Animal Sheltering magazine July/August 2016: Table of Contents

Just like people on job interviews or first dates, the dogs in your care only get one chance to make a first impression. Studies show that in the shelter, potential adopters take only moments to evaluate a pooch. With the clock ticking, friendly dogs are more likely to catch adopters’ eyes than those who are shy or misbehaving. By using some simple clicker training (and treats, of course) and getting volunteers and visitors involved, you can help your dogs put their best paw forward during that crucial first meet-and-greet.

In California, Fresno Humane Animal Services is facing all sorts of challenges, from a huge service area to kennels located in the parking lot of an abandoned morgue. But the group is improving animal care and saving more lives by pursuing partnerships in the community and embracing a can-do attitude.

Large tech companies have nap pods and big-name concerts for their employees. Other workplaces have generous bonuses and unlimited time off. Shelters have … what? Thankfully, lavish perks aren’t the only way to keep your staff smiling, which should be a priority, since they are one of your most important resources. Learn how you can make your employees feel valued and motivated within the confines of a small budget, and everyone at your shelter—four- and two-legged—will be better off for it.

Every time your pet cat roams outside, ticks, fleas and intestinal parasites can hitch a ride home. Download this Mouthpiece to help encourage your community to keep their cats indoors, and safe from the creepy crawlies.

When our Dutch-mix bunny, Bridget, died in 2014 from several medical conditions, my husband, Steve, took her death hard. He told me, “Don’t bring another rabbit home.”

“OK,” I responded, but less than three months later, I brought home Benny and Nibbles, a bonded Netherland dwarf pair.

Steve agreed that the brothers could stay with us until For Bunny Sake, the rabbit rescue that we volunteer with in southern New Jersey, could find them a permanent home.

Shiloh gets a behavior makeover and becomes a therapy dog.