T H E V O I C E O F B U R B A N K ’ S A N I M A L SPawsCITY

WINTER 2010 | VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 1

UPCOMING EVENTS

As of Fall 2009, our Kitten Foster Program had received over 350 kittens, and we expect that number to reach 400 by the end of the year. This will be a record for us. To help facilitate more adoptions, our KFP Manager, Anne Macleod, worked out an agreement with Centinela Feed to hold adoption fairs each week. These adoption fairs will feature kittens, along with the shelter’s other four-legged inhabitants, giving our animals another ven-ue to be seen, admired and hopefully adopted to their forever homes.

This year, the VBAS has grown its educational arm as

Event in partnership with Sunny-dog Ink., which focused on pet healthcare, from pet-CPR to tips on how to keep your pet safe from the hazards of life. Our inaugural event saw close to 200 attendees, and we hope our 2nd Annual Pawstronomical Event will bring in even more.

Morning Show segment, as well as discussing Pet Tips in

On the adoption side, some of our greatest successes were our in-house adoption fairs. At both our 4th of July and Fall Adoption Fairs, the shelter was packed with record numbers of volunteers and potential adopters. In one day alone, a record 27 shelter animals went to forever homes!

The VBAS also introduced several fundraising programs in an effort to allow donors to specify more clearly where they would like their donations to go. For KFP, we have Sponsor a Kitten for those who may not be able to adopt or foster but want to provide some assistance. For Happy Tails, we offer Sponsor a Training Session to give our harder-to-adopt dogs a chance at learning manners and basic

commands. Our most recent fundraising success came from November’s Vaccination Clinic, where our partici-pation leaped from the usual 100 dogs to over 230 dogs. A most generous Dr. Smith led the clinic with his wife, Kathy, and we received further help from our friends at Burbank Noon Kiwanis and the shelter staff. In addition, the VBAS and shelter have been the grateful recipients of various donations from employees at Dreamworks, MTV/Nickelodeon and Deloitte.

Each year the volunteer base amazes me with just how much they are willing and able to give to our animals. Although there are too many outstanding volunteers to name, Denise Fleck showed remarkable leadership with her newly formed PR Team, and Maria Piliero came into the VBAS at full speed, becoming Cat Coordina-tor and assisting with coordination of our Vaccination Clinic. Joseline Marcotti and Bonnie Caul continue to go beyond the call of duty being foster parents, working with feral cats and helping with the Medical Program. Marcella Dover and Shannon Connelly shine in their new roles as trainers within the Parker System, our vol-unteer training program.

This year also marks the loss of a great volunteer and a wonderful person, Tom Brown, who passed away in September. Tom exuded a most generous and gentle spirit at the shelter, and all of those who knew him will miss that constantly beaming smile he wore under his bushy mustache. He and his wife, Peggy, not only gave their time to the animals at the shelter, but also their hearts. They shared their love for one another and their love of animals with us, and for that I am eternally appreciative.

I’d like to thank you, our readers, for your continued sup-port, and to wish you a truly bright and prosperous 2010.

lives of countless animals, but also enrich the lives of the VBAS volunteers, the Burbank community and beyond.

VBAS President, Alexis Cole

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G EBecause of the generosity of the Burbank community,

the success of new programs and events, the committed

leadership and the tireless ef forts put forth by our hard-

working volunteers, the VBAS has grown and prospered

in 2009. This means that we were able to care for and

place more animals than ever before. We achieved this

growth not solely through a steady course, but by taking

risks, thinking innovatively and joining together time

after time to pull off our greatest feats and miracles.

