairs and the crawl hut. There are always balls and other toys for the dogs to fetch and play with. The space is open and there are benches if your dog is more inclined to play alone or with other dogs while you relax. The trees keep the park cooler and the shade is nice especially with all the sun.

If your dog would like to stop in for a drink after hitting the trails there is a fountain in the park. There are a lot of trails to hike if your dog makes it to the park before others show up so have fun and explore! If you don't have a dog you can talk with Sarah about signing a dog out to explore the trails. The dogs love the time you spend with them and they love to get out. They may find their new owner while out on the town. So get out there and have fun!

The 10 Commandments for Pets

This was forwarded by a volunteer. I thought it was sweet and it does make you stop and think about your relationship with your pet. I hope you enjoy reading it too.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment.You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understandyour voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurtyou, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!

An Adoption Story

About a year ago, my husband and I adopted our dog Bob from the SPCA shelter in Norfolk. I found his picture on Petfinder and wanted to see what he was like in person. My husband had wanted to wait to adopt but after seeing his picture he too was a little curious. So we drove to Norfolk and filled out all the required paperwork to have a visitation session with Bob. After spending time in the room with him, feeding him from a KONG and trying to get him to calm down enough to let us pet him we decided to adopt him. Bob was only 30lbs but he was very sweet. We fell in love with him. At that shelter they required you to have a written form from your apartment complex that you had paid your pet fee and had told them of your adoption plans. Naturally we did not know everything about the adoption process until after we had decided to adopt. It was an intense few days trying to get our paperwork together and finding a time when my husband and I were both not busy with work to take everything in. I was really worried someone would adopt him before we could get back. We managed to work everything out and two days later Bob was homebound.

The adjustment period was very intense for the first two weeks. We had done the research on Bob's breed, English Pointer, and had learned a lot. I would suggest people research the breed of dog before they adopt because it really helped us to understand what to expect. Bob is a very high energy dog who requires A LOT of exercise, patience and love. We had only been living with our cat Ziggy who requires attention on his time unlike Bob who enjoys constant attention. While Bob had tested well with cats in the shelter our cat Ziggy was not quite as receptive to Bob's attentions. So he hid out in our bedroom for a week or two. We kept Bob out so Ziggy could relax. It was difficult for Bob to refrain from sniffing at the door but he managed it. Eventually they came to enjoy each others company and now often share our bed for nap time while we are not home. They also enjoy playing together. Wrestling, catching bugs and chasing games make up their list of common interests. During the first two weeks of Bob's time with us I was afraid it was not going to work out because of the issues our cat had with him but all they needed was time. I am happy to say that Bob has been living with us for a year now and he has made friends with not only Ziggy and the dog park dogs but everyone he meets. He is a sweet and loving boy who only needed a nice and loving home.

For people who are considering adopting a pet I would suggest a shelter animal. You will be surprised at what a wonderful and loving animal you will bring into your home and life. Bob is full of endless love and we are constantly learning new things about him.

If you have an adoption story and pictures to share please send it to pspca1@gmail.com. We would love to tell your story so that others will see the joys of adopting!

Baking Dog Biscuits: A Family Affair

Baking the whole family can do!!! These are the requirements for the Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits:

2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup skim milk

Preheat oven to 375 degreesIn a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk. Add wet mixture to dry, and mix well. Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll out to 1/4-inch thick and cut out shapes. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool on a rack and then store in an airtight container. Makes 30 large dog treats.


I swapped skim milk for soy. I also didn't use a cookie cutter because I don't have any. I handshapped these and I think they turned out well.


Tada! Now you have healthy, homemade treats for your favorite companion. My dog offered to taste test each one...just to make sure they were safe to eat. Thanks for your help, Bob.

Happy Endings at the Peninsula Family Day

It was a happy ending for two SPCA dogs during the “Sunday in the Park” Family Day held at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center in Newport News on July 20. Toby, a male beagle and hound mix, and Hula, a female rough collie mix, were both adopted and went home happily with their new families.

The Family Day provided a great venue for the adoptable dogs to meet and greet families and hobnob with other dogs that attended the event. Even the sweltering heat did not hamper Toby, Hula and lovable senior dogs Lucy and Lany from mingling and charming park visitors.

