Celebrating Life

In a couple of weeks people around the world of the Christian faith will be celebrating Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead following his death on Good Friday. It symbolizes rebirth and shares the time with the vernal equinox, historically a time venerated by early pagans who celebrated the arrival of spring and the awaking of life.

While Easter heralds the resurrection of Christ, the word Easter was derived from a Saxon goddess known as Oestre or Eastre, and in Germany as Ostara, who represented spring and dawn and the coming of the light arising from the east. She represented the bringing forth of new life both human and animal and the flowering of plants. The hare known for its noteworthy ability to produce offspring was her sacred animal, an animal whose roots in pre-13th century pagan tradition was destined to eventually become the fabled Easter Bunny.

In pagan tradition, eggs and fluffy newborn chicks were a representation of new growth. And it is told that brightly colored eggs, chicks, and bunnies were all used at festival time to express appreciation for Ostara's gift of abundance. They were later incorporated into the celebration of Easter, separately from the Christian tradition of honoring the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

While there may be no real correlation in the history of Easter between the secular symbols and the Christian holiday, the Christian and pagan have been gracefully woven together; each reminding us of the cycle of rebirth and the need for renewal.

While there is also no clear connection between a rabbit being associated with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter Bunny is perhaps the biggest commercial symbol of Easter. Some believe rabbits were another connection with pagan belief associated with Eastre, the goddess of spring and fertility, because of their especially high reproduction rate.

The animals that have been brought into this as symbols of human belief do not always fare well. Today at Easter they are often given as gifts to amuse children and often do not represent an image of veneration as a remembrance of the renewal of life.

Tradition and belief aside, these innocent, temporarily fluffy and adorable little animals very soon become a larger problem. They have special dietary needs and behavioral issues, and their care, if they are to survive, will fall to the adults in the family.

They rapidly grow into extremely messy adult chickens and rabbits that can deposit sizeable amounts of droppings that soon turn into a constant need for cleaning to prevent insects and odor from becoming a home and neighborhood issue.

Baby chicks and ducklings can also present a serious health risk to small children. These young birds are often the carriers of dangerous bacteria called salmonella and each spring some children given very young chicks and ducklings as an Easter gift will fall ill from handling them. Children can be exposed by simply holding, cuddling or kissing them.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), anticipating an increase of demand for young birds at Easter, hatcheries increase the hatching, especially of chicks, for the commercial market. Shipping large numbers of these animals at one time increases the stress upon the chicks and ducklings and makes them more prone to disease. This in turn increases the chance of salmonella being transmitted to both children and adults.

HSUS also warns that baby chicks and ducklings are fragile creatures that can be unintentionally injured or killed from mishandling. Not only does the animal suffer but children are traumatized by the death of a beloved pet.

The House Rabbit Society (HRS), an international nonprofit organization, warns against giving rabbits as gifts at Easter. The Richmond based Bay Area HRS strongly urges parents not to buy their children live "Easter bunnies" unless they are willing to make a 10-year commitment to properly care for the animals. Each year, thousands of baby rabbits, chicks, and ducks are purchased as Easter gifts only to be abandoned or left at shelters in the days, weeks and months that follow Easter.

HRS says that many of the rabbits purchased as Easter pets will never live to see their first birthday. Some will die from neglect, while others will be abandoned in local parks or left at animal shelters. Rabbits are fragile, ground-loving creatures that break easily when dropped. Additionally, rabbits are easily frightened by loud noises. It is unreasonable to expect a small child to make a 10-year commitment to taking care of a rabbit. All too often, the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned.

Domestic rabbits abandoned to the wild no longer have the ability to survive in those circumstances and soon die or become easy targets for predators of all species.

Does this mean families with children should never have pet rabbits? "Not at all!" says the HRS. "But what it does mean is that parents must be actively involved on a daily basis, and willing to supervise any interactions between rabbits and children. Otherwise, chocolate is the way to go!"

