Thank you WSPA and Members of the Community

Dear Members of the Community:

PAWS would like to thank Melissa Brown from the World Society for the Protection of Animals for making a special trip to Saipan to assess our animal situation and to discuss methods of animal control. We are extremely grateful for your time and consideration, and look forward to working with WSPA to reduce the number of stray and/or roaming animals in Saipan.

PAWS would also like to thank the following individuals, organizations, and government agencies for attending yesterday's meeting with the World Society for the Protection of the Animals:

• House Speaker Oscar M. Babauta
• House Vice Speaker Justo S. Quitugua
• Representative Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero
• Representative Cinta Kaipat
• Representative Arnold Palacios
• Representative Candido B. Taman
• Representative Manuel A. Tenorio
• Senate Legal Counsel Mike Ernst
  
• Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz, Department of Land and Natural Resources
• Tony Benevente, Mayor's Office
  
• Nate Hawley, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife
  
• Paul Radley, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife
  
• Angelo Villagomez, Executive Director of MINA, member of Beautify CNMI! Animal Welfare Committee, and Saipan Tribune freelance writer
  
• Capt. Carl Brachear, Beautify CNMI! Animal Welfare Committee Member
  
• Ruth Tighe, Beautify CNMI! Animal Welfare Committee Member
  
• Rose Callier, PAWS Board Member
  
• Ken Baer, PAWS Member
  
• Mariana Variety Reporter
• MCV Reporter Morgan Rose
  

The conversation on animal control was fruitful, as it highlighted many issues that need to be addressed by the legislature, government agencies, and the community as a whole if Saipan is to resolve the problems related to animal over-population and/or irresponsible pet ownership. We hope to continue this dialogue and convert this educational experience into progress that will benefit the entire Saipan community. More specifically, we hope that PAWS and government officials can work together to pass an anti-cruelty law that imposes upon Saipan citizens an obligation to act as a responsible pet owner for the benefit of the community and the environment; educate the people of Saipan about the importance of responsible pet ownership; and provide the people of Saipan with opportunities to act as responsible pet owners.

Together, we can improve the quality of life for humans and animals alike through humane animal control methods.

Again, thank you for time and consideration in addressing this very important issue.

PAWS is looking for volunteers this weekend!

Dear Members of PAWS and Beautify CNMI!:

PAWS is participating in this year's CNMI Artists' Holiday Sale at the Multi-Purpose Center and we need your help! There will be almost 40 artists and writers as well as food items for sale during this event (be sure to pick up this month's Island Locator for more information). Items for sale include: paintings, carved Palauan storyboards, holiday ornaments, cards and decorations; jewelry; books; photographs; t-shirts, and other artwork and craft items.

In an effort to raise some funds for the PAWS Education Committee, we will be selling the following items at the Holiday Sale:

1. Pre-made Christmas dough cookies for children to decorate while parents shop at the Holiday Sale. For a small price/donation, children will be able to decorate dough ornaments with glitter, paint, and other accessories; and
2. Beaded jewelry made by Lucy Sablan.
   

We are looking for volunteers to help oversee the PAWS table for periods of up to 2 hours. If you and a friend would like to volunteer, please email Katie Busenkell at busenkell@gmail.com or Deane Jessee-Jones at deanej@saipan.com with your available time.

The event should be easy and fun, so please join us in the holiday spirit and help us raise money for a worthy cause.

FOUND - KITTEN:

A very friendly young cat was found this weekend in the Capital Hill area. We're hoping you can help us bring him home or find him a new home!

He is mostly white with some orange on his ears and a beautiful orange ringed tail. He is constantly purring and happily gives out free cat-massages!

If you or someone you know is missing a young cat/kitten that fits this description, or you would be interested in adopting this little fellow, please contact Ann Brazel at annie96950@gmail.com or Katie Busenkell at busenkell@gmail.com.

November's Kids' Night Out was a Success!

Well, PAWS did it again and the kids had a great time again!

On November 16, 2007, PAWS had 27 children in attendance at this month's Kids' Night Out and raised $220.00. The proceeds from the event will be used to purchase education materials for th e PAWS education committee and presentations.

During the event, the kids made holiday turkeys, watched "Firehouse Dog," and played games. Snacks included popcorn, cookies, chips and salsa, juice, and water.

Due to the hectic holiday season, PAWS has suspended the December KNO. The next KNO will be held in January.

PAWS would like to thank:

• Fiesta Resort, particularly Lance Razon, for providing us with a place to host the event. We also appreciate all the tasty treat you provided for the children!
• Our volunteers: Melissa Simms (brave leader), Rose Callier , Deane Jessee-Jones, Mary McGee, Marja Onni, and Jousel Regilme. Your help was greatly appreciated by all.
• The Families that brought their children to the event and supported PAWS.

For more information on KNO or ways that you can support PAWS, please contact Katie Busenkell at busenkell@gmail.com or Melissa Simms at melissasimms56@hotmail.com.

Kid's Night Out THIS Friday!

Date: November 16, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Fiesta Resort Game Room
What: PAWS – Kids' Night Out
Cost: $10.00 for the first child and $5.00 for each additional sibling, for up to 5 children in the same immediate family.

Looking for a few hours to yourself? Want to enjoy a quiet dinner with someone special? Well, PAWS is here and able to help! PAWS and Fiesta Resort have teamed up to host a fundraiser called Kids' Night Out (KNO). Children ages 3-12 are welcome to participate in our fun program while parents take a few hours off. During this four-hour period, the children will play video games for a half hour, be engaged in arts and crafts, story reading, and a fun and educational movie about animals.