The Peninsula SPCA joined other local groups for an afternoon of crafts, music and other fun activities. PSCPA product lines such as shirts, caps and chip clips were sold that day, while Petting Zoo tickets and “paw tattoos” were given out to lucky visitors. But what made the day for the PSPCA were the adoption of Toby and Hula, which both have found a loving forever home.

Cross posted on Out of the Shelter.

The truth about FIV

Hi, my name is Jellybean and I am FIV positive. While many people believe this is a death sentence for me and other affected cats, I am here to dispel the rumors.

What is FIV?

FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a retrovirus in the same family as the human AIDS virus, with a few significant differences.

How common is FIV?

"In the United States, approximately 1.5 to 3 percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV. Rates rise significantly-15 percent or more-in cats that are sick or at high risk of infection. Because biting is the most efficient means of viral transmission, free-roaming, aggressive male cats are the most frequently infected, while cats housed exclusively indoors are much less likely to be infected." (Cornell Feline Health Center)

How is FIV spread?

"The primary mode of transmission is through bite wounds. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading FIV; as a result, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk for acquiring FIV infections. On rare occasions infection is transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens, usually during passage through the birth canal or when the newborn kittens ingest infected milk. Sexual contact is not a major means of spreading FIV."(Cornell Feline Health Center)

What can I do to help keep my cat healthy?

Confining your cat to the indoors helps to keep them from bacteria and other harmful fungi that can affect your cats weakened immune system. This also prevents them from spreading the disease to other cats. Secondary infections are responsible for most diseases associated with FIV. Check ups with your veterinarian every six months help to track your cats health and maintain its wellness. Feed your cat a well balanced diet and keep a close eye on their health. Any changes in weight or overall wellness should be reported to your veterinarian.

How long will my FIV positive cat live?

It is impossible to determine how long any animal will live. As long as you remain vigilant and feed them a well balanced diet with regular veterinary visits your cat could potentially live as long as any other cat. There is no proven shortening of life expectancy with FIV cats.

I am 2 years old now and healthy. I love to play alone or with other people. I am very energetic and would love to have someone to play with me and love me. While I am FIV positive and should not be brought into a home with uninfected cats I can still be a single home pet or live with other FIV positive cats. Please consider giving me and other FIV positive cats a chance! We are still a lot of fun and will make sweet and lovable companions. If you are interested in learning more about me come visit me at my home, the Peninsula SPCA! Just ask for Jellybean my number is 16854. I look forward to meeting you.

For more information on FIV check out Cornell's amazing online brochure: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fiv.html

Shout out to volunteers

As many of you know, we have a new animal behaviorist on staff, Ms. Jodi Godfrey. Jodi will be offering a class on behavior and body language of which will become a required class for volunteers. Our staff had the opportunity to take a class from Jodi, and all of us benefit VERY MUCH as we all learned a ton!

I invite you to attend her upcoming classes scheduled for Saturday, June 7 at 10am and Thursday, June 26 at 6:30pm. If you are intersted in attending the class, please let me know so that I can sign you up. Have a great day!

Sarah

Mark Your Calendars!

There are two adoption events coming up this month. If you need volunteer hours or are interested in helping please tell Sarah Johnston. The more volunteers the better!

PETCO ADOPTION DAY- Saturday, June 7 from 11am-2pm(event manager: Krista Thomas)PETCO ADOPTION DAY- Saturday, July 19 from 11am-2pm(event manager: Krista Thomas)

Pictures

A big thank you to all our volunteers and staff who gave their time to help with Paws for a Cause. It was a great success. We have added a slideshow of the pictures we have received from people. If you have any pictures you could share with us we would really appreciate it. Please email them to Sarah or the blog PSPCA1@gmail.com . THANK YOU!!! :)

Paws for a Cause Final Update!!!

Final Event Update
May 20, 2008

We raised over $52,000!

The rain dance must have worked because it held off for our Second Annual Paws for a Cause Dog Walk & Festival, held at Riverview Farm Park in Newport News on Sunday, May 18, 2008.

