It's Hip to Snip!

Whiskers Wine & Dine 2011 - Thank You!

2011-04-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

Thank you from all of us on the Whiskers Wine & Dine 2011 auction committee and the Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic. Your generosity contributed to our most successful auction yet! Over 300 people attended the auction on March 12 ^th and our net proceeds exceeded a record-breaking $90,000!

We are fortunate for the amazing staff, volunteers, and supporters who are willing to give so much to bring low-cost spay and neuter services to our greater community. Since the clinic opened in March of 2008, Coalition: HUMAnE has performed over 17,000alterations. We are receiving reports from local shelters that the impact of this work is already felt as fewer unwanted pets pass through the doors. Our surgery schedule remains booked as we make it easy for pet owners to do the right thing by altering their cats and dogs. We continue to work hard to bring these low-priced services and special programs, such as our Spay Day Voucher program, to low income families.

Thank you for joining us on our mission to end the tragedy of pet overpopulation. We are grateful for your generosity and hope that you will participate in Whiskers Wine & Dine next year! In the meantime, please feel free to stay up-to-date by checking our website at www.coalition humane.org to see what we are doing to meet the needs of our beloved four-legged friends and progress on the purchase of our new clinic.

Sincerely,

Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers, Executive Director

P.S. Watch for some great event photos to show up at our Flickr site soon!

Coalition: HUMAnE Looking to Expand Spay and Neutering Services

2011-02-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

Coalition: HUMAnE Looking to Expand Spay and Neutering Services

SCOTT TURNER | GIG HARBOR LIFE

Dr. Becky Birchmeier performs a neuter surgery at Coalition: HUMANnE. Since the Tacoma-based clinic opened some three years ago, their veterinarians have performed more that 15,000 spay and neuter operations.

SCOTT TURNER | GIG HARBOR LIFE

Holly Bukes, clinic immediate past president, said that Coalition: HUMAnE's goal is remove barriers that prevent people from spaying and neutering their pets.

SCOTT TURNER | GIG HARBOR LIFE

A row of cats rest in heating pads after their operations.

GIG HARBOR — Pet overpopulation is an ongoing problem, and within seven years, the small grassroots non-profit organization called Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project has facilitated more than 10,000 surgeries for pets.

Holly Bukes founded that organization, which has become Coalition: HUMAnE, a non-profit spay and neuter clinic that is high quality, high volume and affordable.

Bukes, a Gig Harbor resident, is the immediate past president, and serves in that position on the board. Coalition: HUMAnE opened its own clinic in Tacoma three years ago and has provided 15,000 pet surgeries, she said.

“We were trying to find something that was centrally located and a population base that was easy to get to from the freeway system, and that was along the bus route, and a place that could be renovated into a veterinary hospital basically,” Bukes said.

They are leasing a building in Tacoma.

Educating the public about pet overpopulation is not enough, she said. They want to give every pet owner the opportunity to be a responsible pet owner. Bukes said to spay and neuter is the solution, and while adoption is the best way to get a pet, she said it isn’t going to solve the problem of pet overpopulation.

“Our goal is to basically remove barriers that prevent people from spaying and neutering their pets,” Bukes said. “People who are financially challenged, they love their pets, but they just don’t have the resources. They have many other priorities that are more important than getting their pet spayed or neutered in terms of money.”

Last year alone there were 2,000 healthy adoptable cats euthanized in Pierce County. That’s why Bukes has a passion for her work.

Coalition: HUMAnE expects to serve 12,000 clients this year, and serves clients from any county in the state, but primarily Pierce and Kitsap counties. Though low-income pet owners utilize the services of the clinic, it is open to everyone and does not place restrictions on its services, nor does it skimp on the quality of medicine or veterinarians, she said.

This month the clinic will take over all surgeries for the Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County, said executive director of Coalition: HUMAnE Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers.

By forming a coalition with other animal welfare organizations, money was raised to open the clinic and serve more pet owners.

Costs for spay and neuter surgeries are kept low, with a cat neuter at $35 and spay at $45, dog neuters start at $62 and spays at $67 with the highest cost of $125 for a female dog weighing more than 100 pounds.

Kalmbach-Ehlers said there are special programs through Coalition: HUMAnE that drop the cost even more.

“So we will offer spays and neuters for anywhere from nothing to a $10 co-pay for other individuals throughout the year. We do some fundraising for those,” Kalmbach-Ehlers said.

By forming the coalition, the organization became a quality clinic, she said. There are two doctors on staff full time who average 58 to 60 surgeries every day, making it the ideal place for the surgeries.

“A lot of people understand it better this way, that if you’re going to get a heart surgery go to a heart surgeon. If you are going to spay and neuter your pet you should come here because our surgeons are experts in the field. They do 58 to 60 of them a day. That’s who you want doing that surgery for your pet,” she said.

Bukes said it was necessary to re-organize and change the way they were serving clients. Some of the private veterinarians were requiring clients to get shots for their pets that they couldn’t afford, Bukes said. So in 2007 the board decided to raise $200,000 to open its own clinic.

“I think there were five employees when we started up on March 3, 2008. We became Coalition:HUMAnE,” she said.

“We found an organization in North Carolina called HUMANE Alliance and they act as a mentor organization toward organizations that want to start spay and neuter clinics,” she said. “So we applied to their program. We were accepted. Then we started working with them. They helped us design the layout of the clinic. They helped us train our staff and we raised our money and found a building and renovated the building.”

Staff from Coalition: HUMAnE traveled to North Carolina to receive training, and once the clinic opened, a veterinarian and two support staff from North Carolina worked with the staff in Tacoma.

Bukes said her passion for pets began in childhood, and she still sees that people aren’t fully aware of the overpopulation problem.

“So the pet over population is a community problem and it takes a community. It’s not the shelters’ responsibility to fix it. It’s everybody’s part,” she said.

An auction and dinner, Whiskers Wine and Dine, to benefit Coalition: HUMAnE will take place March 12 at the Sharon McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College. The organization is looking to buy a building and expand services.

“One of the things we’re looking to do is institute a transport program so that we’re able to take our vehicle out to areas where there may be transportation problems for people, and bring those animals into our clinic,” Kalmbach-Ehlers said.

Donations for the auction are welcome. Le Garmache in Port Orchard is catering the event.

For information, visit coalitionhumane.org. To schedule an appointment, call (253) 627-7729.

Spay and Neuter Clinic Looks to Expand Services

Coalition: HUMAnE will host Whiskers and Wine, a dinner and auction to raise funds to purchase a building and offer more services.

What: Whiskers and Wine Dinner and Auction

When: 5 to 9 p.m. March 12

Where: Sharon McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College

Cost: $50, reservations required

Info: coalitionhumane.org/html/wwd2011.htm

Humane society teams with coalition to save the area’s pets

2011-01-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

Humane society teams with coalition to save the area’s pets

The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County will have a whole lot of help this year.

The society has been performing spay and neuter operations on adopted pets at its own facility since 2005, but beginning Jan. 31, it will hand the bulk of the surgeries to Coalition: HUMAnE.

Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers, executive director for Coalition: HUMAnE, said the partnership makes sense.

“Overall, we’ll be doing 99 percent of the surgeries for them,” she said. “We are the experts in the field. If you need heart surgery, you go to a heart surgeon. But this is what we do — we’re the experts on spay and neuter. We have top-quality anesthesia and top-quality everything.”

The Humane Society will focuse on enhancing its cat adoption program and free up its surgical facility to provide better care for sick or injured animals.

The Coalition, Humans United to Minimize Animal Euthanasia, will forge ahead with its goal to eliminate the euthanization of homeless animals due to overpopulation.

The organizations often work hand-in-hand.

“We help them out in different ways,” Kalmbach-Ehlers said. “For one, we are reducing the number of homeless animals, so they have less animals going into their doors. We do some fundraising with the Humane Society for those who can’t even afford our modest fees.”

One of those events is “Whiskers Wine & Dine,” a dinner and auction which will be held in March at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood.

The coalition serves Puget Sound. Some even travel to the facility from across the state, Kalmbach-Ehlers said.

“Overall, it’s through sheer numbers that we remain so affordable,” she said. “The more you do, the less each one costs, but we never skimp.”

Kalmbach-Ehlers said the average surgical procedure is between 58 and 60 per day, but they have the capacity to perform 62 a day.

The staff’s biggest reward is seeing that their efforts are not in vain.

“What we’re doing here is making a difference,” Kalmbach-Ehlers said. “There’s been a drastic reduction (in euthanasias). The year after we opened was the first year that (the Humane Society) had no dogs that were euthanized for the lack of homes.”

Last year, the coalition celebrated its 10,000th surgery by offering the procedure for free. Last Wednesday, a striped cat named Bada Bing got her surgery for free — she was the 15,000th patient. Her owner, Tom Frattini, received a gift basket.

“I was really surprised,” Frattini said. “I got a basket full of cat treats and a lot of toys. She loves these little things.”

Bada Bing’s visit was not the first one that brought Frattini to the clinic. He has trapped several feral cats in his neighborhood and brought them in.

But Bada Bing is his baby.

“They’re really doing something that changes this area,” he said of the coalition. “We’re really fortunate to have them. I can’t say enough about the service they provide.

“They’re genuine, and you can tell they care.”

Whiskers Wine & Dine

The seventh annual “Whiskers Wine & Dine” will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. March 12 at Clover Park Technical College, 4650 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood. Reservations are $50 per person and include dinner as well as silent, live and dessert auctions. To purchase a ticket, call 253-265-2290 or visitwww.coalitionhumane.org.

Reach Lifestyles Coordinator and reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.

Coalition: HUMAnE to Expand, Spay/Neuter Humane Society Pets

2011-01-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

Beginning January 31st, pets adopted from the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County will be spayed or neutered at the non-profit Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic. Since 2005, adopted dogs and cats have been altered at the Humane Society’s own surgical facility. However, with Coalition: HUMAnE (Humans United to Minimize Animal Euthanasia) planning a major expansion in 2011, and the Humane Society looking to enhance its cat adoption program, the decision to transfer surgeries to another Tacoma-based clinic made sense.

Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers, Executive Director for Coalition: HUMAnE, says, “We are very excited to be partnering with the Humane Society on this endeavor. Working together toward eliminating homeless dog and cat overpopulation in a way that maximizes benefit to the community is something that local residents and their pets need and deserve.”

The Humane Society and Coalition: HUMAnE share the goal of eliminating needless euthanasia and creating a community where every pet has a loving, permanent home. Following a model of high-quality, low-cost surgical excellence set by North Carolina-based Humane Alliance, Coalition: HUMAnE will perform its 15,000th surgery this Wednesday, January 19th. The 15,000th patient and their owner will receive free surgery and a gift basket. This is a remarkable achievement considering the clinic opened less than three years ago. In that time, they have built a superb reputation for providing professional and compassionate care, and are becoming the top affordable spay and neuter clinic in the entire Puget Sound region for both individual pet owners and rescue organizations.

