Summer 2008 - San Francisco SPCA

VOL. 102, NO. 2 SUMMER 2008San FranciscoSPCA Turns 140Bunting and birthday cakeLost and FoundA cat’s amazing taleSummer Camp’sLife LessonsFrom SF/SPCAstudent to teacherSalty DogsSet SailDog Day on the BayNikah

140TH YEARThe San Francisco Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals______________________________2500 Sixteenth StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103(415) 554-3000Founded April 18, 1868OfficersCatherine B. BrownCHAIR OF THE BOARDBelinda Levensohn &Donald M. Brown, MDVICE-CHAIRSDavid TateosianTREASURERJan McHugh-SmithPRESIDENTDirectorsKatherine H. BlackSharon BradfordDerek L. DeanAustin E. HillsBernard M. Kramer, MDDaniel Levitt, MD, PhD.Marie O’Gara LipmanJames J. LudwigFillmore C. MarksCraig A. PinedoJ. Peter ReadJeanette RoachEric B. RobertsOur Animals is published by theDevelopment Department of theSan Francisco SPCA for ourfriends and supporters.Paul M. GlassnerEDITORRich CurtisPageCurtis.comDESIGN/PRODUCTIONChristine RosenblatCONTRIBUTING WRITERAlthough The SF/SPCA does notendorse products or services, we arevery grateful to our advertisers,who help make Our Animalspossible. To place an ad contactthe editor.ISSN 0030-6789www.sfspca.org© 2008 San Francisco SPCA.All rights reserved. Contents reprintedonly by permission.Assisting Dogs to the Bestof Our AbilityBY JAN MCHUGH-SMITH, PRESIDENT, SAN FRANCISCO SPCAAND CATHERINE BROWN, CHAIR OF THE BOARDAfter longand carefulconsideration,The SanFrancisco SPCABoard of Directorsmade the difficultdecision to discontinuetheHearing Dog Program.We are allextremely proudof the programand its very professionalstaff andcommitted volunteers,so wereached this conclusiononly withgreat sadness andreluctance. Nevertheless,it was the right thing to do, aswe’ll explain.For almost 30 years The SF/SPCAHearing Dog Program provided invaluableassistance to people who are deafor have hearing loss. The first such programin the nation sponsored by ahumane society, it offered life-alteringservices to both dogs and their humancompanions. Its very existence providedencouragement for similar organizations.Fortunately, a gratifying change hasoccurred during those 30 years. Otherassistance-dog agencies, whose onlymission is to train and place such animals,have expanded, making a majorimpact on the field. The organizationsmove more dogs through training, keepthe animals in appropriate long-termhousing and provide extensive followupcare for the dogs, thus impacting thelives of many more individuals (bothcanine and human) than The SF/SPCAprogram could.Meanwhile, the need remains urgentfor the lifesaving services that TheSF/SPCA has traditionallysupplied toWhiskeyhomeless companionanimals:expandedspay/neuter to preventoverpopulation,affordableand compassionateveterinary care,and increasedadoption services.These constituteThe SF/SPCA’s coremission, and byfocusing theSociety’s finiteresources on thesegoals, we believewe can save thelives of many morecompanion animals.Not only will we continue to givehomeless cats and dogs the medical andbehavioral rehabilitation – and time –they need to get adopted, we will alsotransfer animals from other, underservedshelters and endow them withthe same extraordinary treatment. Ourefforts are already underway in a bigway. In the last year alone, The SF/SPCAprovided these comprehensive lifesavingservices to 1,154 companion animalsfrom outside San Francisco. This is anastonishing number, representing anexciting development that once againputs The SF/SPCA at the vanguard ofanimal welfare. Clearly, we can do farmore good for many more animals byinvesting our resources at the very heartof our mission.Moreover, within a year The SF/SPCA’snew Leanne B. Roberts Animal CareCenter will open, significantly expandingour capacity to provide virtually allaspects of medical care and to meet thecontinuing need for spay/neuter surgeries.Remember, too, that another pillarDAVID BRAUN PHOTOGRAPHY (2)2 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

Animals Make the RoundsNow in its 27th year, The San Francisco SPCA’s Animal AssistedTherapy Program touches people throughout our city.COMPILED BY JENNIFER EMMERT, PH.D.,MANAGER, SF/SPCA AAT PROGRAMSF/SPCAAAT volunteersKathrynCoffey andZoe withHamiltonFamilyCenter staffThe San Francisco SPCA’sAnimal Assisted TherapyProgram brings thehealing presence of animals topeople in healthcare facilitiescitywide. Society volunteerstake their own pets on the visits;most of the animals aredogs, but guinea pigs, rabbitsand even cats participate.The SF/SPCA was the firstanimal welfare organization toprovide this invaluable service.Today, the Society’s programis considered a model inthe field. Each year, AAT staffand volunteers visit tens ofthousands of people in nearly100 local healthcare facilities.AAT visits do far more thanprovide a temporary lifting ofspirits to clients in hospitals,nursing homes, psychiatricclinics and special schools.Again and again, residentsshow increased communication,lowered anxiety, and evendecreased heart rates. Wherehumans sometimes fail, animalsare often successful incutting through the barriersthat isolate people with physicaland emotional difficulties.“We gather around the AATanimal and volunteer like peoplewarming their hands at acampfire,” says one therapist.Lately our AAT programhas been expanding its servicesto other non-traditional settings,including transitionalhousing, emergency housing,and youth shelters. In addition,the Puppy Dog TalesReading Program recently celebratedits one-year anniversary.The first of its kind inSan Francisco, this programgives children who are justlearning to read a specialopportunity to practice theirskills. When a child readsaloud to a dog, the animal listenspatiently, issues no corrections,and provides lovinglicks just for trying.More than 100 pet/personteams volunteer for The SanFrancisco SPCA’s AnimalAssisted Therapy Program,and there’s plenty of room(and demand) for more. Joinus! Call (415) 554-3060. Asthese field reports show, AATvisits are rewarding for clients,volunteers and facility staffmembers.Each time an SF/SPCA volunteerteam comes to our center,it is a good day, and theday of Michele and Sam’s visitwas no different. [MicheleChaboudy and 10-year-oldOld English Sheepdog Samhave been AAT volunteers forseven years.] Staff who spenda lot of time working in theback area of the center cameout to greet the visitors, and,best of all, the seniors that weserve were engaged, excitedand happy. Sam is a much biggerdog than the majority whohave come to our center.However, Sam’s gentleness andlikeability won over the hearts4 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

