An article that appeared on the front of yesterday’s Richmond Times-Dispatch discussed the economy and its supposed effects on local pet relinquishment. Similar stories first began to make news nationally at the beginning of the year and have been a popular topic ever since.  We always track the reasons that owners relinquish pets to the Richmond SPCA and our numbers do not support the claims made in the Times-Dispatch article. 

Understanding the reasons people surrender their pets is important in developing programs to help those pets stay in their homes. Our numbers of surrenders for financial reasons are not higher than the same time last year and they are not increasing month to month. In fact, as reported in yesterday’s story, through Project Safety Net since February – we have confirmed that 80 pets have stayed in their homes as a result of those services (rather than being surrendered here or at any other facility). We certainly have pets who are surrendered due to economic pressures, but we have that every year, and it remains a small percentage – no larger than it is in any other year.

Our partner, Richmond Animal Care & Control, also has not seen a significant increase. They also counsel owners to make them aware of the resources that are available in our community.

We first developed Project Safety Net in 2002 as part of the transition to our current no-kill model. Earlier this year, the low-cost boarding component was added as a proactive response to the pending housing crisis. The programs of Project Safety Net are designed not only to prevent pets being surrendered to the Richmond SPCA but also to prevent them from entering any shelter in our community. Keeping owned pets in their homes allows us to focus our resources on saving lives of animals through our partnerships with municipal shelters.

We are dedicated as an organization to keeping families and their pets together rather than making the surrender of an animal the first option when times are tough. Oftentimes, when times are difficult, what we need the most is the unconditional love of our family, and that includes our beloved animal companions.

Tabitha Hanes is the Community Relations Manager for the Richmond SPCA.

President-elect Barack Obama has gained much attention for a campaign promise made to his daughters. He promised Sasha and Malia a puppy, and during his acceptance speech indicated that promise would soon be fulfilled.

This has created speculation all over the Web about what breed of dog they may select, especially because Malia’s allergies demand the dog must have hypoallergenic qualities. Friday, in his first press conference as president-elect, he indicated his preference for adopting from a shelter. The Richmond SPCA would be delighted to see him model adoption – to both his children and the nation – as the preferred way to acquire a new pet. Virginia Governor Tim Kaine made a similar promise to his own children. On the day following the election, Anne Holton and their children visited our Robins-Starr Humane Center, where they adopted Gina, a mixed breed terrier who has been a wonderful addition to the executive mansion.

Not only is a mixed breed a good selection, adopting an adult dog gives insight into temperament and personality that is not available with a puppy. Finding a pet dog or cat that matches your personality and lifestyle is far more important than looks or breed. We’ve taken the guesswork away with Meet Your Match. Each pet available at our center has been evaluated and adopters can take a brief survey to discover which of these Canine-ality and Feline-ality types are compatible with their own personality. Want to know more? Visit http://www.richmondspca.org.

This week is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, but today the Richmond SPCA is showing our appreciation instead to those of you who have gone to vote. Anyone wearing an “I Voted” sticker will receive a special one-day only discount of 10 percent off the adoption fee. In the spirit of the Executive Office, we are also offering the same 10 percent discount on the adoption of any pet sharing a name with a president or first lady – whether past or potential.

See dogs available for adoption at www.richmondspca.org/dogs

Check out our available kitties at www.richmondspca.org/cats

The adoption center at the Robins-Starr Humane Center is open today until 7 p.m.

The Richmond SPCA’s Fifth Annual Cat Tales & Cocktails Halloween party and benefit begins Friday evening at 7 p.m., which gives you a few early evening hours to hand out candy to the neighborhood goblins and ghouls before donning your own costume to join the fun. If your pets are by your side while you’re passing out treats, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

1.    No matter how special Fido and Fluffy’s tricks are, the bowl of candy is only for human trick-or-treaters. All chocolate can be dangerous for dogs and cats, and candy wrappers pose a potential choking hazard. It’s smart to keep a separate bowl of pet-approved treats nearby. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2.    Most dogs or cats should be kept in a separate room during high-traffic trick-or-treating hours. The presence of strangers in unusual garb can be scary and stressful for many animals. Even if your pets are extremely social and friendly, remember not all your visitors may be expecting Fido’s special greeting. Some people may be fearful of animals.

