HFA NewsletterNewsletter of the Home for Friendless Animals

Visit us at www.friendlessanimals.comSpring 2011

You Can Teach a Cat New Tricks

By Doris Williams

HaHaHaHaHaHa!!! This is the reaction from cat owners when I ask them if

they’ve trained their cats to come when called. HaHaHaHaHaHa!!! This is the reaction I get when I tell people I’ve trained my cats to come when I call them, when I whistle, or when I snap my fingers. My cats learned to come when called or whistled to after several weeks of training. It took longer to master the skill of coming to snapping fingers, about two months.

I begin to train my cat to come at the same time I teach him to recognize his name. I start the command to come by using his name first. Such as, “Smokey, come here. Come here Smokey. Here Smokey. Here kitty, kitty, kitty. Smokey, here Smokey.” While calling the cat, I am whistling intermittently, and I am snapping my fingers, too. Sometimes, I pick up a favorite toy and move it to capture the cat’s attention. The cat usually comes to investigate the toy or to play with it. When the cat comes, I praise him while saying his name. “Good boy, Smokey. You came. Smokey, you are a good boy.” I pet him as a reward for coming. Of course at this early stage, the

cat has no idea what he just did. But it is a beginning. I repeat this exercise several times during each training session.

I set aside some time every day to work on the “coming when called”

command. During play activities is an excellent time to work on teaching the cat to come. Another good time to train the cat to come is while walking him on his leash (do not use an expandable leash). While holding the leash, I back away from the cat. I then call him by name to come to me. I bend down while snapping my fingers in his line of vision. Sometimes I whistle. The cat usually comes

to me, and again I praise him while giving him a gentle stroke along the back or a scratch behind the ears. I repeat this exercise. If the cat’s motivation is food, reward him with a treat when he comes to you. My cats enjoyed praise along with a pat, a scratch, and a treat. Another good time to call the cat to come is while filling his food bowl. The cat food serves as the reward for coming. I personally do not frequently use treats as the reward. I want the cat to respond to me and not to the treat when we are at the nursing home (Smokey is a companion/therapy cat to the residents). But do whatever works for you and your cat.

For thirty-five years, I’ve whistled the same pitch and sequence of tones to call my cats. Sammie, Ethan, Emily, Fluffy, Jesse, and Dusty all learned to come to my “classic” whistle. Then in 2008, I adopted Smokey. He quickly learned to come when I called his name, however he would not come to my “classic” whistle, no matter how I tried. Then I remembered to take my own advice when I don’t get the

1

Smokey

• Continued on Page 9

Home for Friendless AnimalsBoard of Directors

Hershel McLemore, PresidentKatherine Kelly, Vice PresidentKevan McClure, TreasurerJune Hennegan, SecretaryRobert Kelly, DVM, Medical DirectorChad H. ParkerLella McLemoreDianne HunterPooch HunterChuck SwitzerNewsletter Edited by Chad H. Parker

The Home for

Friendless Animals continues to weather the difficult financial

troubles, but it hasn’t been easy. We’ve cut expenses as much as possible, and without the help of dedicated staff and volunteers, it would be much more difficult.

Monetary donations go a long way in helping us continue our mission of providing a loving and safe refuge to stray, abandoned, and abused dogs and cats. Your gift allows us to purchase the dog food our furry friends are used to eating, to take them to the doctor when they come down with something, and to acquire the necessary medication to keep everyone healthy and happy.

As you’ll see in this issue, the health and happiness of the

We also need to

Table of ContentsYou Can Teach a Cat New Tricks.........................................................................1A Healthy Home......................................................................................................2Ask the Vet................................................................................................................3Sometimes Things Work Out...........................................................................4Memorial Contributions..................................................................................6-7Shelter Medicine Forum ......................................................................................8Becoming A Volunteer.......................................................................................10New Arrivals..........................................................................................................11

A Healthy Home

By Chad H. Parker

2

HFA is still collecting donations to upgrade the

property by putting together a memorial walkway as a way to honor our friends and pets. We need your help to do it. The walkway will contain memorial bricks with the names of those honored. They can be memorials to lost pets or simply a recognition of the ones you currently love. If you would like to purchase a memorial brick, please send $100.00 and the text of your memorial (name and date, if applicable; please limit the text to two lines and fewer than twenty characters) to the Home for Friendless Animals, 7649 W. 200 S., Waynetown, IN 47990.

