Winter 2010 Speaking of

Animals4242 South 300 WestMurray, UT 84107

Phone: (801) 261-2919

www.utahhumane.org

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of fear, pain, and suffering in all animals.

Plus:The Animals Were Not Forgotten,

Picture your pet with Santa and more!

Oh, What a Year!50th Anniversary a Great MilestonePage 3

HSU Has Made a DifferencePage 4

Charles in Charge!Page 6

Clinic Staff Welcomes New Vet Page 7

Board of directors

Craig S. Cook, PresidentDr. Eric Belnap, Vice PresidentDr. JoAnn B. Seghini, Secretary

Randy John, Treasurer

Directors:Michelle Christensen, Janet E. Haskell

Steve Starley, Tim J. Williams

administrative staff

Gene Baierschmidt, Executive DirectorPaul Chapin, DVM, Veterinarian

Shama Chapin, DVM, VeterinarianLena DeTar, DVM, VeterinarianJohn Paul Fox, Chief Investigator

Pauline Edwards, Director of ClinicCarlene Wall, Director of

Operations and EducationCarl Arky, Director of Communications

Katharine Brant, Director of Publications and Membership

Oliver Schmidt, Director of Electronic MediaLoraine Delgadillo, Business Manager

Human ResourcesCarrie Glavin, Volunteer Coordinator

Kris Smith, Community Outreach Director Jessica Almeida, Animal Transfer CoordinatorBarbara Conrad, Foster Animal Coordinator

services Providedv Adoption of animals to qualified homesv Low-cost sterilization surgeriesv Receiving of unwanted animalsv Preventive immunizationsv Investigation of animal abuse and neglectv Animal rescuesv Humane education and pet-facilitated therapy

For further information on services provided by HSU, call (801)261-2919 during business hours.

Remember, HSU is your shelter.We are here to help the animals of Utah.

Please help maintain and support our programswith your contributions.

The Humane Society of Utah is an independent 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization

that is not affiliated with any other group, nationally or locally. We receive no funding from taxes or any

source other than your contributions.

Incorporated 1960

4242 South 300 WestSalt Lake City, UT 84107-1415

Telephone: (801) 261-2919 Fax: (801) 261-9577

www.utahhumane.org © 2010 Humane Society of Utah. All rights reserved.

Few Utah residents will soon forget the raging fires that swept through fields and even into the populated neighborhoods near Herriman, a small community in the southwest part of the Wasatch Front, last September. At about noon on the 19th of the month, sparks caused by gunfire from the practice target shooting being carried out at nearby military base Camp Williams ignited the dry grasses surrounding the area; then the strong, hot winds that were prevalent that day fanned the flames into a blazing inferno that rampaged across the open flatlands and invaded houses and other buildings within the town itself. People as far north as Bountiful smelled the smoke and were dazzled by the brilliant red sunset produced by the smoggy haze.

Real Danger Met with Immediate ResponseAuthorities were on the scene almost at once, working feverishly to contain the

fire (which was not entirely controlled for almost four days). Ultimately, three houses were completely destroyed and the inhabitants of over 1,500 homes were evacuated; however, thanks to the hard work and prompt response of trained professionals, no lives were lost and no injuries occurred.

One of the well-prepared, dedicated organizations to be among the first on the scene was the Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition, which came to look out for the needs of another important segment of the threatened population — the frightened, disoriented companion animals of the people who were forced to flee from their homes during the conflagration.

A Promise KeptHSU members were first introduced to the UEARC in the summer of 2008,

when Speaking of Animals carried an intensive profile of the new group, which had been formed the previous year to ensure that in times of disaster the animals would not be forgotten. The Humane Society of Utah is a committed member of UEARC, providing financial assistance and sending staff members to regular meetings and training sessions. The Herriman fires proved to be one of the first real tests of the Coalition’s abilities, and it came through with flying colors.

