BIDE-A-WEE NEWS
Bide-a-wee
WINTER 1996 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
Bide-A-Wee's Web Page: http://www.inch.com/~bideawee/index.html
IN THIS ISSUE
* 1995 A Year of Milestones for Bide-A-Wee
* Bide-A-Wee Goes Online
* Protect Your Pets from Winter Hazards
* Free Pet First Aid Guide
* Have A Heart Gala to Honor Herrera
* Does Your Cat Ignore the Litter Box
* A Tale of Two Shelter Dogs
* Supercat Contest Returns
* Do Shelter Cats Really Win Prizes
* Musings of a Cool Cat
* When are Kids Ready for Pets
* New Law Squeezes Good Pet Owners
* From the Email Files
* Save These Dates
* Bide-A-Wee Services
* Special Thanks
* Bide-A-Wee's Executive Staff and Board of Directors
* Bide-A-Wee News Staff
1995 A YEAR OF MILESTONES FOR BIDE-A-WEE
by George Wirt
1995 was a year of great excitement and intense drama for Bide-A-
Wee.
"It certainly was an eventful year," said Reynaldo C. Samala,
Bide-A-Wee's executive director and chief financial officer. "We
suffered through some very stressful situations, and we also
enjoyed some very positive developments. All of them helped make
Bide-A-Wee stronger."
Bide-A-Wee narrowly averted what would have been a major disaster
when a last second change of wind blew an onrushing wall of flame
away from our Westhampton shelter complex during the out of
control wildfire that ravaged the pine forests at the east end of
Long Island.
"There was a great deal of anxiety and concern as the wild fires
crept closer and closer to our Westhampton shelter complex,"
Samala explained. "At one point, fire fighters were on our roof
dousing the oncoming flames and hosing down the shelter
building."
Samala said the crisis brought out the best in Bide-A-Wee's staff
and volunteers, who successfully evacuated the shelter's entire
population of dogs and cats to the safety of nearby homes and
veterinary facilities.
"But 1995 will be remembered for more than the heroic efforts of
the volunteer fire fighters and our Bide-A-Wee staff," Samala
continued. "This was the year when Bide-A-Wee launched several
major new facilities and a number of important new programs."
Plans for Bide-A-Wee's most innovative new project, the Golden
Years Retirement Home, were unveiled in the spring. They quickly
caught the imagination of pet lovers throughout the nation, and
as a result, there was an outpouring of requests for more
information on the facility.
"There is a pressing need for a facility that will provide
lifetime care and shelter for pets left homeless by the deaths of
their owners," Samala said. "That's exactly what the Golden Years
Home is designed to do, and we are all looking forward to the
ground breaking ceremonies in Westhampton."
In addition to the Golden Years Home, the Westhampton shelter is
scheduled for a second major project. The facility's kennel wing,
which dates back to the mid-1950s, will undergo a major
reconstruction and upgrade.
"In keeping with the recent improvements to the Westhampton
shelter - the very successful cattery and Rusty's Place Puppery -
the renovated kennel will feature large, well-lit open spaces for
the dogs it houses," Samala pointed out. "The new, more
comfortable surroundings will help calm the dogs...and make it
easier for adopters to make their selections."
In keeping with Bide-A-Wee's long-standing commitment to help
reduce pet overpopulation, Bide-A-Wee launched a free summer
spay/neuter program at its three veterinary clinics. More than
four hundred pet owners took advantage of the program in July and
August.
"It was a very successful effort, and we are planning to repeat
the program again during the summer of 1996," Samala said.
BIDE-A-WEE GOES ONLINE
by David Milner
Thanks to the Internet Channel Corp., an internet access provider
located in Manhattan, Bide-A-Wee now not only has the ability to
send and receive electronic mail, but also has its very own World
Wide Web page.
When the Internet Channel Corp. was contacted by Bide-A-Wee, the
company not only offered a greatly reduced rate, but also
provided access before receiving payment so that Bide-A-Wee could
get started right away. Since establishing Bide-A-Wee's access,
the Internet Channel has proven to be very helpful not only by
providing free communications software, but also by answering
more than a few questions about using it.
On Bide-A-Wee's web page, one will find information about Bide-A-
Wee and the services it provides. In addition, one will find a
pet first aid guide, cold and warm weather pet tips, a pet
overpopulation fact sheet, and an online version of the latest
edition of Bide-A-Wee News.
