While caring for the animals, PHS staff

and volunteers try to learn as much as

they can about the animals, in order to

make the best adoption matches pos-

sible. When you’re ready, come to PHS

and see all the wonderful pets waiting

for loving homes. Our adoptions staff

will happily meet with you to answer

questions and discuss any concerns

you have.

We ask that all members of your family

meet the animal, too. If you are adopt-

ing a dog and have another dog, we

want them to get along well, so we

arrange a time for you to bring in your

pet for a visit.

Adopting a new pet can enrich and

benefit your life in ways you may not

expect. Many medical organizations

embrace pet ownership as a possible

part of a healthier and happier lifestyle.

You can view the animals in our shel-

ter online at www.pasadenahumane.

org. Remember that your new pet is

already vaccinated, microchipped, and

spayed or neutered. Let a shelter pet

bring lasting joy to your life. Adopt!

january | february 2010

Adopt a PetAnimal shelters are your best source for finding the right pet. Not only will the shelter have a great array of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, but perhaps you’ll find the perfect hamster, lizard or parakeet. Or you might discover a bunny is just right for you!

compassion and care for all animals

pasadena humane society & spca

pg

. 2

Since 1903, the Pasadena Humane

Society & SPCA has provided food,

shelter, and care for abandoned and

homeless animals. PHS has survived

several wars, a Great Depression, periods

of upheaval, and times of plenty. We have

the experience and outlook that develops

with such a deep and broad history, and

we rely on our rich experiences to inform

and guide our future success.

In the past year, all of us faced tough economic times, so PHS cut expenses

without compromising the care we give to the animals. We continued to

provide both topnotch programs for shelter animals and widespread outreach

to our community. Our animals received premium food, veterinary care and

behavioral enrichment to make their stay at PHS as good as possible.

We faced a terrible disaster in late August when the Station Fire caused the

evacuation of hundreds of people and pets from their homes. PHS staff and

volunteers responded professionally and cared for 389 animals of differing

species. The community responded to our appeals for help, reinforcing our

belief that we could not do all that we do without you.

PHS is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing humane care

for all animals. We begin 2010 prepared to do what is necessary to further that

mission. This year may bring more economic difficulty. As people face the ter-

rible decision to relinquish their pets, PHS remains committed to giving these

animals a second and third chance for another loving home.

All of you are animal lovers, and many of you are our supporters. In these

difficult economic times it is important to know where your valuable donations

go. Remember that if you contribute to the Pasadena Humane Society

& SPCA, you help animals locally, in Southern California. We look forward to

your support and working with you to create a more humane community.

For the animals,

Steve

leader of the pack

PAG e 2

The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is NOT part of the ASPCA. When

you donate to PHS you are helping animals here in Southern California.

The ASPCA does not distribute donations locally. Each spca in the

country is legally separate from all of the others. Donate to the Pasadena

Humane Society & SPCA and help the animals in your community

http://www.pasadenahumane.org/donate

did you know

PAG e 3

?* Dr. E.F. Rowland, the city’s health officer, founded Pasadena’s first humane

society in October of 1894. The first humane society lasted only a year or

two and was re-established by Dr. Rowland and Dr. E.L. Conger in 1903.

* In 1904, PHS had a very successful year and placed a total of 38 animals.

* In 2008, we found homes and rescues for 4,042 animals.

* In the early years, before an animal shelter was built, the directors and

employees often took stray or unclaimed animals home at night.

* On one occasion when a boy’s horse was shot as unfit, the humane officer

raised funds to buy him another horse.

* The functions of the early humane society included not only prosecution

of cases of cruelty to animals and children but also:

••Placement of orphan children for adoption.

••Aid to an elderly Chinese man who had been evicted from

his apartment.

••Investigation of corporal punishment in the schools.

••Lobbying in the legislation for laws to protect animals and children.

••Investigation of truancy and curfew violations.

••Help to a black Civil War veteran who was abused by a sister.

••Judging Work Horse Parade winners in Labor Day parades.

••Investigation of wife beating and desertion cases.

••Censorship by society members of some films as unfit for

youthful viewing.

