edboks123 – Page 26 – Ed Boks Consulting

November 13, 2012January 20, 2018

New Hope for YHS pets by Ed Boks

Ed Boks and cat — YHS is featuring the colorful Felines of Fall. Trina is sweeter than honey; she is gorgeous, affectionate, quiet, and loves to be brushed. Her favorite pastime is lap-sitting and being adorable. All YHS cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped and are available for “Pick Your Price.”

This Thanksgiving the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) is thankful to all our volunteers, supporters and partners. Every one of you plays a crucial role in solving our community’s pet overpopulation problems.

With a live release rate of 95 percent some might be fooled into thinking these problems are already solved. But they are not; and that is why I am also grateful to our New Hope partners.

The New Hope program is how YHS cooperates with and supports the efforts of partner animal rescue organizations in our shared vision to find homes for our community’s homeless pets.

YHS rescues around 3,500 homeless animals each year. When YHS is unable to find a loving home for one of our animals we call upon our New Hope partners for an assist. YHS partners with 58 New Hope organizations throughout the southwest in our effort to find every animal a loving home.

In the past twelve months ending in October, our New Hope partners saved the lives of 237 animals; that’s 6 percent of all the animals rescued by YHS. The top five New Hope organizations assisting YHS in its life-saving mission are Miss Kitty’s Cat House in Prescott (20), Second Chance Center in Flagstaff (17), Dewey Dog Rescue (16), Arizona Chihuahua Rescue in Phoenix (15), and Ark Cat Sanctuary in Flagstaff (14). YHS appreciates all our partners who help to place our local homeless animals into loving homes.

The New Hope program recently expanded exponentially thanks to Todd Underwood, a commercial pilot, who generously volunteers to airlift YHS animals to out of state partner shelters and sanctuaries.

Pet overpopulation is an expensive societal problem requiring a coordinated community response; and our local response is a tribute to our community.

Another solution to pet overpopulation is adoption. When you adopt from YHS you directly save the life of a local homeless pet who is altered and will never contribute to this problem. Sadly, some local rescues prefer to import and adopt animals from other communities. YHS feels strongly that we owe it to our community’s homeless pets to fix the problem here before compounding it by bringing animals in from outside communities.

Of course, the easiest and most cost efficient fix is for every pet owner to have their pet(s) spayed or neutered. When pet owners demonstrate this level of responsibility we’ll be able to solve the pet overpopulation problem within two to three years. That’s why I will ask the City of Prescott, Prescott Valley and Yavapai County to allocate funds to the YHS Big Fix program next year. Big Fix provides spay/neuter to pets belonging to our community’s indigent population for just a $25 co-pay. Studies have found that for every tax dollar invested in spay/neuter programs $20 is saved in animal control costs over ten years.

Low-cost spay/neuter is especially important for our community (feral) cats. This year YHS rescued kittens every month instead of just in the typical spring “kitten season.” This suggests our community is experiencing a serious cat population explosion.

To make sure affordable spay/neuter services are available to every pet in our community, YHS operates the low cost Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic. You can schedule an appointment for your pet today and help end the killing of unwanted pets.

In closing, a special thank you to every pet owner who spayed or neutered their pet(s); every person and family who adopted a pet from YHS; and every New Hope partner who re-homed a YHS pet. Each of you is directly helping transform our community into a truly humane society.

October 31, 2012January 18, 2018

Pet friendly landlords key to attaining and sustaining “no-kill” status by Ed Boks

If achieving no-kill is likened to an Olympic moment then sustaining no-kill is a marathon. Ending killing as a method to control pet overpopulation requires the involvement of an entire community. We are all responsible for its use, and we can all play a role in its abolition.

For instance, landlords can play an important role in attaining and sustaining a no-kill status. According to a report issued by The Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Education Promoting Animal Welfare, 50 percent of all rentals nationally prohibit pets.

Pet-forbidding landlords should consider these findings: 35 percent of tenants without pets would own a pet if their landlord permitted; tenants in pet-friendly housing stay an average of 46 months compared to 18 months for tenants in rentals prohibiting pets; the vacancy rate for pet-friendly housing is lower (10 percent) than “no pets allowed” rentals (14 percent); and 25 percent of applicants inquiring about rentals in non-pet-friendly housing are seeking pet-friendly rentals.

