|
FEATURES
Teach the Children Well
Educators aim to leave no child behind, but many of the most important lessons kids can learn—about kindness and non-violent conflict resolution, for example—are now being edged out in favor of standardized lessons and regular testing. But by tying your lessons to new educational requirements, you can get humane education back into the curriculum.
What is a Good Death?
While communities across the country work to reduce euthanasia rates, some shelters struggle with a more fundamental issue: ending the use of the carbon monoxide chamber. Long considered an out-of-date method, gas chambers remain in use in some communities due to old laws and lack of funding and training. But through legislation and mentoring programs, animal advocates are helping shelters make the switch.
DEPARTMENTS
Letterbox
Scoop
Coffee Break
In your space, you talk about your favorite parts of your day-to-day work.
Creature Feature
They’re long, they’re lean, and they’re not so mean! Feisty ferrets have a rep for being nibbly and stinky, but these relatives of the weasel have gotten a bad rap. We provide a guide for their care within the shelter—and a glimpse of why their advocates have a mania for mustelids.
The “101” Department
A day on the witness stand can make even the most gregarious animal control officer nervous, but our tips on providing effective court testimony can prepare you for the crossest of cross examinations.
Q & A
Author Jon Katz has been working with dogs for decades. But when a dog he loved deeply became unmanageably aggressive, he was faced with a terrible choice. Katz talks about his border collie, Orson, and the difficulty owners and shelters face when dealing with aggressive dogs.
Shelter Medicine
Veterinarians are often in the best position to notice signs of animal cruelty, yet studies have shown they seldom report their suspicions. Dr. Lila Miller wants to see more veterinarians taking the lead on cruelty issues in their communities.
The Behavior Department
Bad cats, bad cats—whatcha gonna do? A post-adoption survey helps the Animal Rescue League of Boston figure out how their adopted cats are getting on in their new homes.
Off Leash
Winter brings frozen water bowls to Carroll County, Md., but now when animal control officers talk to negligent pet owners, they have science on their side.
| 
