Paw Talk
A publication of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County – William Gazecki Animal Shelter
Fall 2012
Cats are Priceless!
“We also want to reach those adopters
Summer is the busiest time of year
who will be good owners, but, for whatat the Humane Society.The flood of cats
ever reason, hesitate to pay the regular
and kittens entering the shelter from May
adoption fee.” explained Executive Directhrough October mean peak numbers are
tor Kathleen Olson. “A reduction in the
looking for homes. And with all the cute,
fee also allows them to purchase supplies
playful kittens to choose from, adult cats
needed to get started with a new pet.”
are often overlooked.
Before leaving the shelter, each cat
So after trying a variety of adoption
is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and
specials, the Humane Society has settled
microchipped, as well as tested for Feline
on a unique approach: Allow customers
Leukemia. Many cats also receive medito set their own adoption fee. It’s called
cal treatment, dental cleanings, or other
“Cats are Priceless” and it will be offered
procedures. “It will decrease our revenue,”
through the end of the year. Adopters can
explains Ms. Olson, “but we are more conpay whatever they wish, and take home a
cerned with finding these cats homes.”
beautiful, friendly cat.
In the first ten days of the special, 162
While the staff has found that price
cats were adopted, with an average fee of
is seldom a barrier to adoption, they are
$58. It’s too early to tell if it will make a
hoping the special will be an extra incensignificant impact on cat adoptions, but if it
tive to those who have been thinking
does, the special may become permanent.
about getting a cat, but have put it off.
www.thehumanesociety.org
Delilah
When Delilah came to the shelter,
she was a sad little puppy. Her right
front leg was badly fractured, and she
had been living in pain for some time.
She had surgery to repair her leg, but
she needed time to recuperate before
she could be adopted. Fortunately,
volunteer Dixie Elmore was able to
take her home and nurture her while
she healed.
During the few months she was in
Dixie’s home, her personality blossomed. With every week that passed,
she became brighter and spunkier. It
wasn’t long before she was a playful little
bundle of fun – a normal puppy. Once
she was healed, she found a home with a
family who was charmed by her clownish
behavior and sassy attitude.
We are so grateful to our wonderful
volunteers who are willing to foster these
special cases, and to everyone who gives
to our Veterinary Treatment Fund -- you
make good things happen!
Purr Time
Maggie, a twelve year old longhaired tabby, gets some
attention during “Purr
Time,” a new enrichment program for
cats. Volunteers
spend time petting
and interacting
with shelter cats,
helping them relax
and feel more at
home. Other enrichment activities for cats
include exercise, interactive
toys, scratching pads, and soft bedding
– anything that makes them feel
more at home, more relaxed,
and more appealing to
adopters!
The extra attention sure worked for
Maggie. Her age was
making it difficult to
place her, but regular
Purr Time and attention
brought out her loving personality and she quickly found
a home.
Home at Last!
Jennifer and Michael’s thirteen-year-old cat disappeared
in February, and they’d all but given up hope of finding
her. But she was brought to the shelter one morning
in July, and thanks to her microchip, a reunion was just
a phone call away! On average, 32 pets are reunited
with their owners each week at the Humane Society.
And with the growing popularity of microchips, more
and more of them are cats.
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www.thehumanesociety.org
New Digs for Foster Kittens
The Humane Society has made some
much-needed facility improvements
over the past year, and one of the most
exciting has been enhancements to the
kitten foster room. Installing a sink,
replacing the linoleum, upgrading the
lights and painting the walls has given
the area a fresh look and made cleaning
tasks much easier.
The kitten room is one of the busiest areas of the shelters. On a typical
day, the room might hold thirty or forty
kittens who are waiting to go to a foster home, returning for spay or neuter
surgery, or just visiting long enough
to be weighed and vaccinated before
returning to their foster home.
More than 700 kittens have passed through the
kitten foster room so far this year.