According to economic theory, in perfectly functioning markets (where people make rational, profit-maximizing decisions, with full information and no significant transaction costs), pet-friendly housing should be available to renters willing to pay a premium to cover any extra costs to landlords. So, why do so many landlords overlook opportunities to increase profits by providing pet-friendly housing?

With nearly half of American households having companion animals and more than half of renters who do not have pets reporting they would have pets if allowed, why are there so few pet-friendly rental units available?

Well, among landlords who do not allow pets, damage was the greatest concern (64.7 percent), followed by noise (52.9 percent), complaints/tenant conflicts (41.2 percent) and insurance issues (41.2 percent). Concerns about people leaving their pet or not cleaning common areas were rarely cited (5.9 percent).

Although 85 percent of landlords permitting pets reported pet-related damage at some time, the worst damage averaged only $430. This is less than the typical rent or pet deposit. In these cases, landlords could subtract the damage from a pet deposit and experience no real loss. In fact, the report finds landlords experience no substantive loss with little difference in damage between tenants with and without pets.

Other pet-related issues (e.g., noise, tenant conflicts concerning animals or common area upkeep) required less than one hour per year of landlord time. This is less time than landlords spend for child-related problems and other issues. Whatever time landlords spend addressing pet-related problems is offset by spending less marketing time on pet-friendly units by a margin of eight hours per unit.

The study finds problems from allowing pets to be minimal, and benefits outweigh the problems. Landlords stand to profit from allowing pets because, on average, tenants with pets are willing and able to pay more for the ability to live with their pets.

Animal shelters across the United States are experiencing a huge increase in the number of pets surrendered because of the housing crisis. Imagine if all landlords permitted pets. That would create a demand far greater than the number of pets dying in our shelters, allowing our communities to end pet euthanasia to control pet overpopulation altogether.

Landlords are hearing from their own colleagues and professional journals that permitting pets makes good business sense. Many landlords may be overlooking a significant, low-risk opportunity to increase revenue, tenant pools and market size just by allowing pets.

Certainly, the benefits to the homeless pets who are dying for the lack of a home each year cannot be overstated. Landlords can make a profitable, life-saving choice simply by permitting pets.

October 16, 2012January 7, 2018

Debunking myths concerning black cats and Halloween by Ed Boks

Ed Boks and Halloween cat Each October I’m asked to debunk the myths and misinformation regarding black cats and Halloween. Some suggest a moratorium on adopting black cats in October for fear they will be harmed – not understanding that in all the history of humane work no one has ever documented any connection between adopting black cats and those cats being harmed in any way.

Why then all the panic? It seems much of the distress arises from a misunderstanding regarding the relationship between “witches” and black cats used in ritualistic sacrifices. Witches would never harm their “familiars” who are supposed to be their eyes and ears in the spirit world. To harm a familiar is to blind and deafen oneself.

This misunderstanding took on a twisted life of its own during the 1998 Halloween season when suspected Satanists were sought in nine states for “mutilations” that drew sensational media coverage and rewards up to $10,000. That incident etched its way into the national consciousness. However, few people remember that the investigators ultimately learned that these “mutilations” were the natural product of wildlife predation.

Each summer since then one community or another has suffered an emotional panic coinciding with the appearance of young coyotes from their dens and the first hunt of newly fledged raptors. These panics increased in intensity with the public’s preoccupation with witches, ghouls, and goblins, but abruptly ended after Halloween – unlike cases of human sadism.

Police and humane officers are trained to investigate human-inflicted cruelty but often have little experience in predator behavior. This sometimes leads to forensic evidence being misread in ways that incite witch-hunts.

Unlike human sadists, animal predators are quick and efficient, avoiding waste. Their teeth and claws cut more cleanly than a knife and they don’t leave much blood behind. When time permits, they consume the richest organs and leave the rest.

Coyotes typically attack small prey (such as cats) from behind and side, with a scissors-like jaw snap to the backbone that frequently cuts the victim in half. When startled, they flee with the back half and whatever internal organs come along, leaving the head and fore-paws. These are examples of cases most often misread by investigators as ritualistic crimes.

When prey survives a first strike, coyotes and wild cats will inflict a skull-crunching bite to the head. Several panics over alleged sadists drilling mysterious holes in the skulls of pets were resolved when investigators found the holes aligned with the incisors of wild predators.

Alleged “skinned alive” cases involving pets were actually coyotes and raptors mistaking pets for smaller prey. The predator holds on with teeth or claws while the victim runs causing a set of sharp, straight cuts investigators describe as “filets.”