By Alexis Cole, VBAS President & Rana McCole

EVERY SATURDAYPet Adoptions Centinela Feed - 1505 West OliveFeaturing dogs, cats and bunnies from the Burbank Animal Shelter and kittens from the VBAS Kitten Foster Program

FEBRUARY 6Pet First-Aid & CPR ClassBurbank Animal Shelter Conference Room10:30am - 3:30pm

MARCH 18How To Be A Better Pet ParentEducational SeriesBuena Vista LIbrary7:00pm - 8:30pm

MARCH 27Spring Pet Adoption FairBurbank Animal Shelter10:00am - 6:00pm

APRIL 172nd Annual PAWSTronomical Pet CPR EventWoodbury University - 7500 Glenoaks Blvd.10:00am - 12:00pm

TUNE IN EACH WEEKAdopt-A-Pet Show on TV6

a new twist on an old NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION...The most popular New Year’s Resolution for 2009 made by Americans was to get in shape, and studies show

that most people broke their resolutions by the spring. Try something new for 2010—resolve to help your pet

get in shape. Consider your dog your new workout buddy, and you will

both reap the benefits of a longer and healthier life.

By Laureli Cohen

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Stay Hydrated! Provide your pooch with water before, during and after a workout.

Be aware of signs of fatigue and dehydration. Dogs need to work their way up to exercise just like we do,

on softer ground whenever you can.

Keep your dog on a leash, even if he is trained.

The Fall Vaccination Clinic sponsored by the Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter was a stunning success this year. The Burbank Animal Shelter has promoted the clinic for more than 20 years as an opportunity for dog owners to keep their pets healthy, and this year the VBAS took on a more active role in coordinating the event. The low cost for the three necessary vaccinations inspired over 230 Burbank residents to take advantage of the clinic. The high demand for shots caused the two-hour clinic to run several hours past the planned 11AM ending time as attendees, with their dogs in tow, continued to join the line at the headquarters of the Burbank Police and Fire departments.

Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success:BAS Veterinarian Dr. Martin Small, for spearheading the clinic every year

Retired Veterinarian Dr. Alan Smith and his wife Kathy, for administering the vaccines

The many VBAS volunteers who helped plan and advertise the event and kept the day running smoothly

ACO John McCullough, for coordinating the day with the Burbank Police & Fire Departments

Terri Strum, who assisted ACO McCullough with the transport of equipment

ACO Winnie Broussard, who made several special deliveries during the day

The Burbank Noon Kiwanis and Key Clubs, for setting up the event and managing crowd control

Special Operations Division Captain Janice Lowers—Burbank Police Department, Shelter Superintendent Brenda Castenada, and Mayor Gary Bric, for their support of this effor t

Burbank residents, for spending a good deal of time on a Saturday hanging out in a parking lot in order to keep their pets healthy

Last, but cer tainly not least, all the dogs who waited so patiently in line to get those shots

Workout Safetly Tips

Dr. Smith and VBAS volunteers administer a vaccine and a little TLC to a patient dog.

The Best Dogs For Your Fitness Level

don’t forget the mutts!!!

HIGH A dog with lots of energy that will keep

with Pit Bull in it) are energetic and strong—

perfect for long-distance workouts.

Greyhounds are known for their speed as sprint-

ers. If you jog a distance with spurts of speed in

and Brittanys have boundless energy and are espe-

MEDIUM/MEDIUM-HIGH are happy to get their exercise jogging alongside

you and then chasing a ball or Frisbee while you

MODERATE/JUST GETTING STARTED

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spiratory issues they are better served by a slower

pace. Make sure that you are both getting out

a new twist on an old NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION...

Amélie’sPOINT OF VIEW

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As we say adieu to 2009, allow me to clear the air once and for all. For most of you, what I’m about to impart will not be news. But just to be sure, in case there is any confusion on the matter… Les lapins ne sont pas nuisibles! While bunnies may be petite, we are not pests!

Bunnies come from a noble heritage and are classified with hares on human terms in the order called Lagomorpha. While bunnies have teeth that to some may resemble those of rodents, the following lists the differences between rodents and us bunnies:

Finally, and maybe I am biased, but bunnies are highly intelligent and can be trained. Some would even say nous sommes brilliant! We make wonderful house pets, and even get along with cats. When is the last time you saw a rodent nestled with whiskers, playing a game of chase or fetch, or using the litter box? My guess is jamais. Never!

