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Out & About in the Community.

Last Friday Birdie and I visited some folks at the Bayside Golden Living Center, and were lucky enough to receive & give lots of affection! Birdie is a 12 year old Japanese Spitz, who was quite excited to get out of the shelter for a change of scenery. She is just the perfect size for an apartment or small home! And what a great dog! We visited about 25 people, most in wheelchairs or with walkers. Birdie waited patiently for all of the folks at Bayside to give her a good scratching and didn't jump up on anyone. Even though she is not the youngest dog on the block, everyone told her how cute she was! She was so excited that some of the people called her a "puppy" (much like we are if someone cards us!), and wagged her tail the entire time.

If you would like to visit Bayside, we go every third Friday of the month at 11am. It is a very rewarding experience for people and dogs!

Pet Photo Contest Update!!! Latest standings!!!

How is your pet doing in our 2010 pet photo calendar contest? Have you entered? Have you voted? You need to get BUSY! This guy is leading the pack right now:

Click HERE to see the other standings! Please vote today! It's five dollars for five votes, or ten dollars to enter and all money goes toward the animals in our shelter!!

Cheerios!

Cheerios is a lovely white long haired cat. She's a bit older than some of the other animals that are at the shelter, but she still thinks she's a kitten- just like me! :) She needs a new home, so come by and meet her today!

This week's leaders in our pet contest! Click the link!

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Break it down!

We get weekly emails from the Customer Care Manager, Allison, that let us know how many cats and dogs were adopted over the week. I have to say, this week was a great one--53 adoptions--, but even more impressive to me than the number of pets, is that a poor cat that has been here since June has found his forever home! That's almost three months of waiting. But he was patient!!
I am so glad that we had room for him and could take care of him someone fell in love and took him home. Aren't you?

Online Photo Contest!

Ready for my Close-Up!

Your pet can be a "Pin-Up" Star in the Peninsula SPCA's 2010 Calendar!

The Peninsula SPCA's first online pet photo contest is one week away! You will be able to submit your pet's best picture online and have your friends and family vote for your pet.

Start taking those fun summer pet pictures now, because the contest will go live on Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

The top five cat pictures and the top five dog pictures (as determined by the amount of votes received) will be featured in the 2010 calendar. The spokespets for Paws for a Cause and Furball will be featured in the months of February and May. The top three pictures will win special prizes, including tickets to Furball 2010.

To submit your pet's photo, a minimum $10 donation is required for a single photo to enter the contest. To vote for your favorite pet will require a minimum $5 donation (one vote for every $1 donated). All tax-deductable donations will benefit the homeless animals of the Peninsula SPCA!

Please share with your friends and family!

"Bad" dog gone good!

Some dog breeds have a bad reputation. Forbidden by apartment communities and villainized in movies, the big three outlawed as aggressive breeds are Pit bulls, Rotweilers, and German Shepherds. While breeds certainly have characteristics-herders herd, fetchers fetch, there are no "mean" or "bad" dog breeds. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states in its Dog Bite: Fact Sheet, "there is currently no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite..," it goes on to say that OWNERS should be responsible for their dog's actions. Dog lovers know that aggressive behavior is taught or can also be a result of abuse, and need to educate the public that these breeds are not "bad". One way one dog and one dog lover are helping to restore a breed's "bad rep" is by working as a therapy dog.

Tess is a seven year old Rotweiler who has been a therapy dog for six years. "Rotweilers are not mean," her owner, Denise says, and Tess is determined to prove it. As a therapy dog, she visits hospitals to comfort those who are sick, and libraries to help teach kids to read. She has undergone training from the time she was a pup, so that she knows how to act and interact. She had to pass several tests including: completely ignoring other dogs, leaving food (or pills!) dropped on the floor alone, approaching wheelchair bound people gently and from the side, without putting her paw up on broken or brittle arms and legs, and more. Folks at the hospitals are scared and lonely and a visit from Tess may be just what the doctor ordered. Petting a dog lowers your blood pressure and can help alleviate stress. This seventy-five pound dog will lay still through pretty much any kind of petting imaginable, and that is why she is great with kids, and loves to visit CHKD.

Another thing that Tess enjoys is helping children learn how to read. How does a dog help a kid read? Well, it is just a matter of listening. When an adult listens to a child read, it is automatic for him to correct mispronunciations, or try to help with big words, but Tess just listens. Sometimes she gets excited during the dramatic parts, but she doesn't judge if the child mispronounces every single word. This helps the new reader develop confidence and independence, which makes her want to read more! Tess loves to visit the library. She also visits the Summer Reading Program at the Newport News Public Libraries (fun and free!). She and her friend Daisy, a yellow lab interacted and educated about forty children, showing them how a therapy dog works, and how pleasant a trained dog can be. Some of the children were afraid of dogs, but after watching Tess and Daisy remain calm and docile, every single child petted the dogs after the program.

