Generous Friend of the Animals Shares her Allowance

What a nice way to start a Monday.    Grace's note  was

sitting on my desk this morning.   It is not every day that

someone shares her allowance with the animals!   The animals

will definitely benefit from Grace's generosity.

West Education Campus Fourth Graders Celebrate National Poetry Month with Their Own Poems

West Education Campus students in Ms. Outten's fourth grade recently had two special visitors in their class.   Kevin Johnson, and his WARL adoptee Ava, shared tales of their adventures.   Ava, a very small football-shaped dog, was passed from student to student as Kevin told of their many escapades.  Ahureda wrote an acrostic that, in just seven words, captures the essence of Ava.

Awesome in any clothes

Very Courageous

Adventurous

Other students created poems about their own animal companions.
Mittens, by Dayja

My Pal

Is ready for the prey

Takes care of me

Takes care of family

On the go

Nice Cat

Safe with Me.

Janaye wrote about her cat, too.
My cat's name is Mimi and she is shy,
she runs away like saying bye.
sometimes Mimi runs like crazy
She is so amazing.

Only Five More Days of National Poetry Month!

Cythintha Rylant has a poem for every month in Bless Us All-- A Child's Yearbook of Blessings, a collection that celebrates the joys of every day life. The much-loved author of more than 100 books including both the Mr. Putter and Tabby and Henry and Mudge series, is often pictured with one of her rescue dogs. The April poem is fitting for today.

April

Bless the raindrops

from the sky,

Bless the babies

rolling by,

Bless all papas

                                           with their pups,

                                              Bless the cats and buttercups.

The National Poetry Month Celebration Continues!

I've read Cat Poems by Dave Crawley hundreds of times, but somehow never really spent much time on the last poem in the collection, Tandy Is Twenty. I happened on the poem this morning just as I was updating my photo file with recent picture of Max and Micky.  We adopted Micky more than 10 years ago, and for all we  know he could be 20 -- he was a seasoned adult then, and is definitely a very senior cat now.  Max, just four when Micky moved in, could have written a similar poem for his regular bed buddy.

Tandy is Twenty

by Dave Crawley

Tandy is twenty years old today.

Her shiny black coat is speckled with gray.

She no longer scampers with kittenish glee.

She's not up for leaping or climbing a tree.

I was just a young boy the day she was born.

The toys I gave her are tattered and torn.

Though games we played have come to an end,

she's still my companion , and I'm still her friend.

Tandy is twenty years old today.

Her shiny black coat is speckled with gray.

but stroking her neck still brings back the joy--

when she was a kitten and I was a boy.

  

A Picture is Truly Worth a Thousand Words!



 I was hurrying through the lobby to my office last week and stopped to smile.   A family had just adopted a puppy, and  they were posing for their first post-adoption photo.   I grabbed my camera and snapped a picture, too.  Obviously, little Rocket (christened by his forever family) was happy to sit and grin for the portrait. 

The love and joy that emanates from this photo is why we do what we do at the League.  Every time a once cast-off pup -- or dog, cat, or kitten -- charms his way into a family's heart we are reminded that, we don't just come to work, we carry out a mission -- to rescue, rehabilitate and  rehome animals who have nowhere else to go.  

Undoubtedly, Rocket -- with good company -- will be going lots of places!  First stop, HOME.

 

Jonah with the food donations
 that were donated, at his request,
 by guests at his bar mitzvah.



Jonah visiting with
a puppy at the League.

