Non Profit org
Paws in Print
us postage paid augusta, me p1ermit no.121
t h e c o a s ta l h u m a n e s o c i e t y n e w s l e t t e r
fall 2010 features 4 A rescue for Rosie 5 How to say hello to a cat 7 Paws for a Cause gets a boot up from L.L.Bean 9 Fresh faces at CHS 10 New thrift store to benefit CHS in every issue 3 Letters 6 Wish list 8 Memorials 11 Upcoming events calendar our mission To assist by all means the prevention of cruelty to animals
30 Range Road, Brunswick, Maine 04011 tel. 207 725 5051 fax 207 725 4111 coastalhumanesociety.org
photo contest
1.
2.
To establish, operate, and maintain shelter facilities for stray, homeless, or unwanted abandoned small animals To educate the population in the area served by the corporation and disseminate information and materials pertaining to humane principles in the treatment of all animals
We just can’t resist sharing As we’ve said before, we had a tough time choosing finalists in our photo contest, because every one was a winner in its own way. Here are four entries that “show the love” without a word needed. 1. Chris Labbe, Hamsters Daisy and Dazzle with Abby
To alleviate and relieve the suffering of animals occasioned by any cause or causes whatsoever
To ensure that all dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals are adopted into lifelong responsible homes 4.
towns we serve Bowdoin
Harpswell
Bowdoinham
North Yarmouth
Brunswick
Phippsburg
Cumberland
Richmond
Durham
Topsham
2. Jennie Driscoll, Mari and Bella
Falmouth
Woolwich
Freeport
Yarmouth
3. Nicole Chipman, Bambi and Sunny
Georgetown
4. Claudia Heivly, Aspen (and friends)
3.
Coastal Humane Society, Inc. 30 Range Road Brunswick, Maine 04011 207 725 5051 / fax 207 725 4111 coastalhumanesociety.org
N u bb i e s
hangs on to her knitted ball. Kittens don’t get much sweeter than this one!
Small cat, big inspiration by Karen Stimpson, Executive Director
The headline might have read “Local Fishermen Rescue Two-legged Kitten,” had there been any reporters hanging around the Portland waterfront one morning last April when Paul and Kim Fischer pulled two tiny kittens from a bait box on Widgery Wharf. The first one was feisty, as ferals tend to be on their first foray into the hands of humans. But the second one was extraordinary. It was missing most of its back legs! Minutes later, I awoke to a persistently buzzing cell phone. “You are not going to believe what I’ve got for you,” Kim crowed into the phone, as if she was about to announce I’d won the lottery. As it turned out, she had found a prize.
The Fischers have been lobstering and taking care of cats on Union Wharf for over thirty years. When they first started, there were several dozen strays and ferals who had followed their noses to the fishy piers of Portland’s Old Port in hopes of survival, but not a lot of resources for trap/neuter/release efforts. Doggedly, Paul and Kim set Havahart traps and reached into their pockets (and occasionally their friend’s pockets) in their mission to get every cat immunized and sterilized. They built heated “kitty dorms” so that the cats wouldn’t freeze in the winter. Their colonies prospered, and with nearly all the cats fixed, the population eventually (over 30 years) dropped to its present residency of 7 cats. (continued on page 5)
We have some new CHS staffers. You can meet them on page 9.
f r o m t h e e x e c u t i v e d i r e c to r
letters to the e d itor & the shelter staff Ri ve
Golf Club
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working on a Holiday Giving Campaign with personal assistants Bandit and Nubbies (aka “Santa Claws”). karen stimpson,
Ed itor’s Note:
We would welcome your ideas on making Coastal Humane Society the best animal shelter in Maine. Send us an email with your suggestions.
