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FEATURES
Working for Change in the Caribbean
The tourists’ dream of sun-filled beaches in Puerto Rico masks the harsh reality of neglect and abuse for many of the island’s animals. A horrific cruelty case in 2007 drew attention to the problems. Galvanized by the tragedy, animal welfare advocates are pushing for more resources, better education, and stricter law enforcement.
Katrina's Silver Lining
Before the storm, animal welfare advocates were often left out of state and federal disaster planning. But when Katrina’s storm surge devastated the Gulf Coast, when New Orleans flooded and countless stranded pets needed rescuing, the link between saving animals’ lives and saving humans’ became all too clear.
DEPARTMENTS
Letterbox
Scoop
Coffee Break
In your space, you told us about your favorite service or program that your organization provides to the public, and why you think it’s important.
Creature Feature
When highways start coming through, box turtles are at a distinct disadvantage: They can’t move quickly enough to get out of the way. The loss of habitat threatens the species’ survival, but advocates are working to save the turtles from falling victim to the construction crews—and seeking to create more humane highways.
The “101” Department
Dogs don’t ask for a lot of grooming, but the potential adopters visiting your shelter probably prefer a well-tended pooch to a matted stinkball. Here are some basic tips for making your pups look presentable.
Q & A
Berkeley Breathed, the cartoonist and children’s book author who gave us Bloom County, has delighted millions of readers with his offbeat humor ... and probably puzzled just as many. He chats about the animals in his life, his support for Proposition 2 and other animal welfare causes, and the recent retirement of Opus the Penguin.
Shelter Medicine
Spay/neuter services are at the heart of proactive efforts to reduce the number of animals entering shelters. Dr. Brenda Griffin discusses strategies for ensuring that animals are sterilized prior to adoption.
The Behavior Department
Making a shelter dog’s life richer can be as simple as smearing some peanut butter on a rubber toy. Even if you’re pressed for time, there are easy ways to spice up your dogs’ daily routines through environmental enrichment.
Off Leash
Harry Truman famously quipped, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” Many of his fellow presidents have done exactly that, but some have favored more unusual animals. As the Obamas settle into the White House, we take a look at the varied history of presidential pets.
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