Bide-A-Wee plans to update its web page continuously with new
information about its services and new editions of Bide-A-Wee
News. It also plans to post pet care tips on rec.pets.cats,
rec.pets.dogs, and the other internet newsgroups devoted to pets
as new medical discoveries, seasonal changes, and so on warrant.
Bide-A-Wee's email address is bide...@inch.com. The Uniform
Resource Locator (URL) of its web page is http://www.inch.com/
~bideawee/index.html. Although all of the email Bide-A-Wee
receives is processed by the staff and volunteers at its
facilities in Manhattan, electronically-transmitted inquiries
about Bide-A-Wee's facilities in Wantagh and Westhampton can be
handled, and they therefore are welcomed.
PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM WINTER HAZARDS
by George Wirt
Before you rush outdoors for that playful romp in the snow with
Fido this winter, make sure your best friend is protected from
some of the ravages of cold weather.
"Cold weather and snow can take a heavy toll on pets, especially
older dogs and cats," said Dr. Lewis Berman, vice president of
Bide-A-Wee. "Every winter we see many cases of respiratory
infections, exposure, even hypothermia. There is also the deadly
danger of poisoning from antifreeze."
"But that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the outdoors with
your pets," said Berman, who also heads the Park East Animal
Clinic in Manhattan. "You can make sure your dog doesn't suffer
any cold related injuries by following a few simple
precautions."
Berman and the other experts at Bide-A-Wee's veterinary clinics
say the best way to protect your pet from the cold is to keep an
eye on him or her when you are outdoors, whether you are out for
a short walk or a longer session of play and exercise.
One thing to avoid at all costs is spilled antifreeze.
"Antifreeze is attractive to dogs and cats because of its sweet
taste," Berman pointed out. "But licking up a puddle of
antifreeze can be lethal for pets."
If your pet seems depressed, suddenly increases his or her
drinking and urination, vomits, or shows mild neurological signs
after spending time outdoors, he or she may be suffering from
antifreeze poisoning. If you suspect that this is the case, see
your veterinarian immediately.
Pet owners must also be vigilant when outside on cold or windy
days.
"If you see your dog shivering and shaking, take it back indoors
immediately," said Dr. Lynn Lawrence, medical director of Bide-A-
Wee's clinics. "The shivering is a sign that your pet's natural
coat isn't enough and it needs a sweater to cope with the cold."
Lawrence said pet sweaters provide not only warmth, but another
important protection as well.
"They help prevent snow from accumulating on and in your dog's
fur, where it causes chills and then melts when you go back
indoors. Once back inside, always make sure to dry your dog
thoroughly whether you've been out in the snow or out on a rainy
day. Cold, wet dogs are more likely to develop respiratory
problems."
Lawrence said the same could happen to pets left in parked cars.
"A dog left unattended in a car on a freezing winter day could
suffer and die from the cold just as quickly as a pet left in a
car on a boiling summer day can die from the heat. Even if your
pet escapes the dangers posed by the cold, your car could be
stolen or broken into and your pet kidnapped or let loose only to
be lost on the streets."
While outside, there is another serious danger to avoid. The rock
salt and de-icers used to melt snow and ice on sidewalks,
driveways, and streets can cause irritation and discomfort to
your dog's feet.
"A thick layer of petroleum jelly applied to the bottom of your
dog's feet will prevent these kinds of painful salt and de-icer
burns," Dr. Berman said.
FREE PET FIRST AID GUIDE
You're walking your dog outside when he steps on a piece of
broken glass and cuts his paw. Amid the bleeding and whimpering,
you're at a loss for what to do.
Bide-A-Wee can help. The Pet First Aid and Care Guide is an easy
to access source of information on what to do in emergencies in
which your pet had been hurt or injured. The guide will help you
through those critical first minutes before you can get your pet
to a veterinarian or animal hospital.
The Pet First Aid and Care Guide is available for free from Bide-
A-Wee. To get your copy, just send a stamped, self-addressed
letter-sized envelope to: Bide-A-Wee - Pet First Aid Guide, 410
East 38th Street, New York, N.Y. 10016.
HAVE A HEART GALA TO HONOR HERRERA
Carolina Herrera, the legendary designer and ardent pet lover,
will be honored at the Have A Heart Gala, a benefit for Bide-A-
Wee and its programs for pets.
