VERONA STREET NEWS · the first six months of 2014 were markedly lower compared to the previous...

VERONA STREET NEWSA Joint Publication of the Verona Street Animal Society & Rochester Animal Services

SUMMER 2014Verona Street Animal Society, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that supports Rochester Animal Services.

VERONA STREET ANIMAL SOCIETY • 1 • WWW.VSAS.ORG

On June 7, 2014, the City of Rochester and the Verona Street Animal Society (VSAS) held their most successful shelter fundraiser to date.

The Fast & The Furriest® 2014, presented by American K9 Training Services grossed more than $81,000 against our goal of $80,000 and last year’s total of $72,000.

The event attracted approximately 235 registered runners for the 10K and more than 300 runners for the 5K. Additionally, we had more than 250 walkers participate in the Mile Dog Walk. Adoptions during the event included 15 dogs and 10 cats plus many more in the following days. Additionally, 156 animals were vaccinated during the free rabies clinic and 67 pets were implanted with microchip identification.

The 10K kicked off the event at 8 a.m. on Plymouth Avenue with event emcee The Mayor Pete Kennedy from FM 100.5 The Drive. Robert Hurlbut took the top prize for the men with a time of 36:08. Lynn Youngman was the top finisher for the women at 38:44.

Just 15 minutes after the 10K start, the 5K began around the corner on Brown Street. The 5K is an out-and-back route that shares its finish line with the 10K. Connor Oakman was the male winner at 17:49 and Danielle Snyder was the female winner at 21:26.

Our fundraisers out did themselves this year!

Top Individual Fundraisers:

1. Carol Giotto $2,250 (participating on Team Hattie and Binx)

2. Brittany Broderick $2,134 (participating on The Pokey Lowki’s)

3. Kathy Amberge $1,800 (participating on The Verona Street Walkers)

4. Susie Kopitzi $1,313 (participating on The Pokey Lowki’s)

5. Diedra Kirk $1,015 (participating on VSAS Board of Directors)

6. Michael Lanzillo $910 (participating on Roc City Bullies)

Top Fundraising Teams:

1. Verona Street Walkers $7,3262. Team Hattie (and Binx) $4,6163. The Pokey Lowki’s $3,762

Save the date for next year’s event:

Saturday June 6, 2015

If you are interested in helping with event planning, volunteering, or sponsorship for next year, contact VSAS at [email protected] or (585) 237-8366.Be sure to check out the event page on VSAS.org for full race results and photos from the event!

OUR BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE

Runners finished amidst a crowd of cheering friends and family. Travis Fitch belted out the acoustic rock in Brown Square Park until race results were finalized and awards were presented. Race Awards Sponsor and President of Monroe Veterinary Associates, Dr. Paul Black joined event director Chris Fitzgerald to present awards to the top finishers.

Co-emcee Rebecca Fath from WHEC News 10 NBC helped start the dog walk at 10:30 a.m. along Verona Street. Walkers paraded their canine companions around the neighborhood led by RAS volunteers with happy shelter dogs available for adoption.

The pet contests continue to be a crowd pleaser as everyone gathered around the stage to see who would be crowned the furriest dog, best wagger, best trickster, most resembled the owner, and the fastest hot dog bobbing canine.

Follow Us

facebook.com/VeronaStAnimalSociety

twitter.com/vsas_ras

intagram.com/vsas_ras

pinterest.com/veronastanimals

veronastanimalsociety.tumblr.com

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Fast%20%26%20Furriest%20Race%20Support


VERONA STREET NEWS • SUMMER 2014

Summertime marks the busiest season for animal care and control agencies as we become inundated with high volumes of service calls and overwhelmed with animal intakes. This summer has started off following suit as expected. Calls for service are up. Intakes are high. As a result, kennel and cage space is limited. However, there have been some noteworthy accomplishments for which we should be proud.

