BIDE-A-WEE NEWS
Bide-a-wee
FALL 1995 EDITION
The Bide-A-Wee Home Association Is A Not-For-Profit 501(c)3
Charitable Organization That Has Operated No-Kill Animal Shelters
In The New York City Area Continuously Since 1903
URL: http://www.inch.com/~bideawee/index.html
IN THIS ISSUE
* Have A Heart Gala Set For February 7th
* Pet Retirement Home Brochure Published
* Free Spay/Neuter Program Is A Success
* Brush Fires Threaten Bide-A-Wee Shelter
* Heroic Volunteers Save Westhampton
* Holidays Can Be Tough On Unwary Pets
* Pet Books Make Great Holiday Gifts
* Animal Crackers II Delights The Hamptons
* A Loving Tribute To A Dear Friend - Midnite
* Tails Of Battery Park City, Part III
* Kate, Scott, and Lucille: They're A Family
* Pets Provide Unique Therapy
* Save These Dates
* Bide-A-Wee Services
* Special Thanks
* Bide-A-Wee's Executive Staff and Board of Directors
* Bide-A-Wee News Staff
HAVE A HEART GALA SET FOR FEBRUARY 7TH
by George Wirt
Bide-A-Wee proudly announces an exciting new fundraiser honoring
individuals that have made a significant contribution to the
welfare of companion animals. It's called the "Have A Heart
Gala," and it will take place on Wednesday, February 7th, 1996 in
the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel at Fifth Avenue and
Fifty-Ninth Street in Manhattan.
"This is a very special event for all of us at Bide-A-Wee," said
Bide-A-Wee President Elizabeth R. Cooke. "The Have A Heart Gala
will give us a wonderful showcase to publicly thank people who,
by their example or contributions, have helped advance the humane
treatment of pets. In addition," Cooke continued, "proceeds from
the gala will benefit Bide-A-Wee's animal shelter programs,
including the Golden Years Retirement Home for Pets."
The festivities will begin at 7 PM with cocktails. Dinner will be
served at 8 PM and there will be dancing until 11 PM.
Tickets are $350.00. Junior tickets are available for $250.00. A
portion of the ticket price will be tax deductible. To obtain
tickets, or more information, call (212) 532-6395.
Bide-A-Wee is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 humane organization. Its
animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and other pet services are
made possible in large part through the donations and gifts
received from individuals, bequests, charitable trusts, and
foundations.
PET RETIREMENT HOME BROCHURE PUBLISHED
Bide-A-Wee's proposed Golden Years Retirement Home will be an
important facility that will provide lifetime shelter for older
dogs and cats left behind when their owners die. The home will be
a spacious one-story structure on the grounds of Bide-A-Wee's
shelter in Westhampton, and comfortable individual runs, open
play areas, year-round climate control, specially-prepared meals,
round-the-clock supervision, and regular veterinary care will be
provided.
A twelve-page brochure featuring information on the Golden Years
Retirement Home is now available. For a copy, please call (212)
532-6395 or write to Golden Years Home, 410 East 38th Street, New
York, N.Y. 10016.
FREE SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM IS A SUCCESS
by Barbara Black
The months of July and August were very busy and productive ones
at Bide-A-Wee's veterinary clinics as the public enthusiastically
responded to Bide-A-Wee's campaign to combat pet overpopulation.
"More than four hundred pet owners called in and took advantage
of our free spay/neuter program," said Bide-A-Wee's executive
director, Reynaldo C. Samala. "It was...very gratifying...and
shows that pet lovers can and will act responsibly, especially
when we provide them with the opportunity."
Samala said Bide-A-Wee had decided to offer the spay/neuter
procedures to the public at no cost for two important reasons.
"First, we wanted to make a real dent in the continuing problem
of pet overpopulation, and second, we wanted to help pets live a
longer and healthier life." Samala went on to explain that, "Dogs
and Cats...spayed or neutered at an early age are less likely to
develop tumors and other serious illnesses later in life."
The free neutering was made available to younger, vaccinated pets
in good health. It was performed by the members of Bide-A-Wee's
veterinary staff at all three of Bide-A-Wee's facilities.
"We think that this year's experience illustrates that there is a
continuing need for this kind of program, and we plan to repeat
it again next summer," Samala said. "However, this kind of
service is costly, and we will be seeking additional financial
support to cover the cost. We would like to hear from anyone
interested in supporting this effort."
