Wiley Finally Finds a HomeDay after day, Wiley, a four-year-old Australian cattle dog/blue heeler mix, sat in his

kennel at the Women’s Humane Society, waiting for the right adopter to appear. Since arriving at WHS on February 12, 2011, no one had expressed any interest

in him. As the months went by, dogs in surrounding kennels quickly found new homes, but Wiley remained.

Although we’re sure Wiley would have preferred being in a home of his own, he was quite content in his indoor/outdoor kennel. Dogs in our adoption program stay with us as long as it takes to find new homes. Many of them are with us for only a few days or weeks, but some dogs need extra attention and spend months with us before homes are found. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have the resources to offer extra care and attention to animals in need.

Adoptions and Kennel staff members became attached to Wiley and spent as much time as they could visiting him and taking him outdoors to our enclosed courtyard for exercise.

“He was a very personable dog,” said Karen Webb, Adoption Manager. “He always ran to the front of his kennel when he saw me and loved the attention that staff members gave him.”

As much as our staff loved Wiley, they knew that there were some issues that were preventing potential adopters from taking a second look at him. Wiley was an alpha dog, a dog born to be the leader of the pack. In a home situation, dogs quickly develop a pecking order, with the alpha dog establishing dominance over the other dogs. That’s not possible in a busy kennel, with dogs constantly coming and going, so Wiley did what he could to make his presence known to other dogs.

Karen called Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, which agreed to evaluate him for possible inclusion in their program. Wiley was undersocialized and dog aggressive, according to the evaluation, and unfortunately, the group couldn’t take him. The rescue continured page 4 >>

SPRING 2012Vol. 43 l No. 1

contentsSociety News ........................... 2

Volunteer Spotlight.................. 4

Meet Dr. Bhatia .........................5

New Computer System .............6

Finding Homes for Animals ..... 6

Tributes ................................ 7-10

Holiday Gifts ........................... 11

Warm Weather Tips ............... 12

WOMEN’S HUMANE SOCIETY

published by

WOMEN’S HUMANE SOCIETY

AMERICA’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER

founded in 1869by Caroline Earle White

Catherine MalkemesChief Executive Officer

Suzanne Bush President

Holly McGurgan Editor

Janice Mininberg Director of Education

3839 Richlieu RoadP.O. Box 1470

Bensalem, PA 19020-5470215-750-3100

www.whspets.org

Wiley – ready to go home with Thomas Hooks.

2 the GUARDIAN SPRING 2012 WOMEN’S HUMANE SOCIETY

Two Philadelphia area students won Women’s Humane Society awards at

the George Washington Carver Science Fair in March. Each year, the WHS Education Department presents awards to local science fair contestants who embody the spirit of humane treatment of animals when carrying out their experiments.

The Carver Fair, jointly sponsored by Temple University, The Academy of Natural Sciences, The School District of Philadelphia, and The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, encourages urban youth to pursue academic achievement and careers in science. It is open to all students in grades four through 12 who attend Philadelphia County public, charter, parochial, and private schools, as

well as to home schooled students residing in the county.

The WHS awards are presented to students who treat animals in experiments in a humane fashion, find alternate methods to animal research or design a project to benefit animals. These awards represent a continuation of WHS founder Caroline Earle White’s strong commitment to humane education. Education programs have been an integral part of our mission since our founding in 1869 and reflect Mrs. White’s belief that teaching kindness at a young age instills a lifelong respect for animals.

Erin Moore, a ninth grade student, won the award in the upper grades competition for her project entitled “Taste vs. Nutrition –

Will Cats Choose Nutrition Over Taste?” Julia Welsh, a fifth grader from the Pollock School, won the award in the low grades completion for her project called Crab-o-licious.

Erin’s project explored whether cats will choose the food with the highest nutritional value when presented with a choice of five cat foods. She discovered that cats in the study overwhelming chose the food with the least nutritional value. Julia fed her pet crabs meat, fruit and vegetables to determine which food the crabs preferred. She found that meat was the clear winner when it came to her crabs’ appetites.

Congratulations to Erin and Julia for a job well done!

Ivan Chen, a second grade student at the Ziegler School, was the grand prize winner

of the Women’s Humane Society 34th annual Animals in Art Contest. The contest was held as part of National Be Kind to Animals Week and featured artwork centered on the theme of kindness and respect to all animals.

The Animals in Art Contest encourages young people to think about the importance of being kind to animals. Reaching out to children and youth helps instill a respect for animals that will last a lifetime. Contest entrants are encouraged to create artwork that is visually interesting and illustrates kindness toward animals.

Ivan’s work, done in crayon, showed a hand dropping food into a fish bowl and was an effective and creative depiction of the role people must take in caring for pets. “The level of artistic ability was very high for this

young artist,” Janice Mininberg, Director of Education said. “We wanted to encourage his budding talent and compassion for animals with this award.”

Volunteer judges Tessie Varthas (School District Art Supervisor), Jo Norden (retired art supervisor), Carol McKinney (WHS board member), Ken McKinney (WHS volunteer) and Thomas Hamilton (illustrator) evaluated this year’s artwork.

School District of Philadelphia students in grades kindergarten through 12 participated in the contest. Awards were given in several grade categories, in addition to the grand prize category. Ivan and the other winners received their awards during a ceremony held on May 9 at the School District of Philadelphia Administration Building.

Society News

Ivan Chen’s grand prize winning artwork showed great technique and compassion.

Cathy with her dog Gabby.

3the GUARDIANSPRING 2012AMERICA’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER

Dear Friend,When I became the new Chief Executive Officer at the Women’s Humane Society, I knew I had a big job

ahead of me. Not only does WHS shelter thousands of abandoned and surrendered animals every year, we

also operate a very busy veterinary hospital. Learning how all of our departments and services operate, in

addition to learning the names and faces of our staff and volunteers, has kept me very busy during the last

few months.

I’ve been particularly impressed by the dedication of our staff and volunteers to the humane care of the

animals that pass through our doors. Their jobs aren’t always easy, but their commitment to doing the best

they can for animals is unmistakable. Whether they’re comforting a frightened new addition to the adoption

program or reassuring a pet owner concerned about an ill pet, our employees are compassionate, caring

and empathetic.

You’ll learn more about our employees and some of the animals that recently spent time with us in the

pages of The Guardian. This newsletter is an important vehicle in keeping our valued supporters informed

about WHS services and news. In the coming months, we’ll be improving the way we serve both animals and

people and will keep you informed with articles and updates. It’s an exciting time at WHS, and we thank you for

your support.

Sincerely,

Catherine Malkemes

Chief Executive Officer

WHS Presents Awards at G. Washington Carver Science Fair

Second Grader Wins Grand Prize

New Chief Executive Officer Cathy Malkemes became the new Women’s Humane Society Chief Executive Officer on February 1. She has extensive non-

profit management experience and previously worked as Executive Director of Member Relations at WHYY and Chief Membership and Program Officer for the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Cathy is responsible for overseeing the Society’s animal shelter, veterinary clinic, educational programs and fundraising activities. “I have been very impressed with the dedication of WHS staff and their commitment to the humane treatment of animals,” she said.

