A Week at HRA!

Caring Kids Spring Break Camp campers met many  animals during their week at HRA. They also helped us help the animals by making cat and dog toys, assembling pupscicles (frozen dog treats made with dog food, peanut butter, applesauce, and pumpkin) and decorated e-collars to give a festive look to recently spayed and neutered dogs and cats awaiting adoption. Campers were always eager to offer pats and cuddles to every animal they met.

The start of summer camp is less than 8-

weeks away. Lots of animal welfare enthusiasts live in the DMV; all four summer camps -- Careers, All About Animals, Animal Advocates, and Art and Animals -- are completely full. We are excited to have lots of new workshop leaders this year and many past camp favorites returning to share their passion, expertise, and animals with us! 

What's Better than Curling Up with a Good Book -- Reading a Good Book to a Good Dog!

Marley sneaks a peak at a dog training book.

Ralph (& David) listen  intently
and enjoys the colorful photos.

Wilson, Ms. Clark, and readers take a smile break

Ruff Readers is a collaborative effort; Humane Rescue Alliance, PAL (People Animals Love), and Center City Public Charter School Petworth Campus planned, organized, and implemented the Monday afternoon reading program.  One of the keys to a successful in -school reading to dogs program is having the administration on board. That was an easy sell. Principal Burgy's little rescue dog, Marley, is a regular at the school. While Marley, who is deaf, may not be able to hear the story,  he's very good at offering moral support.
The dogs have been listening to the fifth graders read, but beginning next week other students will be signing up to read to a dog for 20 minutes. Many dogs will sit, lay down, or rest endlessly while they listen to a good story.

Altruistic Kids Help Animals at HRA

When Brownie Troop #4608 decided to help the animals at HRA in order to earn their "pet badge" they took a multifaceted approach -- they walked dogs to earn money for HRA ($223.00!!), made lots and lots of toys for the animals, collected much-needed linens, and brought leashes and other items given to them by a local veterinary hospital. The Troop delivered their donations during a Sunday morning tour. They got to visit the animals who will benefit from their kindness and generosity. 

Just as the girls were leaving, Jack and his mom stopped by. They had a car filled with donations that Jack collected at his school. When asked why he orchestrated the collection, he responded that he loves his dog and wants to help the animals at HRA. 

It sure inspires hope in the future when you meet such thoughtful and compassionate kids. Thank you Brownie Troop #4608, Jack,  and all of the in-kind Norwood School donors.

Turn up the Volume -- Enjoy Winnie's Serenade

I was cat-sitting on Christmas. Winnie (formerly Minky at HRA) was getting into the holiday spirit, entertaining me with  her favorite kitty carol. I think the translation was something like "All I want for Christmas is a little extra love and attention". 

I was happy to oblige.

Murch Elementary School's Student Council's Supply Drive for the Animals -- an Overwhelming Success!

Murch Elementary School's student council's posters papered the hallways for nearly a month encouraging the Murch community to support the animals during the holiday season. Not only did the poster designers list items needed for the cats, dogs, and small animals at HRA, but they directed contributors to our web site so families could donate directly through Amazon. In addition to posters and announcements, the student council promoted their HRA supply drive on the Murch Twitter feed:

• Our collection for the Humane Rescue Alliance is growing! Please consider donating items until December 7th! Thank you! #WeAreMurch ⁦@murchschool⁩ ⁦@MurchFamilies⁩ ⁦@MurchStuCouncil⁩

The collection in the school's lobby!

The Murch community came through in a big way.

The collection in my car! 

Center City PCS, Petworth, Girls on the Run Organizes a Linen Drive for the Animals at HRA

Girls on the Run not only train together, but they support their community together. The kind, compassionate, civic-minded members recently decided to support HRA by hosting a linen drive. They papered their school with informative posters and placed a collection box in a centrally located spot within the school. The day after the signs went up, donations started filling the box. No doubt, when the drive ends November 16th, the box will be full.  The shelter uses linens for bedding for the animals and for cleaning the shelter. We depend on the community to help us help the animals. Thank you Center City PCS Girls on the Run for organizing the linen drive and for letting the Center City PCS community know that HRA needs and appreciates their generous support.  

Brothers' Update

The boys go to the vet.

