January/February 2007

Leader of the Pack

The year 2007 promises to be an exciting one at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. Each year, we assess our accomplishments and shortcomings and develop new goals with the purpose of enriching the lives of animals and the needs of the community we serve.

In 2007, several cities are looking at Breed Specific Legislation as a method of protecting their residents from potentially dangerous dogs. PHS maintains that effective dangerous dog control must not be breed specific because the root of the problem would remain unaddressed. Strongly enforced leash laws, extensive public education on responsible pet ownership and dog behavior classes for dog owners are ways to protect residents from dangerous dogs. The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will form a committee to explore fully the ways that a community keep itself safe from dangerous dogs while protecting the right of dog owners.

This year will also be the Year of the Cat at PHS. Our staff will look at creative ways to enhance the shelter environment for cats before they are adopted. We will also continue to focus on spaying and neutering feral cats and outdoor roaming cats in our public spay/neuter program in order to decrease the number of homeless cats in our community.

More humane education programs are planned for 2007 so that we can raise public awareness of humane issues throughout the community we serve. These programs include seminars on pit bull behavior and responsible ownership, and a bereavement group for people who are grieving for their pets.

Our events in 2007 will include our biannual art auction, Artistic License, which will be held in May, adding to the fun raised with our annual golf tournament and dog walk.

I am delighted by the cooperative spirit that unites our volunteers, staff and community. Your willingness to help the animals has brought us success in the past. I look forward to working with all of you to build a better world for the animals.

Steve

FALL 2006

They always say time changes things, but actually you have to do it yourself.

PHS decided to make some big changes that will allow you, the public, more opportunities to give one of our adoptable animals a loving home. Because matching a caring family with the perfect pet is a top priority for us, the humane society will be open to the public on Sunday from 11AM to 5 PM, beginning in late March. We will be closed to the public on Mondays. These new hours will increase visibility for our adoptable animals and will provide more convenient viewing hours for families and people who work during the week.

PHS continues to be committed to maintaining services and improving programs. When we begin the new Sunday hours, our Animal Control department will become full service for seven days a week. Always available for emergencies on a twenty-four hour basis, Field Services will provide continuous expert assistance for animals in need.

We know that these changes will make big differences in the lives of the animals. If you are looking for a new bird or bunny, cat or dog, now you will be able to find your new best friend at the Pasadena Humane Society on Sunday, too.

These are two of the positive changes we are making in order to make PHS more accessible to the public and more responsive to the needs of the animals. We are working to make the year 2006 a better one for the animals and our community.

The holidays are approaching quickly and we are in a festive mood! The Pet Store at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is having a pre-Christmas sale and offering 10% off selected merchandise. All of the proceeds from the store are used for our life-saving animal care programs, so take a look at the holiday items we have for sale.

All of us at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.


Steve McNall