3.    When answering the door for trick-or-treaters, be careful your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. Putting up a baby gate can be helpful in keeping Fido at a safe distance. Fluffy the cat may be best confined in a separate room. Prepare a stuffed Kong or catnip-filled toys before the evening begins, so your pets have their own entertainment options. If Fluffy is a particular flight-risk or Fido is reactive to the sound of the doorbell, consider spending the evening handing out candy on the front porch or skipping trick-or-treaters altogether by turning off the front porch light.

With only ten days left to put together your best costumes, be sure to keep your pets in mind as you make Halloween plans. Many Richmond events include pet costume contests, including the annual Cat Tales & Cocktails benefit at the Richmond SPCA. It’s quite a treat to see dogs content to become cheerleaders, bumblebees or even hotdogs for the evening. Other pets may not be eager wear anything beyond their usual leash and collar.

Make sure your Halloween doesn’t produce any horrors for your four-legged friends:

·      Even if your pet is a real angel (or a little devil) every day of the year, he may not be ready to suit up in a Halloween costume.  Unless you know Fido is prepared to sport a costume, pass on playing dress-up.  Some pets may be game, but for those who prefer to be au naturale, costuming can cause unneeded stress.

·      If you do decide on a costume for Fido, examine each piece carefully to be sure it is safe. Avoid any costume that constricts your pet’s movement or hearing, or interferes with his ability to breathe or bark. Be especially diligent in watching out for small, dangling or easily chewed off pieces that may pose a choking hazard.

·      Make an extra inspection of Fluffy’s costume to be sure she can see. Even usually angelic pets may be easily spooked when their vision is obstructed.

·      Your pet, especially if he’s a new addition to the family, may not recognize you or your children in Halloween costumes, so let him get used to the new you one piece at a time.  Give yourself lots of time to get dressed, and let your pet accept you.

In his blog focused on trends and issues in local philanthropy, Bobby Thalhimer, senior vice president of advancement for The Community Foundation, holds up the Richmond SPCA as a example of measurable success.

In thinking about successful and measurable examples, my mind turns to the Richmond SPCA. Notably, when the Richmond SPCA developed its dynamic facility expansion in 2002, their measure of success transcended numbers of spay/neuters or adoptions that could be accomplished at the facility. Instead, they aspired to make Richmond a “no kill” community by 2008 (http://www.richmondspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=newplan). Robin Starr, CEO, frequently appears in the local media and in the halls of local government to influence public opinion and public policy, dramatically broadening the impact of the Richmond SPCA’s own work. Read Robin’s plan, cited above, and you will see what I mean.

Read the rest of Thalhimer’s blog here.

Since 1999, the Richmond SPCA has received more than $72,000 in support through Ukrop’s annual Golden Gift program. This year’s gift totaled an amazing $9,636.40, which will go a tremendous way toward providing lifesaving care to orphaned pets awaiting lifetime homes at our Robins-Starr Humane Center.

Ukrop’s Super Markets donated a total of $400,000 to area non-profit organizations this year through its unique giving program, which is guided by its valued customers. Ukrop’s empowers its shoppers to designate their Golden Gift Points to the charities of their choosing, and we are grateful each year that so many animal lovers take this wonderful opportunity to support our homeless dogs and cats.

We thank Ukrop’s for its continued commitment to philanthropy and to everyone who cares deeply about our animal companions. This truly is a community of compassion!

Today’s blog author is Tamsen Kingry, chief operating officer at the Richmond SPCA.

The best way to brighten our staff’s day is to get an update on one of the 3,000 pets we place in loving homes each year. Today we saw that a Richmond SPCA alumnus is the “Cat of the Day” on a Norfolk Web site. Why don’t we do the same here? Tell us about the pets you’ve adopted from the Richmond SPCA. How have they enriched your lives? What funny quirks have they developed since you took them home?

Post your alumni story in the comments section or send me an with your story and a photo, and I’ll post them in upcoming blogs.

Tabitha Hanes is the community relations manager at the Richmond SPCA.

In June many months of work culminated in the ceremonial signing of animal welfare bills from this year’s General Assembly session. The signing was held at our Robins-Starr Humane Center. This event signifies a great accomplishment, enacting strong legislation to protect Virginia’s companion animals from those who would do them harm.

The video opens with remarks by Robin Robertson Starr, CEO of the Richmond SPCA, followed by Governor Tim Kaine.