Last spring the Coastal Humane Society invited a team of shelter experts from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), to evaluate our shelter and make recommendations to help us achieve the highest standards of animal care and sustainability. As HSUS Shelter Services Manager Carolyn Machowski describes it, “The realities of too many animals, too few staff, not enough money, and the emotional rigors of the work can prevent many employees from seeing the big picture. They’re focused on putting out fires and getting through yet another day of more animals coming in, and not enough space and not being able to find homes for them,” she says, “so sometimes they need to step back and have an objective evaluation of policies, procedures, and day-to-day activities.” That objective evaluation arrived in September within 64 pages of helpful recommendations covering just about every area of our operation — from animal housing and husbandry to disaster preparedness to adoptions. Throughout the report, we are urged to improve our record keeping and to update our SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures). The report is particularly thorough when it comes to animal care and disease control. In assessing the kennel and cage dimensions, ventilation, and cleaning protocols, the evaluators left no stone (or in this case, floor grate) unturned. “The meticulousness is warranted.” HSUS writer Julie Falconer contends, “In animal sheltering, seemingly trivial mistakes...can hurt animals or otherwise impact the entire operation.” So, we at CHS have our work cut out for us in the months, even years to come. In the words of the Evaluation Team, “Although CHS is not a new organization, in many ways it is like one. It has a new staff, a new outlook, and a mostly new Board of Directors. This fresh approach translates into a great deal of enthusiasm and a deep desire to run a full service, progressive, and exciting humane organization — it is an organization that wants to grow and be great. Careful planning and execution has to be part of that growth.” If you have an interest in participating in this planning process, please drop me an email at kstimpson@coastalhumanesociety. org. I would love to tell you more!
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Big news: The Report has arrived…and with it, a road map for running a progressive, life-saving animal shelter!
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lo c at i o n
We are located on Range Road, off Route 1 North (Pleasant Street), in Brunswick, Maine. h o u r s o f op e rat i o n
Six days a week: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays & major holidays. our trustees
Scott Cushing Fran Philip Tom Hinman Rajiv Shankar Lee Johnson Todd Smith Tony McDonald Loraine Snyder Constance McCabe Dorothy Wentworth o u r e mp loy e e s executive director
Karen Stimpson shelter manager
Melissa Hewins floor manager
Darlene Brunick certified Dog Trainer
Shannon Hall-Nutting animal care & adoption counselors
Ann Aspach Susan Landry Linus Coulombe Toni Sawyer Mandy Fisher Amanda Walton Stephanie Gondek Katelyn Wells Audra Griffith Malcolm Wood Emma Hunter Veterinarian
Dr. David Bourassa veterinary assistant
Tammy Lebeau Front Desk staff
Lisa Rodzen Lisa Smith Dan Kinch volunteer coordinator
Kathy Sullivan business & office manager
Karen Rendall customer service manager
Lisa Smith bookkeeper
Karen stimpson, e x e c u t i v e d i r e c to r
Teri McRae website & social Media coordinator
Jane Siviski volunteer newsletter editor
Polly Anderson 2
Dear Coastal Humane Society,
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A road map to saving lives
Left to right: e m m i t t and m o n t y deep in animal conversation; s a m ready for a walk, even at 17! l u p i n and b o d i e take a well earned break from their daily play.
About eight years ago, I adopted Emmitt, a Lab/Setter mix, full of energy to say the least. At first, he was quite a challenge to take care of as he was so full of energy. Now, he is the greatest dog in the world. In 2008, he won an award for “Most EarResistible Ears” at the Planet Dog Foundation Woofminster 2008. I have enclosed a picture of him and our cat Monty who was adopted from Countryside Animal Rescue in Wells. The picture was taken by my 15 year old daughter, Amanda. We hope you enjoy this picture of Emmitt and Monty! Michael Coughlin
This is Sam. I adopted her from CHS in the fall of 1994 when she was 10 months old. She has been a Mainer, a Pennsylvanian, and is now a Floridian! Even at 17 years old, she loves to go for long walks and will play fetch for hours. Thank you, CHS, for my best and longest lasting friend. I am making a donation in Sam’s name to help others find their best friends too. Lindsy Goodwin
Lupin was a very thin lab mix pup who came to CHS from a Mississippi shelter, just hours before she was to be euthanized for lack of space. One of the volunteers down there felt so strongly about Lupin, and the other dogs whose time had run out, she rented a van to drive the dogs up to Maine. The dogs were welcomed to both Kennebunk’s Animal Welfare Society and CHS for a second chance.
What’s your Story? Tell us how your CHS pet is doing an send a picture. While we can’t fit them all in the newsletter, we try to post all “alumni” on our website.
