T.L.C. Paw Prints Summer Issue 2001


In Memoriam
Wish List

"We've Got People to See" Pet Program
A few months ago we mentioned that we were looking for people who would like to get involved in the shelter's fledgling "people to see" pet program, which entails taking pets to visit residents of nursing homes and therapy centers. Several people had responded but with so much that had been going on at the shelter, the program had temporarily been put on the back burner... that is until the activities director at Shady Oaks asked if any T.L.C. volunteers might be willing to bring animals to visit the residents there.
We knew we had to get the program up and running A.S.A.P., and we felt Phyliss Klingensmith would be perfect as the team Coordinator. (Phyliss is a professor at Governor State University.) We were delighted when Phyliss accepted, and said we would form an advisory board to help her.
Although Annie Coleman's schedule was already filled between her weekly nursing home and hospice visits, and a multitude of other activities she is involved in, Annie agreed to help as an advisor. With all the years that Annie and her canine companion Baby have spent on these weekly visits, we knew Annie would be a wealth of information on situations the volunteers might encounter, and the best way to handle them.
We also appreciate Ina Jacobs volunteering to help in an advisory capacity. Ina presently works with young women at a correctional center, teaching them how to train dogs for the handicapped. (Some of you already know Ina and Lukie her German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog.)
Phyliss went to work immediately researching the project, (legalities, expectations, etc.) and after getting the necessary information compiled, she called everyone who had been interested in the program and set up the group's first meeting. The response to the fledgling program was good, so good as a matter of fact, that Trisha Hupac and Bandit her Flat Coated Retriever made a visit to Shady Oaks prior to the first meeting!
Phyliss did a great job of leading the group and presenting the information she had obtained, while Annie and Ina were there to jump in with their thoughts and suggestions. Our recruits at the first meeting were Kathy Kanak with Levi Jean her Sheltie, Lisa Ramsey with Alex her long haired dachshund, and Paula Churma with Dogzilla her great Pyrenees. From the biggest to the smallest, all the dogs were personality plus, and responded well as they were tested to see how they would react around volunteers in wheelchairs and walkers - none of the dogs shied away or became alarmed.
Although Trisha Hupac and Bandit were not able to meet with the group, they did come later that afternoon, and filled us in on how their visit at Shady Oaks went.
Although the program is new, we would like to expand the program in the near future, as more people become involved. If you are interested in participating in the "We've Got People to See" program please call the shelter for further information. The rewards are enormous, just ask Annie Coleman. Among the residents that Annie and Baby visited each week, was a young man who was bedridden and had not spoken in years. One day Annie and her little white poodle walked through the door, the young man called out "Baby!". The nurses and caretakers were astonished to put it mildly. That only goes to prove animals can be the best therapy. Annie knows how these people look forward to her bringing Baby for a visit. They say it is like a ray of sunshine, but Annie readily admits that she thinks she gets more pleasure and satisfaction out of these visits than the residents do. Annie knows she has brought a smile to many faces and that is her reward.

Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch
My grandmother had always told me "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." I was also taught that the word "No" meant just that, NO! No if's, and's or but's about it. I guess I was naive when I thought "no" meant precisely the same thing when it came to the legal system too! But in the legal system the word no is countered with the word APPEAL!
I guess by now the majority of you know where this is headed. I did report, in the last issue of Paw Prints, that the discrimination suit that was filed against the shelter was over. I am sorry to say that the plaintiff has decided to exercise his legal right, and appeal, on the basis that he was not treated fairly during the hearing, and that the hearing officer was biased.
I don't mean to be redundant, and for those of you who already know about the original suit, I apologise and please bear with me. The shelter had been brought up on charges of discrimination, because we would not allow a party to adopt a puppy that he readily admits he would keep tied outside twenty-four hours a day. It is against T.L.C.'s policy to adopt any dog or cat for an outdoor pet, which is a policy other humane societies stongly enforce too.
The plaintiff readily admits, saying he would leave the dog outside all the time. His suit contends that we would not allow him to adopt a dog, because he is single! This is totally absurd! We have never discriminated against singles adopting a dog or cat from T.L.C., as long as they could provide the proper care for that animal.
This is not a normal court case, this is being heard in Chicago, by the Illinois Department of Human Services. The hearing board will once again deem if the plaintiff did or did not receive a fair hearing. We are eternally grateful to Emmett Dunham the attorney who has been representing us pro bono.
Needless to say this has left us very angry and upset, as no doubt you are. But we will continue to keep you informed on how the case is going. Just keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer.