The bonded brothers not only have a new home, but they have new names. Jasper, the more domineering of the two, and Oliver, the one with the fluffy tail, recently had their first official vet visit. Of course staff loved them. Their guardian reports that all of that cuddling and togetherness in their condo at HRA has, however, gone by the wayside. They've each found their own favorite spots and are not prone to sharing spaces in their new surroundings. Lots of adjustments for all -- guardian and Jasper and Oliver. Expecting to hear that life is a bit more settled in a month or two.

Murphy likes to be where the action is.
The stove was off.
No cats were cooked for this photograph!

My Murphy is definitely not the same cat today as he was when I brought him home nearly two years ago. He's a lot more chill and people centered.  He was great from the get-go, but looking back, I think that those first six months were a much bigger adjustment for him than I realized. No doubt, Jasper and Oliver have some adjusting yet to do. Stay tuned.......

BFFs

This lovable pair were found abandoned outside of an apartment complex. The good Samaritan who reported their whereabouts noticed that the cats had been hanging around the building and had reason to believe that their former guardian put them out before moving away. The caller fed the cats for a couple of days, but knew that a life outside was not a good option for the boys. The cats are best buds; we suspect that they are brothers -- see the resemblance? It's estimated that they are young adults, maybe a year or two. 

I'm a pushover for orange tabbies -- not sure if there is any scientific research to back my claim, but I am certain that  orange tabbies are more lovable than most cats. Even if it's not proven, some lucky adopter will get double the cuddles with these guys! Just look at the pics!
.
Thank you to the kind patron who noticed the cats and reported them to animal control. 

Tufts Graduate Student Sets the Bar High for Future HRA Humane Education Interns!

I recently enjoyed  the benefit of having an intern for the entire summer. Carly, a graduate student in the Tufts University Animals and Public Policy program, was the fun adult during four weeks of summer camp. She played board games with the campers, created "thinking" exercises that focused on shelter populations and reuniting lost animals with their guardians, and researched and experimented with a laundry list of ice breakers and movement activities. She was the person to sit next to and chat with during camp lunch, too. In addition, Carly quickly established herself as my personal tech guru and was quick to pitch-in no matter what the task. 
Carly will receive her well-earned degree next week. Then, she will be job hunting, hoping to land a position in humane and/or enviromental education. Congratulations, Carly! 

Campers Are Heading Back to School!

 Sixty campers attended one of four Caring Kids Camps at the Humane Rescue Alliance during the summer. Campers created masterpieces in art camp, were introduced to  animal welfare careers,including veterinary medicine, event planning, lobbying, international campaigns, social media, and shelter work in careers camp. And, they met shelter animals, foster animals, dogs from rescue groups, and dogs with jobs (DCFDEMS/FEMA dog and Guiding Eyes for the Blind trainees and graduates) in advocacy camp. Registration for spring break and summer camp 2019 will begin in early February. 

Most District of Columbia students start school next week. Our humane education program consists of classroom programs (4th - 6th grades), shelter tours, book groups, special projects, and more. If you are a teacher, a parent, or student interested in including humane education in your school's programming, please contact me at dduel@humanerescuealliance.org.

Road Trip -- Part 2

Murphy is no fan of car travel. Even worse, Murphy hates trips to the vet. And, since Murphy typically hits the bodily function trifecta (poop, pee, puke) during road trips, he did not get breakfast before his 9:00 a.m. appointment with Dr. Hamilton. Needless to say, Murphy was not a happy camper. From the minute he popped out of his carrier, he was all claws! And muscle. And, that was before Dr. Hamilton looked into Murphy's irritated eye. Once the exam was over, and medicines were dispensed, he did a casual stroll into his carrier and settled in for a peaceful ride home -- and BREAKFAST!

Ready to Hit the Road -- Part One

Meet Flippy. He's waiting to choose the right person or family. He's currently interviewing prospective forever candidates in the main cat room in our Oglethorpe Street shelter. Look closely at the Flippy photo. He's happily riding shot gun as he travelled from our New York Avenue Shelter to Oglethorpe. It is not our custom to transport unsecured cats --  but Flippy chose to go carrier-less. Once on the road, he leisurely let himself out of the carrier and made himself comfortable in the passenger seat of the van. This guy is MR. PERSONALITY. He loves to eat, is a real people-pleaser, and would make the perfect travel companion. So, drive on over and meet fabulous Flippy today.

