Sake KittyCity Huge Hearts Fosterer - Home - SF SPCAPhilanthropy by kids First-time Fosterer Kitten caboodle Albert, shelter adoptee. L Dear Friends, asting soci-etal change usually

Spring 2009 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 1

VOL. 103, NO. 2 SUMMER 2009

Art for Animals’ SakeA parrot goes to school

San Francisco:Kitty CityThe campaign for cats

Young People, Huge HeartsPhilanthropy by kids

First-time FostererKitten caboodle

Albert, shelter adoptee

Dear Friends,

Lasting soci-etal changeusuallyhappensincremen-

tally, but sometimesit can be nudged for-ward significantly bya specific, powerfulimpetus. I believethat something likethis happened whenthen-President-electObama pledged togive his daughters adog from either ashelter or a rescuegroup. “…(O)urpreference would beto get a shelterdog…” he said, thennoted with self-dep-recating humor that it might be “...amutt, like me.”

Well, Bo may be a pedigreedpooch, but he was nonetheless a cast-off dog. Twenty-five percent of dogs inshelters are pedigreed. Mr. Obama’spublic endorsement of shelter adoptionis a giant step forward for the millionsof homeless companion animals whowait patiently for a loving home. Itoffers us a teachable moment with amessage that I hope will accelerate thechanges in attitudes that are needed tosolve this heartbreaking situation.

Every year in the United Statesapproximately 6-8 million healthy,adoptable cats and dogs enter shelters;3-4 million of them do not leave alive.In 2008, of the 88.3 million owned catsin the nation (nearly 34 percent ofhouseholds own at least one), only 18percent were adopted from a shelter.Even worse, of the 74.8 million owneddogs (39 percent of households own at

least one) a mere 10percent were from ashelter.

We want morehomeless animalsfrom shelters or res-cues to find theirway into lovinghomes. It would bewonderful if thisbecame the socialnorm, like wearing aseatbelt or notdrinking and driv-ing. At the sametime, and in combi-nation with chang-ing community val-ues and the growingacceptance of adop-tion from shelters,has come a revolu-tion in our under-

standing of the way homeless animalsneed to be housed and cared for. Shel-ters built in the past were holding facil-ities that were not conducive to peoplevisiting the animals. Is it any wonderthat the majority of people couldn’tbear to visit these places? Maddie’sAdoption Center at The SF/SPCAchanged all that when it opened in1998, and now its animal- and people-friendly design is emulated across thecountry and around the world.

Maddie’s has become a model forhow homeless animals should behoused. It’s an environment where catsand dogs are treated with respect, andwhere their dignity is reflected in theirsurroundings and the care they receive.Our staff and volunteers give themtreatment, training and lots of TLC.Then they help match the adopter andanimal so the human/animal bond canbe strong. And we provide excellentclient service to ensure that animals

2 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Summer 2009

The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals______________________________

2500 Sixteenth Street San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 554-3000Founded April 18, 1868

OfficersCatherine B. Brown

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Belinda Levensohn & Donald M. Brown, M.D.

VICE-CHAIRS

David TateosianTREASURER

Jan McHugh-SmithPRESIDENT

DirectorsKatherine H. Black

Sharon BradfordJennifer ChungDerek L. Dean

Daniel Levitt, M.D., Ph.D.Marie O’Gara Lipman

Craig A. PinedoJ. Peter Read

Jeanette RoachEric B. RobertsJake Steinman

Emeritus DirectorsRansom Cook

Richard E. DiricksonBernard M. Kramer, M.D.

William Lee Olds, Jr.Jacqueline L. Young

Our Animals is published by the Communications Department of The

San Francisco SPCA for our friends and supporters.

Paul M. GlassnerEDITOR

Rich CurtisPageCurtis.com

DESIGN / PRODUCTION

Christine RosenblatCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Although The SF/SPCA does notendorse products or services, we are

very grateful to our advertisers, who help make Our Animals

possible. To place an ad contact the editor.

ISSN 0030-6789

www.sfspca.org© 2009 San Francisco SPCA.

All rights reserved. Contents reprintedonly by permission.

141ST YEAR

Yes, We Can – AdoptAmerica’s first family adopted a second-hand dog –

what a great message to send to the country.

BY JAN MCHUGH-SMITH, PRESIDENT, SAN FRANCISCO SPCA

Stevie “before”

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and people aretreated withrespect andcompassion.

Coinciden-tally, a bill wasintroduced intothe CaliforniaAssembly thisspring that, ifpassed by thelegislature, couldhave a substan-tial impact onthe numbers ofhomeless ani-mals adoptedfrom shelters andrescue groups. Itis exciting to seethe state government take thelead with legislation that willpromote the adoption ofhomeless pets. AB 233, pre-sented by Assembly MemberCameron Smyth (R-SantaClarita), will allow Californiataxpayers who adopt a petfrom an animal shelter or res-cue group to deduct the adop-tion fee on their state incometaxes.

I believe that this is avery enlightened approach tothe problem of dog and cathomelessness in our state; itis estimated that 800,000 catsand dogs are abandoned eachyear in California, and localgovernments spend approxi-mately $250 million annuallyon sheltering animals.

Because of the current,severe economic situation,and with many people losingtheir homes or jobs, or both,increasing numbers of com-panion animals are beingabandoned or surrendered tohumane organizations. Thepassage of AB 233 willencourage people looking fora pet to visit their local shel-ter or rescue group; it willprovide adopters with a finan-cial cushion; and it will

relieve the pres-sure on animalwelfare organiza-tions. TheSF/SPCA hasthrown its sup-port behind AB223, and isappealing to itssupporters towrite to their rep-resentatives, or toAssembly Mem-ber Smyth, urg-ing support forthis importantand sensiblepiece oflegislation.

Promotingthe adoption of homeless catsand dogs is key to The SanFrancisco SPCA’s mission ofsaving lives. Working withanimals from the Bay Areaand beyond, it is our goal tosave as many lives as possibleand to improve their qualityof life in the shelter and inthe community. Our HumaneEducation program teacheschildren responsible petguardianship and the impor-tance of adoption. The Behav-ior and Training staff andAcademy for Dog Trainerscurriculum teach positivetraining methods to keep ani-mals in their homes. And ourveterinary services promotethe wellness of our belovedanimals. We have to addressthe problem of animals end-ing up in shelters from 30,000feet up – there is no magicanswer, just lots of hard workusing many different tools.