For starters, our annual fundraising event continued to grow in size and impact. The Fast & The Furriest® was held on June 7, 2014 and marked our most successful fundraiser to date. The turnout was undoubtedly affected by the weather which was absolutely gorgeous this year. Not a drop of rain, which was a big deal for this perennially damp event now in its eighth year. Runner numbers climbed to an all-time high. The walk continued to attract a large contingent of dog owners. Corporate sponsorships and individual fundraising were also at record levels which contributed to exceeding the fundraising goal of $80,000. Thank you to all of the volunteers, employees, sponsors, and donors who contributed to the event.

Fiscal Year 2013-2014 came to a close with some record-breaking numbers. Due to reduced intakes and increased live releases, euthanasia was at an all-time low, down 42% for cats and nearly 30% for dogs. We adopted out 866 cats and 885 dogs throughout the year, both representing new records. Transfers were also high with 656 cats and 372 dogs going to our rescue partners for foster care and eventual placement into

THE DIRECTOR’S CUT

NEED PIC

permanent homes. That was our second best year for cat transfers and our highest number of dog transfers in our 14-year history.

Also of note, animal intakes for the first six months of 2014 were markedly lower compared to the previous year. Cat and dog intakes are down 24.4% and 25.6%, respectively. These reductions have been achieved through a combination of service adjustments, surrender counseling for pet owners looking to relinquish ownership, referrals to other organizations for pet assistance and behavior advice, and return of animals to owners in the neighborhoods without impoundment at the shelter.

Another related parameter that highlights our efforts is the live release rate (LRR). As you may recall, the LRR is the percentage of animals released from the shelter as returns to owners, adoptions, and transfers to other animal welfare organizations excluding the unhealthy animals that were euthanized at the request of an owner. For fiscal year 2013-2014, our LRR was 63.36%. For the first half of 2014, our LRR was 71.92%. For comparison, our LRR was around 38% during fiscal year 2000-2001 when the City first assumed operational control of Animal Services. At that time, intakes were high and adoptions were relatively low. By focusing on promoting shelter adoptions, we were able to elevate the LRR into the 40% - 46% range throughout the subsequent 10 years. Beginning with the ASPCA Challenge in summer 2011, we have been consistently increasing our LRR, first creeping into the 50% range

and then breaking into the 60% range during the most recent fiscal year.

Making those leaps has required significant effort in terms of adoption marketing and promotions, social networking, collaboration with our rescue partners to increase transfers, socialization and in-shelter training for dogs, and reducing intakes as mentioned above. We are exploring additional tactics to help us continue this trend throughout this next fiscal year and beyond. If you are interested in getting involved in this life-saving work, visit our website at www.rochesteranimalservices.com to learn about volunteer opportunities.

As always, I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions as we continue making improvements to our organization and processes. You can help us save more lives.

Adopt. Spay & Neuter. Volunteer. Foster. Give. ID your pets.

Christopher S. FitzgeraldDirector of Animal Services

Verona Street Animal Soc

iety

Roch

es

ter Animal Services

KEEP YOUR DOGSAFE & LICENSED

City residents can apply

for a dog license at the

City Clerk’s Office

30 Church St. Room 100A

QUESTIONS? Call 311

www.cityofrochester.com

Outside the City call

(585) 428-5990

A HAPPY TAIL FOR CALI(Formerly Gus, a Foster)

Gus, a handsome young brindle pit mix, developed a hematoma from too much bouncing around in his kennel after his neuter surgery. A stressed out, bark-y boy while he was at the shelter, Gus relaxed into a completely different dog once he got into a foster home. In fact, his adopter, Alyssa, renamed him “Cali” because she said he has such a mellow personality! Alyssa contacted Cali’s fosters with this update, and it’s clear that Cali is now “ livin’ the dream”!

Cali is the best dog ever! He is in fantastic health, and he’s probably put on close to 8 pounds since we got him. He is spoiled rotten also! Just in his crate alone he has a comforter, a fleece blanket, two throw pillows and an assortment of toys--but of course at night he sleeps in my bed under the covers with me. He gets along fantastically with my roommate’s dog as well as every person he meets. He is the biggest cuddler I’ve ever met! I’m very laid back, so we spend a lot of time watching Netflix together. But I just wanted to let you know he’s doing fantastic and I’m so grateful and extremely lucky to have gotten Cali from you guys! He’s my very best friend and I can’t imagine my life without him! I’ve attached some pictures of him being his silly/adorable self!