BRUSH FIRES THREATEN BIDE-A-WEE SHELTER
by George Wirt
Fueled by severe drought and fanned by August winds, massive
wildfires charred a twelve square mile area of pine barrens in
Suffolk County. Included in the area were portions of Bide-A-
Wee's grounds in Westhampton.
Miraculously, none of the animals in Bide-A-Wee's care were
injured. In addition, although Bide-A-Wee's shelter complex was
damaged, it was saved.
Described as being among the worst fires in Long Island's
history, the blazes raged out of control for several days. There
were walls of flame that reached up to one hundred feet in the
air and huge clouds of smoke that could be seen from miles away.
Officials credited an army of more than two thousand volunteer
fire fighters, all of whom waged an epic battle, with saving
homes, business, and public facilities. Dozens of Bide-A-Wee's
staff members, volunteers, and supporters also earned high
praise. They evacuated the Westhampton shelter's entire
population of cats and dogs to the safety of other shelters,
veterinary facilities, and private homes.
"We want to reassure everyone that our Westhampton shelter,
veterinary clinic, and pet memorial park are intact and resumed
normal operations after an evacuation that disrupted our normal
schedule for nearly a week," said Reynaldo C. Samala, Bide-A-
Wee's executive director. "The fire did destroy an outdoor
storage area adjacent to the shelter building. The shelter roof
sustained some water damage and dozens of acres of pine forest on
our grounds that we maintain as a nature area were charred."
"Bide-A-Wee was very fortunate," Samala said. "We narrowly
escaped what could have been a major tragedy."
Bide-A-Wee property and roads played a key role in the
firefighting effort. They gave fire fighters direct access to the
heart of the fire. Using heavy equipment and aerial tankers, fire
fighters were able to establish a line and stop the fire's
advance towards local businesses and populated areas.
HEROIC VOLUNTEERS SAVE WESTHAMPTON
by Lonni Vacirca
There were many heroes in the battle against the Long Island
wildfires that swept through the Hamptons in August.
"It was the kind of disaster that brings an entire community
together," said Bide-A-Wee president Elizabeth R. Cooke. "It
wasn't some far-off tragedy. It was a real threat here in our own
backyard. It was our neighbors' homes and businesses and our
community institutions like the Bide-A-Wee animal shelter in
Westhampton that were in danger. The response from our friends
and neighbors was truly inspiring."
Cooke had high praise for the fire fighters, veterinarians, and
residents who pitched in to help fight the fire and evacuate
Bide-A-Wee's shelter. She also had high praise for the members of
Bide-A-Wee's staff, those who do volunteer work for Bide-A-Wee,
and Bide-A-Wee's other board members. A letter that she wrote
about the fire was published in both "Newsday" and the "Hampton
Chronicle."
"There are so many people whom we need to thank publicly," Cooke
said. She expressed thanks to the Hampton Veterinary Hospital,
Southampton Animal Control, the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter,
and the staff of Bide-A-Wee's shelter in Wantagh.
Among those who took part in conducting the evacuation were
Westhampton shelter manager Lonni Vacirca and the members of her
staff. They include Susan Shore, Carol Tuthill, Judy Wade,
Jennifer Fowler, Barbara Madaloni, and Jerry Copenhaver. Dr.
Michael Gould, the head of Bide-A-Wee's Westhampton clinic, and
board members Helen Beinecke, Bertel Bruun, and Elizabeth Cooke
also helped out.
The volunteers who took part in conducting the evacuation
included Jason Fowler, Timmy Forster, Ellen Matteo, Ellen
Uffelman, David Knipfing, Suzanne Cullen, Floyd Tuthill, Pat and
Ed Stephenson, Joanne and Peter Fallon, Bill and Peggy Sexton,
Mary McDowell, Enrico DiGiacomo, Judy and Donald O'Connell, Janet
Berry, Wanda Copenhaver, Barbara Jefferies, David Hamill, Don
Bambrick, and Randy Cusamano.
HOLIDAYS CAN BE TOUGH ON UNWARY PETS
by George Wirt
The holidays are coming, and while young and old look forward
with great anticipation to family gatherings and celebrations,
there is one member of the household that often gets overlooked,
sometimes with tragic consequences. According to the pet experts
at Bide-A-Wee, the holidays can be a dangerous time for cats and
dogs.