It is only through yourcontinued generous supportthat we can continue thisimportant work.

For the animals,

Jan McHugh-Smith, President

S U M M E R 2 0 0 9

ContentsThe mission of The San Francisco SPCA

is to save and protect animals, provide care and treatment,

advocate for their welfare, and enhance the human-animal bond.

4 Cat EncountersOn the adoption front lines

6 Art For Animals’ SakeA parrot goes to school

10 Young People, Huge HeartsPhilanthropy by kids

12 Birthday TreatSF/SPCA’s 140th anniversary

17 San Francisco: Kitty CityThe campaign for cats

19 First-time FostererKitten caboodle

ON THE COVER: “The best thing I’ve everdone,” says Sue about adopting Albert, aprobable pedigreed pooch she found at ananimal shelter. Albert – proper name, PrinceAlbert – was at least two at the time; he’snow around 10 and still “the best dog in theworld, full of all sorts of attitude.” He enjoysriding in cars or boats and has been tococktails at the Fairmont.Photo ©2009 Mark Rogers Photography

Summer 2009 | www.sfspca.org | SF/SPCA Our Animals 3

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Iam sitting on the floor with a three-year-old black cat on my lap. He is trembling.He leans into my chest. I hug him. Hepurrs.We don’t know his name, but that’s not

important. The person who left him in thenight depository of an animal shelter in theCentral Valley, where he spent the cold night,didn’t bother to leave a note.

He is lucky. He’s now at Maddie’s Adop-tion Center at The San Francisco SPCA. In afew days he’ll be gone to a new home and abetter life.

Nearly two years ago, I started volunteer-ing as a cat socializer at this airy haven in theMission District. It is a place of miracles. Theyoccur daily, between the cats and the peoplewho adopt them. As volunteers, we play a priv-ileged role. We befriend the cats as best we canand do matchmaking for them. We then wit-ness the special bonds between humans andanimals as those connections are being formed.

On one of those early days, I greeted amother and her two preschool daughters.They were looking for two kittens. Aftervisiting several kitten-filled condos, they mettheir matches.

It all happened in spite of me. I told themother that grown-up cats might be better withsmall children. She persisted. The quiet oldergirl had picked a shy kitten while her younger,bubbly sister had picked a high-energy kitten.I told them that picking kittens from differentlitters was a bit of a gamble; the animals mightnot like each other. But the mother wasdetermined.

An hour later, after the adoptions wentthrough, I boxed the kittens. As I came backinto the lobby, I saw the mother and the twogirls waiting – all beaming – by the front door.It occurred to me how special the moment was,all of these lives about to take a dramatic turnfor the better. I imagined how the family wouldgrow and change. The kittens would become anintegral part of the girls’ lives – they’d be wait-ing at home after the first day of school, over

the following years they’d climb on the kitchentable and interrupt homework or cuddle onlaps while the girls read, they’d sit and watch aseach girl got ready for her first date (and they’dbe there to help deal with the first heartbreak),and after both girls were away at college twoold cats would climb up on the couch andstretch out next to the mother.

I put the boxes on the floor and kneltdown and said to the girls, “Now it’s time forthe four of you to go home and grow uptogether.”

A few months later I saw the mother andher daughters at Maddie’s, walking through thehallways, looking into the condos. I wasalarmed. Had the adoptions not worked? Wasthe family looking for new cats? Would theyperhaps listen to my advice this time?

“Oh, the cats are doing just great,” themother said, going on to explain how thekittens had bonded with the girls, predictablyshy to shy and outgoing to outgoing, and, lesspredictably, with each other.

“Just browsing today?” I said.“We’re looking at the cat trees,” the

mother said. “I bought some power tools andwe’re going to build one.”

I left them to the business of scrutinizingour cat trees for ideas. I didn’t want to delaythese heroines. They had kittens waiting forthem at home.

TristaTrista was a painfully shy but beautiful

young tortoise shell. I visited her often. At firstshe sat in one corner while I sat in another.After a few months she would sometimesstretch out on the shelf in her cat tree andallow me to pet her. On rare occasions, she’dcome out and play, but scamper back in thecorner after just a few moments. Once, a fewmonths later, she sat on my lap, but for lessthan half a minute.

Trista had something extra in her condo,an item that had come with her to TheSF/SPCA, a small scratching board covered in

Cat EncountersA San Francisco SPCA cat socializer reports from the adoption front lines.

BY BRUCE ADAMS, SF/SPCA VOLUNTEER


yarn with her name embroidered on it. I’d tell potential adopters thatTrista and I often sat in opposite corners, very possibly thinking thesame thing – “What happened to the nice old lady who made thescratching board?”

I would tell people this little scenario to entice them into Trista’scondo, but the results were always the same. Trista would stay huddledin her safe place and the people would move on.

One Saturday, a young woman stepped into her condo. Trista ranout, rubbed against the woman, then stood with her front paws on thewoman’s leg and purred.

After nine long months at Maddie’s, at the age of 1-1/2, Trista hadfinally found the person she’d been waiting for. She went home that day.

SimonFor several months

recently we were graced withthe presence of Simon, a 15-year-old black cat with a snag-gle-tooth smile. There’s notmuch of a market for old catswith bad teeth.

But here’s what Simonreally was. He was an ambas-sador of goodwill sent to usfrom the cat world. He wasunfailingly cheerful and affec-tionate. When a group ofyoungsters visited TheSF/SPCA as part of a birthdayparty, he welcomed them to

his condo. He was the perfect host, attentive and polite. He enjoyed theexcitement, the petting, the attention.

I treasured our visits. He greeted me warmly, accepted some headscratches and then flopped on his back for some serious petting.

We had a joke. I always brought a toy and he was soon on his feet,eager to begin. I would tell him, “Simon, you’re too old to play.” Thenhe’d start batting and biting the toy.

At last, this gentle soul who greeted everyone with warmth andaffection met Christine, a young woman he loved a little more than hedid the rest of us.

When she came into his room he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Hewas her cat.