CAMP!

Like the All-Star break signifying the 1/2 way mark of the baseball season, this week represents the 1/2 way mark in the Humane Rescue Alliance's summer camp schedule. Careers, Working with Animals begins next week and Animals and Art starts August 6th. Below are photos from our earlier sessions -- All About Animals and Animal Advocates camps.

Dr. Woosley gives campers
 a crash course in veterinary medicine.

Team Work! 
Campers make tug toys for
shelter dogs!

Kodiak, a Kyra's Rescue Goodwill Ambassador
visits  with campers.

Hammy and George, beagles rescued from a laboratory,
wait patiently for a treat! They visited camp representing the
 Rescue + Freedom Project

Rose Howard, a Protagonist to Root For

Ann M.Martin knows kids. Ann M. Martin knows dogs. And, Ann M. Martin can really tell a story. In her 2007, In A Dog's Life:Autobiography of a Stray, Squirrel, an abandoned pup, tells her tale of abuse, hunger, loneliness, and friendship. In her 2014 book, Rain Reign (Feiwel and Friends), Rose Howard, a fifth grader, straightforwardly informs the reader, "My official diagnosis is high-functioning autism, which some people call Asperger's syndrome (Do you have a diagnosis?)" 
Rose uses a whole dictionary of homophones (including her name, Rose, and her dog's Reign/rain) to tell  her story of  love,  loss. and perseverance. Rose is strong. Rose endures rabid teasing from classmates, frustration emanating from teachers, and rejection from her tormented father. Rose likes rules. Rose follows rules so much so that she is willing to give-up Rain, the one being who is always there for her. Rain helped to bridge the divide between Rose and her classmates, Rain waited every day when Rose got home from school, and Reign slept with Rose from that very first night. When Rain goes missing during the aftermath of a hurricane, Rose breaks from her routines and boldly goes beyond her comfort zone to find her dog. And that's when she discovers the truth, Rain belongs to the Henderson family. 
Grab a box of tissues, hug your dog, and cheer for Rose. Rain Reign is a winner. A great book to put on everyone’s summer reading list!

Young Animal Heroes Recognized for Their Good Deeds! Thank you Ge'Kyi and John 'Yae

"I was fortunate enough to have some assistance from a few youths in field this evening with a very skittish, adorable small terrier. These guys found a small dog running-at-large on the grounds of their apartment complex and were able to slowly earn its trust to keep it in the area until I arrived.  Their patient efforts in bringing this pup to justice were invaluable!" wrote Animal Control Officer Ryan Jesien way back in March. Recently, I accompanied Officer Jesien to Ingenuity Prep Public Charter School where awards were presented to two of the five young animal heroes. We intend to recognize the other three helpers at their school next week. While the students were not looking for recognition, their efforts to help the frightened, lonely dog definitely deserve to be praised.  Thank you Ge'Kyi and John 'Yae!

DC International Students Make a Plan, Execute it, and Help the Animals!

Awesome looking booth at local farmer's markets

HRA supporters hard at work

Gourmet treats!

Three D.C. International students, who I met in their classroom two years ago,  contacted me recently with a very well-thought out plan to help re-unite animals with their guardians. They wrote, Our idea is to raise money to get dogs or cats to get micro chipped so they don't get lost. The reason why we want to do this for our project and work with the humane society is because first, we all want to help animals as much as we can.  Second, we want to work with the humane society because you help animals for a living and we have already known each other from our past. After a fact-finding trip to HRA, they wrote to several local farmers' markets and asked for space to sell homemade dog biscuits to benefit their microchip initiative. Their first, very successful booth was held at Takoma on Sunday, April 22nd and, for those who missed the opportunity to purchase dog goodies at the market, catch Ana Isabel, Athziri and Anya at the Mount Pleasant Market, on Saturday, April 28th, https://www.facebook.com/MtPFarMar/.    

Caring Camper and Friend Raise Money for the Animals!

Spring break campers met dogs, cats, turtles, snakes, rabbits, and other animals. They made dog toys and cat shelters. They were introduced to survivors of animal cruelty, and helped to socialize a recent rescue who lacked confidence. They met a  volunteer from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a Search and Rescue Team, and worked with a Humane Officer to solve an animal neglect case. And, they enjoyed a freestyle performance by several pairs from Greenbelt Dog Training.
One camper's family adopted a dog and another camper's family adopted a guinea pig! 