Thanks, and we’ll keep you posted on our progress!

animals in our care is the first priorty. We are not just a temporary shelter, but often a sanctuary. We are a “home” to these aniamls that have found themselves with no friends outside our facility. At HFA, we want our residents to have the most comfortable lives we can provide. And with continued support from our staff, volunteers, and donors, we know we’ll be able to provide the attention each animal needs. But it isn’t easy.

We want to take a moment to recognize important area businesses that help keep us going. In Crawfordsville, Indiana, Matt Fruits and Specks Pet Supply always make sure we have the food we need, when we need it. The Moose Lodge, Big R, and Walmart in Crawfordsville are great supporters as well, providing needed donations. How a community treats its stray, abandoned, and abused animals says a lot, and HFA is lucky to be located in such a friendly, supportive place. Thank you.

We also need to recognize Jim Valmore, a facilities manager and long-time board member, who recently retired. We thank Jim and wish him well in his retirement.

Ask the VetBy Kathleen A. Hennegan DVM

3

Question: If I adopt a new dog from the shelter, what do I need to have ready for it?

Answer: Before adopting an animal, think about adopting from a shelter. There are many dogs and cats without a loving family who make great pets and companions. Plus, many times they come trained with the basic manners and are often housebroken, or take little time to train. It is important to take your new family member to your veterinarian within 48 hours of bringing him/her to your home. Your veterinarian will make sure your newly adopted pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Make sure to discuss heartworm and flea/tick prevention at that time. You should also take a fresh fecal sample from your new pet to have tested for intestinal parasites.

Before bringing your new pet home, have some toys available such as kongs, nyla-bones, catnip toys, and good quality ropes, making sure they are an appropriate size and type for the pet you have adopted. Be aware that certain toys with squeakers and soft toys can be easily chewed up and swallowed, which can lead to intestinal blockages, possibly requiring emergency surgery.

Find out what type of food your new pet has been eating at the shelter and buy a bag of the same food. As long as s/he is not having intestinal issues (vomiting and/or diarrhea), continue feeding the same food until s/he has settled into the new household (for at least one to two weeks). After the adjustment period, you may switch foods gradually over the next seven to ten days, if you so desire. Consult with your veterinarian as to the best type of food for your pet.

A crate can be a great way to give your new friend a sense of security, as well as facilitate house training for dogs. This will be of great comfort to your pet, acting as a bedroom as well as a place where s/he can get away from everything and just relax. Make sure to place the crate in an area such as in a corner of the family room where your pet will still feel like part of the family and can see what is going on, but is out of the way of a lot of the day-to-day activity.

When bringing a newly adopted pet into a new and different environment, it is important that his/her first impression is a calm and welcoming one. Remember that s/he will be very apprehensive about this new situation. If handled correctly, though, it is a win-win situation, and you will have found the new best friend you have been looking for.

If you have and questions or concerns about adobpting a new pet, please contact the HFA.

Jack is an Austrailian Cattle Dog that walks nicely on a leash. He likes be-ing with people and would be happy going everywhere with you. He is very smart and understands com-mands. Come meet him.

4

Interested in purchasing a memorial adver-tisement? Call the shelter today and you can reserve a quarter page in the next HFA Newsletter to show your love and support.

The Home for Friendless Animals is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organizationAll gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law

Sometimes Things Work Out.By Kevan McClure, Treasurer of HFA

Ollie had a rocky start to life. Someone was heartless enough to leave a box of puppies outside a building in ninety-degree heat. Luckily they were found, but they were all in poor condition: under nourished, covered with fleas, and infected with ringworm. Unfortunately, one of the puppies was

already dead.

When they arrived at the Home for Friendless Animals, we quarantined them in a playpen in the office while treating the ringworm, and they grew and gained weight. Eventually they were healthy enough to move to the kennels. One by one they were adopted, except for Ollie. While he is a handsome young fellow, he was very shy and seemed lost without his siblings. We moved him to the office so that he could interact with other dogs, and we took him to our exercise yards for play time with visitors.

Then someone noticed him and saw his potential. A young couple adopted him and took him home to their other dog, which Ollie bonded with. It was just what he needed. Ollie was insecure and needed a big brother to give him some confidence.

His new family recently sent us an update (see Ollie, the smaller dog to the right) to tell us how well he is adjusting to his new home. It is heartwarming to see him snuggled up with his big brother, leading the good life.

