The Pet's Bill of Rights From www.petspartofthefamily.com (Sept./Oct.) We have the right to be full members of your family. We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love. We have the right to stimulation. We need new games, new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy. We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish or fat. We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable all the time. We have the right to quality health care. Please stay good friends with our vet! We have the right to a good diet. Like some people, we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you. We have the right not to be rejected because of your expectations that we be great show dos or show cats, watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters. We have the right to receive proper training. Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife- and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others. We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse. We have the right to live with dignity and to die with dignity when the time comes. Chase the Railroad Dog Chase was picked up at Carlsbad Springs by our Emergency Ambulance driver after being hit by a train and a car. It was assumed by the nature of his injuries that "Chase" had indeed been in hot pursuit of the train. He came into the shelter with a fractured lower jaw and front leg. He was in shock and was immediately assessed and hooked up to fluids and treated with pain killers and antibiotics. After waiting the stray period (3 full days) for an owner to show up and notifying all the radio stations no one came forward to claim him. We sent "Chase" to see an orthopedic specialist who took x-rays and fixed him up by removing a tooth and a section of his jaw. His front leg needed cage rest to heal. We took the opportunity to have "Chase" neutered and then placed him into a foster home for a month. He was subsequently adopted by the foster family and is doing great. Another success story made possible by the SAVE Fund. "Chase" — The Sequel On June 30, 1999 we received a call from the HSOC asking us if we were willing to foster a dog. As our remaining 18 year old shepherd had died in late May we were ready to adopt another dog and share our home. When we arrived at the HSOC, all other dogs were removed from the area before Chase was brought in. We were wondering what we had gotten ourselves into. Chase was a large, hyper Shepherd the staff had nickname "Via". It felt like fate from the beginning. We were given a brief history and instructions on his care and then we headed home. By the end of the next day "Chase" had settled down considerably and was very affectionate, gentle and obedient. It took us only a few days to decide that we wanted to adopt him. The rehabilitation continued until we officially adopted him on July 21st. We have named him "Chase" as this seemed appropriate considering the events that brought him to the HSOC. He is a happy, healthy, loving and gentle dog who stole our hearts. Except for a couple of missing teeth Chase has recovered from his ordeal and has not lost his passion for the "chase". Thank you to the Humane Society for the love and caring of our furry friends. Chase says thank you too!! Linda, Robin and Chase The SAVE Fund is a fund that gives an animal that is injured, is sick or has medical problems a second chance. Animals that are adoptable are candidates for this fund. Monies for this fund are raised through staff fundraising efforts and the generosity of public donations. This year alone the SAVE Fund has helped animals.

The Barrel Fund The Barrel Fund was initiated in December 16, 1993 and since then it has raised just over $20,000. Visitors to the shelter can enjoy a hot cup of coffee for a small donation to the barrel. The Barrel Fund is used for repairs to the shelter. Some of the repairs over the years have been: cupboards for the Pound counter, cupboards for the laundry room, and repairs to adoption runs for the dogs. The Barrel Fund has evolved into the "Wishing Well". Thanks to Rona for the donation of a new cupboard — a handy and convenient place to put the coffee maker and supplies. Next time you are in the shelter stop by for cup of coffee and make a wish for the animals!! How I got the girl ....and her cats. Excerpts from an article that appeared in the October 1999 issue of Cat Fancy Magazine. Written by Tom Schreck As a public service I am prepared to share with you, fellow cat lover, the secrets to converting a non-cat person into a cat-lover. Sit up straight and pay attention and take notes. This four-step guide may save your relationship. Or at least save your cat. Let's be honest, not all human partners are worth keeping. Step 1 Attempt to understand the non-cat person's from here on out referred to as the NCP — reactions to normal feline behaviour. Undoubtedly, being a cat person is carried in your genetic makeup or passed on to you at a very early age. The NCP has no such experience. Should you want to develop or maintain a lasting human relationship with an NCP, try your best to think like them. NCPs find ruined, hairy clothing and bleeding a negative experience. Take the time to explain it was a cat's gesture of love that caused the hemorrhaging and cleaning cat hair off clothes, furniture and everything else in the house becomes routine. Step 2 Realize NCPs do not accept the feline species as equal to the human race and may be bewildered to hear you talking with your cat. The NCP is confused and often concerned about the cat person's discussions with the cat. When having a conversation with your cat early in a relationship, do it when the NCP is not present. Step 3 Realize that to the NCP not all things are cat-related. Although the cat person's world revolves around their cats and the existence of all cats, the NCP has difficulty understanding this concept. Step 4 The NCP becomes a cat person. Do not expect all NCPs to convert. Some will always resist, some will never understand and others are probably intellectually, emotionally and spiritually incapable. If, through your evaluation of your partner, you find this to be the case, face facts. Stand up to the truth. Deal with your emotions. Then go confide in your cat. Poem A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun, Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run. He's been here for days now, with nothing to do, But sit by the road, waiting for you. He can't understand why you left him that day, He thought you and he were stopping to play. He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays How long will he suffer, How many more days? His legs have grown weak, his throat's parched and dry He's sick now from hunger and falls with a sigh. He lays down his head and closes his eyes, I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.