Next time you go to the pet store to get some fancy new toys for your cat, consider an additional route to your nearest discount store and pick up a box of ping pong balls.  The expensive ones are about 25 cents per ball.  And look how much fun you and your cat can have:

• Roll one down the hallway.
• Bounce one down the hallway.
• Thread or tape a long string to a ball and drag it under the sofa.
• Thread several on to one long string and drape the string over your doorknob.
• Cut a few holes in the top and sides of a shoe box.  Drop 2 in and fish for them. 
• Cover the bottom of a low flat bucket with about a half inch of water and float them.
• For even more fun, use the bathtub.
• Fill a small cardboard box half full with ping pong balls, then put a couple treats in the bottom.
• Put 5 or 6 of them on the floor of your bathroom and chase them around.
• Put a couple in a stopped bathroom sink and start a slow stream of water running.  (This one, of course, assumes your cat has permission to be on the bathroom sink.)
• Put a couple in a large metal or glass mixing bowl and put it on the floor.

Tell us about your cat’s favorite cheapy play toy!  We love creative ideas. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA for help with crate training and other pet behavior topics.

An anonymous reader posted a comment over the weekend in response to our blog about community involvement in caring for feral cats. The comment questions our care for the pets at the Robins-Starr Humane Center.

The Richmond SPCA is committed to finding a loving home for every cat and dog in our care and for ending needless loss of life for homeless animals in our community. The writer is correct that we do not perform invasive background checks as part of our adoption process. The adoption procedure at the Richmond SPCA is one often referred to as “open adoptions.” This means that in most cases we try to find a way to make a placement work – by providing education and other tools to help a new adopter provide the best home possible for a pet – rather than seeking reasons to disqualify a person from bringing a pet into his or her home. 

While there are several reasons that our counselors can deny an adoption, we take any denial very seriously and would prefer to provide education to help the adopter become a better pet guardian whenever possible. Consider that being denied adoption by a humane group does not prevent a person from acquiring a pet. It simply sends him or her to seek another source. Pets available for sale through pet stores or newspaper and internet advertisements do not come with the education and training resources we provide and usually are not spayed/neutered and vaccinated, as are all pets adopted from the Richmond SPCA. We would rather a person chose adoption and be given the support we can provide, and every adoption at our center is two lives saved. When you adopt from the Richmond SPCA, you’ve enabled us to save the life of another homeless animal in our community.

Today’s blog author is Tabitha Hanes, community relations manager at the Richmond SPCA.

Q: My dog can spend hours outside, then as soon as I let him inside he relieves himself on the kitchen floor right in front of me!  How long do I have to keep him outside? 

A: This is actually an easier problem to resolve than it seems.  Your dog’s behavior is telling you that he actually feels more comfortable eliminating in your presence.  And that’s a good thing.  The simple solution to this problem is to make your presence present outside.  In other words, don’t send your dog outside alone.  Go with him – for a while. 

Your dog may actually be worried about being outside alone.  If you take him outside on a regular schedule for a few weeks, you can gradually decrease the time you spend outside with him.  Or you may find you actually enjoy spending time with your dog outside.  Long walks with a friendly companion are actually good therapy for people.  And long walks help your dog eliminate more comfortably outside.  Nothing like a little activity to get the juices flowing – if you know what I mean.  Walking in slow small circles or figure 8’s has also been known to trigger a dog’s need to relieve himself.  Then you’ll be able to praise your dog for relieving himself in front of you – because he did it outside. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA for help with crate training and other pet behavior topics.

A week has passed since our community was first shocked to discover the brutal decision by Fox Richmond to hire a pest control company to exterminate a colony of feral cats, followed by efforts to bulldoze the cats’ habitat. Yesterday, the operator of that company, Critter Control, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. You can read more about our ongoing efforts to ensure that the colony is humanely managed.

Compassionate members of our community have clearly voiced that the lives of feral cats are not disposable, and the news coverage has provided a platform to provide education about humane and non-lethal approaches to caring for feral cats. The Richmond SPCA supports Trap-Neuter-Return and provides the resources to enable caretakers to manage colonies. Trapping feral cats is rewarding and more simple than it sounds. We will provide the training and perform the sterilization surgery for free (along with rabies vaccination). A nominal trap rental fee is refunded once the trap is returned.

Still have questions about feral cats? Download our frequently asked questions.
Get involved! Sign up for trap-neuter-return training and other volunteer opportunities.

We alerted you yesterday of the inhumane response of WRLH Fox Richmond to the presence of a feral cat colony on their property at 1925 Westmoreland Street. Many of you have quickly responded to our request to contact the station, and we are grateful for your efforts to encourage a compassionate solution. The Richmond SPCA is unwavering in our position that the proven method of Trap, Neuter, Return is in the best interest of the feral cats remaining on and around the property.