"We seem to get more than our share of internal injuries,
intestinal problems, and poisonings during the late fall and
early winter," Dr. Lewis Berman, the head of the Park East Animal
Hospital and vice president of Bide-A-Wee, recently said. "People
tend to forget that some of the simple things like decorations,
plants, and seasonal foods that make our holidays so special can
create serious problems if they are bitten, chewed, or swallowed
by our pets."
The experts caution that abdominal blockages force thousands of
emergency surgical procedures to be performed on pets each year.
According to Dr. Lynn Lawrence, the medical director of Bide-A-
Wee's veterinary clinics, the Christmas and Hanukkah season is
one of the busiest for this type of procedure. "Gift wrapping,
ribbons, and tinsel, when chewed and swallowed, can get caught in
your cat's or dog's intestinal tract. They can not only cause
blockages, but also cuts and internal bleeding."
"Glass and plastic ornaments can break into sharp particles when
chewed," Lawrence said, "but those aren't the only hazards pet
lovers should be on guard for. Lights - especially the string
lights on Christmas trees - are extremely dangerous when chewed
on. You can just imagine the kinds of burns and other injuries
that can occur when a pet chews through an electrical cord."
Even decorative plants can be dangerous, according to Lawrence.
"Poinsettias and mistletoe can be poisonous to pets if eaten."
Hazards to pets aren't limited to Yuletide. "Pets shouldn't be
given any sweets, especially chocolate," Lawrence said. "Many of
the treats kids can enjoy cause diarrhea and other stomach
distresses in pets."
The veterinarians at Bide-A-Wee say Thanksgiving is another
holiday during which pet lovers need to keep an eye on their
companion animals. "Dogs and cats should not be given poultry or
steak bones because they can splinter and perforate a pet's
stomach and intestines," Lawrence pointed out.
All of the noise that surrounds New Year's festivities poses a
different kind of problem. "The fireworks and loud celebrations
can unnerve pets with the most calm of dispositions," Lawrence
said. "If possible, it is a good idea to move your dogs and cats
to a room away from any loud outdoor noises and indoor partying."
Many feel that the biggest threat to pets during the holidays is
the misguided notion that they make wonderful gifts. "Pets given
as gifts rarely work out," according to Debby Glasco, director of
Bide-A-Wee's animal shelters. "What begins with good intentions
usually winds up being a sad episode for everyone involved,
especially the pet. After the novelty of a puppy or a kitten
given as a gift wears off, the pets are often turned in to an
animal shelter, or worse, they are abandoned by the recipients of
the `gift,' who learn that they aren't ready for the
responsibility that comes with pet ownership."
PET BOOKS MAKE GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS
by Barbara Black
If your holiday gift list includes pet lovers, think about
getting them a book. Several new titles on pets are out this
holiday season, and they would make great stocking stuffers or
last minute gift ideas for that hard-to-please person on your
list:
How To Get Your Dog To Do What You Want
by Warren Eckstein
Warren is America's best-known pet behaviorist. He is the host of
a nationally-syndicated radio call-in program called "The Pet
Show," and television viewers know him well from his many regular
appearances on "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee," "Saturday Today
in New York," and many other shows.
Warren's approach to dog obedience training is unique, and he
spells out his views in his latest book from Fawcett
Publications. One of the keys to Warren's success with pets is
his premise that all dogs have a desire to please and the
potential to be well-trained.
Warren's book covers a variety of topics, including communicating
with your dog, hassle-free housebreaking, peaceful but effective
discipline, recognizing your dog's state of mind, health tips to
keep your dog feeling his best, practical advice on training, and
lots more.
The Dogs' Guide to New York City
by Jane Rohman
Jack, the canine star of this innovative guidebook for city dog
owners, leads readers through a tour of Manhattan's neighborhoods
and their dog services. The book also describes "spots" around
the city where dogs are welcome, including dog-friendly
restaurants, businesses, hotels, parks, places for favorite
"romps," special canine events, and means of transportation.
Rohman also serves up suggestions for weekend trips for you and
your dog outside the city, and even gives a description of
pending dog legislation in New York City.
