HSOC - Newsletter Spring 2019

THE OCEAN CITY TAILS Issue 1 Spring 2019 Providing The Highest Level Of Compassion & Service To Our Animal Friends BOBBY: One stray’s amazing adventure all the way from Puerto Rico! My name is Bobby. I’m a Sato dog (i.e., mixed that agreed to Humane Society breed or mutt, in local slang) from Puerto take care of me of Ocean City Rico. I wanted to share my story with you while I waited because I believe every furball deserves a for a shelter to 1 Shelter Road chance to have a furever home. accept me. I had Ocean City, NJ 08226 heard great stories of I was born a month after Hurricane Maria hit other friends who moved (609) 398-9500 in September 2017. I became a homeless pup to other areas within the [email protected] and faced challenges that most dogs never United States and are now safe and happy. see. There were always Sato dogs around the While waiting for my turn, my foster family Shelter Hours island but after the hurricane, there seemed taught me how to sit and stay. I spent most to be many more of us. of my evenings cuddled up in a towel next to 11:00 am-3:00pm their bed, dreaming of an endless supply of Daily, 7 days a week Like most resourceful strays, I selected a treats…. house in my small neighborhood to beg for Clinic Hours food and attention. The kind lady who lived After seven months I received great news there provided me with treats and liked to that a shelter in New Jersey wanted me along 9:00am-4:30pm socialize with me. However, there were two with two friends, Rinji and Samantha Joe. I Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri dogs that thought I was intruding on their was very excited about moving but also sad territory and challenged me to a fight. I about saying goodbye to my very kind foster (609) 399-2800 suffered some major injuries. After a few parents. But then I realized that when I was days, I hobbled back to the kind lady’s front gone, they would have the room to help Animal Control porch where she and a friend took me to get another Sato dog. I held back my tears and medical treatment from the local veterinarian. cherished my last few evenings with them. (609) 398-4500 Every day while I was recovering, the kind Moving day finally came and I was taken to lady would visit me and help clean my the airport along with my two friends. The wounds. When I was ready to be released people at American Airlines were great! They from the clinic, they found a foster home made sure that we had food and water for continued on page 2 hsocnj.org Issue 1 • Spring 2019

continued from page 1 The next morning, I met many other nice people who would care for us. This place is so wonderful! The staff and our long trip. We first made a stop in a place called Texas volunteers spend time with us daily, playing and giving us where some other dogs were taken off the plane. I heard lots of treats. Now I wait patiently for me and my friends to the cargo staff say, “next stop Philadelphia” and knew I was become adopted. getting closer to my new home! Please consider becoming a member of the Humane When we arrived at the airport, it wasn’t long before a nice Society of Ocean City or a donation so that more dogs like airport employee took us off the plane. It was a dark and me will be able to tell their happy ending. cold night, but my heart warmed right up when I saw the people from the Humane Society of Ocean City. They gave me hugs and talked to me and my friends all the way to the HSOC Shelter. When we got there, I jumped for joy and showered them with kisses. They didn’t seem to mind! WHAT’S NEW: The HSOC is Going Green! On Earth Day 2019, HSOC’s theme will be “Save the Among our other Earth Day commitments: Species.” On April 1, the Humane Society of Ocean City’s Board of Directors, along with our Executive Director Bill • Confirm that HSOC is a smoke-free campus Hollingsworth, will sign a pledge that the organization will • Use biodegradable pet waste bags for dog walkers do its part in reducing our carbon footprint in our fragile • Promote reusable shopping bags ecosystem. • Only use recycled craft bags, if bags are needed • Promote reusable water bottles at events The HSOC will participate in Ocean City environmental • Install a water cooler in the Clinic as well as the programs that educate the public about the harmful effects that pet waste can cause our beaches as well as Shelter storm drains. We will develop programs that will educate • Make available beverage water coolers at events the public on the wildlife benefits to our ecosystem and • Use organic pesticides on HSOC property when raise public awareness to stop for turtle crossings. The HSOC staff, as well as volunteers, will be encouraged to applicable participate in a beach or bay cleanup day. • Reduce or reuse paper whenever possible These efforts are just for starters! Each year, the HSOC will Help recycle your newsletter try to expand our environmental programs. - share with friends! To volunteer go to hsocnj.org/volunteer Issue 1 • Spring 2019 2 Humane Society of Ocean City

