765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 802-483-6700 www.rchsvt.org

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Rutland County Humane Society

Winter 2011

Humane Investigations

In September a member of our Board of Directors, Dave Yendell, offered his volunteer services as our humane investigator. Dave brings a background in private investigations to the job and completed the comprehensive “Investigating Animal Cruelty” training at the Vermont Police Academy before responding to his first call.

Having a trained humane agent available to respond to county-wide concerns about cruelty and neglect has enabled RCHS to help many more animals and people in addition to those who actually walk through our doors. Since September, Dave has handled 14 complaints and provided education and advice and worked with pet owners in all reaches of the county to improve conditions for animals. Dave has also worked to explain to owners what the law requires in terms of care and housing.

If you have a concern or question about how an animal in Rutland County is being treated, please log onto www.reportanimalcruelty.com and tell us your concern.

A Helping Hand

RCHS has been working with a Bridgewater, Vermont group “Save A Pet” for 3 years now to bring unwanted puppies up from a coalition of shelters in Virginia. The partnership, through which we have received 38 pup-

pies to date, has benefited everyone involved as it enables RCHS to pre-sent family dogs for adoption and helps alleviate the severe overcrowd-ing the Southern shelters experience. We were pleased to receive this note along with a generous donation from our Southern friends:

“Thank you so very much for helping us rescue homeless dogs in our area. The enclosed is a token thank you from us . . . only wish it could be more!” Joyce Page, Volunteer, Animal Welfare League of Virginia

2010 brought new challenges but increased progress in fulfilling our mission. Here are just a few positive things that happened for RCHS and the animals this past year.

In the summer of 2008, Bonnie Sargent came to us with a fundraising idea. She designed neckwear from beautiful leftover yarns and sold them. All money raised would come to RCHS in honor of Bonnie’s dog, Lily. And Lily’s Lovelies were born. Truly Unique agreed to carry the line and covered all the expenses of processing the sales. Other outlets were developed as well. In the two plus years that Bonnie has run this project, over $10,000 has been raised to help homeless animals. When Bonnie approached me she said that she couldn’t bear the thought of a dog like Lily being stray with nowhere to go. Bonnie’s hard work and commitment have saved lives of stray animals. Lily’s Lovelies will phase out after the end of 2010. But our affection for Bonnie and the good she has done will keep on. Thank you to Bonnie, Truly Unique and her other merchants for this wonderful project.

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EVENTS

Blessing of the Animals

Our annual Blessing of the Animals, in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, was held on Sunday, October 3 at RCHS. The Reverend Lee Crawford of Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland performed the ceremony. She blessed 40 dogs and cats whose humans brought them to the event. In addition, she blessed all of the homeless animals in the shelter. It was a lovely service and an annual tradition we cherish. Our thanks to the Reverend Crawford and to everyone who brought their animals for this special blessing!

Dock Diving at the Lakehouse Pub & Grille!

Our second annual Dock Diving to benefit RCHS was another splashing good time for water lovin’ dogs and their owners! Our thanks to Brad and his team at the Lake-house Pub & Grille in Bomoseen and Peter Bourque of g. housen for hosting and run-ning the event for us. Nearly 30 dogs had a ball jumping and raising money for RCHS. Our congratulations to Chessa, the winner in the Large Dog category, and Pete, the winner of the Medium Dog category. We had no small dogs jumping this year. Watch for details for our 2011 event, which will be even more fun for everyone! Thanks to our RCHS volunteers who helped throughout the day, too!

RCHS Website is Updated! Have you visited the RCHS website lately? If not, check us out at www.rchsvt.org and we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Our new site is easier to navigate, has a whole new look and feel, and makes it easier to find the information you’re looking for. Our thanks to Jackson Whelan for helping us design it and hosting it for us for free! Take a look and let us know what you think.

Fall Foliage Golf Tournament It would have taken more than an umbrella to deal with the 5 inches of rain that hit Proctor Pittsford Country Club the day before our annual golf tournament. The tournament had to be cancelled because of course conditions. Thanks to all our teams for their understanding and all our sponsors for their support. Huge thanks to Proctor Pittsford, who always helps us in every way they can. The next tournament will be held on October 7, 2011.

"Not to hurt the creatures brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission—to be of service to them wherever they require it." ~ Saint Francis

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Lesli ’ s Leash Lines—Lesli Hyland TOP 10 PUPPY PRIORITIES

1. SOCIALIZATION - More behavioral problems stem from poor socializa-tion than anything else. Fear causes most aggression. Your puppy needs to meet a variety of people and other animals in diverse settings to gain social confidence. But do not overwhelm your puppy! Too much exposure or forced exposure will cause the opposite of the effect you want. For example, don't pass your puppy around; put him on the floor or on a couch and let him approach people on his own terms.