Christine adopted Simon. He is getting to know three youngercats. He often joins them on a window sill offering a sunny view. Some-times he stretches out on his own bed. He is eating well. He is happy.He is home. Y

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

“Litter Did U Know” is the official (and popular) blog of The San Francisco SPCA Cat Behavior Program. Written by two

“kindred and cat-obsessed spirits,” cat behavior counselors DanielQuagliozzi and Jamey Walker, the blog offers an inside view of

cat-related goings-on at The SF/SPCA. Catch it at www.sfspca.org(choose Programs & Services, then Cat Behavior Advice).


Anew art teacher associated with TheSan Francisco SPCA is a little onthe short side and covered withpinkish-orange feathers. Her nameis Soda and her personality

sparkles. An eight-year-old Moluccan cockatoo(just a youngster), Soda has inspired a newclassroom presentation offered by The SF/SPCAHumane Education Program.

Soda is joyful, silly, and a mimic – every-thing a healthy cockatoo in captivity is knownfor. Her dark eyes are round and shiny, and thephrase she repeats most often is “I love you.”She will belt it out with great emotion to aroom filled with people. She will also whisper itsoftly into your ear when you least expect it.This experience is heartwarming. It is one ofmany reasons that led to my decision to try andshare her with other people. I was already avolunteer in two SF/SPCA programs and wasn’tquite sure how Soda might play a role, buteverything fell into place last summer.

During ten weeks of The SF/SPCA’s popu-lar Animal Camps, I worked with SF/SPCAHumane Education Program Manager LaurieRouthier to develop an art class for children asyoung as five (entering 1st grade) up through13 (entering 8th grade), starring Soda.

The structure of the sessions evolvedalmost naturally. Who didn’t want to meet asassy parrot that could talk, laugh, whistle, anddance? Soda had the children’s attention fromthe moment they saw her and enjoyed the spot-light as they talked to her and she chatted back.She consistently said “Hi” and “Hello” to every-one in the room, directed “Hi, pretty girl” tothe girls, and practiced her wolf whistle.

Because children learn much of what theyknow by watching those around them, I usedthis opportunity to be a good role model, andas Soda’s guardian, I talked about the long listof responsibilities in understanding and caringfor an animal, including the fact that, withgood health on her side, Soda could live 40-60years or more. The kids were encouraged,through class discussion, to consider the needs

Art for Animals’ SakeThe San Francisco SPCA’s newest faculty member is a classroom sensation.

Humane education takes wing!

BY MARY KIRK, SF/SPCA VOLUNTEER

Soda

M A R K R O G E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y


SF/SPCAsummercampershows off herartwork

and feelings of others, the effects of their ownactions, and their own place in the world rela-tive to other living beings.

Though we didn’t want the children tohandle Soda, I encouraged them to pick up theshow-and-tell items I brought, including somenon-fertile eggs (only slightly smaller thanchicken eggs) she has laid.

The children also witnessed the specialbond a human can have with a parrot, and thealmost psychic ability a parrot has for sensingemotion and feelings and mirroring them. Ifyou are excited or loud, Soda will be excitedand loud. If you act calmly and in a lovingmanner, she will follow suit. The children sawthis as the session progressed. As the studentsbecame comfortable with Soda and me, theirown excitement grew, reflected in their pepper-ing of me with questions, until the featheredcrest on Soda’s head would fan upwards andshe would utter shrill, rhythmic cries – the typeof outburst that might come out of a junglerather than a multi-purpose room. It wouldbriefly remind everyone of Soda’s origins, andassure again that Soda had everyone’s attention.

Once the drawing paper was handed out,the children became quiet as they picked uppencils and studiously contemplated their newfeathered friend. Soda settled down as well andposed gracefully on her perch for a long periodas the children tried to replicate her image fromtheir vantage point.

Why is drawing an animal a good thing?How is this activity a lesson in humane educa-tion? To begin with, the exercise calls on chil-dren’s observational skills, challenging them toreally examine each detail of Soda, from herphysical features to the personality she projects.It’s an effort to connect the students’ minds,hearts, and hands.

Further, getting to know an unusual ani-mal like Soda enables students to extend theircompassion to animals they may not have metbefore. Laurie Routhier points out that whilemany people grow up caring for a domesticateddog or cat, “Giving kids the opportunity toexplore and bond with a variety of animalshelps them to consider their life choices and todemonstrate respect for other species.” In addi-tion to Soda, the Humane Education Programintroduces children to guinea pigs, rats andchickens.

Laurie and I share a favorite memory ofthe children interacting with Soda. It happenedmore than once and typically toward the end of

class, like a grand finale. As the children fin-ished their drawings and staff started to collectthem, one or two children would get up andstand next to Soda. One of the children wouldlaugh, which would make Soda laugh, whichmade more kids laugh, which made Soda laugheven more. Then Soda started to dance, whichmade the kids dance, which made Soda danceand laugh even more.

To see Soda dance was to see her swingingand swaying her body as she traced and re-traced the length of her perch. Most times thebright orange crest of feathers on her head wasalso upright and bobbing from side to side. Ionce counted at least eight children dancingaround Soda, as if participating in a high-ener-gy aerobics class. It was a fun and noisy sceneand there was no doubt who was in charge,who was the teacher, and who was at the head

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Adopting a Bird isnot a Lightweight

Decision

Anyone interested in becoming a first-time bird guardian or acquiring alarger parrot as a pet – Soda makes

for a demanding companion – should con-sider the following:1. Explore the Internet for information andbooks on the different species. 2. Talk to people who keep birds; consultbird experts in your area.3. Small parrots can live 15-25 years; largerparrots can live past 60.4. Parrots are family members; they needhuman interaction.5. The bigger the bird, the bigger the cagewill need to be.6. Birds can be loud; respect yourneighbors.7. Understand diet needs; a bird’s healthdepends on it.8. Birds require veterinary care just likeother pets.9. Wing and nail trims help prevent injuryand escape.10. Parrot toys are a must; buy them ormake them.11. Parakeets and hand-tamed cockatiels areexcellent starter birds.12. Check with San Francisco Animal Care& Control and Mickaboo Companion BirdRescue for adoptable birds.