Bunnies are sensitive creatures and should not be thought of as rodents. The use of “Bunnybait” and other poisons to protect vegetable gardens from wild rabbits are downright cruel. I am the voice for bunnies everywhere when I beg you not to use pest control methods that are harmful to us. These poisons will leave a sweet bunny suffering for 12 hours or more before they perish. Quelle tragédie!

If you have a bothersome bunny—I’ll admit some of us can be impolite or intrusive from time to time, es-pecially when we smell fresh carrots nearby—there are plenty of humane, natural and inexpensive ways to deter us from your garden. A simple fence constructed of chicken wire is an effective deterrent, as are ferret decoys. Some humans have found success in running off ill-mannered bunnies by sprinkling fox urine, chili flakes and even human hair! Merveilleuses idées!

Together, let us make 2010 the year that bunnies and humans finally see eye-to-eye. Please don’t look upon us or label us as anything other than what we are. Les lapins sont vos compagnons! We are your companions!

Our NewsletterSPONSORS

Zoe was a stray found on the Burbank Airpor t tarmac and I met her when I first star ted volun-teering last November. Stacie, the Animal Control Officer who brought her into the shelter, recently told me that Zoe has a special place in her heart because of all the dogs she’s had to catch, Zoe was the hardest!

At the shelter I would walk up to her and there she would be, just staring up at me, flat footed and motionless in the middle of her cage, with no tail wagging, but with these eyes that were saying “take me for a walk please.”(Yes, she had a please in her eyes.) Most days, after our walk, we would sit between the doors of the office and the kennels where she could get some exposure outside of her cage. We would patiently sit (while I petted her of course) for over an hour sometimes. People would walk by remarking how beautiful she was, but then keep going.

Zoe spent 14 months at the shelter before she was transferred to a rescue to make room for the influx of dogs on the July 4th weekend. I want to point out that it was actually Zoe who adopted me. The first time I visited her at the rescue, Zoe came up to me and wouldn’t leave my side. I think that’s when I knew things were going to change for me. Soon after I moved to a new apartment that took larger dogs and adopted her.

Now we go for long walks in the neighborhood or we visit Griffith Park. While on our walks, Zoe is always hunting for squirrels and other creatures. She will even go up to bushes and rustle them to see if anything will run out! Last weekend I took her to a dog beach, Leo Carrillo in Malibu. I am so happy and for tunate to have her in my life!

Please visit the website www.basv.org to see many wonder ful animals waiting for their forever home.

By Rana McCole

1. Bunnies have four incisors in the upper jaw, not two like rodents do.

2. Bunnies are herbivores. This means that we are vegetarians and enjoy only veggies and grains. Let’s face it, rodents will eat anything that happens to crawl along. To think that bunnies would share such a lack of fierté, or how you say…pride in our diet!

3. Bunnies’ reproductive organs vary from rodents, and bunnies, unlike rodents, can and should be spayed or neutered. Ceci est très important!

By Erik Koelle, VBAS Vice President ADOPTION STORY

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

&AQ

F E A T U R E D V O L U N T E E R

Volunteer Since 2001

You have held several important positions in the VBAS. What are they, and what is your favorite way to participate in the organization? I have served as president, vice president and director of the Kitten Foster

-tween the VBAS and the shelter staff. A favorite accomplishment has been acting as director of the Parker System program, our volunteer training system which I co-founded with Alexis Cole. We created an educational tool that serves the entire volunteer base by enabling us to help our ani-

permanent, loving homes.

Why did you first choose to become a volunteer? I was driving down a street in Silverlake and a grey, shaggy, stray dog ran across the street right in front of me. It looked like it had been on the street for some time with little food and no care. The way the dog looked

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been able to help this particular stray, I could volunteer at my local shelter and make a difference for other lost pets. And so I did.

What goals would you like to see the VBAS to achieve? Community outreach and education about pets and their care are two im-portant topics that I would like to see the VBAS advocate for, on an even more involved public level. There is always room for growth.