Raptors account for cases where entrails are draped over cars, porches, trees, signs, and mailboxes. They take flight with their prey and parts fall out. Crows account for cases where eyes, lips, anuses, and female genitals are removed from fallen livestock.

Some trace black cat adoption moratoriums to early 20^th Century New York Giants manager John McGraw. McGraw was notoriously superstitious, so fans (mostly gamblers) tossed black cats in front of the Giants’ dugout to jinx him. The American Baseball League quickly adopted a rule against continuing a game when an animal is on the field and many humane societies started prohibiting black cat adoptions during the World Series which often occurs around Halloween.

October 10, 2012January 7, 2018

Your tax dollars fund animal cruelty by Ed Boks

Ed Boks and vivisection With a $32 billion budget, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is the world’s largest funder of biomedical research on animals. The NIH claims tax-funded animal experiments are about cures and vaccines, and comply with NIH’s mission “to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.”

However, In Defense of Animals, an animal welfare organization whose mission is to end animal exploitation, cruelty and abuse recently reported on 2011’s Top 10 Most Ridiculous Animal Research projects.

These are real experiments funded by NIH, approved by federally mandated oversight committees and published in peer-reviewed journals. These experiments show how our tax dollars and animals’ lives are frivolously wasted on research that contributes nothing to medical progress and tells us nothing we care to know – or didn’t know already. One wonders what happens in the experiments that don’t get published.

Top Ten Most Ridiculous Animal Research projects

10: A National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases grant to study what happens when you inject rats with a substance that causes arthritis. The rats got arthritis.

9. Two National Institute of Mental Health grants to study anxiety. Scientists put rats in an open space with nowhere to hide and then did things to traumatize them. The rats became more anxious.

8. Three grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to study family relationships in prairie voles. When you take the father away from the family, the offspring are less well cared for.

7. Three NIH grants to study the effect on the sex lives of hamsters when you put them on a diet. The hamsters were more interested in food than sex.

6. Two National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders grants to see what happens when you cut nerves that connect taste buds to the brain and leave the bitter-taste nerves intact. This involves slitting the throats of rats and puncturing their eardrums to reach the nerves. The rats learned to avoid bitter foods.

5. A K-12 career development grant to the Yerkes National Primate Research Center to see whether empathy makes chimpanzees more likely to catch a yawn from familiar chimpanzees than strangers. It does.

4. Two National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders grants to study alligator voices. The University of Utah implanted pressure sensors in the tracheas of young alligators and ran a cable through their throats, fixing it to their upper jaws with duct tape. They discovered alligators have two ways to change their voice frequency; whereas mammals have three.

3. Two National Institute of Mental Health grants to several laboratories to discover whether marmosets can be sexually aroused by a particular scent, e.g. lemons. They can.

2. Two National Institute on Drug Abuse grants to Albany Medical College to see how drug use affects musical preferences in rats. Rats who preferred Beethoven over Miles Davis were given cocaine with their less preferred music. The rats switched their preference to whichever music went with the cocaine.

1. Seven NIH grants to study stress on animals in vivisection laboratories. Researchers at Tulane National Primate Research Center found daily uncontrollable stress is inextricably part of an animal’s life in a laboratory, regardless of the experiments performed on them.

There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action. Concerning such horrors, Dr. Charles Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic has purportedly said, “I abhor vivisection. It should be abolished. I know of no achievement through vivisection, no scientific discovery that could not have been obtained without such barbarism and cruelty. The whole thing is evil.” To which I can only say, “Amen.

September 26, 2012January 7, 2018

Animal shelters a bellwether for pets by Ed Boks

Ed Boks and parvo The term “bellwether” comes from the Middle English bellewether. It refers to the practice of placing a bell around the neck of a castrated ram (a wether) leading a flock of sheep. The movements of the flock can then be predicted (or followed) by hearing the bell without actually seeing the flock.

Animal shelters are a sort of bellwether when it comes to predicting or following pet disease trends in our communities. Sadly, our local bellether suggests we may see an upswing in the number of cases of parvovirus in puppies and young dogs in my community – unless we proactively use this information to protect our pets.

While the situation is contained at the local shelter, this important “bellwether” information should be used by pet owners because this disease poses a life-threatening risk to your unprotected dogs, especially puppies.

The parvovirus is highly contagious and is transmitted through dog-to-dog contact, contaminated feces, environments and people.