Bodie, also from CHS, was a young cat in our family, when Lupin joined it a few month ago. It’s amazing how quickly they took to each other. They became instant buddies — eating and sleeping together and playing “rough and tumble.” Must be because Bodie thinks he’s a dog. When we go for a walk in the woods, he goes too, strolling right along with us! These two animals are a great and entertaining addition to our family. Scott Cushing 3
ha pp y tale
how to
small cat,
continued from front page I say that “nearly all” the cats were fixed… all except the wily and too-wise-to-trap “Sonia” who was the mother of the twolegged kitten. When I arrived at the wharf a half hour later, the Fischers reported excitedly on their rescue. The kittens were about four weeks old, and Mom was nowhere to be found. The four-legged one (dubbed Nabster) appeared healthy and clearly adorable. The one with under-developed back legs was so small we all thought she wouldn’t make it. I drove them both directly to the shelter to see what our vet, the fabulous cat-saver, Dr. Bourassa, would recommend.
A rescue for Rosie Poor Rosie! She had been hit by a car after scampering away from her owner. The little dog needed complicated and expensive surgery to mend a shattered leg. The vets at the clinic where she was taken had neither the staff nor the resources to perform this kind of operation. Also, her elderly owner was in poor health and not able to manage recuperative care for a dog with a broken leg. The owner decided that the best thing she could do for Rosie was to make sure she had every chance to recover. On the advice of the attending vet, she sadly surrendered her dog back to the Coastal Humane Society, hoping that the shelter could find a way to save Rosie. So, late on a Friday afternoon, the shelter staff scrambled to decide what would be best for Rosie. Could her leg be saved or did it need to be removed? What would be her quality of life? Did she have the personality to cope with all the medical care? and how could we afford to pay her medical bills? More immediately, what would we do with her over the weekend while the medical staff was not available? The temporary solution was to take her to a clinic in Scarborough which had helped with emergency situations and advice in the past. Dr. Rita DeMeuse of Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital agreed to take Rosie at a fee that would work within our budget. She also offered to contact a specialist for advice. Rosie stayed at the clinic for a week while Dr. Rita worked her connections.
rosie
and j e s s , a Vet Tech at the Tender Touch Vet Clinic
St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, smiled down on Rosie, not just once but three times! A traveling orthopedic surgeon visited the clinic and successfully pinned the badly broken limb. One of Dr. Rita’s clients heard about the little four-legged patient and asked to see her. The attraction was instant. Rosie was adopted, and her medical bills were paid. Lucky Rosie! — lisa smith,
If any of those reporters from the first paragraph were hanging around the shelter in the past few months, the headline would read: “Two-legged Kitten Brings Laughter, Love, and Inspiration to Local Shelter!
h o w yo u c a n h e lp
Golf Classic: a swinging success
Holiday Open House
Despite intimidating clouds and threatening drizzle, the Coastal Humane Society Golf Tournament at the Brunswick Golf Club was a swinging success. Generous golfers and sponsors helped to raise nearly $7,000 for the shelter. The sun did come out in time for the cookout and awards ceremony. Prizes included golfing certificates (of course), lobsters, Sea Dog tickets, Red Sox tickets, dinners, hotel stays, coupons, and gift cards.
CHS will host a four day holiday celebration with the animals December 16-19. Please come in and give them some seasonal pats. If you wish, you can bring gifts for the critters to put under our tree. (For ideas, check our Wish List on page 6.)
We — and the animals — would love to see you!
say hello to a cat Would you like to be a cat magnet? The secret is in how you approach them. Cats need to feel safe and prefer to socialize on their own terms. Give them a choice with a “Formal Hello.” Step 1 Sit down, if possible, and extend your index finger toward the cat at about nose height. The distance depends on the cat. You might be across the room for a strange cat or a foot away for one that knows you. Step 2 Turn your eyes or head away slightly. Your own cat might gaze adoringly into your eyes, but for a strange cat staring can be considered rude or even aggressive. Step 3 Now it’s up to the cat. When she’s ready, she will touch your finger with her nose, checking your scent.
Step 5 After she marks you, she will be receptive to petting and gentle socializing.
If she turns her head away, it means she’s not interested in being sociable at the moment. Respect her decision and try again another time. Most cats, however, should respond to your polite greeting.
