DLL Retro Flash Birthday Bash!

This event took place last month and we should have posted this earlier - but things are happening for PAWS right now and therefore we were short on time (that's a good thing!). Anyway, thanks Club V and Power 99 for making this happen!

Rose Callier, PAWS Board Member and Secretary arrives at the Power 99 DLL Retro Flash Birthday Bash, greeted by Program Director, Charles Dancoe aka Daddy Long Legzz, and Curtis Dancoe, Sorensen Pacific Broadcasting General Manager.

A fun time was had by all at the DLL Retro Flash Birthday Bash hosted by Club V at Saipan Grand Hotel and Power 99 radio. Over 150 people danced the night away to 80's new wave and pop music, dressed in their retro best and enjoyed some great contests, give aways and huge slices of Daddy Long Legzz birthday cake...which was almost as big as the man himself! $1 perpaid admission was donated to PAWS. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the generous sponsors of this event: Saipan Grand Hotel, Power 99 Radio, The Rock 97.9 Radio, PTI, Budweiser, Herman's Modern Bakery, Coca Cola, Subway and MegaZone.

Friends and supporters of PAWS, keep watching for more upcoming events!

Charles Dancoe of Power 99 Radio, and Lance Razon of Saipan Grand Hotel, present a check for $126 to PAWS Board members Melissa Simms, Rose Callier and Deane Jessee-Jones.

Why I am a member of PAWS

When I moved to Saipan, I struggled to find a sense of purpose other than my job. I struggled with wondering why I was here. And then I found PAWS. PAWS, Pet Assistance and Welfare Services of Saipan, is an organization that strives to make Saipan a better place for animals. PAWS works to find lost, abandoned, and boonie dogs and cats appropriate homes, and works to educate the public on the benefits of responsible pet ownership. And I was drawn to PAWS because I shared a common interest with its members... a love of animals.

My love of animals goes way back. The first time I remember understanding a human's love of an animal was at age 3. I was just a little pixie of a thing, with long golden blond hair, and I remember standing at the kitchen sink looking up at my mother, who was crying. It's the first time I ever remember her crying. Her big fluffy white cat, Puff, had just died. Now, the story of Puff is one that my mother will have to tell, regarding how special this cat was. But, I looked up at her, and knew something wasn't right. I looked up at her and said, "Mommys don't cry." My mother looked down at me, and said, "Yes, they do." I remember 'getting it' then at the age of 3.

Since then, I have had an ongoing love affair with animals, thanks to my parents. I have had the following dogs in my life up to this point: Goldie, Hildie, Phoebe, Phoenix, Daisy, Brutus, Fred, Baxter, and my dearest of all, Ellie... who I miss every day. And Scarlett, who has more fight in her than any dog I've ever seen. I don't think I'm forgetting anyone, but I'm sure Mom will correct me if I am, just as she will supplement the list of cats, which is even longer. In my life, I have had the following cats: Puff, Brandy, Buttons, G.E., T.C., George (arguably the best cat ever), Adam, Eve (yes, brother and sister, and both still alive), Emmy, Charlotte (2nd in line for best cat ever), Scout, and Bubble and Squeak. Of my list, still currently in the Simms family are my dearest Ellie, Adam and Eve (albeit in delicate health at 15 years or so), Emmy, Scout, and of course, Scarlett, Bubble and Squeak, my foil Saipan animal family.

Now this list doesn't take into account the number of animals that we took in and found homes for, the number of baby birds we fed with a dropper, or the pet flying squirrel we adopted because it flew down the chimney. We named the squirrel Squeaky. There is a picture floating around somewhere of my dad wearing a super sexy brown velour 70s top with Squeaky sitting on his shoulder. Blackmail material, perhaps. And it doesn't take into account my mother's current flock of non-migratory Canadian geese and random ducks who have decided to make my parent's backyard home. They've been around for just about as long as we've lived there. And these birds are fat, corn-fed, and spoiled rotten. (While I was in Atlanta on my recent vacation, my dad and I were shocked to find goose droppings in the garage... apparently one bird was bold enough to come to the front of the house, and browse around my parent's garage... go figure.) My nieces love to feed them with the quality cracked corn my mother buys in bulk. And my father just about has the 'wild' squirrels trained well enough to take whole peanuts (It IS Georgia, after all) out of his hands.

