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Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 1 Community support and collaboration plays a large role in the Calgary Humane Society’s (CHS) ability to help animals. Support from volunteers, local businesses, donors and other organizations allows the CHS to fulfill its mission of helping as many animals as we can. Collaborative discussions between local animal welfare organizations has provided CHS a rich network of contacts. While many of the animals the CHS receives fit well into their temporary shelter home, some do not. These animals are overwhelmed by all the people, commotion and unfamiliarity. They become scared and nervous and retreat into themselves. The connections with other animal welfare organizations and rescues allows the CHS to find an ideal placement if the shelter becomes too overwhelming – these connections allow us to help dogs like Savanna. Savanna, a two-year-old Husky, arrived at the CHS in Oct. 2010. She was surrendered by her owner who claimed to have too little time for her. Once a lively and loving dog, Savanna shut down in the shelter environment, afraid of every noise and motion. Anytime a CHS staff member would attempt to interact, with her she would slink to the back of kennel and cower. Because of her delicate condition, Savanna’s case was presented to the CHS Breed Rescue coordinator, where an attempt was made to find Savanna her perfect shelter. Given Savanna’s high energy and husky genetics, the CHS Breed Rescue coordinator felt the best place for Savanna would be with a Canmore dog sled company, Snowy Owl Dog Sled Tours. The Snowy Owl staff were very interested in taking the blue brindled husky, believing she had the strength and determination to become a successful sled dog. Savanna was relocated to Canmore a month after her arrival at CHS and is now happily participating as a lead sled dog on guided tours. Savanna is only one of the 8,000 animals who benefit from community support and collaboration. Without it, Savanna would not be the happy and healthy dog she is today. Community collaborations have also allowed the CHS to expand its community reach and assist other animal welfare organizations with animals they have trouble working with. For example, Charlie, a six year-old German Shepherd cross, who was picked up as a stray by the City of Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services sometime last summer. He passed the city’s behavior test and was made available for adoption through the city, but after an incident with another dog, Charlie was deemed ‘reactive’, and was unadoptable by the City’s standards. The CHS behaviour team works closely with the Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services helping rehabilitate difficult behaviour cases and was familiar with Charlie’s story. Charlie was transferred in September of 2010 to the CHS to begin his behaviour modification journey. While his progress was slow, Charlie was showing marked improvement. He quickly became a staff favorite - it was hard not to fall in love with his infectious smile and playful nature. Charlie’s reactive past deterred many potential adopters, but it did not deter one CHS staff member, amazed by the improvement in his behavior. After his long journey through various shelters and caregivers, Charlie finally went home in January of 2011. The sense of community that has developed between Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services and the CHS allowed a dog like Charlie to be given a second chance. That sense of community saved Charlie’s life. Our mission is to help as many animals as we can and each day, with your support, we are one step closer to making our community a better place for animals and people alike. Savanna and Charlie are only two examples of how community support and collaboration gives our animals a second chance at happiness. Community Connections Save Lives In this Issue Court Updates 4 What Volunteering Means to Me 6 Collaboration Key to Spay/Neuter Success 8 Creating Kind Canine Citizens 10 Lives Connected 12 Connecting Lives Spring 2011 By: Shandell Dugdale Savanna in her new home Charlie with his new mom

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Page 1: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 1

Community support and collaboration plays a large role in the Calgary Humane Society’s (CHS) ability to help animals. Support from volunteers, local businesses, donors and other organizations allows the CHS to fulfill its mission of helping as many animals as we can.

Collaborative discussions between local animal welfare organizations has provided CHS a rich network of contacts. While many of the animals the CHS receives fit well into their temporary shelter home, some do not. These animals are overwhelmed by all the people, commotion and unfamiliarity. They become scared and nervous and retreat into themselves. The connections with other animal welfare organizations and rescues allows the CHS to find an ideal placement if the shelter becomes too overwhelming – these connections allow us to help dogs like Savanna.

Savanna, a two-year-old Husky, arrived at the CHS in Oct. 2010. She was surrendered by her owner who claimed to have too little time for her. Once a lively and loving dog, Savanna shut down in the shelter environment, afraid of every noise and motion. Anytime a CHS staff member would attempt to interact, with her she would slink to the back of kennel and cower.