Shelter hours CHS is open six days a week from 12 noon – 6:00 p.m. every day, except Wednesday, when we are closed. Stop by and see us!
We have refreshments lined up, a Rabies Clinic, a pet photographer and an appearance by a jolly guy in a red suit. Bring family and pets to meet Santa Paws and take photos! For specific dates and times please check the Events Calendar on page 11.
How to...
Step 4 Next she’ll move her head so your finger is on her cheek. If she decides to continue the greeting, she will rub her cheek on your finger or hand. (She is depositing her scent from her cheek glands making you smell like her.) This formal greeting is similar to our shaking hands.
CHS has a fund to help save lives like Rosie’s. You can donate to “The Lady Scruffy Medical Fund,” named after a long-term feline resident who needed medical care.
upc o m i n g e v e n t
4
Today Nubbies is a small adolescent with a large, sweet personality. She is a happy cat, purring and playing constantly. She has indomitable perseverance — climbing, chasing balls, leaping at bugs as though she had four good legs. As far as she is concerned, she has no limitations. (Right now, she is sitting on my desk trying to type her own version of the story!)
Front Desk Manager and Community Outreach Coordinator
upd at e
An effusive thank you for organizing the event goes to veteran planner and Trustee, Scott Cushing!
Upon their arrival, the two little fur balls began to work the shelter crowd. The CHS crew, like the fishermen of Union Wharf, loves its cats…but this tiny black and white wonder with two stumps for back legs stole hearts right and left! We
named her “Nubbies.” Our Vet Tech, Tammy, offered to take her home at night to ensure constant care. With Tammy’s nurturing and the staff’s care during the day, Nubbies not only survived, against all odds…she thrived!
n u bb i e s
resides happily in the Executive Director’s office, where she delights visitors and staff.
Did you know?
39% of pet owners say they have more photos of their pet than of their spouse or partner and only 21% say they have more photos of their spouse or partner than of their pet. 5
our wish list
event re port
as k the ex perts
We always need things
Paws for a Cause gets a boot up from L.L.Bean
Q : How do I get my dog to settle down and not bother me when I’m trying to get something done? Sometimes he wants attention when I’m trying to watch a movie, work on my computer, or talk to a visitor. How can I get him to stop pestering me?
If you see anything on this list that you could provide, please do! Donations can be dropped off at the shelter during business hours. We will gladly give you a receipt for your records. Thank you! G e n e r a l Sh e lt e r I t e m s PowerPoint Projector Digital scale to weigh cats Classical music CD’s Dirt to fill holes in animal yards Wood bark chips for dog yards & paths Digital camera: still & video Stainless steel tables & shelves Utility garden shed or outbuildings White copy paper Towels & bathroom rugs C l e a n i ng S upp l i e s Bleach: liquid and powder Paper towels, toilet paper & tissues Low-sudsing laundry powder New brooms & dust pans Liquid hand sanitizer 30-gallon trash bags Kitchen trash bags
olli,
a Malamute mix, sits up pretty as can be.
Did you know?
V e t Cl i n i c I t e m s X-ray machine & developer Microscope Blood pressure machine with cuffs for animals Latex & non-latex gloves animal items Purina brand dog chow, puppy chow, cat chow, and kitten chow Friskies brand canned cat food Any brand canned kitten food Chew bones Toys Peanut butter & Kong toys for dogs Kitty litter — all kinds Chicken baby food Hay for small animals Furry mice toys for cats Carpet trees & hidey-hole houses for cats Feather or wand toys for cats Humane animal traps — large sizes Folding metal exercise pens
volunteers Event Planner Carpenter Handyperson Master Gardeners Pet Groomer Pet photographer Data Entry Help On-call Techie
Get ready… Get set…Walk! Maine’s former Governor Angus King, with his faithful sidekick, Panda, leaped out ahead of the pack at L.L.Bean’s Discovery Park and led a parade of nearly 250 pets and their proud parents in downtown Freeport. Humans and canines agree, the procession of participants was bigger than last year’s walk, with more than double the attendees and raised nearly $10,000!
on the we b
See lots more photos — and a video — by visiting our website and clicking on the Events tab. You may even find a photo of you and your dog!