The well-equipped UEARC van pulled up at the site with food, water, blankets, medicines, bandages, holding kennels, and other necessary materials to deal with the needs of animals who might have become separated from their people or suffered from burns, heat exhaustion, or smoke inhalation. During the first two days of the emergency HSU employees Carl Arky, Kris Smith, and Carlene Wall were routinely on the spot, and together with UEARC personnel they provided safe shelter and assistance for six dogs and four cats who required their help. After the crisis was over, those animals were safely returned to their grateful families, and everyone involved with the Coalition felt that they had met this initial grave challenge with all the efficiency and professionalism that the job called for.

All of us are fortunate to be living in an age when the most helpless — and, formerly, most often overlooked — members of the web of life are at last being regarded with the care and compassion that they deserve. Thanks to the UEARC and all of its affiliated groups for being there when the animals needed them. v

UEARC Keeps its Promise in Herriman Wildfires:

The Animals Were Not Forgotten

The Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition’s roomy, modern, well-equipped van was on the scene of the Herriman wildfires last September to provide aid and assistance to the area’s companion animals affected by the catastrophe. The Coalition cared for almost a dozen of the evacuees’ pets until order was restored.

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Half a century of hard work and unbroken devotion to the cause of making life better for all of Utah’s animals came to a glorious climax on August 28th, when the Humane Society of Utah hosted its biggest birthday party of all time. The festivities lasted from morning until evening, and attracted hordes of four-footed fast-steppers and their equally jubilant people all day long to enjoy, among other things, the following activities:

v The ever-popular Course A’Lure racing track, where dogs chased a mechanical lure around an enclosed route, on the way leaping over hurdles, shooting through tunnels, and generally having the time of their lives

v A “Splash Dogs” jumping competition

v Dog wash and grooming

v K-9 skills demonstrations

v Pet portraits

v Pet psychic readings

Music, food, beverages, and prizes were all included in the day’s festivities, where all adoption fees were cut by 50% and the ultimate goal was to adopt 50 shelter animals in that single day. Each adopter received a gift and became eligible to win a gift certificate for merchandise from our retail store, with the drawing held as soon as the 50th animal found a good new home that day.

At noon a special ceremony was held to commemorate the importance of what this milestone represented. Guest speakers included HSU President and General Counsel Craig S. Cook, HSU Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt, the Mayor of Murray City, Mr. Dan Snarr, and Dr. JoAnn B. Seghini, who, in addition to serving as a longtime member of the HSU Board of Directors, is also the Mayor of Midvale City.

continued on page 8 (Party Animals)

HSU’S 50th Anniversary Celebration a Howling Success —

Party Animals Have a Blast!

(above) A beautiful archway of brightly-colored balloons welcomed the hundreds of party guests and their human companions to the Humane Society’s gala 50th birthday celebration last August. The weather was perfect, the mood was elated, and the entire day was packed with non-stop fun and good times for everybody. Best of all, 117 shelter animals were adopted to wonderful homes of their own at that magical event.

(above) “This is the life!” The canine party-goers couldn’t get enough of the famous Course A’Lure racing track,

as this exuberant border collie demonstrates. He and his four-legged friends, who showed up in all sizes, shapes,

and colors, spent the day whizzing through tunnels, bounding over speed bumps, and generally just showing

off exactly what it means to be in doggie heaven.

(right) After all the exercise and

rambunctious romping, the dogs were able to

cool off in the clear depths of the Splash Pool. A team from

the Murray City Fire Department had to use fire hoses to fill the pool

because it required so much water.

(left) One of the honored guests was Murray City Mayor Dan Snarr, who spoke of his own love for animals and his appreciation for the Humane Society’s presence here. “I’m glad this facility is located in my city,” he said. “It’s something that makes me very proud, and I wish you many more years of growth and success.”

(right) Another distinguished speaker was Dr. JoAnn B. Seghini. In addition to her many, many other glowing

achievements, she has been a long-time member of the HSU Board of Directors and is also

the Mayor of Midvale City. Her dedicated efforts have

been a key factor in helping the Society achieve so much to help animals all over the state.