Do you have pets of your own?

and I rescued when she was a pup while we were in Romania trying to make a documentary about the plight of the stray dogs in that country. She is an amazing dog, sweet and caring.

What is your message to the community? Get involved! I love this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “I’d rather light a candle than curse the darkness.” I think it says it all. If there is a problem,

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Burbank Animal Shelter, please contact the Volunteer Manager at debbie@basv.org.

evaSippel

My dog is being treated for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA). What do I need to know about canine autoimmune diseases?

AIHA is one of many diseases listed as autoimmune diseases, and I will take some time to mention the underlying causes and some of the treatments. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system becomes overactive and cannot distinguish between the body it protects and the invading foreign body, so the body attempts to step in and take care of “unwanted” cells. Unfortunately, in these cases the cells are use-ful and the patient suffers severely without them. Symptoms can affect many organs of the body and can mimic those of other dis-eases. Some common symptoms may include diarrhea, lethargy, depression, stiff joints, anemia, loss of appetite, seizures, skin disorders, and strong body odor. Diagnoses of these diseases can be tricky, and special tests must be added—such as Coombs test, Lupus erythematousus (LE), joint fluids, general CBC looking for spherocytes, thrombocytopenia and generalized blood chemistries. There are many conditions that fall under the umbrella of autoimmune disease; the following are just a few of the most common. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia – In this condition, the body attacks its own red blood cells (RBC) and causes them to rupture or hemolyze. The end result is uncon-trolled anemia and, if untreated, death. Ideopathic Thrombocytopenia (ITP) – Ideopathic (unknown cause) thrombocytope-nia is a destruction of thrombocyctes by the immune system. Thrombocytes are necessary for blood clotting. The end result is unexplained hemorrhaging all over and, if not treated, death. Lupus – Auto antibodies are produced that can circulate deeply, causing vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) and deep tissue destruction. The resulting disease can cause poly arthritis, renal disease, some hemolytic disease and often skin involvement. Because Lupus can mimic many conditions, your vet will do specific testing to confirm. Myasthenia Gravis – This is an uncommon disease of organ muscles at certain junctions where muscle nerve relays occur. The resulting disease process can cause weakness, fatigue, pelvic limb weakness or stiffness, megaeosophagus (can’t swallow/reduced gag reflex) and facial weakness. In this group of diseases, it is imperative to suppress the immune system so drugs such as steroids and chemotherapeutic are foremost. Obviously in the hemolytic or thrombocytopenic disease, transfusions of whole blood and platelets are critical. You have all been told or been aware that certain drugs are immune suppressive and should be used cautiously. Lesser known diseases have been thrown into the autoimmune status from time to time and treatment is often similar for all diseases. This is a large field and your veterinarian should consult with her/his clinical pathol-ogist for help and confirmation.

Dr. Small would like to thank his research assistant Sandy Sandin for her e!orts in researching the answer to this question. Questions cannot be answered on an individual basis. Dr. Small will choose questions for publication. Please submit your questions to sandy@basv.org.

ASK DR. SMALLIn each issue, Dr. Martin Small,

BAS Veterinarian, will answer

selected, general-interest questions

regarding pet care.

Giving OpportunitiesVBAS has been instrumental in supplementing the Shelter’s existing programs as

well as starting successful new programs. You can help the VBAS achieve its vision

of a home and medical treatment for all animals. Many giving opportunities are

available, including the ones listed below.

Cat Condo Support Annual Donation: $350 - Plaque Size: 2” x 4”

Dog Kennel SupportAnnual Donation: $500 - Plaque Size: 2” x 6”- Donations to a cat condo or dog kennel benefit the daily needs of our shelter cats and dogs.

Dog Training Program - !is unique program provides training for our dogs with special behavioral needs.

Train a Shelter DogDonation: $40 - Provides a one-on-one session with a professional trainer. $80 sponsors two sessions and $200 will secure a full course of training.

Kitten Foster Program - Help save the tiniest lives by donating cash or supplies. For a list of needed items, contact Anne Macleod, anne@basv.org.