of our seniors. Even one particularwoman who has a longhistory of being frightened ofdogs, particularly large dogs,could not help but reach outto Sam, laugh, and caress him.His shaggy face and calmdemeanor won us all over.Thank you to Sam, Micheleand The SF/SPCA!”— Martine Bernstein,On Lok Lifeways Mission CenterOne man at the Veteran’sAdministration hospital saidthat Coby made his day. Thenhe changed his mind and toldme Coby had made his week.— SF/SPCA volunteerSarah PintoThe visits are very muchappreciated and loved by TheAvenue residents. Each timean adorable dog visits us, I seemany faces light up instantly,as everyone wants to touch orplay with the lovable creature.All my pain and worries areerased whenever I see the darlinganimals. My heart justTherapist Samfills up with warmth for thesebeautiful pets.— H.C., resident,The AvenueOur most special client is a90-year-old woman who givesnew meaning to the word curmudgeon.No matter what thestaff does to try to please her,she remains steadfast in hergrumpiness. Except whenCharlie, my 90-pound Bernesemountain dog, comes. Forhim she gets out of bed, dressesand gets into her wheelchair.And with him shecomes alive, telling us storiesof her past dogs and horses,laughing when Charlie licksher hands, and giving him “atreat” she has saved for himalone. At her request theActivity Director took a photoof her with Charlie and a largecopy now adorns her wall sothat she can be with himbetween visits.— SF/SPCA volunteerLinda BlackstoneZoe, a goldenretriever who’s beendoing AAT for morethan five of her sixyears, accompaniesSF/SPCA volunteerKathryn Coffey toHamilton FamilyCenter on Fridaynights. Hamiltonoffers food, shelterand guidance to morethan 300 people eachday, 60% of whom arechildren. Kathrynand Zoe have made along-term commitmentto HamiltonFamily Center.“We sit in a circlein the playroom, takingturns and learningabout what Zoelikes to do (fetch andswim) and looking ather paws and earsand teeth (she is verytolerant). Some children liketo hold her leash and walkaround the playroom. Othersremember from previous visitsthat she gets hot and thirstywith all the petting and playingand will very proudly provideher with a bowl of freshwater and delight in herdrinking the water and subsequentlyirrigating the playroom with her wet snout.I bring a Polaroid camerawith me. It takes a bit of coordinationto have the childrensit or stand (and hold still)next to Zoe while I take thephoto. The magic comes asthe picture develops and thechildren see their imagesemerge and sharpen from asquare of shiny white paper.The children love this littletreasure and treat it accordingly.Many of them walk it overto Mom or Dad to share.” YTo volunteer for The SanFrancisco SPCA’s AnimalAssisted Therapy Program,call (415) 554-3060.TherapistCobySummer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 5

The San FranciscoSPCA Feral CatAssistance Programwants YOU.We’re looking for people to join our neighborhoodCat Assistance Team. We'll train you in the rescue, fosteringand humane trapping of feral (wild) cats so theanimals can be spayed or neutered and then eitherreleased or adopted.Also, city construction projects displace feral cats, sowe are always on the lookout for potential relocationsites like back yards, barns and warehouse areas.Be part of the humane solution -- and work fromhome! Call Mary Ann Buxton, SF/SPCA Feral Cat Coordinator,at (415) 522-3539.CATCLAWCLIPPINGCLINICBARBARA SAUNDERSThat’s right, manicuresfor Mittens. The SanFrancisco SPCA holds aCat Claw Clipping Clinictwice monthly: 10-11a.m. the first Sunday ofevery month, and 6-7p.m. the third Thursdayof every month. The costis $10 for the front pawsand $15 for all claws.(Polydactyl? No extra charge.). Come to TheSF/SPCA Hospital's Cat entrance at 2500 16th St.Your cat must be in a carrier. No appointmentneeded. To confirm, call (415) 522-3525.BustopherJEAN DONALDSONReaders writeCATCHFOSTERFEVER!KITTEN SEASON’S HERE. Bring adorable kittensinto your home for a few weeks and be part of TheSF/SPCA’s lifesaving phenomenon.Potential foster parents need not attend a generalSF/SPCA volunteer orientation; just come to a onesessionfoster class. To sign up, call SF/SPCA FosterCare Facilitator Alison Lane at 415-522-3542 or e-mail her at alane@sfspca.org.Our two-hour foster class will be held on theseSaturday afternoons: June 21, July 19.Q: The “Miracle on O’Farrell Street” article inyour spring issue describes Desmond and Penny as“flame-point” kittens. What does that term mean?A: “Flame-point” refers to a cat coat colorscheme of cream-colored body with reddish ears,face, legs and tail. Typically, these “points” are subtleduring kittenhood and turn a bit darker as thecat ages. Frosty (see pg. 19) has some of this coloration.Q: A while back, an article in Our Animals suggestedstuffing your dog’s hollow toys with foodand treats, including raisins. Aren’t raisins poisonousto dogs?A: The article was published several years ago.Since then, alerted by a rash of cases, scientistshave concluded that raisins are toxic to dogs,though no one knows why. To be safe, keep raisins(and grapes) out of Rover’s reach; for the latestinformation, ask your veterinarian.6 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

