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

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Volunteers Sow the Seeds of L ove Cat Buddy volunteer Elaine McMahon plays with an adoptable cat named Rusty. Volunteers help enrich the lives of Humane Society animals each day with their presence and love. “Never change Photo: Simran Zilaro
c o v e r s t o r y Last month we celebrated “National Volunteer Appreciation Week,” but our admiration for this dedicated group of individual goes far beyond this short time span as does the effects of their work. An old Greek proverb says, “a civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit.” This is the definition of the goodwill that is shown at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA everyday. Without fail, seven days a week volunteers show up at our campus to make an investment. They invest their most precious asset: their time and energy helping animals that are not their own. doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”– Margaret Mead Not only does the Humane Society rely on the financial generosity of our community, we also depend on the people who volunteer their time to help animals. Volunteers assist with virtually every aspect of our organization from direct animal care to helping with customer service. We simply could not accomplish what we do without the dedication and hard work of this valued group of individuals. “There are only 24 hours in a day. We can always make more money, buy more material objects, but the one thing that none of us can do is make more time. That is a fixed principle,” said Dr. Mark Goldstein, Humane Society President. “So, when I see an individual coming to help us and the animals, I am grateful and filled with admiration because they are giving to us their most valuable, most cherished resource.” In the last fiscal year, our volunteers gave 52,693 hours of their time. That equates to 6,586 eight-hour workdays, which would take one individual over 25 years to complete! In addition to the sheer quantity of time our volunteers donate, they bring quality to what they do as well. Before becoming a Humane Society volunteer, AnimalFare • Summer 2006 individuals attend a volunteer orientation in addition to specific trainings depending on what area they volunteer in and the skills needed. For example, Dog Walkers and Cat Buddies will attend at least five hours of classes on animal care, while volunteers in the Humane Society’s Animal Rescue Reserve must complete six months of training, including special certifications, prior to responding to an emergency. By training our volunteers, we help them to deliver quality care while ensuring the safety and well being of both the volunteers and the animals. Regardless of their type of work, one thing that unites volunteers is their love and dedication to helping animals and our community. When many volunteers first come to the Humane Society, it is simply with the intention of wanting to help the animals. After they go through orientation and training they realize that “helping animals” is a lot more than petting and playing with them. It also includes everything from positive reinforcement training, to doing laundry, to greeting visitors and to working (continued on page 6) Pet-Assisted Therapy program volunteer Linda Tendler shares the joy of animals with a convalescent resident. Photo: Rick Eaton, Star News
Page 1 and 2: SUMMER 2006 • Vol. 41 No. 2
Page 3: From the Mailbox San Diego Humane S
Page 7 and 8: Make Your Pet a Pin-up! Photo: Lori
Page 9 and 10: C O M I N G S O O N ! Our New Websi
Page 11 and 12: Ask a Trainer CATastrophe! Q: I ado
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 ...