Dear Customer ,

Give the Gift of Spay/Neuter!

The Humane Society will be offering gift certificates this holiday season for spay/neuter surgeries! As incentive for buying one, you will receive a discount on the surgery price as well as a FREE recyclable bag, cup and window cling bearing our "Get Humane" logo! To purchase, just come by our office!

"Howliday" Pet Photo Cards!

The Humane Society will be selling "Howliday" pet photo cards this November!  Come to The Humane Society's Office to get your pet's photo taken on Wednesdays and Fridays starting November 4th-November 25th from 10am-3pm. We'll take their picture in a holiday setting, get them printed, and call you when they're ready!  You get to choose one of many designs (including Hanukkah and Kwanzaa) in increments of 10-50, 100, 250 or 500 and starting at just $13!! To register for a time slot, please call Katy Renfroe, Interim Director of Public Relations, at 803.783.1267.

U.S. Marines Enlist ASPCA to Keep Marine Corps Pets & Families Together

On October 6, a team of ASPCA animal behavior experts arrived in Beaufort, S.C., to conduct behavior assessments of more than 80 dogs living in Marine Corps housing units in the South Carolina Tri-Command area.

The visit by ASPCA behaviorists comes after these dogs became the subject of a breed ban recently instituted by Marine Corps headquarters. The policy specifically bans purebred and mixed-breed Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and wolf hybrids, as well as canines with "dominant traits of aggression" who pose a risk to people living in U.S. Marine Corps housing worldwide.

"Our goal in coming to the Parris Island base is to make sure safe dogs and their families are able to stay together," says Dr. Emily Weiss, ASPCA Senior Director of Shelter Research & Development, "and so far, the results have been positive."

After assessing individual canines with SAFER (the ASPCA Safety Assessment for Evaluation Rehoming)-a research-based tool that helps identify the likelihood of canine aggression-ASPCA behaviorists report that of the 85 dogs assessed to date, only two were found to have a high enough potential for aggression to have to be removed from the base. "Two others showed aggressive tendencies, but one will work with a trainer and another will be neutered," comments Dr. Weiss. "The vast majority, however, are well-loved, well-behaved family pets."

"Breed bans just don't work," continues Dr. Weiss, "These breeds of dogs have a bad rap. In most cases, they are safe, wonderful animals. We're hoping that we can work with the Marine Corps over the next two years to show them that we should be testing the aggression level of individual dogs and not just banning these three breeds. It's breed prejudice."

The families of safe dogs will be given the opportunity to apply for a waiver, allowing their dog to remain on the base until 2012. "We're very excited about the ASPCA's assessment," says Army Capt. Jenifer Gustafson, the Officer in Charge of the veterinary clinic on Parris Island. "This is a welcome alternative to the unpleasant possibility of pet parents being forced to give up their dogs or leave base housing."

The ASPCA is opposed to breed bans, which target entire breeds instead of focusing on individual dogs. Aggressive canines are often the result of owners failing to provide proper training. Our organization continues to work on identifying potential aggression in individual dogs, opening up opportunities for behavior modification. Read more about alternatives to breed-specific laws.

Family Night at Agape Senior Nursing Home!

For the month of November, The Humane Society will be the partner for Agape Senior's Family Night!  We will be out at Agape Senior Assisted Living Facility Kathwood.  We will be showcasing dogs and cats from local area shelters that need adoption.  If you would like to be an animal handler for these events, please email Katy Renfroe, Interim Director of Public Relations, at krenfroe@humanesc.org.

New Website, Twitter & Facebook Accounts!

The Humane Society will be launching a new website this month. Check it out at www.humanesc.org, and let us know what you think at krenfroe@humanesc.org.  We still have a Twitter account, but we've changed our name to HSPCAColumbiaSC. Follow us! Lastly, we have also started a new Facebook account, which you can access at www.facebook.com/HumaneSocietyColumbia . Check it out, and post something on our wall!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stocking Raffle!