San Francisco SPCATurns 140Bunting, birthday cake and sparkling apple cider greeted guests asThe San Francisco SPCA recalled its past and looked to the future.The clip-clop ofhorses’ hooves andthe rustle of long,silk skirts echoed onceagain at The San FranciscoSPCA on Friday, April18, 2008, as the venerableorganization celebratedthe 140th anniversaryof its founding.SF/SPCA President JanMcHugh-Smith andBoard Chair CatherineBrown welcomed theguests; officials from theState of California andCity of San Franciscomingled with other dignitaries,staff (some inperiod costume), volunteersand well-behaveddogs, while horses fromthe San Francisco PoliceDepartment MountedUnit formed an honorguard for the occasion.Dan Bernal, a representativefrom Speaker NancyPelosi’s office, read acongratulatory letter –and sent best wishesfrom all the office dogs atMs. Pelosi’s San Franciscoheadquarters. CaliforniaState AssemblymanMark Leno spoke warmlyabout the Society’s lifesavingwork, and LeahRowell, representingState Senator Leland Yee,delivered a congratulatorystatement. Finally,Alfredo Pedroza read aproclamation from SanBY CHRISTINE ROSENBLAT, SF/SPCAPHOTOGRAPHS © 2008 MARK ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHYMARK DONATED HIS TIME AND TALENT TO THE SF/SPCA.TOP: Mark Lenoand representativesfrom otherofficials’ officesBOTTOM: SFPDMounted UnitSummer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 7

TOP: During ahard-hat tour,SF/SPCADirector ofVeterinaryServices Dr.John Aldridgeshows off theunder-constructionLeanne B.RobertsAnimal CareCenter to SanFranciscoFire ChiefJoanneHayes-White.MIDDLE: Thisagility champbounds overthe crest ofan obstacle.BOTTOM: Askedwhere theywere from,these peopleonly said,“Anotherera..”Francisco Mayor GavinNewsom which laudedthe organization andnamed April 18 San FranciscoSPCA Day in theCity.Welcoming San FranciscoFire Chief JoanneHayes-White and PoliceChief Heather Fong, Ms.McHugh-Smith noted theSociety’s long history ofcaring for the horses ofboth City Departments, asituation that continuesto this day with TheSF/SPCA’s Police HorseRetirement Program.Guests toasted the Societyand wished it another140 years (or 980 years,calculated in dog and cattime) of continuing success.On Saturday and Sunday,April 19 and 20, TheSF/SPCA held an OpenHouse to celebrate 140years of service to theanimals and the community,and to mark the 10thanniversary of the initiationof the landmarkMaddie’s Adoption Center;since Maddie’sopened, over 36,000 dogsand cats have been adoptedfrom the facility. As aspecial birthday gift,adoption prices on Saturdayfrom 11 a.m. to 3p.m. were lowered to1998 levels – $28! Otherweekend events featuredcanine agility demonstrationsand participation,Humane Education activitiesfor youngsters, andan art auction to benefitthe Animal Assisted TherapyProgram.Many happy returns tothe Society and to thetens of thousands of animals– feline, canine andequine – whose lives havebeen saved by The SanFrancisco SPCA. Y8 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

YAPPY HOURDOG-TIRED FRIDAY EVENING? Wag and dragyour favorite canine or canine-loving human toSan Francisco’s DragonBar on Friday, June 20th,from 6 to 9 p.m.For just ten barks – uh, ten bucks – admission (which benefitsThe San Francisco SPCA), canines munch and drink free(kibble and H2O) and humans get a specialty cocktail. Enjoya convivial conclave of doggie devotees plus the hands-oncompany of their canines – TGIF! There are also fantastic raffles,door prizes and more.Dog- and crowd-friendly pooches only, please. All dogs mustbe on-leash at all times. DragonBar is in North Beach, 473Broadway at Kearny.If you miss this Yappy Hour, fear not; others are planned.Check www.dragonbarsf.com or www.sfspca.org. And if youknow of a neighborhood tavern that wants to establish its ownYappy Hour, call Laura at The SF/SPCA, (415) 522-3564.A PaperlessSocietyThe San Francisco SPCA has stopped using newspaper inanimals’ quarters because recent scientific findings indicatethat newspaper can harbor germs – not a goodthing! So, after decades of asking people to bring newspapershere, The SF/SPCA is switching from paper tocloth. Y Please give us your tired, torn, and tattered towelsand blankets that you’re yearning to replace. Unlikenewspapers, these items can be used over and over againthanks to The SF/SPCA’s in-house laundry capability.Bring your cloth contributions to Maddie’s Adoption Centeror the Spay/Neuter lobby (16th St. entrance). There’sfree parking in our Maddie’s Center lot on Florida St.,just off 16th St. Y Thank you for adding a soft touch tosome needy animals’ surroundings.Switch SearchEnginesEach time you use Goodsearch.comfor an onlinesearch, SF/SPCA animalsget a penny. We don’t haveto tell you, that will add upquickly! Enter“San Francisco SPCA”at Goodsearch.com.Gifts ofLoveAll gifts to the Society in honoror in memory of a personor pet are gratefully accepted,and we will gladly notify othersof your thoughtfulness._______________________In memory of:Babette, from Roni HowardChauncy, from Ling and CleoKoko-Girl, from Renae &David MacLachlanMartini, from Izabela AkermanPepper, from Roni HowardPreston and Ernie, fromLing and CleoRaven, from Roni Howard_______________________To give a Gift of Love, send yourcontribution of $50 or more toThe SF/SPCA, 2500 16th St., SanFrancisco, CA 94103. At yourrequest, your memorial or honorificgift will be printed here.Contact Cynthia Howland,Development Coordinator, at(415) 554-3029 orchowland@sfspca.org for details.Summer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 9