Lily and Ella visit the dogs who will benefit from their donation.

And, Lily returned to the Humane Rescue Alliance, a few days after camp, to bring a $78 donation. Lily, and her friend Ella, started a neighborhood dog-walking business more than a year ago.The young entrepreneurs and animal lovers decided to donate their profits to the Humane Rescue Alliance to help "dogs in need" . THANK YOU Lily and Ella!💗💗💗

Happy Valentine's Day! Love & Laughter with the Softies

Archie💗

Matt & Tara💗

When the Show Your Soft Side team came to Washington to take pics of one of their newest Softies, Washington Defensive End Matt Ioannidis, and his lovable pooch, Tara, Humane Law Enforcement Officer Stephon Daniels was there!

K-9 Captain, Christopher Holmes and his DC Fire/EMS and FEMA Urban Search and Rescue partner, Cazo, were photographed, too.

And, then there was Archie, the sweetest and smallest member of the Show Your Soft Side team.  So much fun!💗

For more information about the Show Your Soft Side campaign check out, https://showyoursoftside.org/.

Chris and Cazo💗

💗Stephon & Matt💗

Happy 2018 ! Keep Your Critters Safe and Warm During the Frosty Winter Temperatures

⛄⛄

Thank you Troop 44039

The cozy critter beds that Troop 44039 made for the animals at HRA are perfect for snuggling.   The soft, no-sew beds are just one of the many creature comforts that all companion animals should enjoy.  Please remember that not all animals are safe and warm.   Cold weather is on the way.   An arctic blast is predicted for later this week.   If you see animals who needs help, especially dogs and cats left outside in the cold, please use our 24 hour emergency number to seek help.   202-576-6664.

Cuddle Up With A Good Book!

It feels like winter, the perfect time to curl up with a critter and read a good book.   I have a  couple of suggestions.

Ms. Beasely, a local third grade teacher let me borrow Catie Copley, the beautifully illustrated story of a well-mannered, people pleasing black Labrador retriever.  Catie Copley, works at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts, in the employ of Jim Carey, the hotel’s director of concierge services.   The story left me curious about what Catie might be up to currently.   As we all know, google searches provide an abundance of information quickly.   I learned that there is another canine ambassador at the hotel these days, Carly Copley.   For several years the two dogs worked side by side -- the hotel has lots of guests -- but when Catie retired, Carly began performing double duty.   And, as I continued my search, I learned that the beloved Catie Copley, born in 2001, who trained as a seeing eye dog and served as a goodwill ambassador touching the lives of thousands of hotel visitors since 2004 died in May, 2017.  The tweet announcing her death read, With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the news that our beloved Catie Copley has passed away. Her paw-some love will be missed by all, https://twitter.com/FairmontCopley/status/868103663969021953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bostonmagazine.com%2Fnews%2F2017%2F05%2F26%2Fcatie-copley%2F.

Wish is currently on my bedside table. I'm 3/4 the way through and, so far, it is a real heart-breaker. Charlie, short for Charlemagne, is sent to live with relatives in the sticks. Charlie has no plans to stay with Bertha (her mother's kind-hearted sister) and Gus -- from the beginning she's determined to go back to Raleigh. She pines for a family that's not "broken". Charlie's mother, suffers from depression and can't get "her feet on the ground", and her dad, who she calls Scrappy, is serving jail time. Her older sister, Jackie, the lucky one, gets to stay with a friend, and Charlie is sent to live with "squirrel eating hillbillies" in a house falling off a mountain. And that's just the beginning of Charlie's "pity-party". Charlie, who wants a dog more than anything. The dog Charlie's always wanted shows up, a bedraggled, quick-to-learn stray, not unlike Charlie. But, he takes off, too, leaving Charlie bereft; not only does she lose Wishbone, the dog of her dreams, but she says the most hurtful thing imaginable to Howard, her one and only true friend in her temporary town.

And, that's where I am! Flannel jammies, lots of blankets on the bed, a mug of hot chocolate, Murphy and Charlotte snuggling close and Barbara O'Connor's (How to Steal a Dog) Wish in hand!

Happy Halloween! And, Words of Wisdom from Murphy!

Stay Safe.
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Keep Cats and Dogs Inside.

