SUMMER 2006 â¢ V ol. 41 No. 2 - San Diego Humane Society and ...

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JUST KIDS FOR Summer Animal Adventure Camp 2006 Choose from five one-week sessions starting July 10 through August 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $190 per camper Kids ages five to 13 can: • Train dogs and socialize cats • Exercise bunnies and guinea pigs • Make treats and toys for adoptable pets • Enjoy animal-related games and crafts • Get behind the scenes tours of the Humane Society’s innovative campus • And above all, learn compassion and respect for all living beings while having fun at the same time! To register or receive more information, call the Education Department at (619) 243-3432 or visit www.sdhumane.org and click on “Just for Kids.” Spaces are filling up fast – call to register your child today! Giving Through Retirement Plans Retirement plans like IRA, 403(b)s, 401(k)s, and other qualified plans help contribute to a secure financial future for many Americans. Most people, however, are unaware of how severely their retirement plans are taxed when given to a child, friend or relative after death. As a result, retirement plan proceeds make the perfect charitable gift to leave to a non-profit organization like San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. You can direct in advance that all or part of your retirement assets be designated to the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, and it’s easy to do. Just ask your plan administrator for a “change of beneficiary” form and indicate the amount or percentage to be used for charitable purposes at your death. You might also find it good tax planning to make current gifts from your retirement plan if you are at a point in life when you can withdraw funds without an early withdrawal penalty. Of course, we always suggest you consult your attorney or financial advisor prior to completing such gifts. Our free information booklet, Giving Through Retirement Plans, may help you. To request a free copy of this booklet, simply complete and return the form below, or send an e-mail request to cc@sdhumane.org. As an organization that relies on charitable gifts to continue its programs serving animals and people, we are most grateful for your ongoing, generous support. Photo: BJ Comer (Please complete and return this reply form.) Dear Friends at San Diego Humane Society: Please send me your free booklet, Giving Through Retirement Plans. Please send me your free booklets about wills. I/We have already provided a bequest for the San Diego Humane Society in our estate plans. Mail this form to: Shelly Stuart San Diego Humane Society and SPCA 5500 Gaines Street San Diego, CA 92110 Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State:________ Zip: _ ______________________ Phone:________________________________ Email: _ ____________________________________ 10 AnimalFare • Summer 2006
Ask a Trainer CATastrophe! Q: I adopted two cats in May of last year and they have been wonderful companions. They are the only pets I have and they have never had any issues until now. I recently had an overnight guest and the cats were not able to sleep in their normal spots. In the morning I noticed that one of the cats had defecated on the floor. I’m worried because they have never done anything like this before and their litterbox is always kept very clean. What’s your advice? Worried in Carlsbad, CA As you suspected, your guest may have disrupted a familiar habit or sleeping area, which could be the cause of the uneasiness in your cats. If your cats are relieving themselves in places other than the litter box as a result of stress, punishment will only add to your cats’ anxiety and perpetuate the problem. A practical solution for you and your cats may be to set up an undisturbed “quiet area” for your cats where they For many pets, and especially cats, Behavior Trainer Margaret Lenoir plays with an adoptable cat named Lucas in his habitat. The Humane Society’s cat habitats have music, toys, soft beds and cat pheromone plug-ins to help calm the cats and make them feel at home. Photo: Sarah Whorley A: Thank you for your question! Inappropriate elimination is not an uncommon behavioral issue in cats. First, I would recommend that you have your cats seen by your veterinarian, as behavioral changes are sometimes a result of an underlying medical problem. Barring any medical issues, behavior changes can often stem from stress or anxiety. For many pets, and especially cats, any sort of change in their environment or routine can be distressing. An adoptable cat relaxes at the Humane Society in a habitat designed to keep cats happy, healthy and stress-free. Photo: BJ Comer any sort of change in their environment or routine can be distressing. can feel comfortable hanging out when you have guests. Play soothing music in the area and spend time with them there to ensure they feel comfortable and at ease. You will also want to fill the area with enrichments such as toys, cozy places to lounge or snuggle, hiding places, cat trees, and a sufficient number of litter boxes (the general rule for litter boxes, especially if you are having issues, is one for each cat, plus one). You may also want to use a product called “Feliway,” a spray-on or plug-in cat pheromone that helps to calm cats and that can prevent urination where the product is sprayed. Feliway is available at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA Store and other pet retailers. Using the plug-in version of Feliway in your cat’s quiet area will help them feel even more relaxed and at ease in their safe place. The key is to provide your cats with a place that will help them relieve stress and relax when they are feeling upset by change. For more helpful information on the root of feline behavior, you also may be interested in attending our “How To Live Happily Ever After with Your Cat” workshop. This two-hour problem solving class includes such topics as how to better communicate with your cat, preventing common behavior problems, appropriate play, and much more. Space in this popular class is limited; so if you’d like to attend please call (619) 299-7012, ext. 2247 to pre-register. I wish you the best of luck with your cats’ issue and in creating a “no stress” zone for your cats. Sincerely, Margaret Lenoir, Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) and San Diego Humane Society and SPCA Behavior Trainer Have a question for our Behavior and Training staff? E-mail us at behavior@sdhumane.org. AnimalFare • Summer 2006 11
Page 1 and 2: SUMMER 2006 • Vol. 41 No. 2
Page 3 and 4: From the Mailbox San Diego Humane S
Page 5 and 6: c o v e r s t o r y Last month we c
Page 7 and 8: Make Your Pet a Pin-up! Photo: Lori
Page 9: C O M I N G S O O N ! Our New Websi
Page 13 and 14: Char, Lou & Nick Sica’s Jasmine -
Page 15 and 16: In Memory Of Forty Tai Tai - Charle
Page 17 and 18: College Educated Cat Ready for His
Page 19 and 20: Summer 2006 Calendar of Events MAY

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SUMMER 2006 â¢ V ol. 41 No. 2 - San Diego Humane Society and ...