- Alyssa


HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Have you adopted an animal from Rochester Animal Services? Tell us your story. You can submit your adoption story at facebook.com/VeronaStAnimalSociety or email to [email protected]


A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

For an animal in a shelter, a picture could mean life or death. When the animal is impounded into the shelter system, a picture is taken for identification purposes. Photos taken at this time often do not do the animal justice. They may be scared, confused, dirty or hurt. Many times that same picture represents the animal throughout their stay and even on adoption websites. Most need some time to settle into shelter life.

For years, Rochester Animal Services had no designated photography team. It was usually a handful of volunteers grabbing pictures of the animals with their camera phones when they could. The pictures were adequate but they really did not showcase the animals in the best spotlight.

Verona Street Animal Society board member and volunteer, Andrea Basso and her husband, Matt Bernius, also a volunteer, began a concerted effort to take high quality and appealing photos about a year ago. However, when they became more involved in the development of the Play Yard at RAS, volunteer Christine Quinn stepped in to fill that void. She reached out to a couple of friends who are amateur photographers and they agreed to volunteer their time. Christine’s photo team has now grown from those two photographers to a full-fledged photography and videography initiative with approximately twelve photographers and animal handlers.

The “Pawparazzi,” as they affectionately refer to themselves, photograph and record the animals in the shelter, at adoption events, in the play yard, and at obedience and agility training in hopes that they can capture the animals’ true personalities. These efforts are featured on the website and Facebook page. The videos, especially, show the animals’ playfulness much more than a still photograph could.

“The goal is to engage whoever is looking at that picture so that they make a connection with the animal. Hopefully, they will say, ‘I want that cat’ or ‘I want that dog.’ We want the pictures of our animals to speak to that person’s heart,” says Christine. “Ultimately, we hope the picture helps that cat or that dog to find their forever home.”

The photographers have the assistance of one or more handlers who help direct the animal into a position to get the best shot possible. They do everything from staging the scene to choosing the best background to the highlight the animal to handling the animal and even squeaking the squeaky toy to get the perfect head tilt.


“Photographing cats can be hard because some of them look annoyed even when they’re not” laughs photographer Nancy Wood. “The animals really thrive on the touch and attention, “says Christine. “We engage with them in such a positive way.”

The team uses a variety of props such as bandanas, hats, ties and fascinators. Many of the photos are used for special events such as the Valentine’s Day “Meet your Match” or the “Your Lucky Charm Is Waiting for You at RAS” St. Patrick’s Day promotions.

Photographing the animals isn’t always easy. For photographer Russell Marchese, the hardest part is the knowledge that some animals may not make it out of the shelter due to illness, injury or temperament. Russell believes that most of the animals intuitively know that the staff and volunteers are there to try to help them. Despite trying to distance himself emotionally, Russell says, “I can get easily attached to animals and I constantly have to remind myself that we’re doing the best we can to afford these guys a second chance at the happy life they deserve.”

Everyone on the team is passionate about helping animals find their forever homes. Liz Kowaluk, one of the photographers, says that she’s “not in the position right now to adopt, foster or donate lots of money. My photography is my way of helping these animals find their future families.”

Tara Urbanovitch agrees. “At first, I had reservations about volunteering at the shelter. I thought I would be so heartbroken seeing all these animals but you know what? I walk in and see a lot of wagging tails and purring kitties. They are so happy to have the volunteers and staff work with them and give them love and attention. We take advantage of that when we see it. Getting great photos of them when they are having these moments is important. I hope that my photography helps them get adopted and out the door as soon as possible!”

To view some of the pictures from the “Pawparazzi” photography team, please visit www.vsas.org


MEALS FOR MUTTS FEEDING THE HUNGRY

It’s been a long cold winter and for many, a hungry one. Not just for humans, but for their pets as well.

Many local pet owners face the daily dilemma of how to feed their pets. They may be facing economic hardship or maybe they just need some short-term assistance with their pets. They love their pets and the last thing they want to do is give them up.