Soda with the author

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of the parade. It was Soda.As the summertime SF/SPCA Animal

Camp art sessions began to evolve into a pro-gram to take Soda out into regular classrooms,I knew a greater vision for Soda was being real-ized. I had found a way for a very intelligentand social bird to contribute to the largercommunity around her – which in turn willhelp keep her happy and healthy for manyyears to come. Y

San Francisco teachers interested in theAnimal Art Program and a free classroom visit bySoda should go to sfspca.org and choose Programsand Services, Youth Programs, and Class Visits.

Note: Native to Indonesia, the Moluccancockatoo is an endangered species, protected byinternational agreement. Birds like Soda comefrom captive-bred parents.

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Soda, social animal


Fortunately, it’s easy to help them bydonating used and new items: wealways need towels, throw rugs, blan-kets, pet toys, natural chewies, ken-nels, crates, leashes, and other practi-

cal goods (but no pillows or any linens thatcan’t be easily laundered). Unfortunately, wecan’t spare staff to pick up donated goods, sowe ask you to please deliver to The SF/SPCA.Thankfully, The SF/SPCA campus is open sevendays a week (except major holidays), and, uponrequest, we can issue a receipt.

Please drop off your donations during ournormal business hours at: Maddie’s AdoptionCenter at 250 Florida Street (at 16th Street) orLeanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center at 201Alabama Street (at 16th Street)

Treats for the Animals■ Cat & dog food: unopened wet & dry (allbrands welcome – please, no prescription petfood) ■ Dog/Cat Treats: Natural Balance rolls■ Dog treats: Freeze-dried liver ■ Pill Pockets ■ Natural dog chews: pig ears■ Kitty grass

Toys and Enrichment Items■ Dog/puppy toys (should be washable with nomoving parts that could be ingested)■ KONG food carrier toys ■ Cat/kitten toys (catnip-free) ■ “Ping pong” type cat toys ■ Cat trees & scratching posts ■ Cat/Kitten playgrounds & jungle gyms ■ Collars & leashes ■ Pet beds ■ Pet carriers ■ Dog crates ■ Black wire folding crates (optimal size: 36"long x 22" wide x 26" high)

Animal Supplies ■ Towels/blankets, full or queen size■ Throw rugs■ Grooming supplies (nail trimmers, brushes)■ Dog beds (all sizes) ■ Cat cozies, Cuddle Cups■ Dog pens: Practigates™ P.V.C. plastic ringgates■ Bait bags■ Dog/cat carriers ■ Clickers ■ Cat litter (all brands, clumping and pellet)■ Newspapers ■ Infant “Bjorn” slings (for use in Foster Careprogram)

Gift CardsGift Cards are always needed for emer-

gency supplies, animal intake trips, and volun-teer recognition.

■ Safeway, Trader Joe’s – local grocery stores■ Pet Food Express, PetCo, babies – local petsupply stores ■ Gas stations■ Office supply stores■ Local restaurants, movie theaters, bookstores

Thank you for your support of ouranimals! Questions? Need information aboutdonating a specific item or items in bulk? Wantto donate to a specific SF/SPCA program?Please contact our Development Department [email protected] or (415) 554-3029. Y

The Animals’ Wish ListTimes are tough, and donations are down, but the animals still need your help!

Capital Campaign

to Completethe Leanne B. Roberts

Animal Care Center

We’re nearlythere! More than

80% of theLeanne RobertsCenter is now

paid for. The finalproject cost was$27,061,000, asavings of $2.8

million. Theremaining cam-paign is now setat $5.1 million.

Help us reach ourgoal. For moreinformation,

please contactTina Ahn,

SF/SPCA Develop-ment Director, at

(415) 554-3025 orby email at

[email protected].


Reed and his proudparents

Reed Andary started young. Shortlybefore his sixth birthday, his familysaw a television show about strayanimals, and Reed asked, “Mommy,is it okay if I ask my friends to bring

donations for the homeless animals instead ofgetting birthday gifts?”

Amazed, Mommy said yes. A tradition wasborn. Reed turned ten recently, the fifth consec-utive year he’s sponsored these special birthdayparties, which have raised some $3,500 for TheSan Francisco SPCA.

But there’s more. Word of this young man’sselfless acts have rippled throughout his com-munity. For one thing, his parties have gottenbigger. Last year, for his ninth birthday, his par-ents rented a school gym for a giant sleepover.

Reed’s messages haven’t changed, though.He urges everyone to adopt from a shelter, and

he’s made charitable giving popular among hispeers. In fact, following Reed’s lead, other kidsare starting their own charities. Neighbors,friends, classmates, and even the school princi-pal are involved.

“Reed is an example of what happenswhen passion turns into action,” says SF/SPCAPresident Jan McHugh-Smith. “Simply byexpressing that passion for animals, wanting tohelp them, he’s taken a leadership role. He’s anincredible inspiration.”

Meantime, in Ms. Tigerman’s second-gradeclass of Bungalow A at Lawton AlternativeSchool, an ordinary shoebox provided theopportunity for some important life lessons.Wrapped in pretty paper, the shoebox became a“justice box” to raise donations for a goodcause. For two weeks, students threw in theirspare pennies; parents (and teacher) chipped insome loose change, too. Then the class cameup with a dozen possible charities for theirlargesse and voted to give their collection tohomeless animals at The San Francisco SPCA.

The pedagogical possibilities were many.The children could see for themselves thatevery little bit helped and that pooling theirresources paid off. “I wanted to show them thatit doesn’t take much to make your communitya better place to live,” Ms. Tigerman explains.Not to mention that counting the money madefor a fine lesson in arithmetic. Ms. Tigermansays that in addition to feeling justifiable pridein their collective achievement, students areenjoying their subscription to Our Animals.

For her past two birthdays, Alexa Duffyhas asked her friends and family to give dona-tions to The San Francisco SPCA instead ofgifts to her. The first year, when Alexa turnednine, she and her mom kindly delivered themoney in person to The SF/SPCA. The nextyear, when Alexa elected to repeat her act ofgenerosity, her mother wanted her to really seewhere the money was going and arranged for afield trip to The SF/SPCA.

Young People, Huge HeartsAge doesn’t matter, as demonstrated by these enthusiastic

San Francisco SPCA supporters.

BY PAUL GLASSNER, SF/SPCA

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So Alexa’s entire birthday-party entourage of a dozen friendsvisited The SF/SPCA, including afun-filled session with Simon, a15-year-old feline party animal.Alexa and her mother were soenchanted by Simon that theyalmost adopted him then andthere, but felt it wouldn’t be fairto their cats already at home.[Read more about Simon onpg. 5.]