The day-of-fun combined the CHS “Paws for a Cause” dog walk fundraiser with the L.L.Bean “Dog Days of August” celebration of the family pet. Included in the event were doggy contests, pet portraits, a police dog demonstration, a visit from Slugger the Sea Dog, caricatures, massages (for the dogs!), face painting, “Ask the Veterinarian,” agility demos, and much, much more! A huge thank you to all those who raised pledges and walked, brought in pet products and services, or lent their skills. The folks at L.L.Bean deserve three rousing woofs and a special slurp on the nose for partnering with CHS to help homeless and loveable mutts. Woof! Woof! Hurray! Who is having more fun? Is it the animals or their human companions? Let’s call it a tie!
Let us know how it works: If you try the “Enough,” + pat-pat + turn away technique, (or any other training tips from the ABR website) let us know how it works! Post your comments on our Facebook page or email Jane at jsiviski@coastalhumanesociety.org.
Coming soon — new Pet Wellness Workshops! With the help of some very special volunteers (Gary Aldridge, Tony Gibbs) we created our Pet Wellness Workshops — a quarterly set of panel discussions, lectures and demonstrations dedicated to educating our community on anything and everything pet.
special than k s
Workshops have brought in veterinarians, behavior consultants, animal communicators, dog trainers, cat trainers and more from all over New England.
— j a n e s i v i s k i ,
6
Social Media & Website Coordinator
He may not get the message right away — or he might. But if you persist in your refusal to engage him in any way — no further discussion, no eye contact — he’ll get it. In dog language it’s gentle and polite.
Watch a demo: This training tip, from Dr. Patricia McConnell, is demonstrated in an online video at abrionline.org, the Animal Behavioral Resources (ABR) website. The site features top trainers and behavior consultants demonstrating on video.
u pcomin g events
We aim to arm the community with the knowledge and solutions that will create more confident pet owners — and if that means fewer animal surrenders to local shelters, then I guess that’s just something we’ll have to live with!
So, give him a couple of quick pat-pats on the head, a verbal cue: ”Enough,” then immediately turn your head and eyes away which is dog language for “I’m not interacting with you right now.” You can also fold your arms, if you’d like.
Try it: “Enough” + pat-pat + turn away.
It has been established that people who own pets live longer, have less stress, and have fewer heart attacks. Pets also promote social interaction, decrease loneliness, and increase morale and optimism.
January 2011 will mark the third year of these free and informative workshops, and we hope you’ll join us for our best events yet! Among the topics on the docket for next year is Cattitude II — back by popular demand — and Animal Communication. We hope this effort to engage and educate the public will result in a better understanding of animal behavior.
A : The secret is to use dog language and cues. If you put your arm out to push him away (people language) he interprets it as a play gesture (dog language). People who work with wolves have discovered that a couple of quick pats on the head signals “That’s enough.” Dogs also don’t like to be patted — Stroked, scratched, belly rubbed? Yes; Patted? No.
jackie perfetto
We thank Jackie for two years of volunteer service. She has served our shelter in many capacities: greeter, adoption counselor, front desk person... the list goes on. She exemplifies the word volunteer. We wish her well on her move to Texas, and look forward to her return to Maine and, especially, CHS.
w e wa n t to h e a r from you
If you have a great idea for a workshop, or are interested in sponsoring an event, please email Jane at jsiviski@coastalhumanesociety.org. molly,
a German Shepherd pup, relaxes with mom.
linda arnold Marge Jensen barbara pelley Jackie Perfetto anne richardson beau sperry marge tilley Mary Weinberg
Did you know?
Are you a cat- or dog-person? It turns out 60% of all adults say that they like both dogs and cats.
Also special thanks to these volunteers who donated many Saturdays to staff our outreach information table. 7
People memorials
Donations were made in honor of the following special people between June 24, 2010, and September 29, 2010. Marilyn Alden
Edward & Elaine Gray Jillian & Rodger Herrigel Tyler Horning Howard Arb o
Marion Reed Alva Jean Ber ger
Rebecca Killam Janine Beverly G ay l e B e s s e y
Coastal Humane Society memorials
Goodwin’s Chevrolet-Mazda Erin Havey Nancy & Wayne Hurst
CHS is pleased to accept donations with the names of those whom you wish to memorialize. In order to properly celebrate your loved one, please specify next to each name whether your memorial is in the name of a special person or a beloved pet. Thank you for your continued support!