She holds B.S. and M.Ed. degrees from Temple University and was a member of the inaugural class of the Bryn Mawr College Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute (NELI).

“I am pleased that Cathy has joined the Women’s Humane Society,” said Suzanne Bush, President of the Women’s Humane Society Board of Directors. “She has achieved outstanding results in non-profit management in this region. She is an enthusiastic, compassionate leader who brings a wealth of experience to America’s first shelter.”

Cathy shares her home with husband Phil, daughter Bethann and Gabby, a 9-year-old Yellow Lab/Border Collie mix.

4

Volunteer Jackie Rucznyski plays an important role in our commitment to reducing pet overpopulation through spaying and

neutering. Every week, the former school secretary calls people who have recently adopted puppies and kittens, answering questions and reminding them about scheduling appointments for vaccinations and spaying and neutering.

Jackie is a seasoned animal welfare veteran, having spent nearly 40 years volunteering for animal organizations. After serving as a founding member of the now defunct Second Chance Humane Society, she was eager to share her knowledge and compassion for animals as a volunteer at the Women’s Humane Society.

She started the kitten and puppy follow-up program at WHS two years ago after running a similar program at another organization. “I feel strongly about puppies and kittens getting shots,” she said. “The weeks fly by when you have a new pet and it’s easy to forget to make appointments.”

Spaying and neutering is a cause that is particularly close to Jackie’s heart. Three years ago, a pregnant feral cat wondered into Jackie’s backyard and gave birth to a litter of kittens.

Thanks to her humane society experience, Jackie knew how important it was to get the mother of the kittens spayed to prevent exposing future litters to a life in the wild. Feral, or wild, cats have a considerably shorter lifespan than cats who live indoors, due to dangers from predatory animals, disease, cars and other hazards.

She also captured most of the kittens and set to work finding homes for them. One kitten was particularly adept at hiding, but Jackie finally caught him and worked on socializing him. His name is Regis and he now lives with Jackie, her husband Joe Roth, cats August and Summer and a 35-year-old parrot named Cisco.

Most adopters are happy to receive reminder calls from Jackie, who takes it all in stride. “I feel as though I’m helping kittens and puppies stay healthy and that’s what is important,” she said.

Wiley Finally Finds a Home (continued from page 1)

the GUARDIAN SPRING 2012 WOMEN’S HUMANE SOCIETY 5the GUARDIAN

group did pay to have him neutered. The months went by and Wiley became a permanent fixture

at WHS, celebrating the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year with us. During those months, the Adoptions staff worked with Wiley on improving his socialization skills in preparation for an eventual adoption.

“We wanted to do everything we could to improve his chances at finding a lifelong home with a caring person or family,” Karen said. “Wiley was such a nice dog and he really liked being with people. I never had any doubt that we would find a good home for him.”

And finally one day in February 2012, over one year since Wiley joined us, the right family appeared. The Hooks family of Huntingdon Valley, PA, had been following Wiley on our website and had seen a video that appeared on the Bensalem Patch website. A visit to WHS confirmed that Wiley was a friendly and personable dog, and luckily the family was eager to welcome Wiley into their home.

“When I told Wiley that he was adopted, he got very excited,” Karen said. “I think he understood what that meant.”

On February 25, Wiley spent a few minutes saying goodbye to Karen and the other staff members who worked so hard to find the right home for him, and then he was off, ready to start his new life. It was an emotional day. After a year with us, Wiley had become part of the WHS family and saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but our adoption staff was glad that Wiley finally found the happiness he deserved.

Wiley returned for his post-adoption checkup at WHS on March 13 with owner Thomas Hooks. While Wiley waited to see a veterinarian, staff members stopped by to say hello and catch up with Mr. Hooks, who reported that Wiley quickly adjusted to his new home and fit right into the family.

“Seeing animals find new homes is the best part of my job,” Karen said. “The process isn’t always as easy or quick as I would like it to be, but all of the work is worth it when an animal finally goes home with its new family.”

There’s rarely a slow day at the Women’s Humane Society’s veterinary hospital. Clients line up outside before the doors open, waiting to see Head Veterinarian Dr. Chandrakant

Bhatia and the other veterinarians who staff the small animal hospital. Each day brings a full schedule of checkups, injuries, illnesses and surgeries, but despite his hectic work day, Dr. Bhatia always has time to comfort a frightened animal or reassure a worried client.

Dr. Bhatia’s interest in veterinary medicine began when he worked on his father’s farm as a boy in India. He remembers feeling helpless at the time, due to a lack of veterinarians in the area.

“If an animal got sick on my father’s farm, we would call for a veterinarian to come and help us, but it often took two or three days until someone would come,” he said. “I saw farm animals suffer and die because they couldn’t get the help they needed. I wanted to see if there was anything I could do to help the animals and looked into becoming a veterinarian.”

After graduating from Mysore Veterinary College in Bangalore, India in 1982, Dr. Bhatia worked for Cadbury Chocolates in India for 10 years and cared for a herd of 1,000 milk-producing cows. A visit to a sister who lived in the United States led to his move here.

Dr. Bhatia first worked for WHS as a veterinary technician in 1993 before leaving to spend one year at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts. Although he was already a licensed veterinarian in India, Dr. Bhatia had to spend an additional year in school to meet U.S. requirements for practicing veterinary medicine.

His first assignment was with the Tufts Wildlife Clinic, where he soon learned he would be treating an American black bear and working with animal expert and TV personality Jack Hanna, who was filming the black bear’s treatment for his television show.

“A gentleman came over to me and said, “Hello, I’m Jack Hanna,” Dr. Bhatia said. “I had no idea who Jack Hanna was at the time, but an hour later, I realized he was someone famous when he was surrounded by students asking him for his autograph.” Dr. Bhatia still has the tape of his encounter with Hanna.

After completing his year at Tufts, Dr. Bhatia returned to the Philadelphia area in 1995 with wife Beena and daughter Sanjana. Daughter Shivani was born the next year. It was a busy time for Dr. Bhatia, who worked full-time for the Pennsylvania SPCA and part-time for WHS. In 1999, he joined the WHS staff full-time. As Head Veterinarian, he not only treats animals and oversees the animal in our care, but also performs spaying, neutering and other surgeries and supervises veterinarians, technicians and front office staff members, ensuring that the hospital runs efficiently.

Dr. Bhatia and his staff perform nearly 2,000 surgeries every year, many of them spay and neuter surgeries on cats and dogs. Veterinarians spay and neuter animals belonging to clients and also perform the surgeries on animals in our adoption program.

Reducing animal overpopulation through spaying and neutering is an important part of our mission to reduce homelessness.