Finn’s Corner On April 5, the Humane Society of Ocean City Pet Care 101: Students will learn what makes a announced our new family addition — “Finn Dog” along with his sidekick “Rex” will embark responsible, loving and caring pet owner. They will on their new mission to promote our shelter resident and also participate in HSOC Shelter activities: reading to educational programs. dogs and cats, making treats, and working with one of our dog trainers. Finn and Rex’s first stop will be at Sister Judy’s class at Saint Joseph’s Regional School in Somers Point. They are • Explorers – updates on this activity are to be going to thank Sister Judy and her class for being part of our “Best Friend” Sponsorship Program for Resident announced. Shelter Cats for over a decade. Finn will participate in Ocean City’s civic activities and If you would like Finn and Rex to come to your school, area school programs to promote the HSOC. He’ll help us organization or event, contact Bill Hollingsworth, our educate people on the many benefits of adopting a pet Executive Director, at 609-398-9500 ext. 4 or from us rather than somewhere else. [email protected]. If you would like to become a sponsor or volunteer, please visit hsocnj.org Some of Finn’s Recent Activities: • April 1st, Finn met with the HSOC Board of Directors so that his mission/objective could be defined. • April 5th, Finn and Rex went to Saint Joseph’s Regional School in Somers Point. Future Activities: • Finn will be planning a visit to Ocean City’s Primary School and the residents of Wesley Manor. • May 5th Finn will make an appearance at the Ocean City Block Party along with several adoptable dogs. • Finn and Rex will be part of our Educational Programs’ Animal Crackers and Pet Care 101. Animal Crackers: Children will engage in pet stories and participate in making a storyboard on the adventures of Finn and his fellow shelter friends. Students will also engage in other activities. These include a “Meet & Greet” with a shelter dog, a tour of the HSOC Shelter and an opportunity to make treats for our animal residents. The age ranges? Preschool through 2nd grade. hsocnj.org 3 Issue 1 • Spring 2019

Letter from the Executive Director Dear Friends of the HSOC, Over time, we expanded our services to include Animal Control. For the past nine years, we’ve In 2019, the Humane Society of Ocean City provided these services to Ocean City — (HSOC) is celebrating our 55th year of “providing responding to an average of 200 calls a year the highest level of compassion and service to our from year-round residents as well as summer animal friends.” homeowners and visitors. Our story began in 1964 when two local In the past decade HSOC’s Board of Directors has teenagers noticed stray pets being housed in an invested over $500,000 in capital improvements. unheated, city-owned garage. Through the efforts of the community and city officials, the first animal We have done all of this with your support shelter was built and dedicated to the newly since we do not get any funding from the formed organization called the Humane Society of Humane Society of the United States or from Ocean City. our partnership with the City of Ocean City. We established an indoor cat colony that houses Stop by anytime for a personal tour and witness strays located on the island and provides them how your donations are making a difference. With with love, care and an opportunity to find their your continued support, our dedicated volunteers forever home. In 2000, Ocean City along with and staff, we know that we will be fulfilling our the HSOC worked together to build the Spay mission for many years to come! and Neuter/Education building known as the “Red Barn.” Since our opening, over 7,000 cats As always, thanks, and dogs have benefited from our Spay and Neuter Program. Many of these were feral cats Bill Hollingsworth from other communities. However, this was not enough... In 2008, during the financial crisis, we established our Veterinary Center. The Center provides compassionate care at affordable rates. With your donations we cover the expenses of medical care for our rescued animals. This year we reached a significant milestone: 15,000 animals have been treated by our dedicated veterinarians. Jenna Callender & Bill Hollingsworth Issue 1 • Spring 2019 4 Humane Society of Ocean City

3 Spring Pet Health Threats: These bites will definitely leave a mark… Spring is in the air! Along with the warmer weather, this for a short term. Tip: There are effective flea-prevention means that fleas, mosquitoes and ticks are more prevalent. products sold by veterinarians that are more effective Here is some information and tips to help keep you and than OTC alternatives — including topical ointments and your pets safe. chewable tablets. Fleas Mosquitoes pose a DEADLY threat to dogs and cats! • Fleas tend to thrive during warmer and humid Their bites can transmit heartworm disease which can be seasons. Beware! lethal to both species. While heartworms are less common in cats, they can cause respiratory disease or even sudden • Fleas can get out of control on your pets and in your death. home. Just one flea can produce 1000 others in 21 days. Symptoms include coughing, lethargy, bloated abdomens and respiratory distress. Unfortunately, by the time the • Typically, your pet will pick up fleas by being symptoms are seen in your pet, it can be too late. Dogs outdoors or by spending time with other infested should be tested for heartworm by a veterinarian once animals. yearly, while cats should be tested if any of the symptoms noted above appear. • Fleas can quickly infest carpets and bedding. Fleas feed on your pet’s blood, which can lead to Ticks can be picked up by any dog or cat who ventures scratching, hair loss and skin infections outdoors. Check their fur regularly. Ticks can lodge • Fleas can also cause anemia, severe dermatitis, themselves in hard-to-detect places. Ticks can cause tapeworms (i.e., by your pet ingesting infected anemia and skin infections to your pet Ticks also transmit fleas that are carrying tapeworm larvae), and other serious blood-borne parasite diseases to pet owners such infections. as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. We encourage you to discuss the danger of ticks with your There are many flea-prevention products available, but not veterinarian. all are effective. For example, many over-the-counter (OTC) flea shampoos do not control flea eggs and work only hsocnj.org 5 Issue 1 • Spring 2019