Phyllis & Donald Barrett Jacqueline E. Duval Barney & Carol McKinney Mary M. St. Pierre
p ersonal memoria l s
Send your donation plus the name of the person(s) you wish to honor, and include your name, to Personal Memorials, c/o Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011 p et memorials
Send your donation to us with the name of the animal(s) you wish to memorialize, and your name, to Pet Memorials, c/o Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011. other donations
Please note that all other donations will be listed in our annual report. Thank you!
Constance J. Bie t t e
Russell Camp
Ha u s to n (Spa r ky ) & J o a n Ho lb r o ok s
Hilton, Dorothy & Gayle Libby Ad e l i n e K a z i l i o n i s
Psychiatric Associates Su s a n K i ng
Elizabeth & Carlton Reed Sandra K. Wolfrum K y r a Ro s e
Donna Henry Su s a n L e e t
Robert & Elizabeth Leeman Todd & Patti Thompson Re v. R . Mi c h a e l M c G a r r igl e
Theresa Burke B e r n a rd McN u lt y
Jane Fabiny Literary Round Table Sa m P e t t y
Charles & Doris Kent J o h n Q u at t i c c i
Marion Reed
Kathy Martin
Il a “ J e a n ” R a n da l l
Fo l ly Guinness
David Skidgel Higgi n s
Annie B. Simpson J a ke y
Ma c Me ggi e
Ellen Nordholm Mr s . B r o w n
Stephanie & Alan Irwin Penny
Richard & Eliza Stark Petey
Jim & Laurel Steuernagle Ri l e y
Anonymous
Winnifre d C hase
Evelyn & Hugh Dunphy Marguerite & Donald Newberg
Wicca
Si dn e y
Joanne Schnyder Darcy Cunningham
Elva D i o n n e Sm i t h
Xenia
Joan & Skip Johnson Bruce & Mary Mott Mary St. Pierre Margaret & Philip Sumner
Jim & Patricia Lowery
Donald & Barbara Schroeder
J o a n C. S m i t h
People honorariums
Her bert C rafts II
Margaret Spear
Bath Savings Institution Irene McPhetres Cyn d i
Amity Reynolds Ruth Diehl
Robin Dow Citizens Marilyn Jane Dun n i ng
Edward & Elaine Gray Jillian & Roger Herrigel Tyler Horning The Father & Do gs of Karen O lsen
Deborah Slavin & Psychiatric Associates Barbara Goin g
Maryann & Tom Anglim Marilyn A . Gor d o n
Norman Hanson DeTroy Mary Gritvitch
Marion Reed Paul Joseph H an l e y
Judith P. Clarke Nicole M. Cohen Gloria E. Gray Jillian & Rodger Herrigel Nancy & Mark LaBrie Marlene A. Marchand Carrie Suchar Sandy Wills Sarah H ary
Edith Hary Mary H. Irvine
Ro b e r t Tu c ke r
Kathe & David Chipman Ro ge r W i l l e y
Jean Irish
Pet memorials
Donations honoring the following pets were received between June 24, 2010, and September 29, 2010. A n ge l
Linda Ricchio Annie
Elinor Christie Ann Lehmann Betty Del Greco
Barbara Del Greco B u s t e r & R eb a l
Irene & Alex Delicata C a l ed o n i a
Pat & Ron Hodgdon Cashmere
John & Sharon Johnston C h ippe r
Jessica Marchese C o lby
Donations honoring the following people were received between June 24, 2010, and September 29, 2010. D o n n a Ma r i a B o r de a u x
Leslie & Jess Lindgren Jason & Jamie Frost
Jane Siviski
Karen Rendall
Social Media Coordinator & Marketing/Development Assistant
Administrative Office Coordinator
Strictly speaking, Jane isn’t a new employee — she’s been at CHS for over a year and loves it — but she jumped at the opportunity to put a picture of her beloved Tito in the newsletter! He is an expert snuggler, eater, sleeper, and friend, and he looked just like a pussy willow as a kitten, when Jane and her family adopted him from CHS 13 years ago. He is a very skillful hunter and often brings back presents for the family. So considerate of him.