The transfer will enable the Humane Society to focus their resources on medical care for adoptable and sick or injured animals, which will speed the process from admission to release, allowing more animals to be helped on an ongoing basis. They will also be able to utilize their surgical facility for other types of surgeries, and retain the ability to spay and neuter shelter pets if occasionally needed. “Our strategic plan calls for us to find homes for all adoptable pets, better utilize our facility and resources, and prioritize customer service,” explains Humane Society Executive Director Kathleen Olson. “Having the surgeries done at Coalition: HUMAnE will be more cost effective, and enable us to expand our cat adoption program.”

Coalition: HUMANE has a new Cafepress Store!

2010-12-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

We hope that you are enjoying the holiday season! As 2010 comes to a close, all of us at Coalition: HUMAnE would like to thank you for your support. We are very proud of our accomplishments and hope that you are too! Over 14,000 dogs and cats have been surgically sterilized at our high-quality, high-volume, nonprofit spay and neuter clinic since opening in March of 2008. The end of pet overpopulation seems within our reach!

We are very excited to let all of you know that we have just opened a Cafepress store with some great designs created just for Coalition: HUMAnE - and just in time for your holiday shopping! Please take a look and spread the word to other animal welfare advocates. Purchasing items from our store is another way to help Coalition: HUMAnE raise much needed funds to support our mission while, at the same time, spreading the spay/neuter message!

Thank you so much!

Your Friends at Coalition: HUMAnE

.....Saving Lives Through Prevention

Other ways to help:

- Become a Fan on Facebook!

- Make a gift donation in the name of an animal lover!

- Volunteer!

Whiskers Wine & Dine 2011 – Save the Date!

2010-12-08T08:29:00.001-08:00

In 2011 we move to a Saturday! On March 12 Whiskers Wine & Dine will be back at the Sharon McGavick Center in Lakewood. Please join us to help raise funds for spay and neuter.

We are currently looking for companies and businesses who would be interested in sponsoring Whiskers Wine & Dine or perhaps donating an item for the auction. If you of someone who would be interested in sponsoring, donating to the auction, or attending please let us know! 253.627.7729, whiskerswinedine@yahoo.com

New for 2011 – Whiskers Wine & Dine Table Captains!

We need your help as a table captain. Table captains are supporters of Coalition: HUMAnE who would like to be a bit more involved and help to fill our guest tables, and promote the event. We will provide you with training and guidance. If you would be willing to learn more about this way to help support our work please contact the auction committee: whiskerswinedine@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Talented Coalition: HUMAnE Volunteer wins awards!

2010-11-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

The national Cat Writers Association 2010 conference is now over and the final awards were given for photos published during the award year. New contestants like Coalition: HUMAnE volunteer Stephanie Galindo competed with seasoned contest veterans who gear their work to win, as well as other nationally published authors and photographers.

Several of Stephanie's photos that were published in the Coalition Humane's Wise Alter-native newsletter for the 2009-2010 year received over 90 points in the judging, earning three Certificates of Excellence, in addition to the Certificate of Excellence that Coalition Humane received for the newsletter itself. Photos that earn 90 points or more are then separately judged so that a category winner can be identified.

Sunny's photo (Vol 9, Issue 3) has been awarded the top photo in its category: single, black and white photo, receiving the coveted Muse Medallion. A judge said, "This is the epitome of cats: the insouciant air that goes with the full body and the dangling paw says it all."

Roscoe and Pink (Vol 10, Issue 2) also won the Muse Medallion for best in the category: black-and-white photography series. One judge commented, "Two of the images, Roscoe and Pink, are very striking and even hauntingly lovely. You can see the contentment in the companion animals. Great black and white series – well done!"

The winning photos can be seen on the home page of Stephanie's website.

Don't forget to sign up for our email updates at the Coalition: HUMAnE website!

Thank you!

2010-11-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Tacoma Small Dog Blog for hosting a donation drive to benefit Coalition: HUMAnE! A generous supply of Scooter's wish list items were delivered to the clinic recently.

For more information on Scooter's wish list visit this link.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Support Coalition: HUMAnE and our Firefighters too!

2010-11-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

Looking for that perfect gift?

Who: Gig Harbor Firefighters

What: Above and Beyond 2011 Calendar signing!!

When: This Saturday November 20 from 1-3pm!

Where: Borders Bookstore, Gig Harbor Uptown Shopping Center

Why: All proceeds benefit both Coalition: HUMAnE and our first responders (Gig Harbor Firefighters). Cost is only $15 per calendar!

Coalition: HUMAnE on Facebook

2010-11-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

Hello!

If you are a Facebook user, please help friend-raise for Coalition: HUMAnE. It's easy. Just invite your friends and family to "Like" Coalition: HUMAnE.

All you have to do is go to the Coalition: HUMAnE page and click on "Suggest to Friends". Then invite away!

We know there are lots of people out there who support ending pet overpopulation. It's time to make more friends on Facebook!

Thanks for your support and don't forget:
It's Hip to Snip!

Free Pet Vaccine Clinic

2010-09-21T09:36:00.001-07:00

Coalition HUMAnE, The Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County and BullsEye Dog Rescue are offering free pet vaccines for low income Pierce County residents on Sunday, October 3rd from noon to 3:00 pm at Harry Todd Park in Lakewood. In an effort to help pets of low-income residents, and prevent them from being turned in to the shelter during difficult economic times, the groups are joining together to make low-income pet owners aware of the resources available to them. The clinic will offer free DHLPP vaccines for dogs and FVRCP vaccines for cats; free microchips for Pit Bulls, and $5 microchips for cats and other dogs. There will also be information on low-cost spay/neuter, dog training, and advice on behavior issues. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.

Riders take to the streets to fight pet overpopulation

2010-08-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Riders take to the streets to fight pet overpopulation

SUSAN SCHELL

Last updated: August 24th, 2010 04:25 PM (PDT)

Motorcycle enthusiasts will do what they do best on Saturday — jump on their hogs and hit the road.

The second annual Hogs for Dogs event will provide a way for riders to enjoy the outdoors for a cause. The money raised from the event will benefit Coalition HUMAnE, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Tacoma for dogs and cats to prevent euthanizing unwanted animals.

Coalition HUMAnE president Holly Bukes said the event is open to anyone in the state.

“We have people come from far away because they can’t afford their veterinarian’s fees,” Bukes said.

Last year’s event raised $5,000, and this year is expected to be more successful.

“There was a bit of (bad) weather in the morning, but we had a good turnout, and it was a lot of fun,” Bukes said. “We’re a non-profit, and the money we raise most often goes to provide even further discounts to people who can’t afford our already low fees.”

Bukes said the Coalition HUMAnE Spay and Neuter Clinic performed about 5,000 sterilization surgeries last year. The clinic recently expanded and added a second veterinarian part-time. It expects the number of operations to jump from 7,500 to 9,000 next year.

The ride begins and ends at the Floatation Device Pub and Grill in Purdy. The blues band Loose Gravel and Quarry will provide entertainment for returning riders from 3 to 6 p.m.

The ride’s route is the main draw for the event, because most of the course is along the water, event organizer Dave McCormick said. “They’ll ride along the Hood Canal to Belfair, through Gorst and out through Port Orchard to Manchester.

Harley-Davidson owner Tari Davis made the run last year and said she’s looking forward to this weekend.

“It was the most fun I have ever had,” she said. “The ride is beautiful. It goes all over Puget Sound, and the scenery was breathtaking. We met a lot a friends that we still hang out with.”

Davis said she recommends the ride not just for the fun, but because it’s for a good cause.

“Last year there was not a hitch and everything went smoothly,” she said. “It was put together very professionally.”

Hogs for Dogs

Hogs for Dogs will have motorcycle riders taking to the streets for the second annual charity event to raise funds for the Coalition HUMAnE, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.

The ride will start at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 28. Riders will gather at the Floatation Device Pub & Grill, 14511 Sherman Drive NW in Purdy.

For more information or to pre-register, visit www.coalitionhumane.org.

Coalition: HUMAnE Expands!

2010-08-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Coalition: HUMAnE, the first high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter clinic of its kind in the Puget Sound Region, has expanded. In just 24 months of operation over 10,000 dogs and cats were surgically sterilized at the Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic in Tacoma, demonstrating the enormous need for these services. 165 animals lose their lives in Washington shelters every day with 1.86 million companion animals estimated as unaltered. The addition of a second veterinarian and surgical team has resulted in additional clinic capacity of 2400 surgeries a year to serve even more clients and their pets.

Coalition: HUMAnE’s services are available to the general public, with no residency limitations. Low cost surgical sterilization is available for pet cats and dogs, as well as for feral cats. The clinic expansion will allow members of the public to obtain surgery appointments quickly and efficiently. Appointments can be made online at www.coalitionhumane.org or by calling the clinic at 253.627.7729(SPAY).

The clinic is located at 2106 Tacoma Avenue South in Tacoma. Spaying and neutering is the most effective solution to pet overpopulation. It is also non-lethal. “Our goal with this clinic is to offer the lowest cost possible in order to serve the largest number of animals, therefore making immediate and positive impacts on area shelter intake and the killing of companion animals. We are thrilled to expand our offerings to the communities of Washington State,” said Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers, Coalition: HUMAnE Executive Director.

Check out your candidates!

2010-08-05T07:26:00.001-07:00

Check out your candidates!

Washington Legislative Candidates Explain Their Positions on Animal Welfare Issues

The Washington State primary election is August 17.
Before you vote, please take a few minutes to see where your candidates stand on important animal welfare legislative issues.

The League of Humane Voters, Washington Chapter and the Washington State Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies conducted a survey of all primary candidates for the Washington State Senate and Washington State House of Representatives. Candidates were asked to state their opinions and positions on animal welfare legislative issues involving:Companion Animal Spay/Neuter AssistanceFeeding of WildlifeWildlife TrappingContinuous Chaining or Tethering of Dogs, andHumane Treatment of LivestockThe results of the survey are published on the League of Humane Voters website. Please take a few minutes to review the results.Over 100 candidates responded.
Helpful guides:
How to find your legislative district: Legislative District Finder.How to find a list of all candidates running for the State Senate and House of Representatives with their contact information: Primary Candidates List. (Scroll down the list until you see the state legislative districts).
Candidates were given the survey in early July and were reminded by email to respond before the July 18 deadline. If certain candidates in your district did not respond to the survey, you may wish to contact them and ask about their views on animal welfare legislation important to you--before you vote!