Ocean City Animal Control News Rescuing a Masked Intruder This Summer, the Humane Society of Ocean City will be be a nuisance. Simple things like securing lids on your trash working closely with the Ocean City Police Department cans or having outdoor lights on motion detectors can help. to make sure that this important message gets out to all: “Don’t Leave Your Pets in A Parked Vehicle!” Leaving your Last year, our HSOC Animal Control officers responded to pets unattended in a vehicle can cause death within minutes. over 200 calls for service. We are proud to report that 35 of them ended up as successful animal rescues. In one instance, Rising temperatures and vehicles we rescued a young raccoon that was trapped in a house. being ventilated improperly are The homeowner was relieved, and a juvenile raccoon was the main cause. If you see a happily reunited with its family. pet that is in danger call the police. Their number We want to thank both the Ocean City Police Department has not changed, it’s and the Ocean City Fire Department for their expert still 911. assistance whenever needed! We also plan Courtney Venzie to extend our Shelter Manager, Animal Control Officer community outreach program to educate Visit us at homeowners about hsocnj.org/animal-control what they can do to protect their property from wildlife that can cause extensive damage or Staff Spotlight: Bill Hollingsworth Bill Hollingsworth our Executive Director has been with the cages, installed a new dog play yard and two enrichment HSOC since 2007. He has served as a staff and board of rooms. We are also going to replace our dog kennels and directors’ members first before becoming our Executive build cat interactive activity walls in the cat room. The Director. Prior to that he had an extensive career in law HSOC under his guidance took over animal control services enforcement and city government. from the City of Ocean City and presently has six certified ACO’s on staff who respond to over two hundred calls for Under Bill’s leadership, with the assistance from the staff, service yearly. Board and volunteers, the HSOC has modernized and extended services that benefits the public as well as shelter Since Bills arrival we also have purchased new accounting animals in our veterinary center. The HSOC purchased software, modernized our computer systems and installed digital x-ray, ultrasound and dental equipment along with security cameras that helps our organization meet and installing an in-house pharmacy and lab. The HSOC has exceed our fiduciary responsibilities to our donors. We are two full time veterinarians along with highly trained staff proud that 93 cents of every dollar we collect in donations that believe in our mission “Providing the highest level goes directly to programs and services. of compassion and service to our animal friends”. Any proceeds generated at our veterinary center goes directly However, Bill believes that nothing could be accomplished to support the animals who reside in our shelter building. first without your support and the dedication of staff, volunteers and the Board. He credits his leadership style to In the shelter building there have been many new upgrades mentors in the private and government section that he has including that Bill felt necessary to enrich the lives of our worked for in the past and community leaders he consults residents while they wait for their forever homes. The HSOC with presently. purchased all new laundry equipment, new stainless-steel Issue 1 • Spring 2019 6 Humane Society of Ocean City

HSOC Calendar of Wish List Upcoming Events The HSOC and our animal friends are always appreciative MAY of supplies donated to our organization. Your support makes a difference! To view our wish list of our most- • Saturday, May 4: Ocean City Spring Block Party needed items please visit, 9am-5pm, between 5th and 6th street on Asbury Ave. hsocnj.org/wishlist. • Wednesday, May 15: Putt Putt for Paws Mini Golf Volunteers Family Night Needed 6pm-8pm, Pirate Island Golf Course at 9th and Haven We need volunteers to assist at our events or at JUNE the HSOC Shelter, please contact Phil Bellucci at • Sunday, June 2: Doggie Dip and Bathe to Save (609) 398-9500 or [email protected] 3pm to 5pm, between 5th and 6th Street Beach and Boards ONLY Sign up to volunteer online at hsocnj.org/volunteer • Friday, June 7: Skato with Kato 4pm-8pm, Ocean City Skate Park at 5th and Asbury Ave. • Thursday June 13: MEOWgaritaville @ TacocaT in Linwood 5:30pm – 8pm, 2110 New Road, Linwood 08096 • Sunday, June 23: Paddle Pawlooza 9am-1pm, Ocean City Paddle Boards at 10th and Simpson JULY • Summer Education Programs at HSOC every Wednesday morning 10am-11:30am 1 Shelter Rd., Ocean City, NJ 08226 SEPTEMBER • Saturday, September 7: Funday at Playland’s Castaway Cove 1pm-4pm, $15.00 wristbands at 1020 Boardwalk • Sunday, September 22: Ocean City Corvette Show 11am-3pm, Ocean City Music Pier Educational Notes For information on upcoming HSOC Educational Programs, please visit hsocnj.org/education or email Jenna Callender at [email protected]. hsocnj.org 7 Issue 1 • Spring 2019

HUMANE SOCIETY OF OCEAN CITY NON-PROFIT P.O. Box 1254 Ocean City, NJ 08226 ORGANIZATION hsocnj.org U.S. POSTAGE PAID PLEASANTVILLE, NJ 08232 PERMIT #159 We need YOU: INSIDE: HSOC Membership Drive Continues • Bobby: One Stray’s Amazing Journey from Puerto Rico Support our furry friends and benefit from our many discounts! Visit supportHSOC.org to become a member • Meet Finn - Our New and take advantage of the many benefits. Your $50 Addition! membership fee will get you discounts on merchandise, adoption feeds and events, plus a free ID tag for your pet. DONATE But hurry, our Spring Membership Drive* ends on June 30! NOW *HSOC Membership is valid July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 Your Membership helps pets in need!