"We are proud to honor a good friend like Carolina Herrera," said
Bide-A-Wee president Elizabeth R. Cooke. "Over the years,
Carolina Herrera has created timeless, classic clothing designs,
and she has also created an awareness that we must treat our
companion animals humanely."
The Have A Heart Gala will take place on Wednesday, February 7th
in the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel at 5th Avenue and 59th
Street in Manhattan. The festivities will begin at 7 P.M. with
cocktails, and dinner will be served at 8 P.M.. There will be
dancing until 11 P.M..
Tickets cost $350. Junior tickets are available for $250. A
portion of the ticket price will be tax deductible. For more
information, contact Colette Creamer at (212) 838-2660.
Individuals who purchase tickets will be able to assign the
proceeds from the purchase towards Bide-A-Wee's shelter
operations or towards Bide-A-Wee's Golden Years Retirement Home.
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 only through the donations and gifts received from
individuals, bequests, charitable trusts, and foundations.
Bide-A-Wee's Golden Years Retirement Home will be a large,
spacious one-story structure on the grounds of Bide-A-Wee's
Westhampton shelter. It will offer comfortable individual runs,
open play areas, year-round climate control, specially prepared
meals, round-the-clock supervision, and regular veterinary care.
DOES YOUR CAT IGNORE THE LITTER BOX
by Maryann Collymore
You've gone out and bought the nicest litter box you could find
and set aside a special place for it, but your cat just wrinkles
up its nose and refuses to use it. It's a complaint that I hear
all too often, and cat owners simply throw up their arms in
frustration because they think their cats are being temperamental
and they don't know how to deal with it.
Cats don't turn their backs on litter boxes because they want to
drive you nuts. It's the only way they have of letting you know
that there is something wrong. The problem is usually something
very basic. Something has changed in your cat's environment and
he is having a difficult time adjusting to it.
People underestimate the impact that even a simple change in
daily routine can have on felines. Cats can easily become upset
or frustrated and they demonstrate these feelings by urinating or
defecating outside of the litter box.
So what do you do to resolve the problem? Begin by resolving some
of the simple, common causes.
A good first step is a visit to your veterinarian, especially if
it has been some time before your cat's last checkup. Make sure
that there aren't any medical problems that could be causing the
behavior. A urinary tract infection can cause a cat to urinate
consistently outside of the litter box.
Another thing to check is your cat's diet. Have you recently
switched to a different food? A switch from a premium food to a
more commercial brand can cause uncontrolled diarrhea.
Watch your cat when he approaches the litter box. Some male, and
even a few females, sometimes will overshoot the box, making it
appear that they are avoiding it. Purchasing a covered litter box
will solve this problem.
If you have more than one cat, one of them could be dominating
the box. Some cats like to lie in clean litter, and this forces
other cats to go elsewhere. It's a good idea to have a separate
litter box for each cat.
Perhaps the most common reason why cats stop using the litter box
is a change in the litter itself. If you have switched brands,
your cat may not like the new type of litter.
What if you have ruled out all of the aforementioned causes? You
have to assume that your cat is responding to a change in routine
or environment.
Is there a new child or spouse in your home? Did you bring in a
second cat or some other pet? Have you changed your work
schedule, or are you spending less time at home?
Cats are much more aware of what is going on around them than
many people give them credit for. A sensitive cat will need time
to adjust to a change.
There is something you can do to ease the transition. Keep your
cat, his litter box, and food dish in one area or room of your
home. After about a week, your cat should start using the litter
box again. If he doesn't, extend the period of time you keep your
cat confined to the room.
Some cats simply like to urinate and defecate in one specific
spot in your home. If this is the case with your cat, keep the
area off limits. If the favorite spot is in a room, keep the door
closed or cover the spot with plastic. That should encourage your
cat to go back to the litter box.
Remember, whenever your cat has an "accident," make sure you
clean the spot immediately and use an odor neutralizer on the
soiled area. Unless you eliminate the odor, your cat will go back
to the same spot and soil it again.
(Maryann Collymore is the manager of Bide-A-Wee's Manhattan
shelter. An ardent cat lover, Collymore places hundreds of
felines in adoptive homes each year and fosters dozens of kittens
in her own home.)
A TALE OF TWO SHELTER DOGS
by Elizabeth R. Cooke
Norton, the bulliest of English Bulldogs, arrived at Bide-A-Wee's
Manhattan shelter and immediately threw his weight around to such
an extent that he was considered unadoptable.