Because of her delicate condition,

Savanna’s case was presented to the CHS Breed Rescue coordinator, where an attempt was made to

find Savanna her perfect shelter. Given Savanna’s high energy and husky genetics, the CHS Breed Rescue coordinator felt the best place for Savanna would be with a Canmore dog sled company, Snowy Owl Dog Sled Tours.

The Snowy Owl staff were very interested in taking the blue brindled husky, believing she had the strength and determination to become a successful sled dog. Savanna was relocated to Canmore a month after her arrival at CHS and is now happily participating as a lead sled dog on guided tours.

Savanna is only one of the 8,000 animals who benefit from community support and collaboration. Without it, Savanna would not be the happy and healthy dog she is today.

Community collaborations have also allowed the CHS to expand its community reach and assist other animal welfare organizations with animals they have trouble working with.

For example, Charlie, a six year-old German Shepherd cross, who was picked up as a stray by the City of Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services sometime last summer. He passed the city’s behavior test and was made available for adoption through the city, but after an incident with another dog, Charlie was deemed ‘reactive’, and was unadoptable by the City’s standards.

The CHS behaviour team works closely with the Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services helping rehabilitate difficult behaviour cases and was familiar with Charlie’s story. Charlie was transferred in September of 2010 to the CHS to begin his behaviour modification journey.

While his progress was slow, Charlie was showing marked improvement. He quickly

became a staff favorite - it was hard not to fall in love with his infectious smile and playful nature.

Charlie’s reactive past deterred many potential adopters, but it did not deter one CHS staff member, amazed by the improvement in his behavior. After his long journey through various shelters and caregivers, Charlie finally went home in January of 2011.

The sense of community that has developed between Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services and the CHS allowed a dog like Charlie to be given a second chance. That sense of community saved Charlie’s life.

Our mission is to help as many animals as we can and each day, with your support, we are one step closer to making our community a better place for animals and people alike. Savanna and Charlie are only two examples of how community support and collaboration gives our animals a second chance at happiness.

Community Connections Save Lives

In this IssueCourt Updates 4What Volunteering Means to Me 6Collaboration Key to Spay/Neuter Success 8Creating Kind Canine Citizens 10Lives Connected 12

Connecting LivesSpring 2011

By: Shandell Dugdale

Savanna in her new home

Charlie with his new mom

Page 2: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 2

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 8,000 homeless animals we shelter each year. Your generosity and support makes our work possible.

EditorDesiree Arsenault

Contributors Patricia Cameron, Shandell Dugdale, Tammy Mazubert, Brad Nichols, Kelty McWalter, Agatha Slominski, Jeanetta Smallman, Barbara Walmer, Kristy Ward

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

©2010 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 is to help as many animals as we can.

May 27, 2011 - 3rd Annual Paw-jama PartyJune 5, 2011 - 11th Annual Dog JogSummer 2011 - Saving Lives Takes Balls dog park visitsNovember 3, 2011 - Cocktails for CrittersDecember 10, 2011 - Christmas Party for the Animals

Upcoming CHS Events

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Page 3: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 3

It Takes a Village By Patricia Cameron, Executive Director

I like to read the Daily Gratitude e-mails sent to me by a man named Wes Hopper. Especially on days when the needs of animal welfare seem particularly intense, Mr. Hopper reminds me of the many things for which I can be grateful, including the tremendous community, volunteer, and donor support we receive here at the Calgary Humane Society. Today, Mr. Hopper wrote that “You can’t build significant success by yourself.” These words rang true for me as I looked back at what was accomplished in 2010.

As a supporter of Calgary Humane Society, we want you to know that you are making possible the work of one of Canada’s recognized leaders in animal welfare. Your support is making our success possible. I want to share with you just a few examples of how Calgary Humane Society sponsors, donors, supporters, volunteers, and staff members are achieving significant success together.

In 2010, CHS and the 8,000 animals it cares for each year benefited from the collaboration and support from the community. Below are just some of the ways in which Calgarians pitched in to make a difference.• More than 850 active volunteers

donate 41% of all the working hours required to care for the approximately 8,000 animals we shelter each year. These wonderful people ensure that animals get a minimum of four human contacts each day through walks, socializing, playtime, and health monitoring. They are involved in every aspect of animal care, from surgery release, to stress busting, to walking, to humane training to enhance adoptability.