We wish to correct misleading statements that have been made to members of the public who have expressed their concern about this important issue. WRLH Fox General Manager Steve Genett has issued a misleading generic form response to concerned citizens who have expressed their outrage with him, WRLH, and Sinclair Broadcast Group over their reckless and inhumane treatment and killing of the feral cats on and around their station. We have also heard from several Richmond SPCA supporters that the person answering the phone in the office of Sinclair Broadcast Group President and CEO David Smith is calling our account of the actions shown on local news and seen by dozens of eyewitnesses untrue. This duplicity is quite troubling.

Fox Richmond is misleading the public by stating that they are working with humane organizations on a non-lethal, humane solution. They have not been in contact about working on a non-lethal solution with the Richmond SPCA, and other humane organizations have confirmed to me that WRLH has not been in contract with them either. Furthermore, WRLH’s plea to have individual members of the public trap and relocate or re-home the feral cats at the station is irresponsible and poses a serious threat to the well being and safety of the cats involved. 

The Richmond SPCA stands willing and able to work with WRLH Fox on a valid humane and non-lethal program that is in the best interests of the cats and their safety. I will be happy to discuss with WRLH what can be done to achieve those ends but I have not been contacted by them to accept that help as of this time.

For more information about Trap, Neuter, Return please tune in to NBC 12 tonight from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. when members of our Smoky’s Spay/Neuter Clinic staff will answer questions on the Call 12 line. If you have specific questions about caring for feral cats and Trap, Neuter, Return, please call 804-345-1212 or 1-800-733-2812. You may also learn more by visiting our Smoky’s Spay/Neuter Clinic website.

I appreciate your continued interest in this lifesaving subject and all the efforts of our supporters to spread awareness of the value of the lives of feral cats.

Sincerely,

Robin Robertson Starr
Chief Executive Officer
Richmond SPCA

We learned early yesterday that WRLH, the local Fox affiliate located at 1925 Westmoreland Street in Richmond, had contracted a local pest control company to trap and kill stray and feral cats and kittens residing on and around the station’s property. This course of action was deeply troubling to us and I communicated to them our willingness to help manage and control the cat colony using non-lethal humane methods such as trap-neuter-return or relocation.

Yesterday I spoke with a representative of Sinclair Broadcast Group, current owner of the Fox affiliate and recent acquirer of WTVR Channel 6. This representative was unswayed by our offers to assist. This morning I spoke with Steve Genett, General Manager of Fox Richmond. At first he seemed willing to discuss a compromise solution that would incorporate non-lethal methods, but later in our conversation he admitted that bulldozers were plowing through the cat habitat at Fox’s offices at that very moment. I immediately rushed to the location and was shocked and horrified to see the swift and total destruction of the area.

Sinclair Broadcast Group and Fox Richmond’s unconscionable actions are cause for great concern throughout our community. I cannot begin to understand what manner of corporate culture and leadership it would take to behave in this cruel way. I encourage you to contact the following individuals and companies to express your outrage: 

Fox Richmond WRLH Channel 35
Phone: (804) 358-3535
General Manager: Steve Genett
Online Feedback Form: http://www.fox35.com/inside/contact.shtml
Mailing Address: 1925 Westmoreland Street, Richmond, VA 23230

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc
Phone: (410) 568-1500
President and CEO: David D. Smith
Online Feedback Form: http://www.sbgi.net/contact/contact.shtml
Mailing Address: 10706 Beaver Dam Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030

It is also important that other members of the media are made aware of just how upsetting this series of events is to our community. Please let them know by sending e-mails to the following addresses:

I know that Richmonders consider the plight of homeless animals and feral cats to be a very high priority and a cause that is close to their hearts. I had hoped that Fox and Sinclair Broadcast Group would reconsider and continue to operate as a kind and responsible media partner in our community, but that hope was dashed with their inhumane actions this morning.

Sincerely,

Robin Robertson Starr
Chief Executive Officer
Richmond SPCA

In recognition of our contributions to animal welfare in the City of Richmond, last year Mayor L. Douglas Wilder declared June 19 to be Richmond SPCA Humane Education Day. The mayor’s proclamation recognizes the importance of education in making Richmond one of the safest communities in the country for orphaned dogs and cats.

In honor of Richmond SPCA Humane Education Day, we’re inviting all area kids to visit our Robins-Starr Humane Center today. We’ll be passing out free Waggles’ World memberships and dolls in our Lora Robins Gift Shop and will host a kids story time in our Exploratorium at 11 a.m. Waggles, our Humane Education mascot, may even make an appearance!