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Just about everyone over the age of ten has, at one time or another, seen the classic Christmas movie It’s a Wonder-ful Life, starring James Stewart as the ordinary guy who, in a moment of despair, comes to the conclusion that his world would have been a better place if he had never been born into it. Fortunately, his guardian angel Clar-ence intervenes just in time, and shows him exactly what things really would have been like if there had been no George Bailey — and George realizes how many good things resulted from his actions and how many catastrophes were averted just by the simple fact that he happened.

In many ways, I believe that the Humane Society of Utah’s story is very analogous to that of George Bailey. During the past 50 years there may have been tough times when a lot of people wondered if our efforts weren’t ultimately meaningless, when they felt that the old attitudes and perceptions of the community at large just couldn’t possibly be changed.

The Real Stuff of LifeBut let’s ask ourselves one very

basic question: What if the Humane Society of Utah had never existed — how would our culture be different from what it is now? Consider the following:

v What would have been the fate of the thousands and thousands of unwanted animals for whom we’ve found loving, caring homes?

v How much needless animal suffering would there have been without the enormous number of sterilization surgeries performed by our clinic?

v Without the tireless, statewide work of our Cruelty Investigator, John Paul Fox, how many cases of animal neglect and abuse would have gone unnoticed?

v How lacking in enrichment, insight, and understanding of the truly miraculous nature of all life would our schoolchildren be had they not been provided with hands-on, professional presentations by our Education department?

v How much longer would people who violently and sadistically torture companion animals have gotten away with slap-on-the-wrist penalties for those crimes if HSU hadn’t fought to get such actions elevated to felony-level status?

For many years the Humane Society of Utah was the only organization in the state acting as the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves. Other groups have since appeared on the scene, and every single bit of help the animals get is vitally important; but HSU has been consistent for half a century in working — sometimes against incredible odds — to improve things.

If not for the

HumaneSocietyof Utah...The Difference We’ve Made!

— by Gene BaierschmidtHSU Executive Director

As I see things

Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt has been at the helm of HSU since 1988, and it is to his leadership

that we owe many of our most significant steps forward. In his speech he discussed the many ways in which the Humane Society of Utah’s presence here over the past 50 years has made things much better for the animals, and the people, of the state.

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Always AdvancingWhen we first began in 1960, our

motto was “Dedicated to the elimination of fear, pain, and suffering in all animals.” From the beginning we have worked to fulfill that mission, and are continuing and will continue to do so. In just the past twelve months, for example, we were instrumental in achieving goals that once would hardly have been conceivable, like those listed here:

3 Spayed and neutered over 11,000 animals in our clinic and adopted 7,051 dogs and cats in a single year — a record.

3 For the first time, we didn’t have to euthanize one single adoptable dog in our facility.

3 Made it illegal in Utah to sell antifreeze that has not been treated with a bittering agent.

Prior to passage of the new law, antifreeze had a scent and flavor that was very attractive to both pets and children, and many tragic — and needless — cases of poisoning occurred.

3 Passed an ordinance in unincorporated Salt Lake County limiting the amount of time dogs can be kept chained in yards (and we’re currently looking to expand the scope of this ordinance to other areas as well).

3 Saw the passage of changes to Utah’s antiquated mandatory pound seizure law. Publicly-funded animal shelters are now no longer required to give up animals for research and experimentation.

3 Added a third veterinarian to our staff to further increase the care provided to animals at HSU.

Other issues we hope to deal with in the future include introducing an ordinance that prohibits people from selling or giving away pets in public places like the parking lots of malls and supermarkets, and also establishing a statewide standard for euthanasia methods used in all shelters to ensure the fastest and most humane means possible. Also, in the not-too- distant future we plan to expand our actual facility in order to serve animals and the community in even more ways.