• Calgary veterinarians provided outstanding support to Calgary Humane Society through a host of different means:

1. Providing donations of specialist

surgeries that resulted in more than a dozen animals living, recovering, and now enjoying loving homes

2. Helping CHS raise money needed to ensure care for our animals through sponsorships, donations, coin boxes and calendar sales, and participation in CHS events

3. Creating adoption space in their clinics to help find responsible, loving homes for CHS cats

4. Taking in stray and injured animals and providing emergency care until the animals could be transferred to Calgary Humane;

• City of Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services has been a huge support in fostering a compassionate and responsible community that is safe for pets and people. Additionally, in 2010, Animal Services helped CHS at the peak of “kitten season” by taking more than 20 cats when CHS was full. These cats were then re-homed through their adoption program.

• Community businesses that support CHS make a huge difference. For example, local grooming

and doggie day care providers Dogaholics stepped up to provide CHS with a wonderful training space in the north east, making our humane animal training classes more accessible to pet owners in the north part of the city and helping to raise community awareness of CHS and the essential services it provides to Calgary. Further, they donate grooming services to CHS animals, making many animals much more comfortable, attractive, and enhancing their adoptability.

• About 266 foster families provided care for 1,402 special needs animals – moms and babies, orphaned pups and kittens, animals recovering from surgery, animals who desperately needed the calm, quiet support only a home and family can provide. Because of these loving families, these animals got a second chance in life.

• Young supporters, like the more than 200 members of CHS’s Kids for Animals and Youth Ambassador Clubs, raised thousands of dollars for animals in need and took the message of compassion and responsible pet ownership into their schools and communities. Add to their efforts the approximately 100 children who chose to have their birthday parties at Calgary Humane Society, many of them donating all their birthday money to the animals, and sharing their passion for animals with their friends.

These are just some of the stories of how people are joining with CHS to make a difference. Our mission is to help as many animals as possible and our vision is of a community where all lives are respected and treated with compassion. Together, we are achieving significant success. Many thanks to everyone who joins us in this important work!

Patricia Cameron, Executive Director playing with Bella

Page 4: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 4

Thomas NORMAN, charged July 16, 2008 for physical abuse of a German Shepherd puppy, causing severe injuries, pleaded guilty. NORMAN was sentenced to 30 days incarceration and 2 year prohibition from owning or caring for animals.

Cynthia GUAN, charged April 30, 2010 for abandonment and medical neglect of a dog, pleaded not guilty. A trial date has been set for March 7, 2011.

Robert HABERMEHL, charged November 27, 2009 for physical abuse of a cat, pleaded not guilty. A new trial date has been set for March 4, 2011.

Salim KADDOURA, charged May 11, 2010 with alleged abandonment of kittens, pleaded not guilty. KADDOURA failed to appear for his trial. An arrest warrant was issued.

Vivian GAZERYAN, charged May 31, 2010 for alleged medical neglect of a dog, appears in court on January 31, 2011 to enter a plea.

David TAYLOR, charged May 27, 2009 for alleged abandonment/neglect of a dog, was picked up on an arrest warrant after failing to appear in court. TAYLOR pleaded not guilty and a trial date has been set for June 20, 2011.

Derrick ANDERSON, charged November 25, 2010 for alleged physical abuse of a dog, appears in court to enter a plea on January 28, 2011.

Bassam MAHJID, charged November 25, 2010 for alleged neglect of a dog, appears in court to enter a plea on January 21, 2011.

Jamie O’LEARY, charged for alleged medical neglect of his dog, was picked up on an arrest warrant and appears in court on January 29, 2011 to enter a plea

2010 Total StatisticsAbandoned 164

Beaten/Abused 132

Hot Car 70

Dead Animal 7

Dirty Conditions 57

Food/Water/Shelter 435

Grooming 13

Injured 66

Medical Care 115

Overcrowding 12

Pet Store Concern 22

Trapping 88

Poisoning 15

Emergency 34

Other 137

Total Concerns 1367

If you witness an act of animal cruelty or animals being deprived of adequate food, water, shelter or care, you can make a confidential complaint by calling 403-205-4455.