A big thanks to Ollie’s new family for giving him a chance to be all that he could be.

In memory of Ian, who died this spring.

5

Dear Friends,

Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Leslie Donley. You know me because I wrote this newsletter for three years beginning in 2006 when I moved to the area with my eighty-five year old aunt, Eleanor Sandquist. Being born and raised in Chicago, the move to the country required many adjustments, but becoming involved with HFA made our experience easy and delightful. Eleanor loved the shelter. She sat willingly for hours at fund raising booths and loved visiting the cattery where she found many kitties to comfort.

She brought with her to Indiana her sixteen year old cat, Blackie, which she found on her back porch one cold and snowy night in Chicago. He was just a kitten then. Through the years, Blackie never left her side. He sat on her desk when she did paperwork, on her lap while she watched TV, and on top of her every night while she slept.

On April 13, Eleanor passed away after a seven-month battle with cancer. Blackie stayed with her until the end; he was on her chest when she took her last breath. Although I am doing my best to comfort him each and every day, he prefers to be left alone on her still-positioned comforter. It is heartbreaking to see him waiting for her to return. Please remember, dear friends, that animals also grieve. They are

loving and loyal until the end. Such devotion is unique and priceless.

Through the years, too many times I have heard of animals brought to the HFA by family members who cannot care for the pet of a departed loved one. Please make every effort to care for these pets or find them a loving home. Do not add to their grief by abandoning them once again.

Sincerely,

Leslie Donley

In memory of Mia. Her people and her brother Sydney miss her.

HFA Wish List:Nylabones, and Kongs• Canned cat and dog food• Purina Dog and Cat Chow• Newspapers• Recyclable cellular phones• Used ink and toner cartridges • (brand name)Cat Litter• Paper towels•

Behavior Aid Wish List:Wind Chimes• Air Freshener Sprays (Chamomile, • Lavender, or Fruit Scented)CDs of Canine Lullabies and • “Through a Dog’s Ear”Kongs and Nylabones• Nylabone Puzzles• Hard Plastic Swimming Pools.•

Please consider donating some of the above items. Kongs and Nylabones make great toys for dogs. They last a long time and cannot be easily broken down and swallowed. Music with certain sounds is soothing, which is something shelter dogs need more than most.

• Harrison, Kathy and Mark in memory of Mookie Gray• Hartley, Nancy in memory of Bob Perry• Hawkins, Reda and Jim in memory of Betty Gregory• Headliners in memory of Joe Spear• Heise, Deborah in memory of Boo• Henderson, John and Brenda in memory of Marguerite Walker• Herrmann, Angela in memory of Fuzz and Maggie• Herron, Charles in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Hershberger, Dick and Jo in memory of Judith Kristoff• Himes, Stanley and Linda in memory of Joe Spear• Hinrich, Marilyn in memory of Pepsi, Molly and Reuben• Hoffman, Gary and Carol in memory of Mar-guerite Walker• Hofmeyer, Steven and Barbara in memory of Marguerite Walker• Howard, Judith and Ronald in memory of Car-roll Kunkel• Huff, John and Roxann in memory of Betty Gregory• Hutchison, Evelyn in memory of Vera Francis• Jacklin, Cheryl and Scott in memory of Jeffery Turner• Jane, Miller in memory of Keesha Mae• Janzaruk, Paul and Marilyn in memory of Jef-fery Turner• Jaques, Richard and Judith in memory of Car-roll Kunkel• Jarovitzky, Peter and Eleanor in memory of Jack Pike• Johnson, Linda in memory of Joe Spear• Jones, Lora in memory of Jeffery Turner• Jones, Louise in memory of Betty Gregory• Kaldden, Sun and Darryl in memory of Mar-garet Wells• Kantlehner, William and Betty in memory of George Feldman• Karbowski, David and Angela in memory of Jack Pike• Karbowski, Joan and Don in memory of Jack Pike• Karbowski, Jessica and Tom in memory of Jack Pike• Karbowski, Susan and Michael in memory of Jack Pike• Kelley, Robert in memory of Buck• Kinkead, Ralph and Dianna in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Kladden, Charles and Flo in memory of Mar-garet Wells• Kniess, Ronald and Renee in memory of George Feldman• Koorsen, Randall in memory of Jane Koorsen, Margorie Stroup, Mandy Adkins, and Ananda Adkins