Summer Camp’s Life LessonsThe story of an amazing young woman who grew up in San FranciscoSPCA Summer CampBY TIFFANY ONGWITH PAUL GLASSNERPHOTOS BY LAURIE ROUTHIER, SF/SPCA HUMANE EDUCATION MANAGERHappycampersIwill never forget my firstdog. Her name was Katie.She was a brindle-coloredAustralian cattle-dog mix whocould be overly submissive butwas always sweet as pie.Unfortunately, Katie was onlymine for a week, but it wasone of the best weeks of mylife because I knew I helpedtrain Katie to become the bestdog she could be.This memorable experiencecould only happen in oneplace: The San FranciscoSPCA summer camp classroom.In 1994, at the age of eight,I attended my first week ofDog and Cat Camp at TheSF/SPCA. Now, fifteen yearslater, as I wrap up my firstyear working as a full-fledgedhumane educator, I realize andappreciate how much summercamp at The SF/SPCA changedmy life.Summer camp was not justa week of playing in kitty condosand walking dogs. My firsttime at summer camp was anunforgettable week of characterbuilding, problem solving,and inspirational teachers thatopened my eyes to the worldof animal welfare and sheltering(in addition to lots andlots of puppy kisses).I started my career as acamper (twice) and grew fromthere to being to a juniorcounselor and then completedthe circle to become a paidhead counselor for two summers.Regardless of whatchanged in the camp curriculumeach year, one qualityremained true. Every singletime I walked into the classroom,I was truly inspired. Forme, this was not the typicalclassroom where you learnedabout making a difference, itwas an amazing place whereyou made that difference.Let me tell you a story fromjust last summer about acamper named Tommy. Eachsummer, The SF/SPCA offersat least one session of camp tochildren in need. The second Imet this rambunctiouscamper, I knew he was goingto be a firecracker. He wasquick to make smart remarksabout our activities and anxiousto be the center of attention.Tommy had been movingfrom foster home to fosterhome, making it difficult forhim to gracefully receive anytype of direction from any faceof authority.But when the animals werearound, he behaved like acompletely different kid. Eventhough Tommy wasn’t themost attentive or obedientchild, this boy was by far oneof the most thoughtfulcampers. From day one, heimmediately put each visitinganimal’s needs before his own;so much so that if Tommycaught another camper notrespecting an animal he wouldpolitely correct them. Some ofthe most moving moments ofcamp for me were observingTommy silently identifyingwith the small kittens he waspetting or the dogs he wassocializing. Signs of growth10 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

were heartening to see as Tommyinsisted on walking thebiggest and most challengingdogs in the shelter because hebelieved he could help thosedogs the most. Tommy’s confidencewas developing, too, ashe found something he couldfinally trust and identify with.Not only that, everyone couldsee Tommy was starting tobelieve in himself.My impression was confirmednot long afterwardswhen his foster parents contactedme privately to ask if Iwould baby-sit Tommy, per hisrequest. Of course I was flatteredto be asked because itmeant Tommy felt comfortablewith me. But I think it was notabout me so much as aboutwhat summer camp allowedand encouraged this boy to do:make a connection with theanimals and experience andaccept their unconditional love.Tommy is just one of countlesschildren that I witnessedto be genuinely moved by theanimals, transformed duringtheir week at summer camp.As I said, the humane educationtaught at summer camp isnot just about playing with theanimals; it is about establishingand trusting new connectionsand learning how to takeaction and speak up for thosewho cannot.As a camper, my personalweek-long transformation tookplace in a slightly differentfashion. I always had an infatuationfor animals, but it wasat SF/SPCA summer camp thatmy passion was unleashed.Not having any pets of myown at the time, it was adream come true to be surroundedfor an entire week byanimals and people who loveanimals. Attending camp notonly validated my love for animals,it opened my eyes to aworld of animal welfare, training,behavior, and conservation.The exposure andexperience gave me an entirenew world to explore.The satisfaction of socializingferal kittens and scaredpuppies moved me to becomea foster parent for TheSF/SPCA. Watching a hearingdog demo inspired me to learnAmerican Sign Language aswell as to volunteer for a servicedog facility. Watching myfavorite counselor, CraigO’Brien, talk with such passionabout animal welfare gaveme strength to stand up toanyone who questioned mypassion for animals (and tothis day watching him as ananimal control officer guestLEFT: Camperslearn thatswaddling askittish kitten– making a“kitty burrito”– helpssocialize theanimal.BELOW: TheCase of theMultiplyingCatsSummer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 11