Ohlone Humane Society joins the Humane Society of the United States and House Rabbit Society in asking people to refrain from acquiring live chicks, ducklings and rabbits as Easter gifts this holiday season. Young, adorable animals mature quickly into adults and need daily care for the rest of their lives. Instead of live animals as gifts, consider giving children a plush toy or a chocolate rabbit. Celebrate the renewal of life in a humane and compassionate manner that truly represents the holiday.

Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

World Spay Month…united we can fix the problem

In the next few months it won't be just flowers that will be springing to life and populating the landscape. With spring comes the birth of young animals, among them many cats and dogs. The thought of fuzzy puppies and kittens may sound sweet but their number far exceeds the hope of finding a decent life for them or, for that matter, the chance of surviving for very long. The problem isn't just a local phenomenon; the seasonal increase of unwanted companion animals is a world-wide problem.

In a world bursting at the seams with 7 billion humans and all its related problems, you might think that the birth of an excess of animals would go unheeded. But that’s not the case.

In 1995, a movement to put an end to the killing of this country’s animal companions started out as Spay Day USA by the Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF). It was a welcome birth of a banding together of people dedicated to putting a halt to the killing of unwanted companion animals—a mission that has evolved into a multi-nation effort spreading to 46 countries.

With blessing of the DDAF, the banner was picked up by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Humane Society International (HIS) and many organizations working in cooperation to raise awareness of the need to spay/neuter companion animals. Spay Day USA has now evolved into World Spay/Neuter Day, annually observed on February 28, and a planet encircling event known as World Spay Month.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of HSUS stated, "The overpopulation of cats, dogs and other pets is a global problem and it’s gratifying to see that caring people the world over are working to raise awareness that spay/neuter is the solution...to reflect Spay Day’s new status in the world, it is only fitting that we change the name of Spay Day USA to World Spay Day."

Previously, in countries where stray animals were culled off the streets and put to death as a solution to their burgeoning numbers, there now exist dedicated groups of people working tirelessly to not only provide sterilization for dogs and cats but immunizations against disease including the deadly rabies virus. This has allowed frightened people to see the animals as creatures with lives deserving of consideration and care rather than potentially dangerous vermin.

Their efforts have not only helped prevent the birth and ensuing death of thousands of animals but in the process have changed the attitudes of thousands upon thousands of people in far-reaching countries as diverse as Liberia, Panama, Ghana, India—and the list goes on and on.

No longer seen as a threat to human survival, animal companions lucky enough to have homes, and those unfortunates who are forced to live on the streets, can now have a greater chance to be seen as innocents that whose lives have value and their welfare considered.

Through these combined efforts, advocates continue to work toward to putting an end to the needless waste of life…and it is paying off. The World Spay Month movement is catching fire and is spreading around the world as education and resources are made available to stem the birth of unwanted companion animals.

This month in the United States, many organizations have been promoting World Spay Day through spay/neuter awareness and associated activities, forming a link uniting hundreds of events organized by local animal welfare organizations and advocates, as well as participating veterinary professionals.

Since the inception of Spay Day, HSUS estimates that more than one million animals have been sterilized by those supporting the campaign. Efforts including low and no-cost spay/neuter clinics for low-income families, fundraisers to benefit spay/neuter programs and educational efforts informing companion animal guardians about the importance of spaying or neutering have made a significant difference.

Yet there is much work still to be done. Each year an estimated four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are killed in U.S. animals shelters because there are no homes available for them.

These figures do not include the countless lives of unaltered and abandoned companion animals who never made it to a shelter but were left to try and survive on their own and ultimately died but not before adding their offspring to the growing number of feral animals.

Whether from lack of financing or ignorance of the suffering and death they are contributing to, many people let their beloved family companion animals reproduce. Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them.

There really is no excuse; there are many low-cost and even no-cost spay/neuter programs available that cover most areas of the country, helping those on very limited incomes or living on ever-tightening social security or disability benefits.

In 2011, Ohlone Humane Society assisted in the spaying/neutering of just under 1,000 dogs, cats and rabbits and receives no local or state funding for the program. The OHS Spay/Neuter Assistance program is only made possible by the generosity of our members and supporters.