Dr. Bhatia’s dedication to using the most recent technology available ensures that animals receive the best treatment possible. The recent purchase of the Aesculight laser system for surgeries has had a positive impact on pain and recovery time for animals. The laser seals blood vessels as it cuts, reducing bleeding, swelling, post-operative infections, pain and recovery time.

Although working as veterinarian isn’t always an easy job, Dr. Bhatia enjoys the work he does and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals. “The best part about being a veterinarian is saving lives,” he said. “It puts a smile on your heart.”

OUR HEAD VETERINARIAN

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Dr. Bhatia

SPRING 2012AMERICA’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER

Spaying and Neutering is Jackie Rucznyski’s Mission

Dr. Chandrakant Bhatia.

Jackie Rucznyski

6

FOCUS ON ADOPTIONS

Finding Homes for Animals

Tuesday through Saturday, you’ll find our resident matchmakers, also known as adoption counselors, meeting with potential adopters who hope to find the

perfect dog, cat or small animal. With so many abandoned and surrendered animals in our area, it isn’t always easy to find homes, but our counselors rely on a variety of strategies to place animals in lifelong homes.

“The same approach doesn’t work for every animal,” said Karen Webb, Adoption Counselor. “We are creative and use every resource available to us to find good homes.”

Karen is assisted by Adoption Counselors Sherrie Bosco, Heather Hanisco-Schrenk and Kelly Van Valkenburgh (also our Volunteer Manager). They evaluate animals and interview adopters, hoping to make the right match that will guarantee an animal a lifelong home. Although adoptions don’t always work out, our rigorous adoptions process helps ensure that the percentage is small.

“People sometimes complain about the process being too lengthy,” said Karen. “But our goal is to make sure that people truly understand exactly what caring for a pet entails. It’s part of our mission to help educate adopters about pet care. Adopters need to have a real commitment to taking care of that animal – both now and down the road when the animal gets older and might not be quite as cute or playful.”

Finding homes for older animals and very young animals can be challenging for adoption counselors. “Luckily we have a small

group of employees who are willing to care for young puppies or kittens until they’re old enough to be adopted,” Karen said.

Finding homes for puppies and kittens is easy, but placing animals one year old and older can be difficult. We receive a large numbers of animals that are past the cute puppy and kitten stage. In 2011, WHS received 595 dogs, 2,123 cats and 198 small animals.

Placing animals involves a variety of approaches, such as featuring them on our website and Facebook page and trying to place them with rescue groups. A great team of WHS volunteers are dedicated to keeping the animal listings on our website up-to-date.

continured page 11 >>

New Computer System to Increase Efficiency

Karen Webb

the GUARDIAN SPRING 2012 WOMEN’S HUMANE SOCIETY

THE WOMEN’S HUMANE SOCIETY

Tribute Fund

7the GUARDIAN

IN MEMORY OF PETS

PAPPY – Anonymous

ARIZONA

SIR BENTLEY & ABBY – Marie Thompson

CALIFORNIA

APRIL ANNIE, LIGHTNING & MOLLY – April Annie I miss you every day. Almost 18 years - not enough. You are now in heaven with Molly, Lightning, Casey, Nicole, Teddy, Gina, Jody, Cindy, Whiffy and Bo. – Janet M. Broder

CEFI & ALL MY PETS – Charles Murphy

CHIPPER, GINGER & FOZZIE – Our sweet senior dogs who passed away less than 5 months apart. You all battled your illnesses bravely. Our lives are not the same without you. Till we meet again, know that you are never forgotten. – Cindy Clark

LUCY & TRIAD – We miss you so much Lucy. We will love you for always. – Sheila Wolff

NOIR – My precious Noir, our 10 year journey from tiny feral kitten to feisty survivor of kidney failure for 6 of those 10 years, you were a real fighter. I will never forget you and I will love you forever. – Your “Mamma”

SPICE, STARR & SUNNY – To my three beautiful cats, always remembered in my heart. – Rosemary Pida

COLORADO

POOKA – Dear Pooka, it has been nearly 30 years since you left us, but the infinite sadness of your loss will not go away. Be at peace, old friend. – Ed & Clara Lee Stafford

CONNECTICUT

HUNEY – He was the sweetest little dog who brought us nothing but joy and love! – Lisa & Glenn Hansen

MR. SMITH’S LITTLE DOG – Madeline Davoli

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

GYP – Lucy Hassell

FLORIDA

BUDDY – Beloved cat. – Mary Gagliano

LUCY, INDY, HOLLY & SWEETIE – Karen Reuter

ILLINOIS

MUFFIN I & II – I miss both of you and love you very much. You are always in my heart. – Jean A. Sonnenberg

LOUISIANA

CLEO – Each of my beloved dogs will always have a special place in my heart. I love you, Cleo. – Gloria Ripple

MASSACHUSETTS

KASHEE, SCHAUMEE, ASTAN & TAZMAN – Beloved pets. – Karen Gibson

MICHIGAN

SUGAR II – Mark Haslem

NEW JERSEY

BABY GIRL – Wonderful, sweet, gentle, loving and beautiful. You are forever in our hearts. – Love, Aunt Patti

BRANDI – Unforgettable love of our lives. Pleasing and loving. – Loretta & Eugene Ruesch

BUTTONS – God bless my loving Buttons. I love you forever. – Rose Franklin

CASH – Danielle and family, we are so sorry about Cashy. We know the pain of losing a pet. Hope Cash’s memories can make you all smile. – The DeVivo’s

CASPER – Tom’s brave and faithful friend. – Sandra Driscoll

CAYCE – for my beautiful Cayce. I will love and remember you for the rest of my life. Until we meet over Rainbow Bridge. – Karen Brady

COSMO – Missing you every day, my little man! – Ellen Soklove

DOLLY – Beloved companion cat, for over 18 years you brought only joy and love. I was so privileged to share

your love and your life. – Roseann Loforte

JULIE – Beloved pet of Dianna Gibbs. – Edward Forstein

PUTZY, TWINKY & FRED – Our precious cats. We miss you and will love you forever. – Mary Ann Dudash

SASSY – You came into my life at 8 weeks and captured my heart for 19 years. In loving memory of my smart, intuitive, guardian, protector, light and love of my life. – Margaret Cotoia

SCOOTER – Geraldine P. Henderson

SCRUMPTIOUS – In memory of Scrumptious, loving and beloved tortie companion of Linda Shulman. Rest in peace with Mango, Froggy and Fudge. – Margaret Cotoia

NEW MEXICO

FLIPPER THE ‘BIRD DOG’ – Joanne Hettrick

NEW YORK

FREDDIE – Beloved dog of Caroline and Anthony, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge. – Elayne & Carl

JOEY – Bless you always. You were an amazing dog child for Barbara & Greg. We love you. XOX – Suzanne Stone

LUCKY – Beloved cat of Carl DeVivo. We will see you once again at the Rainbow Bridge. – Love, Elayne, Hope, Belle & Little One