Memorial Contributions

6

• Daugherty, Daniel and Joan in memory of Queen and Lucy• Davidson, David and Marsha in memory of Joe Spear• Day, Lachelle in memory of Bob Perry• DC Comics in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Deer, Vicki in memory of Joe Spear• Delman, Lloyd, M.D. in memory of Tipper• Dey, Susan in memory of Marguerite Walker• Dickerson, Ronald and Trudy in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Donnelley, RR in memory of Martha Valler• Dorman, Eleanor in memory of Rusty• Duncan, L. R. and Petzi in memory of Hurb-erta Schull• Durick, James and Cheryl in memory of Margaret Wells• Duvall, James and Patricia in memory of Betty Gregory• Eaton, Kathy in memory of Joe Spear• Egan, Brian and Judith in memory of Joe Spear• Employees of INDOT in memory of Joe Spear• Everett, Michael and Dolly in memory of Dingo• Feldman, Henry and Frances in memory of Greta• Field, David in memory of George Feldman• Finley, Frank in memory of Anna Mandusic• Finley, Kathy in memory of Anna Mandusic• Fischhoff, Martin in memory of George Feld-man• Frye, Deanna in memory of Marguerite Walker• Gerv, Jeffery and Nina in memory of Margue-rite Walker• Gibbs, Steven and JoAnn in memory of Fred-die• Glascock, Martha in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Donley, Graham and Donnette in memory of Eleanor Sandquist• Gray, Kathleen in memory of "Chelsea"• Green, James and Jeanne in memory of "Monet"• Gregory, Charles Jr. and Betty in memory of Steve Snoddy, Pirate Jack, Grouch-Puss, Big Ben, and Betty Gregory• Guarneros-Mata in memory of Rene, Kather-ine, and Judith Kristoff• Guedal, John and Mary in memory of Two People• Haffner, Jerry in memory of Marguerite Walker• Hamilton, Amy in memory of Jeffery Turner• Hammer, Megan and Chris in memory of John and Pat Garvin• Handleman, David and Geneva in memory of George Feldman• Hargrove, John and Maureen in memory of Betty Gregory• Hargrove, Clay in memory of Betty Gregory• Harp, Donna and Rodney in memory of Joe Spear

• Adams, Nancy in memory of Nancy Steele Heimbaugh• Allen, Leonard and Karen in memory of Car-roll Kunkel• Amos, Linda in memory of Margaret Wells• Anonymous in memory of Joe Spear• Anonymous in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Anonymous in memory of Joe Spear• Anonymous in memory of Bob Perry• Archer, Kathy and Mike in memory of Marga-ret Wells• Arnold, Paul and Carol in memory of George Feldman• Baker, Martha in memory of Virginia Watson• Baldwin, Cheryl in memory of Bob Perry• Ball, Gary and Allyson in memory of Jeffery Turner• Bassett Hound Club of Central Indiana in memory of Judith Kristoff• Barton, Sharon in memory of Jerry Holycross• Bechner, Phyllis in memory of Darrell J. Bechner• Bendush, Dixie in memory of Toby Bendush and Daisy Hester• Bendush, Brad and Cindy in memory of Skywalker• Benisek, Edward and Ce Celia in memory of Liza Jane, Benisek, Edward, Ce Celia, Ginger Fluffy, and Irey Jean• Birk, Kenneth, V S Engineering, Inc., in memory of Joe Spear• Boggs, Peggy in memory of Betty Gregory• Bowen, Dorthea in memory of "Duffy"• Bradley, Thompson and Bonnie in memory of Jack Pike• Brooks, Thomas and Mary, Pam Lockhart's Team, in memory of Judith Kristoff• Brown, Barbara in memory of Betty Gregory• Browning, Susan in memory of Stacey New• Bryant, Darcy in memory of Shirley Bryant, Trixie, Marion, Angel, and Simba• Buchanan, Beth, Early Childhood Center, in memory of Marguerite Walker• Buzash, Victoria in memory of Gonzo, “Wuffy," and "Muffy"• Carlisle, Ken in memory of Anna Mandusic• Castner, Connie in memory of Margaret Wells• Church, Cheryl in memory of George and Ethel Vansco, and Emery and Tillie Bunnell• Clark, Barbara in memory of Lorin VanGorder• Cline, Lynda and Russ in memory of Jeffery Turner• Collins, David and Betsy in memory of Dixie and Sherman• Covert, Gene and Judy in memory of Bob Perry• Cox, Denise in memory of Marguerite Walker• Cramer, Jacquelyn in memory of Judith Kristoff• Cunningham, Bob and Pam, WalMart Optical Lab, in memory of Ruby Parker