2. COOPERATION - Build a relationship of trust and cooperation through reward-based training. Correction training causes fear and avoidance; this will negatively affect the overall relationship you have with your puppy.

3. CONSISTENCY - Your puppy needs to know what his boundaries are and how he can gain access to food, freedom, playtime, teething relief and social interaction. If he has to guess, he'll often get it wrong, resulting in inappropriate behavior, destruction and confusion.

4. HEALTH - Your puppy should be examined by a veterinarian and a started on a program of appropriate inoculations and worming.

5. NUTRITION - A high-quality diet consisting of whole foods, rather than by-products, is recommended to keep your puppy in optimum health.

6. TRAINING - The 3 basic skills you should concentrate on teaching a young pup: sitting, coming when called, and walking politely on leash. Sitting can replace many undesirable behaviors like jumping or mouth-ing. Coming when called allows for more exercise and provides safety. Leash manners are best taught when the puppy is small, when size and strength will not work against you. Dogs who walk nicely on leash can go more places and get more exercise and socialization.

7. HOUSETRAINING - Too much unsupervised freedom will result in a long, frustrating house-training proc-ess! Use crates, gates and tethers to confine your puppy between play sessions, training sessions, bathroom breaks and exercise. Feed 2 or 3 meals a day depending on your puppy's age. If housetraining is not going well in spite of your best efforts, consider taking a urine and stool sample to your vet to rule out infections and parasites.

8. HANDLING/RESTRAINT/GROOMING - Get your puppy used to brushing, nail clipping, and body handling (teeth, ears, feet, tail) while he is young. If he resists handling, pair it with treats, meals and favorite games to make it more pleasant for him. Teach him that calm behavior, rather than tantrums, makes the session stop by ending sessions only once he is calm.

9. TEETHING - Puppies will chew on almost anything! Puppy-proof your home, supervise and redirect your puppy’s attention toward appropriate chew toys when you are home. Confine your puppy with ONLY appro-priate chew toys when puppy is alone. Provide soft and hard chew toys, but be careful your pup isn't ingest-ing pieces of toys. Teach your puppy to relinquish toys and bones willingly by trading another toy or a treat periodically when he is chewing.

10. PATIENCE - Love your puppy, forgive him his mistakes, and remember that they are almost always your fault, not his. Learn his language so you can communicate effectively. He will grow up soon enough, but right now he needs your attention and focus. He's only a puppy for a short time . . . enjoy it!

Receive the Four PawsFlyer via email or view online. Just let us know your preference and

we will take care of getting the newsletter to you while saving money! Email Beth@rchsvt.org

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Yoki

Copper

Whelen

Gulliver

Darwin

Dora

Jimmy & Jack

Luna

RCHS ALUMNI

Milkshake

JEB

Skipper

Emmy & Beau

Harlequin

Kalie

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August Incoming: 116 Outgoing: 151 Placement: 85%

September Incoming: 134 Outgoing: 103 Placement: 77%

October Incoming: 116 Outgoing: 99 Placement: 74%

November Incoming: 91 Outgoing: 136 Placement: 66%

Trap-Neuter-Return Program wraps up for Winter

After another successful season, with more than 100 cats spayed/neutered and 16 new caretakers enrolled, the TNR program is on winter hiatus till early spring. If you are feeding or taking care of a feral cat (or 10!) and are interested in this program, please email Jessica@rchsvt.org with your name, phone number, and the number of cats you are feeding. You will be contacted in the spring when the program resumes.

“Thank you for providing this opportunity for these cats . . . the number of kit-tens we were starting to see from this one Momma was astounding.”

Chris, Castleton State College, 2010 TNR Enrollee

Preparing Your Dog for an Eye Check-up Cookie Mac Recently, I assisted a veterinary ophthalmologist at a canine health clinic while he checked the eyes of over 100 dogs. During that day I picked up some great pointers that I would like to share.

When taking your dog to the Vet, unless it is an emergency, preparation is key! A small dog usually stands on an exam table, the larger ones on the floor. Start weeks before the vet visit, or better yet from puppy-hood, to stand your dog on a table or the floor while someone walks up and pretends to examine him. Re-ward him for standing quietly. It’s kind of difficult to listen to your dog’s heartbeat when he’s turning every which way or trying to escape! They quickly learn that it’s not scary and there probably will be a treat for being a good dog.

The same procedure can be used for clipping nails. If you start very young, handling your dog’s feet and nails daily and rewarding and praising her each time, soon your dog will stand still and learn that nail clip-ping (or, in our case, dremmeling) is not torture. Just go slowly, reassure, praise, and be consistent. Check nails weekly so it becomes habit for both of you. This is also a great time to check your dog for lumps, bumps, ticks, etc. You may find something your dog’s vet should check out between regular visits.