LUCKY – May you be safe and warm. – Suzanne Stone

MADISON & DUDLEY – A Dynamic Doggie Duo! – Deborah Stewart

MICKEY – Beloved cat of Bunny and Warren. – Elayne McKenna & Carl DeVivo

MINNESOTA – The beloved dog of Lee Fiorello & Family. Sota was sweet, gentle and loving to all. We’ll see you at the Rainbow Bridge, with Jake and Joy. – Elayne & Carl

SNOOPY – For 14 years, you graced my life with your sweet and delightful presence, ever loving, faithful and devoted. You were my dearest companion and soul mate, a teacher wise beyond words and the light of my life. Never have I felt so well loved and adored, nor been so deeply touched and transformed by another, and never have I felt so utterly grateful for and humbled by the experience. Like a lost traveler who dreams of going

ANIMAL LOVERS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY HAVE SENT IN CONTRIBUTIONS

IN MEMORY OF DEPARTED PETS AND PEOPLE,

OR IN HONOR OF LIVING PETS AND PEOPLE WHO ARE SPECIAL TO THEM.

Their generous contributions help the thousands of sick, hungry, abandoned and abused animals that come into our care.These commemorations and special messages were received between August 29, 2011 and April 23, 2012.

If you wish to contribute through The Tribute Fund, please call 215.750.3100 and request a donation packet.

SPRING 2012AMERICA’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER

Not much has changed since 1869 when it comes to recordkeeping at WHS. While we strive to stay

true to our roots, keeping handwritten records takes extra time and can result in decreased efficiency. The long-awaited computerization of the WHS building will allow us to enter the digital age with a new electronic recordkeeping system.

Under the current system, our front office staff prepares handwritten intake forms and cage cards for new animals, while juggling telephone calls and payments from clients. The new system will allow staff to enter all information into the computer once, generating multiple documents from one entry. Keeping records electronically eliminates worries about deciphering handwriting and permits easy update, retrieval and sharing of files. Adoption and kennel staff will be able to easily obtain

a census of animals in the adoption program, and note adoptions in process and special needs or concerns.

The veterinary clinic and its clients also will benefit from the computerization project. Computerized records, appointment reminders and medication inventories will reduce the time staff spends on paperwork, allowing them to spend more time interacting with clients. Computerization will also boost our veterinarian’s ability to quickly diagnose illnesses and ensure the best care for patients.

We’re always looking for ways to improve our processes and procedures to benefit the animals in our care, whether with new technology or new programs. Thanks to the implementation of our electronic recordkeeping system, we’ll be able to spend even more time ensuring that animals are treated humanely and receive compassionate care in their time of need.

8

IN MEMORY OF PETS

home, my heat still aches and longs for the essence that was uniquely you. Your passing has left an indelible mark upon me, a wound that never quite heals and a sadness that has gotten easier to bear but never truly goes away. And yet I am glad, for it is a reminder of how blessed I was to be loved by you. Thank you, my love, for awakening my heart to compassion and joy, for all the life lessons you continue to teach me, and most of all, for looking beyond my exterior with your beautiful soul and recognizing that I was worth loving. Although you are no longer physically here with me, I love you still, and you are always in my heart and never far from my thoughts. – Jenny Ree

SUNSHINE – Beloved cat of Judi Palmer, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge unexpectedly on 12/19/11. Rest easy, Sunny. – Elayne McKenna

NORTH CAROLINA

RUDY & PO – Dorothy Rechel & Ann Fisher

SUGAR – A wonderful and loyal companion to Grand Mom. – The Levine Family

OHIO

ALL STRAY CATS AND DOGS – In honor and memory of all strays who never had a human to love and care for them. You will be loved and cherished in Heaven, sweet babies. – Dianne M. Swaidner

SMOKEY & KITTY – You are missed. – Judy Soderstrum

PENNSYLVANIA

ALEX – Four legged member of the Losse Family. – C. J. Brewer

ANGEL – The loving companion of the Aldworth Family. – Gene Peddicord

BABY FACE – In memory of my furry child, on her birthday. – Gladys Steinslofer

BAXTER – Baxter was one very cool cat. We’re sorry for your loss. – Love, Don and Judy…Abby, too

BOO BOO – My BIG little boy with such an old soul. You always watched over me with such concern and love. I will miss you forever but know that we will see each other again. – Mommy loves you, Bill, Jake and Dylan, too

BOY – To a dear pet and friend who was black as the night and as bright as the sun. Dawn and family miss you dearly, Boy. – Craig & JoAnn Adams

BLUE – Faithful and loving companion to Terry and Bill Meredith. – Mr. & Mrs. Bernard P. Lineman

BUDDY – Mr. & Mrs. Don Daniels

BUDDY – You touched so many live, you will never be forgotten. – Linda & Tom

BUSTER – Elliott D. Maser, DDS

BUSTER BROWN – You were the best friend, companion and “family member with fur” that anyone could ever wish for! You were our “gentle giant” for 14 years. Your love and devotion will be truly missed by all. – Mary Ann Minauro

BRUTUS – In loving memory. Thanks for being a faithful and loyal companion. – Deb Townsend

CHESTER – Marilyn Bell

CORY CAT – Diane J. Czerviski

DAISY – Dr. Ada I. Canino

DAKA – Beloved dog. – Henry Carroll

DELTA – Frances F. Jueds

DUDE – May Doodlebug rest in peace. Dorothy gave him a wonderful life. – Susan & Steven Zeitenberg

ELSIE – Happy Halloween, Elsie – Miss you! – Marion Y. Doerr

ELSIE – Merry Chirstmas, Elise the Pooh, Miss you. – Marion Y. Doerr

FUZZY – In memory of our pet dog, 8/19/11. – James & Lorraine D’Alfonso

GIZMO & MAX – Marci & Edward Horan

HANS – Sweet little dog, missed by Kim, Kevin, Joe and Kim’s Mom and Dad. – Faith Harrop

HARRY – Beloved, beautiful cat of Arnold and Grete. He never really leaves your hearts. – Robert & Camille Zagaroli

HOOTIE – Molly Seger

J.B. – My cookie loving Scottish Terrier, lost her battle with cancer at 12 ½ years. Oh! How I miss your sweet little you. Have fun in Heaven with Letty. - Love ya, Faith Harrop

JACK – My sweet baby who passed on 12/13/11. – Linda Weyler

JAKE – Susan & Jim Meyer

JENNA – Lorie Becker

JOEY – You were the love and best friend of my sister’s life for 19 years. Run free in the fields. She will always love you and miss you. – Patricia Filer

JUILETTA – Irine Sokolovski

JULIA – Beloved Dalmatian of Diane Luci. – Joan Lewis & Susan Yagel

KATIE & KIM – I love you and miss you. – Mom Mom

KINSEY – This special cat gave all, especially his master, a lifetime of joy and love. – Caroline P. Wistar