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

We Believe in a Second Chance

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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™*

Page 5: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 5

Hi my name is Teegan. I’m a three-year-old girl Chihuahua. I’m picky when it comes to toys and it’s hard to find one just my size! I love this toy, though. There are different materials on it, so I never get bored with it. I really like the “furry” material on the wings. It’s also fairly light weight, so I can actually carry it around. It’s durable and there are no small parts on it that I can chew off and eat - my mom is always concerned about that. This toy makes a good honking sound and even though I tried my hardest to silence it, it is still honking. This toy is good for all different sizes of dogs. It also stays pretty clean and mom says it is easy to clean.

I give this toy 5 out of 5 paws. Now excuse me while I get back to my playing!

By Kelty McWalter

The Hartz Quackers is available for purchase at the Calgary Humane Society Pet Gear Store, located at 4455 110 Ave SE Calgary

Pet Gear Store Toy Review Hartz Quackers

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Page 6: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 6

“I absolutely love being a Calgary Humane Society volunteer. I am a stress buster and my role is to provide one-on-one time with the dogs in the adoption area to help reduce their stress by playing, cuddling, and working on their adoptable skills. It is the absolute best way to spend a few hours every week giving back.

I thought it would be very difficult emotionally to volunteer at CHS and what surprised me the most was how much it wasn’t and how positive and rewarding it is all the time. I don’t feel as though I need to take home every pup because I am literally seeing all the wonderful families adopting these special animals every week. Every pup is so special, with wonderful and interesting personalities. In my year of service so far, I have not yet met a pup I didn’t fall in love with.

The dogs get so much out of it too; they build trust and confidence, they learn valuable skills and they crave the love and exercise we provide them by spending our time there. I work with other wonderful volunteers and we truly feel as though we are making a huge positive impact in these animals journey’s. We see their wonderful success stories and how much they grow during their time at CHS. It’s truly amazing and I am so proud to be a part of it!”

-Jes, Stress buster Volunteer

Wow!! What a joy volunteering for the Calgary Humane Society has given me. I started volunteering one day a week in 2006 at the old shelter in Kitty Karma. However, when we transferred to the new facility I was able to move to the surgical suite – which is where I always wanted to be.

My duties involve scrubbing, packing and sterilizing instruments; cleaning cat and dog holding kennels while the animals are in surgery and preparing a bed for them for after surgery, assisting the vet technicians while sedating an animal for surgery as required and best of all cuddling bunnies while they wake up from surgery (except if they accidentally pee on you while waking). There is lots of cleaning required to keep the surgery area and prep areas sterile. But if you are not squeamish its an exciting place to be. If I have time I appreciate that I am able to observe some

of the more complex surgeries – I find them fascinating. Growing up I wanted to become a vet but did not want to spend another seven years in school. Here I have the best of both worlds – watching the process and being a part of it while volunteering.

It’s a good thing that most of the animals which come through surgery are adopted already or else I am afraid I would be taking some home. Heaven help me if there is a German Short Haired Pointer come through that is not adopted yet – they are my weakness!!

-Candace, Surgery Prep Volunteer

“Volunteering with the Calgary Humane Society has brought me so much joy. I love working with the animals and to know that I can help make a positive difference in these animals lives gives me a huge feeling of satisfaction. I look forward to my volunteer shift every week and wish that I had more time to volunteer more often. Thank you CHS for giving me this opportunity! “

-Kim, Dog Walker

What Volunteering Means to Me...This issue we asked our volunteers what it means to be a part of the CHS community. Here is what they had to say about helping out the animals...

Page 7: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 7

Thank You to our Sponsors:

Christmas Party for the Animals 2010

Page 8: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 8

Collaboration Key to Spay/Neuter SuccessBy: Tammy MazubertSeveral years ago, a colleague of mine mentioned that she was working with a new organization called the Alberta Spay/Neuter Task Force (ABSNTF). Dr. Hilland thought that this may be something I would find interesting and would like to be involved with. She explained that this group was set up to provide wellness and spay/neuter clinics to the First Nations communities who may have limited or no access to veterinary care for the dogs and cats in the area.