Gus
Dear Humane Society:
pin to make an apple pie, he scattered
and hid for a few hours. It was six weeks
Two years ago, we happened to stop by
before we saw his tail wag. But gradually,
your shelter. It had been a tough day -- my
he came to trust us, and love us.
fiancé was being deployed and we were
While my husband was away, Gus
trying to plan our wedding around it.
kept me sane. He often sat up
We had no plans to adopt a pet,
with me until 3:00 a.m., waiting
we just wanted to see the
for my ten minute call from
dogs and cheer ourselves
somewhere in the world.
up. Then we met Gus.
He was my comforter
He had just come in,
and my friend. Then one
and was matted and dirty,
evening my father called to
covered with fleas, undersay my brother had passed
weight, and absolutely petaway unexpectedly. In
rified. He was so scared
shock, I screamed and began
that he wouldn’t even take
sobbing. Instead of running
treats. But I was in love.
from my outburst, Gus pushed
We had to wait a few days
his twenty pound body
to get him, so while he
“Gus”, photographed by Meggan Trobaugh: as hard as he could into
was being cleaned up
www.megganjoyphoto.com
my arms and snuggled
and neutered, we took
up to me. I was so
some of our wedding
grateful for his presence.
money and used it for our pet deposit, his
I cannot thank you enough for bringadoption fee, food, supplies, toys, etc. Then
ing this great dog into our family. He is
we brought him home.
the epitome of love, and he has added so
The first week was tough, as he was so
much warmth to our lives.
scared of us. When I pulled out a rolling
www.thehumanesociety.org
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$210,000 Raised for Homeless Pets!
If you were there, you know that
Dog-A-Thon 2012 was not only a lot of
fun, it was also the most successful event
so far! The Humane Society’s 22nd annual walk for homeless pets attracted
more than
1,500 participants and
raised a record
number of
donations to
help homeless
animals.
Sponsors
and vendor booths
contributed
$31,000, Individuals raised
more than
$60,000, and
twelve teams
from a wide variety of businesses, clubs,
organizations, families and friends raised
$112,000 in pledges! After the event, the
proceeds from the barbeque, micro-
chip clinic, matching gifts, and donations
brought the total to $210,000.
Although we celebrate with a dog
walk, all the animals at the shelter benefit from the funds raised. Dogs, cats,
rabbits and other
small mammals
are helped by
the donations
gathered by
participants.
Dog-A-Thon
proceeds are
vital to supporting adoptions,
medical care for
ill and injured
animals, spay/
neuter and other
programs that
are saving lives
and helping to
create a community where all pets have
a loving, permanent home.
The staff, volunteers, board members,
and animals here at the shelter thank all
Dog-A-Thon 2012 Sponsors
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www.thehumanesociety.org
of our generous members
and Dog-A-Thon participants for helping to save
lives by making this the
best walk ever!
Remember, Dog-AThon is always the fourth
Saturday in July – so mark
your calendars now for
July 23, 2011!
Top Teams
Top Individuals
Theittybittykittycommittee.com
Team Maggie
Bank of New York Mellon Mutts
Tacoma Small Dog
Mixed Bag O’ Mutts
Muddy Paws
KatDogGo
Sarah & Donny Anderson
Tacoma Dog House
Positive Approach
Laurie Cinotto
Lynette Young
Ron Pace
Dan Kyler
Amy Bettesworth
Amanda Blilie
Walt Sommers
Rachel Grimm
Chad Osvog
Mikki Pieruccioni
Cats Rule!
Theittybittykittycommittee raises $87,000!
For the past few years, Laurie Cinotto’s
blog, www.theittybittykittycommittee.com,
has raised donations for the Dog-A-Thon,
with the funds designated for cat programs. This year, her loyal supporters gave
an astounding $79,000 online! Laurie’s
blog is so compelling, fans from 47 states
and fourteen countries were inspired to
donate, helping kittens who live thousands
of miles away.
Sales of a limited edition poster, a
“Crafting for Kittens” benefit, and an auction for temporary naming rights to her
foster kittens brought in another $6,000.
Donors even bid to enjoy a fancy tea
party with her iconic cat, Charlene Butterbean. Two other team members pitched
in as well, bringing the total to a recordbreaking $87,000! Thanks, Laurie!