My point is this: I was taught a love and respect for animals since birth. If children aren't taught how to treat animals, they will not grow up understanding animals, and will miss out on the amazing relationship that humans and animals can have. I've often said that I get along better with animals than I do with people, although that can change depending on the day. But animals don't judge... they love you simply because you are you, no matter what mood you happen to be in. What person do you know who can do that?

PAWS needs people who are passionate about animals. PAWS needs people who understand the amazing relationships that can prosper between people and their pets. PAWS needs people who want to change their community for the better. If you are one of those people, let me know. PAWS has some amazing things in store, and I know we have a place for you.

Some Facts You Should Know About Chained Dogs

The following article appeared in the August edition of Island Locator:

For various reasons, many Saipan residents chain their dogs outside. Perhaps you want to keep the dog from being stolen or running away. Maybe your dog is too aggressive to run freely. Or, maybe you don’t want your female dog to get pregnant. Whatever your reason(s), you are not alone.

Regardless of your reasons, chaining your dog up outside should not be a permanent solution. There are many reasons both humane and health related to find a better way to confine your animal.

Is My Dog “Chained”?

The answer is “yes” if your dog is roped, chained, or tethered to a tree, post in the ground, and/or another stationary object.

Why is it a problem to continually chain a dog?

Continually chaining a dog can cause several health problems.

1. Dogs are naturally social beings who need interaction with humans and other animals to remain happy and healthy. According to the Humane Society, “A dog that is kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months, or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious, and often aggressive.”

2. Continually chaining your dog does more than psychological damage. It can also affect their physical health. Chains can pinch skin and/or rub the skin raw. Raw skin is open to infection, which can appear as soars. These soars are painful, and can easily become infected. Such infections can ultimately lead to serious scaring, or in severe cases, death.

Also, some collars fit too tightly and become embedded into the dog’s neck. The Humane Society recalled one story where a veterinarian had to euthanize (humanely kill) a dog whose collar, an electrical cord, was so embedded in the animal’s neck that it was difficult to see the plug.

3. Chains and tethers can become entangled on nearby objects and choke the dog to death.

4. Dogs left on chains are easy targets for animal-thieves or house-thieves.

Dogs that are left on a chain are virtually defenseless when attacked by other animals, insensitive humans, and biting insects.

Imagine being chained up outside and unable to escape from mosquitoes or boonie bees!

5. Female dogs that are in heat and left on chains are easy prey for male dogs looking to mate.

Do chained dogs make good guard dogs?

No. Chaining creates aggression, not protectiveness. A protective dog makes a great guard dog. A protective dog is used to being around people and can sense when his family is being threatened. A dog learns to be protective by spending lots of time with people and by learning to know and love his human family.

Leaving a dog on a chain and ignoring him is how to raise an aggressive dog. Aggressive dogs can't distinguish between a threat and a family friend because they are not used to people. Aggressive dogs will attack anyone: children who wander into the yard, a visiting family member, or the CUC meter reader.

Statistics show that one of the best deterrents to intruders is a dog inside the home. Intruders will think twice about entering a home with a dog on the other side of the door. Second best is a dog that is fenced in a yard that an intruder would need to enter to gain access to the home. In any case, an intruder can easily avoid a chained dog.

Are chained dogs dangerous to humans?