People Treats are for People

Not Critters!

Nina Picks a Home!

This is it! I'm home!!
I have my own GREAT people
and my own ornery cat!

The surest way to pick your own family is to be the perfect dog in the foster home!   That's what Nina did.  Her foster family typically fosters little dogs.   They have placed countless dogs in forever homes, none ever weighing more than 20 lbs.  At 50 solid lbs, and 12 years-old, the fosterer knew that Nina could take a while to place.  However, Nina's foster stay was really quite short.  Not long after Nina moved into her foster home, the fosterer reported  that Nina "is a very good girl, housebroken and great around our cat...."   Two weeks ago they signed the papers, Nina's fosterers are now Nina's adopters. Congratulations all!

Allowance Aids Animals!

Nico presents Officer Cindy with his donation and she presents Nicco with a certificate of appreciation!  

Sherlock waits ....

Seven-year-old Nico recently started receiving allowance and adopted the Spend, Save, and Donate philosophy.  So, when it came time to donate to a worthy organization, there was no question who he wanted to help. The animals, of course!  After all, the young philanthropists' parents adopted two shelter cats long before Nico was born.  Plus Lin, Nico's  neighbor, close friend, and HRA volunteer, adopted a little dog last year. Missi loves when Nico visits -- they play silly games and enjoy quiet time together. 
Nico wants all animals to have life-long human companions, but in the meantime, he hopes his donation will help HRA care for animals, like Sherlock, who is patiently waiting for a place and a person that she can call her own.

Five Baby Bunnies -- Count the Dots!

Ever heard the expression "Reproducing like rabbits?"  Well, the phrase came about for a reason. The five bunnies in the window at the HRA Oglethorpe Street shelter are two months old.  Did you know that if their mother had not already been spayed she could have given birth to more babies by now?  A mama rabbit is pregnant for only 31 days and can get pregnant when her baby bunnies are just a few days old. So, if you have a bunny, make sure that your bunny is spayed or neutered.  A spayed or neutered bunny is a healthier bunny and won't be bringing more rabbits into the already crowded world of rabbits!  Call our Medical Center at (202) 726-2273 to schedule an appointment.

Enjoy the Lazy Days of Summer!

The mercury is climbing. Summer = Heat + Humidity. Good day for relaxing with a good book -- how about a classic like Beverly Cleary's Socks, originally published in 1973, reissued most recently in 2015. Socks is a happy, trouble-free cat until a baby arrives.  It takes awhile, but the attention-seeking cat learns that the new family member can be a fun playmate.

Students Do More for the Animals

Alexis hands an envelope
filled with $160 to HRA staff

Do More 24 (https://domore24.org/) is an annual event that encourages grassroots activism.  Eighth grade students at Deal Middle School in Washington, DC got jump on their local philanthropic good deeds.  Four students stopped by the shelter on Tuesday to drop off donations.  Francesca and Delanie came by first. They brought a collection of toys and two large containers of homemade dog biscuits that could have easily been mistaken for people cookies.   Less than an hour later Alexis stopped by with $160 raised from a successful bake sale.  And, a few minutes after that  Minnie showed up with a check for$113.35 that she and her friend  Linnea raised through a Go Fund Me page highlighting the plight of shelter animals.  

A day earlier,  Girl Scout Troop  1580 came by the shelter to deliver a check for $400 that was raised from their annual  cookie sale.  They met cats, dog, puppies, kittens, bunnies, and guinea pigs during their visit.  

Do More 24 is a great way to bring attention to all of the many deserving organizations in the community.   The Deal students, the Brownies, and the many other young people who do good things for the animals exemplify the importance of giving more, caring more and doing more all of the time.

Troop 4647 Positive Actions are a Change for Good

Troop 4647 are not only caring, compassionate young animal lovers, but they are awesome  Girl Scout cookie sales people who contributed $175 in cookie sales profits to help the animals at the  Humane Rescue Alliance.  And that's not all -- they  dedicated their CHANGE Project to making the world a better place for the animals in their community. Besides the monetary donation, the girls  collected and donated linens for use in the kennels and made enough toys to fill several  brightly decorated toy boxes.  During their shelter visit they learned about individual animals, the organization's mission and what they can do to continue to help the animals.   Thank you Troop 4647 for your kindness and contributions!