* In 1912, PHS first used a Kodak camera to take photographs for use as

evidence in court cases.

* PHS purchased its first automobile (a Model T roadster) in 1911 for $640.

* In 1908, PHS obtained a horse-drawn ambulance for $1250. This ambulance

save many horses that otherwise would have been euthanized.

pg

. 2

Raccoons

wild things

PAG e 4

One of the most common and recog-

nizable wild animals in North America,

raccoons have adapted well to living

in close proximity to humans. In fact,

their population is estimated as much as

twenty times greater in urban environ-

ments in rural areas. This dramatic dif-

ference is attributed to the abundance

of resources that people inadvertently

(and sometimes purposely) provide.

Raccoons are about the size of a

medium dog and weigh 20 pounds or

more. Their body is covered in dense

grey fur that can give them an even

larger appearance. Their most visible

characteristics are their black, bandit

like masks and ringed tail. Originally

adapted to life in the forest, they are

extremely good climbers. The hind feet

can turn backwards--giving the rac-

coon a squirrel-like ability to descend.

Its front feet are extremely sensitive and

dexterous. The practice of washing their

food in water may be due in part to the

fact that water increases the sensitivity

of their paws.

Intelligent creatures, studies have shown

that raccoons can remember the solu-

tion to a given problem for up to three

years. In the wild, a raccoon rarely

survives more than a few years; while

in captivity they can live for more than

twenty. Breeding occurs in late January

to mid-March and the young are born

after a two-month gestational period.

Two to five young are born and they are

blind and deaf. After six to nine weeks,

the young raccoons will begin to explore

outdoors with their mother. They will

stay with her until fall or even the

following spring. If the mother looses

her young she will become fertile and

breed again.

The most common causes of mortal-

ity are distemper and automobiles. The

success of raccoons as a species is due

to their widely varied and adaptable

diet and behavior. They will eat almost

anything, from insects, fruit and nuts to

small amphibians, fish, pet food or trash.

One of the most common sources

of conflict between humans and

raccoons derives from of the raccoon’s

tendency to dig in lawns to access the

insect larva that lives in the ground.

Eliminating grubs is the best long term

and most humane solution. Raccoons

are very adaptive and find multiple

resources in residential areas that range

from koi ponds to attics. Eliminate

access to crawl spaces and chimneys

and maintain an environment free from

food sources and you will help keep

nature’s bandit from becoming an issue

at your home.

Q: What’s so great about crates?

A: When used properly, an appropriate

size crate can become a critical tool in a

canine housebreaking plan. When a dog

becomes accustomed to the crate, it be-

comes a safe haven for a dog or puppy.

By relying on a dog’s natural instincts

to seek a den, as well as an aversion to

soiling that den, confining the dog within

the area motivates him/her to stay dry

and clean. While many pet owners think

their dog will not enjoy the crate, it can be a great training tool for an array

of problem behaviors.

Q: My dog has plenty of toys all over the place but still chews on things he

shouldn’t. What can I do to keep him from chewing?

A: First, teach your dog a few basic tricks and practice them regularly, such

as sit, down, shake, etc. You might even look into taking a training class to

help build both his skills and your relationship. Also, make sure to pick up all

those toys and rotate through them instead of having them available at all

times. Dogs can become bored with toys that they see everyday, by rotating

toys daily, you will keep things fun and interesting. Lastly, try getting toys

that require some work such as puzzle toys or toys that you can put treats

inside of. Toys that dispense treats will reward your dog for playing with it

and keep them entertained longer than a toy that simply sits there.

Q: I just brought my new kitten home and he is hiding, what do I do?

A: First and foremost, remember it is overwhelming and stressful for the kitty

to arrive into their new environment. Providing your new kitty with a tempo-

rary safe haven for 10-14 days is the perfect way to see them succeed. The

best places are spare rooms, enclosed bedrooms, or large bathrooms. While

keeping the area fully stocked of food and water, allow kitty to venture,

spending as much time with him as possible. Take kitty out of the room for

an hour at a time and allow him to be introduced to the rest of the house

and other family members. If your kitty still seems nervous and retreats,

return him to his room and allow more time to adjust.