Sponsor a KittenDonation: $42- Supports one kitten in our Kitten Foster Program from the time he is rescued until he is adopted to a new family (food, supplies, medications, etc.) $84 covers two foster kittens and $126 will support an entire litter.

Shelter Medical Program - Donations of any size accepted to maintain and expand the Shelter’s outstanding medical program.

Tree of LifeDonation: $250 - Leaf Size: 1/5” x 4”- A hand-painted tree decorated with gold metal leaves celebrating a happy adoption or commemorating the loss of a well-loved pet.

Wall of Recognition Minimum Donation: $5000 - Plaque Size: Various- Donors who make an initial or cumulative gift of $5000 will be recognized on the Shelter’s Wall of Recognition.

sponsors& donors

We are grateful to the many businesses and individuals who have generously supported the

Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter by making

contributions to our organization.

Ann & Ken Adrianse

Katherine Altieri

Linda Barnes

Body Work for Women

Claudia Bonis

Jennifer Brown

Judith & Richard Chapman

Dr. John Ciambotti

Cinema Secrets

Michael Clive

Marc Corti

Joseph Dagg

Damoor’s Feed Store

Valentina Ercolani

Flavor of India Restaurant

Mary & Stephen Forrest

Diane Gascoigne

Diane Good

Patty Hazzard

Wendy Hodgin

Gareth & June Hughes

Cory Huizar

Linda Javier

Monica Kaufman

Gloria Kent

James Kershaw

Kristen Klegseth

Yolanda La Combe-Lowery

Diana Lafyatis

Joseph & Cora Lanzisero

Joan Lederer

John Lowery

Leslie Madansky

Leonard Maltin Family

Dr. Carol Marienthal-Skaar

Jane McCullough

JR McNeal

Karyn Mill

Jimmy Arthur Milota

Elaine Miyake

Ekaterina Mokhonova

Karen Murphy

Matthew Nealon

Paradise Ranch

Ana Persun

Courtney Pucci-Babcock

Ralph’s Grocery Store

Daniel Reed

David Reid

Rhino Entertainment

Cathyrn Ricci

Mare Sabatine

Lauren Schmidt

Bonnie Sheren

Pat Shields

Marc Siciliani

Sleepypod

Evelyn Spencer

Ilia Standish

Staples

Stewart O’Dell

Terri Strum

George & Judy Sunga

Sunny-dog INK

Cat Thelia

Dr. Gassia Titizian

Ana Torres

Trader Joes

Megan Wasserman

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20093rd Quarter Donors

DONOR SPOTLIGHTI’m pleased to introduce Harry Ludewig, who at only 13 is proof of the power of empathy. Most boys who are on the brink of turning 13 and planning an upcoming Bar Mitzvah are focused on presents and pending manhood, but Harry Ludewig is not most boys. Harry, alongside his mother Robin, used his Bar Mitzvah as an opportunity to give back. Through monetary and in-kind donations, Harry’s Bar Mitz-vah, with its dog and cat theme, raised over $1,000 for the VBAS!

I sat down with Harry in person, and I was moved by his uncompromising drive to help animals. You see, Harry is autistic, and although he sits before me, gregarious and articulate, the fact remains that Harry didn’t speak a word until he was six years old. As I talked with this generous boy and his amazing family, it struck me that it may very well have been Harry’s love for animals, his ability to relate to the way a dog or bunny expresses love without language, that has helped shape who Harry is today—a young man who is as confident as he is compassionate.

There is no question that Harry has an astonishing ability to relate to living beings that are the most vulnerable. When I asked Harry why he decided to raise money for the shelter animals, he answered me point-edly and with a tone of pure humility. “Animals have feelings that we have and they need to be nurtured. They nurture our feelings.”

The entire Ludewig family is open and kind, and it is clear that Harry’s desire to make a difference in the lives of animals can be attributed to the example set forth by his giving parents. The Ludewig home is brimming with children, dogs and bunnies. As I help the family unload all of the many items donated for the shelter animals, Robin says, “We got a lot of beds. Everyone who adopts a dog should also get a dog bed.”