As a member of the Animal Health Team at the Calgary Humane Society, I have been a part of the ABSNTF’s high volume spay/neuter clinics for several years. I believe Calgary is a privileged community to have such a diverse group of animal welfare organizations and people strongly dedicated to this cause. I have always been interested in assisting in areas where others may not be as fortunate and this provided me that opportunity. After working closely with the ABSNTF for the past three years, I truly do not believe some Calgarians realize how lucky they are to have such committed and the hard working organizations such as CHS and other local groups.

When the ABSNTF first started, they relied solely on volunteers to pick up animals in these communities and drive them to clinics (some up to several hours away) to be spayed or neutered. We quickly realized that it would be difficult to place a dent in the pet overpopulation seen in the area by only handling 20 – 30 dogs per weekend, a few times through the year. ABSNTF made a decision to host the first ever on site spay/neuter clinic. We would bring all the equipment to one place within the community, set up and do a massive

spay/neuter and wellness clinic. With her extensive experience as a veterinarian with the Calgary Humane Society, Dr. Hilland modeled the surgical procedures for the spay/neuter clinic after the practices at the Calgary Humane Society. Due to the large volume of surgeries CHS handles daily, it was easy putting our procedures into place for the ABSNTF. The Calgary Humane Society played an important role in assisting ABSNTF to organize the first high volume spay/neuter clinic by providing the necessary medical equipment, ordering the necessary supplies, providing storage space, and the use of a CHS van to transport dog and cat food provided to owners at the end of the clinic.

That first clinic was an emotional roller coaster for me. As the clinic manager, I had to ensure we had veterinarians and Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) scheduled to work in the clinic, adequate supplies on hand to perform vaccinations, de-wormings and surgery as well as moving the flow of the animals through the clinic so we could complete our mission. Walking outside during registration and watching volunteers from CHS, ABSNTF and countless other groups working side by side for the benefit of the animals in that community was fantastic. That weekend, with two surgery tables we performed over 60 spay/neuter surgeries. At our last clinic in October 2010, we had four surgery tables with 12 vets, 17 AHTs and countless volunteers; we succeeded in sterilizing over 170 animals in two days.

I am truly amazed by what collaboration can accomplish. Having all the different rescues, welfare organizations, vets, and AHTs working together for a common goal is enlightening. The Calgary Humane Society was able to provide the ABSNTF with a good start to the spay/neuter clinics and continues to be a strong supporter of this initiative. Although ABSNTF has now been able to fundraise and purchase most of their own equipment, CHS continues to house some of the supplies, provide food at every clinic and collaborate with our contacts within the pharmaceutical companies and veterinary

community to ensure these clinics remain a success. Many of our own veterinarians and AHTs continue to work at these clinics as well.

Although the responsibility of organizing clinics of this magnitude can be stressful, seeing the happy faces of the owners picking up their animals, and the wiggly body of a dog in his crate waiting to be let out to welcome them, makes the clinic successful to me.

In 2011, The Alberta Spay/Neuter Task Force is hoping to travel to remote communities in northern Alberta, in some cases traveling by floater plane, to visit communities who are hours away from any form of veterinary care. Surgery will run for a total of 22 – 24 hours over the weekend, making for long days. The situation is physically and mentally exhausting but the end result is worth every minute.

I look forward to continuing this rewarding work on behalf of both of these great organizations to help the people and animals involved.

Dr. Hilland holding a puppy waiting for surgery

Siksika Nation spay/neuter clinic

CHS crew transporting an anesthetic machine

Page 9: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 9

Lost and found stories from the Calgary Humane Society Admissions Department

Sweet Reunions: Long Lost PetsBy: Jeanetta Smallman, Department Head of Animal Admissions

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

-033

3

On July 29, 2010 the Calgary Humane Society received a lost report for a cat named Desi. The owner made several attempts to find his missing cat but after several weeks of inactive searching the lost report was pulled from our actively looking files and placed in the ‘back files’. On October 18, a cat was brought to the Calgary Humane Society after being allegedly abandoned after its owner moved away. The new residents were able to take care of the cat but with the upcoming winter months wanted to provide it with a chance at a more permanent home. The cat had a visible tattoo and after some research our animal admission team discovered that it matched Desi’s inactive lost report. The owner who filed the report was no longer at the phone number listed, so our animal admission team conducted a nation wide 411 search along with a Facebook search and eventually came in contact with Max, Desi’s owner. He was currently living in B.C. and had lost Desi a few day’s before his move from Calgary. He was very happy to hear that Desi was safe and sound. Max asked for time off from his new job to travel back to Calgary to pick her up and on October 27, 2010 Desi and Max were reunited. According to Max it only took a few days before Desi settled into her new home.