7

• Kristoff, John in memory of Judith Kristoff• Kunkle, Carroll and Mary in memory of Brick—"DEKE"• Kurtz, Fred and Kathy in memory of Jack Pike • Leffler, N. N. in memory of Shasha• Lempke, Maxine in memory of Judith Kristoff• Leslie, Donley in memory of Eleanor Sandquist• Locker, Nevah in memory of Don Devitt• Locksmith, Marylyn in memory of Judith Kristoff• Logan, Richard and Marcia in memory of Virginia Watson• Lott, Kathleen in memory of Dixie and Scooter• Lupear, Sam and Peggy in memory of Lacey• Lyons, Betty in memory of "Polly," Simba, Bear, and Milo• Markou, Sandra and Peter in memory of Judith Kristoff• Martin, Larry and Sally in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Martin, Joan (Jody) in memory of Tucker's Cats• Mascari, Barbara in memory of George Feldman• Massey, Cheryl in memory of Jack Pike• Maxwell, Jean in memory of Marguerite Walker• Mayo-Miller, Nancy in memory of Lucy, Sergio, Bo, and Sadie• McArthy, Cheryl and Patrick in memory of Margaret Wells• McClain, Mary in memory of Jeffery Turner• McDowell, Patrick and Karen in memory of Joe Spear• McDowell, Terrence and Melinda in memory of Jeffery Turner• McGuinness, Kevin in memory of Alex and Savannah• McMichael, Sally and Paul in memory of Janet Webb• McNeal, Verna in memory of Joe Spear• Mefford, Sharon and Mark in memory of Wilthea Rule• Mellis, Jacquelyn in memory of Jack Pike• Mengering, Dorothy in memory of "PK"• Middledorf, Marie in memory of Jack Pike• Middledorf, James in memory of Jack Pike• Milby, Stephanie and Lanham in memory of Marguerite Walker• Miles, Lois in memory of Joe Spear• Miller, Mark and Beth in memory of Jim Trimble• Miller, Kristi and Jeffery in memory of Jack Pike• Monschein, Walton and Lavern in memory of George Feldman• Mustin, Michael and Marcia in memory of Braxton• Nelson, John and Beverly in memory of George Feldman• Organization of American Historians in memory of Anna Mandusic

• Ottinger, Brenda, Family and Social Services Administration, in memory of Betty Gregory• Pack, Rick and Connie in memory of Joe Spear• Patton, Marc and Leverne in memory of Sissy Patton• Pebworth, Gail in memory of Eleanor Sandquist• Perez, Susan in memory of Anna Mandusic• Peterson, Thomas and Stephanie in memory of George Feldman• Pet Loss Grief Support Group in memory of Connie Casey• Petro, Karen in memory of Betty Gregory• Pieper, Dennis and Linda in memory of Lady• Pirtle, Dr. Rosanne in memory of Baron, Cow-boy, Dow, Oliver, Christa Stephens, and Sophie• Pleasant Hill Elementary School in memory of Joe Spear• Poindexter, Robin and Dianna in memory of Doris Burton Robertson• Quinn Jane, Pam Lockhart's Team, in memory of Judith Kristoff• Rampley, Richard and Kathy in memory of Marguerite Walker• Randolph, Gerald and Carol in memory of Marguerite Walker• Rexroth, Mark in memory of Marguerite Walker• Rexroth, Frank and Margaret in memory of Marguerite Walker• Rhodebeck, Don and Janet in memory of Anna Mandusic• Richardson, Deborah in memory of Judith Kristoff• Ringer, William, M.D. in memory of Lola Strong• Robinson, Steven and Kristin in memory of Rocket Monahan and Ellie Goldenberg• Rockey, Judith in memory of Marguerite Walker• Roelant, Thomas in memory of Anna Mandu-sic• Rusk, Barbara in memory of Jeffery Turner• Rusk, Paul and Carol in memory of Jeffery Turner• Rusk, Kenneth in memory of Jeffery Turner• Ryker, Charles and Christina in memory of Molson and Zoey• Schneider, Beth in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Settle, Betty in memory of Stacey New• Sharp, Lloyd and Connie, Sharp's Carefree Arabians, in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Shuey, Barbara in memory of "Polly"• Sinnock, Janet in memory of Stacey New• Sloat, Richard in memory of Anna Mandusic• Snoddy, Lorena in memory of Betty Gregory• Snyder, Patricia in memory of Margret Snyder• Sobel, Maxwell and Teri in memory of Florine Fisher and “Mickey"• Sowers, Obie and Penny in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Sparks, Rebecca in memory of Anna Mandusic