Seen through the eyes of a dog, "The Dog's Guide to New York
City" provides entertaining reading as well as vitally important
information. Rohman's handy volume is published by Jack's City
Dog Publications, and it is available at Bide-A-Wee's shelter in
Manhattan.
Cat Horoscopes
by Genia Wennerstrom
This charming book is a best seller at cat shows, pet expos, and
other special events. Author Genia Wennerstrom is a frequent
special guest at these events, and she almost always has an
adoptable Bide-A-Wee kitten or cat at her side.
In "Cat Horoscopes," Wennerstrom has crafted a good-natured guide
on how to choose a feline companion according to your, and the
cat's, astrological data.
Even if you don't own a cat or know anything about astrology,
Wennerstrom has weaved ample helpings of her own tongue-in-cheek
style of wit to make this an enjoyable change of pace for any
reader.
Great New York Dog Book
by Deborah Loven
This is a convenient resource for New York City dog owners.
Loven provides practical information on owning and caring for a
dog in the urban maze. She takes her readers on a tour of the
best places to walk and exercise dogs, food and supply stores,
kennels, groomers, dog walkers, trainers, dog psychologists,
veterinarians, and emergency medical care facilities.
Interspersed throughout the book, which is published by Harper
Collins, are quotes and anecdotes about dogs, dog stories, and
tips on dog care.
Emergency Pet Care Kit
from Petscriptions, Inc.
This isn't just a book, it's a whole first aid kit. It will
probably be the best investment in pet safety you'll ever make
for a friend or for yourself.
Packed into a handy-sized container are enough supplies to
respond to the most common of pet emergencies as well as
information on what to do in more serious situations.
All of this vital information is in an easy to read, illustrated
step-by-step guide book that is designed to get you through the
critical minutes before you can rush your injured pet to the vet.
Copies of the "Emergency Pet Care Kit" are available at Bide-A-
Wee's clinics.
ANIMAL CRACKERS II DELIGHTS THE HAMPTONS
Celebrities, wild head gear, and loving pets took center stage at
the "Animal Crackers II - The March of the Mad Hatters" ladies'
lunch benefit for Bide-A-Wee that was held on Sunday, August
13th. Staged by Diana Oliver-Steinberg and dedicated to the
memory of Peter Adam Levine, the event was hosted by Adair
Beutel, who had her husband, WABC news anchor Bill Beutel, at her
side. Among the other celebrants at the event were FOX 5 news
anchor John Roland, who paraded with his canine pal, Peggy Cass,
who helped with introductions, and Steven Steinberg, who prepped
the parading puppies.
A LOVING TRIBUTE TO A DEAR FRIEND - MIDNITE
by Elaine Husni
I know you can't read this, but in your own way, I know you can
hear me. I am sitting here in my living room, watching you curled
up on your little red blanket, and I needed to write you this
letter.
You are probably wondering why I've been sad and crying myself to
sleep holding you in my arms at night, but my heart is broken
since I received the news that you are dying of an incurable
disease.
We've been together for twenty years, since I was twelve years
old. How will I ever say goodbye to my five-pound black puff ball
who has given me so much love and happiness? You are part of the
family.
We formed an attachment to each other that was built over many
years. We've been through a lot together, haven't we? After all,
you watched me grow up. You had more kindness and love in your
little heart than some people have in their little pinkie.
My father used to joke and ask me what I would do if I was
offered one million dollars and a Porsche to give up my cat. He
knew I wouldn't trade my kitty for all the money in the world!
My grief had caused me to reminisce about my childhood. I was
twelve years old when my brother and I found you sitting on our
doorstep. The minute I saw you, I knew you were meant to be with
me.
There you were, a little shiny black fur ball, with sparkling
yellow-green eyes like a princess. We tried to hide you from my
father for three months, bud he knew. He enjoyed our secret and
played along.
Then he asked why you were so fat. We said we were feeding you a
lot, but the real answer came out in triplets. You were a good
mom to your kittens. It's twenty years later, and you're one
hundred and forty cat years old, and still as cute and lovable as
ever.
I'm going to miss your paw tapping me on the leg when you wanted
me to follow you to the bathroom so you could drink water from
the sink. I'll miss you sticking your head in my bowl of frozen
yogurt and opening your catnip gifts at Christmas.