Six years ago, a family living on the outskirts of Calgary lost their beloved cat only two days after he was neutered and tattooed. The family looked for the young cat but found no signs of him anywhere. They eventually gave up hope that Bageera was ever coming home. Six years later the family received a phone call from the Calgary Humane Society’s animal admission staff reporting that they had a cat here that belonged to them. Bageera was in good shape, which lead the CHS staff to believe that someone passing through the small town found him, picked him up and brought him into the city to live with them. The unsuspecting family may not have known that Bageera already had a family, and they probably did not know that he had a tattoo as it was very faded. Bageera’s original family had moved but after an extensive search on 411 and Facebook the CHS staff were able to make contact. Within a couple of days we had a response; the owners were so happy to hear that Bageera lived and was healthy and waiting for them. They arranged to pick up Bageera the very next day and on January 6, 2011 Bageera was happily reunited with his long lost family.

December 2010, the Calgary Humane Society received a call from a concerned citizen about a cat found emaciated and starving in his neighbourhood. The CHS call center referred the concern to our emergency response driver who then went out to retrieve the cat from the cold winter weather. When the cat arrived at the CHS our veterinary staff took him in for an immediate assessment. During his exam we found a tattoo and set out to trace down his owner as quickly as possible. The animal admission staff called the number on file and a message was left. They received a call back that the person they were trying to reach had moved, but another contact number was given and another message was left. A day later a very surprised owner called the admissions team back, she could not believe we had her cat. Meko went missing over seven months ago and the family thought that Meko was never coming back. Two days previous they had just made a new addition to their family and had brought home a new kitten. Within a few hours the family came to pick up Meko, and took him straight to their veterinary clinic for a check up. After a long journey Meko is now home and shares a family with his new found feline friend.

Page 10: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 10

Creating Kind Canine Citizens One Class at a TimeBy: Barbara Walmer, Department Head of Animal Behaviour

Community outreach is one of the main priorities of the Calgary Humane Society’s Humane Education department. In 2010, we reached over 17,000 children, parents and teachers through our school programs, birthday parties and day camps. Our school programs have the widest reach into the community, connecting with about 16,000 students from preschool to grade 12 in the 2009/2010 school year. Humane Education plays a vital role in shaping young minds as we foster empathetic skills and promote proper pet care through interactive and fun programs. ‘My Pet and Me’ was our most popular school presentation last year. It is aimed at students in preschool to grade one and helps them discover the importance of providing necessary care for their pets. Youngsters explore the similarities

between human and animal emotions and build empathy through activities and stories. Our endeavor to make the community a safer place for dogs, cats and children alike is exemplified by our strong anti-bullying stance.

Our interactive anti-bullying presentations inform students of the similarities between bullying/domestic abuse and animal cruelty, and teach them that there is no excuse for abuse. The concepts our humane educators strive to deliver to children are designed to increase children’s emotional and social well-being and are of great value to the community. The CHS humane education department had a very successful 2010 and we hope to reach even more children in 2011.

Our first year of winter day camps in December were a huge success. Campers

learned all about Canadian animals and how they survive the winter. A huge thank you goes out to Party Machine for supplying the transportation for our camp zoo trips.

HE School ProgramsBy Kristy Ward, Department Head of Humane Education

• “I need to stop my puppy’s mouthing…” • “I need to stop my dog from pulling…” • “I need to stop my dog from barking and

lunging…”• “I need help…”

These are common statements our animal behaviour department hears from the public and adopters registering for our dog training classes. The Calgary Humane Society (CHS) started offering dog training classes in the late 1990s, and has since grown into a leader in positive reinforcement behaviour training in the Calgary community.

With an overall increase in people’s awareness of animal behaviour, it becomes increasingly important to have a well trained canine in your family. Positive reinforcement training is an effective and efficient way to modify behaviour. It also creates a strong bond between pet and person and a desire to learn. Positive reinforcement training helps your pooch become a well behaved canine citizen.