Where can a pet owner turn to if they are barely able to feed their beloved animal? For many, they will go without food so their pet may eat. Currently, there is no governmental food stamp program for pets, and those using food stamps cannot use them to buy pet food.

In 2013, Marc Okon started a program called “Pet Food Stamps” which works with low-income pet owners nationwide. In the first two weeks of the program’s launch, forty-five thousand people applied. There is a lengthy waiting list so this particular program may not be an option for some.

Enter Meals for Mutts, Inc., a NYS Non-Profit in Rochester run by a core of three volunteers trying to help out local dog and cat owners in need. The purpose of Meals for Mutts is to provide healthy, nutritious meals to companion animals whose owners have fallen on hard times and are not able to provide for them. Meals for Mutts began about three years ago as a conversation among some volunteers with Pitty Love Rescue, a local dog rescue organization.

Chrissie Cody-LaBorde founded Meals for Mutts as a response to the need she saw among local pet owners. “I reached out to Matt Piccone of Providing Animal Welfare Services (PAWS). As part of PAWS outreach, they would provide dog food to clients in their program,” said LaBorde. “But with all the other services PAWS provides, they found it just wasn’t sustainable anymore.”

Dropoff Locations:

Atlantic Auto Body860 W. Ridge Rd. The general manager will match all donations.

Nick’s Auto Repair4268 Rt. 64, Canandaigua

Smiley’s Auto Repair2228 Ridge Rd.

North Eastern Pool & Spa101 Ontario St., E. Rochester

Rhino’s Pizza86 Donovan St. Webster

“We welcome more businesses so anyone that might be interested in helping out, please contact us.”

Meals for Mutts can be reached at 585-208-0313 or visit their website at mealsformutts.com.

“We have an application on our web site that anyone can fill out, regardless of income. We also provide for those temporarily down on their luck or just in need of a one-time donation,” LaBorde said. “We are hoping to make an impact that by providing food to animals in need, we help reduce the number of animals being surrendered at shelters or rescues.”


So Meals for Mutts took over and now provides food to PAWS clients and those referred to them by local rescues such as Pitty Love Rescue and Going to the Dogs. Area social workers may also refer to clients. In addition to LaBorde, the group has two other directors, Denise Knapp and Sarah Battistella.

Currently, Meal for Mutts serves 25 recipients, many with multiple dogs. Since January 1, 2014, the organization has provided 3,000 pounds of dog food to the community. This includes community drop-off and foster services. They also provide puppy kits to local rescue groups and fosters.

Meals for Mutts is going through transition period. Previously, the organization was making house calls to area pet owners and dropping off food on a regular basis. This mode of distribution, though, was not as efficient or streamlined as the organization would like. Meals for Mutts have begun a more efficient system to reach its clients. Meals for Mutts is currently looking for two centralized distribution centers on bus routes so pet owners can partake in getting food for their animals twice a month.

Meals for Mutts has a network of local pet stores who donate food to their inventory.

“We like to provide a healthier brand of dog and cat food to our clients.” With the healthier brands the dogs tend to eat less and the food has better nutritional value than other store brands,” LaBorde said. Both Pet Supplies Plus locations in Fairport and Penfield are currently doing a donation drive.

In addition, Meals for Mutts works with local businesses as drop-off locations.



SHELTER ASILOMAR STATS

Annual Live Release Rate: 63.36% Start Date: 7/01/2013 End Date: 6/30/2014

The Annual Live Release Rate does not include 118 owner/guardian requested euthanasia which were unhealthy & untreatable and 34 dogs and cats that died or were lost in the shelter/care.

Asilomar data enable all organizations that shelter animals to utilize uniform statistical recordkeeping and facilitate accurate comparisons. For more details, visit www.asilomaraccords.org. These statistics include numbers for dogs and cats only.

Rochester Animal Services temporarily houses approximately 6,000 animals annually. We are committed to reuniting owners with missing pets and to placing animals in new homes; however it is impossible to find homes for all of them. Some animals are euthanized due to illness or injury. Others may display vicious or aggressive behaviors. Sadly, many animals are euthanized because there are more stray and unwanted animals in our community than our space and resources will accommodate. We must all take responsibility to spay and neuter our pets and to encourage others to do the same. If the number of animal intakes declines, then we can devote more time and energy to those animals we do shelter, we can increase adoptions and redemptions, and reduce or eliminate unnecessary euthanasia.

