AmericanSeniorCats : Message: OT--SAN FRANCISCO CA--Warm Winter News from The SF/SPCA

January 2009

Leanne Roberts Center Community Open House

The SF/SPCA is celebrating the dedication of the Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center with a Community Open House on Saturday, January 31, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 201 Alabama Street (between 15 th and 16 th Streets). Invite your family and friends to tour our animals' new digs. Activities include demonstrations by other SF/SPCA programs; AAT's Puppy Dog Tales, free Cat Claw Clipping Clinic, 'Ask the Cat Counselor,' activities for children, cats and dogs available for adoption, and much more! Experience the future at the Leanne Roberts Center Open House.

Huge Success for 2008 Holiday Windows

The 2008 Holiday Windows Adoption Outreach event at Macy's Union Square Store was a huge success and exceeded last year's adoption and fundraising totals by a wide margin. The event, which ran from November 21, 2008 through January 1, 2009, found homes for 307 kittens and cats, puppies and dogs, and raised over $54,000 in donations to aid The SF/SPCA's lifesaving work. This was a huge increase over the 2007 totals of 277 animals adopted and $35,000 donated. In addition, over 2,700 tins of SF/SPCA chocolates were sold, bringing in over $14,000, and approximately $1,400 in sales of pet toys and the 2009 Foster Care Calendars was made.

"Despite tough economic times, the community of San Francisco opened its heart and really came through again for homeless cats and dogs," Jan McHugh-Smith, President of The SF/SPCA, said today. "307 needy cats and dogs were adopted into loving homes, and so many people gave what they could; we received many, many smaller donations than usual, and these added up to a record sum - $20,000 more than last year! We are so grateful for this outpouring of generosity and love."

The 2008 Holiday Windows was the 22 nd season that The SF/SPCA has showcased homeless dogs and cats in a downtown San Francisco retail store, and the fifth year in a row that the event has been held at Macy's. Hundreds of volunteers are required to assist at Holiday Windows and McHugh-Smith paid tribute to them and to Macy's for hosting the event, and for once again creating enchanting quarters for the animals. She also expressed her appreciation to Del Monte Pet Food Products for presenting the event, and to Marley & Me (the movie), Urban Decay Cosmetics, Pet Camp, Paw Pets and the San Francisco Chronicle for their sponsorship.

Happy Tails

Jenga

When 2-year old Jenga arrived at The SF/SPCA in May, 2008, the Cat Behaviorists classified her as " extremely shy." The sweet little grey tortoiseshell kitty took several weeks to venture out of hiding, and even then she was very slow to come out and greet visitors. SF/SPCA staff and volunteers spent many hours with Jenga but they knew that she would need a gentle, patient adopter who would give her plenty of time to settle into a new home. At the end of December, after she had reached the dubious position as the longest term resident cat at The SF/SPCA, Jenga caught the eye of a discerning person who first spotted her on The SF/SPCA web site. When he came in to adopt her he was told she was very shy. "That's all right," he replied, "I'm shy too!"

Gerald

11-year old Gerald's life had not been plain-sailing. His first owner's new husband was allergic to cats, so Gerald was given to a friend. Several years later, his second owner moved to a new, larger house; a new baby came along and the older sibling began to chase him. Suddenly his litter box was not in its usual place, or his access to it was blocked. He no longer felt safe! Within 1 - 2 months of the move Gerald had developed some behavior problems that resulted in him being relinquished to the shelter in August. Then he stopped eating and spent time in the hospital hooked up to a feeding tube. Finally, in December, Gerald was adopted by a woman whose previous cat had recently died, and who was happy to care for Gerald and to give him the life of stability and security he so badly needed.

Chopper

At the end of last year, Chopper, a 13-year old Bull Mastiff, suddenly found himself alone and homeless. His owner had lost his job and couldn't afford to care for him anymore, and had made the heartbreaking decision to surrender him to the shelter. The chances for a large, 13-year old dog to find another home, and find one quickly, seemed slim. But not at The SF/SPCA! Within weeks, Chopper was seen by a man who fell in love with him and has given him a new home where he can spend his "golden" years.

Nisa

This lively 7-year old Schnauzer mix with a history of separation anxiety came to The SF/SPCA in November, 2008. She was a special girl who needed a special home, one with a person who had a flexible schedule, or who worked from home, so that Nisa would not be left alone too much. Her dream came true at the end of December when she was adopted by a special family that could accommodate her needs.

Yappy New Year

Celebrate the New Year with your best friend! Wag your favorite canine into Dragonbar for a New Years celebration, complete with champagne and liver snack toast, games, raffles, and good times for all. $10 admission gets you a specialty cocktail, and the satisfaction of knowing every cent benefits The San Francsico SPCA (dogs are admitted free with human escort).

Looking for Love...