Norton would lunge at people arbitrarily - a serious lunge,
although he never broke skin. He did rip the trousers off George
Wirt, our PR man, caused one lady walker to pale as his
slobbering jaws came close, and was generally a handful.
The only person who could walk Norton was our executive director,
Rey Samala. He has had a great deal of experience with bulldogs,
but his daily duties in running Bide-A-Wee meant he couldn't
always be available to work with Norton.
Bide-A-Wee's adoption staff could not let Norton be taken into a
family when he was his docile self because sooner or later, the
aggressive Norton would appear.
One lady used to raising problem dogs did take him home knowing
the problem, but he mounted her older hound (top dog - not sex as
Norton had been neutered) and the poor old fellow's legs gave
out. Norton then was returned to Bide-A-Wee.
We were determined to master this Norton. So, we sent him to
training school. He graduated. Alex Weiss, one of the men who
work in the New York shelter, was so intrigued with Norton he
took him to his home in Rego Park to live happily with Oscar,
Alex's Dachshund. Since training, Norton's only serious lunges
have been at the vacuum cleaner.
Zeke the Beast, a one and a half year old, beautiful ninety-eight
pound yellow Lab came into the Westhampton shelter another
handful. His weeping family stood around as we put Stur in a
kennel cage. They just couldn't handle him.
Zeke, as sweet tempered as only a Lab can be, bounced from one
end of the cage to the ceiling of the cage to the other wall of
the cage. He ran and leapt in the outdoor run, a wide smile on
his face but definitely quite fanatic with a need for a place of
his own where he could belong.
Well, he found one. A U.S. Customs agent called and asked Lonni,
our Westhampton shelter manager, if we had any yellow Labs to do
"narc" service, sniffing for drugs, helping in emergencies. She
replied, "Do we!"
Out the gentleman came the following Sunday on his day off, was
immediately knocked over - literally - by Zeke in his
enthusiasm, and they promptly fell in love with each other. So,
Zeke is off to a life of service, and as the gentleman agent
said, "This dog will save lives!"
SUPERCAT CONTEST RETURNS
You adopted your cat from Bide-A-Wee and just know that he is a
star. So, get him the recognition he deserves! Enter the 1996
IAMS Company Supercat Contest at the International Cat Show. The
show will be held at Madison Square Garden on Friday, March 1st
through Sunday, March 3rd.
The Supercat Contest not only gives your favorite feline the
center stage spotlight before adoring cat fanciers, but also
gives you a chance to take home some great prizes from IAMS. Best
of all, just by entering, you help homeless cats because proceeds
from the contest will benefit Bide-A-Wee's shelter programs.
Any neutered or spayed pet cat that is at least eight months old
may compete for a year's supply of IAMS cat food and the coveted
title of "Supercat." There also will be prizes of six month
supplies of IAMS cat food for winners in categories such as
longest whiskers, most impressive tail, and most beautiful eyes.
The entry fee, which includes a single admission to the
International Cat Show, a one month supply of IAMS cat food, and
a donation to Bide-A-Wee, is $15 per cat.
For more information, call Bide-A-Wee at (212) 532-6395.
DO SHELTER CATS REALLY WIN PRIZES
by Nell McCaslin
Ever think a shelter cat could win a blue ribbon? Always thought
top honors went to Persians, Siamese, Tonkinese, Manx, Maine
Coons, and other exotic breeds? Well, think again.
Of course, most of the prizes do go to the purebreds, but running
stiff competition at the International Cat Show are fun
competitions like the Cat Look-A-Like Contest for shelter adopted
cats.
Highly visible even among the blue bloods is a large contingent
of black and white felines, all domestic short hairs bearing a
remarkable resemblance to the cat pictured on the bags of a
popular litter stocked by many supermarkets.
Just to be sure this message gets across, however, a six-foot
humanoid in a black and white cat costume prowls conspicuously
through the crowd at the show, so that by the time the shelter
cat contest is announced and the contenders are brought to the
stage, a large audience has assembled.
The excitement mounts as the finalists are examined, decisions
are reached, and the awards are presented to the best cat and
best kitten in the contest.
I remember in June of 1993, at the International Cat Show held in
Anaheim, California, the award for Best Kitten in the shelter cat
contest went to a six-month-old Bide-A-Wee alumnus.
