January-February 2013
Table of Contents

FEATURES

The Evolution of a Field
(and a Magazine)

Animal Sheltering magazine turns 35 this year, and to celebrate, we talk to some veterans of the field, some of whom had no idea, when they took their first job as a dog warden or volunteered to foster a sick kitten, that it would lead to a lifelong career. Those who’ve worked in animal welfare for decades have not only found fulfillment, but have also been witness to progress beyond their wildest dreams. What’s it like to see euthanasia numbers plunge, “the pound” replaced by modern adoption centers, and the prehistoric image of “the dog catcher” replaced by caring professionals? Here are interviews with 11 people who can tell you—and they’re still dreaming big.

Yes, in Our Backyard

When this magazine was launched in 1978, many animal shelters regarded trap-neuter-return programs with suspicion, worrying that the cats wouldn’t fare well. Now the practice is widely accepted, and in some locations, shelters have gone so far as to host feral colonies on their own property, either by themselves, or in collaboration with local TNR groups.

The "101" Department

Shelters and animal control agencies are often compelled to intervene in large-scale cruelty and hoarding cases that may result in the seizure of dozens—and sometimes hundreds—of animals. It’s important work, but it can also be frighteningly expensive for the agency that takes on such a case. Find tips here about how to plan for the costs of such cases, and present them to supporters so they can help you defray the expenses.

DEPARTMENTS

President's Note

Voices

Scoop

• Junk in the Trunk
• Ellen and Robbie
• Mouthpieces: Your Dog Belongs at the Foot of Your Bed, Not in the Bed of Your Truck
• Restaurants for Rescue
• Much Ado About Ursine
• Your Kitten, Should You Choose to Accept It
• The Build-Out
• Control Issues
• Hanging Out
• Choosing the Difficult

Culture Corner

Books, movies, and other cool stuff for animal lovers.

Q & A

How Larimer Humane Society coped with an influx of animals and coordinated rescue efforts during a historic wildfire last summer in Colorado.

What Happened at Spindletop?

In 2012, a reputedly safe place for pit bulls turned out to be anything but. While the events that took Spindletop from haven to hellhole are still unclear, rescuers can benefit from some clues and tips that will help avoid such awful surprises in the future.

Shelter Medicine

Trap-neuter-return has become widely accepted in many communities. But what are the best practices for ensuring that the cats’ capture, surgeries, and recovery are done in the most humane and healthy way possible? Find out here.

Unforgettable

One lucky dog avoids a stomach-turning fate.