I can’t stop smiling when I’m around Harry. I attribute this to the purity and goodness of his spirit. Harry holds the large envelope of donated monies proudly against his heart. I ask him how he hopes the funds he has raised will help the animals. Harry tells me decisively, “This means a lot to the animals. They need a home. They need families.”

Sippel

VBAS would like to thank the following veterinarians for their serviceto the animals of the Burbank Animal Shelter.

Dr. Da Silva Curiel of the Animal Eye Clinic who provided a

pro bono eye exam for our cat Toby and performed necessary eye

surgery at a reduced cost.

Dr.Skaar of Toluca Burbank Dog and Cat Hospital who

provided complimentary emergency medical care recently to one

of our Foster Kittens.

Dr. Khalik of Angelus Pet Hospital for his contributions to the

Kitten Foster Program. Dr. Khalik regularly donates his time and

medical treatment free of charge.

By Rana McCole

Local 706 Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild

If you would like to place an ad in City Paws, please send your request to chris@basv.org.

To receive a copy of City Paws in the mail, please send name and address to anna@basv.org.

GENERAL INFORMATION

BURBANK ANIMAL SHELTER ADDRESS:1150 N. Victory PlaceBurbank, CA 91502818.238.3340HOURSMonday - Saturday 10am-6pm

ADOPTION/REGISTRATION RATES

ADOPTION FEES:Dogs - $84; Cats - $58; Bunnies - $30 (Includes spay or neutering)

Pre-spay/Neutered Dogs - $49; Cats - $23; Bunnies - $10 (You must be 18 or over to adopt a pet)

LICENSE FEES: (Required for Dogs and Horses; renew yearly)Intact Dogs – $50; Spay/Neutered – $15 (Rabies certificate required for Dogs)

VBAS BOARD & CHAIR

Alexis Cole President alexis@basv.org

Erik Koelle Vice Presidenterik@basv.org

Adam WeirichTreasurer / Director of Developmentadam@basv.org

Deb Peterson Volunteer Managerdebbie@basv.org

Alaina KovelVolunteer Training Manageralaina@basv.org

Anne MacleodKitten Foster Program Manageranne@basv.org

Denise FleckPublic Relations Managerdenise@basv.org

Ann AdrianseNewsletter Manageranna@basv.org

Tennille RuthGraphic Design Managertennille@basv.org

Kate GleasonWeb Supportkate@basv.org

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All that may sound great, but I’m not bragging; I just want to show that there are places to take your dog and that you can always squeeze in some time for your buddy. Socialization is a good part of a well-balanced dog. At the shelter you can usually tell the dogs that have not had enough socialization—they’re a bit shy, nervous

home. They are great dogs but they need time to warm up. It’s wonderful if you have a yard for your pal to run and play in, but it’s not enough. They need to be exposed to people, other dogs, and different situations so that they can expend mental energy as well as physical. Dogs that tend to see only the same few people or that are not ex-posed to different sights and sounds may become shy. Interestingly enough, this can lead to aggression in some dogs. Socialization also helps a dog relax and become

he can handle problems (with your help) down the line.

For some people, getting their dog out and about is a catch-22. They would love to take Fido out and see the sights; they have even envied some people they have seen with their dogs, but when it comes to their own dog, they say “He is so hard to handle around new people and places…” so they just give up; and he stays at home all the time. But if you don’t work at it he’ll never get bet-

expect a well-mannered companion without putting in

your puppy may need to complete some vaccines before going out on walks or meeting other dogs.