• Spear, Marilyn in memory of Joe Spear• Stevens, Mary in memory of Anna Mandusic• St. Lukes Singles Toastmasters in memory of Anna Mandusic• Stoner, Joan in memory of Coco• Strouse, David in memory of Jack Pike• Stultz, Henry and Marsha in memory of Benja-min DeLong• Tanner, L. Gene in memory of George Feld-man• Taylor, Donna in memory of Marguerite Walker• The Indianapolis Ambassadors, Inc. in memory of Louise Silcox• The Other Place in memory of Ed Lee• Thompson, Clifford and Janice in memory of Marguerite Walker• Trippeer, Jon and Elaine in memory of Mar-guerite Walker• Tucker, Sharon in memory of Agnes "Pat" Garvin• Turner, Lisa and Paul in memory of Jeffery Turner• Uhrig, James and Barbara in memory of Keiko and Keike• Underwood, Jenith and Ricky in memory of Jeffery Turner• Utterback, Peter and Bronna in memory of Joe Spear• Valmore, James and Luana in memory of Fern Cogley and Butch Huber• Van Sant, Richard, Jr. in memory of Kalvin• Vansco, Deborah in memory of Emery and Tillie Bunnell, Clifford and Ruby Bunnell, George and Ethel Vansco, and Edison• Virgil, Diana and Hall in memory of Joe Spear• Walker, Denise and John in memory of Joe Spear• Ward, Carol in memory of Caruso, Rufus, Mildred Richards, and “Cassie” Mandich• Webster, Jim and Shay in memory of Carroll Kunkel• Weliever, Nancy in memory of Ed Lee• Wilson, Salla in memory of Margret Snyder• Wilson, Earl in memory of Joe Spear• Winn, Rebecca in memory of Mae Dewitt• Wiseman, Sandra in memory of Margaret Wells• Wohlfeld, Marlene and Lowell in memory of Zack• Young, Brad and Catherine in memory of Bob Perry• Zink, Wayne and Shelia in memory of Joe Spear

Memorial Contributions

8

In Memoriam: Mae Ola “Daisy” DeWitt

Mae Ola “Daisy” DeWitt, who served on the board of directors for the Home for Friendless Animals for over thirty years, passed away on April 13, 2011. She was eighty-five years old. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Daisy graduated from the Purdue University School of Pharmacy in 1947. She worked for thirty-five years as a pharmacist at the Indiana University Medical Center.

The Home for Friendless Animals was lucky to have her work with the organization for so long. She served in a number of capacities including vice president and historian, and she was a highly involved fundraiser. For years, the Rummage Room, a shop she ran in downtown Indianapolis, raised money for HFA. She also raised money for a two-week period every year at the annual Christmas Gift and Hobby Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and through a massive annual garage sale. While serving on the board, she fought to ensure that HFA never lost sight of its mission to remain a non-euthanasia facility for stray, abandoned, and abused dogs and cats. She is remembered by members of the board as intelligent and insightful, making thoughtful contributions after careful and deliberate consideration.

Daisy’s generosity and dedication will not be forgotten, and those of us on the board today will do well to remember her contributions.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Home for Friendless Animals, 7649 W. 200 South, Waynetown, IN 47990.

—Chad H. Parker Member of the Board

Shelter Medicine ForumBy Katherine Kelly, Vice President of HFA

This past February, Peggy Bayless and I attended the day long Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Shelter Medicine Forum. This year’s topic was Guidelines for

Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. The speaker for the event was Annette Litster, director of Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She gave an interesting and intensive lecture covering administration, care, and the Asilomar Accords. The lecture and discussions provided us with some confirmation that we are providing outstanding care for our animals, but also it outlined numerous recommendations that we hope to follow.

In the administration and management, Litster discussed shelter environment, facility design, sanitation, and animal transport. We can report that we are doing quite well in these areas. Our dogs have their own space, toys, and social opportunities. Our cats have freedom, access to hiding places, and a porch that allows bird watching in an open environment.