Hogs For Dogs - Coming Soon!

2010-07-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hogs for Dogs
Get your bikes ready for this year’s Hogs for Dogs Dice Run on Saturday, August 28th! This second annual ride begins and ends at the Floatation Device in Purdy, WA. MORE DETAILS
Contact Dave at HFDMotorcycleRun@comcast.net for more information.

Come support Hogs for Dogs volunteers on Sunday, August 22nd at 2:00pm as they guest bartend at The Swiss, located at 1904 Jefferson Avenue, Tacoma, WA. All their tips will go to support the ride! There will also be a silent auction.

Calendar Proceeds to Benefit Coalition: HUMAnE!

2010-06-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

Gig Harbor Firefighters Pose with Pets for Charity Calendar

Tongue wagging and heavy salivation is often synonymous with flipping through firefighter calendars. But for the Gig Harbor Fire Department’s calendar, it’s pets doing the drooling.

Calendars that feature firefighters and their four-legged friends are now available for purchase. The calendar showcases both career and volunteer firefighters posing with both dogs and cats.

Kim Owen, owner of local pet boutique FC Pawprints, came up with the idea for a firefighter pet calendar as a fundraising tool.

“Most of them have pets, and they are very pet-friendly,” Owen said. “Hopefully the community buys them (the calendars) and helps support the local fire department.”

All proceeds will go to the Gig Harbor Firefighters Association and Coalition: Humane, a group that provides low-cost spaying and neutering for Pierce County animals. The calendars cost $15 each and can be purchased at FC Pawprints and at department headquarters on Bujacich Road NW and prevention headquarters at 6711 Kimball Drive.

Firefighters were more than willing to show off their four-legged friends, Owen said. There were more volunteers signed up than there was space in the calendar.

The photo shoots took place in March, and most of the shots were taken near fire trucks and within the department’s training center.

Working around firefighters’ busy schedules is tough enough, but throw in a dog or cat, and it added another element. Dogs perched on a fire truck may be cute, but keeping them still was just one of the challenges that presented themselves.

“We have to kind of do the photography on the fly,” Owen said.

Owen quickly realized great ideas don’t always pan out when animals are part of the equation.

One such idea was to show firefighter Andy Cochrane rescuing his cat, Parker, from a tree. The problem? Owen said Parker weighs 27 pounds and, as a result, she couldn’t find a branch big enough to hold the cat.

“We tried, but the cat had nothing to do with it,” Owen said.

Firefighters plan to sign calendars at the Borders in Uptown Gig Harbor. Dates have yet to be finalized.

Happy Spay Day!

2010-02-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Spay Day 2010! Thanks to our awesome staff, working hard to spay and neuter 30 dogs and cats today at the Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic.

A great way to celebrate and support spay/neuter is to attend Whiskers Wine & Dine on March 12. It's easy to make your reservation online this year (if you haven't already)!

The auction committee has been hard at work and we have some really great items to offer up including many fabulous wine-related items, a Holland America cruise and several overnight stays at exciting destinations like Palm Springs, Maui, California Wine Country and the Oregon Coast.

Hope to see you on March 12!

Job Openings at Coalition: HUMAnE

2010-02-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

Coalition: HUMAnE is seeking several individuals who love animals, enjoy working with the public and want to help reduce the pet overpopulation problem. We currently have an opening for a Clinic Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. Full job descriptions can be found for Clinic Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. To apply, please send your cover letter, resume and completed application to mail@coalitionhumane.org. No phone calls please. Resumes will be accepted until February 16, 2010.

Take Five Minutes to Help Save Washington's Homeless Pets

2010-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

Contact Your Legislators Now

Senate Bill 5329/House Bill 1406

This bill will succeed ONLY if you let your state legislators know that you want the bill passed this session and you gain their support. Please make sure your legislators hear from you by January 15, 2010.

This is a critical time for the bill. SB 5329 and HB 1406 are in the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, respectively. The spay/neuter assistance bill must pass through committee to survive in the 2010 legislative session.

Whether you're an individual that just cares about animals, or you represent an animal welfare organization, shelter, municipal or county animal care and control agency, take a few minutes to contact your legislators to urge their support for passage of the companion animal spay/neuter assistance bill, SB 5329/HB 1406.

Please go to this page for help contacting your legislators.

An unseen army provides resources for pets when money’s short

2009-11-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

An unseen army provides resources for pets when money’s short

Nancy Wall can’t get a certain dog out of her mind.

It belonged to an acquaintance with whom she lost touch. She’s heard that the person lost her job, and the dog developed a painful infection and needed care the owner couldn’t afford.

That got Wall to wondering how many pets are suffering for the same reason. Wall, who lives in Tacoma, wanted to know if there was a way she could help.

“I guess my bottom line is, I’m retired. I don’t have a lot of money, but I would be willing to give to an organization if that money is going to these purposes,” she said. “What’s out there?”

The answer is: good veterinary clinics, and a few groups operating on limited means.

“There are always people who need help paying for their vet bills,” said Marguerite Richmond of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. “In the past, there have been resources here and there, but any time a resource pops up, it gets used up. Small groups have seen the need and raised the money, but the money can go really fast.”

The Humane Society doesn’t provide veterinary care beyond the animals brought in for adoption. But it is seeing the recession’s effects.

“I know our emergency food bank has a high demand,” Richmond said. “We keep putting out the call for food donations.”

They’re not choosy. They’ll take open bags of dry food or the canned food the cats snubbed.

They’ll also take unused pet medicines. They can use them for the animals in their care.

A surprising number of veterinarians do the same, as part of their effort to stretch care for low-income clients.

At River Road Animal Hospital in Puyallup, they’re happy to pass food donations on to the Seniors With Pets Food Bank.

People are contributing more lately to the collection jars on the counter, employees said. Anyone can also join the employees in giving to the slush fund they maintain for needy pets.

River Road has not turned a sick animal away, they said, but it can’t do it alone.

“There are a couple of groups around the area that do help out with financial stuff,” said employee Rosie Lettich. “We have lists of e-mails and numbers.”

She, like staff members at other clinics, declined to share the names of the groups. If we publicized them, she said, the groups would be inundated with more requests than they can handle. If you’d like to give to one, your vet can give you contact information.

Those groups can be lifesavers, said Karam Walia of Affordable Animal Hospital in Tacoma, so they call on them only when they must.

“In most cases, we will give someone an estimate and try to make it work with whatever means they have available,” Walia said.

That might mean relying on a medical opinion up front, rather than expensive tests.

“If things don’t clear up, then they’ll come in for the diagnostic,” Walia said.

It’s the same at All Creatures Animal Hospital in Puyallup.

“People are more cautious about spending the extra amounts on extra procedures and calling in specialists,” said assistant Bethany Gapsch.

Gapsch and Walia remind pet owners that money spent on vaccinations, spaying and neutering prevents expensive problems later.

That’s where the good news kicks in. Coalition: Humane offers reduced-price spaying, neutering and vaccines to low-income owners. For information on scheduling or donating, go to www.psnp.org or call 253-627-7729.

Noah’s Pet Project gives free vaccinations to the pets of low-income, senior and homeless people. Veterinarian Liane Sperlich of Brown’s Point Veterinary Clinic takes her skills and supplies to 601 N. Oakes St. from noon to 2 p.m. the second Saturday of the month. That’s today.

There are no appointments, said Lisa Dillon of the clinic, and there is no phone number. Simply show up and hope the donated supplies last.

Noah’s pets are always better off for gifts of cash, food, medicine, even used leashes, collars and beds.

“People bring them to us,” Dillon said. “It’s so sad sometimes, because they have lost their pets. But their animals are in heaven, thanking them for doing that.”

Kathleen Merryman: 253-597-8677

kathleen.merryman@thenewstribune.com

Coalition: HUMAnE Welcomes Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers

2009-11-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

The Coalition: HUMAnE Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers has accepted the position of Executive Director for Coalition: HUMAnE. Her start date

will be October 26. Lorrie has an extensive and varied background in the nonprofit sector, including many years of volunteer work with animal welfare organizations.

Most recently, Lorrie served as Director of Outreach and Operations for the nonprofit organization Salish Sea Expeditions. There she was an important member of the management team with responsibilities in many areas including strategic planning, budget and finance, fundraising and development, marketing and supervision of staff and volunteers.

She is passionate about the mission of Coalition: HUMAnE and is looking forward to her work with the organization. Lorrie also serves as President of Bullseye Dog Rescue, an allvolunteer

organization. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Biology. Lorrie

lives in Port Orchard with her husband RJ, her 5 year old son Rogan and many pets!

Please join us in welcoming Lorrie to the Coalition: HUMAnE team!

Spay/Neuter Super Advocate!

2009-10-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Sally Andrews from Ballet and Business Forms (and Puyallup Animal Rescue). She's always supporting Coalition: HUMAnE and Spay/Neuter - even at her Rotary clubs' mini golf fundraiser!

Summer is Over...

2009-10-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

Time flies during the beautiful summers of the Pacific Northwest. Coalition: HUMAnE has been busy with spays and neuters, as well as other events: Maritime Gig Parade, Dogathon, Woostock, Hogs for Dogs and Harbor Hounds to name a few!

A couple special thank yous to note:

-Thank you to Le Garmache' for hosting a wonder volunteer and staff appreciation picnic in early October, before the rains! The event was held at their beautiful facility in Port Orchard, Cedar Springs.

-Thank you also to Mitchell Fox (and Friends) who have made our little clinic look shiny and new! The building trim and sign pole have been newly painted and now matches the colors in our sign.

Happy fall everyone!

Hogs for Dogs - August 29!

2009-08-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Firing up the hogs, for the dogs’ sake

Motorcycle run to benefit pet spay and neuter clinic

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Published: 12:49PM August 12th, 2009

Gateway photo/Lee Giles III

Event organizers Dave and Vicki McCormick and “Nola,” a 3-year-old pit bull, pose in front of a 2008 Harley Road King motorcycle in front of The Flotation Device in Purdy.

Each year, hundreds of dogs and cats are put to sleep by humane societies nationwide. Their crime? Not being able to find a home.

At the end of the month, motorcycle riders will fire up their bikes to try to stop the problem. The Aug. 29 “Hogs for Dogs” fundraising event will be hosted by the Flotation Device Pub & Grill in Gig Harbor to benefit the Coalition: Humane Spay & Neuter Clinic.

“Animals losing their lives due to pet overpopulation is the No. 1 killer of dogs and cats in our country,” said organizer Dave McCormick, who will kick off the first-time event with his wife, Vicky. “We can’t adopt our way out of the problem. Spay and neuter makes a real difference.”