He had been rescued and brought to the Manhattan shelter earlier
that year by staff member Linda Allen. Part of his right hind leg
was missing, but his physical handicap was outweighed by his
winning personality.
In April of 1993, he was adopted by Ellen Schneider. She was the
proud owner of nine cats and three dogs, most of them rescues.
Ellen, as usual, was drawn to this little fellow when she
realized that he so badly needed a home.
What she didn't know at the time was that she was adopting a real
winner. She named him J. Abbott, after the Yankees pitcher, took
him home with her, and then two months later on a trip to
California. It was there that things began to happen.
Like most "cat people," Ellen was aware that the International
Cat Show was taking place in Anaheim. Unlike most, however, she
had eyes for the household pets rather than the fabulous felines.
While checking out the shelter cat competition, it occurred to
Ellen that her own J. Abbott had a better than even shot at being
the "look-alike," and she entered him in the contest.
As if born to win, J. Abbott, with his striking black and white
markings, glossy coat, and outgoing personality, easily rose
above the other contestants. Celebrity judges had no trouble
naming him "Best Kitten" in the shelter cat look-alike contest,
kitten category.
Not only did J. Abbott leave California with a blue ribbon, a
rosette, and the best kitten award, but also with the added
satisfaction that a portion of the proceeds from the contest went
to local shelter programs.
When Ellen and J. Abbott returned to New York, J. Abbott's
laurels were put on display in the lobby of Bide-A-Wee's
Manhattan shelter. To this day, J. Abbott's impressive blue
laurels serve as proof that shelter pets are winners.
(New York University professor and author Nell McCaslin is a
regular contributor to Bide-A-Wee News.)
MUSINGS OF A COOL CAT
by Nell McCaslin
Number 12,435 sat crouched at the back of his cage. He'd come
into cat receiving at the Bide-A-Wee shelter in Manhattan two
days before, and until now no one had been able to touch him.
They'd tried, but his threatening growl and claws sent a clear
warning: "Don't mess with me." That had worked on the street, but
this was a different setup. He knew that game. He'd forgotten to
be cautious, though, last week. That's how he got into this jam.
A bum rap.
It was some slammer, though, he had to admit, taking it all in
for the hundredth time. Warm, clean, regular meals, but not a
wire that he could bend. Every day when they changed his cage
paper and cleaned his pan he watched for a chance to split, but
no luck so far.
"These guys know what they're doing, but this collar! What do
they think I am, a dog?" He looked out and stiffened. Someone in
the hall. Now the dame who cleaned his cage was opening cans.
Smelled pretty good. However, no. 12,435 hissed when the cage
door opened and the dish of food slid through the opening. He was
hungry. Better try it. "Not bad," he thought to himself.
He missed the pizza and chicken bones he used to find in garbage
cans, but then he remembered all those times when there was
nothing but soda cans and newspapers. At least what you got in
this joint was fresh, once you got used to it.
A commotion outside startled him. He wasn't afraid - just looking
out. "Hey! Where are they taking those kittens and that yellow
creep in the corner cage? Sprung for good behavior?" Maybe he
ought to quit growling. See if it worked. Let them touch him. He
heard something about being "altered." Did they mean him? "No
way, Jose!"
The next morning things began to happen. No breakfast, for one
thing. "What's up? Get me used to two square meals a day, then
take 'em away?"
At that point the cage door opened and a dude in a green top
grabbed him by the nape of the neck and lifted him out. "Some
technique!" 12,435 thought.
When he woke up a few hours later things were different. He'd
been worked over, he was sore, and instead of sand in his pan,
there was torn paper.
By the next day he felt better, and was glad to see a big dish of
liver and beef. Triumph! He was hungry and it tasted good.
Somehow it made him think of long ago. Food. A warm radiator to
lie on. A kind man who sat at a desk all day typing and held him
on his lap at night.
He remembered the morning the kitchen door was left open and he
slipped out. Then he couldn't find his way back. At that point,
12,435's musing was interrupted by Green Top, who was back,
checking him out.
The next morning he was taken out of his cage. "How come I didn't
let her have it? Am I getting chicken? Nah. Anyhow, I'm not
afraid," he growled as he settled down in a wire basket and rode
upstairs.
Here was another cell block with people walking around, looking
at the inmates. Gross. He recognized some of the cats from
downstairs. The calico, the tiger, the Siamese with the loud
mouth, and the kittens. Just then a woman stopped in front of his
cage and studied the card. "No name. Two years old. Black.