Karen lives with Rooby, a four year old black lab and Raggy, a four year old black cat. She’s in charge of all things HR, payroll, bookkeeping, purchasing, facility management and IT support. This is her first time working for an animal welfare organization.
On a snowy New Year’s Eve, Brenda and her husband settled in for a quiet night at home. They’d set Cookie outside for a few minutes to do her doggy business. She was attached to a retractable leash so she could have room to maneuver then return to the house and bark to be let in. After a longer than usual stretch of silence they investigated and to their horror found only a leash with no dog on the end! They searched frantically in the darkness for their pet. But a small white dog disappears quickly in a snowstorm! Over the next week, posters and daily calls to the police department, shelters, and neighbors brought no results. Cookie had simply vanished. On January 4th, a kind woman named Wendy brought a shivering and hungry Jack Russell terrier into the shelter. Wendy had rescued the scared little dog from the middle of a busy street. There was about 18-inches of leash hanging from her collar. She was dubbed Walnut and whisked off to the clinic for treatment. Walnut was hungry, dehydrated, and very cold, but not frostbitten, so her prognosis was excellent for a full recovery. She was settled into the isolation unit to recover and to wait for her owner to claim her.
for their wedding Kirsten & Chris Behling Kathryn Kelley Brenda Marks Christine Parker
When such a nice dog remained unclaimed after several days, the staff member in charge of the isolation area called some local police departments. She hit the jackpot with Topsham. They recognized her as the “Cookie” they had been hearing reports about for nearly a week!
A n n Ha r f o r d
Kate Myall & Phyllis Hill K at h y Su l l i va n & S a ndy J a l be r t
Barbara A. Olexa C o n n i e Mc C a b e & C h r i s D u va l
Flash forward to a tearful, jubilant reunion — and that’s the best part of the story.
Karin Blake & Connie Tassinari C a r l Mi s s a l
Kathy & Erik Missal
— lisa smith,
Front Desk Manager & Community Outreach Coordinator
K at h y Mi s s a l
Carl & Patricia Missal D a l l a s S ta pl e s
Janice Hill
Pet honorariums
Donations honoring the following pets were received between June 24, 2010, and September 29, 2010.
Dana Lombardi
C h lo e
Corona
Jean Broberg & Henry McCrillis
Tammy Morrissey
Iv y
Delilah
Elaine R. Doran
Luke S. MacFadyen
Mi s t y
Doolin
Suzie Madigan
Jim Collins
Our new staff members — and their pets — introduce themselves.
Barbara A. Olexa
Ev e l e t h R i c e
C a pta i n Ro b e r t Spe a r
Lost (and found)
L a dy
Edg ar (Tim) Catli n
Lee & Stanley Munsey
Fresh faces at CHS
Amy Rancourt
Shelagh Dorn
Joseph Coo k
ha pp y tale
Craig & Lori Palmer
Colleen Wilson
Amy Crone
news
Ann & Skip Robinson
Toni Sawyer
Audra Griffith
Animal Technician & Adoption Counselor
Animal Technician in Pet Isolation
Toni lives with Brady, a two year old Lhasa Apso/Pomeranian, and a Beta fish named Gussett. She is also fostering five feral kittens from CHS. Much to her surprise, Toni is becoming a cat person; she started off as a dog lover. Toni “loves the people here. It is the most open and friendly place of anywhere she’s worked.”
Audra has been a veterinary clinician for five years, in Utah, Colorado, and now Maine. She has an Australian cattle dog mix named Layla, who tries to herd Audra’s cats, Huck, Thelma, and Underdog, who are all rescues. “It’s a zoo,” says Audra. “There are no quiet moments at my house.” Audra thinks CHS is fantastic. “You can tell everyone loves what they’re doing.”
lost pet?
If you know someone who lost a pet, tell them to check the local animal shelters. CHS keeps a log of reported lost and found animals to compare to animals that are brought in. We also have a list of shelters and Animal Control Officers for area towns. To report a lost animal, call CHS at 725-5051. Dial ext. 20 for lost/found cats, or ext. 22 for lost/found dogs.
sam
Lindsy Goodwin
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up comin g events for 2010/2011
news
Get involved with CHS!