The word mitzvah refers to a good or worthy deed.  Jonah, a local seventh grader, who recently celebrated his bar mitzvah  accomplished a MEGA -MITZVAH.   Jonah, and several religious school classmates visited the League in October 2011, a couple of months before Jonah's bar mitzvah ceremony and celebration.  It was during that tour that he decided that he wanted to share his important day with the animals.  Not just any animals.  Jonah decided to ask his bar mitzvah guests to  contribute to  the Washington Animal Rescue League's Rescuers Food Bank.  The Food Bank enables under-served members of our community to pick up dog or cat food from the League on a monthly basis.  
Since the economic down-turn several years ago, more and more animal guardians have found the Food Bank to be a tremendous help.   Many of the folks who rely on the food contribution are elderly, some are people who have fallen on hard times -- all are people who love their companion animals and want to care for them properly.  Clinic clients often tell staff that they are feeding their dogs instead of themselves -- it should not be an either/or situation. 

The Food Bank is stocked entirely by donations.   Jonah's collection will go a long way to help people and animals in Washington.  His mom's SUV was packed to the roof with bags, boxes and cans.  In addition, Jonah brought an envelope with cash and checks donated by several of his guests. 
I often show student groups through the shelter and wonder what impact their tour will have on their views concerning animal welfare.   In Jonah's case, I know -- one Sunday morning visit to the League sparked a MEGA mitzvah that will fill the bellies of many much-loved animal companions and the hearts of their devoted  guardians.

  

Third Graders Welcome Nigel

Nigel enjoys multiple pats while posing with his third grade friends.

Nigel and I recently visited Ms. Nolan and Ms. Kennedy's third graders at John Burroughs Elementary School.   The girls and boys learned about domestic animal care, and they introduced me to a story about living harmoniously with wildlife, Two Days in May by Harriet Peck.

In the story, Two Days in May, the people showed respect toward the animals because they were trying to get the animals a new home.   I think the people didn't want to upset the animals.  They did not want to harm the animals.  They love the deer.  They showed that they were being kind because they were taking care of the deer.   -- Antoine.

In the story Two Days in May, the people showed respect and kindness toward the animals because they didn't hurt or kill them.  The people took very good care of them.   The animals are very loving and sweet.  The animal control came and shot the deer with a tranquilizer.  The animal control took the deer to their parents..  -- Henniya

Based on Antoine, Henniya and others' recommendation, I definitely want to read Two Days in May. Based on our discussion on companion animal care, some of the students realized that, although they would like to live with a cat or dog, they may not be in a position to do so.

I can't take care of an animal because I don't have money for food, leash, collar, a microchip and toys. -- Michael

I don't know if I could take of an animal because I have to spend a lot of money on food, toys and a place to sleep.  -- Elmer

I wish that more adults would consider the cost and time involved in caring for a companion animal.  Perhaps then they would make more responsible decisions.

Springtime is Bird Time!

On the way to ordering one of my favorite Bob Graham books, "Let's Get a Pup," Said Kate, I found How to Heal a Broken Wing, the perfect springtime read.  While taking in an injured bird, and nursing it back to health, is not typically a practical way to help, the premise of the story -- that it is OUR responsibility to help -- is the essence of the book.  While the busy commuters rush by an injured pigeon, a child stops to help the fragile bird.   Through a series of compassionate illustrations, accompanied by few words, readers will feel the power of one.   The child and his mom take the injured bird home and nurse the pigeon back to health. 

This is baby bird season.   Since we barely had a winter, we may see more baby birds fluttering about sooner than in years past.  Sometimes, baby birds on the ground appear injured even though they are not, they are just learning to fly with mama bird watching from a safe distance.   Observers of baby birds should do the same.   If the area is danger free, more than likely theparental  instructions provided wil, before long,l help baby bird maneuver a safe flight.  But, if the bird truly appears injured, as the pigeon does in How to Heal a Broken Wing, call your local animal control agency or wildlife rehabilitation organization for instructions on how to help the bird.  Some agencies will send an officer to retrieve the injured bird, others will ask if you can transport it to their center.  

A Little Poem by Ogden Nash

The Dog
by Ogden Nash


The truth I do not stretch or shove
When I state that the dog is full of love.
I've also found, by actual test,
A wet dog is the lovingest.

National Poetry month continues -- write a poem, read a poem, sing a poem!

Celebrate!