We also found that our dogs and cats are receiving superb care. We have begun feeding Purina Dog and Cat Chow, which we’ve found incredibly helpful in keeping our dogs active and healthy. And on top of that, due to the work of Jonathon Daron, an Eagle Scout from Troop 318, we now have a canine agility course. Designed and constructed by Jonathan and volunteers from his troop and Troop 326, and with materials donated by the Crawfordsville, Indiana, Home Depot and Thrifty Supply, it entertains, exercises, and encourages problem solving. This agility course has been enjoyed many times and promotes physical and behavioral health, canine and human alike.

Litster also reported on a new movement that began in 2004 at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. A group of animal welfare leaders met and established the Asilomar Accords, guidelines for shelters to work with local communities and with each other. Shelter medicine and animal welfare change constantly, and this group looked to create a “living document” to promote cooperation and establish standards of care.

As noted, HFA is paying attention to these standards and recommendations. We’re interested in the direction all this is going, because we’re interested in creating the best possible environment for our animals and generating the best possible relationships with the community.

• Continued from Page 1

Place YourAdvertisement

Here

Businesses can call (765) 866-1760 for more information

9

expected behavior from my cat: I need to change my behavior. So I changed the pitch and sequence of tones to my whistle after I called him by name. Guess what? Smokey came to me. Without calling him by name, I whistled for him to come, and it worked. The next day, I whistled again for Smokey to come. Out of habit I used my usual whistle sounds. He didn’t come. I forgot what whistle tones Smokey responded to. So I guess it’s harder to teach a middle-aged woman new ways to whistle than it is to teach a cat a new trick. I tried many different whistle sounds and sequences and finally found the one that Smokey responded to. Eventually Smokey learned to come to my “classic” whistle sounds. He made learning this easy trick more difficult. Smokey probably thought I was slow to learn what whistles he liked to respond to. He didn’t realize I’m even slower at remembering them.

Shortly after Smokey learned to come to my whistles, he and I were sitting in the main lounge at the nursing home listening to an entertainer sing at the keyboard. Smokey was being good, sitting quietly on the floor in front of me while I held his leash. Suddenly Steve, the musician, began to whistle during his song. Smokey stood up and started to walk toward him. Smokey stopped, turned, looked at me, and started to walk to me. Then he turned back and started to walk to Steve. Smokey kept looking at Steve, then back at me and back to Steve. Smokey didn’t know what to do. He knew he was supposed to come when whistled to, but he never heard anyone other than me whistle. He didn’t know if he should come to me no matter who whistled, or if he should go to the person doing the whistling! What a difference a few months made. During another performance, Steve whistled during a song, but this time Smokey didn’t react to it. I guess he decided that my whistling was the only one

he should respond to. After all, I am the one who feeds him. Good boy Smokey.

THANK YOU

The Home For Friendless Animals would like to thank the following

veterinarians for their generous donations of medical supplies, equipment, and drugs in 2011. Our four-legged residents are very grateful to these individuals:

• Dr. Anna Piper: Angel Animal Hospital

• Dr. Vicki Barker-Hagerman: Lapel Animal Clinic

• Dr. Sharon Kunkler: Stoney Creek Pet Clinic

• Dr. Robert Naum: Airport Animal Emergi-Center

• Dr. Andrew Blickman: Medical Research

Our good friend Ernie.

Adam and Scarlett, Basset Hound Mixes. Adam (white and brown) was found with his mom, Scarlett (Brindle) in the road. They are very sweet dogs and would love a home of their own.

10

Becoming A Volunteer

The Home for Friendless Animals is always looking for kind, dedicated volunteers to help at the facility.

With recent cuts to the budget, we desperately need help at the shelter. Whether it is cutting grass, mending fences, walking the dogs, brushing the cats, doing general maintenance, or just playing with the animals, we need help. We can also use any fundraising help that volunteers are willing to provide.

Once you arrive at the shelter to begin volunteering, you will receive a brief tour of the facility and be asked to sign our volunteer form that allows us to keep in contact with you. You will talk with management about your interests and expertise, and you will be assigned responsibilities. You can expect a tiring day, but you can also expect a fulfilling one. We look forward to hearing from you.

Interested in purchas-ing a memorial ad-vertisement? Call the shelter today and you can reserve space in the next HFA Newslet-ter to show your love

and support.