For more tips and information please contact the Pasadena Humane Society & SCPA’s Behavior & Training Department at (626) 792-7151 ext. 155.

Tips and Myths about Pets

PAG e 5

?

behavior & training Q A

pg

. 2

Romeo & Juliet’s Incredible Journey

happy tails

PAG e 6

It happens all the time.

A pair of dogs—best buddies—are found

wandering the streets of Pasadena.

When Romeo and Juliet, two five-year-

old Shar-Peis, arrived at PHS, they

seemed like any other lost dogs. But

when we began our routine examination,

we discovered something extraordinary.

Juliet was blind. And Romeo was her

guide dog.

It is unclear how Juliet lost her vision,

but she needed special care. The area

where her eyes should have been was

inflamed and needed medication. Amaz-

ingly, she was friendly and carefree. She

walked easily on a leash and didn’t seem

to know that anything was missing.

Our behavior staff took Romeo and

Juliet to the training room to see how

they navigated the world. Romeo trot-

ted around the room, while Juliet fol-

lowed him confidently, usually with her

nose lightly touching his side. Clearly,

he was her guide. Romeo was always

patient and never seemed to mind hav-

ing Juliet constantly at his side. He just

didn’t seem to need his “space.” When

the trainer sat on the floor to play with

these two, they both clamored playfully

for attention and affection.

It’s always hard to find a new home for

a pair of dogs that need to stay togeth-

er. But finding a home for a special-

needs animal and her “caretaker” would

be a special challenge.

Bound Angels, a non-profit organiza-

tion that creates awareness campaigns

about the plight of shelter animals,

created a video about Romeo and

Juliet, and posted it on YouTube. News

reached a Shar-Pei and Chow res-

cue group in Prescott, Ontario called

Merlin’s Hope. They met the pair and

offered to take the dogs to Canada, to

live in private foster homes until they

could find a permanent home, together.

PHS networks with over 200 rescue

groups to find homes for the animals

that come to us, but this one is 2,700

miles away! It just proves that people

who love animals will go to any lengths

to help them.

Last we heard, Romeo and Juliet are

happy and healthy, living in a loving

foster home until they find a perma-

nent, forever home.

Your support of the Pasadena Humane

Society & SPCA helps make happy

tales like this one. Thank you for all

you do for the animals. Your support

of the Pasadena Humane Society &

SPCA helps to make happy tales like

this one. Thank you for all you do for

the animals.

On Sunday, September 27, 2009

the Pasadena Humane Society &

SPCA proudly presented the 11th

annual Wiggle Waggle Walk for

the animals. even with tempera-

tures topping 100 degrees, an

estimated 2,500 people and their

dogs took part in the event at

Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl. Proceeds topped $285,000

to help provide shelter, care and new homes to animals.

Romeo & Juliet’s Incredible Journey

event round-up

PAG e 7

Wiggle Waggle Walk a Smash Success!

Facility HoursTues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am—6 pmSat 9 am—5 pmSun 11 am—5 pm

Adoption HoursTues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am—4 pmSat 9 am—3 pmSun 11 am—3 pm

www.pasadenahumane.org

24 hour Emergency Service please call 626.792.7151Glendale residents please call toll-free 818.240.9100

Non-profitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPasadena, CA

Permit No. 1142361 South Raymond Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA

is a private, non-profit, open door,

animal welfare agency serving the

communities of Arcadia, Glendale,

La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena,

San Marino, Sierra Madre and

South Pasadena.

For the most up to date schedule for MOBIle OUTReACH, BARkS

AND BOOkS and BeHAvIOR ClASSeS, please check the website,

www.pasadenahumane.org

AGIlITy ClASSeS OFFeReD AT PHS

Beginning January 16, PHS is offering beginning agility classes—an active

dog sport that involves negotiating an obstacle course against the clock!

For information and to register, call Drew at ext. 170 or go online at

www.pasadenahumane.org

DR. NICHOlAS DODMAN, BvMS WIll PReSeNT 2 WORkSHOPS

AT PHS IN MARCH The Well Adjusted Cat on March 26, and The Well

Adjusted Dog on March 27-28. To learn more and to register, visit

www.thepetdocs.com

events