Happy National Poertry Month!   In honor of this  Illustrious event I reread So, What's it Like to be a Cat, a fun book written in verse by Karla Kuskin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin (Click Clack Moo).   The boy asks his friend, "So, what's it like to be a cat," and the feline narrator replies "I'm very glad you asked me that," and goes on in great detail to explain his preferences and actions.   In one of my favorite passages the cat answers the boy's question in this exchange,

We know you live with people. 'Ah yes...a few'  Do you like them? Do they like you?

With my catlike dignity

it never has occurred to me

to wonder what they think of me.

At times they're dumb.
At times they're sweet.
they balance nicely on their feet.
I do not think that I could do
as well on merely two.



Change Happens

My old cat Micky is wasting away -- well that's a bit of an exaggeration, but not much.  I brought him in to see Dr. Shillito the other day.  When you take your animal friend to the vet, the doctor asks all sorts of questions.  Obviously, the questions are directed at you since the cat can't speak, or at least talk  in a mutually understandable language.  Anyway, Micky's blood and urine were drawn, diet was discussed and then Dr. Shillito asked what I use for flea and tick prevention.   I proudly said, "Nothing".  After all, Micky, Merl and Charlotte don't go outside, so why would they need flea preventative?  Dr. Shillito was not buying my logic -- he said Nigel goes out, I go out, windows are open, there are ways for fleas, and even ticks to make their way inside the house for a tasty meal of  feline blood.   He strongly suggested a flea and tick preventative.  I begrudgingly said okay.  But not convinced, I looked up "Indoor cats and flea and tick prevention."   AND,   I found numerous articles that said --

Other animals in the household that do go outside (like dogs and people!) can bring in different parasites that can affect the “indoor” cat -- from www.CatHospitalofChicago.com

and

Even if your indoor cat never goes outdoors, it is not a bad idea to implement a flea, heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention program. This is not just my opinion, but that of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). The parasite control recommendations from the CAPC website www.petsandparasitescom state the following: “the use of year-round heartworm and broad spectrum flea, heartworm and intestinal parasite medications, as well as appropriate flea and/or tick products, is the foundation of an effective parasite control program for your cat”. -- at  http://www.petparents.com/show.aspx/question/do-inside-cats-need-flea/tick-medicine.

So, I ordered the monthly preventative and am psyching myself up to apply it to the feline trio.   But, for now, Micky doesn't have fleas, nor do I think he has had them in the ten years that he has lived with me, but he has lost 2 pounds since January.   The diagnosis is not yet totally complete, but the broad, general thought is that he is old and things are changing -- including my opinion regarding flea and tick prevention for indoor cats. 

Every Open Door

An adventure for Charlotte --

Scoping out the bathroom

from the inside of the linen closet!

Charlotte is FEARLESS.  On more than one occasion she has run out the front door.   Luckily, she stops to take in the many smells on each blade of grass, so it's not hard to grab her and bring her back inside where she belongs.   An indoor cat is a safe cat, a cat permitted to go outside is not -- it's just that simple.   Everyone who has ever lived with a cat knows that they are  incredibly curious.  But, those wonders of the outside world also include many dangers that reduce a cat's average life expectancy.  According to Nicholas Dodman, D.V.M., the average life span of indoor cats is about 14 years – though this is reduced to 4 years in cats that are allowed to roam free, exposing themselves to the hazards of outdoor life.  There are countless dangers outside -- not just cars, but poisons, predators, cruel people, disease, and numerous other horrors.    Charlotte finds every opportunity to explore new things and new places.  Recently there was another open door that Charlotte ventured through -- the door to the linen closet! 

It Takes a Village to Rescue and Raise Puppies



Katrina,  lying on the blanket, 
and her friend enjoy the spring-like weather
 with  PUPPIES!