Who is going to wake me up in the morning like you do, rubbing
your nose on my face, and reaching your paw out to get my
attention? Who is going to greet me at the door when I come home
from work and follow me around like a taillight, and how will I
know who Mr. Right is if you're not around to check him out?
I'm not ready to say goodbye to my best buddy, but then again,
when is someone ever ready to lose someone they love? When you
leave me, Middy, you will not only be taking my childhood years
with you, but a part of my brother as well. When he died, you
kept my childhood memories of him alive. You were the pet that we
shared growing up, and now that chain will be broken.
It comforts me to know you lived a long, happy, and nurtured
life. And I will continue to take care of you, cuddle you, and
make you comfortable to the end. I am thankful for every precious
day we can still share.
Thank you for making a difference in my life, my little kitty
cat. Mama loves you.
TAILS OF BATTERY PARK CITY, PART III
by Rich Brotman
Tortie had another litter of kittens - her third. Under other
circumstances, this would have been cause for some rejoicing and
congratulations. However, Tortie was a two-year-old feral cat
living under a woodpile behind a fence at a construction site in
Battery Park City whom my wife, Patti, and I had been feeding
since she was a kitten.
We wanted to rescue the kittens, but all we could do was watch
them romp around their woodpile behind a locked gate. The bad
news was that it was well into October, and we had gotten word
that the items stored in this particular lot were scheduled to be
cleared out.
The good news was that during one of our daily feeding runs,
Patti met Connie Levine, a project manager working in the
construction department of the Battery Park Authority. She was
familiar with many of the felines homesteading in the area.
Connie introduced us to veteran rescuer Holly Staver and escorted
us through the locked gates so we could crawl around Tortie's
woodpile. We managed to pluck up three out of the five kittens.
The remaining two also were eventually trapped, and once again we
found ourselves fostering kittens in our apartment in preparation
for their eventual adoption through Bide-A-Wee. This time,
however, we encountered a glitch. All five kittens tested
positive for feline leukemia.
Now what? We had not counted on this being "in the contract." In
addition, who would ever provide a home for Tortie's kittens?
Just as it began to seem that we'd run out of options, Holly told
us about Lynn Stitt, who lived near Harrisburg, Pa.. She cares
for a number of cats with feline leukemia and feline AIDS in a
two-story, comfortable furnished geodesic house built
specifically as a sanctuary next to her home. It wasn't long
before three of the kittens, Oscar, Pepper, and Button-Nose, were
on their way to Lynn's. From what we subsequently heard, they
were a big hit with the other cats.
Back in Battery Park City, it was clear that we had no choice but
to trap Tortie as soon as possible because she, too, could be
infected with the FELV virus and could continue to spread it
around the area. Of course, Tortie did not cooperate with our
plan and decided to disappear for a couple of weeks.
Meanwhile, we found that there had been a lot more cat rescue
business going on than we ever knew about in our neck of the Big
Rock of Manhattan. With construction of the new Stuyvesant High
School nearly completed, it was time to remove a group of
trailer-like office units that had been utilized by various
contractors. This meant that someone needed to inform the
seventeen cats living under and around the units that their lease
was up.
There was also quite a swinging scene involving over two dozen
cats and kittens stretching to the other end of Battery Park
City, including an area under development known as South Cove.
The situation there was beginning to be viewed as a problem,
because the construction workers had to constantly take care not
to run over any of the growing number of stray cats.
Connie got the snowball rolling by contacting Julie Van Ness,
president of United Action for Animals. She agreed to pay the
entire cost of vetting and temporarily holding the cats. Julie
also put Connie in touch with Holly and her network of rescuers,
which is now known as City Critters, Inc., in order to accomplish
the big round-up.
By the time Patti and I met Connie, about seventeen cats had
already been trapped, neutered, and fostered or adopted out of
the Stuyvesant site. It was now time to focus on the situation at
South Cove. Miraculously, through our growing network of like-
minded and kindhearted contacts, we were able to secure the use
of an enclosed space in which we could set up a bunch of cages.
This would serve as our "halfway house," where a number of cats
and kittens could stay while receiving veterinary care. Once they
had been tested, vaccinated, neutered, and socialized, they would
be eligible for adoption.
It sounds simple, but a project this vast required the dedicated
efforts of a range of individuals, not-for-profit organizations,
and civic-minded businesses. We needed traps, cages, cat food,
litter, litter pans, bottled water, paper towels, plastic spoons,
disinfectant, veterinary support, medication, and funding.