Over the years our dog training classes have changed. Advances made in animal behaviour research have emphasized the

importance of understanding canine perception and learning theory. Ultimately learning about how canines learn and communicate offers the animal behaviour training community new insight on effective training techniques.

The Calgary Humane Society has over 10 trainers, more than half of whom are registered as Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT). The CPDT is the new standard for dog trainers who practice within North America. This training and overall understanding about animal behaviour allows our CHS behaviour team to develop and offer cutting edge positive reinforcement classes.

With over 20 classes offered a week at the Calgary Humane Society in the Ruff House and an additional four classes per week through Dogaholics (our new second training

location), our goal is to help dogs and their people change unwanted behaviours and build positive relationships.

The more dogs and people who are educated in positive, humane dog training the better. We need your help to create a safer community.

More information on CHS dog training classes can be found on our web site at www.calgaryhumane.ca/dogclasses

For more information about the CPDT credential process visit www.ccpdt.org

Winter campers making dog cookies

Page 11: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Spring 2011 Calgary Humane Society 11

Animal Crazy Kid?Join the Calgary Humane Society for

Camp Pet A Bow-Wow!Summer Fun “Fur” All

Space is limited so please visit:www.calgaryhumane.ca

for details on how to register.Camps for

Pre K - Grade 9!

New ThemesEach Week!

Page 12: 2011 CHS Spring Connecting Lives

Dear CHS,My name is Bumbleberry (formerly known as Softy) and I want to tell you just how happy I am. My new parents spoil me rotten and let me run, play and binky. Binkies

are my favorite . I am really enjoying my new home and although I was a little shy and not feeling well in the beginning I am doing much better now.My daily routine consists of naps, one hour of massage/cuddles, six hours of running and binkies and gourmet salads. By the end of the day I am pretty tired and love to snuggle in my cardboard castle or cuddle with my stuffed doggy named Rufus.Everything is looking up from here and I am the luckiest little Dutch of them all.Thank you for taking such good care of me CHS and finding me a wonderful Mom and Dad *Binky Dance* Lots of love and bunny kisses, Bumbleberry

Fall 2010 Calgary Humane Society 12

Lives Connected

On October 1st, 2010 we adopted Fabio, now Simon, and couldn’t be happier! When we first saw Simon in his luxurious Kitty Kabin at the shelter he immediately began yelling at us and wobbled over to the door to say “Hello! You are here to take me home, right?” If this cute and hilarious greeting wasn’t enough to convince us to take him home, his beautiful crossed blue eyes and thunderous purrs certainly were. Today, Simon spends his days sleeping on our bed with his eight brothers and sisters watching Video Cat Nip and making sure that my pillow has a sufficient amount of hair on it for when I get home. He has settled right into our home and into our hearts; I could not even imagine my life without him now and am sincerely grateful for everyone’s help at the shelter to ensure that he had a comfortable place to wait for us until we could take him home

Cedric is our dream dog. He fit into our little family very quickly. We’ve been attending the Polite pooches classes every Tuesday which he loves! We were very nervous about taking him back to the shelter but you guys clearly treated him very well as he was pretty excited to see the staff. We took Cedric on his first major road trip to BC last week, he was awesome, a ten hour drive and he was still happy. Thanks for everything!

I am pleased to let you know that Morgan is doing great! She and Rolie, our German Shepherd/Husky (we adopted him last November) are getting along wonderfully. He seems to be teaching Morgan the ropes. Life would not be the same without her.

I wanted to write to you and say thank you for the amazing new addition to our family. Barley has adjusted very quickly and while she and Percy (our Fischers lovebird) will never be in the same cage, they enjoy each other’s company and play with each other when they are out of their cages. She loves to take baths and to swing on the hanging airplane in her home. She is not interested in bananas or any fresh food, but we are hoping that will change with time and patience. She has a completely different personality from Percy and we enjoy her unique chatter. She has charmed her way into our hearts. I can say without hesitation that she has found her forever home!

Updates and stories from our adopters on the wonderful pets adopted from the CHS

Follow our “Happy Tails” Blog at www.calgaryhumane.ca/happytails