 

A mother dog, and her ten puppies, were victims of a horrible hoarding tragedy.   People who collect animals may be well-meaning when they start taking in animals, but their good intentions quickly go astray causing horrible, overcrowded living conditions that result in the fear stricken animals fighting to survive.   The pups, born to an older retriever mix shortly after the seizure, are thriving in Washington Animal Rescue League's foster care program.   The mom dog was one of 108 dogs rescued in December by the Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) Animal Rescue Team.  The League took in more than a dozen of the rescued dogs and,  fortunately, had a wonderful volunteer foster family willing to take in the mother dog and her pups.    

The initial  HSUS press release from Macon Mississippi read ...When responders arrived on the scene Tuesday morning they found breeds ranging from hound mixes to Labrador retriever mixes housed throughout the property. Many of the dogs suffered from medical ailments such as skin infections, untreated wounds and other serious ailments. The dogs were being allowed to reproduce and several pregnant dogs were rescued. They were being housed in feces-ridden outdoor pens with little protection from the elements.

Fosters Susan and Tom, and their children Katrina and Nicholas, are quite popular these days.   Lucky for the pups the early socialization is endless.  Had they been born and left in the deplorable conditions, where their mother just barely survived, the pups would never have made it.  Now, in just a couple of weeks they will move on to their forever homes, many not far from their foster home.  



After All These Years, There are Still Too Many!

This picture of cat condos is NOT at the Washington Animal Rescue League.  It was taken at ARF -- Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek, California.   I was there for the annual humane educators' conference.  There were nearly 100 of us there attending the two-day event.   Seeing the cats and dogs at ARF and talking to all of the wonderful shelter personnel, volunteers and conference attendees reminded me once again that the companion animal overpopulation problem is not limited to Washington, DC.   Unfortunately, shelters throughout the United States remain overcrowded -- if anything, there are more humane groups and shelters today than there were when I started in animal welfare work more than 30 years ago.   The care we give homeless animals has improved immeasureably over the years.  But the fact remains -- we live in a disposable society where cats and dogs are tossed aside like an old pair of shoes; and, even with low-cost spay/neuter programs readily available, cats and dogs reproduce.  And, they reproduce exponentially!
I came home from California to a yard sprouting with daffodils and above average March temperatures,  which can only mean one thing -- SPRING.  And, with Spring comes an influx of kittens and puppies.  Kittens and puppies are cute -- only Cruella Deville, would say otherwise -- but a  litter of unwanted homeless kittens and puppies is heartbreaking -- they break the hearts of shelter staff and volunteers every day.

Enjoy Spring.  Stop to smell the flowers, enjoy the rising temperatures and tell a friend or neighbor to get their cat or dog spayed or neutered.    

Klaus & Zelda -- A Perfect Match!



Zelda (left) and Klaus (right)
snuggle in the sunlight.



Earlier this year we received an email  from a former adopter stating that her beloved cat had recently died and, Klaus, a recent WARL adoptee (see previous posts), was missing his buddy.   Our adoptions team suggested that she meet Poof and the rest, as they say, is history.

Many thanks for identifying Zelda (Poof)  as a good companion for Klaus and for us. She's been with us for about a month and Klaus and Zelda are getting along great! They track each other room to room, engage in the 11 p.m. romp around the house and do mutual grooming. They both are incredibly playful (Zelda has slimmed down a bit from all the activity) as well a good lap cats.

The picture of the compatible cats, and the accompanying email proves my often said point -- two cats are definitely happier, and far more entertaining than one!

ADORABLE!



Miles holds the smiling pooch for an exit photo --
Custer is spending Valentine's Day at home!



Little Custer, sitting on Miles' lap, did not look like a plush toy when he came  to the League from another shelter.  The victim of neglect, he needed a day at the beauty parlor before finding a forever home!   Custer was treated to a warm bath and a designer haircut by our wonderful volunteer groomer. 

Catapalooza a Huge Success!! Great Felines Still Waiting for Forever Homes!!