By the time everything was in place, the days were short and the
nights were pretty darn cold. However, that didn't stop me from
assuming my new role as "Trapper Dick" in search of clients.
There was a "whole lotta trappin' goin' on" as Connie, Holly, and
her network kept those cats a-comin' into the program. Judy
Kappel, with her trusty Volvo catmobile, kept the supply lines
moving while veterinary care was provided by Dr. Janet Ficarra,
Judy Schumacher, and Dr. Michael Farber.
It didn't take long before we had quite a cast of characters that
included Lucille, Mona, Emily, Norman, Arthur, Missy, Ranger, and
Sunny and her four kittens. They had it pretty good - heat in the
winter and air conditioning in the summer, good food, good rock
and roll music from my portable radio, and regular company.
Of course, throughout all of this, Patti insisted that we
continue to try to trap Tortie. A typical encounter consisted of
setting a trap with some sliced chicken, ham, or tuna. Within
minutes, Tortie would trot up, see the trap, and scamper away.
When you say "late January," you're saying "Superbowl." And half-
time found me setting cat traps for a couple of regulars that our
friend, Paul Slattery, was feeding under the windowsill of his
first floor apartment. By the time the third quarter was over,
two black and white cats, Stan and Sally, had joined our party.
The odd thing about Sally was that she kept facing the back of
her cage. We figured that it was just a phase, but the following
Saturday, when we went down to feed all of the cats, we
discovered that Sally had given birth to three kittens. Our
"halfway house" had now become a maternity ward.
Time marches on, and by spring, we had somehow persuaded nearly
all the cats we knew in the area to enroll in our program and
graduate by being adopted. That is, all of them except Tortie.
Our answer came in a splash of olive oil. We placed a couple of
sardines in a trap, and the next thing you knew, we had Tortie.
Believe it or not, she tested negative for leukemia, not once,
but three times.
Nowadays, Tortie, who's been reunited with Button, Gingersnap,
and Snagglepuss from her first litter, spends her time perched on
the top of a cat condo in the middle of our apartment. Though she
acts like she owns the place, she allows us to tickle her behind
her ears, seemingly secure in the knowledge that, at this time,
there are no more tails to tell outside in Battery Park City.
(Rich Brotman is an independent filmmaker and senior video editor
at Broad Street Productions in New York City. He and his wife are
Bide-A-Wee volunteers who have rescued dozens of kittens and cats
from Battery Park City and helped them find new homes.)
KATE, SCOTT, AND LUCILLE: THEY'RE A FAMILY
by Nell McCaslin
Purebred dogs are rarely found in shelters, and when they are,
they are usually adopted quickly. Not so with Kate and Scott, two
Skye terriers, seven and nine years old. Kate, black, and Scott,
white, otherwise identical, looked every inch the breed.
They were surrendered to Bide-A-Wee by their master, who went
into a nursing home where pets were not welcome. Although the
dogs were friendly and in good health, the stipulation that they
must be kept together was a problem compounded by their age. It
might take a while before that special someone came along and
declared them "just what (s)he wanted!"
Many people were attracted to them, but either hadn't room for
both or had second thoughts about adopting animals their age.
"Seven years old, maybe, but nine? No," was always the answer.
The weeks passed, but the Skyes were still in their cage, peering
wistfully out from under their shaggy bangs for someone to come
and take them home.
Meanwhile, out in New Rochelle, a woman was grieving for the dog
she had lost after many years of companionship. She had had many
dogs in her life (eighteen, to be exact) and she couldn't
conceive of being without one. It was lonely in the big house
now, all by herself. She must get another dog, but was she ready
yet?
One day, not long after the death of her pet, she chanced to meet
an old school friend whom she hadn't seen for thirty years. The
following Sunday, the two women went to church together, and on
the way Lucille Marshall admitted to her loneliness. Her friend,
who knew about Bide-A-Wee, had a suggestion. Why not stop at the
shelter after mass to look for a puppy? Lucille agreed. And so,
equipped with two leashes in case one didn't fit, she drove into
Manhattan. It was then that things began to happen.
The minute Lucille saw the Skyes, Lucille knew they were meant
for her. And somehow the dogs knew it, too, when they looked up
at the gentle face of the woman looking down at them. Lucille had
once had a Skye terrier and felt at home with the breed.