Training gives your dog some focus and direction. Start out with some HEELING and SITS at home in a quiet place, then move on to light distraction. Don’t forget to use a leash; this is your dog’s steering wheel. You can’t expect to guide him if you can’t lead him. As you and your dog make progress, take him out where there are more things to distract him (work up to harder distrac-

tions). Focus on your problem: if you are out on a walk and you want to talk to a person without being tugged and nudged, work on SIT, STAY. Jumping may be the problem. When greeting a person, have your dog sit away from that person (about 6-8 ft away) and as you move closer, have your dog SIT every step or two. Move forward only when he is calm. You may have to take a few steps back and try again. (It would help if you tried this with a willing helper before you try it with others.) As you get better, use other commands to help direct your furry friend on how to act when out in public. Try DOWN, COME, LEAVE IT or STAY. Adjust the com-mand to the situation. It’s great to know the commands, but it’s better to know how and when to use them. Keep in mind that everyone has their limitations, so if you feel certain training excercises are unsafe or if you’re not comfortable doing them, don’t!

The more you work with him, the more places you will

dog will be the duo someone else will admire. You and your dog will have a better bond, spend more time to-gether, and reap the rewards of both being well-social-ized. Go out and have fun and explore!

T R A I N I N GTailsby Lydia Perez

A l i t t l e t ra in ing can go a long way…

Training a dog like Red involves taking him along on daily errands and introducing him to other dogs as well as to people you meet along the way.

Lydia Perez of Happy Tails Dog Training is working with certain dogs at the shelter to improve their adoptability. Donations made to the Dog

Training Program of VBAS help to support this worthwhile effort.

IMPORTANT NOTE

If you feel at any time it is unsafe to work with your dog, consult a professional trainer or animal behaviorist.

DOGS NEED TO MEET AND GREET TOO. My training lessons have taken me to a lot of

Balboa Island, and worked with dogs in Old Town San Diego. The dogs and their owners have taken

me along to walk on the strand at the beach, hike on trails and participate in some fundraising walks.

I’ve even gone sailing for the sake of a dog. But most of my training outings are everyday errands,

like going to soccer practice, shopping at the mall or the pet store, training at the park or just hanging

around at an outdoor cafe watching people.

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WW

First of all, there is no truth to the myth that your cat is out to harm your baby. Your cat does need help, however, in understanding what your new child means to him and his routines. Cats are creatures of habit and any change in the household can cause stress. Bringing an unfamiliar, crying baby into the house that you spend most of your time with can certainly cause anxiety in your cat. There is no proof that cats actually get jealous, but it is well-known that they are ter-ritorial, so if your cat has been used to being the center of attention and all of a sudden someone usurps him, it will take some get-ting used to.

As your cat’s caretaker and the one that he depends on, it is up to you to help him handle this change in circumstances. This is relatively simple to accomplish. As soon as you know you’re pregnant, start preparing your cat for the upcoming event. Let him get used to baby noises, such as the sound of the crib mobile. Introduce him to new smells like baby powder. When you’re ready, let him spend time in the baby’s nursery—you want him to feel comfortable in the new surround-ings. Hold your cat as much as possible

while pregnant, but as the time gets closer let other family members take over spending time with the cat, as the reality is that when the baby comes home you are not going to be as available. Once the baby arrives, bring home a blanket from the hospital that the baby has been wrapped in. Rub it against your cat, this will get him accus-tomed to the scent of the new one about to enter his life.

If your cat plays rough, work on these behaviors before the baby is born. Redirect play biting by placing toys in his mouth. If he likes to hand-wrestle, focus on petting him gently instead. Over time your cat will learn what is acceptable and what is not. It is also strongly advisable that your cat be spayed or neutered, as they will be calmer. Make sure that your cat is on flea treatment and healthy before the baby comes home. A vet visit prior to the birth is advisable to ensure

there is nothing going on with him that can harm your baby.

Doctors often mistakenly tell pregnant women that they should not have cats due to the danger of toxoplasmosis (a disease that invades the tissues and may seriously damage the central nervous system). The reality is that the risk of getting toxoplas-mosis from a cat is infinitesimal. If you are concerned, delegate another family member to litter box duty until the baby is older.