Vicky McCormick said she’s been involved with the coalition for several years as a fundraiser.

“Me and my husband ride motorcycles, and we wanted to have an event that would help out and be a lot of fun,” she said. “When we talked to people, they were really open to it.”

The Motorcycle Dice Run will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. at the Flotation Device. The ride will travel along scenic routes along the shores of Puget Sound.

“We have mapped out the run along the Hood Canal area,” Vicky McCormick said. “We travel up through Allyn, with stopping points to eat and drink at places like JR’s Hideaway in Belfair. The girls that own the place are very happy to be involved. It’s going to be a beautiful run, and there’s a lot of people that ride motorcycles.”

Anyone who rides is welcome, and those without a bike can join the festivities at the Flotation Device with blues band “Loose Gravel and Quarry” from 3 to 6 p.m.

“We’ll have raffles and all, and one sponsor is donating trips to Reno,” McCormick said. “People have stuck their helping hand out for this. Anybody can ride, and anybody can attend the function.”

McCormick said Coalition Humane is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to reducing the overpopulation of dogs and cats in the area.

“We opened the first low-income spay and neuter clinic in Tacoma,” she said. “We’ve done so well in this area and have cut the rates of euthanasia by more than half in the last 10 years.”

The Tacoma Humane Society is getting closer to its goal of becoming a no-kill shelter. A huge part of the coalition program is trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered, then releasing them. All workers who trap and transport are volunteers.

“We’re doing this stuff all year long,” McCormick said. “People in the community are really becoming aware of this problem, and it’s slowly but surely changing.

“This is something that we can stop. We’re seeing the results of our work. We’re not fighting a losing battle.”

Motorcycle Dice Run

When: Dice run registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 29 — Blues music with “Loose Gravel and Quarry” from 3 to 6 p.m.

Where: The Flotation Device Pub & Grill, 14511 Sherman Drive in Gig Harbor, next to the Westwynd Motel

Reach reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.

Hogs for Dogs - Coming Soon!

2009-07-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

HOGS FOR DOGS - Harleys come to Gig Harbor to support Coalition Humane

Hogs for Dogs Dice Run - Saturday August 29, 2009

Come join the fun on a relaxing motorcycle ride along the shores of Puget Sound in beautiful Gig Harbor and help support Coalition: Humane, Spay and Neuter Clinic.

The ride begins and ends at the famous Floatation Device in Purdy WA. Lots of fun on a summer day helping a great cause!

See Map: http://www.coalitionhumane.org/pdf/route_map.pdf

Download flier:http://www.coalitionhumane.org/pdf/hogs4dogs_flier.pdf

Harbor Hounds

2009-06-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Harbor Hounds does not take place until September, but once again Coalition: HUMAnE participated in the Maritime Gig parade, as part of the Harbor Hounds entry. Rain and drizzle did not stop our devoted volunteers! Thank you to Richard, David, Audry and Ryan for marching. And a special thank you to our "special dog" Matt Rusnak. Hope to see you all in September!

Save the Date - Dine to be Kind 2009!

2009-05-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way to support Coalition: HUMAnE but not sure what to do?

On Thursday, June 18, have a drink and something to eat at any of

the participating restaurants for our 3^rd Annual Dine to be Kind and

Coalition: HUMAnE will receive a portion of the proceeds. It’s that easy!

Check out our web page for information on participating restaurants

Hope to see you on June 18, 2009

Be Kind to Animals Celebration at Tempest Lounge

2009-05-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

During the month of May Tempest Lounge spotlights Coalition: HUMAnE!

Coalition: HUMAnE promotes and provides low cost spay and neuter services for pet cats and dogs and feral cats in an effort to stop the killing of companion animals due to overpopulation.

Each week we will feature a specialty cocktail, with $1.00 from each cocktail going to Coalition:HUMAnE. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss the weekly special.

You can also participate by purchasing, for $1.00, and coloring either a cat or dog. Each cat and dog will be proudly displayed on the art wall.

What are you waiting for? Order the weekly specialty cocktail and start coloring.

Thank you for your support!

Tempest Lounge 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

Breakfast For Dinner

2009-04-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

JAKE DE PAUL: TEMPEST LOUNGE HOSTS A BENEFIT >>>

Not even kidding here, folks. Friday was National Hairball Awareness Day. Did you know that it's not just cats that get hairballs? Your pet goat also gets them. So do kids who compulsively eat hair. Bezoars, as they were called, used to be cherished, and would be set with jewelry. They can also be made of nondigestible food, like celery (celery?!) or gum (don't swallow gum!).

Hungry?

Well, maybe by next Wednesday.

The Tempest Lounge hosts Breakfast For Dinner, a benefit forCoalition: HUMAnE Wednesday, May 6 from 5-7 p.m.

“We're excited about this event because Michelle and I have benefited from their services in a big way,” explains Tempest co-owner Denise Tempest. “We have a feral colony in our neighborhood and if it wasn't for Coalition: HUMAnE we couldn't afforded to fix all the cats we've had fixed.”

The Tempest will be serving breakfast for dinner: scrambled eggs, sausage, roasted potatoes and pancakes.

Expect door prizes, too. Thankfully, they’re skipping the hairballs.

[Tempest Lounge, Wednesday, May 6, 5-7 p.m., $12, 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.4904

Whiskers Wine & Dine 2009

2009-03-08T15:20:00.001-07:00

Coalition: HUMAnE to Host Whiskers Wine & Dine

By Ben Sclair

Coalition: HUMANE presents its fifth annual “Whiskers Wine & Dine” fundraiser to be held on Friday, March 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Sharon McGavick Center in Lakewood, WA. The event is held in recognition of Spay Day USA, a national day of action to promote the spaying and neutering of companion animals in an effort to end pet overpopulation.

“Whiskers Wine & Dine” will feature a vegetarian “spay-ghetti” dinner, wine tasting and auctions ‚Äìsilent, live and dessert! Come out to help us fight pet overpopulation at its source! Reservations for “Whiskers Wine & Dine” are $50.00 per person, available in advance only. To make a reservation, call 253.265.2290 or visit www.coalitionhumane.org to download an order form. All proceeds benefit Coalition: HUMAnE as well as its new life saving spay & neuter clinic, located in Tacoma.

Highlighted auction items include 2 nights at Napili Kai Resort on Maui, plus $400 toward airfare. Grey’s Anatomy 2nd season DVD set, autographed by actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, One year of weekly massages at Three Cedars Spa and a weekend at the W Hotel in Seattle, gift cards to Palomino and Cutters Bayhouse

Coalition: HUMAnE’s 1 year old high-quality, high-volume, low-cost clinic has already provided over 4,000 dog and cat sterilization surgeries. Its mission is to promote and provide low cost spay and neuter services for pet cats and dogs, as well as for feral cats in an effort to stop the killing of companion animals due to overpopulation. Coalition: HUMAnE’s clients are families of limited means and Good Samaritan caretakers of abandoned cats and dogs. Its services are open to residents in all of Western Washington.

An Update on How to Help - Spay/Neuter Legislation

2009-02-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

Washington State Senate Bill 5329/House Bill 1406

***Urgent message: We ask that you contact the Senate Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Committee and the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee now. The bill must pass through committee to proceed this session. We need you to act now, since the deadline for passage of SB 5329 through this Senate committee is February 25, 2009, and the deadline for passage of HB 1406 through the House committee is February 20, 2009. Please click How to Help for more information.***

Beat the Heat! Birth Control for Cats

2009-02-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Animal shelters across the country are overrun with millions of unwanted and homeless pets every year. Over 4 million will wait in cages only to be euthanized. This sad truth is one that Coalition: HUMAnE is on a mission to change.

In recognition of Spay Day USA, held on February 24th, Coalition: HUMAnE will hold its "Beat the Heat" event, offering 100 free pet cat sterilizations in the month of February. Most cats go into heat during early spring, so February is the ideal time for cat spays and neuters.

"Beat the Heat" spay/neuters will take place at the clinic in downtown Tacoma. Free surgeries are restricted to low income families. For more information, please call 253.627.SPAY or visit www.coalitionhumane.org

Whiskers Wine & Dine - March 13, 2009

2009-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Coalition: HUMANE's fifth annual "Whiskers Wine & Dine" is right around the corner! The fundraiser will be held on Friday, March 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Sharon McGavick Center in Lakewood, WA. The event is held in recognition of Spay Day USA, a national day of action to promote the spaying and neutering of companion animals.

"Whiskers Wine & Dine" will feature a vegetarian "spay-ghetti" dinner, wine tasting and auctions –silent, live and dessert! It's sure to be an enjoyable evening for all who attend. Come out to help us fight pet overpopulation at its source! Reservations for "Whiskers Wine & Dine" are $50.00 per person, available in advance only. To make a reservation, please call 253.265.2290 or visit our website to download an order form.

To preview only some of our great auction items, visit the Whiskers Wine & Dine 2009 Blog!

Pridemore bill would shrink population of unwanted dogs and cats

2009-02-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Representatives from Coalition: HUMAnE are testifying in favor of this bill. Please write to your legislators! For more information please visit: Save Washington Pets

Tuesday, February 03 2009 - Craig Pridemore

OLYMPIA – Advocates estimate the unwanted births of thousands of stray dogs and cats all over Washington could be prevented by legislation proposed by Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver.

Pridemore’s Senate Bill 5329 would make spaying and neutering affordable for pet owners with limited incomes.

“We’re a society that loves pets, but we also wind up having to kill hundreds of unwanted cats and dogs every day,” Pridemore said. “Apart from the humane aspects, which should bother anyone, the cost of handling and euthanizing unwanted animals from litters is staggering—and less affordable than ever for many people in these difficult economic times.”

SB 5329 would enable low-income owners to spay or neuter pets for a copayment of $10 for cats and $20 for dogs. The full price of spaying or neutering a pet can run much higher, depending on the breed, sex and weight of the pet, and the average cost of handling a stray pet delivered to a shelter is estimated at more than $90, according to advocates. Pickup and delivery of strays to shelters can add another $150 to $200 to the cost.

“This bill solves several problems,” Pridemore said. “First, it reduces the number of unwanted animals that are needlessly killed each year. Second, at a time when many people are struggling to make ends meet, it helps those least able to afford to spay or neuter their pets. Third, it reduces shelter costs and frees up money to house strays until they can find homes, instead of destroying them.”

The program would be funded by a fee paid by distributors of more than 1 ton of pet food in a six-month period; its impact would amount to less than a penny per meal for an average-size dog and even less for most pets.

Advocates estimate the number of unaltered cats and dogs in Washington homes at between 460,000 to 660,000, and the number of feral and free-roaming cats at 1.2 million. They point out that a New Hampshire program begun in 1994 led to a 75-percent decrease in euthanasia and a 34-percent decrease in shelter admissions in just a few years.