Usually, and may even be dangerous to their owners. Dogs that are chained for long periods of time can be neurotic and/or aggressive. Therefore, when someone is in their territory, they often feel forced to attack and protect their limited space. This aggressive behavior doesn’t just vanish if the dog is taken off a chain or tether. If the psychological damage can be undone, it takes time. Until the damage is undone, the animal poses as a threat to people, particularly children, and other animals.

Are chained dogs otherwise treated well?

Rarely. Chained dogs suffer from sporadic feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care and overexposure to the weather. During typhoons, these dogs have no access to sturdy shelter. They are also deprived of the ability to run and hide, or move out of the way of moving objects. During extreme heat, and intense sun, these dogs often do not receive adequate water or protection from the sun.

Furthermore, because of their neurotic behavior, they may be difficult to approach. Therefore, they are often given minimal affection.

Quite simply, chained dogs become part of the background, part of the scenery and can easily be ignored by their owners.

How can I humanely confine my dog?

The most ideal way to confine your dog is to fence your yard. If you cannot afford to fence the entire yard, try fencing in half the yard now and do the rest later.

By fencing in your yard, you allow your dog the freedom to move about freely and designate certain areas for certain things: one area of the yard is for pooping and peeing, and another area may be for sleeping in the shade, while another may be where he wants to eat.

What if I can’t afford to fence in my yard?

If you can’t afford to fence the yard, you have two options:

1. Attach the dog’s leash to a long line—such as a clothesline or a manufactured device known as a pulley run. This gives the dog a larger area to explore and is preferable to chaining the dog to a stationary object.

2. Be aware that many of the same problems associated with chaining still apply, including attacks on or by other animals, lack of socialization, and safety. Pulley-run can be bought at Ace Hardware or on-line at Petco.com. If you absolutely must chain your dog to a stationary object, be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Make sure the chain is secured in such a way that the chain cannot become entangled with other objects.
• Collars used to attach an animal should be comfortable and properly fitted. Choke chains should never be used.
• Restraints should allow the animal to move about and lie down comfortably.
• Animals should never be chained during typhoons, fires, or hot weather.
• Try taking your dog on a walk at least twice a day to ensure he/she gets exercise. This also strengthens the human-animal bond, while improving your health.
• Try moving the dog (and the dog house, food, and water) to a new location every other day. This allows time for grass to grow. Grass provides padding for your dog while he is sitting, sleeping, and standing.

For more information on chaining/tethering your dog, visit www.hsus.org or www.unchainyourdog.org.

**This article was adapted in large part from a fact sheet compiled by the Humane Society of the United States, available at http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/animal_abuse_and_neglect/the_facts_about_chaining_or_tethering_dogs.html; and “Why Chaining is Cruel” available at www.unchainyourdog.org.
*** All pictures were provided by www.unchainyourdog.org.

PAWS attends animal welfare conference in Samoa

PAWS President and Beautify CNMI”s Animal Welfare Chair, Katie Busenkell, recently returned from an animal welfare conference sponsored by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in Samoa. WSPA is a United Nations partner.

As a Pacific Island Society Member, WSPA invited PAWS to attend the conference to learn about animal welfare education in the Pacific region, as well as animal control methods and working with local governments.

The conference was held from July 28-30. Pacific island delegates included Samoa, American Samoa, Papa New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Majuro, Fiji, and Saipan. A Vanuatu delegate was scheduled to give a presentation during the conference, but missed his flight.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Australia Queensland RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), New Zealand RSCPA, and WSPA directors from Australia, the United Kingdom, and Asia.

Busenkell said, “It was a great opportunity for PAWS to learn more about how to educate children about the importance of responsible pet ownership. We also learned a great deal about effective methods of animal control, not all of which require spaying and neutering.”

“Believe it or not, animal welfare taints our tourism industry, and property values, while also raising public health and safety concerns. Collectively, the community needs to change their approach to animals. With the help of organizations like WSPA and the United States Humane Society, PAWS is willing and able to help people do just that – change the way they treat animals in a manner that benefits the community and the animals.”