Don’t wait! Call today for Spay/Neuter Assistance: 1-800-248-SPAY (1-800-248-7729);
Ohlone Humane Society 510-792-0927


Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

State to cut shelter animal lifeline?

There’s no disputing that California is in a huge budgetary crisis and has been for some time. Looking for ways to address the state shortfall, Governor Brown’s administration has targeted a list of 30 state mandated programs and eliminating assistance to some the state’s most needy inhabitants. Included in the grim edict is the elimination of a legal safety net aimed at giving innocent shelter animals a greater chance at survival.

Even with the current protections, shelter animals have very limited time for an owner to reclaim them or a chance at adoption before they may be put to death. Any repeal of current legal protections would be a death sentence for many animals.

Before 1998, animals unfortunate enough to end up in kill shelters were given only a minimum 72 hours after their initial impoundment before they could be killed; hours that were counted whether the shelter was open or not.

In 1998, then-Senator Tom Hayden introduced Senate Bill 1785 that was to become the "Hayden Law." This major piece of animal welfare legislation provided animals in shelters a greater chance of survival than ever before.

The 72 hour holding period was replaced with a requirement to hold animals 4-6 working days based on the number of hours the public had shelter access to reclaim their companion animals; lost and found lists were mandated so people desperately searching for their missing animals had a decent chance of locating them. Traumatized domestic cats received greater protection by establishing standardized testing that helped shelter staff to identify them rather than just declaring them feral - meaning speedy euthanization.

It mandated care and maintenance for the same period for impounded rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, pot-bellied pigs, birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, or tortoises legally allowed as personal property that were often euthanized.

It directed when impounded that "necessary and prompt veterinary care" be provided for stray or abandoned injured cats and dogs and emergency treatment be given even though they might ultimately be euthanized. It also directed animal shelters to maintain records on animals that were not medically treated by a veterinarian, but were taken in, then euthanized after the holding period.

The Hayden Law originally included reimbursement to cities or counties for costs that were incurred from implementing the law’s mandates. However, for several years now, due to the budget crisis, the Hayden Law has been in partial suspension; while all other sections of it are still in effect, the state has not been issuing reimbursements to the cities or counties. Since no financial loss from the law has recently impacted California’s budget why is there now a move to repeal it entirely? Why not still leave it on the books with its mandated protections for the shelter animals?

Even though the Hayden Law reimbursements have been in suspension since 2009, Brown’s administration still states that it is a budget issue. Because reimbursement is part of the Hayden Law, and it directs the state to pay animal shelters for the costs incurred from those extra days they keep animals alive. Department of Finance spokesman H.D.Palmer stated that the law costs the state approximately $23 million a year. This would be true only if reimbursements were still being made, but they are not!

In 2008 a report by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office, recommended eliminating the law because it did not find that it resulted in an increased demand for adoptions. This erroneous information was arrived at by bureaucrats seeking to justify not allowing shelter animals a decent chance at survival while theoretically saving a few bucks. Those working in the trenches, working to save shelter animals as I am, know the inaccuracy of the report. How can bean-counters translate the lives of living, feeling beings into numbers? Sadly, it seems all too easy.

As an animal shelter volunteer and regional rescue networker for more than 20 years, I’ve seen the tough reality of what it was like before the Hayden Law came into effect and the increase in adoptions, owner redemptions and rescues since its inception - and this reaches far beyond local findings. Obviously, the bureaucrats have been talking to the wrong people and it has lead the Governor and his advisors down the wrong path.

If repealed, the protections mentioned will be history. Reportedly, left in the gutted bill will be the important non-revenue impacting provision that allows non-profit rescues special opportunity to pull animals before they are killed. Unfortunately, rescues are overburdened and each additional day an animal has gives them time to find rehoming options for them.

Several years ago, then Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger attempted to repeal sections of the Hayden Law only to be faced with such an overwhelming public outcry against the proposal that he backed down. Governor Brown now needs to listen to current huge chorus of disapproval and drop all consideration of repealing any part of the Hayden Law. As a dog lover, he may be attempting to be objective but these are animals whose lives are just as precious as that of his own dog… not impersonal statistics removed from the reality of looming death. It’s in our hands - so request that he choose to be humane and find other means to balance the budget.