KITTA – Stanley Jones

LADY – Lorie Becker

LADY, PEBBLES, LADIE & MISSY – Michael Gave

LITTLE GUY – Our Millenium Cat, Little Guy. 1/01/2000 – 11/30/2011. You made us happy! – Helen & Gordon Scott

LEXUS – Kevin & Beverly Ingram

LUKE – Beloved dog of the Guay Family. – The Costanzo Family

LUKE – Four-legged family member of a dear friend. – C. J. Brewer

MADDIE – Rhonda Hodge

MANDI – In memory of fourteen wonderful years with Mandi, the cutest Bichon. - Susan & Steven Zeitenberg

MERCEDES – Mike & Joy Cherry

MOLLY – Lee Losse

NATHAN – Beloved dog of Dr. Vivian Greenberg and Dr. Mark Greenberg.- Albert W. and Rita P. Brodsky

NELLIE – Nell Bell---a smart, devoted black Lab who was loved and will be missed. – Don & Judy Daniels

NIKE – Lorie Becker & Family and Nancy Mitsos & Family

NORMIE – You were a wonderful friend and companion. RIP. – Martha Szychulski

OMEGA – Beloved dog of the Osbeck Family. – Love, Mom (Nana) and Dad (Poppy)

OREO – Elliott D. Maser, DDS

OZZIE – You are missed. – Frances M. Rice

PATSY – You were a loving companion for 16 years. You will be dearly missed. – Charlotte Katko

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All of the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing, they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly, one begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, legs running faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

the GUARDIAN SPRING 2012 WOMEN’S HUMANE SOCIETY 9the GUARDIAN

IN MEMORY OF PEOPLE

PEPPER – Beloved dog of the Lenihan Family. – Marilyn Bell

PEPPER ANN & PUMPKIN – We lost Pepper Ann & Pumpkin in early 2010. Pepper Ann was a loving black Lab who passed away form cancer. I still miss her good night kisses. Pumpkin was a small, very sweet kitty who always got the last word in. We miss her very much. We also miss our other dear friends. – With love, Cheryl & Cory

RUFUS – Beloved pet of the Cabral Family. – Jay & Sandy Cohen

SALLY – Marguerite Hawkins

SAMMI – Your Momma rescued you from the shelter. You had kennel cough and were expected to die. With love, care, and good medicine, your Momma saved you. To thank her, you gave her 13 years of devotion and love. Rest in peace. – Charlotte Katko

SAMMY – A stoic and determined personality. – Joanne Newhall

SAMMY – A much loved little friend. – Frances Jueds

SCOOBY – Beloved adopted dog. – Wendy & Jim Walsh

SHANA – A very special member of the Cohen family. – Marilyn & Paul Aerow

SHELBY – Happy 15th Birthday in Heaven, Shelby Girl. I miss you so much! – Martha Szychulski

SOPHIE – A beautiful Golden Retriever was lovingly cared for by Jackie for many years. She was such a gentle and loving spirit to all who knew her. – Bonnie & Sheldon Post

SPIKE – Doug Kohn

STRETCH – Rose M. Marinaro

TIGER LILY – Carmel Warner

TUCKER – Jerome & Ann Block

ZIGGY – Susan & Steven Zeitenberg

SOUTH DAKOTA

SODAK – Your valiant fight against the cancer which ravaged your body, but never your spirit, was a testament to love and devotion. – Linda M. Biers

TEXAS

SETH, HALEY, K.E. & HUTCH – Martina Boeker

VIRGINIA

BUNKY BROWN – Heidi Cherry

DOROTHY – I’ll never forget you, my gentle, loving cat. – Mary C. Epatko

PEPPER – Beloved friend of Mary Beth. – Heidi Cherry

WYOMING

T.D. – Robbie Flechtner

CALIFORNIA

EDWARD JOHNSON – Michelle Johnson

DELAWARE

DORIS ELLIOTT – Shirley Cline

FLORIDA

OTILIA COSTIN – In loving memory of our dear friend, whom we miss and will always cherish. – Liana Stanton

AUDREY HUNTER – Bob & Pat Pickering

CAPT. MACK MITCHELL & BUDDY – Love you so much. – Mom

JONELL NEIMEYER – To one of the brightest and best, who provided love, care and all the best to many lucky dogs during a life that was too short. – Nancy Fortney

JOE PASCALE – Jerry & Roberta Gazda

MAINE

SUZANNE EAKINS FOTTERALL – Margaret Eakins Barnes

MARYLAND

SHARON FISHER – Nicolas, Abigail & Gabriel Szafran

MASSACHUSETTS

KAREN RUTH BORTNICK – An exceptionally nice, wonderful little girl, who was kind and loving to others. - Louis S. Bortnick

NEW JERSEY

ANN BAKKOR – She loved animals. – Jack & Addie Lenhardt

ROSE CAPITANO – Mary Flanagan

DORIS GROSS – P. M. Gross

JOSEPH J. HENDERSON, III – In loving memory of my husband, who loved animals as much as me. – Geraldine P. Henderson

LUCY WARREN – Jeff & Mary Pancoast

WILLIAM D. WRIGHT – Elizabeth Collings

NEW YORK

LEE FIORELLO – In memory of my dear friend, Lee, who left us too soon. I will see you at the Rainbow Bridge. Rest easy and know you are missed every day. – Elayne McKenna

ALVIN E. SCHEIDLER, SR. – Tom & Joan Parks

OHIO

MICHAEL J. O’CAROLAN – In memory of my late husband. – Brenda S. O’Carolan

PENNSYLVANIA

JACK BADE – Linda & Jack Gottfried & Family

ANN BAKKER – Ed Ryan

SANFORD BELL – Annie Glasser

JOHN M. BERENDT – Dale & Virginia Carr, Valerie Beers, Pamela McDaniels

CHERYL ELAINE BESSON – Terri Wentzell, Eileen Hekierski, The Katsan Family, Hugh and Dianne Hekierski, The Cantor Family

GERALDINE J. BILOTTA – Robert & Evelyn Downs, Nancy Loughridge & Michael Kearney, Karen E. Kreuter, Rebecca Brecker

LISA BIRD – Beloved daughter. – Antonia Bird

ROSE BORTEN – Beloved mother of Adrienne Borten. – Susan & Steven Zeitenberg

DAVID W. BROWN – Eileen DelViscio, Elizabeth Kelly, Gary, Sue & Alicia Brown, Nancy & Ed Nowicki, Odette & Bob Kline, Mr. & Mrs. William O’Donnell, Mr. & Mrs. George G. Walker, Barry & Donna Clipner, George & Dot Schwartz, Garrett & Meribeth Rampulla, Joe & Eileen MacAdams, Delores Dengle Vitas, Maryann Roszkowski, Mary Grace & Frank Ketchum, Rosemary Davis, Bob Sledders’ Collectors Club, Joseph & Joan Frezza, Linda D. Herbert