As for the eye exam, anyone, even a human, can be nervous when the room is dark and some big instrument is stuck in one’s face. As I watched the vet try to examine a dog up close and personal for eye disease while said dog was twisting away, turning, growling and terrified, I realized how difficult it can be to complete an exam! Prepare your dog by again placing her on the floor or table, teaching her to stand quietly in the dark, and perhaps having a friend come close to her eyes and touch her facial area while shining a small flashlight in her eyes briefly.

Your vet may permit your bringing nervous puppies or dogs to the office, weigh-ing them, walking around, treating and praising them, and teaching them that it’s not such a scary place. Your vet and the staff will certainly appreciate your effort, and visits will become far pleasanter when your dog isn't scared.

I always feel great pride when veterinary staff tells me that our big, silly Dober-man is just the best patient. That’s even after several surgeries, repairs, and not-so-fun times in the office. She learned as a puppy, and her manners (at least in this area) are impeccable!

Doing the Numbers

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Marley, Saint, and So Many Happy Outcomes

Most of our shelter animals come in with very little in the way of a story. They need a new home, and we take care of them until the right one comes along. But some have special needs. Marley made headlines when he needed surgery. People came through for him with enough in donations to also care for Saint. Marley is the pride of his owner and doing well. Saint came in starved to nearly half what her body weight should have been. She’d been bred and recently delivered puppies who all died. The owner went to court and pleaded guilty. Saint is now healthy and happy in her new home. Very recently, over 20 dogs came in from a neglect case; they are recovering and many have found new homes. For all the happy endings, thank you for supporting RCHS and caring about animals. Together we’ve prevented and alleviated suffering and have helped hundreds of animals find new lives. Together we have prevented over-population and provided education to young and old alike on pet care, animal welfare and the joys that animals bring to our lives. From all of us at RCHS — Happy New Year.

Lydia and Isabelle working on crafting jewelry for a cause.

Another project that benefits RCHS was developed by Lydia & Isabelle Gulick.

These talented young woman make jewelry. One hun-dred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry is donated to RCHS and used to care for shelter ani-mals.

To date this project has raised over $1,700. We are so pleased to have young people in our community with such generous hearts and entrepreneurial skills.

Thank you, Isabelle and Lydia!

You can find their jewelry at Eastwood Animal Clinic, Catamount Pet Supply, Rutland Veterinary Clinic and Artistic Styles Hair Salon.

Wiggles and Wags To: Jack Aicher Mrs. Barbagallo's 5th Grade Class, Christ the King School Buddy Bandanas Catamount Radio Christ the King School Clarendon Animal Clinic Clarendon Elementary School 5th & 6th Grade Mrs. Cragin's 4th Grade, Rutland Intermediate School Kathryn Dugan Destiny Galati & Wendy Cameron Girl Scout Troop #30632, Lothrop School Hannaford SuperMarket Hilltop Tavern Jax Food & Games Isabelle Kingsley Paul LaPlaca 5th & 6th Grades, Lothrop Elementary School

JoHanna Morse Becky Rizzi & Mr. Twitter's Garden & Gift Emporium Mrs. Mero's First Grade Mount Holly School 1st Graders Pember Library People's United Bank Skip Pratico, Pratico Landscaping & Fencing Company Ilma Rosskopf Rutland Intermediate School Community Service Club Rutland Pharmacy Sto Corp: Marvin Marcille, John Carleton, Joe Rey-nolds, Mike Conway Mr. Stratton's 3rd Grade, Rutland Intermediate School Tapestry After School Program The Sunday School at Union Church of Proctor West Rutland School Christina Wiles

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MONEY HAS BEEN DONATED IN MEMORY OF THE FOLLOWING ANIMALS:

Gambler & Star Allard Walker Amsden Bentley Arsenault Macpherson Baird Gwen Barker Cooper Batey Dempsey Belden Buttons & Hoosier Bern-stein Cinder Bonazinga Ranger Brown Buck Butter Noel Combs Teaco Cousineau

Machais Dana Tank DeLance Beaux DiMartino Mickey Egan Willie Egan Cocoa-mo Felion Ike Foley Spooker Gosselin Brutus Greenley Charlie Hadley Skipper Hanson Chloe Hill Lark Hoffman, Kitty Boy Isherwood Jake Butch Keech-Anida Marley Kroker Jack LaPlaca

Fluffy Levesque Ollie & Brutus Low Sis Magro Diego Mangine Margo Mannolini Chi Chi Marconi Murphy Marconi Biscuit McConnell Cooper McIntyre Murphy Monaco Clancy Moore Margo Nardi Sully Nolan Floyd Owens Joey Piper Ruby Poczobut Shadow Poirier Tigger Ponto