Takoma Education Campus student, Jesse,
drew Max the cat especially for Catapalooza

Twenty, TWO-O!!,  cats found loving forever homes at our annual Catapalooza cat adoption event.   The noon time crowd packed the cattery,  meeting and greeting the cats of their dreams.    

This morning the cat room is nearly empty.   A few cats, like Santiago pictured above, is wondering why they were left behind.  We are hoping that adopters, who might want to meet their forever friends in a more relaxed atmosphere, will show up during the week.  Most days, cats chase toys across the floor and climb the floor-to-ceiling cat jungle gym.  And, when you sit down to observe, it is not unusual for a cat or two  to climb into your lap for a little snuggling time.   Some of our more reserved cats, like the stunning, long-haired and declawed (who would do such a terrible thing?) Tikka, are taking their time picking their forever person.  

The festive decorations were created by young artists
 at the Prospect Learning Center,
under the direction of art teacher Rain Young.

Catapalooza! This Sunday

Micky & Merl sleeping side-by-side.

Say that five times really fast -- BACKWARDS.  Or, just come to the League's ultimate cat adoption event,  this Sunday from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.   Celebrate Valentine's Day at Catapalooza -- create a card for someone special, eat a sweet, or a adopt a cat -- maybe two.   A pair of cats are twice the love. 

Sgt. Chris Holmes and Cazo -- Heroes in the Community, Favorite Classroom Visitors!



Cazo will chew on his toy,
but he would rather play tug!



Cazo really likes fourth grade.



Cazo enjoys posing with his friends.

I visited three schools in the last 10 days and learned something new every time.   That's because D.C. Fire Department's Sgt. Chris Holmes, and his canine partner Cazo, accompanied me to each of those visits.   Like the fourth and fifth graders who enjoyed the presentations, I was amazed every time I saw the photos of Chris and Cazo high atop a pile of rubble in Haiti; tethered from a helicopter hanging in mid-air; and on a small boat in the dark on the Anacostia.  I can't imagine riding in a helicopter, let alone jumping out of one AND holding my dog -- I don't think Nigel would be up for the dare-devil activity either.   But that's what Chris and Cazo do --  in order to rescue someone  lost deep in the Shenandoah National Forest, they are lowered to the ground from a hovering helicopter.  Chris delivers a serious presentation about fire safety and rescue work, but you can't help but laugh when Cazo interrupts, insisting on another game of tug.  Chris gently tells Cazo  platz.  The smart, working dog is totally bilingual.  No doubt there are many tug games during the off hours.





Too Sad for Words

I just opened yahoo on my computer and read this headline,  AP Exclusive: New taste for Thai elephant meat,  The article at, http://news.yahoo.com/ap-exclusive-taste-thai-elephant-meat-035353902.html., is heartbreaking.

If Only Charlotte Could Paint......

Photo by Max

Charlotte had no trouble climbing to the top of the ladder.   If only she could  paint!  She did manage to rub by a freshly painted wall so that her right side donned a completely new look.   We already have one orange cat; and Charlotte, as a calico, just didn't work.  So, Charlotte's first encounter with paint quickly turned into Charlotte's first encounter with a warm was cloth!

Little Kitten Warms Up to Nigel

Nigel is not so sure how he feels about today's office visitor.   The little kitten, found cold and all  alone in an alley, was rescued by a good Samaritan. The tiny tabby is getting lots of attention from League staff,  and when she's old enough, she will be placed in a forever home.  Maybe one with a gentle dog, like Nigel. 

Powell 4th Graders Learn Lots and Surprise Nigel & Me with Thank You Notes and Artwork!

Ms. Stoessel, Powell Elementary School  librarian, and fourth graders pose with Nigel.  Gabriel (center )is displaying the  portrait of Nigel that he created.  Nigel is amazed by the likeness!