Altered male. Why, he looks just like my old Sugar Baby!"
"Sugar Baby? Lady, give me a break!"
All day people came and went. Some of them looked at him. Some
didn't. One man said he was a handsome cat - a real hunk! That
guy had sense.
Next a lady with two kids stopped and peered into the cage. One
kid stuck his fingers through the bars and screamed, "Mom, look
at this one. He's big!"
"Can't they read the sign: no fingers in cages?" no. 12,435
thought to himself. "Just like the kids in the park. Get lost. If
I'm moving into a new pad, I don't need kids."
He heard one of the guards say, "That one would be better in a
home with adults."
"You better believe it, lady," 12,435 muttered to himself. He
then growled to reinforce the point.
A week passed. Then two weeks. The kittens left. Then the tiger,
the loud moth Siamese, the calico, and even that yellow creep
from downstairs. No name. No home. Nobody wanted him. He was
lonely. It was okay here. The guards in the blue tops were nice,
but it was time to move on.
The next day it happened. He heard a man say that he wanted a big
cat, not a kitten. When the man stopped in front of no. 12,435's
cage, he said, "What about this fellow? I'd like to see him."
"Don't growl. Keep your claws in," 12,435 reminded himself.
"Don't blow it now."
In the Get Acquainted room, he made up his mind. If that guy
wanted to adopt him, he'd give it a shot. There was more talking
and then some papers to be signed.
"He's the cat for me," the man said. "I work at home and I think
we'll keep each other company."
Then, turning to no. 12,435, the man said, "First off, we've got
to give you a name. What about Joe? Pete? George? No, let's try
something else. Bandit? Rambo? Duke? (A dog's name, 12,435
thought.) Buster? Buddy?
Number 12,435 thought it over. "Buddy," he purred. "Cool."
WHEN ARE KIDS READY FOR PETS
by Wendie Grossman
One of the enduring American images is the happy youngster
playing with a beloved family dog or cat. It's the kind of image
that warms your heart and reminds so many of us of happy times in
our own childhoods.
Many parents today want to provide a pet for their children so
that they, too, can enjoy the unconditional love and loyalty that
only a pet can provide. Even if you're a parent who didn't have a
pet as a youngster, your kids won't waste any time in letting you
know how much they love pets. How often have you walked past a
playful pet in a park and had your youngster ask, "Mommy, can I
please have a doggie?" or "Daddy, can we get a kitten?"
Bringing a pet into your home is a tremendous responsibility. It
also is a very long-term commitment - one that will last for the
lifetime of the pet. The decision to get a pet shouldn't be made
on a spur of the moment whim, but instead after some thought and
planning.
If your youngsters are too young to appreciate the responsibility
pet ownership demands, the experience could backfire and the pet
could end up suffering the consequences.
So, when is the right time to bring a pet into your household?
Here are some important things to keep in mind when you consider
that issue:
Adding a pet to the family is like having another child. Pets
require feeding, medical attention, training, grooming, and so
on. They may be expensive to care for.
We have lots of school and youth groups visit us at Bide-A-Wee.
When they do, I like to show them an adorable puppy or kitten.
Naturally, the kids get excited. As they gather around to pet and
play with the puppies and kittens, I tell them that these babies
will live for fifteen years or more. By then, most of the kids
will be in college or living on their own. When I ask them who
will be home to care for the cat or dog, the youngsters usually
sneak long, wistful looks at their parents since they know that
the job will fall on them.
It's essential that parents want to adopt a pet as much as their
children do. Although children can and should participate in
caring for a pet, it's unrealistic to expect a pet to become the
sole responsibility of a child. Parents must realize that they
themselves ultimately are responsible for a pet's well-being.
Pets can help parents teach their children many valuable lessons.
If children witness patience, gentleness, kindness, and love,
they will learn to be that way themselves. By the same token, if
parents demonstrate and share responsibility, children will learn
to be responsible as well. A good way to teach these qualities is
to have your children participate in the care of the family pet.
Children who are five years old or younger can get involved in
simple ways. They can help hold a dog's leash during walks,
retrieve food from the pantry, or brush a pet's coat.
Older children may be mature enough to assume daily duties on
their own, but parental supervision is a must whenever a child
takes on some of the responsibilities of caring for a pet.