The Robins-Starr Humane Center is located at 2519 Hermitage Road in Richmond and is open to the public today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no fee to attend these events.

Humane Education at the Richmond SPCA includes programs for both kids and adults that help to instill compassion, kindness and empathy for both humans and animals, develop character, and promote a sense of responsibility. Here’s how you can help!

• Talk to the kids in your life about what to do if they witness animal or any other abuse. Let them know that it’s okay to tell someone they trust about what they saw.
• Talk to the kids in your life about how to be safe around animals. For example, never pet an animal without asking the owner first, never pet an animal that is loose without an owner, don’t interfere with a dog while it is eating, and don’t bother or surprise a sleeping dog.
• If you volunteer at your child’s school, talk to teachers about the possibility of introducing humane education messages in the classroom.
If you are an educator or administrator, consider ways that you can support humane education in the classroom. There are lots of quality lesson plans available on the internet, and our Humane Education Department would be happy to assist.
• Choose an activity that your child can participate in at the Richmond SPCA during his or her summer vacation or throughout the school year. Learn more
Refer a friend to our behavior helpline, which offers free animal behavioral assistance by our expert training staff. 804-643-SPCA or .
• Tell five friends about our free and low-cost Smoky’s Spay-Neuter Clinic, which in 2007 performed more than 11,000 spay and neuter surgeries. Learn more
• Share with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors your thoughts about adopting an orphaned pet and encourage them to look to the Robins-Starr Humane Center when searching for a canine or feline companion to enrich their lives. Learn more

For more information about our Humane Education Program, please call Phyllis Harris at 804-521-1327 or e-mail .

Your answer is:

Birds of prey
Disease
Worms
Injuries
Dogs
Automobiles
Very tall hiding places

What are… “Things that could happen to a cat when he’s left outside?”
That’s correct!  All of these things are dangers for cats left outside unattended.  Cats roaming free can also cause people to have accidents.  It’s all-in-all an unsafe habit to begin – letting your cat outside. 

However, there are safe ways to expose your cat to the outdoors.  Cats can be trained to walk on a leash and harness.  OK, maybe not as reliably as dogs, but that just makes them easier to “walk.”  Cats are typically happy to pounce around in the grass chasing twigs or simply bask in the sun.  So you may find it only necessary to walk your cat to the front porch and just sit there with him, holding on to a long light line attached to a harness.  What an enjoyable way for both of you to enjoy the nice weather. 

Do make sure your cat is used to sporting a leash and a harness inside before attempting it outside, though.  If he’s going to be frightened of the equipment, you are best off discovering that inside rather than outside.  Give him time to get used to the idea before trying it outdoors.  And make sure he gets play time and/or treats from you outside as well.  That way he knows who to run to if he gets worried.  Teach your cat to enjoy the outdoors with you rather than running from you. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA for help with crate training and other pet behavior topics.

With an ongoing heat wave, and cooling shelters being opened in the city for humans, it’s important to remember our pets’ safety as well. Here at the Richmond SPCA, where we’re caring for 112 dogs, many of whom are housebroken (or working on those skills), we’ve adapted their walking schedule so they don’t go out in during the hottest times of day. Yesterday, our Running Buddies – volunteers who provide additional exercise for some of our pooches – program had to be adjusted for the temperature. The first run group run started at 6 a.m. and the second at 8:15 a.m. to stay ahead of the heat. A water station is set up at the half-way point on the 5K course, and at the end of the course, a wading pool gives the dogs a place to splash around and cool off. We’re also seeking water bottle belts so our runners can carry a fresh supply of water for themselves and the dogs.

For your dogs at home, if at all possible, keep them indoors during the hottest times of day. Modify their exercise routine to ensure they don’t over-exert themselves. While outside, make sure they have access to shade and fresh water. It’s a good rule of thumb that if you’re uncomfortable, your pal wearing the full-body fur coat feels it worse than you. Remember, he can only release heat through his tongue and the pads of his feet.