Poster image
to go here
www.thehumanesociety.org
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Bethel Animal Hospital to the Rescue
A big thank you to Alex and Dr. Wempe of Bethel Veterinary Hospital in Port Orchard for donating surgery for three
terrier mixes who were born with luxating knee joints. It’s
an expensive but vital procedure which the puppies needed
before they could find new homes. This isn’t the first time
they’ve provided generous medical care or surgery for shelter
pets in need. Over the years, the staff of Bethel Veterinary
Hospital has donated special surgeries or procedures for five
other shelter pets, who all went on to find loving homes.
Alex and “Nixie”.
I’m Not Fat, I’m Fluffy!
This big boy weighed 29 pounds when he arrived at the
shelter. Fortunately, a large enclosure was available for him,
but he needed a Plus size litter box and a dog-sized bed.
He had a surprisingly kittenish personality, and seemed to
think he could climb onto any shoulder he found. His new
family put him on a diet and exercise program, but even
when he sheds a few pounds, he’ll always be an unusually
big-boned cat.
Humane Happenings
Upcoming
pet-related events
Adoption Events
September 7-11:
Puyallup Fair educational booth
September 16: 12-3 p.m.
PetSmart Puyallup Adoption Event
Dogs, cats, and rabbits for adoption.
November 2-4: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
America’s Family Pet Expo
Puyallup Fairgrounds
Dogs, cats and rabbits for adoption.
Ongoing Pet Adoptions
PetsMart Tacoma - Cats
Special adoption event Sept. 14-15 from
noon-4 p.m. (Dogs, cats and rabbits)
Petco Tacoma - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Federal Way - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Bonney Lake - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Lakewood - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Puyallup - Cats and Rabbits
Petco Gig Harbor - Rabbits only
Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital - Cats
New Volunteer
Orientations
William Gazecki Animal Shelter
2608 Center Street, Tacoma
2nd Floor Classroom
Open to the first 100 people
No RSVP needed
Friday, Oct. 5: 10 a.m. – Noon
Sunday, Oct. 7: 10 a.m. – Noon
Other
Pet Loss Support Group
Meets 2nd Saturday - 10 a.m.
William Gazecki Animal Shelter
2608 Center Street, Tacoma
No charge; all welcome
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6
Bunny and Guinea Pig Spa Day
(nail trims, basic grooming)
No charge, all welcome
First Saturday of every month: Noon - 4 p.m.
RSVP to [email protected]
www.thehumanesociety.org
IN MEMO RY
Albus
Richard & Diana Aaby
Amber
Vicki Tart
Amy Tryon
Dorothy Dedrick
Anieta Marie Reust
Byron & Sheila Stephens
Athena
Carl & Nevada Ericson
Bandit
Irene Koth
Barbara L. Zimmerman
Dora Curry
Bella
Karen & Russell Ripp
Bob Burns
Joyce Quinlan
Bob Shelberg
Mary Oswald
Bonnie Dellen
Narrows Place Condominiums
Boo
The Holcomb family
Boris & Rocky
Claudia Sargent Kieszling
Bushie Johnson
Ellie Siegmund
Cadbury Jen & Darrell Joque
Caitlyn
Vicki Tart
Caesar
Betty & Stan Flieg
Char
Lynn Pelegruti
Chi Chi
Kathleen Booth
Cody Max Judy Johnson
Daisy
Deborah & Richard Sims
Dandie Dinmont Malvin
Marcia & David De Patie
Danny Pasquini