The future looks bright for the Humane Society and animals through-out the state, and we thank you, our members and supporters, whose generous assistance has made the past 50 years of progress possible, and who will ensure that we can celebrate our 100th year with equal pride and satisfaction. Because of you, for the animals of Utah, it is indeed “a wonderful life.” v

Board President Craig Cook recalled a long series of struggles and triumphs that he has witnessed,

and been an integral part of, over his nearly four decades with the Society. Without his legal

expertise and fierce determination to see justice done for the animals, many of the worst offenses against

them, which were once considered acceptable practice, might today still be going on unchecked.

Our very special guest of honor was one of the people who were present at HSU’s birth. Beverly Gardiner, along with her late husband Hal (please see the Spring 2010 issue of Speaking of Animals), joined with a few other representatives of small, loosely-structured local animal-welfare groups on July 18th, 1960, to form what would become the Humane Society of Utah. Mrs. Gardiner’s rich memories of the rocky times at the beginning, and the exhilarating successes that have followed over the years, were the highlight of the entire day’s many wonderful moments.

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One evening late last December our Foster Coordinator, Barbara Conrad, saw a small, furry dog scuttling around the HSU property in the cold winter twilight and, thinking it was a shelter animal who had somehow gotten loose, she immediately ran outside to try to capture it and return it to its kennel. The wily canine proved to be elusive, however, and soon half a dozen other employees had been recruited to join in the chase, which turned out to be a lengthy one; it was only after the little renegade had finally been cornered under a car and bundled into a blanket that were we able to determine exactly what we were dealing with.

It turned out to be a fluffy but filthy male Po-meranian, about five years old, and he was not a shelter escapee. He had obviously been outside on his own for some time, and had neither tags, microchip, or any other means of identifying him or whoever his people might have been. After recovering from his initial confusion and panic, he showed himself to be an extremely friendly and well-tempered dog: He made no attempt to bite or snap at any of his rescuers, and indeed seemed to be thankful to have been caught and brought in out of the snow and mud.

A Prince among PupsAfter a meal, a warm bath, and a session with our groomers,

the formerly shabby-looking little stray was miraculously trans-formed into a gorgeous mass of gleaming red-gold fur with a pair of warm, twinkling dark eyes and a high-voltage smile that he never switched off. Perhaps it was because he instantly became the prince of the shelter, or maybe it was simply because he immedi-ately took charge of everyone’s heart; anyway, we decided to name him Charles.

After the mandatory three-day holding period, no one had claimed or inquired about the dog, so Barbara personally fostered Charles for almost two months, bringing him with her to the shel-ter nearly every day so he could become accustomed to people and have a chance to be seen by potential adopters. During this period he developed his own devoted fan club among the HSU staff, happily hopping into laps to be cuddled, accepting treats and toys with animated appreciation, and falling into peaceful slumbers cuddled up under various desks in the administration offices.

The Perfect Family Shows UpIn addition to promoting Charles here at the shelter, we

also featured him on our website, and one day we received a call from a man in Idaho who was interested in adopting him. Just talking with Brad Cazier gave Barbara very positive vibrations, and when he drove all the way down to Salt Lake City from his small hometown to meet Charles, the feeling that this would be a match made in heaven was solidified. Brad already had a little girl Pom named Candy, and he wanted a friend for her — so he brought Candy with him and let Candy and Charles play together for a full hour to see how they liked each other. He also brought new toys and treats for both dogs, so neither would feel jealous or left out, and showered them both with attention and affection throughout their playtime. At the end of the visit, it was obvious

that Candy and Brad had found a perfect new friend, and Charles had found a perfect new home. As fond as everyone here had grown of Charles, and as much as we hated to say goodbye to him, we were nevertheless delighted to see him enter into this wonderful new chapter of his life.