A lot of Rots and Pit bulls come through our shelter doors. These are not bad dogs! Most of them have the potential to be just like Tess, calm, well-trained, helpful dogs. While all of them might not be appropriate for therapy work, you can certainly take them to training to learn proper dog manners. There are many places in Hampton Roads that offer training, either for dog "good citizenship" or therapy or just basic obedience. We recommend all dogs adopted at our shelter take obedience classes. A little time and love from his owner will make a dog of any breed a responsible good member of society.

Me and my Shadow

Cats are seasonal breeders, and this is their delivery season! The Peninsula SPCA has many kittens & cats available for adoption, and there are many advantages to adopting a cat.

Our last post explained the advantages of having a pet in general, as they are good for your health, both mental and physical. But cats in particular are spectacular pets for many reasons. They are easy animals: self-cleaning, self- exercising and can even be trained to use a toilet (though most of use litter boxes). This is an independent animal, so don't feel guilty about putting in some over time at work, your cat will amuse himself (or sleep) while you are gone. Don't think that they don't need you though! Cats like to be petted and need to be admired, and will reward your hard work with a soothing purr. They also enjoy playing with balls and other cat toys, especially if you are in the mix as well.

Cats are also a convenient size. Most are smaller than dogs and so if you live in an apartment or small house, they can fit in better to the scale of your environment. They don't need a yard to play in or to be taken on walks in the middle of the world's worst rain storm, although you can train a cat on a leash if you wanted to. (People might look at you strangely, but your cats will enjoy it! We do not recommend letting your cat out unsupervised--that's how they end up here at the PSPCA!) They are quiet animals, so you don't have to worry about the barking waking the neighbors at 6 am, as you might with a dog.

Now, I am a dog person, but I have to admit there is a certain appeal to cats. Back when I was working at an

apartment community, I would cat sit these two cats quite frequently, as their "parents" traveled often. Barney was the friendly cat. When I would open the door he would run down to greet me and just make me pay lots of attention to him. He was very sweet and

loving. Shadow, however, was aptly named. I didn't see him the first time that I came in, and the owners had told me not to worry- he doesn't come out for anyone. Of course that playing hard to get suckered me in. I was determined to find and win over that cat. It started with me realizing he was under the bed all the time. They had a little feather on a string, so I started waiving that in front of him to entice him to come out. I tried cat nip and a jingle ball and just talked to him under there. Then one day he came out! We enjoyed a good pet and purr and even though he was still under the bed when I would come in the house, eventually he would have to come out and say hi. I have to tell you, I was like a proud mama when the owners came back. I was bragging all over that I finally got Shadow to come out. That cat just won me over, and you can find one to win you over today at the Peninsula SPCA!

We all know what we do for our pets. We feed them, we water them, we SPAY or NEUTER them, and we walk them. We clean up their messes and deal with their idiosyncrasies (not sure why my big dog is a big chicken, but she is and we live with her chicken ways.) Pets are one of the first areas of responsibility for someone other than yourself that you may learn as a child. What young pet owner does not get the, "YOU have to take care of this fish, dog, gerbil, elephant" speech? Who hasn't had to scoop the poop cause you begged your mom for a dog or cat? Pets are awesome responsibility teachers, but what the young and old pet owner may not realize is the what that pets give back.

It is sort of obvious to anyone who enjoys the unconditional love of a pet that they have emotional benefits. This is especially apparent in children. A pet can provide emotional support to a child in a time of need. An animal listens, doesn't judge and provides a snuggle anytime of the day. In fact in one study in which children were shown a picture of an unhappy child 40% spontaneously suggested that sad kid should get a pet. Children understand and benefit from the emotional acceptance of a pet. For us adults, a pet dependent also offers a good cuddle, and doesn't talk back or argue. BONUS!

Pets can also provide measurable physical benefits to your life. Studies show they reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglycerides. They help you relax and de-stress at the end of a chaotic work day, and help reduce that hormone that makes you fat. And on that subject, if you have a dog and you have to walk it, you are guaranteed a bit of exercise every day. This also provides a unique opportunity for meeting folks in the neighborhood. I know almost every dog owner on my street, because we stop and say hi, oh, what a cute dog.., and it goes from there. Even cats or other animals give you an opportunity to chat about something besides yourself or your kids. I once worked at an apartment community, and on my desk I had picture of my dog, and I think the picture of that cute face started more conversations and rented more apartments than me!

So the point of this whole essay-animals are good for us! They help us socialize, they make us healthier, and they add happiness to our lives. Where can you find one of these great animals?? Just stop by the Peninsula SPCA today and take home your furry friend today!

Why adopt a senior pet?

Sometimes here at the shelter, I often over hear people say they are just looking for puppies, or that a dog or cat is too old. Often, I see an older dog or cat that has been here a while and keeps getting passed over, even though he is a good animal. Folks tend to prefer the "new" animals - just like cars and everything else, but I'm telling you, there are great advantages to adopting a senior dog or cat!

