By Katie Pemberton

What do Annie, holiday ornaments, and Zumba have in common? They’re all ways to support the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County this holiday season!

First up, take in a show at Playhouse on the Square! Now through Dec. 23, Annie will be showing at Playhouse at 66 S. Cooper St., and guess who plays Sandy the dog? One of the Humane Society’s very own residents – Hester. Just 10 months ago Hester was living with her seven puppies in a hole in the wall of a garage when the Humane Society rescued her from a hoarding situation. Now she’s healthy and happy and a part of Playhouse’s Annie cast. Performances will take place at Playhouse Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm. The Humane Society will be on hand offering merchandise, educating about its mission, and accepting donations at selected performances. For tickets, visit playhouseonthesquare.org or call the box office at 901-726-4656.

Up next, check a few items off your gift list by making a donation to the Humane Society in honor of your loved ones. The Humane Society is offering a special gift item for holiday donations. People wishing to make a donation for loved ones as a holiday gift will receive a commemorative holiday ornament for donations of $10 and up. The honorarium ornaments are available now through the end of the year at the Humane Society.

Lastly, shake your winter blues away at Zumba for a Paws to benefit the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. Zumba for a Paws is a 2-hour Zumbathon featuring many of Memphis’ Zumba instructors, including Kimberly Hawkins, Deontario “Deejay” James, and more; drawings for prizes; healthy snacks; vendors and adoptable pets; plus an exclusive halftime performance by a talented Humane Society dog. Zumba for a Paws will take place Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10am to noon at Mullins United Methodist Church gymnasium at 4 N. Mendenhall Road. Participants who purchase tickets for the drawing, starting at just $1, will be eligible for prizes from The Wine Market, Hollywood Feed, Melanie’s Hallmark, Knick Knack Patty Whack Pet Services, the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County, Arbonne, Advocare, and more. There’s one more way participants can help raise money for the Humane Society with Zumba for a Paws – through sponsorships from family and friends. Zumba for a Paws will award prizes to participants who raised the most funds through sponsorships. For more information about Zumba for a Paws or to download the sponsorship form, visit memphishumane.org.

Most of us will remember our pets when the holidays come around; we’ll watch them “open” gifts of plush ducks, frogs, or hamburgers, rawhide bones, and new collars and leashes. The Humane Society hopes that during this time the community will also remember our pets still looking for their forever homes. You can help them by volunteering, donating, or adopting, of course, but also simply by becoming a fan on Facebook or a follower on Twitter and helping the Humane Society get the word out about its programs, fundraisers, and adoptable pets.

Recently, a friend of mine picked up an 8-month-old mamma dog and her 2 puppies from the area near Jefferson and Cox in Midtown. As the picture shows, they were in deplorable condition. She took them to Memphis Animal Clinic in CY where Dr. Tower, Dr. Seratt, and their terrific staff cared for them day and night. One of the puppies had parvo but is now doing well. Many vets would have put her down.
I thank Memphis Animal Clinic for the terrific care these animals received. They have all been adopted out to good homes. We also thank Jennifer Dobbs for help in the funding process.
I highly recommend Memphis Animal Clinic to all. Thank you, Dr. Tower and Dr. Seratt for the great care you gave.
Patricia Primrose