“We’ve all seen the pictures of lonely pets in cages and without owners, and we know the only fate waiting for most of them is to be put down,” Pridemore said. “It doesn’t have to be that way. This is a problem we can solve for pennies.”

Advocates also say the legislation would make communities safer, since unaltered dogs account for 82 percent of dog bites and 92 percent of fatal attacks on people.

SB 5329 was heard Jan. 27 by the Senate Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Committee.

# # #

For more information: Rick Manugian, Senate Democratic Communications, 360-786-7569

For interviews: Sen. Craig Pridemore, 360-786-7696

Coalition: HUMAnE in the News!

2009-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Pit bull lovers pull together to polish image

KATHLEEN MERRYMAN; THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Published: 01/14/09  12:05 am

At last, someone's come up with a pit bull program that won't send
people into apoplexy.

Four groups of folks who love pits are sponsoring "The Responsi-Bull
Project," which begins Thursday.

These people are given to puns, which indicates a sense of humor.
That's a great relief where pit bull-type dogs are concerned. If you
can think of any dog that prompts more divisive debate, please let me
know.

Andrea Logan of Pawsitive Alliance (I warned you about the puns) is
coordinating Responsi-Bull, which offers free spaying and neutering, a
free workshop for owners and a four-week obedience course.
Quantcast
It aims to cut the number of pit bulls born into bad homes and raised
to be aggressive. Along the way, organizers hope to rehabilitate the
breed's image. Pits can be good dogs, Logan said, not a gang fad. Not
teeth on a leash.

"Pit bulls have become the breed of choice for many irresponsible
people, and consequently are flooding animal shelters," Logan said,
speaking nationally. "An estimated one third of dogs entering our
shelters are pit bulls or pit bull mixes, and 90 percent of those dogs
will not find a home."

Responsi-Bull Project's first step, Pit-Fix, is to reduce the supply
of dogs crummy owners can exploit.

Starting Thursday, Coalition Humane Spay & Neuter Clinic will alter 30
pit bulls for free. Using maximum breeding math, Logan estimated this
could prevent 8,000 pit births.

There are strings attached to the free alterations, but they are
easily untied, said Coalition Humane board President Holly Bukes. By
state law, the clinic at 2106 Tacoma Ave. S. in Tacoma can perform
free or low-cost spaying only on pets of low-income Pierce County
residents.

"Call anyway," said Bukes, a pit bull owner.

The number is 253-627-7729.

People who don't think they qualify often do, Bukes said. Others get
referred to spay and neuter resources.

Altering dogs is a kindness all around, Logan said. The 2002 Texas
Severe Animal and Bite Surveillance Summary found unaltered dogs were
responsible for 82 percent of serious attacks. Of aggressors in fatal
attacks, 97 percent were unaltered.

Joseph Hunt, a Tacoma Animal Control and Compliance officer, sees it
all the time.

"Yesterday an officer was out with a female in heat, and two males
fought each other over the female," Hunt said.

He has been referring pet owners to Pit-Fix and the two training programs.

BullsEye Dog Rescue will host Pit-Ed, a free workshop on pit bull
ownership. BullsEye co-founder Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers will teach the
class from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Positive Approach Dog Training, 1501
S. Center St., Tacoma. Contact her at 360-981-7080 or
lorrie@bullseyerescue.org for a spot.

BullsEye and Positive Approach are co-sponsoring Train-A-Pit, a series
of four obedience classes. Train-A-Pit has a registration fee of $40,
but owners get $10 back at each class they attend. It's a deal. The
class is a $150 value.

Sessions begin Jan. 24 and meet Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to
6:30 p.m. at Positive Approach. Kalmbach-Ehlers is taking
registrations. Her first rescue dog was a pit bull, and she's had
nothing but pits ever since.

This is Responsi-Bull's second time around, said Logan, who rounded up
$3,000 in donations to pay for it. She's hoping to put it on four
times a year.

Already the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is seeing
results from combined efforts to reduce pit bull euthanasia. Tacoma's
new animal control rules penalize owners of dangerous and unaltered
dogs. Pit bull rescue groups are working to save, spay and train, and
find homes for dogs that can be good family members. Veterinarians are
making spaying and neutering affordable.

None of these efforts can succeed alone. But Marguerite Richmond of
the Humane Society said that together, they are saving animals.

In 2007, she said, 1,145 pit bulls came into the animal shelter. In
2008, that number was down 32 percent, to 774.

In 2007, Humane Society workers put down 673 pit bulls. In 2008, that
was down 40 percent to 404.

Now that's what you call a dog treat.

Kathleen Merryman: 253-597-8677

kathleen.merryman@thenewstribune.com

Surely, we need no more finicky, aloof furballs

2008-12-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

Surely, we need no more finicky, aloof furballs

THE NEWS TRIBUNE

Published: December 12th, 2008 12:05 AM | Updated: December 12th, 2008 06:29 AM

Let’s give a big Christmas cheer to the people who are pushing passionately toward one noble goal: a Pierce County free of unwanted ankle-scratchers, tush-sniffers and tail-chasers.

No, we don’t mean the Sheriff’s Department vice squad. We’re talking about spay-and-neuter evangelists.

They preach a vital message: More than 8,000 animals were needlessly put down in the county last year.

We love them because they, like us, realize the planet has too many cats. The difference is that we think “too many” equals one: the clueless clawbeast who’s likely playing tetherball with our tree ornaments right now.

What say we have him neutered again. Knock him down a few pegs.

We also love these folks for their tacky sense of humor. To wit, the Peninsula spay/neuter group that holds an annual “spay-ghetti” fundraising dinner under the title: “It’s hip to snip!”

Now the Coalition:Humane clinic, which opened in March, is celebrating its first Christmas in Tacoma with a $5-off special for male cats and dogs.

It’s called “Deck the Balls.” One of the group’s veterinary assistants conceived the name. Call 253-627-SPAY to find out more about the discount.

We’ll let you write your own fa-la-la-la-lyrics. Ours wouldn’t pass the censors. Suffice it to say “collie” rhymes with “holly.”

Heartwarming Tale from the Humane Society

2008-12-10T15:28:00.001-08:00

This is a great story from Kathleen Olson, Executive Director of our local humane society - The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County.

Mike and his dog became homeless in August. The dog ended up at the shelter when he escaped a yard where Mike had left him with a friend. Mike walked to the shelter on Sunday after chapel services at the Mission and was relieved to find that we had his dog in a safe, warm kennel. The Tacoma Rescue Mission helped Mike with housing and assistance to get medical issues resolved through the Veteran's Administration. We were able to find a foster home to care for his dog until he has housing again.

UPDATE: Mike stopped by today to get his dog’s neuter certificate. He has housing now where he will be able to take the dog. He also has a pass so that Anu can go on Pierce Transit with him. He is enrolled in training classes for him and the dog.

We did not recognize Mike when he came in, as his hair is neatly trimmed and he is much healthier following the assistance he received from The Tacoma Rescue Mission and Veteran’s Administration.

So now you know the rest of the story.

Spay/Neuter Veterinarian(s) Needed!

2008-11-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

Coalition: HUMAnE, located in Tacoma, WA, offers many opportunities for the right candidate. We are a nonprofit spay & neuter clinic primarily dedicated to sterilization. Coalition: HUMAnE operates using the nationally recognized Humane Alliance model (www.humanealliance.org). We are looking for full or part-time veterinarians to work as a team with the staff and board of directors. The clinic is operational Monday–Thursday. No nights or weekends, minimal administrative duty. Position is available starting January 2009.

To apply please contact board@coalitionhumane.org.

National Feral Cat Day - October 16

2008-10-17T17:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Howl-O-Ween!

Coalition: HUMAnE will recognize National Feral Cat Day by partnering with the Humane Society to spay and neuter up to 100 cats free-of-charge to their caretakers on October 30. More information can be found at www.coalitionhumane.org.

Clients may come from any county; there are no residency requirements. If your organization knows of traps available for loan, please let us know at info@coalitionhumane.org. We anticipate a need!

National Feral Cat Day was launched in 2001 by Alley Cat Allies, a national advocacy group for feral and stray cats. Alley Cat Allies is the foremost authority on a program called Trap-Neuter-Return, a humane method of care that improves the lives of outdoor cats. With Trap-Neuter-Return, outdoor cats are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinarian to be evaluated, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. Cats that have undergone the procedure are ear tipped – a small portion of the ear is painlessly removed for identification.

GIG HARBOR PUTS ON THE DOG DURING THE 6TH ANNUAL HARBOR HOUNDS EVENT

2008-09-05T06:18:00.001-07:00

Come on out and support Coalition: HUMAnE!

Every dog has his day in Gig Harbor, Washington, especially during the
annual "Harbor Hounds Walk the Town," a fun romp that celebrates
canines by the sea. This year's tail-wagging affair takes place on
Saturday, September 27, 2008.

Dogs and their devotees come from far and near to participate in
Harbor Hounds, a benefit for the Prison Pet Partnership Program,
Coalition: HUMAne (formerly Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project) and Gig
Harbor Mid-Day Rotary.

The action begins at 10 a.m. as hounds and humans stroll two miles of
picturesque Gig Harbor waterfront between Donkey Creek Park and Skansie
Brothers Park, stopping along the way for water, pats and chats. The
frisky festivities continue until 3 p.m. with a mix of entertainment,
contests, demonstrations, information, vendors, and food.

Pooch-loving participants can pick one of three ways to register for
Harbor Hounds. The $30 Top Dog fee, limited to the first 100
pre-registered dogs, includes a 2008 Harbor Hounds t-shirt and a
commemorative Harbor Hounds 2008 color poster. The $24 Standard rate
($26 on event day) comes with the t-shirt, dog bandana and goodie bag.
The $10 Hound registration ($12 on event day) provides the bandana and
goodie bag.

A Letter to Our Friends & Supporters

2008-08-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic has been open since March 3, 2008. The clinic staff has seen over 1,700 animals in this short period of time! What an amazing accomplishment and contribution toward pet overpopulation in our region. Although we announced from the beginning that we were following the Humane Alliance model, it appears that now is a good time to provide some reminders and additional information about Coalition: HUMAnE (formerly Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project).

Thank you for taking the time to read,

Coalition: HUMAnE
Board of Directors

Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic

What we are:

-A Humane Alliance model clinic: www.humanealliance.org

-A giving nonprofit that would like to help as many people as it can get their pets altered at affordable prices.