Any surface a dog touches can harbor the virus, including his crate, food and water bowls, collar and leash, dog toys, etc. Other animals, people and even clothing can be contaminated.

Parvo is a resilient virus able to survive temperature and humidity extremes. A minute amount of contaminated feces can infect a large area, and consequently any dogs who pass through the area.

Canine parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract of infected dogs. In puppies and those still in utero, the virus is known to damage the heart muscle. Symptoms are similar in all dogs and include loss of appetite; vomiting and severe, often bloody diarrhea; fever; lethargy; weakness and dehydration.

Dehydration can come on rapidly due to the vomiting and diarrhea, and is especially dangerous in puppies.

Most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours after symptoms first appear, so it is critical you take your dog to your veterinarian immediately if you suspect a Parvo infection. Diagnosis requires blood and fecal tests.

It is a good idea to hospitalize your dog until her condition has stabilized. Your dog’s chances of survival are improved the sooner aggressive treatment begins – but do not expect your veterinarian to be able to predict an outcome immediately.

Unfortunately, treatment of Parvo can be expensive, with no guarantee your beloved pet will survive despite heroic efforts to save her. In some heartbreaking cases, pet owners simply cannot afford to even try to save their dogs, and euthanasia becomes the only option.

That is why an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Please make sure your puppy receives his core vaccines and your adult dog is current on all his vaccinations.

The vaccine protocol is to give one Parvo vaccine at around 9 weeks (but before 11 weeks), and a booster at around 14 weeks. For 14 days after your pup has received his second Parvo vaccine you should avoid allowing your dog any contact with unfamiliar dogs. Places you should exercise extreme caution include dog parks; doggie daycare or boarding kennels; and grooming shops.

Also, reduce or eliminate your dog’s exposure, no matter her age, to the feces of other dogs and all animals. Clean up your own pet’s waste as well.

Keep your dog away from sick pets, and if it is your dog that is sick, do not let him expose others. If you come in contact with a sick dog, wash your hands and change clothes if necessary before you handle another dog.

As we keep a vigilant eye on our local bellwether we can more strategically protect all our community’s pets.

September 19, 2012January 7, 2018

The Sound of Music in the local animal shelter by Ed Boks

Ed Boks dog music Part of my holistic approach to healthy, humane animal shelter management includes implementation of innovative “enrichment” programs. Enrichment describes activities, protocols and amenities designed to enrich the shelter experience of rescued animals. The typical shelter experience for most animals is a traumatic and fearful ordeal. I contend every animal shelter can, and must, be committed to mitigating, if not eliminating, that distress.

One way to do that is to introduce the calming effects of music into our animal care centers. Sound is an important part of an animal’s surroundings. Sadly, most animal shelters are not built with that understanding. Concrete and block walls and cement floors echo the harsh sounds of frantic dogs barking and whining begging for attention; while other dogs fearfully huddle in the corners of their unfamiliar kennels awaiting an uncertain future.

Clinical studies have documented that specific music vibrations, sounds and tempos create a calming effect on pets. Certain musical compositions also help pets cope with common phobias such as thunderstorms, loud noises and other stressors, creating a harmonious and enriching environment that improves their health and behavior. These studies have demonstrated that the introduction of calming music in a shelter visually reduces the three key measures of discomfort: restlessness, anxiety and respiration rates.

One study explored the influence of five types of auditory stimulation (human conversation, classical music, heavy metal music, pop music, and a control) on the behavior of 50 dogs housed in an animal shelter. The dogs were exposed to each type of auditory stimulation for four hours, with an intervening period of one day between conditions. The dogs’ position in their kennels (front, back), their activity (moving, standing, sitting, resting, sleeping), and their vocalization (barking, quiet, other) were recorded over four hours at 10-minute intervals during each condition of auditory stimulation.

The study found the dogs’ activity and vocalization were significantly related to auditory stimulation. Dogs spent more time quietly resting and less time standing when classical music was played compared to the other stimuli. Heavy metal music encouraged dogs to spend significantly more time barking in an agitated state than the other stimuli. These studies suggest that the welfare of sheltered dogs can be enhanced through exposure to appropriate forms of auditory stimulation. Classical music appears particularly beneficial, resulting in activities suggestive of relaxation and behaviors considered desirable by potential adopters. This form of music may also appeal to visitors, resulting in enhanced perceptions of the shelter and an increased desire to adopt a dog.