Since then, Brad has regularly kept in touch, sending us frequent updates and photos of Charles — now known as “Chucky” — which show that he is without a doubt in puppy paradise. Besides pictures of the two Poms snuggling together in their soft bed, eating side by side out of their matching bowls, and watching television from a big armchair (with Brad in the middle, naturally), he has also shared with us details of the great adventures the three of them enjoy. It turns out that Brad loves to travel the scenic country of the Northwest by motorcycle, and he

of course takes his two “kids” with him wherever he goes. He has fitted up his bike with two comfortable, securely attached dog compartments, complete with seat belts and storage for food and water, and together they’ve roamed some of the most beautiful places imaginable in that area. “They love riding with me,” says Brad. “I got each one of them a little pair of ‘Doggles’ to protect their eyes from dust and the sun, they get to feel the wind in their fur and at the same time be totally safe and snug in their ‘car seats,’ and the bond that has developed among all three of us on these jaunts is so powerful that it’s almost like a religious thing. Candy and I can’t thank you enough for letting Chucky become a part of our family.”

And we can’t thank Brad enough for welcoming one of our favorite fosters into that family. We wish much love and long life together to all the Caziers! v

HSU adoptee Chucky (formerly Charles), right, sits snugly in his secure, custom-made traveling compartment as his girlfriend Candy waits to be loaded and strapped into her own safety harness in front. Their dad, Brad Cazier, often takes his two Pom buddies with him on motorcycle adventures through the scenic countryside, and here they prepare to break camp after a visit to glorious Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Do the dogs enjoy it? Chucky’s ear-to-ear grin tells the whole story.

CHARLES IN CHARGE!— Another HSU Foster Success Story

Eliza Durham, left, and Layla Greene held a lemonade-and-brownie sale in July, and gave all the money that they earned from their efforts to the Humane Society of Utah because “We love animals and want to help them,” they explained. Many thanks to these two very special sweethearts!

Thank you!

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Since early 1999, all of the HSU clinic’s record-breaking work has been done by just two veterinarians, Drs. Paul and Shama Chapin (please see Summer 2009 issue of Speaking of Animals for a profile on these doctors, and also the Spring issue of the same year, which highlighted their astonishing achievements, including their sterilization of over 11,000 animals in a single twelve-month period). The trend of steady and continuing expansion of their duties was clearly established, and by last spring it was obvious that we needed to expand their workforce as well. After an extensive nationwide search, last August we welcomed Dr. Lena DeTar as a third staff veterinarian at the Humane Society of Utah.

A Professional of Many Talents

Although Dr. DeTar arrived at HSU directly from an animal clinic in Seattle, it turns out that in coming to HSU she was — by a very roundabout circuit — actually returning to her roots. Dr. DeTar was born and raised in Salt Lake City, graduating from West High School in 1998; but from there, she explored many different paths in many parts of the world before finally realizing what her true vocation was meant to be.

She began by attending Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology and pre-med; following graduation, Dr. DeTar spent a year in Japan, where she taught English and also played violin in her local community orchestra. However, still feeling that she hadn’t found what she really wanted in life, she returned to the Sates and enrolled at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, and emerged with a Master’s degree in science writing.

Armed with these credentials, Dr. DeTar finally found success with her science fiction stories. Her work was published in Asimov’s Science Fiction, a periodical called by critics “the most consistently innovative science fiction magazine on the newsstands today,” and she soon proceeded to garner recognition for her efforts, including nomination for Best

Short Story of 2004 from the British Science Fiction Association.

Eureka!It was in the midst of writing an article

about the forthcoming publication of The Canine Genome Project (a study cataloguing the entire genetic structure of dogs) that Dr. DeTar was struck by a brilliant flash of insight: All her life she had loved science and animals; her proper calling, she realized, was not just writing about the two, but living a life devoted to both. The next logical step, therefore, was enrollment in the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. For three years of vet school she worked at a nearby animal shelter; in 2006 she was awarded a grant from the Morris Animal Foundation for a summer research project; and in 2009 she earned her DVM degree. She went directly to work in animal clinics in upper Washington State, and it was there that HSU found her and recruited her to join our staff.