A closer look at the dogs, some necessary paperwork, and an
interview with the shelter manager followed. Then Kate and Scott
were led out the front door for the last time, not for a walk
around the block, but to a car that would take them out to New
Rochelle and their new home.
An hour later, as the dogs walked through the garden to the
house, Lucille said a silent prayer for the success of her new
family. "After all," she later said, "I think that older people
should adopt older dogs. We're apt to be set in our ways and
sometimes find it hard to adjust to lively puppies." Then Lucille
joked, "Kate and Scott used to live with an old man - now they
live with an old lady."
The Marshall house has a garden in front and a large backyard
where the dogs can run and watch Lucille rake leaves. "And, of
course," she added, "they love to be in the kitchen when I'm
cooking. Sometimes I sing to Kate - I think she likes it. It
didn't take long for us to get acquainted."
The dogs are well equipped for winter since Lucille made them
little coats to wear when the temperature drops.
Lucille's friends at church noticed the change. She explained it
simply. "I have two dogs now. We're a family."
(New York University professor and author Nell McCaslin is a
Bide-A-Wee volunteer and regular contributor to Bide-A-Wee News.)
PETS PROVIDE UNIQUE THERAPY
by Wendie Grossman
Pet therapy dogs make a real difference in people's lives.
Nobody understands that more than Carol Blum. She was diagnosed
with Multiple Myeloma, a very serious form of bone marrow cancer,
nearly four years ago. But she was not going to let pain,
anxiety, and uncertainty stand in her way.
Carol, her husband Joe, and their Golden Retrievers, Starr and
Hutch, are volunteers in Bide-A-Wee's pet therapy program. They
bring their special brand of companionship to nursing homes and
schools for learning and emotionally-challenged children.
They have experienced the miraculous. They've seen a comatose
fourteen-year-old boy smile and an elderly woman speak up after
months of silence.
"I can understand and appreciate now how the patients that we go
to see feel because I felt the same way - very thankful for the
company," Carol explained. "In a sense, Starr and Hutch were my
therapy dogs even before I had ever heard of the pet therapy
program."
When Carol learned she had cancer, she was home by herself most
of the day because Joe hadn't retired yet and was away at work.
So, she decided to get a dog for companionship. Starr, sweet and
lovable, with a docile, calm disposition, came first. Hutch, the
perfect playmate, came a year later.
"They kept me company when I was alone," Carol recalled. She
started to look outward again.
"My mom took Starr and Hutch to training school and dog obedience
shows," said daughter Jennifer. "Then they joined Bide-A-Wee's
pet therapy program."
"Mom felt a new sense of purpose. She took part of the focus of
her life off her illness, and instead, put the focus on the
activities revolving around the dogs," Jennifer said.
"If only Starr, Hutch, and the other therapy dogs could know how
special they are and how happy they have made others by just
being there and providing unconditional love and friendship."