(Wendie Grossman is the director of Bide-A-Wee's volunteer
program. She also conducts Bide-A-Wee's humane education program,
which reaches out to thousands of school children each year.)
NEW LAW SQUEEZES GOOD PET OWNERS
by Wendie Grossman
Well-intentioned new laws drafted by concerned local officials
trying to protect their communities from "vicious dogs" may have
the unintended effect of hurting responsible pet owners. Some of
the new ordinances outlaw or place restrictions on certain breeds
arbitrarily termed dangerous. Others require dog owners to carry
large insurance policies. In so doing, the laws place enormous
burdens on responsible dog owners whose pets pose no danger to
anyone.
One of the most controversial moves came in North Hempstead,
where town officials recently enacted what Newsday, a local
newspaper, described as "the most restrictive law on Long
Island."
"The law requires that anybody who owns a pit bull must be at
least twenty-one years old and carry at least $100,000 in
liability insurance coverage," said Raymond Greenwell of
Rockville Center. Greenwell is a Bide-A-Wee volunteer whose
American Staffordshire terrier "Musk" accompanies him on regular
pet therapy visits to area nursing homes. He and many other
responsible owners feel the law unfairly targets entire breeds
rather than individual problem dogs.
"Dogs like mine are automatically deemed dangerous," Greenwell
told town board members during a hearing on the new law. "There
are vicious dogs, not vicious breeds," he added.
Town board members unanimously approved the new law after more
than twenty dogs, mortally wounded in staged fights, had been
found in the courtyard of a local school.
Although illegal, dog fighting has become widespread and popular
among bettors who reportedly wager up to $1,000 per bout. Under
New York State law, arranging dog fights is a felony punishable
by up to four years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Some of the new local laws come down hard on law-abiding dog
owners with well-behaved pit bulls. Many are facing stiff
increases in their home owners insurance policies and some have
been threatened with cancellation of their policies.
A New York City regulation restricting pit bulls was scrapped
after a state Supreme Court judge raised concerns about the
singling out of a specific breed. The city then revised its rules
by placing restrictions only on dogs that exhibit vicious
behavior.
FROM THE EMAIL FILES
Katherine Stalter of Southern California recently sent in the
very first email message to Bide-A-Wee:
Great newsletter! Elaine's story about her sick friend made me
cry, and Lucille's story about her new "family" made me smile.
Also, your volunteers and staff should be very proud of their
work, especially during the fire.
I have two questions:
1) Is there a no-kill shelter in the L.A. area that needs
volunteers? I know about Leo Grillo's Delta Rescue, but Leo told
me that he doesn't accept volunteer help.
2) How can I get a copy of the Emergency Pet Care Kit? Are the
kits available in Southern California?
Again - congratulations on the great work!
Katherine Stalter
Bide-A-Wee's response:
Thank you for your kind comments.
There are only sixty or so no-kill shelters out of the more than
five thousand animal shelters in the country. There undoubtedly
are several in your area. One good person to check with is Lynda
Foro. She has published a directory of no-kill shelters. Ms. Foro
can be reached at "Doing Things Right for Animals" in Arizona.
Its telephone number is (602) 547-0575.
The pet care kits are manufactured by Petscriptions, Inc. of
Jericho, N.Y.. Its telephone number is (516) 938-4395, and its
email address is pe...@aol.com.
SAVE THESE DATES
Have A Heart Gala
Dinner-Dance
Wednesday, February 7
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
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
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.
* Maxine Beige
* Margaret and William Chambers
* John Ehrenkranz
* The Gettinger Foundation
* Jean Goodman
* Sylvia Manger
* Robert Schartner
* United Way of New York City / Public Sector Campaign
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:
Helen Beinecke
Dr. Bertel Bruun
William A. Dueker, Jr.
Warren Eckstein
Joseph M. Garrison
Ellen C. Grimes
Patricia Hatry
Robert Solon
Karen Sonntag
Peter Sonntag
Claudia Riess Wasserman
BIDE-A-WEE NEWS STAFF:
Editor:
George Wirt
Online Edition Editor:
David Milner
Contributors:
Linda Allen
Maryann Collymore
Patricia Espinoza
Wendie Grossman
Marguerite Howard
Julia Masucci
Nell McCaslin
Marie McCrum
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.
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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.
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World Wide Web Page : http://www.inch.com/~bideawee/index.html
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