By Trisha Gurley
As I write this, the Memphis Animal Shelter (MAS) has no director and an uncertain future, and I’m worried. I’m worried about Memphis. I’m worried about its animals. More than that, however, I’m wondering how our city got to where it is with its problems of excess strays and pit bull fighting. Yet beyond all this, I’m angry.
I’m not angry at Matthew Pepper, the recently resigned director of MAS. I believe he did the best he could under the circumstances he was given and ultimately made the choice he had to make for himself and his family. I’m angry at the lack of support Mr. Pepper had from so-called animal welfare individuals, but that is another story for another day. I’m angry at the mentality that animals are nothing but money makers, status symbols, nuisances to be tolerated, living yard ornaments, or objects to torture. I’m angry that these cycles of abuse are getting passed from generation to generation, neighborhood to neighborhood.
Many of you may have seen the newest ASPCA commercials, which feature the singer Sarah McLachlan and injured animals with posed questions like “When will I eat again?” and “Why did they beat me?” For an animal lover like myself, they are heart wrenching. Some may laugh those ads off as anthropomorphism or sappiness to touch heartstrings and garner donations. Your opinion is your right, of course. For those who aren’t touched by the commercials, I’ve found the most common response is, “Those ads don’t bother me. I’m more upset with ads of starving or abused children.” This response baffles – almost offends – me, and I think is a partial clue as to why animals are suffering in this city and the nation.
Am I saying children are on the same level as animals? Let me be very clear as an ardent animal lover – no, I am not. But do animals feel pain? Yes! Do they have emotions? Yes! That’s all I need to know. A boy is not a dog, but an evil perpetrated to a boy or a dog is still an evil. The root is still the same; it just branched off in a different direction. This is what needs to be stopped. The idea that any human feels they have the dominion to abuse or cause pain to anyone, anything, at any time, for no real reason is killing this city’s – and humanity’s – very soul.
Changing hearts and minds is a gradual process, but there are tactical things we can do now. The most logical start is to spay and neuter; if there are less animals, then there are less strays to be euthanized in shelters and there are less animals to be abused or neglected. We must implore the need for spaying/neutering. It is a need! Too may pet owners see it as optional, or as a thing they’ll get around to when they get time. Spaying and neutering is as vital as getting your pet’s vaccinations and providing food, water, and shelter. Given the overpopulation of animals in Memphis, spaying and neutering is mandatory!
We can stand up as individuals and let our community know that animal abuse will not be tolerated on our watch. If you witness animal abuse or neglect, step up. If the situation is too dangerous to approach, alert the proper authorities. Anywhere we go can be a safe place for animals if we don’t allow anything to happen where we are.
It’s no longer a fight of animal cruelty; it’s a fight of ignorance, indifference, and apathy. It’s about caring for someone who cannot repay you or even say thank you, but nonetheless needs your help. It’s about speaking for those with no voice and little strength against someone much bigger and stronger.
Some say there’s no hope for animals in Memphis. I say we arm ourselves with facts, compassion, mobility, and vigilance and take Memphis back to its rightful place as a City of Good Abode for all its residents.

By Katie Pemberton
This fall brings with it many fun and fabulous ways to support the injured and abused pets at the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County (HSMSC). Whether you are into the live music scene, love to get glammed up for a fabulous fête, or are looking for any excuse to strap on your running shoes, there are several ways you can help the animals of HSMSC in October.
First, the Humane Society celebrates its flagship fundraiser – Paw Prints 2011 – on Saturday, October 1, from 7 to 11pm at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Revelers will be treated to light hors d’oeuvres and dinner, as well as two complimentary drinks, while grooving to the live classical, jazz, and soul tunes of Kallen Esperian, Lily Afshar, and Susan Marshall.
“We are so excited about our musicians this year,” Todd Stricklin, vice president of development at HSMSC, raves. “We’re overhauling this entire event from years past, and I think guests are going to really be wowed, not to mention moved by our mission this year.”
One-of-a-kind works of art, in addition to many other spectacular gift items, will tempt guests at the silent and live auctions. Paw Prints 2011 tickets are $100 per person/$150 per couple in advance, or $100 per person/$200 per couple at the door.
Then, just in time for perfect fall weather, we’ll leash up our most athletic, adoptable dogs for The Fast & the Furriest 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 15 at 9am. Registration for the 5K is available online, and you can register for just $16 if you do so online before October 14 or mail it in by October 12. Day-of registration will be $20, and a family of two adults and two children under 16 can register for $45. And of course, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome and walk/run for free!
“We do expect to have some serious runners and racers, so for their benefit, we ask that all dogs and their human leash-anchors bring up the rear of the race,” Stricklin added. “I’m sure we’ve all hit the concrete once or twice in our lives because our dog wanted to smell something off to the side!”
The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County has worked in the Memphis community since 1933 to give injured and abused dogs and cats a second chance at life. The organization provides a safe place to recover, nutritious food, and outstanding veterinary care for an average of 300 animals at a time. HSMSC staff and volunteers provide training, affection, and socialization to the animals in their care to help them be adopted successfully into new and loving homes. HSMSC’s funding comes exclusively from private donations.
For more information about the Humane Society or any of the fall events, go to memphishumane.org, call 901-937-3900, or visit the facility at 935 Farm Road.

By Trisha Gurley

Yes, it’s hot outside. I am no fan of this heat, but I am a fan of beauty, fabulousness, and animals. It’s not often these three elements combine, but they will on August 6 at Club Spectrum, located at 616 Marshall, for Live In Memphis. The heat of Memphis in August will be chilly compared to this show!

The gorgeous and legendary Mr. Charlie Brown will be one of the main performers, along with none other than Alexis Mateo of the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race! If the only Charlie Brown you know of is the round-headed kid of Peanuts fame, then you’re in for a sugar-coated, fluffy treat. She is originally from Atlanta, holding court as a reigning local queen, and was featured in many nationally-produced films. Her most recent work has been in the casino circuit. She hasn’t performed in Memphis in several years and is looking forward to her return. We are too!

What’s this got to do with animals, you ask? All proceeds from the event go to Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services, which helps provide low cost spaying and neutering for dogs and cats. Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services also offers lower-cost vaccinations for pets. Contact them at (901) 324-3202 or visit their website at spaymemphis.org for more info.