SAVE THESE DATES
Have A Heart Gala
Dinner-Dance
Wednesday, February 7, 1996
7 PM to 11 PM
Plaza Hotel
768 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10019
Call: (212) 532-6395
Bide-A-Wee Pet Fair
Saturday, June 8, 1996
10:30 AM to 1 PM
Bide-A-Wee's Wantagh Shelter
3300 Beltagh Ave.
Wantagh, N.Y. 11793
Call: (212) 785-4199
Pet Memorial Day
Sunday, September 8, 1996
1 PM to 2 PM
Bide-A-Wee's Pet Memorial Park
3300 Beltagh Ave.
Wantagh, N.Y. 11793
Call: (212) 785-4199
BIDE-A-WEE SERVICES
Adoptions/Shelters/Dog Obedience Training
Bide-A-Wee shelters have convenient hours seven days a week for
pet adoptions. Call for information and/or directions:
Manhattan (212) 532-4455
Wantagh (516) 785-4079
Westhampton (516) 325-0200
Veterinary Clinics
Convenient daytime, evening, and Saturday hours. For an
appointment call:
Manhattan (212) 532-5884
Wantagh (516) 785-4687
Westhampton (516) 325-0280
Pet Memorial Parks
Burials, cremations, and other services and available in Wantagh
and Westhampton. Parks are open seven days a week for visits. For
information call weekdays during business hours:
Memorial Parks (516) 785-6153
Bereavement Counseling
To arrange a session with a counselor, call:
Manhattan (212) 532-6395
Wantagh (516) 785-4199
Volunteer Services/Pet-Assisted Therapy
Bide-A-Wee staff and volunteers bring the love and companionship
of pets to nursing homes, hospitals, and schools. To arrange for
a visit, call:
Manhattan (212) 532-4986
Wantagh (516) 785-4199
Westhampton (516) 325-0283
Public Relations/Newsletter
The Bide-A-Wee public relations office conducts fundraising
events and publishes a quarterly newsletter. For more
information, call:
Manhattan (212) 532-6358
SPECIAL THANKS
Bide-A-Wee extends its sincerest thanks to the following
individuals, corporations, and foundations for their support.
Because of their continued generosity, Bide-A-Wee is able to
offer many vital services for both pets and the people who love
them.
* Agvar Fund of The Community * Sandra Atlas Bass
Foundation * Cat Lovers Expo
* Sandra Atlas Bass and Edythe and * Karen Hauge, Producer
Sol. G. Atlas Fund, Inc. * Community Foundation of
* William and Margaret Chambers New Jersey, James
* Mrs. Benjamin Feinman Kellog, President
* Robert W. Hoke * Lilli Jaffe
* Ms. Grayce Jackson * Nancy Muuse
* MTA New York City Transit Employees * O'Flaherty's Ale House
* Norma Reynolds Realty, Inc. * Judi Strauss
* Robert and Barbara Sablowsky * Agnes Varis
BIDE-A-WEE'S EXECUTIVE STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
President:
Elizabeth R. Cooke
Vice President:
Dr. Lewis H. Berman
Secretary:
Helen Barnhart
Executive Director and Treasurer:
Reynaldo C. Samala
Assistant Treasurer:
Vivian Huebner
Board of Directors:
Sandra Atlas Bass
Helen Beinecke
Dr. Bertel Bruun
Warren Eckstein
Joseph M. Garrison
Ellen C. Grimes
Robert Solon
Karen Sonntag
Peter Sonntag
Claudia Riess Wasserman
BIDE-A-WEE NEWS STAFF:
Editor:
George Wirt
Assistant Editor:
Barbara Black
Online Edition Editor:
David Milner
Contributors:
Rich Brotman
Patricia Espinoza
Wendie Grossman
Marguerite Howard
Nell McCaslin
Marie McCrum
Cindy Nemec
Lonni Vacirca
This document is in the public domain. It may be distributed
freely as long as it is not altered and there is no charge for
it.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Bide-A-Wee is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization
that has operated no-kill animal shelters in the New York City
area continuously since 1903.
--------------------------------------------------------------
World Wide Web Page : http://www.inch.com/~bideawee/index.html
--------------------------------------------------------------
David Milner
FALL 1995 EDITION
URL: http://www.inch.com/~bideawee/index.html
IN THIS ISSUE
by George Wirt
by Barbara Black
by George Wirt
HEROIC VOLUNTEERS SAVE WESTHAMPTON
by Lonni Vacirca
by George Wirt
by Barbara Black
by Warren Eckstein
by Jane Rohman
Cat Horoscopes
by Genia Wennerstrom
by Deborah Loven
Emergency Pet Care Kit
from Petscriptions, Inc.
by Elaine Husni
by Rich Brotman
by Nell McCaslin
PETS PROVIDE UNIQUE THERAPY
by Wendie Grossman
Adoptions/Shelters/Dog Obedience Training
Veterinary Clinics
Pet Memorial Parks
Memorial Parks (516) 785-6153
Bereavement Counseling
Volunteer Services/Pet-Assisted Therapy
Public Relations/Newsletter
Manhattan (212) 532-6358
SPECIAL THANKS
President:
Elizabeth R. Cooke
Secretary:
Helen Barnhart
Assistant Treasurer:
Vivian Huebner
BIDE-A-WEE NEWS STAFF:
Editor:
George Wirt
Assistant Editor:
Barbara Black
David Milner Columbia University
internet: da...@blackbox.cc.columbia.edu
usenet: ...rutgers!columbia!blackbox!dave
...rutgers!columbia!blackbox.cc.columbia.edu!dave