People tend to think that older dogs and cats are at the SPCA because they are "bad". They think SOMETHING must be wrong with that animal. That is simply not true! Though it is hard for us pet lovers to conceive giving up our furry friends, there are lots of other reasons that good animals find themselves out of a home. People's lives change, and that is when an animal would find his way to the shelter. Dogs especially, being larger and more dependent on their people for care, can fall victim to a new work schedule, new babies, size restrictions in apartment communities, etc.

Now that we've established that it might not be the animal's fault that he is at the shelter, let me tell you the great thing about teaching an old dog new tricks - you don't have to! Many dogs I see here can sit, a few can shake hands and roll over, and one of them even played dead. Believe me, if they are performing these tricks under the pressure of living in a crate here at the SPCA, they can do even greater things when when they get home to you! Mature dogs are house broken, usually have "manners" and are generally more calm, cool, and collected than their puppy counterparts. Older cats are grateful to have a home and to be fed and warm. Older dogs are usually leash trained, ready to hang out with you instead of eating your shoes, and know what you want from them already. Senior cats can be great company for a lonely cat that couldn't keep up with a kitten, and are great options for those of us that aren't spring chickens ourselves and move at a little slower pace. These animals have been running with a human pack, and so they know the ropes.

Of course, make sure you consider the cost of a Senior and the adjustment that you and the animal must make. Many cats and dogs have habits, just like us, that are going to come with them to your house. Dogs can be trained at any age, and cats, well can they ever be trained? Patience and understanding are the key to making this transition easier. Make sure you take the time to get to know your new pet and make him feel welcome. Vet bills can be another consideration when adopting an older animal. We do check out the animals here at the SPCA, but make sure you visit your vet as well.

A final thought: YOU will be saving that dog or cat's life. Senior dogs and cats are often passed over for the cuter kits and pups, and are more likely to be put down. YOU might be the only hope that he has and YOU can give him the BEST years of his life, and he will do the same for you. The greatest reason of all is these animals will know that you saved them and will love you forever for it.

A Newbie Learns the Ropes...

Part one, Orientation

It is a busy Saturday at the SPCA when I arrive for my volunteer orientation class. The place is packed! A black lab greets me at the door and, after sniffing me down, he lets me in the building. I guess I passed the volunteer clearance test!

Once inside, the hunky Australian Mick and the zesty red-head Ellen explain what we are in for as a SPCA volunteer. Scooping poop, washing dishes and laundry (it does sound better in an accent). The truth is volunteering isn't all about cuddling puppies and carrying around kittens, it is hard work sometimes. Ellen asks us to explain why we chose to offer our time to the SPCA, without saying we love animals. But the truth is that is exactly why I am there (even though I am not that fond of cats). I believe that every animal deserves to have a loving home and a loving person to...well, love. Two of my dogs have been strays, and those dogs would have been here at the shelter - or worse, hit by a car, but instead, I have two sweet friends that follow me around the house. Well, one does. The other expects me to come to him. Guess which one is which?

My group of five tours the facilities, which are clean and well organized. Mick shows us the front (where the adoptable dogs are)the back (where the dogs are treated and held to make sure they are okay for adoption, the further back (where the sick dogs are housed). The dog side is loud. All of the dogs "talk" at us as we go by, and there are lots of folks looking at the adoptable ones. We see were the adoption takes place and learn how to collect the information needed for that process.

We retreat to the quiet oasis that is the cat room. Mick shows us how to clean out a cage, and how to properly pick up a cat. I inquire why anyone would want to pick up a cat? But it is part of orientation and so I grab a tabby. He purrs -awww he's really sweet and doesn't even claw me. Cats are not all bad! We see the laundry room, the newspaper unfolding room, and the sinks. Out behind the SPCA is a petting zoo, and it is only $4! I thought the otters were very entertaining. If you watch them they seem to do tricks just for you. Look that one is flipping! Back to orientation.... We talk about the importance of hand sanitizer. If you touch one animal and then another and another YOU can spread disease. You should sanitize your hands between cages to keep the animals safe (not to mention yourself).

After we are finished with the tour, Ellen makes sure we are still on board and explains the commitment that we are making to this facility. We need to work eight hours each month for the

next six months. Everyone agrees to this and we get our blue volunteer shirts. Ellen asks us to email her our schedules and shuffles us back into the real world. I can't wait to start!!

Fur Ball 2009

It's Fur Ball time! The SPCA is rolling out the red carpet for sweethearts and their pet companions for a romantic evening of fine dining and cocktails on Saturday, February 14, 6:00 - 11:00 pm at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. This black-tie fundraising event will feature silent and live auctions and special entertainment. Pets will also enjoy being pampered at the "doggy daycare."

Tickets are $125 per person, and $75 per pet. For tickets or to volunteer, contact Vicki at 595-1392.