Preventing Dog Bites
We consider dogs to be "man's best friend" and rarely if ever think of them in terms of being biters or dangerous animals. But the truth is, approximately 4.7 million people are bitten each year, and most of these victims are children. Even more shocking, there is an average of 10 fatalities each year due to dog bites. Now with the warm weather here, the number of bite cases will dramatically increase. Here are a few things you and your children should know.
To avoid being bitten
** Never allow children to tease a dog, even the best natured dog can only take so much. Infants and toddlers should be monitored when they are with a pet, children this young do not realize that they may be hurting the animal, and that Sparky's tail is not something to be teething on, or Sparky may just bite back in his own defence!
** Always ask owner's permission before petting a dog, then proceed slowly, letting the dog sniff your hand to let the dog get to know you.
** If you see a neighbor's or friend's dog sitting in the car, even if the dog knows you, NEVER reach inside the car's window to pet the dog. The dog might think he is on "guard duty" and defend his territory, the same is true of a dog that is confined to his own back yard.
** Never run past or turn your back on a dog and run, it is a dog's natural instinct to chase you.
** Don't make fast movements, waving your arms or screaming, even in play, may provoke a dog into biting.
** Don't stare into a dog's eyes, that is how dogs challenge each other to fight. Always assume that a strange dog may see you as an intruder.
** Never bother a dog when it is eating, playing with a toy, and be especially careful around a female dog who is taking care of her litter.
What you can do in case you are attacked
** Number one on the list, DO NOT SCREAM AND RUN! Try to remain as calm and motionless as possible, avoiding eye contact with the dog. Keep your hands at your side. Remaining motionless may make the dog lose interest in you. Once the dog starts to leave, slowly back away until the dog is out of sight.
** If the dog does attack put anything between you and the dog so he bites the object instead of you, such as your purse, jacket, or bicycle, etc.
** If you are attacked and knocked to the ground, curl into a ball, cover your ears with your hands, laying as still as you possibly can, avoid screaming or rolling around. The dog may then lose interest and back off.
Tips to prevent your dog from biting
** If you have a dog, don't teach him to "sic". You are telling him it is ok to attack. There are people who try to make their dog become mean, only to find out they have created a monster, and something they are ill prepared to deal with. Dogs are natural protectors of their family, they do not have to be made more aggressive.
** Socialize your dog by introducing him to different people, situations and animals so that he does not become frightened or nervous in different social situations.
** Train your dog, better yet, take him to obedience school to learn proper doggie manners. An additional benefit of taking your dog to obedience school, is to help him interact and socialize with other people and animals.
** Set limits on your dog's behavior. Start teaching him as a puppy what is okay and what is not, as far as play goes. If he starts getting out of hand, and his play becomes too rough, stop playing with him, and ignore him, giving him a puppy time out.
** Do not play "mouth" with your dog or allow anyone else to do so. This type of play is an accident just waiting to happen. Some "bites" are not actual bites at all, but punctures that have occurred during very aggressive play. Unfortunately, it will still be written up as a bite by animal control, which will be a black mark on your dog's record.
** Spay or neuter your pet. Spayed and neutered animals tend to be less aggressive, and have less of a tendency to roam, and are less apt to fight.
** Don't be afraid to tell someone to leave your pet alone, if the party starts teasing your pet, startles your pet, or if you see your pet acting very leery of the person.
** Avoid stressful situations with your dog such as fireworks, parades, or other events that might make your dog fearful and over react.
By following a few simple rules you and your pet can have a great summer and avoid becoming a part of bite statistics.

Website News
Have you checked out the shelter's website lately, there's a great deal of information about the shelter there. Sandi O'Brien (hey, that's me!) diligently updates the site every friday with pictures and information about the animals awaiting homes at the shelter. Even if you aren't considering adopting a pet at this time, please check our site anyway to see the many animals your contributions are helping. You will see far more pictures of the animals on the website, than we could ever hope to put into any one of the newsletters!
You will also be able to read about animals adopted in the "Happy Endings" portion of the website. We would also like to mention, that if you have adopted a pet from T.L.C., you may want to add your own happy ending story, we would be pleased to have it.

Third Annual Car Wash for T.L.C.
When: 10 am until 2 pm July 8th
Where: at the Animal Care Clinic located at 13061 W. 143rd street, Lockport
The more cars the better! The staff at the Animal care Clinic will be giving up part of their Sunday to raise money for the animals at T.L.C., and give your car a great wash to boot!



This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page