TOP LEFT:Tiffany withAbby, her dogadopted fromSan FranciscoAnimalCare & ControlBOTTOM LEFT:Summercamp is definitelyaboutmakingfriends!PHOTO TO RIGHT:Last summer’sDreamTeam of campcounselorsspeaker at camp still movesme). And that was just thebeginning.I exposed myself to as manyaspects of animal welfare as Icould throughout high schooland college. Like most animallovingchildren, I thought thebest way to help animals wasto be a veterinarian. So onesummer in high school, Iattended “Vet Camp” at a university.However, after a fewweeks of shadowing vet techs,vets, and emergency doctors, Irealized that as much as Ienjoyed the learning experience,this line of work was notfor me.Still determined to exploredirect animal-care opportunities,I interned for two summersat an animal sanctuary.While nothing could compareto the gratification of workingwith animals in need (whosetrust you saw through thespark of recognition in theireyes), I found the lack ofhuman interaction taxing.Once again, not quite the rightoccupation for me.Then, after watching myfirst episode of “Animal Cops”on TV, I considered becomingan animal control officer. Butas I watched more episodes, itbecame clear that as rewardingas the work may be, thethought of witnessing caseafter case of animal neglectand abuse would break myheart. I wanted a professionwhere I could make a differenceand remain inspired.Despite not knowing exactlywhat career path I shouldpursue – what college studentreally does? – I continued tovolunteer for local animal welfareorganizations. I assistedwith fundraising, dog training,cat socialization, and anythingelse you can name. (Havingmoved across the countryaway from my own pets toattend college, it was also theonly way to get the personaltime I needed with animals.)One of the animal shelters Ivolunteered at was a 30-minute drive from my college,so I frequently found myselfbegging and bribing (with thepromise of food or drinks) myfriends with cars to drop meoff and pick me up once aweek just so I could get myfix. It was not always easy, butit was always worth it.With graduation pending, Ifelt the pressure to join the“real world.” I admit, the ideawas daunting. Yet while collegewas ending, summercamp was starting. I calledLaurie (the Humane Educationdirector at The SF/SPCA)to say I wanted to return tothe classroom where I feltmost at ease. She said yes, andas soon as I came back, Ifound myself asking, “Whydid I ever leave this place?”I fell in love again with TheSF/SPCA classroom and whatit meant to me. And I realizedI’d found the answer to myanimal-career dilemma. Theprofession of humane educatorgave me the ideal balance ofhands-on animal care, proactiveprevention of animal neglectand abuse, constantexposure to animals everywhere,and my most essentialperquisite, a consistently positivework environment.My post-graduate stint ascamp counselor allowed me tocontribute significant to thecurriculum. We introduced anew theme for the campers: tobecome Animal Ambassadors,which meant they were taughtand encouraged to speak forand act on behalf of the animals.We asked campers tochallenge themselves and12 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

ADVERTISEMENTSCampers form a Puppy Circle to help socialize toddler dogs.place the animals’ needs beforetheir own, even in small ways. Forinstance, all of us like to hug andkiss tiny kittens or squirmy puppies,but is that the best thing forthe animal? We wanted the childrento really think about that. To helpconvey this new concept, we invitednine guest speakers, all adultanimal ambassadors of some kind,from bee-keepers to foster parentsto vet techs to animal cops.As much fun as it was to be acamper, being a counselor meantcreating new and fun ways to teachothers about what I was passionateabout. One lesson I created was the“Case of Multiplying Cats.” What ifeach of the ten campers adopted anunfixed feline and then allowed“just one litter?” It seemed inconsequentialuntil, as a class, we addedup all the cats we would have afterone year. The kids were alwaysshocked by the number (normallysomewhere in the 300s) and couldfinally internalize the importance ofspaying and neutering their pets.Another lesson I helped writewas a scavenger hunt around Maddie’sAdoption Center. It includedquestions such as “How many blackcats are here?” or “Why does it costmore to adopt a puppy than agrown dog?” Tracking down theanswers led to important discussionsabout the big issues at an animalshelter – and how those issuesaffect individual animals such asthe very cats and dogs the kidscared for during their week at TheSF/SPCA.No week ever went perfectly atcamp, yet I always felt confidentthat each student ended their experienceproud to be an animal ambassador.Whether by telling a friendabout neutering their cat or adoptingtheir next dog from a shelter,these children were going to helpcreate a better world for animals.The most important perspective Ihave learned from all my work atThe SF/SPCA (and that I take withme everywhere) is that everyone isan educator and can choose to bean animal ambassador. We eachplay a distinctive role in teachingeach other and it is important toalways remember that principle.Beyond compare, the mostrewarding part of camp was seeingthe change in the children as theyleft to go home every day, growingmore aware that they can make adifference. I’ve seen children asyoung as six ready to change theworld one animal at a time. But youwant to know a little secret? Any ofus can do that at any age. YSummer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 13