-A business that relies on cash flow to stay afloat. Everything we offer at a discount or for free, we must find a way to pay for ourselves - through fundraising. Our clinic is self-sufficient based on fees for services, i.e. if we collect our low fees, it will cover the cost of rent, salaries, utilities, expenses, etc.

-A clinic that is able to offer discounted services to certain populations, thanks to our fundraising efforts as well as the generosity of funding from grants and local organizations such as the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County and the Dugan Foundation.

What we are not:

-A feral cat clinic. FCSNP in Seattle is its own model, but is not the model we selected for our community. We will serve feral cats to the best of our ability. Without an available project leader early in the planning of the clinic we have had to start small, but plan to grow this area.

-A full service vet clinic. We are limited by state law as to what services we can provide, and who we can serve.

-Offering the same services as PSNP did.

-A small, all-volunteer organization working out of our homes. We now have the obligations that come with running a freestanding spay/neuter clinic – including the payment of rent, salaries and supplies.

Regarding free-roaming and feral cats:

-We set aside up to 5 surgery slots every day for free-roaming cats. These cats are provided with our Project Catnip package which includes sterilization, rabies vaccination, ear mite treatment (if needed), ear tip and tattoo.

-We ask that caretakers bring in their own cats. We recognize that transportation is an issue for some people and hope to address that when resources become available.

-We have discussed the idea of special free-roaming cat clinics and have always supported this idea.

-We no longer provide free TNR services to caretakers with transport to Seattle’s Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project.

Feral Cats in Our Community:

One challenge that feral and free roaming cat supporters encounter are convincing others about the benefits and success of Trap/Neuter/Return programs. Even if Coalition: HUMAnE altered every unowned cat and kitten it doesn’t stop the killing of those same cats. If a person does not want a free roaming altered cat on their property they have a right to remove the cat.

As the laws are currently written, animal control officers are mandated to respond to calls and remove cats if requested. Our laws do not protect free roaming altered cats. It is up to all of us to put our energies into addressing cat overpopulation and work to educate our friends, neighbors, co-workers and government about the economical and non lethal methods of reducing cat overpopulation.

Coalition: HUMAnE has made a commitment to providing the highest quality service and medical care for animals at the lowest prices possible. Our pursuit of the nationally recognized and proven Humane Alliance model will ensure that we optimize our operations, maintain the highest levels of medical protocol and keep costs to a minimum.

In Closing:

Coalition: HUMAnE’s mission is to promote and provide spay and neuter services in order to address pet overpopulation. Our clinic will sterilize thousands of dogs and cats every year. The board of PSNP together made the decision to open a Humane Alliance model clinic.

For more information on that, feel free to visit www.humanealliance.org. There's a good video link here that explains the program:

http://humanealliance.org/HA2/what.htm We hope you will agree that all animals matter. We invite you to come and tour the clinic if you have done so already. We are sure you'll be please at the work going on there.

Questions and comments may be directed to board@coalitionhumane.org.

Summer - Time for Outreach!

2008-06-15T11:48:00.001-07:00

Coalition: HUMAnE's summer outreach season started with participation in the Maritime Gig Parade in Gig Harbor on June 7. This was the first use of our new banner with our new name!

It's always nice to hear people in the crowd cheer for us, and cheer for spay and neuter.

If you are out and about this summer, please visit us at these events:
July 25 - Dogathon, Fort Steilacoom Park
Aug 3 - Woofstock, University of Puget Sound
Sept 27 - Harbor Hounds, Gig Harbor

Hope to see you out & about real soon.

Eat! Drink! Save Lives!

2008-06-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Dine To Be Kind, presented by Coalition: Humane

Help make Pierce County a community with no more homeless pets.
On Thursday, June 12th, 2008, please enjoy a meal at one of the following restaurants and you will help maintain a high quality/low cost spay & neuter clinic in Pierce County.
A portion of the sales during the following times will be donated:

Babblin’ Babs Bistro
2724 N Proctor, Tacoma
253.761.9099
10:30am - 8:00pm

Doyle’s Public House
208 Saint Helens Ave, Tacoma
253.272.7468
11am - midnight

Old Milwaukee Café & Dessert Co.
3102 – 6th Ave, Tacoma
253.761.2602
6:00am - 4:00pm

Le Bistro
4120 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor
253.851.1033
6:00am - 4:00pm

Hope to see you all there!

Setting Up the Clinic

2008-03-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

So, we got back from Asheville Friday night. Early Saturday morning it was time to set up the clinic! All the equipment and supplies were waiting for us. Construction work was complete - well, almost! It was a tremendous team effort getting the place cleaned up and organized and ready for business in a 48 hour period. We had to make do with cage banks stacked on the floor since we didn't receive the castors needed for the mobile platforms.

A special thank you to: Sally Andrews, Kristi Busch, Chris Dysart, Chris Kim, Tracy Kim, Denise McVicker, Jeff McVicker, Rick Olson, Kathleen Olson, Yvonne Rose, Matt Rusnak, Shelley Ryan, David Wemmer, Marilyn Wilfong, Nancy Wolf - and of course, to our staff! A special thank you goes to Dave McCormick as well for getting those cages put together a few weeks after the fact! We could not have done it without your help!

Humane Alliance Training

2008-03-09T08:55:00.001-07:00

These are a few photos from our training session at Humane Alliance in Asheville, NC. It was a rewarding, yet long and tiring week getting ready for our hometown opening March 3. (More on that soon!) Asheville is a beautiful place, and the Humane Alliance team is amazing. Our group brought some snow along with it - an unusual occurrence in Asheville! Here we are in class with Dr. Karla Brestle on our first day, and then behind the counter on our last day at Humane Alliance. Humane Alliance routinely completes over 100 sterilizations a day in a space about the size of our clinic here in Tacoma. It's a busy, busy place! This spring they will move into a 13,000 square foot facility with many features in place to train future NSNRT groups.

Introducing Our Staff!

2008-02-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

And, check out that great sign that now appears on our rooftop! Meet and please welcome the staff dedicated to ending pet overpopulation in our community. Some of them were able to tour the facility and seen here posing with a SpayDay USA sign. We're happy to have them on board!

Jayme Bennett: Veterinarian Technician
I am Jayme Bennett, Licensed Veterinary Technician since 1994, though I have worked in veterinary medicine since about 1990. Most of my experience is in Emergency and Critical care medicine, but I have worked in many types of practices as a full time "relief tech" in the last 2 years and off and on throughout my career as an LVT. I have worked in animal rescue for 15+ years, and founded Companion Animal Rescue in 2003 (a 501(c) (3) organization) where I serve as the Executive Director at this time.

Cyndi Michelena: Clinic Coordinator
My working background has largely been legal secretary in law firms around the country and a legal assistant in a Seattle biotechnology company. I am currently 'owned' by 5 Siberian Huskies, 3 feral cats, 3 rescued horses and 2 rabbits from a rabbit sanctuary. I first started helping Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue in 1999 as a Siberian Husky foster home; I became the Siberian Husky Rep for SPDR in December of 2000. I've been wanting to combine the knowledge I've gleaned from my working experience with a position that enables me to help the animals that need us. I'm very excited to now be able to bring my skills together with a passion that has grown within me for many years to help the animals who cannot help themselves!

Sandy Peterson: Veterinary Assistant
I will be a veterinary assistant at the clinic and I have been in the veterinary/animal care world for over 10 years . I have a warm snuggly spot in my heart for pit-mixes and ferrets and grumpy old kitties... having known and loved several in my lifetime.

Elizabeth Tolbert: Veterinary Assistant
I have lived in Tacoma for almost 15 years. I have had animals all my life. I currently have a 10 month old Shih Tzu and a 10 month old Chihuahua that I rescued. They joined my Rott mix and Lab mix that I adopted from the humane society 6 years ago. I enjoy helping my mother with her dachshunds that she and I rescue. I have worked as a veterinary assistant for over 3 years in the Tacoma area.

Dr. Keiko Young, DVM, Clinic Veterinarian
Dr. Young will be joining the team at Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic. Dr. Young is a graduate of Washington State University. She has practiced shelter medicine in various capacities including spay/neuter surgery at PAWS and on the Spay Station.

Whiskers Wine & Dine 2008

2008-02-13T15:42:00.000-08:00

In the midst of all this craziness, we are also preparing for the 4th annual Whiskers Wine & Dine fundraiser on March 14 in Tacoma, held in recognition of SpayDay USA.

"Whiskers Wine & Dine" will feature a vegetarian "spay-ghetti" dinner, wine tasting and auctions –silent, live and dessert! Local artists will display their works and donate a percentage of event sales to PSNP. It's sure to be an enjoyable evening for all who attend. Come out to help us fight pet overpopulation at its source!

Reservations for "Whiskers Wine & Dine" are $45.00 per person in advance, $55 at the door (on a space available basis). To make a reservation, please call 253.241.9403 or visit our website: www.psnp.org to download an order form.

This year you can preview some of our great auction items. Click here!

And here's some information about our talented artists! Check out their websites too.

Christy Camerer, Blue Water Artworks
Color Pencil and Digital Photography. Bluewater Artworks creates fine art originals, prints and letter sized note cards in Olalla, Washington on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula.

Shelly Wilkerson, Cat Companions
Fine Art. Shelly has dabbled in many mediums, she currently couples her love for cartoons with her love for painting—the results, she hopes, will make you smile.

Eileen Patterson, Rosemary’s Garden
Jewelry—original designs, handmade beaded jewelry. Eileen’s objective is to offer fine quality products that you will be proud to own and wear.

Hope to see you there!

The Walls Go Up!

2008-02-10T09:13:00.001-08:00

Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic is a messy place these days. Sally Andrews from Puyallup Animal Rescue braved the sheetrock dust for a tour recently. But things are moving right along! We've been super busy over the past few weeks, and have not had a chance to post many updates.

We are happy to report that our clinic staff has been hired. A big thank you to our partners who helped with the interviewing process. We had a lot of great candidates!

Clinic staff is getting ready to travel to Asheville on February 24 for training. Whether it's ordering equipment, purchasing supplies, installing computers and phones, making travel arrangements, developing forms, plans and operating procedures and websites - we are busy getting ready and very excited about our opening date of March 3, 2008!

Time Flies!

2008-01-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

As they say, time flies... We are busy working on upcoming interviews with potential staff members. The job posting period is now closed. However, if you are interested in employment at our Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic please feel free to submit your resume to coalitionhumane@psnp.org for future consideration. More updates soon!

Almost to Drywall!

2008-01-17T21:43:00.001-08:00

Work continues to progress on schedule at the clinic, with the electrical and plumbing rough-in just about finished. Next comes the drywall where we will really see the clinic take shape!

Coalition: HUMAnE would like to welcome Dr. Keiko Young to our team! Dr. Young is a graduate of Washington State University. She has practiced shelter medicine in various capacities including spay/neuter surgery at PAWS and on the Spay Station.