Fergie

11-year old Fergie loved to go to school - which is how she came to be a resident at Maddie's Adoption Center! The horribly smelly lab mix, with a collar but no leash, kept arriving at the school yard. Sympathetic staff and volunteers would leash her to protect her from traffic, then either call her owner, who would pick her up, or someone would walk her home. Her living quarters were pretty awful, and it was apparent that she lived outside. It was also very clear that she was neglected, but probably not abused, and that she kept leaving her dismal quarters to walk the half block to the school because knew there were nice people there who paid some attention to her! One day, after being returned home once again, Fergie appeared 15 minutes later and tried to go into the school building. One of the teachers called Animal Care & Control who came and collected her. Fergie's owners were notified that ACC had her, that they should come and retrieve her, and that they would be cited. However, for whatever reason, her owners didn't pick her up, and she was transferred to The SF/SPCA and put up for adoption. Fergie is a lovely girl who loves snuggles and being scratched. She would make a great addition to a quiet family that wants a mellow dog. She doesn't need tons of exercise - just lots of love and a comfy couch or dog bed where she can take lots of naps! Fergie's number is A06428304.

Gina

Gina is a sweet, 9-month old cattledog and pit bull mix. She's a lovable young girl with oodles of energy, so she'll need an experienced adopter who is committed to spending plenty of time exercising and training her. Gina often gets very excited, so she would probably do best in a home with only adults. It would be ideal if her adopter had previous experience with her breed mix. Gina's number is A06114831

About Dogs

Find out everything you wanted to know about dogs and their behavior at The SF/SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers January 2009 Lecture Series, with Jean Donaldson, Janis Bradley, and John Buginas. The lectures will be held each Tuesday evening, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., January 6, 13, 20, 27, at The San Francisco SPCA, 243 Alabama Street entrance.

TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT DOG BEHAVIOR - Why Does He Do That?
John Buginas and Janis Bradley
January 6
Is your dog trying to be the boss of you? Acting out to spite you? Being stubborn? Rewarded for being afraid? Not interested in food? Learn about the smoke & mirrors that affect how we see our dogs.

PROFILING DANGEROUS DOGS - Doggie Rap Sheets
John Buginas and Janis Bradley
January 13.
What do we actually know about which dogs are likely to hurt people, the latest on the roles of behavior evaluations, genetics, and owner behavior.

YIKES! MY DOG'S AFRAID - What Can I Do About It?
Jean Donaldson
January 20
Fear and anxiety problems can be ruinous for dogs and their guardians. And yet fear is one of the most widely misunderstood behavior problems, both in terms of why it occurs and what can be done about it.

WHERE DO DOGS COME FROM? Wolf in Lassie's Clothing
Jean Donaldson
January 27
Evolution has been called "the single best idea that anybody ever had." But is it relevant for understanding domesticated animals? Behavior? Come find out.

FEES:
Each lecture: $25 for Public / $20 for Alumni/Volunteers of The SF/SPCA
Register for 3 lectures and get 20% off!
Register for 4 lectures and get 25% off!

LOCATION:
Multi-Purpose Room A (at The SF/SPCA )
#243 Alabama Street Entrance (between 15th & 16th Streets)

TO REGISTER or for more details
Go to our website at: http://www.sfspca.org/academy/lectures.shtml
Call (415) 554-3095; Email DogAcademy@...

The SF/SPCA 140th Birthday Dinner

On March 4, 2009, The SF/SPCA is marking its amazing 140 years of saving and protecting animals with a special dinner at the dazzling Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchant Exchange Building, 465 California Street, San Francisco. The event will also honor the work of CLAW (Critter Lovers At Work), a volunteer fundraising group that, over the last 20 years, has raised over $800,000 for The SF/SPCA Cinderella Fund; the Fund provides medical treatment for the neediest animals at the shelter. Please join us for this celebratory occasion. For ticket information, contact Laura Gretch, lgretch@..., or 415-522-3564.

New Year Resolutions to benefit pets

Millions of Americans regard their animal companions as members of the family, and we spend billions of dollars each year on supplies and services for them.

There's no doubt that we love our dogs and cats, but there are some simple things we can do to make them even healthier, happier and safer:

If you haven't already done so, choose a good veterinarian for your pet.
A yearly wellness check-up, for both dogs and cats, which includes a medical and dental examination, is a pro-active way to ensure your pet's health for the New Year.
If your pet is overweight, resolve to give him more exercise and to feed him a healthy diet.
It's important to follow your vet's guidance about vaccination schedules, for rabies and other deadly diseases.
Have your dog or cat tested for heartworm and other parasites.
If your pet is on medication, always follow the dosage instructions exactly.
Finish all the medication prescribed and get a refill when you're supposed to.
It's also important to keep a file of your pet's medical records and history.
Have your pet spayed or neutered, if you haven't already done so. This is the most important way to reduce the numbers of unwanted companion animals, and it also has health and behavioral benefits for your pet.
Have your cat or dog microchipped, because it's the most effective way to recover a missing pet.
Keep a current photograph of your pet just in case he does get lost.
As a special New Year resolution for cats, the animal behaviorists at the San Francisco SPCA suggest daily play sessions with interactive toys for physical and mental fitness. And keep your cat indoors - she'll live a longer, healthier life.
For dogs and puppies, the behaviorists recommend reward-based training or activity classes, which are loads of fun.
Resolve to go for a walk with your dog every day.
And make it a happy New Year by spending as much time as possible with your animal companion.

SF/SPCA Closure

The SF/SPCA will be closed to the public on Monday, January 19, 2009, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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