BEGINNING SHELTER COUNT 7/1/2013

INTAKE (Live Dogs & Cats Only)

From the PublicIncoming Transfers from Organizations within Community/CoalitionIncoming Transfers from Organizations outside Community/CoalitionFrom Owners/Guardians Requesting EuthanasiaTotal Intake [B + C + D + E]Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia (Unhealthy & Untreatable Only)ADJUSTED TOTAL INTAKE [F minus G]

ADOPTIONS

OUTGOING TRANSFERS to Organizations within Community/Coalition

OUTGOING TRANSFERS to Organizations outside Community/Coalition

RETURN TO OWNER/GUARDIAN

DOGS & CATS EUTHANIZED

Healthy (Includes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia)Treatable - Rehabilitatable (Includes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia)Treatable - Manageable (Includes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia)Unhealthy & Untreatable (Includes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia)Total Euthanasia [M + N + O + P]Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia (Unhealthy & Untreatable Only)ADJUSTED TOTAL EUTHANASIA [Q minus R]

SUBTOTAL OUTCOMES [I + J + K + L + S] Excludes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia (Unhealthy & Untreatable Only)

DIED OR LOST IN SHELTER/CARE

TOTAL OUTCOMES [T + U] Excludes Owner/Guardian Requested Euthanasia (Unhealthy & Untreatable Only)

ENDING SHELTER COUNT 6/30/2014 11:59:00 PM

DOGS

77

256200

1532715

832632

878

221

143

352

48123712

3861116

831033

2627

11

2638

70

CATS

83

231100

612372

352337

848

502

154

13

315340

114580135

766

2283

23

2306

114

TOTAL

160

487300

2145087

1184969

1726

723

297

365

796577

13531

1917118

1799

4910

34

4944

184

A

BCDEFGH

I

J

K

L

MNOPQRS

T



PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEAt VSAS we are always thinking of ways to help new pet parents have a successful transition when they add a new member to the family. Among the many topics that come up, walking your dog seems to get the most attention. This

activity is not only necessary to exercise and stimulate your pet mentally, but it is a wonderful bonding experience that can have the greatest impact on your relationship with your new dog.

With the many online resources available at our fingertips, www.aspca.org has a library full of tips and tricks for exactly this topic. I would love to share with you some highlights that will make life for both you and your dog better.

Leashes:What’s the best type of leash? “Use whatever you feel most comfortable holding,” recommends the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT.

• Flexi-leads are best reserved for walks in the park, when it’s safe for a dog to explore a bit further away from her pet parent. They are NOT a good idea if you’re walking in an area with high foot traffic or off-leash dogs, as the long line may get wrapped around your dog, a person’s leg or another dog.

• Many people think chain leashes look nice, but they are much heavier than nylon or leather, and they can be very hard on the hands. Even so, they sometimes work well for dogs who like to tug or bite the leash. “Metal doesn’t feel nearly as nice in a dog’s mouth,” explains Collins.

• Leather leashes are a good option because they are easiest on the hands.

• Nylon leashes can cut into hands or give a pet parent “leash burn” if a dog pulls a lot or unexpectedly lunges forward. But they come in many stylish colors and designs, and they hold up well after repeated exposure to rain and snow.

Pulling 101:Constant pulling on the leash makes walks stressful for both of you.

• If your dog darts after local wildlife, it may help to walk him when critters are less likely to be out and about; avoid dawn and dusk. You can also check out the article Dogs Who Are Reactive on Leash.

• If the problem is simply pulling on leash due to natural canine enthusiasm for all the exciting signs and sounds you encounter on walks, you’ll find help in the article Teaching Your Dog Not to Pull on Leash.

• Try using a head halter to walk a dog who’s excitable on leash. “They provide power steering for dog parents!” says Collins. “The Gentle Leader® by Premier® Pet Products is my personal favorite.” Details and more can be found in the article Walking Equipment for Your Dog.