Another medical concern with babies and cats is allergies. There have been many studies done on this subject which concur that babies who have been exposed to pets at a young age are more likely to outgrow not only allergies to animals, but to many other allergen sources as well. The theory is that in the modern age we have become so clean that we have lost our immunity against everyday exposures. If this is true, then it is beneficial for you to stay the course while your baby’s system gets used to the world. Many times families have given up their fam-ily cat due to a baby’s allergy only to have discovered that the cat wasn’t the problem after all.

The biggest “win” in allowing your baby and your cat to bond is that it nurtures a lifelong respect and affiliation for animals. This respect starts with the understanding that your cat is part of your family too. Relin-quishing your cat when a baby is born is unfair to both your cat and to your baby. With a little patience and understanding, your new combined family will be well worth the effort.

For more info please contact Anne Macleod at anne@basv.org or 818-469-3937.

by Anne Macleod, Kitten Foster Program Manager

www.basv.org

when cat MEETS BABYIntroducing Your Furry Family Member To Your New Addition

Kitten Foster

Please support the Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter by

contributing any available amount of the following items:

Dry Food - Royal Canin ‘Baby Cat’ Dry Food - Royal Canin ‘Kitten’ Wet Food - Wellness ‘Kitten’ Gerber Baby Food - Chicken or Turkey KMR by PetAg - Milk Replacement for Kittens Feeding Bottles Heating Pads Digital Scales Scratching Posts Kitten Shampoo

For more information, please contact:

phone: 818-469-3937 / email: anne@basv.org

Wish List

SHOP FOR A CAUSE

Now you can eat and read AND you can donate to the Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter. VBAS is partnered with Ralphs Markets and Amazon.com so that purchases made will provide a donation to our organization at no additional cost to you!

If you are a Ralphs shopper, please log onto www.ralphs.com, register your Ralphs Rewards card and choose VBAS as your designated charity. Look at the “My Account” tab to find the necessary information. Choose Volunteers of the Burbank Animal or organization #82827 and thereafter a percentage of your bill will be donated to help animals in need. Every time you go to the market you’ll be making a di"erence in the lives of our shelter animals.

!e Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter also receive a percentage of any purchase that you make from Amazon.com when you access their site through the link on our website, www.basv.org. You will see the www.amazon.com link on the first page of the website, just click on it and you’ll be right at Amazon, ready to shop. Whether you are buying cookbooks, the latest mystery, or one of the many other items available at ama-zon.com, you will be making a donation to our favorite cause!

Shopping is frequently fun, now it is a charitable venture as well!

YOU EAT, SO YOU SHOP FOR GROCERIES.YOU LIKE TO READ, SO YOU SHOP FOR BOOKS.

BURBANK ANIMAL SHELTER INFORMATION

ADDRESS1150 N. Victory Place, Burbank, CA 91502

PHONE818.238.3340

WEBSITEwww.basv.org

HOURSMonday – Saturday: 10am to 6pmSunday and Major Holidays: Closed

Ann AdrianseHarvey BranmanLaureli CohenAlexis ColeDenise FleckKate GleasonLorry Izor

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS

1150 N. Victory PlaceBurbank, CA 91502818.238.3344

Erik Koelle Jeremy KollerAnne MacleodRana McColeScott MylesLydia Perez Tennille Ruth

Ann AdrianseNewsletter Manager anna@basv.org

Kate GleasonEditorial Consultantkate@basv.org

Tennille RuthQuarterly Graphic Designtennille@basv.org

Rebekah AlbrechtOriginal Graphic Designrebekahalbrecht@earthlink.net818.825.3016

Sandy SandinChris SevillaEva SippelDr. Martin SmallDavid SnyderMolly Stretten

m i s s i o nour mission The Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) animal service agency, is devoted to providing medical, social, behavioral and financial care for animals at risk and is determined to eliminate animal homelessness in the Burbank community.

The Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter is determined to provide the best possible care for all animals at the Burbank Animal Shelter. Our volunteers are committed to educating the community about the benefits of spay/neuter, proper pet care and pet adoption. The volunteers have also established a successful medical program, senior pet therapy program and kitten foster program. For more information or to learn about giving opportunities, please visit our website at www.basv.org.