Over $52,000 was raised to benefit the 10,000 animals that come through the Peninsula SPCA each year.
Hundreds of animal lovers and supporters came out throughout the day to take part in the festivities including on-going demonstrations by Sit Means Sit and Coastal Dog Training, Avenue of Heroes local rescue groups and browsed pet related exhibitors. The nearly 500 registered walkers and their canine companions also enjoyed activities such as the Police K-9 and Fire Bomb Dog demonstrations, Busch Gardens "Get Wild!" exotic animal presentation, the Peninsula SPCA's Puppy Parade of adoptable pets, and contests which included a Kissing (Licking) Contest and Best Costume contest.
We want to hear from you!

The Peninsula SPCA wants to learn from you on how we can make next year's event even better!
Click here to take a quick survey.

Thanks for supporting our event and we will see you next year!



Congratulations to our top winners!


Top Teams & Vet Challenge Winner:
Salty Dawgs of Salty Paws Veterinary Hospital- $5,555

Top Individual Fundraiser:Amy Dudeck- $2,897

Largest Teams:
Salty Dawgs of Salty Paws Vet Hospital with 36 members
2009 SpokesDog Winner:
Cathy McQuade
Register Today for Paws for a Cause 2009!
The registration fee is $10 per person.

Click here to register.

If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Rowland
at 595.1392.

Paws For a Cause Update

Event Update #3
May 7, 2008

Turning in Pledges
In order to prevent long lines the day of the event, the SPCA will be accepting pledge money on Friday, May 16th, from 11am to 6pm and Saturday, May 17th, from 10am to 5pm.

We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the early turn in days! Not only will this prevent you from having to wait in line the day of the event, but it will allow you to receive your goody bags and your Paws for a Cause t-shirts before the event.
Schedule of Events

The schedule of events has been set! We have a fun-packed day for you, family and friends to enjoy.
Click here to view our schedule of events.
Doggie Etiquette

Be sure your pet is wearing a comfortable collar or harness and is kept under control at all times. Proof of current vaccinations including rabies is required. Dogs must have current licenses in the city or county where they reside. Pooper-Scooper bags will be made available. Please be sure to pick up after your own pet! No female pets in heat will be allowed to participate in any activity and should not be brought to the event.



Congratulations to our current leaders!
(Last updated 5/7/08)

Top Teams:Caring Little Paws- $2,895
Puppy Pounders- $1,010 Library Lassies- $605
Team Woof Gang- $475

Top Individual Fundraisers:Amy Dudeck- $2,895
Jessica Debusk- $1,577DK Blanchard- $750
Cathy McQuade- $675 Dr. Sharon Dirmeyer- $600 Heather Price-Taylor- $551 Sarah Hale- $490

Largest Teams:
32- Salty Paws Vet Hospital 30- Mercury Animal Hospital
24- Pine Meadow Vet Hospital 20-Poquoson Vet Hospital
16- New Horizons
Register Today!
Register now to receive your pledge packet! The registration fee is $15 per person.
To register, visit peninsulaspca.org

If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Rowland
at 595.1392.

Welcome!!!

This is the Peninsula SPCA's new blog. We are going to keep you up to date on the latest SPCA news for our area. Here you will find stories of our rescues, our adoptions, fun crafts to donate, dog/cat of the week and so much more. We want to get the word out about all the amazing animals we have and the wonderful employees and volunteers who staff our shelter. So please stop by frequently for updates.

Now for all you cat and dog lovers out there:

The Difference Between Cats and Dogs
Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary:
8:00am- Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9:30am- Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
9:40am- Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
10:30am- Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
11:30am- Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
Noon- Oh boy! Kids! My favorite!
1:00pm- Oh boy! The garden! My favorite!
4:00pm- Oh boy! Kids! My favorite!
5:00pm- Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
5:30pm- Oh boy! Mom! My favorite!
6:00pm- Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6:30pm- Oh boy! Sleeping on mom's bed! My favorite!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary:
Day 183 of My Captivity
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal.
The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture.
Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.
Today my attempts to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded. Must try this at the top of the stairs.
In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. Must try this on their bed.
Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmm, not working according to plan.
There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More importantly, I overheard that my confinement was due to my power of allergies. Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.
I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more that happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit.
The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move.
Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured. But I can wait; it is only a matter of time...

-Courtesy of an emailing friend