Come by The Humane Society's Spay/Neuter Clinic starting November 2nd-December 16th to enter our first ever stocking raffle!  We will have two stockings (one for cats & one for dogs) filled with pet goodies!  Raffle tickets are $1 or 5 for $6.  Buy as many as you would like!  All proceeds will benefit The Humane Society's Spay/Neuter Clinic.  We will draw two lucky winners (one for each stocking) on Thursday, December 17th.

Want to Hone Your Marketing Skills?

The Humane Society is an event driven non-profit organization, and we are coming up with new events all the time! If you would like to gain some valuable PR experience through volunteering and are in college pursuing a degree in Public Relations, Communications or Event Management, then we'd love to hear from you! Please send your resume to krenfroe@humanesc.org, and include your contact information. 

Can Cats and Dogs Catch Swine Flu?

Pet parents of dogs and cats can relax for now, say ASPCA veterinarians. While the 2009 H1N1 virus-a faster moving and possibly more debilitating strain of influenza than the typical seasonal flu-has become an international concern, the virus, referred to as swine flu when first identified, appears to present little risk of infecting dogs and cats. However, viruses can mutate quickly and taking important preventative measures remains essential.

"Many species can become infected with influenza viruses, but the current 2009 H1N1 virus, which is a mixture of genetic material from different species, has not been identified in animal populations in the United States to date," says Dr. Miranda Spindel, Director of ASPCA Veterinary Outreach. "These viruses are notoriously unpredictable, though, and it is important that we remain vigilant."

In terms of other animals who are susceptible, Dr. Spindel warns that influenza or flu viruses are occasionally transmitted from people to pigs, and the 2009 H1N1 virus has also been identified in turkeys. Pet parents of Vietnamese Potbellies, African Pygmies and other pet pigs should monitor their animals' health closely, notify their veterinarian of any signs of illness and speak to their veterinarian about influenza type A vaccines.

Ferrets are susceptible to most human flu viruses, so pet parents should take extra care to prevent exposure of pet ferrets to people or other ferrets with flu symptoms.

Meanwhile, flu season is upon us and pet parents should take common-sense preventative measures to keep their dogs and cats healthy:

• If your dog is exhibiting flu-like symptoms, including coughing, nasal discharge or fever (normal dog and cat temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees), play it safe and avoid taking him to places like dog parks, where he can pass on germs or come into contact with unvaccinated or sick dogs.
• Avoid letting your cat roam freely outside.
• If your dog comes into frequent contact with other dogs or is kept in a kennel, the ASPCA recommends that you discuss with your veterinarian whether vaccination against canine influenza may be appropriate. Note: canine influenza and H1N1 are not the same virus.
• Talk to your vet about what flu vaccines are currently available, and be sure all your pets get vaccinated!
• Don't let your pet share water bowls, food dishes or toys with other animals.
• Make sure your pet is eating, drinking and playing as he normally does each day. If you notice your pet behaving unusually, or if he has flu-like symptoms, check in with your veterinarian immediately.

Be a Fanimal!

City of Columbia Mayor Bob Coble declared Friday, November 13th as Fanimal (a.k.a. Fan of Animals) Day in Columbia. What is a Fanimal? A Fanimal is anyone who supports animal welfare, rescue and adoption. You don't have to be an animal welfare organization to be a Fanimal. Everyone can be a Fan of Animals!

The Fanimal campaign was created by Giovanna Di Biccari, a local television personality, who hosts the "On The Street" show on Cable Channel 7. Ms. Di Biccari is teaming up with area pet rescue organizations to raise money and awareness for animal rescue and adoption.

The "I'M A FANIMAL!" program will kick off November 13th, 2009.  Animal welfare organizations throughout the area are teaming up to promote this opportunity to work together and raise awareness and funds in support of animal care and adoptions.

Fanimals can stop by The Humane Society or several other animal welfare organizations to get an "I'M A FANIMAL!" sticker for a $10 donation.  You can display the sticker on any window to document your love of animals.  You don't have to be a Columbia resident to be a Fanimal. Anyone who loves and cares for animals can obtain a sticker. Next time you're at The Humane Society, be sure to ask about getting a Fanimal sticker for your home, car or business.