___________________________________

Stay Off the Grass (and Out of the Flower Beds!)You want you to keep your walks toxin-free:

• During the warmer months, it’s important to keep your pet safe from toxic lawn and garden products. Insecticides and certain types of mulch can cause problems for our furry friends—during neighborhood strolls, please be sure to keep your pooch off the lawns of others.

• Even though popular spring bulb plants like tulips and daffodils add much to our landscape, they can cause significant stomach problems for our furry friends. If your pooch likes to stop and smell—or nibble—the flowers, please keep him on a short leash during your walks.

Three Things To Bring• If you’re planning an extended walk,

be sure to bring water for your dog—especially if it’s warm outside.

• Don’t forget the goodies! Walks are great training opportunities. Bring Fido’s fave treats along, and practice tricks and obedience while you’re out in the world. “This will solidify your dog’s skills and convince him that going on walks is fantastic fun!” says Collins.

• Don’t get caught without extra poop bags, particularly if you’re going on a long walk. (P.S. This is a great way to recycle all those plastic grocery bags!)


Take It Up a NotchHere are some suggestions for making walks more fun for your dog:• Mix it up! Try taking your dog to new

places. He’ll love experiencing the new sights, smells and sounds at a novel location.

• Walk with buddies. If your dog likes other dogs, consider group walks. You can either borrow a friend’s dog to accompany you, or invite family and friends who have dogs to meet you somewhere.

What’s Bugging You?Walking in humid, mosquito-friendly areas? Spray yourself, not your pooch! Even though it’s tempting to share insect repellent with your pooch, it can be a grave mistake. Insect repellent should never be applied to dogs, who can suffer neurological problems from the toxic ingredient, DEET. Instead, ask your veterinarian for a suitable, pet-specific alternative.

For more tips on making your relationship with your dog better, please visit WWW.VSAS.ORG/LINKS

I just want to send out a heartfelt thank you to all participants, supporters, volunteers, donors and sponsors who made our 2014 The Fast & the Furriest event, our biggest success ever! This event has become a signature on the race and animal scene alike and we are so grateful that the community continues to support it and make huge differences in the lives of Rochester’s animals!

With gratitude,Jennifer BrownPresident, VSAS



THANK YOU SPONSORS

100.5DRIVETH

E

FOREVER HOME SPONSORS

TENT SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSORS

WORKING DOG SPONSORS

OTHER SPONSORS

Financial Services, JAMRO Auto Repair, John Casciani, Johnny’s, Merzbach Law Office, P.C., Ralph Honda, Rural MEtro, USA Payroll, Badfish Consulting, Bayer Health Care,

EFP Rotenberg LLP, Henry Schein Animal Health, Heritage

PRESENTING SPONSOR

RACE SPONSOR SHELTER SPONSOR

T-SHIRT SPONSOR AWARD SPONSOR


Rochester Animal Services (RAS) is owned and operated by the City of Rochester. The Verona Street Animal Society is a not-for-profit organization that provides resources necessary to enable RAS to more effectively serve the public’s animal care and control, pet sterilization, and pet adoption interests and, in cooperation with the City of Rochester, supports the mission of RAS.

P.O. Box 22874Rochester, NY 14692(585) [email protected]

VSAS

VSAS Board of Directors

Kathleen AmbergeVice PresidentAndrea BassoSecretary Jennifer BrownPresidentJennifer CisneyChris FitzgeraldEx OfficioCarol GiottoTreasurerDiedra KirkJoshua Moscov

Contributors:

Editor: Chris Fitzgerald

Contributing Writers: Andrea Basso, Jennifer Brown, Chris Fitzgerald, Shireen Haynes,Maggie Cain,Crista Spampinato

Contributing Photographers: Andrea Basso,Matt Bernius, Tony Correa, Liz Kowaluk,Russell Marchese

Art: Jennifer Cisney,John Hawk

Graphic Design: Randall Church


Proud supporters of the Verona Street Animal Society and Rochester Animal Services

14 Full Service Hospitals 24 Hour Emergency & Critical Care

Specialty Services Exotic & Pocket Pet Care

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Housecall Service Boarding Services

Rehabilitation Service

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