Deborrah Murray
Dennis Castro
Keith Lemmon
Donna Kuzmanich
Dorothy Tippie
Dooney & Max
Sandi & Richard Trask
Dr. Robert B.Whitney, Jr
Pierce County Medical Society
Elaine Milliren
Ashleigh Killpack
Fern Dengis
Fern Sherwood
Genevieve Joque Jen & Darrell Joque
Ginger
George & Jo Pessemier
Harold Smythe W. & Helen Mashburn
Henri Carnay
Kristi Langdahl
Marcie Paradis
Herb Gelman
George & Jo Pessemier
Irene Velez
Florence Rigney
Irma Strom
Vicki Tart
James A. Bardsley Mr. & Mrs. Fred Gretsch
Janet Mitchell Kristi Abegglen
Rebecca Christian
Jenny
Kathleen Grant
Jim & Alice Tredup
Patricia O’Grady
Jim McDaniel
Stacia & Robert Cammarano
Jola Smith
Nancy Larsen
Joyce Van Horn
Cecil Van Horn
Karen Kennedy
Paul Barnes
Kathleen Barr Smith
Mark Longrie & Joy Keniston-Longrie
Katie Saasen
Janet & John Hayden
Kenneth Evans
Jim & Etta Hill
Jack & Betty Jo Hocker
Fred & Bernadette Little
Al & Carole Wiegand
Lady & Misty
Loretta Baker
Lamont
William & Ann Riley
Laurie Merta
Gail & Bob Alexander
Margery Cator
Carol Dotlich
Louise Haynes
Randy Lorello
Winifred MacNair
Jemmie Wear
Leeanna Mickelson
Anonymous
Richard Dickinson
Larry & Barbara Fleming
Kiwanis Club of
Edgewood-Milton
Steve Waddell
Linda Ackerman
Bev Sayle
Little Oscar
Renee & Vernie Kinyon
Lois Brunnell James & Dawn Leonhard
Loki & Thor
Linda Shroads
Louie
Walli & Terrence Roarke
Marguerite Farmer
Muriel Boland
Marvin Edward “Pudge” Berlin
Deanne & Michael
Andrews
James Mattson
John Pembroke
Gerald & Rowena Pryde
Michael & Patricia Wilson
Mary Ellen Schoen
Julie Krauss-Lucas
Mary Frances Sullivan
Joel & Julie Anderson
GFWC Chambers Bay Womens
Club
Jen & Darrell Joque
Kristen Reha & family
James & Lois Wick
Mary Matthees
John Bennett
CWO Construction LLC
Jane Sakson & William
Ernst
Golder Associates
Jennifer & Ben Harris
Douglas Kunkel
Jim & Debbie Lee
Sandra Papacek
Roger & Marcee
Janet Rusler
Sandra Rusler
Meg Jump
Milo & Monica Moen
Miss Marble
Susan Schultz
Misty
Meagan Foley & Neil Gray
Mittens Stack
Margaret Stack
Oscar
Kelly & Nancy Boyle
Otis
Allan Sorensen
Patti Conrad
Beverly Schweitzer
Peanut
Robert & Sheila Pollock
Pearl the Girl
Debra Howard
Pee Wee Marquart
Vicky & Sadie
Pepper Anderson
Tim & Gail O’Grady
Pork Chop
Kimberley McDowell
Taylor, Hailey, Joey & Julia
Rasputin Rosenberry
Katie Vulakovich
Rebar
Linda Patterson
Riley
Heidi & Chris Schooley
Robert (Spike) Erickson
Sunny Grassell
Hope Gunn
Nathan & Kelly Jennings
Michael & Wendy McDonald
Kay Peck
Robert Shelberg
Corrine Londino
Rosie
Anne Oswald
Roy C. McLeod
Betsy Cobler
Sammi
Joan Webb
Sampson Davies
Sadie Findley
Simon
Vicki Tart
Smudge
Lynne & Terry Hoffman
Spence Maylor
Midori Tanaka
Stan Erlien
Benita & Lou Berquest
Jean-Marie & Dirk Klover
Tacoma Region AACC
Starbuck
Phyllis Kaiser
Terri Owen
Donald & Norma Hodge
Lola White
Thomas Richard Hayes
Harvey Williams
Tiger Yuliya Ziskina
Tigger
Roz Doneen
Timothy Hudson Thomas
Bradley Huson
Tucker
Margaret McCallum
Tyronne
The Childhaven Employees
Violet
Kathleen Cooper
Watson
Vicki Tart
William (Bill) Joyce
Kenneth Katayama
John Lackland
James & Grace Shibayama
Kathie Stork
Vicki Tart
Darlene & J.C. Wickens
Yolanda Castro’s father
Joseph & Dawn Gramling
IN HONO R
Amelia Paynter
Anonymous
William & Anneke Berry