ED CHANGood WillTowardAnimals – andBe Specific.Making San Francisco SPCAanimals a beneficiary of yourwill, trust, life insurance, orIRA is a powerful way to protectinnocent lives far into the future. Besure to use the SF/SPCA’s full corporatename: “The San Francisco Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals.” Thisprevents confusion with other animalorganizations that contribute little ornothing to our efforts. Suggested wording:I give to The San Francisco Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals the sumof ______ dollars or _____ percent of myestate (or, if insurance policies, land or other property, please describe).Remember, the San Francisco SPCA, founded in 1868 as a private andindependent nonprofit, is a stand-alone organization that has made our citythe national leader in saving the lives of dogs and cats. You are all our animalshave. Please contact Katy Volz at the SF/SPCA, (415) 554-3027 orkvolz@sfspca, with any questions.Starring Jessica Aguirre, Isabel Allende, Peter Coyote, Mickey Hart,Jessica McClintock, Amy Tan, Michael Tilson Thomas, Robin Williams and many more■ Beautiful hard-cover book features SF luminaries’ pets■ 2006 Independent Publishers Book Award■ ENTIRE sales price of $29.95 donated to animals■ Available at Maddie’s Center or www.sfspca.orgPerfectgift foranimalloversVeronicaPetPress■ Comcast on DemandPet Care Tips■ FETCH The PaperPets of the Month &Event Listings■ KSFO 560 AMWeekday morningsaround 8:40 am■ KGO Channel 7Morning NewsThird Friday of themonth around 11:25 am■ San Francisco Advertiser10 Pets of the Week■ San Francisco BayGuardianFeatured Pet of the Week■ Marina TimesPets of the Month &“Kibble & Bits” column■ BAY WOOFEvent Listings■ KOIT 96.5 FM WebsitePet of the Week■ The City StarPet CornerAnimalUpdate■ KCBS All News 740 AMSunday: 1:35 pm,3:36 pm, 9:22 pm.Monday: 1:53 am14 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

Salty Dogs Set SailBY PAUL GLASSNER, SF/SPCAPHOTOGRAPHS © 2008 MARK ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHYMARK DONATED HIS TIME AND TALENT TO THE SF/SPCA.Every spring, HornblowerCruises & Events invitesall San Francisco SPCAsalty dogs (and the sweetones, too) for a first-classcruise aboard their flagshipvessel, the San Francisco Belle,an outing known as Dog Dayon the Bay. Created originallyby a Hornblower staffer andheld last May for the fourthconsecutive year, this nauticalevent is unique to TheSF/SPCA – and it’s not merelyexclusive, it’s extraordinary.Canines are catered to witha Bow Wow Doggy Buffet thatincludes a variety of cheesecubes, delectable meat-flavoredsnacks and all kinds oftreats, even Happy Tail Ale, abeef-flavored, non-alcoholicbeer for dogs. The ship comeswith non-slip floors anyway,but special protective nettingis added to railings at dogheight throughout. The crewcomes complete with a fleet ofSF/SPCA dog monitors plusonboard veterinarian andnurse just in case. Oh, andseveral artists are available torender sketches of adoreddogs (with fees donated toThe SF/SPCA).Then there’s the poop deck,a large area on the boat’s toplevel carpeted with real grass,surely the world’s most picturesqueplace to, uh, go. As theyhave each year, Sloat GardenCenter generously donatesand delivers hundreds ofpounds of sod for the occasion,and the dogs know justwhat to, uh, do.Meantime, the humans(they are the ones paying forpassage, after all) get treatedto their own all-you-can-eatgourmet buffet plus all-youdare-drinkchampagne. Not tomention the fabulous views.And the company of hundredsof well-behaved dogs andtheir friendly, dotingguardians. For people whocouldn’t stand to just sit, eat,drink and talk, an onboardtreasure hunt rounded out theleisurely midday voyage.One more thing: thisbrunch on a boat benefitshomeless animals at TheSF/SPCA, so we hope to “sea”you next year! YSummer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 15

Which way tothe buffet?16 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

OFFICIALSPONSORSHornblowerCruises &EventsSloat GardenCenterDog StarBrewingHappy TailAleNatural Nibbles7 x 7 MagazineYour TV 20KSFO 560Modern cruiseships come witheverything, but inthe whole worldonly this one has areal poop deck.ON-BOARDVENDORSPuppy PleasuresSluggo(pet-friendlygarden goods)Your TV 20Fetch the PaperCONTRIBUTORSPet FoodExpressFunnyfur.comON-BOARDARTISTSGrant GillilandPatrick KouseAndy StatmillerSummer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 17