With such programs, animal shelters are able to provide calming music designed to improve the quality of life for our rescued animals, both dogs and cats, during their shelter stays. Promoting relaxation through music will help all our animals cope with their stress and will create a more inviting atmosphere for adopters.

If you would like to help your local animal shelter with such life-saving projects, please consider a donation to assist with the purchase and installation of the required equipment. Enriching the lives our shelter animals provides for their health, welfare and ultimate placement in a loving home.

August 28, 2012January 20, 2018

Fundraiser honors pets that ‘reign’ in our hearts by Ed Boks

To get a message across, the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) often uses a play on words – a clever or witty use of language. For instance, on Saturday, Sept. 8, YHS is celebrating its 40th anniversary at the Prescott Resort and the event is called Reigning Cats & Dogs.

The name Reigning Cats & Dogs is an attempt to humorously convey the role our pets play in our lives. In many ways, and for many of us, our pets take on a central, or if you will, a “reigning” role in our lives. It is in this fun spirit that we are inviting animal lovers to a royal celebration of the relationship we share with our pets.

The phrase “Reigning Cats & Dogs” is a homophone of the term “raining cats and dogs.”

It is ironic, even tragic, that in a community that celebrates Reigning Cats & Dogs we can at the same time experience a raining cats and dogs resulting in an overflow of lost and unwanted pets at YHS.

So dire is the current situation that YHS is announcing a state of emergency. The crisis was caused by the recent monsoon. Dogs frightened by thunder are escaping from their homes in record numbers – and most are found without a dog license, identification tag or microchip. Worse, pet owners are not coming to YHS to identify their lost pet in a timely manner. This is costly to both YHS and the frantic pet owner. Our concern is pet owners may not know YHS is the central location where all lost pets are taken by local animal control and Good Samaritans who rescue lost pets off the street.

When you lose your pet, please visit the YHS Lost & Found Pet Center every three days at least – and more often when possible. If your pet does not have a microchip, you can purchase one at the YHS Wellness Clinic on any Friday or at the YHS Lost & Found Pet Center Monday through Friday. In the effort to reunite more lost pets with their owners, YHS is offering microchips for just $20. A microchip will help reunite you with your lost pet in the shortest amount of time.

YHS is also launching a month long Raining Cats & Dogs Adoptathon. From today through the end of September all dogs and puppies are just $25 and all cats and kittens are “pick your price.” Every adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations and a microchip. This is over a $400 value per adoption. If you are considering adding a pet to your family, now is the time. YHS has the largest selection of quality pets available for adoption at the most affordable prices. When you adopt a pet from YHS you are saving two lives; the one you adopt and the one your adoption makes room for.

Another way you can help YHS is by participating in the Reigning Cats & Dogs Auction which is open online until Thursday, Sept. 6. Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways to having your pet featured in the inaugural 2013 Yava-Paw Calendar. So, tell your friends, family, community and let the bidding begin! You can purchase your tickets to the Reigning Cats & Dogs Gala scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Prescott Resort. All proceeds go to help fund YHS’ many life saving programs. I hope to see you there!

July 17, 2012January 20, 2018

Support local animals in need through gala, raffle, thrift store by Ed Boks

If you’re an animal lover, you’re invited to celebrate the Yavapai Humane Society’s 40th anniversary at this year’s Reigning Cats & Dogs Dinner Gala and Silent Auction. The gala is scheduled for Saturday evening, Sept. 8, at the Prescott Resort. Tickets are $100 each, or $900 for a table for 10. I look forward to seeing you there!

Raffle tickets for the Reigning Cats & Dogs Grand Prize are also available. Imagine winning a three-night stay at the AAA Four Diamond award-winning El Monte Sagrado Resort in Taos, N.M. The resort was featured in Travel and Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, and is on their elite Gold List. With sunlit fish-filled streams, tropical flora and the sounds of calming waterfalls, the nurturing effects begin the moment you arrive. Should you opt for a winter visit, a ski shuttle runs daily to Taos Ski Valley. El Monte Sagrado ensures a level of personalized pampering you won’t soon forget. For more information on the resort or to purchase raffle tickets, visit the YHS Thrift Shop or Spay/Neuter Clinic. You do not have to be present to win. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold at $5 each, or five for $20.

YHS has new hours: YHS is now open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Adoption Special: YHS is promoting an adoption special on all Certified Pre-Owned Cats! That’s right, $0 down; $0 financing; and no payments EVER! Nose to tail, multi-point inspection and catjack (microchip) included. (Testing fees apply.) This means all cats and kittens are available for the price you pick. This is a $400 value (including spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, etc.) for the price you can afford.