Place YourAdvertisement

HereBusinesses can call (765) 866-1760 for more

information

Monthly Costs:

It costs a great deal to take such good care of the animals at HFA. Below is

a list of monthly costs, which should give you an idea. If you would like to help, you can now donate online using PayPal. Just visit our website at www.friendlessanimals.com and click the links tab.

Dry Pet Food .................$2,580•

Canned Pet Food .............$525•

HFA Medicine .................$1,150•

HFA Veterinary Care ........$600•

Cat Litter .............................$450•

Cleaning Supplies ...........$300•

Utilities ............................$2,000•

Maintenance ......................$950•

Insurance ......................$1,100•

Remember Georgia from our last Newsletter? Fletch (above) is one of her puppies, who is now about four years old. He and his sisters are some of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet. Come meet Fletch.

11

Have a few hours to make a dog’s day

special?

We need dog walkers. Our dogs need your time and attention. The dogs

love getting out of their kennels to check out the sights and smells around the property. We have four exercise yards where the dogs can run and roll in the grass, but they enjoy it much more when they have human company. Some of the dogs prefer to sit with you and get petted rather than wander the yard. Others would rather show you the woods and fields.

We have a dog for everyone. For the adventurous, some of the bigger dogs need to work on their leash manners. If you prefer a more leisurely walk, we also have small dogs and well-mannered dogs. Put on some old clothes, make some new friends, and enjoy a nice day. It is gratifying to know that you made the day very special for a shelter dog. Please come volunteer a few hours on Saturdays to help socialize and exercise our furry friends.

Contact Request:

As part of HFA’s efforts to stay in touch with its friends, volunteers, and donors, we are hoping to provide more regular

updates about what’s happening. To do this in the most cost effective way, we hope that you will consider sending us your email address. Please send an email to manager@friendles-sanimals.com and let us know the best email address to reach you. And remember, all dona-tions to HFA are tax deductible.

New Arrivals

We have a few new arrivals to announce. Below are two of our kittens. They are two months old and ready for new homes. The mother cat, too, is

adorable. We also have a cute shepherd/black lab puppy that our staff just loves. Below the kittens are pictures of the last two Shepherd/Great Dane puppies we have. The other five have found wonderful homes, and all reports are that they have fast become integral members of their new families. If you have some time, check us out on Petfinder, shoot us an email, give us a call, or come on out to our facility some Saturday to see our puppies and kittens!

They will be waiting for you.

Ike and Harrison, Shep-herd/Great Dane Pup-pies. They are the last two puppies from a litter of seven.They are very friendly and love to play. Stop by and see them, or take them for a walk in one of our exercise yard.

Home for Friendless AnimalsP.O. Box 217Waynetown, IN 47990

Recently Adopted:Dogs: Simi, Franklin, Liam, Sierra, Wren, Marty, Nala, Tatum, Zippy, Briley, McKenna, Taffy, Tami, Valerie, Truman, George, Lady Bird, Kennedy, Andrew, Hank, Kenley, Howie, Jannie, Ollie, Gibbs, Greg, and ErnieCats: Wesley, Midnight, Neal, Yancy, Phyllis, Levi, Frascle, Jackie Blue, and Flower

HFA Memorials:Dogs: Victor, Mooch, Lottie, Big Jake, Old Thor, Jayce, Sherman, Gretta, Guinevere, Harriet, McKenzie, Krissy Girl, Turtle, Jetson, Cindy, Violet, Fred, Miss Phipps, Kinzy, Puffy, Donner, Benji, Maddie, Ned, Buddy, Kristen, Corky, Sampson, Hollyberry, Max, Lucky, Ellen, Ian, Eli, and BlitzenCats: Sweetie, Carl, Monte, Bing, Pluto, Addison, Nigel, Ace, Manny, Venus, Nadine, Oriole, Sylvester, Wiggles, Ash, Daphne, Simon, Oliver, Rosie, Sally, Lizzie, Karen, Groucho, Sophie, Ivy, Mickey, Toad, Piper, Omar, Smokey, A.J., and Tigger

These days, many people are choosing to make memorial contributions to charitable organizations instead of sending flowers. It is a great way to help not-for-profit organizations. HFA provides memorial envelopes upon request to funeral homes. You and your friends can make a big difference in the lives of our furry friends with a memorial contribution. Or, you may also wish to make a gift in honor of someone important to you.

For more information please call (765) 866-1760 or visit our website at www.friendlessanimals.com

The Home for Friendless Animals is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organizationAll gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law12