Then Alexa and all herfriends adjourned for cake and icecream, followed by a slumberparty. Talk about having a niceday! Alexa’s mom thinks the girlswould agree that the highlightwas visiting the animals, a sessionespecially meaningful to Alexa,who lives with two parents, twosiblings, one dog and three cats,and wants to be a veterinarian.

In the Jewish tradition, age13 marks the dawn of maturityand religious responsibility. ClaireHoch-Frohman, inspired in partby her dog Desi and by a friendwho volunteers at The San Fran-cisco SPCA, took that missionseriously and redirected her batmitzvah monetary gifts, splittingproceeds between one human-related charity and one animal-related charity. To top off this gen-erosity, one of Claire’s parentsworks for a company that match-es charitable donations, resultingin a total contribution to SF/SPCAanimals of $1,000.

Finally, consider the can-dospirit of Philip Goss and WyethCoulter, two young men whoraised money two years runningfor The SF/SPCA by sellingpumpkins during the Hal-loween/Thanksgiving season.Their entrepreneurial effort boreabundant fruit; the dynamic duocollected more than $1,500 forthe animals, and they came toThe SF/SPCA for a behind-the-scenes tour last November. Y

PetPress■ BAY WOOF

Event Listings

■ The City StarPet Corner

■ Examiner.com Click on pets

■ FETCH The PaperPets of the Month & Event Listings

■ KGO Channel 7 Morning NewsThird Friday of the month around 11:25 am

■ KSFO 560 AMWeekday mornings around 8:40 am

■ Marina TimesPets of the Month & “Kibble & Bits” column

■ San Francisco Advertiser10 Pets of the Week

■ San Francisco Bay GuardianFeatured Pet of the Week

Animal Update■ KCBS All News 740 AM

and 106.9 FMSunday: 1:35 pm, 3:36 pm, 9:22 pm.Monday: 1:53 am

Veronica

Free Spay/Neuter for:

■ Feral cats through our Feral FixProgram

■ Pets of qualifying low-incomeindividuals

■ Pets of homeless San Franciscansvia Vet SOS (Veterinary Street Out-reach Services)

Discount Spay/Neuter for:

■ 25% - 100% off for low-incomeSan Francisco residents

■ 20% off for San Franciscans overthe age of 65, regardless of income

■ 20% off for San Francisco full-time students, regardless of income

■ 10% off for San Francisco resi-dents, regardless of income

■ 10% off for existing SF/SPCAVeterinary Hospital clients

Only at

For details, call (415) 554-3030.

Giftsof

LoveAll gifts to the Society in honor orin memory of a person or pet aregratefully accepted, and we willgladly notify others of yourthoughtfulness._________________________In memory of:

Cosmo, from Michael C. Anstadt

On March 4,The SanFranciscoSPCAcapped off

its 140th anniversary yearwith a sparkling com-memorative event.Almost 300 supportersand friends crowded intothe dramatic Julia

Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants ExchangeBuilding for an evening of elegant dining, livelyentertainment and heartfelt memories.

The historic patina of the Julia MorganBallroom formed a perfect setting for the occa-sion, but the evening was not just about look-ing back. Instead, the event was firmly focusedon the future, and the Society’s ongoing com-mitment to the animals and community of SanFrancisco.

Presiding over the fun was local icon DougMcConnell, host of the television series “Bay AreaBackroads” and a long-time supporter of animalcauses. The evening’s special guest was VictoriaStilwell, one of the world’s most recognized andrespected dog trainers, and host of Animal Plan-et’s hit TV series “It’s Me or the Dog.”

President of The SF/SPCA Jan McHugh-


Birthday TreatHundreds gathered to celebrate

The San Francisco SPCA’s 140 years ofcare and compassion.

BY CHRISTINE ROSENBLAT, SF/SPCAPHOTOGRAPHY BY DREW ALTIZER

Louie

Doug McConnell, MC

Jeanette Roach, Event Co-Chair

Jan McHugh-Smith (President, SF/SPCA), Board members Belinda Levensohn, Sharon Bradford,Catherine Brown (Board Chair)

Ransom Cook, David Bradford

Michéle Stamatopoulos (Event committee member), Jill Kramer (CLAW founder)

Saira Malik, Kathy Walsh,Sabina Shaikh

Smith welcomed guests and thanked them fortheir support. She also extended her apprecia-tion to all of the sponsors of the evening fortheir generosity, particularly Presenting Spon-sors, Nestlé Purina - The One Hope Networkand SF/SPCA Board Member Peter Read.

The dinner was also an opportunity forThe SF/SPCA to acknowledge and demonstrateits gratitude to Critter Lovers At Work(CLAW), an all-volunteer fundraising groupthat has raised over $800,000 for the Society’sCinderella Fund during the last 21 years. TheCinderella Fund serves the neediest dogs andcats at The SF/SPCA, those that are not onlysick or injured but homeless as well. Throughits continuing dedication, CLAW has beenresponsible for transforming the lives of thou-sands of these deserving animals. SF/SPCABoard Chair Catherine Brown voiced the pro-found appreciation of the Board and SF/SPCAstaff for CLAW’s unwavering commitment. Shepresented an award to CLAW founder, JillKramer, who accepted it on behalf of all CLAWmembers, past and present.

The evening was also the kick-off of thepublic phase of The SF/SPCA’s capital campaignto fully fund the Leanne B. Roberts AnimalCare Center. Described as the “flagship foranimal welfare in America” by President JanMcHugh-Smith, the newly-opened Center isalready fulfilling its promise of providing state-of-the-art veterinary care to cats and dogs, bothwith homes and without, and regardless oftheir financial status.