STEPHEN P. CLOAK – Mr. & Mrs. Paul Dallas

DAVID CULLEN – Thelma Sheinen

DOROTHY DESAITO – In memory of my beloved wife. – Louis DeSaito

MRS. ROSE DIMARCO – A beautiful woman inside and out, a gentle soul. We miss you. – Barbara Gelenberg & Nancy Bohren

EDWIN DIRKES – Robert & Camille Zagaroli, Dorothy B. Jones, Marguerite Reppa

ROBERT W. DRIBER – The Partners of Klatzkin & Co., LLP., Eugene & Patricia Vigh, Robert Driber – Jean Trebbi

MARGARET A. DUFFY – The Venango Family, Kathy & Karl Fassnacht, Gary & Naomi Boyd, Vince & Carley Boyd, Ryan Boyd & Paige Thomas, E. S. Pawlak, James & Eleanor McGovern, Kathleen & Patrick Duffy, Friends & Coworkers at Impax Labs, Inc.

FRANCES ERVIN – Bob Clifford

THOMAS PATRICK FINNIGAN – Joan MacNamara, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Czarkowski, Karen J. O’Keefe, Ruth Hausen, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph S. Ranveiler, Timothy & Susan Sheehan, Friends at Kenrich Mechanical, Inc., Stephen H. Rosen & Associates

JACK FITTON – Kevin & Debra Jones

ANNA FRANK – Devoted animal lover. – The Galaxy Gang

LYNNE FRIEDMAN – Lynne, forever in our hearts. We miss you girl! We are all walking in your memory. Love you. - Vicky & friends

LYNNE FRIEDMAN – Happy Birthday, Lynne. God has you in his arms. I have you in my heart. Love and miss… - Vicky

SPRING 2012AMERICA’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER

10

IN MEMORY OF PEOPLE

IN HONOR OF PEOPLE IN HONOR OF PETS

IN HONOR OF PEOPLE

MEREDITH AUSTIN – In honor of a special person. – Denise Matthews

MARIE ALFONSI – Happy Holidays! – Joan Iaconelli

SUZANNE BUSH – Best of Luck. – Mary Ann Koller

ELIZABETH FULLER – Congratulations. – Mary Ann Koller

GEORGE GLACKIN – Happy Holidays! – Paul Kernozek

CRAIG HARRISON – Thank you for your love of animals, and for helping me through my cancer. – E. Harrison

BEN HOYLE – Happy Holidays! – Michelle Shear

EDWARD KNOBLOCH – Elizabeth Grieshaber

MR. & MRS. JACK LAFORET & FAMILY – E. Murray

RUTH LUSTILA – Wicki Layman

ROBIN & MARVIN RESNICK – Congratulations on your marriage! – Rube & Jeanne Pincus

JOYCE SWINGLE – John and Linda Myers

THE TOMASELLO FAMILY

TONI TROIANELLO – Happy Holidays! – Karen Pellow

IN HONOR OF PEOPLE WHO FIGHT FOR ANIMALS – Carol Rowe

IN MEMORY OF PEOPLE

ANN DONAHUE – Elaine M. Raiten

BENJAMIN EDWARD ENSOR – Connie Ensor

AMELIA MAAS – My sister. – Minerva C. Maas

DAWN L. MAHER – Bill & Lorna Diegel

VICTORIA G. MILLER – In memory of my beloved wife – 3/8/37 – 4/13/04. – Arthur W. Miller

MARVIN MOSES – Who loved animals. – Phyllis Moses

CHARLES WOHLGEMUTH – Elizabeth Fawcett

IN HONOR OF ANIMALS

ALL RESCUE ANIMALS – Joan M. Boland

ALL WHS ANIMALS – John M. Neary

BABY – Karen Windisch

BIG HEAD FRED – Mariann L. Gordon

BOSS – Sandi Zollo

CHIPPER – Carolyn Moffett

EMMETT & BOO BOO – Marion Weldon Pearson

EVERY CAT AND DOG – And I thank you, WHS, for helping our friends. – Joseph R. Friedman

HOMELESS ANIMALS – Ellie A. Campara

INKY, FIDELIO & ONYX – Roberta Berard

KATO & BEAR – Diane A. Leal

LACY – Mary Ann Partelow

MACDUFF – For a speedy recovery. – Phyllis Goodman

NESSIE, PEACH & AMBER – Happy Holidays! – Jean Forsyth

PINKERTON & BABY BELL – Our beloved cats. – Myers

PUSS & TIGER – Portia J. Freese

STANLEY – Judy and Louis Mogol

TISH & NOAH – Angela Phtitucci

IN MEMORY OF ANIMALS

BUDDY – Rob & Carol Weissberg

BUDDY WEXLER & DADDY MIKO – Evie Wexler

DOODLES & CHARLIE – James R. Griess, Jr.

FENDI – My 17 year old Shih-Tzu who passed away 4 years ago. – Denise Ruszkowski

GYP – The best boy – died at age 19 ½ years. The sweetest rescue cat ever. He will be missed as long as we live. – Dorothy Wolf

HARRY – Our little grey cat – so missed. – Donna L. Slackowicz

HOLLY, COCOA, BLUE, MUFFIN, GRETCHEN, SHEBA & BLACKIE – All my pets, now gone. – Lorraine Latvala

MARCUS – Jean Montville

MIDNIGHT “JUNIOR”, PETER & FELIX CAVALIERE – My beloved, deceased cats. – James S. Marotta

MURPHY BOY – Terry A. Shaffer

PRINCESS – Who just passed. – Elizabeth Johnson

REX – RIP 11/29/11. – Karen M. Riordan

ROCKI, BUCKY & KOKO – Debi Gaither

SMOKIE – Jean Barberis

SNOWY & PATTY – We love and miss you. – Fred & Sharon Tarolli

SWEETS – Kim M. Lang

TOMMY, BINKI, CINDY, CHARLIE (DOG), TIGGER, CHARLIE (CAT), SWEETNESS, PRINCESS, SAMMY, EMILY, SALLY, CHLOE & PEG – My beloved pets who have gone before me. I cannot wait to be reunited with you my loves, my sweet darlings. – Mararetha Zamiela

KIM ALLEN & KELLY OUSEY – Merry Christmas! – Corey Nicolo

BARB & DAN – Armit & Susan Harrison

JOANNE BOYER – Michael & Diane Harrington

NANCY BRERETON – Gladys Steinslofer

TAG BREWER, MIRANDA, DATA & SAVIK – Happy Holidays! – Irene C. Gilorma

MARSHA CIPOLLINI – Merry Christmas! – Matt Herley

DONNA – Happy Holidays! – Colleen

BARBARA FRIEDMAN – Andrea Friedman

DONNA HAAGLAND – Happy Holidays! - Laura

BRAD & PAT KEHOE – You loved J.B. from the start. You kept her in cookies, played with her and were with her to the last. Thank you for loving her so much. – Faith & Andy