Moves to repeal the Hayden Law are also being considered in State Assembly and Senate budgetary committees. TAKE ACTION NOW and contact the committee members backing repeal and tell them this move is not acceptable:

Governor Brown: (916) 445-2841 (9 am to 5 pm); Fax (916) 558-3177
Senator Mark Leno, Chair, Senate Budget Committee: (916) 651-4003
Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield, Chair, Assembly Budget Committee: (916) 319-2040

Tri-City Voice article by Nancy Lyon, President, Ohlone Humane Society

Bullfrogs and Turtles and the Dept of Fish & Game...Oh My!

California annually imports two million American bullfrogs and more than 300,000 freshwater turtles for live food markets. None of these animals are native to California. The inhumane treatment of live market animals includes many being killed while fully conscious. Both public safety and the environment are being compromised by these imports through:

• Diseases and parasites found in all live market frogs and turtles, including E. coli, salmonella and pasturella, to name a few
• Depletion of local red-eared slider and spiny softshell turtle populations in states east of the Rockies
• Non-native frogs and turtles preying upon and displacing our native species after being released into local waters

Back in 2009, the California Fish & Game Commission directed the Department of Fish & Game to cease issuing import permits for frogs and turtles used for human consumption. Despite this instruction and support for the proposed import ban by wide-ranging groups, politicians and the general public, permits continue to be issued!

Eric Mills, OHS' Community Relations Director and Legislative Liason, has gathered some surprising background on the Department of Fish & Game. He also covers encouraging news about a proposed Santa Cruz County ban on the importation/possession of American bullfrogs. Finally, learn what WE can do to stop the permits and, thus, the importation of live market frogs and turtles.

Read the Tri-City Voice article "It's not easy being green...live animal food markets": http://www.tricityvoice.com/articlefiledisplay.php?issue=2012-01-10&file=Being+Green++TCV.txt

Build it and they will come...

Many people have dreams of the future but they are often only temporary fantasies to be filed away as something that might have been. Others have visions that build the future; with persistence and commitment that dream grows into a reality.

For many years, Evonne Phelps tirelessly followed her passion of rescuing animals in need. During a long and sometimes discouraging time as one of the founders of Nike Animal Rescue Foundation (NARF), the seemingly endless number of animals needing to be re-homed was overwhelming. It became Evonne's vision that many more dogs, cats and other companion animals could be prevented from adding to the tragic overpopulation problem if veterinary costs to spay or neuter animals were more affordable.

Available funding was limited and establishing a low-cost clinic was a financial burden not to be taken lightly. It was then that she met Fremont Animal Shelter veterinarian Dr. Bonnie Erhorn and shelter veterinary technician Dottie Hutcheon and realized they shared a common goal of expanding low-cost spay/neuter services to the community. The Catch-22 was that they didn't have the financial resources to buy a state-of-the art clinic.

Their initial effort was to set up a clinic at the Fremont Animal Shelter during days it was closed but it soon proved cumbersome for all involved given the limited space and the increased number of animals that used the onsite surgery. Both parties agreed that continuing at the animal shelter was no longer a viable option and it was time to move on.

Given their limited assets, offering limited spay/neuter services through non-profit animal organizations was a safer bet financially. With this game plan in place, the search to purchase an affordable location was on. Fremont Animal Services Officer Duane Maxfield who had worked with them at the shelter, offered to keep an eye out for a suitable facility and when he discovered that Dr. William Young, who owned the Centerville Pet Clinic was retiring, he gave Evonne a heads up and hope that a future For Paws Clinic might no longer be a dream.

Negotiations took six months; timing was a crucial factor. Evonne had property that she wanted to sell and ended up using the proceeds from that real estate sale to fund the purchase of the clinic. They were fortunate to inherit many supplies and equipment needed to start with the sale, but Evonne spent her own money to get For Paws off the ground. All in all, she bankrolled the first year plus, until For Paws gained momentum.