All listed events will be held at our shelter, unless otherwise noted. Visit our web site frequently to check for new workshops or other updates. decembe r sat, 12/18
Pet Grief Support Meeting 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Hospice Volunteers 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick
Rabies Plus Clinic 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon during Holiday Open House Coastal Humane Society
thurs 12/16 – sun 12/19
Pet Photographer 12 noon – 4:00 p.m. during Holiday Open House Coastal Humane Society
CHS Holiday Open House 12 noon – 6:00 p.m.
New thrift store to benefit CHS A wonderful, locally-owned consignment store has opened on Bow Street in Freeport. New Beginnings, has formed a partnership with Coastal Humane Society and is now accepting items to be sold for the benefit of the shelter. Lisa Smith, CHS’s Community Outreach Coordinator, commented, “Other shelters have benefited tremendously by recycling items their members no longer need and selling them to support their work with animals. As donations diminish with the poor economy we need to find creative new ways to generate revenue toward our 1.2 million operating budget.” You can help by donating your unneeded contemporary and vintage pieces — see list below for acceptable items. For every item that’s donated, the shelter will get 50% of the sale. Be sure to mention CHS when you drop off your donations. (You may also leave them in a bin next to the back door of the shop when it’s closed.) Items supporting CHS will be specifically identified in the shop. Don’t hold back on your donations. What isn’t sold in-store will be saved for two future rummage sales! sto r e in f o r m ati o n
Acce p ted sto r e items
New Beginnings 27 Bow Street, Freeport 865-7078
• jewelry
Open September through May, Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• shoes and bags • accessories • classic or contemporary clothing (washed and pressed is best!) • small furniture and home décor
www.newbeginningsfreeport.com Above, left to right: m i n dy , owner of New Beginnings, holding r i c c o . o l i v e r helps showcase some of the merchandise. Donate or shop to help raise money for CHS!
Did you know? 10
Birds actually dream when they sleep. According to research conducted by the University of Chicago, they dream about their songs, have dream rehearsals, and sing the same songs better the next day.
j an uary
wed 12/8
sat 1/8
Santa Paws Photo Ops for pets and people 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. during Holiday Open House Coastal Humane Society
Rabies Clinic 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Harpswell Town Hall
new classes
Dog Obedience Classes Start the new year off right by signing up for new beginner and intemermediate dog obedience classes held at CHS. When: Six-week Wednesday sessions starts January 12 Class 1: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Class 2: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Class 3: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Cost: $85 per session, $50 for a dog adopted from CHS Sign up: Call 725-5051, ext.23 or email info@coastalhumanesociety.org
new community service
Low-cost spay/neuter clinic opens in Freeport A low cost spay/neuter clinic to benefit low income pet owners is scheduled to open in November. Dr. Elizabeth Stone, DVM will operate the Community Spay/ Neuter Clinic, which is located just south of downtown Freeport at 475 U.S. Rte. 1 in The Freeport Outlet mini-mall. For more information. call 207-865-0072 (or 865-0075) or visit www.communityspayneuterclinic.com. The Community Spay-Neuter Clinic is part of the Humane Alliance's National Spay-Neuter Response Team (NSNRT) and is the fifth such clinic to open in New England. As part of the program, the staff are trained in high-volume, highquality, low-cost spay-neuter operations. “There is no disease or condition of companion animals that takes as many of their lives as euthanasia," says Janet M. Scarlett, DVM, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Cornell University. Millions of healthy, adoptable animals are euthanized nationally every year just because there are not enough homes for them. The goal of the of the NSNRT — and clinics like Dr. Stone's — is to help end pet overpopulation, reduce euthanasia numbers and make spay/neuter services affordable to those who might not otherwise spay or neuter their pets.
cel eb ration
60 years!
The Coastal Humane Society has been caring for animals for 60 years! It began with a group of volunteers who, in 1950, leased and renovated a barn near the shelter’s present site. Professor Stanley Chase of Bowdoin College served as the society’s first president. Happy 60 years, CHS — here’s to many more!
If you know someone who would benefit from this clinic, please spread the word! 11