Microchips: This is the busiest time of the year for YHS. With the rodeo, parades, fireworks and thunderstorms, we rescue more terrified lost pets than any other time of the year. Getting your lost pet back to you quickly and safely is our highest priority. To do this better YHS has lowered the price of a microchip to $20. You can have your pet microchipped from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the YHS Lost & Found Pet Center, 1625 Sundog Ranch Road, Prescott Valley, or any Friday at the YHS Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic located at 2989 Centerpointe East in Prescott. Don’t delay, protect your pet today!

Spay/Neuter Special: Are you looking to save your furniture from scratches and snags? Get a free nail trim for your pet cat at the time you schedule a spay/neuter surgery for him/her. Just mention this offer when you call to schedule your appointment.

Thrifter Alert: Have you been by the YHS Thrift Shop lately? Come by to see our new look, lower prices and great bargains. All this for a great cause to help fund our life-saving programs!

From clothing and household items to jewelry and more, the YHS Thrift Shop is loaded with great deals for every bargain hound! If you’re moving, downsizing or just cleaning, please consider donating to YHS Thrift Shop. We respectfully request donated items be sell-able and in good condition. When you drop off your donations, take a moment to shop our fine collectibles, jewelry, antiques and other treasures. If needed, we do fetch large items.

June 26, 2012January 19, 2018

Much to celebrate at the Yavapai Humane Society by Ed Boks

The Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. I launched the year with a column explaining how wonderful it would be if YHS could celebrate this milestone year with a new X-ray machine.

Thanks to the generosity of several individuals and a significant gift from a foundation wishing to remain anonymous, YHS was able to purchase this life-saving equipment. I want to publicly thank all those who made this miracle a reality!

An X-ray machine significantly enhances YHS’s ability to diagnose and treat critical-needs animals more efficiently and humanely – resulting in more lives saved. The X-ray machine helps ensure every critically injured or severely ill animal YHS rescues has a fighting chance at a quality life.

Now that YHS has this wonderful tool, I am making a special plea for donations to our Special Treatment and Recovery (STAR) fund. Donations to the STAR program provide funds to care for the medical needs of animals that might be euthanized otherwise. The STAR fund is where we go when we need special medicines, X-rays, medical tests and reconstructive surgeries that our budget just can’t support.

Through the STAR program the entire community can participate in making sure injured and sick animals receive the care they need. Please consider making a contribution to this special program.

Speaking of our 40th anniversary celebration, be sure to save the date for this year’s Reigning Cats & Dogs Dinner and Auction Gala on Saturday evening, Sept. 8, at the Prescott Resort.

A special feature this year is the 40th anniversary essay contest called “40 Years of Saving Lives, 40 Years of Memories.”

You are invited to share your personal heart-warming animal story in the form of an essay (500 words or less), poem, song, video or photograph. Humorous or heart-tugging entries with a direct association with YHS are welcomed. Entries are limited to three. Entries will be submitted to the judges anonymously, making the contest open to all, including volunteers and former and current employees. There are no age limitations.

The grand prize is two tickets to the Reigning Cats & Dogs Gala where the winning entry will be recognized ($200 value).

The first runner-up will win a certificate for a free spay or neuter surgery for a family pet or a friend’s pet at the YHS Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic (up to $100 value). The second runner-up will win a $25 gift certificate to the YHS Thrift Shop. All winners and honorable mentions will be featured on the YHS website.

Entry deadline is Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012; winner notification is Friday, Aug. 17, 2012. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and email address. By submitting your entry, you permit YHS to reproduce it on the YHS website and other media.

March 22, 2012March 22, 2018

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus nothing to fear by Ed Boks

Ed Boks and black cat — FIV is responsible for the unnecessary killing of far too many cats in way too many animal shelters; and that is not right, because FIV cats often live long, healthy lives with few to no symptoms.

This week I want to feature Portia, a 4-year-old domestic short hair with a spice for life; described by those who know her as cool, calm, confident, playful and a joy to be around. She is mellow enough to get along with a cat-savvy dog and respectful children.

Portia has had many suitors in her two months in the shelter, but potential adopters quickly lost interest when they learned she has feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Continue reading “Feline Immunodeficiency Virus nothing to fear by Ed Boks”