Additional tips:
• When walking or jogging with your dog, stay on the grass or concrete sidewalks and away from the blacktop as much as possible, as the asphalt is typically much hotter and has more debris that could potentially injure your pet’s paws.
• Do not overexert your dog.  If your pet has been ill or injured recently, undergone surgery, is aged or significantly overweight, or has known cardiovascular disease, start slowly and increase your pace over time.
• If your dog is a braciocephalic breed (such as a pug, Boston terrier, or boxer), he or she may be more prone to heatstroke due to the conformation of his or her nose and face.  Make sure you provide your pet with plenty of breaks and water stops.
• Heatstroke is a serious, often unexpected problem.  Some of the more common signs of heatstroke are excessive panting, drooling, bright red tongue/gums, swollen tongue and eventual collapse.  If you think your dog is experiencing signs of heatstroke, stop and seek veterinary attention immediately.  Offer your pet plenty of water and then fan.
• Your dog should not exercise after a meal in high heat.
• Do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water too quickly before or after exercising.  In some dogs, especially larger breeds or those with deep, narrow chests, this can cause a serious condition called bloat.  Signs could include attempts to vomit with no production, a distended abdomen, shock and collapse.  Seek veterinary attention immediately if you are concerned about your pet.
• Keep your dog out of a parked car. Even with the windows cracked on a 75 degree day, the car temperature can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.
• Dogs can get sunburn just like humans.  Use sunscreen.  A good hypoallergenic product should be used on noses and other exposed areas.

We are blessed here at the Richmond SPCA to have a reputation that attracts many fourth-year veterinary students. They come to us prior to graduation to learn about shelter medicine from veterinarians in our spay/neuter clinic and medical department.

We recently had a wonderful student from the Richmond area. During his time with us he said he could not understand why anyone wouldn’t seek out such an experience before entering practice.  We afford them the opportunity to help with sterilization surgeries for our shelter animals and they are often able to perform enough procedures that they will have enormous confidence once they go on to private practice. His comment got me wondering what would keep someone from wanting the experience.

Then I came across the dismal comments from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) about the projected critical shortage of veterinarians needed to protect the country’s food supply in the future. There is such a shortfall that in 2003 President Bush signed into law the National Veterinary Medical Service Act (NVMSA) which would implement a loan repayment program for veterinarians who pledge to practice in underserved areas of veterinary medicine. This program has remained dormant and unimplemented by the USDA.

The average debt incurred by today’s graduating veterinarians is nearly $140,000. I find it hard to understand the language of the politics involved but cannot understand why, with that kind of debt load facing recent graduates, the program would not be implemented by the USDA. It would surely be a great success for the new veterinarians and for the communities they serve.

So why not get the program going, and include small as well as large animals? Why not use it to also support veterinary care in community spay/neuter programs and animal shelters, both underserved areas of veterinary medicine? Think of the strides we could make against companion animal overpopulation with new graduates, every year, in every community in need, donating hours every month, for years, to their local animal shelters.  Seems like a winning combination to me.

Last week we talked about how a well-appointed crate can be a boon to a pet family. Unfortunately, there are situations in which a crate can breed panic instead.  Some dogs come packaged with a conditioned emotional response to crates – panic and hyperactivity. 

Puppy Mill dogs or dogs raised in otherwise neglectful or abusive situations spend long days and nights in small wire boxes with no opportunity to relieve themselves outdoors or socialize with others. These dogs learn repetitive behaviors like barking, pacing, panting or digging. They can’t differentiate easily between food and feces because they spend their days and nights running around in both. Other dogs are literally thrown into a crate every time someone gets upset. For dogs in these abusive situations the crate can become a symbol of fear, pain and suffering. They will literally panic when placed in even a well-appointed crate, because of the abuses they have suffered at the hands of people who are not well. 

People with more compassionate souls will sometimes be tasked with the responsibility of undoing these wrongs. And oftentimes they can slowly be undone. More often, though, these dogs will prefer a more open form of confinement. Maybe a room with a door closed, or a baby gate across a doorway will be sufficient. Sometimes a room divided by an exercise pen will be spacious enough.  Some dogs are so damaged that they panic if left alone in any confinement situation, even if they are given the entire house. That’s a topic for another day.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA for help with crate training and other pet behavior topics.

The Richmond SPCA’s Robins-Starr Humane Center is closed today so most of our staff may enjoy the Memorial Day Holiday. Rest assured, the orphaned pets in our care continued to be well cared for even when we’re closed to the public.

We hope you and your pets also enjoy the holiday! Before you head off to that barbecue or picnic, here’s something fun to enjoy.

The Engineer’s Guide to Cats: http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/04/an-engineers-gu.html

While I’m on vacation, my pet sitter’s instructions for the cat will definitely include “corporal cuddling.”

Tabitha Hanes is the community relations manager for the Richmond SPCA.