Tigger Protivansky Jewel Ruddy Sapphire Saradarian Jack Savageau Alisa Stevens Savannah Walter Shepherd Torrey Cookie Ward Mitu Wasik-Howland Cali Webster Whiskers Weinfurt Ayla & Petey Wener Mardi West Scooter Whittamore Tuffy, Pepsi & Patches Woods

MONEY HAS BEEN DONATED IN MEMORY OF THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE:

John Baptie Debra Bonazzoli Mary Brown Mary Bussino Jason Chamberlain Don Chute Marilyn Coloutti Elaine Curran Robert Cyrul Sr. Joann Deatte Aline Douglas Natalie Drew

Tom Duffy Ella Duhnoski Stephen Eddy Sr. Larry Flanders Bobbie Ford Donna, Ronnie & Julie Gilligan Grace Mildred Graham Helen Haas Clint Hall Francis Herbert Hanfield Janice Haseltine William Hathaway Sr. Edward Hayden Sr. Albert & Frances Heath Peter Heinson Ruth Hennessey

Lee Keirstead Thomas Lertola Rev. Richard Marceau Lorraine Marcille Kathleen McCloskey George Merrill Anthony Michel Robert Neary Mary O’Keefe Lester Parker Glenn Patch Patricia Patch Albert Poirier Barbara Potter Albert Prescott Jr. Stuart Rapée Richard Rice

Angelina Savery Marie Schiller Linda Severance Mary Stone Frances Sufnarski John Suker Regina Sullivan James Taranovich Norma Timpone June Townsend Gaetane Veilleux Francis Watterlund Donald Westebbe Meg Wilkins Tina Woods

MONEY HAS BEEN DONATED IN HONOR OF THE FOLLOWING:

Clara Aldrich Lorraine Bargmann Linda Barnard Wedding of Bonnie Bienvenu & Bill Kelleway Mr. & Mrs. A. James Crawford The Wedding Guests of Jason & Katie Davis Shane Hanson Mallorie Kaschuluk

The Kellys Kay Killoran Greg & Carol Macleod Mark Mossey Rutland Veterinary Clinic at Castleton Corners The Shum Family Pepper Smith Vermont Store Fixtures Pat & Carl Wener Pat Williams

For information on all of the Rutland County Humane Society’s programs and activities, visit our website at www.rchsvt.org. You can search for a lost pet, view animals available for adoption, see what we may need, and learn about upcoming events. We are also on Facebook and Twitter (@RCHSVT).

You can subscribe to our e-newsletter, which will bring you up to date news about RCHS as well as information on animal topics on our website, too.

765 Stevens Road Pittsford, VT 05763

Non-profit Org.

U.S.POSTAGE PAID

Pittsford, VT Permit #6

RCHS Board of Directors: Phyllis McCoy-Jacien, President Linda Dukeshire, Vice President Mei Mei Brown, Vice President Amanda Gearwar, Treasurer Christi Koch, Secretary Bill Burke Michael Carr Rob Macpherson, DVM Darcy Nelson Mike Roberts Dave Yendell

Staff :

Gretchen Goodman, Executive Director Jessica Danyow, Director of Operations Beth Saradarian, Director of Outreach and Special Events Beth Shapcott, Office Manager Susan Smith, Adoption Center Coordinator Jill Chapleau, Medical Supervisor

Animal Care Technicians: Julie Merwin Bethany Bushman Lisa Henry Adoption/Intake Counselors: Robin Smith Poirier Jill Elnicki

Phone: 802-483-9171 Fax: 802-483-6342 RCHS@RCHSVT.org

Calendar of Events: Please check out the News & Events page on our website (rchsvt.org/news-events) for more events as they come up throughout the Winter & early Spring.

2nd Annual Furry Friends Photo Contest – It will kick off on Monday, January 17 and run through Febru-ary 28. Our website (www.rchsvt.org) will have the link to it starting January 17. Make your pet a star in our 2012 Wall Calendar! Keep your eyes open for more information.

“Spring for the Animals” Auction – Our annual “Spring for the Animals” Auction will be held in early Spring, however details are not yet available. As soon as they are, we will let you know.

Yard Sale – Saturday, May 21 at RCHS. 9 AM – 2 PM. Pre-priced donations can be dropped off on Friday, May 20, 8 AM – 6 PM or Saturday morning, 7:30 – 9 AM.

Fido Fest – Saturday & Sunday, July 16 & 17 in Killington. Fido Fest is being “altered” for 2011! We are partnering with Killington to be part of their Killington Dog Days, which will include Dock Dogs, UFO World Championship, Skyhoundz Disc Dogathon, games, vendors, our famous Duck Derby and more! Watch for more details about this fun canine event!