Co-Chairs of the capital campaign, Co-Vice Chair of The SF/SPCA Board of DirectorsBelinda Levensohn, and Board Member SharonBradford, spoke about the work performed atthe new Animal Care Center, and the need forit to continue, while a video presentation mov-


Geordi with adopter Cassarra

Nona with fospice parent Jen

Dori Villalon, Gilberto Gandra, Jeffrey Smith, Paul Jolly

Dave Hartley,Katherine Black,

Don Black

George Calys, Kelny Denebeim Wendy Atkins-Pattenson, Craig Pinedo, Philip F. Atkins-Pattenson

ingly showed this work in action.Three companion animals whose lives

have been changed by the help given them byThe SF/SPCA also made live appearances:Louie, an 11-year-old dog whose owner hadpassed away and is now waiting to find a newhome at Maddie’s Adoption Center; Geordi, afluffy white poodle who lost his eyesightthrough an act of cruelty but who was cared forby The SF/SPCA and now has a loving home;and Nona, an 11-year-old cat with cancer whois living out her life in love and dignity with adevoted SF/SPCA volunteer from the Society’snew Fospice [foster-hospice] Program.

The evening concluded with a spirited liveauction. Items included having your dog or caton the cover of The SF/SPCA’s award-winningmagazine, Our Animals, and an all-inclusiveround-trip for two to attend the 2010 Westmin-ster Dog Show in New York City. Bidding grewquite brisk after one CLAW member pledged awhopping $50,000 if that amount could bematched by auction participants! Spurred bythis challenge, dinner guests got cheerfully car-ried away, enthusiastically raised their handsand met the goal. That will add up to a lot of“glass slippers” – vital medical care – for many,many needy and homeless SF/SPCA animals.

Since 1868 The San Francisco SPCA hasprovided hope and help to the animals of SanFrancisco, and its lifesaving work has proceed-ed continuously through good times and bad,and during national and regional disasters. TheSF/SPCA’s 140th anniversary is now over, butwith the support of its many friends, theagency’s rich past is only prologue to aconfident and positive future.

See more photos at www.sfspca.org. Y


Laura Heffron, Anita Jaffe, Renee Roberts, Suzy Varadi, Penni Tsavaris (Macy’s West)

Sue Hoeschler, Peter Stoneberg

Ted Kohr, Jim Sunseri, Brenda Sunseri

Drs. Craig Maretzki and Carlo Vitale (SFVS) Pam Hill, Gina DiSanti (Presenting Sponsors withNestle Purina – The One Hope Network)


Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Additional Sponsors

Nancy Trogman, Event Co-Chair (and President, CLAW)Gloria Marchi (Charter member, CLAW)

Victoria Stilwell, special guest

Event HonoraryCommitteeRichard E. Dirickson,

Honorary Dinner Chair

Ransom Cook

Bernard M. Kramer, M.D.

Jill Kramer

William Lee Olds, Jr.

Jacqueline L. Young

Event ChairsSharon Bradford

Belinda Levensohn

Sharol McQuarrie

Jeanette Roach

Nancy Trogman

Event CommitteeCharlotte Lee

Missy Nelson

Michéle Stamatopoulos


Generous LegaciesWith deep gratitude for having remembered the animals in their wills, The San Francisco SPCA pays tribute to the

following thoughtful individuals. Individual donor support is the moving force behind all The SF/SPCA’s work for

animals – now and in the future.

Allyson AnthonyDavid E. ArizmendiPatricia F. BermanSteven CohenIna A. CokeleyChristine ConsidineShirley S. DeutschMarcella I. DrennanJudith B. FrankelElizabeth L. GerstleyKathleen GilbertEdward A. Harang

Harvey Clars Auction Gallery

Nancy L. HenryNina M. HuntJosephine HuwylerMary LohneisMonica C. LopesAlbert R. LuberskyH. LundieLucille V. ManningSigne A. McClellanVeronica McLaughlinCynthia Mikkelsen

Ruth W. MuellerHarold NadelMarilou PhillipsFrederic H. PickrellRuth K. SovigEmily G. StorrowLois SzumskiEllis WebsterIrma WeuleAgnes WhitelockRichard F. WinckelFred N. WoodsRuth E. Wright

SeeOurSite

The San Francisco SPCA’s website, www.sfspca.org, hasa whole new look and feel –it’s beautiful! You can dig uptons of free stuff, including:

Y Adorable dogs and catsY Adoption tipsY Agility classes for dogsY Animal Assisted TherapyY Archive of recent

Our AnimalsY Academy for Dog Trainers

Visit sfspca.org.


San Francisco hasbeen named oneof the nation’s topten feline-friendlycities.

To compilethe selectlist, theCATalystCouncil, a

coalition of professionals from the veterinarycommunity, academia, nonprofits, industry andanimal-welfare organizations, considered morethan a dozen criteria, including cat ownershipper capita, level of veterinary care, microchip-ping and cat-friendly local ordinances.

Why make a list of tabby-centrictownships? Calling attention to these kittycities is part of a new campaign to raise thestatus of the cat.

You see, while dogs have long been called(hu)man’s best friend, cats are actuallyAmerica’s number one companion. Accordingto a 2007 tally by the American VeterinaryMedical Association, pet cats outnumber petcanines by nearly 10 million.

So why does America’s favorite animalneed a boost?

Because, contrary to what you’d expectwith a rise in cat popularity, the AVMA also dis-covered that between 2001 and 2006, cat visitsto the veterinarian fell about 11 percent. Soeven while there are more cats, fewer of themare receiving the medical attention theydeserve. A 2006 survey by the Society of Ani-mal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) alsoshowed that overcrowded animal shelters areseeing more cats given up than their caninecousins.

The CATalyst Council was formed tocounteract this troubling situation. Thisnational initiative intends to change the waypeople see and experience cats. The Councilwants to revise society’s image of cats as aloof

creatures that don’trequire human contactor care. In other words,they aim to championthe cat.

“There is a highernumber of cats thandogs surrendered toshelters nationwide,increasingly so in theseeconomic times offinancial strain and

home foreclosures,” notes Jan McHugh-Smith,who is part of the CATalyst Council and aboard member of the Society of Animal WelfareAdministrators (SAWA) as well as President ofThe San Francisco SPCA. “We are eager toshowcase these cities that demonstrate out-standing compassion and resources for cats andtheir owners in order to elevate the status ofthe cat.”

Steve Dale, a passionate and award-win-ning pet journalist based in Chicago, hasvolunteered to be the Council’s nationalspokesperson. “Cats are more likely to be neg-lected than dogs, more likely to wind up inshelters and less likely to be seen by veterinari-ans,” he says. “Obviously there is room for thenation to improve the overall status and care ofcats.”