MR. & MRS. THOMAS KRAMER, PAUL HESS, REV. J. CONNOR HAYNES, MRS. JOYCE HANNISCH, MRS. ALMA COIA, MS. ANN HORST, MS. YVONNE TINE, MR. NICHOLAS

STOLTE, MS. DANIELLE REED, MR. ALBERT TROGLIO, MS. LINDA POND, MS. ELAYNE BROWN, MR. & MRS. JAMES – Merry Christmas! – Robert & Camille Zagaroli

ELLEN LEA – Brenda Esopi

ANNA MCGEE – Happy Birthday to 58 years of precious friendship. – Robert & Camille Zagaroli

MAUREEN MILLER-NEMETH – Merry Chirstmas! – Charles Nemeth

CHARLES REILLY – Merry Christmas! – Frances Laure

CYNTHIA & JOE RESTINO, PATRICIA KREIDLER, VALERIE PIPHER & CHRIS ROWE, DAVID & SHAUNA PIPHER & FAMILY, IRENE & VINCE GILORMA – Happy Holidays! - Carole Brewer

JOAN SHORE – Happy Birthday! – Gladys Steinslofer

KRIS VANDERGRIFT – Merry Christmas! - Caroline R. Willms

LINDA & MARTIN ZABORNIAK – Clair Nash

MR. & MRS. ROBERT ZAGAROLI – Merry Christmas! – Alma Coia

ANGEL – To my precious Angel kitty, you have enriched my life with joy and love. You truly are a blessing. – Linda Groendal

BLAKE – My best friend. – John B. McElhenny

COREY CAT – Diane & Stephen Czerviski

MACKENZIE – Sweet and wonderful, who helped us all. – Elizabeth Wahl

MR. WIMBLES – Happy 5th Birthday! – Martha Szychulski

PENNY – Happy 5th Birthday, dear Penny. Your rescue has enriched all of our lives with your cuddles and sweet love! – Martha Szychulski

PUMPKIN – Jane Witts-Mento

ROCKY – Beloved friend of Robin. – Albert & Rita Brodsky

The Women’s Humane Society would like to specifically thank all of our many friends who supported the Society with their Holiday Gifts. The following are requested acknowledgements for gifts given to honor or remember a person or pet.

the GUARDIAN SPRING 2012 WOMEN’S HUMANE SOCIETY

DAVID R. GROB – Eleanor Hoffman

ELSIE HAFERAL – Ruth Moore

JEAN HENDRICKSON – Patricia Strogis, Nancy Kearney, Gerald J. Mangine, Dr. Gregory Gordon, Thomas & Elizabeth Mangine

RUTH & ROBERT HOLM – Carol Holm

SANDRA LEE HUBER – Jeneen McHugh, S. Jean Carder, Dolores P. Valenta, Rose Adams & Jim Penna, Friends at YesBank; Jeneen Bashwinger, Connie O’Shea, Sue Weiss, Diane McDermott, Suzann Gregory, Natalie Vaughn & Jan Carder

RICHARD “RICK” KEHL – Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tirendi, Veronica T. Neri, Michele & Joseph R. Fuscellaro, Charles & Rosalie Rothenberg, Bill & Elaine Mikelionis

AGGIE LESKIW – Whose kindness in taking in my older cat when I had to move will never be forgotten. – Anita Rose Cherkes

DR. STANLEY LEVITAS – Rose Marie Esposito

DEBBIE BROCK LONGCORE – Lisa Derrickson

MARY RAGO MACEY – Beloved mother of our co-workers Anthony & Charlotte Rago. – Your friends at Galilee Village: Bernie, Al, Matt, Debby, Susan, Joe, Frank, Lisa, Kristi, B.J., Marsha, Joan, Claire, Deb O., Rosemeres & Kristin; Al Magro, Donald & Helen Placidi, The Abrams Family, Merrill P. Biancosino

MARY JUNE MATTSON – Joan Fluehr

BELOVED MOTHER OF DOLORES MORRIS – Michelle J. Cohen & Family

GRACE L. MCGIRR – Howard & Cindy Silverstein & Family

DAVID A. MURPHY – Rosanne Batten

ESTHER V. OERTEL – Susan Gibbs

REGINA O’SULLIVAN – Ed & David Schmitt

MRS. VICTORIA PELOSO – Mrs. Peloso adopted a cat “Buddy” from WHS a few years ago whom she cherished. Throughout her 72 years of marriage and four children, she had many pets, which were dogs and cats, both indoor and those she fed that were wild, birds and squirrels, whom she cherished. – Heather J. Smith

HAZEL POEHLER – Karen & Ron Berko

JOAN POTTS – Shari Palermo & Gary Potts

STANTON PRESSMAN – My dear husband. – Helen Phillips

AL RAMULIS – Christine Hoffman

RICHARD M. REEVES, SR. – Anita G. Monino, Tina, Lyndon, Chiara & Zack Lea

MRS. JONNIE R. ROBERTS – She loved her family, friends and God’s four legged companions. – Diane & Raymond McGowan, Theresa & Michael Sutton, Crown Holdings, Inc., Nancy Roberts

CLAIRE A. RUGGIERO – The Perri Family

PAUL RUTBERG – Susan & Steven Zeitenberg

WAYNE SANSALONE – Marcia Balogh

MARGARET SCOTT – My mother, who loved and cared for animals. – Jacqueline M. Scott

ANNE SELLING – In memory of my mother, who was a longtime supporter of WHS. – Linda Aceto

RICHARD SHERMAN – My father was a big animal lover and I am grateful to have inherited that trait from him. – Leslie S. Rothberg

NICOLE M. SLOAN – Michelle J. Cohen & Family, Mr. & Mrs. William V. Carland, Maryann Nolte

CATHERINE STEVEN – Patricia Moore

JESSE STRANGE, SR. – Mararet Jessey

ANNETTE STUCATUR – Howard & Cindy Silverstein & Family

ROBERT SUSSEN – The Cavalieri Family

FIREFIGHTER DANIEL SWEENEY – Samantha (Jardel Dance), Howard & Cindy Silverstein

ARITZIE TURNOFF – Your loving Mom, Mom-in-law, Grandmom, & Great Grandmom – Edie, David, Scott, Ken & Jill Rubin

CHARLES WOHLGEMUTH – Elizabeth J. Fawcett

STEVEN YARROW – A gentle giant. We miss you. - Barbara & Nancy

JOSEPH T. ZACCAIRO, JR. – Howard & Cindy Silverstein & Family

VIRGINIA

SHARON L. FISHER – Kenneth J. Pearl

HENRY ORSENO – Who will be remembered as a family man and as an animal lover. – Sharon Norman

WASHINGTON

SUSAN BUTTERWICK – Scott & Holly Perry

WISCONSIN

EMIL ROBERT GUNTHER – In memory of my dad, who helped me learn to be kind to and love all animals. – Kathy Koenig

Holiday Gifts

11the GUARDIANSPRING 2012AMERICA’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER

Volunteers visit the kennels, copy information on each animal from the cage cards and photograph animals. Photographing animals isn’t as easy as pointing a camera at the animal and asking it say “cheese.” Typically one volunteer handles the animal while another takes the photograph. Entering the information and photographs on the website is a time-consuming process, but one that this group of volunteers enjoys. Volunteers also note which animals are no longer available and remove these animals from the available animals list.