Kimberlywith Frostyat TheSF/SPCAOn a chilly evening lastApril, a volunteer withThe San FranciscoSPCA Feral Cat AssistanceProgram received an urgenttelephone call from her motherand hurried over to herhouse. Peering into one of theferal cat humane traps she hadset up on the porch the previousday, she saw that a cat hadventured into one of the cagesseeking food and had beentrapped. An unkempt, paleorange and white kitty coweredin the trap, gazing up ather with scared blue eyes.The tale had begun the previousDecember when the volunteer’smother, who lives inLost and FoundThe remarkable volunteers of The San Francisco SPCA Feral Cat Assistanceprogram look out for feral cats and sometimes for not-so-feral cats.MELANIE ZAVARELLA, SF/SPCABY CHRISTINE ROSENBLAT, SF/SPCAthe Richmond district of SanFrancisco, began noticing twocats hanging around herhouse. They were obviouslyhomeless and hungry, so sheput some food out for them.Soon the cats were regular visitors,and over the next fewmonths she fed them daily.Eventually, she mentioned thecats to her daughter. Thedaughter’s immediate reactionwas to bring a couple ofhumane cat traps over to hermother’s house and set themup on the front porch.The volunteer saw that theanimal’s left ear wasn’t tipped,which meant the cat hadn’tbeen through The SF/SPCAFeral Fix program. So shecovered the cage with an oldblanket (which helps calm acat under these conditions),loaded it into her vehicle andheaded to the home of theCoordinator of the Feral CatAssistance Program, MaryAnn Buxton.Buxton noted that the catwas covered with mats, but he(she determined that he was amale) was a good weight and,although he was frightened,he was calm. Still, he didn’texhibit tame cat behavioreither, and some feral cats,when captured, appear frozen.The next day, after keepinghim overnight in his cage inher kitchen, Buxton broughtthe bedraggled feline into TheSF/SPCA and registered himas a feral cat who needed tobe altered.The SF/SPCA’s Feral CatAssistance Program usesTrap/Neuter/Return (TNR),widely recognized as both themost humane and most effectivestrategy for controllingferal cat populations. Feralcats are trapped by volunteersand then transported to TheSF/SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinicfor surgery; while under anesthesia,the animals also getvaccinated and have their leftear tipped for identification.The volunteers pick up thealtered cats that same afternoon,allow the animals torecover from the surgery andthen return them to theircolonies. The SF/SPCA’s medicalservices are free.As a veterinary technicianprepped the orange cat forsurgery, she noticed that hehad no claws on his frontpaws. This meant he had oncebeen somebody’s companionanimal and was either lost orhad been abandoned. Straycats often turn up in feralcolonies, and if they aretrapped before they becometoo undomesticated, TheSF/SPCA can try to find theirguardians or, failing that, resocializethem and place themfor adoption.Prep work on the cat washalted. One of the staff thenpassed a microchip scannerover him and got a reading!The identification number wassoon matched with the name,address and phone number ofa woman in Walnut Creek,and a Clinic staffer placed thecall. The number had beendisconnected, and there wasno forwarding information.—Rewind to January, 2003,when Kimberly Halley, livingin Minnesota at the time,18 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

adopted a tiny, cream-coloredHimalayan kitten. Her childrennamed him Frostybecause, as Kimberly remembers,it was wintertime thenand a “frosty” two-hour drivewas required to go get him!Later that year, Kimberlyand her family relocated toCalifornia and settled in WalnutCreek. In addition toFrosty, they brought withthem another beautiful catnamed Mickey. “At the time Itold myself I should get theseguys microchipped,” Kimberlysays. “Unfortunately, I didn’tdo it and my beloved Mickeywas stolen. There are nowords to describe the loss Iand my family still feel overMickey.… I immediately tookFrosty in to have himmicrochipped.”In the summer of 2007, thefamily moved again – to anapartment in San Francisco.“Frosty had always seemedsensitive to noise, and I reallythink the move completelyfreaked him out,” Kimberlyexplains. “At some point atthe end of August my daughterwas home with the backdoor [accidentally] open; Ibelieve at this time Frostymade a run for it.”Kimberly was frantic withworry because Frosty wasstrictly an indoor cat who hadbeen declawed. For weeks sheand her family papered theneighborhood with flyers hopingsomeone had seen him,but as the days, weeks, andthen months passed and therewas no sign of him, Kimberlybegan losing hope of ever seeingFrosty again.—No longer a candidate forFeral Fix, the pale orange catwas moved from theSpay/Neuter Clinic to theAdoption Department, whereSF/SPCA staff began theassessment process. A medicalexamination showed that hewas in good shape and had, infact, already been neutered.He was then partially shavedto remove the mass of mats.As for his behavior, well, hewas scared yet sociable, so hehad a good chance of beingre-homed.Adoption Director HollyFink spent a lot of time withhim, but he huddled silentlyin a corner of a kitty condoand looked so forlorn that shedecided she just had to tryagain to reunite him with hismissing human companion.She decided to try the SanFrancisco phone book andfound a person listed with thesame name as the one in thecat’s microchip data, and wholived in the same general areawhere he had been caught.Fingers crossed, she called thenumber and left a voicemail.Kimberly Halley remembersthe day she received the message.“When I got the voicemailthat The SF/SPCAthought they had (Frosty), Icompletely freaked out.… Ididn’t know if he was alive ordead or what condition hewas in, or if in fact it reallywas him.” She recalled themicrochip company’s Web sitesaying that 94% of pets withmicrochips are reunited withtheir owners. But sevenmonths had passed sinceFrosty had disappeared.Eerily (as it turned out), thenight before the message camefrom The SF/SPCA, Kimberly’sfiancé asked her if she wantedto go and adopt a new kitten.Having lost two beloved catsin two years, she said no; shewas done. “But in the back ofmy mind,” Kimberly remembers,“I was also thinking,what if I got another cat andthen Frosty is found? I guess Iwas still hoping he’d bereturned.”Kimberly rushed down toCOURTESY KIMBERLY HALLEYThe SF/SPCA and Fink tookher to meet the pale orangeand white kitty. When Kimberlyentered the room andcalled to him, he meowed agreeting to her. “He immediatelylet me pick him up andburied his head in the crookof my arm, purring like healways used to do,” Kimberlyremembers with emotion.Thanks to a microchip andthe staff of The SF/SPCA,Frosty was found!Several weeks into hisreturn, Frosty remains skittish,though he now spendsmore time on top of the bedthan under it. There’s nomistaking how Kimberlyfeels, however. “I can neverthank The SF/SPCA enoughfor giving him back to me,”she says. YAbout the size of a grain ofrice, a microchip is quick andpainless to insert, costs little,is permanent, and may wellsave your companion animal’slife.The SF/SPCA considers thedeclawing of cats inhumaneand unnecessary, and the surgeryis not performed here.FrostySummer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 19