We are continuing to accept applications for the following positions:
Clinic Coordinator - Full time
Veterinary Technician - Full time
Veterinary Assistants - Full time and Part time
We are looking for experienced professionals who support our mission.

Please send an email to coalitionhumane@psnp.org to request a job description for the position you are interested in. Salary is competitive in the industry and based on experience. In the subject line: put the position title you are applying for; in the body of your email include a brief cover letter and attach your resume.

Tentative interview dates for candidates are 1/31 and 2/1. All positions require training in North Carolina (2/24-2/29). Expenses are paid by Coalition: HUMAnE.

Job posting closes 1/27/08

Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic - Moving Right Along!

2008-01-09T20:01:00.001-08:00

What a difference a week makes! It may look like a jail to some, but the framing is now done at the clinic, transforming the once seemingly vacuous space into the rooms that will make up our high quality, high volume spay/neuter clinic!

Today we conducted our first official tour! From left to right are Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County staffers: Denise McVicker, Kathleen Olson, Marguerite Richmond & Carrie O'Connor. Thanks, ladies, for braving the dust and dirt to see the clinic take shape!

Now Hiring!

2008-01-02T17:24:00.000-08:00

It might not be much to look at just yet, but we promise it's an impressive spay & neuter clinic in the making! PSNP/Coalition: HUMAnE is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

Clinic Coordinator
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Assistant

Interested candidates can inquire via - coalitionhumane@psnp.org

Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic

2007-12-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

Here we are, standing inside the new home of the Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter Clinic. On a stormy and blustery December 3, the location of the clinic was finalized with the signing of the lease and the shaking of hands. We are on our way! Since then, Modern Builders has been organizing the transformation of the space into a spay/neuter clinic - including work on HVAC, plumbing and electrical. There is tape on the floor marking off the various rooms in the clinic, which helps some of us visualize what we cannot easily see on paper. Thank you to everyone who has supported this project so far!

Thank you also to those who have been very patient answering questions about equipment and layout, as well as to those waiting for these answers! Our mentors, Humane Alliance in Asheville NC, will begin ordering our clinic equipment in a few weeks. Holly & Patty are busy creating the clinic infrastructure so that we will be ready to go as soon as the renovations are complete.

As the end of the year draws near, please remember Scooter's Wish List - yet another way you can help support the clinic!

Scooter's Wish List

2007-12-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

We have exciting news to report! PSNP has signed a lease for our spay/neuter clinic - more on this coming soon! The clinic will be located at
2106-8 Tacoma Ave S, in Tacoma. It's a great location with lots of parking and easy access from bus routes, as well as interstates. We'll be sure to update as we move further along with the project!

In the mean time, Scooter has a wish! He can't help but think about all the things we need for the new clinic... Poor Scooter! You can help relieve his anxiety by helping us with our holiday wish list.

Items needed:
Refrigerator
2 Washers, 2 Dryers
1 Shop Vac
30 Hand Towels
10 Pillowcases
1 Step Ladder
Gift cards: Costco, Office Depot, Home Depot, Lowes, Fred Meyer, Walmart, Target
All items must be new.

Please call or email Patty to prevent duplication of items.
253.884.1543 or prusnak@psnp.org

Thank you for helping Scooter's holiday dreams come true!

Trap-neuter-return programs ideal way to control stray-feral cats

2007-11-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

It seems even more fitting now that the Chicagoland area played host to the first national spay/neuter conference to hit the circuit! PetSmart Charities put on a great Fix It Forum October 25 - 27, 2007 in Oakbrook, IL. A few representatives of Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project were lucky enough to attend and reap the benefits of a sold-out conference filled with over 500 attendees, including over 100 veterinarians. A wealth of information was provided and we are back, raring to go!

Now we discover that Chicago (a truly big city) is advocating for TNR!

Cook County, Illinois - which includes Chicago - recently became the latest community to pass an ordinance granting formal approval of trap, neuter and return (TNR) programs to control stray and feral cats. On Oct. 16, which happens to be National Feral Cat Day, county commissioners unanimously approved TNR.

Trap-neuter-return allows volunteer caretakers and animal control officers to trap stray and feral cats, spay or neuter, ear notch (a veterinarian notches the tip of an ear for easy identification), vaccinate for rabies, microchip (for specific identification) and then return the animals to where they were trapped. Very sick cats are humanely euthanized. Kittens and friendly formerly-owned cats are adopted. Caretakers then look after the outdoor cats, offering shelter and food. As any new cat enters the colony, it's quickly spotted because there's no ear notch. That cat is then trapped and goes through the same process.

Stray and feral cats are a worldwide problem. In the U.S. alone, estimates range wildly, from half as many as there are owned cats (there are 88 million owned cats) to twice that number.

Bryan Kordis, a TNR consultant for the Humane Society of the United States and author of "Implementing a Community Trap-Neuter-Return Program" (published by the HSUS, 2007, $9.99 from www.hsus.org) says, "We know that properly implemented, TNR works." His examples range from Newburyport, MA (which went from 300 ferals to six in a dozen years) to New York City, a program Kordis helped implement, and he says, "from early indications is successful."

Commissioner Mike Quigley was the original co-sponsor (with Commissioner Joan Murphy) for the Cook County ordinance. "I had heard about stray cats and know there is a problem," he comments. "I relied on what the experts had suggested, and they all said the same thing. Also, I like that TNR will save the county money."

Communities not so enlightened continue to have animal control officers attempt to eradicate stray and feral cats by trapping and then euthanizing. "It's been the conventional way to do deal with the issue for a very long time," says Cherie Travis, president of PACT Humane, Downers Grove, IL, and an animal attorney with the DuPaul University College of Law in Chicago. "Obviously, since the problem (of stray and feral cats) has only grown worse, this 'solution' has not worked. By not spending the limited resources of animal control and the cost of euthanasia, it's a savings. Also, rabies tags (for the cats which are trapped, neutered and returned) delivers some revenue (to local government). The community is also more receptive (to TNR). Even when there are nuisance calls about stray and feral cats, most people in the community don't want them killed. So, historically, nothing is done. TNR is certainly more effective than nothing."

TNR began in the United Kingdom and Denmark, and was imported to the U.S. in the late 1960s, according to Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies, a not-for-profit national group based in Washington, D.C., which supports TNR caretakers and communities seeking to deal with stray and feral cats through TNR. The TNR approach didn't really take off until the 1990s, as researchers learned the concept really does work to help reduce numbers, sometimes quite dramatically, but often more gradually.

Kordis is the first to admit that strays and ferals are a problem. They spray, yowl and fight. There's a possibility they could spread rabies, a serious public health risk.

"The yowling, fighting and spraying is greatly related to mating," says Meg Martino of the Chicago Stray Cat Coalition. "Spay/neuter makes a lot of these problems go away. And all cats spayed and neutered are also vaccinated against rabies."

However, the biggest complaint of all is that stray and feral cats kill songbirds and other wildlife.

"I'm not denying that cats kill occasional birds, squirrels, whatever they can catch - we know that's true," says Martino. "But if they're spayed/neutered, they generally stay closer to where their caretaker is. And they're also simply not as hungry and not as motivated to go after difficult to kill prey."

"TNR is the only choice I've seen that makes sense," adds Dave DeFuniak, executive director of Tree House Animal Foundation, a cat-only shelter in Chicago. "No community has animal control resources to keep up with cat reproduction."

When animal control removes some cats from a colony (they're rarely able to catch them all), a vacuum in the colony is created and the members magically and rapidly have larger litters to fill the void. "There's no way to stay ahead of that," DeFuniak says.

"When communities like Chicago and New York participate in TNR, my hope is that others all over the nation, and even animal control officers, will understand that this is our best solution for achieving a mutual goal," says Robinson.

David Dinger, vice president operations of the Anti Cruelty Society of Chicago, is elated about how TNR is making a difference across the country, "Millions of cats are out there," he says. "If we do nothing, there will be millions more. Euthanizing as we've traditionally done just doesn't work. I'm optimistic that TNR is a solution not only for outdoor cats but also to limit the numbers of kittens which pour into shelters."

Should all communities support TNR? All the experts interviewed here cheer, "Yes!"

Did you know?

2007-10-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

This week is National Veterinary Technician's Week! And, we think this is a great project to celebrate the role of these folks who are so important to our furry friends:

Vet tech students to help spay, neuter 100-plus cats in 'Feline Frenzy"

More than 100 cats will be spayed or neutered during a large-scale clinic Sunday in Rochester.

Dubbed the "Feline Frenzy," the clinic will provide experience for Minnesota School of Business veterinary technician students and is being held in observation of National Veterinary Technician's Week. Nine area veterinarians will do the procedures with help from the students.

We can hardly wait for the chance to do something similar at the Coalition: HUMAnE Spay/Neuter Clinic!

Way to go Camp Companion!

New Ways to Support PSNP & Coalition: HUMAnE!

2007-10-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Shop Online!

The Holidays are fast approaching and we sometimes just don’t have time to go to the mall to pick out that something special or we have friends and family in faraway places. The Internet has become our holiday shopping savior!

But did you know that while you are trying to pick out that something special, you can also be helping us save lives- simply by shopping online with either: www.igive.com or www.goodshop.com

Both sites have hundreds of well known shops to choose from. Just simply go to their sites and choose Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project as your charity. Then start shopping. It is that easy!

Also, don’t forget our online store: Cafépress, for those stocking stuffers like great PSNP t-shirts, sweatshirts, or mugs!

Visit our website: www.psnp.org for a complete listing of all the ways you can help, and together we can make a difference!

Search the Internet and help PSNP at the same time!

Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project has been registered with GoodSearch.com!

GoodSearch.com is the search engine with a unique social mission. It is powered by Yahoo! and has been featured in Oprah Magazine, ABC News, and The New York Times.

It is simple. Each time you make a search using GoodSearch they make a donation to our cause. They also donate 50% of their advertising to nonprofits selected by the users.

To get started, and make GoodSearch your homepage: Go to “Tools”, click on “Internet Options”, make sure you are in the “General Tab”, and type in: http://www.goodsearch.com in the address area, and click “apply” and “ok”.

On the home page it will ask you which charity you wish to raise money for, type in Peninsula Spay-Neuter Project, and then start searching the internet, and it is just that easy!

Microchipping Clinics

2007-09-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Microchipping your pet is a great form of identification. Coalition: HUMAnE has two microchipping clinics coming up. The cost is only $20 to have your pet chipped, which includes registration in the 24 PetWatch database. This is a great deal and part of the proceeds go toward the Coalition: HUMAnE spay/neuter clinic fund. Please consider microchipping your pets if they are not already identifed. Collars and tags fall off! Microchips remain implanted. Vet clinics and animal shelters routinely scan stray animals for microchips. You can even register a friend or family member as a backup, to be contacted if your pet is found and you cannot be reached.