The top ten cities already ahead, catwise,are Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis,Phoenix, Portland (Ore.), San Diego, San Fran-cisco, Seattle and Tampa. The CATalyst Councilalso noted for honorable mention, Ithaca, N.Y.

Veterinarian Dr. Jane E. Brunt, the CATa-lyst Council’s executive director, summarizesher mission this way: “We are reaching out toall parties – the pet healthcare community, shel-ter and welfare organizations, government andthe public – to ensure that cats receive theproper care and attention they need anddeserve. It truly is all about the cat.” Y

Learn more about CATalyst and TheSF/SPCA at sfspca.org.

San Francisco: Kitty CityA national campaign for cats names our town as a top pussycat pick.


EstatePlanningSeminarLong-Range Planning for You,Your Family, Your Pets and Philanthropy: Re-EvaluatingThursday, June 18, 2009 at 6:30 pm

The San Francisco SPCALeanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center

201 Alabama Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Speakers: Sheldon H. Wolfe, Esq., and Gary Rothstein, Esq., of Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips, LLP

Gain timely, up-to-date informa-tion about wills, trusts, estateplans, probable estate tax lawchanges and how to includeyour pet in your estate plans.Handouts will include SamplePet Trusts and informationsheet.

Space is limited.

Please RSVP by June 12th toLaura Gretch, Events Coordinator,at [email protected] or (415) 554-3052.

June 20thAdoptionFair

Birds, bunnies,and chinchillas(as well as catsand dogs) willbe our specialguests as TheSan FranciscoSPCA showcas-

es the work of – and adoptionsfrom – other animal rescuegroups. Join us for some fun,and maybe you’ll find a newkind of animal friend.

SaturdayJune 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center

201 Alabama Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Rescue, Recycle, Renew

■ Birds, bunnies and otheranimals for adoption

■ Guided tours of the LeanneB. Roberts Animal Care Center

■ 2nd Chance Sale (animal-related garage-sale items)

■ See how The SF/SPCA goesgreen by rescuing, recycling,and renewing

■ Learn about our FosterProgram, too

Sponsored by PETCO

SF/SPCA volunteer Judi andstaffer Arthur ham it up at theUnion St. Easter Parade

Find Us in theCommunitythis SummerAll of June — Adopt a ShelterCat month

June 7 “SF Sunday Streets”Mission District

June 28 Pride Parade

July 19 “SF Sunday Streets”Mission District

Aug. 1 SF Giants’ Dog Daysof Summer

Aug. 2 Berkeley Humane Bayto Barkers

Aug. 9 “SF Sunday Streets”Great Highway

Aug. 20 Homeless Pets Day

SF/SPCA Classes & Programs

June 18 Estate planningseminar

June 20 “Rescue, Recycle,Renew” Adoption Fair

Academy for Dog Trainerscourses for public (seewww.sfspca.org/programs-serv-ices/the-academy-for-dog-trainers/)

Gracie did it first.

Iwas sitting at my desk at home writing aletter when this determined little fluffballclawed her way up my pants leg. Thankgoodness for blue jeans; their thick skinprovides a good gripping surface for tiny

kitten talons as well as perfect protection forthe person.

Once she reached my knee level, Graciepadded around the tops of my thighs and nes-tled down in my lap. And when Jack, herbrother, heard the purr from above, he climbedup exactly the same way to investigate, andsoon both of them were curled up in my lapasleep.

Adorable!Allowing foster kittens to scale one’s pants

leg, while not explicitly prohibited by The SanFrancisco SPCA Foster Kitten Program Manual,isn’t desirable behavior. I’m a seasoned cat per-son, and I know that today’s one-pound felineleg ascender might become tomorrow’s ten-pound living-room curtains climber.

OK, so I was a permissive parent. But Iwas so happy to be under the same roof withfelines again. It was my first time fostering, myfirst time in 25 years in a pets-OK housing situ-ation, and more than 30 years since I’d residedwith kittens.

Fostering – taking care of sick, injured orunderage animals at home until they’re readyfor permanent placement – wasn’t invented byThe SF/SPCA, but the organization was first toapply the concept on a grand scale. Each year800-1000 lives, most of them underage kittens,are saved by The SF/SPCA Foster Program. TheSF/SPCA supplies food and medical care, youprovide the love.

Upon signing the foster agreement, I wasgiven the starter kit:

Regular kibble. Baby kibble. Kibble pitch-er. One case of basic food (a liver concoction).Sardine/tuna mix (add as needed to encourageeating). Turkey mix (bland yet flavorful, goodfor diarrhea should the need arise). A couple ofcans of prescription food (extra yummy and


The path of afly can betracked bywatching Jackand Gracie’smovements.Well, almost.

First-time FostererA longtime San Francisco SPCA staffer takes on a couple of kittens,

and the kittens win.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY PAUL GLASSNER, SF/SPCA

nutritious, formulated for cats recovering fromsurgery, if you can believe it). And the ultimatetemptation (that is, the last resort): a few jars ofbaby food (yes, baby food for humans, which,as every parent knows, smells strongly).

Then came the durable goods: a fleacomb, a scale (a little plastic kitchen-counter-top model for weighing food portions, ideal forcalibrating kittens to the tenth of a pound), themarvelous pink heating disk (microwave forfive minutes and it stays warm all night), and,of course, one plastic carrier containing thefoster kids. At two pounds for the pair, thekittens were one of the lighter items.

Did you ever see cuter kitties? Look atthose big, wide, wondering eyes, still blue. Andthose cute fuzzy ears. And those itty-bitty paws.And their absolutely lovable, tiny black vel-veteen noses. This is going to be good. Kids, Ihope you like liver.

A few days earlier, I had been given the21-page manual to read. I thought: How muchdoes an experienced cat person have to knowabout kittens? Wouldn’t the front and back ofone page pretty much cover it? Feed them,handle them gently, cuddle and pet them, playwith them, and keep the litter box clean.

But I must say, for someone with nothingto learn, I consulted that manual often.

First-time fosterers get the easy cases. Jackand Gracie were five weeks old, but under-weight. All I had to do was tend them for threeweeks or so and get them to the magic goal oftwo pounds. Two pounds at two months, that’sthe Foster Program mantra, when kittens canbe fixed and then go up for adoption. My twowards had just passed weaning stage, so theydidn’t even need mother’s milk substitute.