Nigel and I met regularly first semester with Powell Elementary School fourth graders.   The inquisitive students travelled recently to the League to see firsthand what happens in the shelter and medical center.   They asked great questions and eagerly volunteered during animal interactions.   They absorbed everything they learned.  Their wonderful thank you notes confirmed their concern for the animals.  I shared those letters with the entire Washington Animal Rescue League staff this morning, and invited my coworkers to stop by my office to see the beautiful drawing of Nigel hanging on my wall.  The artwork was created by Gabriel, and the poster was signed by the entire class.

"....Thank you for letting us see people doing their jobs....We  learned that if you want to adopt a pet you have to be ready."     Roberto

"...I liked the part when Trip, the dog, came into the room.  I liked that part because I learned so much......Thank you for inviting us."  Estephanie

"Thank you for showing us cool tricks with the dogs and letting us do the tricks with them...." Steven

Look Who is in My Office

Emma and Ray are AWESOME!!!!   SPECTACULAR!!! Super Terrific!!!  This long-haired pair don't just purr, they chirp.   AND, they like to be brushed.   AND, they absolutely love to be  in your face, and on your desk, at all times.  AND, they need a HOME!

They came to the League because their person is seriously ill and cannot care for them.   Obviously, their person loved them a lot.   Looks like they have never missed a meal.   AND, they don't get frightened when the printer goes off right next to their ears or when our giant washing machine sounds like it is going to blast off right beneath the desk

Emma and Ray like  hanging out in the office, but they would be even happier if they had a new home -- one with a soft bed.   My desk is okay for a temporary nap, but both cats would like to snuggle on a comfy mattress with a person or two.

Look Again ---- This is Not a Picture of Nigel and a New Friend

Best Buddies -- Ricky & Lucy

Okay, it's true -- I am partial to black labs.  After all, I live with the one-and-only, absolutely perfect Nigel the Wonder Dog.   And, I truly believe that no home is complete without a cat (if you can properly care for a cat).  So, when a recent adopter sent pictures of Ricky, formerly named Sinbad, and Lucy, a Nigel-looking lab, I couldn't wait to get permission to post the picture. 

Their adopter wrote, "I have always been a dog person and never thought I would love a cat so much!"   I wonder if Lucy felt the same.  From the looks of things, it was love at first sight for this made for prime time pair.

Found -- Forever Homes

The very best thing about returning to the League after a long vacation is seeing all of the adoption updates in my inbox.

There was a photo of Shiloh, an all black cat now named Lola, curled up in her plush, new cat, bed; a cute holiday picture of Bentley, the Yorkie, with his three new BFFs all wearing Santa hats for their photo op; a lovely artistic shot of Persia, the gray tabby, stretched out in the sun; and  lots of pictures, including a video, of Sampson, the big, honey of a German Shepherd who was adopted last year by a family who lives in Long Island. Long time readers may remember how Sampson's, new family -- mom, dad, three dog-adoring kids, and a yellow Labrador retriever named Amber, responded to an adoption appeal and travelled to the League to meet, and adopt, Sampson. What better way to start the new year than by sharing just a few of those photos.  Enjoy!

Good-Bye 2011

January 2012 brings freezing temperatures.  No more winter walks with shirtsleeves.   Make sure that cats and dogs are safe INSIDE.   Report animals left out in the cold to your local animal control agency.  

Busy Boxes Continue to Entertain

 Six months after the pizza box carton busy boxes were created by Tuyet and Tra My during Caring Kids -- Animals & Art --  Camp,  League alums, Allister Moody and friend, continue to be engaged by the colorful toys.  Allister (white and orange kitty), who underwent eye surgery while residing at the League, was a staff favorite.   Nice to see that, not only does he see perfectly well, but is loved bunches by his four-legged and two legged forever friends. 


Thanks to Papa John's of the National Capital Area for donating the boxes for the camp projects and thanks to artists Katherine Leonard and Bonnie Branner for coordinating the project.


Information about the Washington Animal Rescue League's Caring Kids -- Animals & Art --  Camp, and two other  2012 summer camps will be posted in February.