Microchip clinics will be held:
Saturday, September 29, 1pm-3pm - Green Cottage Pets, Fircrest
Saturday, October 20, 1pm - 2pm - Dog Outfitters Group, Gig Harbor

Both dogs and cats are welcome!

Coalition: HUMAnE Spay/Neuter Clinic Update

2007-09-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the moment has finally arrived! We are now looking for space to lease for our clinic. We are looking primarily in Tacoma, for a space that is easily accessed by highways and bus routes. If you know of any commercial space that might meet the need, please contact coalitionhumane@psnp.org. The minimum space required is 1500 square feet.

We know we are on the right track when spay and neuter even makes headlines in Jerusalem!

Dog Neutering and Spaying Campaign a Success: 5000 Dogs Neutered and Spayed in Three Months

Ministers Ezra and Simhon initiate the campaign in May 2007. Photo: Meir Partush

Some 5000 dogs were spayed and neutered as part of a national campaign to promote the spaying and neutering of dogs which was initiated by Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon and Environmental Protection Minister Gidon Ezra. The campaign is meant to reduce the number of abandoned dogs and prevent the suffering of tens of thousands of homeless dogs.

The national campaign provides dog owners with the possibility to spay and neuter their dogs for a third of the conventional price. The campaign was initially accompanied by an information campaign on the importance of dog spaying and neutering, including radio broadcasts by actress and animal welfare activist Ms. Ornah Banai.

According to Dr. Deganit Ben Dov, the official responsible for the Animal Welfare Law in the Ministry of Agriculture, the campaign has proved to be an unprecedented success in terms of the enormous number of dogs that have been neutered and spayed since the campaign began just three months ago.

To date, some 3031 females were spayed and 1802 males were neutered. Some 200 veterinarians have also joined the campaign. Dr. Yoni Litwin, chairperson of the Veterinary Association, stated that some veterinarians have reported an increase of hundreds of percentages in the number of dog owners asking to spay and neuter their dogs.

The Ministries of Agriculture and Environmental Protection allocated some 3 million shekels for the campaign, enabling the spaying and neutering of some 10,000 dogs. Dog owners who have not yet neutered or spayed their dogs are invited to contact participating veterinarians.

Hundreds of thousands of dogs are abandoned in Israel each year. Official estimates put the number at 50,000 while unofficial estimates relate to some 100,000 dogs. Most of these dogs are destined to die - either on the streets or through euthanasia in dog pounds. Neutering and spaying are the right and humane way to stop the vicious cycle of hundreds of thousands of births - and hundreds of thousands of needless deaths.

In light of the success of the campaign, Agricultural Minister Shalom Simhon has stated his intention to conduct the campaign next year as well.

More famous ferals!

2007-08-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! 75 speuters a day and we remember that clinic in the school. Boy, we've come a long way in the spay/neuter world. All this talk about spay/neuter clinics opening makes us impatient for our very own here in Pierce County.

Map It: Eastern Market Navy Yard

THE WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY and Alley Cat Allies, an organization that advocates reducing feral cat populations, are partnering up to launch the region's first-ever low cost animal spay and neuter center. The facility, to be located near the Washington Navy Yard and Barracks Row at 1001 L St. SE, will open Oct. 4.

The National Capital Area Spay and Neuter Center's goal is 75 animal surgeries a day, seven days a week, according to an announcement. The animals will come from the Washington Humane Society's in-house animal shelter and the D.C. Animal Shelter, which the society also runs.

Along with the new facility, the Humane Society plans to expand its efforts to work with various communities and organizations to trap, then spay or neuter outdoor cats.

And at the Navy Yard, the center will be far away from angry Cleveland Park parents who were outraged when John Eaton Elementary School's cafeteria was used as the site of a special two-day cat sterilization clinic in February 2005. The school was "probably was not the best place to carry out that service in hindsight," Jim Collier, the chief of the D.C.'s Health Department's bureau of environmental quality, said at the time, as quoted by The Post's Ylan Q. Mui.

File photo of the Washington Humane Society's Georgia Avenue facility by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post

Posted by Michael Grass at 8:31 AM on August 22, 2007

Famous Ferals in the News

2007-08-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

Some famous feral cats are making the news. One of the earliest successful cases of trap/neuter/return is being threatened due to habitat changes, including a fire. Reportedly the feral cats are being blamed for the deaths of birds, in a very popular birdwatching area.

We'd like to know how they determined it was feral cats that killed the birds. Could it be someone's pet cat? We'd also like to know how they determined it was cats doing the killing and not other predators in the area such as racoons, dogs, otters, weasels, coyotes, etc.

Regardless, we give kudos to Eric Stiles from the New Jersey Audobon Society for working to find a solution that works for both the cats and our feathered friends. What a novel approach!

What's killing birds? Cats atop New Jersey town's suspect list

By WAYNE PARRY

The Associated Press

DAVID GARD / AP

Feral cats gather for mealtime on Friday at Douglas Memorial Park in Cape May, N.J. Volunteers feed the cats daily.

CAPE MAY, N.J. — Cats are as much a part of Cape May's beach-town culture as rainbow-color Victorian bed-and-breakfasts, trolley tours and cocktails on the porch at sunset.

They're also suspect No. 1 in many deaths of the endangered piping plover, a fist-size, white-and-brown fuzzball of a bird that has closed beaches and stopped development projects in the interest of protecting their habitat.

With 115 pairs of piping plovers left in New Jersey, the federal government may intervene on the side of the birds, which has set fur and feather flying in Cape May. Cat lovers fear the roaming felines will be euthanized; bird lovers are wary of a rare species being wiped out.

"This is a very emotional issue; this really is a cat town," resident Pat Peckham said. "I think they should leave the cats where they are. I'm a firm believer in letting nature take its course."

A cat's nature and its appetite for critters are what have bird enthusiasts concerned.

Cape May is one of the prime bird-watching spots in all of North America; the World Series of Birding is held here each year. And with bird watching and related expenditures bringing in nearly $2 billion a year to New Jersey's economy, the feathers may win this fight.

The plovers, which breed on East Coast beaches during warm weather, nest in sandy, open stretches of beach, making them and their chicks easy prey for a variety of predators, including foxes, gulls, raccoons and cats.

"I think the cats are more of a nuisance than anything else," resident Bill Schemel said. "They're killing endangered birds that belong out here. Cats are not part of the natural environment. They're here because someone's cat had a litter and they dumped them out in the woods."

So far this year in New Jersey, cats are the prime suspects in the deaths of three endangered birds, including plovers.

As part of federally mandated beach-management programs, communities with populations of threatened or endangered species are required to prevent the birds from being harmed.

Biologists said beach closures, twine barriers and other buffers between birds and humans are paying off: Plover populations along the East Coast have rebounded from 722 pairs in 1985 to 1,743 pairs this year, federal officials said.

Annette Scherer, a senior biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service, said the agency is studying the situation in Cape May. Possible recommended changes could include asking the city to adopt laws requiring cats to be licensed, prohibiting free-roaming cats or prohibiting abandonment of cats and feeding of wildlife.

For the past 12 years, Cape May has been attempting to keep its feral-cat population in check through a program known as trap, neuter and release, said John Queenan, the city's animal-control officer.

But a May 18 fire destroyed a trailer that a local animal-rescue group had used to house cats for the program, killing 37. A replacement is not ready, and fewer cats are being picked up.

Eric Stiles, vice president of the New Jersey Audubon Society, is working on a pilot project to find a middle ground.

The program would bring together animal-control officials with bird- and cat-advocacy groups to share information on known locations of endangered birds and cat colonies. Cats that are near endangered birds could be relocated, while others deemed to be sufficiently far away could continue undisturbed.

Microchip Clinics

2007-07-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Microchipping is a great way to identify your pets! If one becomes lost, often collars are lost as well. Cats, well, we all know cats have trouble even keeping a collar on. If your cat goes outside, it's highly advisable to have he/she microchipped.

Thanks to the help of Companion Animal Rescue Society and PSNP, low cost microchip clinics are being offered to the general public in order to encourage this lifesaving identification procedure. Cost is only $20 per pet!

And, as a bonus, money is raised for the Coalition: HUMAnE spay/neuter clinic.

The next clinics are:

Monday, July 23 - PETCO - Lakewood, WA, 6:30-8:30 PM
5700 100th Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
253-984-6903

Saturday, August 4 - Green Cottage Pets - Fircrest, WA, 12:00-2:00 PM
612 Regents Blvd., Tacoma, WA 98466
253-588-4553

Other important information:
-Cash only, please.
-Cats, dogs, and ferrets of any size and age.
-Cats must be in carriers
-Dogs must be on a leash
-There is NO additional registration fee!
-Bring information for an alternate contact for your pet's microchip.

2007-07-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Happy July! Since our next newsletter will be published in August, we wanted to let you know of some important upcoming events.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

July 12 – Come see us at Tacoma Farmers Market at Dog Days of Summer, sponsored by Dugan Foundation, from 9am – 2pm. It’s a great market, located on Broadway in downtown Tacoma.

July 14 – Garage sale in two Gig Harbor locations! For all you garage sale fans, sales will be held in Cromwell Woods and in Emerald Shores (just across the Purdy spit). Hours are 8am-5pm and there is lots of great stuff! Follow the signs to the sales.

July 14– Annie’s Garden Party – Visit Bamford & Bamford’s 24,000 square foot showroom, nursery, and pottery yard in Tacoma. PSNP will have a booth and there will be live music, refreshments and fun for everyone. Bamford & Bamford is generously donating a portion of the event’s proceeds to PSNP.

July 21 – Dog-A-Thon – Visit PSNP’s booth at Fort Steilacoom Park during the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County’s walk for homeless pets, 8:30am – 1:00 pm. Hope to see you there!

Please feel free to forward this note to others who love animals and want to see pet overpopulation come to an end. Signing up to receive our updates is easy. Just go to www.psnp.org or send an email to mail@psnp.org.

Kudos to USA Today!

2007-07-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Spay and neuter takes a front page position in the July 4th edition of USA Today newspaper!

It is so great to see national attention being given to the need to spay and neuter pets. It all began when an editorial debate was published in the June 27 edition of the paper.

It seems the proposed mandatory spay/neuter legislation in California is driving much talk about spay and neuter these days. No matter what the reason, we are happy to see it!

Thanks USA Today. We hope others are reading, learning and caring.

Welcome!

2007-06-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the BLOG for Coalition: HUMAnE and Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project!