Tea and ChowCalm, refined and tasteful describe The San Francisco SPCA Legacy Society Tea –and this year’s special rags-to-riches canine guest.BY CHRISTINE ROSENBLAT, SF/SPCAPHOTOS BY PAUL GLASSNER, SF/SPCATOP: TheOak Room,Westin-St.Francis HotelBOTTOM:Jan McHugh-Smith cuddlesSF/SPCAalumnusJunior,adopted justthis year byBernice Itkin.The beginnings for thedivine Miss B, as shewould come to beknown, were, at the very leasthumble, if not steeped introuble. She was found in2002 by San Francisco AnimalCare & Control, wanderingthe streets.Though a fluffy andadorable puppy, this tiny ballof tawny fur was actuallyawful: aggressive, possessive,ferocious, a veritable spitfireunsuitable for adoption and,at a tender young age of threemonths at most, headed downthe wrong path. By the timeshe reached her first birthday,she would be 50 pounds ofunpredictable terror. Thecombustible little Chow wastransferred to The San FranciscoSPCA for behavioralrehab and, it could only behoped, eventual adoption.A knowledgeable SF/SPCAfoster parent agreed to temporarilytake care of the tempestuoustoddler, work on her“behavior issues,” and prepareher (fingers crossed) for adoption.Fast forward five years tothe elegant Oak Room of theWestin-St. Francis Hotel,where Miss B (Buffy is her realname) was the guest of honorat The SF/SPCA Legacy SocietyTea. Sitting serenely withher mane of flaming hair (allnatural), her incendiary personalityall in the past, Buffywas the subject of a talk byher very proud mom, thewoman who generously fosteredher and patiently madeher over, none other than JeanDonaldson, internationallyrenowned dog behaviorexpert, award-winning author,and Director of The SF/SPCAAcademy for Dog Trainers.Jean told the audience, “Hadyou asked me, prior to gettingBuffy, my Chow, if I wouldever, in a million years, underany circumstances, have aChow, the answer would have20 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2008

stantial bequest to the organizationfor the care of homelessdogs and cats. Sadly, this notificationcame many monthsafter she had passed away, toolate for The SF/SPCA toexpress gratitude to Ms. Westfor her gift, which came as abittersweet surprise. Theorganization vowed to neveragain miss an opportunity topersonally thank anyone whohad been so kind as to includeThe SF/SPCA’s homeless companionanimals in their estateplans. The annual LegacySociety Tea is the result of thispledge.“When colleagues chidedme about fostering a puppyand getting all bonded andkeeping her,” Jean explained,“I laughed and laughed attheir naiveté. I’d fostered andhad in my home for trainingscores of dogs, and only asmall handful were ever difficultto give back.” Jean hadtaken on this tough case as atest of her skills as a trainer.Love had nothing to do withit, and she never dreamed herheart would become involved,much less of adopting her difficultclient. “Never say never,”Jean concluded, smilingdown at her fluffy Buffy. YTo learn more about TheSF/SPCA Legacy Society, contactKaty Volz at The SanFrancisco SPCA, (415) 554-3027, or kvolz@sfspca.org.TOP: JuanitaGonzalezdotes on MissMillie, anSF/SPCAstaff member’sdog.BOTTOM: Buffyrelaxes(while keepingan eye onthe cucumbersandwiches)as her proudmom showsher off.been no.”Each year, a member of TheSF/SPCA staff is asked to bethe featured speaker at thissmall-scale event, givingmembers the opportunity tolearn firsthand how profoundlytheir generosity affects thework and mission of theorganization. It’s also a chancefor presenters like Jean tooffer a glimpse into their ownwork and their personal motivationbehind it.The Legacy Society Tea isheld once a year to honor themany generous individualswho have pledged bequests toThe SF/SPCA in their estateplans. The Society, now numberingover 200 members, wasfounded in 2003 as a means ofrectifying a missed opportunity.Earlier that year, theSF/SPCA was notified thatAnita West, a teacher, artist,and dog lover, had left a sub-Summer 2008 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 21

NEW from Jean DonaldsonAward-winning author and Director of The San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog TrainersPerfect Paws in 5 DaysLet Jean teach you to teach your dog:■ A reliable sit and down-stay■ To come when called regardless of distractions■ To sit politely and watch you, without jumping on people orlunging at dogsJean delivers five clear and enjoyable step-by-step lessons – inyour own home. Presented in a training-class environmentwith six guardians and their dogs, Jean shows you the doglearningprinciples that will let you teach any dog virtually anybehavior. Also on this 2-1/2 hour DVD: heeling, tricks andtraining equipment, plus printable work sheets to track yourpooch’s progress. $35.00“Jean Donaldson is the BEST – everyone who dreams of havinga well-trained dog should get this DVD.”— Dr. Nicholas Dodman,Director of Animal BehaviorClinic at the Tufts UniversityCummings School ofVeterinary MedicineOh Behave!Jean’s newest book contains 55 wise and witty essays oneverything dog – a delightful introduction to what weknow (and don’t know) about our mutts’ minds. Topicsinclude Test Your Dog’s IQ, Wolf Behavior Patterns, HomeAlone Training, Barking, and Pavlov in Everyday Life.Jean’s humor, humanity and humaneness shine through.That’s Jean’s dog Buffy on the cover, playfully playingthe role of “devil dog.” Find out how these two gottogether in “Tea and Chow,” page 20. $19.95Jean’s books and DVD (great gifts!) are available everywhere –but if you buy at Maddie’s Adoption Center or throughwww.sfspca.org, SF/SPCA homeless animals benefit.2500 16TH STREETSAN FRANCISCO,CALIFORNIA 94103NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAIDChange service requested