Since becoming part of our group, Dr. DeTar has been an invaluable asset in easing the burden of duties on the original two vets’ shoulders, and has also made it possible for us to expand the clinic’s hours of operation and handle a greater volume of clientele. It’s

just another step forward in the Humane Society of Utah’s ongoing commitment to helping more animals in more ways, and we warmly welcome Dr. DeTar to our team. v

Our new HSU staff veterinarian, Dr. Lena DeTar, who joined us in August, has already

won the hearts of both her colleagues and her clientele. Here she shares a meaningful

moment with a pug as he gets his yearly checkup. With the addition of a third vet to our already amazing clinic crew, we have been able to extend our hours of

operation, and we confidently predict that this year we will break our own statewide

record for the number of sterilization surgeries performed by a single facility.

New Star Joins HSU’S Veterinary Constellation —Clinic Staff Welcomes Bright, Dedicated

Dr. Lena DeTar

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What are the surest signs of autumn? Well, the days grow shorter and nippier, the leaves turn colors and fall to the ground, and dogs, cats, and a lot of other pets all over the valley start brushing their whiskers and polishing their claws to look their best for their photos to be taken in the annual Humane Society of Utah “Picture Your Pet with Santa” event!

This is a terrific opportunity to get full-color, professional portraits of your furry, finny, feathered, or scaly friends with Santa himself and help the animals of the Humane Society at the same time. We offer a wide variety of options, including Christmas cards featuring your pet’s photo for holiday giving. Packages start at $28 for two 5” x 7” prints, and other options are available.

Just a couple of reminders:

3 An appointment is required (call 801-261-2919, ext. 207)

3 Pets must be current on all vaccinations

3 Please, no pets in heat

3 Cats must be in carriers, and dogs must be on leashes

Here Comes Santa Paws, Here Comes Santa Paws – Right Down the Animals’ Lane!

Pictures will be taken on November 6th and 7th, and again on November 13th and 14th, so you’ll be sure to get your prints in time for holiday sharing. Please call 801-261-2919, ext. 207, to make your appointment now. Get a memento of this Christmas season that you’ll cherish forever! v

Would you like to be a

Every day the Humane Society of Utah takes in cats and dogs with special needs of all kinds, and our Foster Department can always use help in providing the extra care and love that these “challenged” animals require to make them ready to be adopted to good new homes of their own. Temporary homes are in great demand in the following areas:

• Mother dogs or cats with litters that are still too young to be placed for adoption

• Kittens and puppies who have no mothers and require regular bottle feeding

• Motherless puppies and kittens who are old enough to have been weaned, but who are nevertheless still too young to be put up for adoption

• Adult animals with physical or emotional handicaps who must be given conscientious, one-on-one care and attention to help them learn to blend into a real family

Please make sure that, if you wish to foster, your own animals are current on their vaccinations, including bordetella to ward off kennel cough.

Time spent by animals in foster homes usually ranges from approximately ten days to two months; we ask that you be able to make a commitment to keep an animal for as long as it takes to ensure his or her good health and adoptability.

Fostering is fun, rewarding, and you’re helping to save lives! If you’d like to be a genuine miracle worker, please call 801-261-2919, ext. 215, or e-mail bconrad@utahhumane.org v

Miracle Worker?

Two long-time veterans of HSU were, very appropriately, on hand for the festivities. Both Chief Investigator John Paul Fox, left, and Board President and General Counsel Craig S. Cook have been important factors in the Society’s progress for the greater portion of its half-century of existence; each has served in his individual capacity without interruption for 38 years.

When the celebrations finally wound down, an all-time record-breaking 117 of our shelter animals had been adopted, plans for our new building additions had been unveiled, and our birthday party had made news headlines all over the state. Looking back over the years to the first tiny, loosely organized, bare-bones group that was the beginning of it all, we can say with amazement, pride, and immense gratitude — “We’ve come a long way, baby!” v

Party Animals... continued from page 3