The first six days went well.By the seventh day, though, neither had

gained weight. To put this in perspective:healthy kittens, during their first month, triplein weight; and in the next month they morethan double it again. A human adult jokes to agrandchild, “You’re getting bigger every day!”But for a kitten it’s true.

So I drove them in for a doctor visit andwas told they’d stay at The SF/SPCA at leastthree days, where they’d be “monitored andhydrated,” among other things.

But, but—I was monitoring! They wereeating. And drinking. Oh, no, what had I done?What clue had I missed that now jeopardizedtheir tiny lives?

The veterinary technician, as nice as could

be, calmly nodded and smiled and almostconvinced me that it wasn’t my fault.

Three anxious days later I picked themup. Nice to be back home, eh, kids? I missedyou.

Once again, the kitties were nestled in mylap, only now I was leaning way back on thecouch not quite flat-out. I cooed at them in myhigh-pitched cat voice – we need not go intothe sound-effect details here – and they bothlooked up at me wide-eyed, then marched upmy abdomen and settled down side-by-side onmy chest looking straight at me, both inchesfrom my face.

Ecstasy!Alas, only two days after their homecom-

ing, I called The SF/SPCA for another appoint-ment, as the manual instructed, because theyhad soft stools. (It’s right there on page 10:“There are three types of cat stool...”)

The kitties had giardia, an intestinalparasite. Using this plastic syringe, squirtexactly this amount of white chalky liquid intotheir mouths once a day for four days.

We got through that all right, but thekitties weren’t as lively as they had been. Yes,they were eating and drinking, but their thirdeyelids were showing (the nictitating mem-brane, technically speaking) and there was eyedischarge (manual, page 11).

Back to The SF/SPCA. Nothing was obvi-ously wrong (all their test results were nega-tive), so just keep feeding and weighing andwatching. Meantime, today’s veterinary vocabu-lary word is “conjunctivitis.” Gently squeeze asquiggle of this antibiotic goo into both eyes ofboth cats twice a day for seven days.

Day seven arrived and the discharge wasstill discharging.

Oh, well, back to The SF/SPCA. But, hey,it was time for another round of vaccines any-way. (And, gee, I’m so glad these rent-a-kittensare on someone else’s health plan!) Continuedeye problems? Since the first goo didn’t work,squirt a bit of this new gunk into both eyes ofboth cats every 12 hours for ten days. I almostcorrected the technician: You mean another tendays.

By this time, of course, the cats knew thatwhen I appeared with a towel, each would becaptured, wrapped firmly in the towel andpretty much poked in the eyes. Carefully,gently, even lovingly poked in the eyes. Poorbabies. Was I now a caretaker or a monster?

To their credit (and my surprise), the


kittens didn’t hold it against me. They weremore interested in playing bumper cars witheach other. When they began their chasing, itwas like a game of tag. Now they settled fornothing less than tackling each other, wigglingtheir bottoms then charging full-speed andbowling over the adversary. They thrashed andtumbled across the room, then reversed rolesagain and again. I’d laugh for ten minutes at atime. Since Jack was bigger, I wanted to getGracie a T-shirt that said, “My big brother beatsme up daily. So you bet I’m tough!”

On day nine of the ten-day prescription,their eyes finally cleared. Victory!

“Clean” at last (healthwise) and with Jacktipping the scales at about three pounds andGracie (definitely daintier) not far behind, theywere checked back in to The SF/SPCA forspay/neuter surgery. My fostering job was done.Yes, it had taken eight weeks rather than three,but that was OK. They were now safely on theirway.

Naturally, the little ones hadn’t merelyclimbed up my leg or simply walked all overme. They’d crept into my heart. I wasn’t aboutto let them go.

So there I was turning in my remainingfoster supplies – not that I had much left,though I never had to use the post-surgery foodor the baby food – and I felt odd. Guilty. I wasnow an experienced foster parent, truly valu-able to the program. Yet I was running awayfrom further foster duty, at least for now.

An old movie memory came into myhead. In this scene, a soldier who’d somehowdisgraced himself was being dishonorably dis-charged. In front of the man’s former comrades,the commanding officer ripped the regalia rightoff the man’s uniform, then sent the shamedscalawag on his way. Was I that much different?

The guilty feeling didn’t last long,however, because while it was true that I wasno longer a foster parent, the next day I signedJack and Gracie’s adoption papers and thusbecame a full-fledged parent. And I felt verygood about that.

Now at a year and a half, Gracie and Jackhaven’t been sick one day in their adopted lives.They have three cat trees.They appeared on thecover of the Fall 2008 Our Animals. Y

You, too, can be a lifesaver! Sign upwith our Foster Care Coordinator [email protected] or (415) 522-3542.


Gracie

Jack

22 Our Animals SF/SPCA | www.sfspca.org | Spring 2009

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2500 16TH STREETSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94103

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAID

HOW YOU CAN HELPThere are many ways you can helpour nonprofit veterinary center.You can:

■ Bring your cat or dog in forcompassionate, high-quality care

■ vaccinations ■ microchipping■ general wellness care■ spay or neuter surgery

■ Volunteer to foster a cat or dog

■ Make a donation to help an ani-mal in need

Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.201 Alabama Street, San Francisco(415) 554-3030

Caring HAS A NEW ADDRESS

Introducing The San Francisco SPCA’s Leanne B. Roberts ANIMAL CARE CENTER

DE

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BIR

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www.sfspca.org

A visit to the V-E-T many not be your cat or dog’s favoritething to do, but now they – and you – have reason to rejoice.The San Francisco SPCA’s fabulous new Veterinary Hospital isnow delivering high-quality, compassionate care to your cat ordog.Staffed by dedicated SF/SPCA doctors and nurses – the sameskilled ones who mend the lives of so many homeless animals— our full-service, nonprofit veterinary hospital offers regularand emergency care seven full days a week.There’s plenty offree parking in our client parking lot on Alabama and Treat St.Call for an appointment or for a free tour of this beautifulfacility. See the tour schedule at www.sfspca.org.

Documents

Sake KittyCity Huge Hearts Fosterer - Home - SF SPCAPhilanthropy by kids First-time Fosterer Kitten caboodle Albert, shelter adoptee. L Dear Friends, asting soci-etal change usually