Fiesta Resort has generously offered to provide snacks and caffeine-free drinks. Check-in will be between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. Parents must pick up their children no later than 10:00 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about this great escape, please contact Melissa Simms at melissasimms56@hotmail.com.

Reserve your space ASAP by emailing melissasimms56@hotmail.com or calling Melissa Simms at 234-1253 after 5 pm. Reserve quickly, as we will filled up last month!

I also must take this opportunity to thank Fiesta Resort and the Saipan Grand - both of which are Tan Holding Companies - for their incredible generosity. They came to us and offered us the use of their facilities to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and compassion for animals. We are incredibly grateful for this kind act and their support of community efforts. Thank you.

Animals Safety Tips for You and Your Children (Island Locator Article)

Animals Safety Tips for You and Your Children
By Katie Busenkell


Over the last two months, PAWS has launched its education committee, which is designed to educate elementary school children about responsible pet ownership and compassion towards animals. The program also talks about animal safety, an important topic to know when living among such a large number of unconfined and roaming dogs.

In case your child has not experienced a PAWS presentation on animal safety, here are some tips that you can teach your children at home.

1. Always ask a dog’s owner if you may pet the dog:

Some dogs do not like to be approached by people, especially children, they do not know. Alternatively, some dogs may be doing what they have been trained to do, like watch the house or look after an individual. Or, the dog may not be feeling well or afraid of children. For these reasons, children should never approach an owned dog without the owner’s permission.



If the dog’s owner grants you permission to pet the dog, pet the dog under the chin or on the chest. Avoid patting the dog on the head.




2. Approach a dog from the front or side:

Like people, dogs cannot see what is happening behind them. Therefore, children that approach a dog from behind may scare or surprise the dog. Loud noises, yelling, and waving hands can also scare a dog. Scared and/or surprised dogs are more likely to act defensively or possibly bite.

To avoid scaring the dog, teach your children to approach dogs from the side or front so the dog can clearly see the child.

It is also important that the children keep their hands low and speak in a soft voice as they approach a dog. Teach your children the phrase, “quietly, softly, and gently.”

3. Do not make direct eye contact with an unknown dog:

In the animal kingdom, direct eye contact can be interpreted as a sign of dominance or aggression. So, to avoid challenging a dog that you do not know, do not look a dog directly in the eye!

4. Do not bother a dog that is asleep or eating:

Nobody likes to be bothered when they are eating or sleeping, and dogs are not any different. If you bother a dog while he is eating, he may think you are trying to take his food away. It is best to just leave him alone until he done with his food.

Likewise, if a dog is sleeping, he is unaware of your presence. Waking him may startle him, and startled dogs are more likely to bite. Again, it is best to wait until he wakes up. Alternatively, you may ring a bell, squeak a toy, or call out his name before approaching the dog.

5. Do not get too close to a dog that is tied or behind a fence:

Dogs are territorial, and that means that they naturally claim a certain amount of space as their own. Again, everyone likes to have his or her own space. Likewise, dogs have their own space. So, let them have some space. Failure to respect a dog’s space may cause the animals to act aggressively.

6. Watch out for special toys and/or objects:

Dogs have their favorite toys too! It may be a stick, a squeaky toy, a bone, or leaf. Whatever it is, if the dog has it in her mouth, leave it there unless you have trained your dog to drop it and give it to you.

7. Do not get too close to a mother dog and her puppies:

Most moms are naturally protective of their young. The same applies to dogs. Thus, children should not get too close to small puppies with the mother nearby. The mother may try to protect her puppies by biting.

8. Do not run or move quickly around unfamiliar dogs:

Quick movements can startle a dog and startled dogs are more likely to bite because they are scared.

9. Stand motionless when approached by nervous or excited dog:



If a nervous dog gets close to you, stand like a tree. When you stand like a tree, you should be standing still with your arms by your side. Look down at your feet and avoid making eye contact with the dog. Be sure to keep the dog in your line of vision. Let the dog sniff you, and more than likely, he will think you are boring and non-threatening and then walk away.




10. If a dog attacks you, assume the position of a rock.

If a dog attacks, assume the position of a rock. That means curling up into a ball and protecting your face and body.

If the dog bites, be sure to wash the wound immediately with warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. It is highly suggested that you receive medical attention.

Be sure to isolate the dog if possible. Do not further agitate the situation by kicking, yelling, or shooting the dog. Instead, try to isolate the dog and call one of the two veterinarians on the island:

Dr. Edgar Tudor
Paradise Island Animal Hospital
234-9669

Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz
Department of Land and Natural Resources
234-6169


Sources of Information:
1. http://www.akc.org/public_education/resources.cfm?page=7
2. http://www.wspa-international.org/educational.asp

For more information on PAWS, visit http://www.paws-saipan.org/ or http://www.paws-saipan.blogspot.com/.

Cat looking for home -- Update Now Adopted

Butter...aka Buttercup...aka Butterball Garfield...eat your heart out! He's got all the looks and a laid back personality. This white and orange tabby cat is looking for a new home. He would prefer to be an indoor cat and is vocal when he wants attention. He is a real cuddler and looking for some love. If you would like to make Butter a part of your family, please contact: Rose Callier at italiarose@hotmail.com or at 285-0408.