For several years, For Paws continued at the Centerville location although space was very limited making the setup less than ideal as the building was shared with another veterinary practice. Many of the first clients were people that they told about the low cost of For Paws services. Also NARF was a steady customer... Evonne was doing a lot more rescue of large breed litters and moms from out-of-area shelters. When pups came in, they would spay or neuter them, showcase and place them... and the mom dogs too.

At that time, with a growing list of clients that included both local and many out-of-area non-profits, it was once again time to consider moving on. Any move is a challenge at best and after months of searching, the new home for For Paws was a larger but colorless place recently vacated by a local veterinarian.

That was two years ago and the drab setting is now a thing of the past. A visit to For Paws is a trip into a cheerful wonderland of color and artistry mostly due to the multi-talented Dr. Bonnie. Its services are now available to everyone, so they serve very needy folks as well as smart shoppers. They have never advertised, growing by word of mouth and a reputation of good care that continues to draw in more and more clients, some from very far away... amazing really! Some full-scale clinics now refer For Paws to clients that cannot afford their fees and include referrals from the Fremont Shelter.

When asked about her vision for the future, Evonne said she never really had a goal other than helping to spay and neuter as many animals as the clinic can, keep on going and offer rescue groups lower veterinary costs to help them assist even more companion animals.

Perhaps the greatest testament to the success of Evonne's dream was that last week, For Paws celebrated its 10,000th spay/neuter surgery. An amazing tribute to the vision of one dedicated woman whose unfailing efforts have prevented the birth of literally hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals who had little or no chance of a quality life.

Dreams can come true but it takes more than a vision, it takes hard work and a belief that it will happen if you just keep trying; as the saying goes... "build it and they will come."

For Paws Clinic
40501 B. Fremont Blvd (& Eugene), Fremont
(510) 573-4660

Contact Ohlone Humane Society for Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Assistance at (510) 792-4587

The Gift of Giving...

Earlier this year, Olivia Clayton (9 years old) and her group of friends decided to become junior members of OHS and give the “gift of giving” rather than receiving for their birthdays. Each one of these young individuals will do the same on their birthdays and rather than except gifts on their birthdays – they will make donations to the charity of their choice. Olivia chose Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

This selfless act of kindness is mind blowing. Olivia and her mother dropped off their memberships and donations & got a little peak into what we do at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which is a one of the many wonderful programs that Ohlone Humane Society has to offer.

This is a very special group of kids and undoubtedly a very special group of parents who have instilled valuable life skills and have taught them to have respect and compassion for all living things. It was a privilege to meet Olivia and her mother Susan.

Because of these young thoughtful individuals, our future just became 6 times brighter than it was yesterday!

Wouldn’t you agree?

By -
David Anderson, RVT ~OHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Halloween Safety Tips For Your Companion Animal

Halloween is almost upon us! That means it's time to ensure your companion animals enjoy a stress-free holiday with the following precautions:

1. No tricks or treats! Keep all candy out of the reach of companion animals. Chocolate, in particular, is toxic and often fatal to dogs and cats. The sweetener xylitol, used in candies and gum, can also cause problems. If you suspect your companion animal has ingested some candy, don't hesitate—get prompt veterinarian assistance.

2. Costume with caution: as cute as they look, dressing up companion animals can cause them stress. If they're okay being dolled up, make sure the costumes are comfortable and pose no risk for injury. They should not impede movement, hearing or the ability to breathe easily. Masks should be avoided.

3. Decorations can be hazardous! Dangling decorations can be ingested or entangle the animal. Candle flames from jack o' lanterns can set fire to their fur. Wires and cords from electrical lights and appliances can cause burns and shock if chewed.

4. Watch the door! Make sure your companion animal can't dash outside when you open the door for trick or treat-ers.

5. Provide a safe and quiet place for your companion animal, well away from the bustle and strangeness of the holiday.

6. Leave your dog at home when trick or treating. They can be easily frightened, possibly resulting in flight or bite.

7. Make sure your companion animal is properly ID'd. Should he or she manage to escape, tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver.

A Happy and Safe Halloween to you and your whole family!