Angehla Leach
Anna Paynter
Anna Gizzi
Kessa Claire-Woldt
Kristina Loper
Cindan Gizzi
Sharon Stanley
Associated Chiropractors
Anonymous
Augustin & Dulce Lasso
Ivan Lasso & Alexandra Hernandez
Brian Grant & Basil
Kristin Repyak
Buddy D’Arc-Hawk
Kara Monroe
Burich Chiropractic
Russell & Margie Aoki
Cindy Schlenker
Horst Hummes
Diana Kiesel
Loretta Baker
Jan
Edith Abicht
Jenna Riddell
Sandra Wusterbarth Brown
Kara Barclay
Michael Mutter
Kathy Kucera
Judie Keblish
Kris Ringdahl
Virginia & James Ofelt
Linda Bostrom
Mitch & Dawn Barstad
Malina Lindquist
Anonymous
Margo Gooding
Arthur & Mary Sue Gee
Marilyn Kokich
Helen Kokich
Michael & Ann Van Haney
P. Gentino
Nadine Brongil
Linda Walsh
Patti Jo Erickson
Kay Peck
Paul Pitt Shelton
Karen & Kenyon Luce
Ponders Loan
Richard McKinney
Princess Pearl
Wilma Spike
Randy Chase
Richard McKinney
Richard L.Turner
Frederick & Judy Turner
Rick & Kathleen Olson
Herman & Babe Lehrer
www.thehumanesociety.org
Rob & Jenna Wallace
Heidi Ewer
Kelly Wheeler
Shayne Steele
Karen & Eric Oie
Debra & Eric Willingham
Spot the Boxer
Christopher & Meg Bruno
Sue Hayes
Anne Pole
Sue Hayes
Anne Pole
Terry & BJ Slater
Richard McKinney
Tonya Schedrin
Dirk Halliwill
Virgil Nelson
Garold & Janice Nelson
Rodney & Susie Nelson
Ralph & Doris Russo
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Vision
PAID
promote positive relationships between
animals and people.
Tacoma, WA
Permit No. 429
Mission of the Humane Society is
Tto headvance
the welfare of animals and
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Mission
he Humane Society envisions a community
Twhere
every pet has a permanent and loving
home, every companion animal is spayed or
neutered and all pets are treated with
respect and compassion.
The Humane Society is a private, non-profit
organization that relies on donations to fund
its vital programs. The Humane Society is
not associated with any government agency,
nor is it affiliated with any national animal
welfare organization.
Board of Directors
2012-2013
Staff
Kathleen Olson, Executive Director
Denise McVicker, Deputy Director
Frank Strueby, Finance Manager
Marguerite Richmond, Development Director
Monica Wylie, Community Outreach Director
Kim Robbins, Shelter Veterinarian
Jessica Emel, Kennel Supervisor
Carrie O’Connor, Spay/Neuter Clinic Coordinator
Cecily Joque, Adoption and Behavior Coordinator
The Humane Society for Tacoma
& Pierce County
2608 Center Street
Tacoma,WA 98409-7694
(253) 383-2733
www.thehumanesociety.org
2608 Center Street
Tacoma, WA 98409-7964
Christopher Marston, President
Chad Osvog,Vice President
Melissa Hortsch, Treasurer
Michael Carney, Secretary
Lynette Young, Past President
Rhonda Arnett
Amy Bettesworth
Holly Bukes
Martha Jacob
Marcy Kulland
Ron Pace
Walt Sommers
Barb Van Haren
Brian Wolf
Shelter Hours:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri
9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursdays
11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturdays
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Directory:
Customer Service
Membership & Donations
Spay/NeuterClinic
Volunteering
Found Pets List
(253) 383-2733
(253) 284-5823
(253) 284-5838
(253) 284-5832
(253) 383-2733, press 1