Writing accurate descriptions that take into account any issues or challenges an animal may have is important when adding

listings to the website, according to Kelly. “We don’t want to gloss over bad habits in an effort to create adoptability. It’s not in the animal’s or owner’s best interests to have the issues blossom in an unsuspecting adopter’s home.”

Potential adopters find us in a variety of ways, but Karen estimates approximately 70 percent of adopters have seen our animals on the Internet. Animals are also featured on Facebook, our blog and in the Northeast Times.

While technology has increased our ability to reach more people, it hasn’t changed the philosophy at the core of our mission: that every animal deserves a caring, lifelong home.

Finding Homes for Animals (continued from page 6)

The Women’s Humane Society is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit charity under section 501 (c) (3) of the I.R.S. Code.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Please recycle – give this issue to a friend when you’re finished.

Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No 3381Philadelphia, PA

3839 Richlieu Road • P.O. Box 1470 • Bensalem, PA 19020-5470215-750-3100 • www.whspets.org

Wiley Finally Finds a Home

Day after day, Wiley, a four-year-old Australian cattle dog/blue heeler mix, sat in his

kennel at the Women’s Humane Society, waiting for the right adopter to appear.

Since arriving at WHS on February 12, 2011, no one had expressed any interest

in him. As the months went by, dogs in surrounding kennels quickly found new homes, but

Wiley remained.

Although we’re sure Wiley would have preferred being in a home of his own, he was quite

content in his indoor/outdoor kennel. Dogs in our adoption program stay with us as long as it

takes to find new homes. Many of them are with us for only a few days or weeks, but some dogs

need extra attention and spend months with us before homes are found. Thanks to the generosity

of our donors, we have the resources to offer extra care and attention to animals in need.

Adoptions and Kennel staff members became attached to Wiley and spent as much time

as they could visiting him and taking him outdoors to our enclosed courtyard for exercise.

“He was a very personable dog,” said Karen Webb, Adoption Manager. “He always ran to

the front of his kennel when he saw me and loved the attention that staff members gave him.”

As much as our staff loved Wiley, they knew that there were some issues that were

preventing potential adopters from taking a second look at him. Wiley was an alpha dog, a

dog born to be the leader of the pack. In a home situation, dogs quickly develop a pecking

order, with the alpha dog establishing dominance over the other dogs. That’s not possible in

a busy kennel, with dogs constantly coming and going, so Wiley did what he could to make

his presence known to other dogs.

Karen called Australian Cattle Dog Rescue, which agreed to evaluate him for possible

inclusion in their program. Wiley was undersocialized and dog aggressive, according to the

evaluation, and unfortunately, the group couldn’t take him. The rescue continured page 4 >>

SPRING 2011

Vol. 43 l No. 1

CONTENTS

Society News .................. 2

Spaying and Neutering is

J. Rucznyski’s Mission .... 4

Meet Dr. Bhatia ...............5

New Computer System to

Increase Efficiency .......... 6

Finding Homes for

Animals ............................ 6

Tributes ...................... 7-10

Holiday Gifts .................. 11

Warm Weather Tips ...... 12

published by

WOMEN’S HUMANE

SOCIETY

AMERICA’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER

founded in 1869

by Caroline Earle White

Catherine Malkemes

Chief Executive Officer

Janice Mininberg

Director of Education

Holly McGurgan

Editor

3839 Richlieu Road

P.O. Box 1470

Bensalem, PA 19020-5470

215-750-3100

www.whspets.org

Wiley is going home with Thomas Hooks.

It’s not always easy to keep your pet comfortable when the temperature soars. The heavy layer of fur that insulates your pet’s

body in the winter can contribute to overheating in warm weather, putting your pet at risk of developing potentially deadly heat stroke. All pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. – can suffer because of extreme heat and/or humidity.

The staff of our small animal hospital put together a few tips to help you keep your pet cool and healthy this summer:

n If you have a pet bred for cold climates, such as a Siberian husky, leave the air-conditioning on when you aren’t home. These breeds have a lower tolerance for heat than other breeds of dogs.

n Some dogs have difficulty breathing in high humidity or heat. If you have a deep-chested dog, such as a St. Bernard or German Shepherd, or a short-muzzled dog, such as a Boxer or Pug, it may need special attention in the heat. Keep the dog out of the heat and in air-conditioning, if possible.

n Use fans and allow your pet access to your basement, if you have one. An attic fan will help circulate air through your home.

n Spray your dog or cat lightly with a water-filled plant spritzer on the abdomen and paws and provide a damp towel on which the pet can rest. Your dog may like to lick an ice cube in hot weather.

n Provide plenty of water every day. If you absolutely cannot bring your pet inside, make sure it has access to shade. A dog house or rabbit hutch does not provide adequate shade, as the interior quickly becomes overheated on hot days.

n Keep fans out of your pet’s reach. Open grills or motors can

cause cuts or shocks.n On hot days, refrigerate or throw out uneaten moist food after

50 minutes to prevent spoilage.n Put guards on screened windows on the upper floors of

your house. A screen alone is not strong enough to prevent pets or children from falling from a window.

n Don’t leave your pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The interior of a car can reach 102 degrees in ten minutes on warm days. On hot days, the interior becomes dangerous even sooner. Leaving your pet in the car with the windows slightly open is not a good solution, because this does not allow enough air into the car and has little effect on moderating the temperature in the car.

n Keep your pet safely in your car when you travel. Although your dog might like putting its head out the window, this practice can lead to eye damage from debris or injury if your dog strikes it head on signs or other obstacles on the side of the road.

n Be aware of the signs of heatstroke, which results from high humidity as well as from high temperatures. Be alert for heavy panting; elevated body temperatures; bright red gums; barking or frantically pawing at windows, doors or cage openings; staggering; drooling or weakness. If your pet displays any of these symptoms, provide first aid as follows: Slowly lower your pet into a tub of continuously running, slightly warm water or pour slightly warm water over the pet. Don’t use ice cold water, as it will be too much of a shock to the animal’s system. Wrap the pet’s body in wet towels. Do not wring out the towels. Rush the pet to your veterinarian immediately.

Warm Weather Tips

Sign up for our new email newsletter! Visit www.whspets.org for details.

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MRS. JOAN A. SAMPLE234 SAMPLE STREETSAMPLETOWN, USA 00000-0000