Doors open at 8pm and the show begins at 9:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. A table (8 people) can be purchased for $150. You may order tickets online by going to patrickjacquardproductions.org.

If this doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, perhaps you’re the sort who loves a quiet game of SCRABBLE? You and your fellow word nerds are invited – nay, exhorted – to take part in the SPAY Is The Word SCRABBLE Tournament on Sunday, August 21 at The Parkview on Poplar (at the entry for Overton Park and the Brooks Museum). For $20 (single player) or $35 (team of two), you can flex your word muscles and again benefit Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services. If your workplace would like to sponsor an individual, it’s $150 for a table of four, $75 for a team of two, and $50 for a single player. All entrants must be 21 or older.

Legendary radio personality and fellow SCRABBLE player Tom Prestigiacomo will serve as host and will award prizes for the highest scoring teams and individual players. For registration info, contact Deborah Camp at dcamp@memphisbusiness.com. Seating is limited, so contact Deborah now to lay your word smack down!

By Deborah Camp

Everyone knows that Cooper-Young is a hot-bed of devoted SCRABBLE players. From organized games at Otherlands to impromptu sessions at Starbucks, this part of Midtown is indisputably a go-to place when someone feels the itch to score a seven-letter word. For CY residents wanting to step it up a notch, the SPAY is the Word SCRABBLE Tournament will be held Sunday, August 21 in the ballroom of the Parkview Retirement Community at 1914 Poplar Ave. Whether you’re a living room player or a high scoring member of the National SCRABBLE Association, there’s a place at the table for you! Since adult beverages will be available on premises, players must be 21 years of age or older to participate.

Single players can register for $20 or teams of two can register for $35. All proceeds will go to Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services’ non-profit clinic on Goodman Street. Those interested in playing should register right away as there are only twenty tables of four available. Check-in time will be 1pm, with the tournament starting at 2pm. Prizes will be awarded to the individual with the highest score and to the highest scoring team. Food and beverages will be on hand, and a small silent auction will be held between games. For registration information contact Deborah Camp at dcamp@memphisbusiness.com. On Facebook, check out the community page at SPAY is the Word SCRABBLE Tournament. To find out more about Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services go to spaymemphis.org.

By Trisha Gurley

OK, I admit it. I’ve never been a fan of summer. Hot weather renders me a sluggish, cranky mess with half-frizzy/half-limp hair. My chalky skin and the sun don’t play nice, so leisurely sunning is not a relaxing option. Had I the option, I’d remain indoors until October.

Thankfully, there are modern inventions like resorts, indoor pools, and beach umbrellas. And sometimes one has to risk discomfort for adventure. Hence, I have no excuse for not going on a vacation this summer. Nevertheless, my cat Milton will be staying home where he’ll have a much better time. As much as I wish I could travel with him, he doesn’t handle car rides well (he expresses his displeasure at both ends), and the companionship of a furry travel partner would not be worth upsetting the little guy.

I personally think pets should be accepted everywhere, as any guest would. But many hotels have a no-pet policy, or you may have a pet like mine who doesn’t enjoy. In this case, you can take steps to make sure your fur baby has an easy time of it on their staycation.

1. If possible, choose a familiar face to pet sit. You’d be frightened if you were home alone and a stranger walked in, even if said stranger was there to help, and pets are no different. Do you have an extended family member, neighbor, or friend that your pet recognizes (and recognizes your pet’s habits and quirks)? If you’re using a professional pet sitter, try to have at least one meeting ahead of time for both of you to get familiar with the other.

2. Just like kids, pets need routine and stability. Make sure your pet sitter knows when your pet is walked and when she is to be fed and how much. If your pet eats dry food, you could pre-measure portions and put each portion in its own container or baggie. This makes it much easier for your sitter! You also may wish to invest in a pet water cooler, which keeps a steady flow of fresh, cool water for days.

3. Make sure your pet has comfortable sleeping arrangements. If your pet sleeps on your bed, you may want to leave the bed a bit undone, or place an unwashed t-shirt or clothing on it (or near a pet bed, if that’s what your pet uses). It can be very comforting for a pet to snuggle up to something familiarly scented.

4. Be on the alert for any signs of anxiety in your pet before your trip. My cat simply rubs his chin on the luggage we drag out, but my childhood dog would see suitcases and get nervous. She knew a suitcase meant we’d be leaving. Be sure to give them a bit of extra attention in the days before you leave. Take time to comfort your pet and assure them you’ll return. As hokey as this might sound, you never know what animals are processing and understanding. If anything, the petting and talking will soothe them.

5. It may sound obvious, but people commonly forget to leave a pet sitter with vital information such as their vet’s name and number. Your sitter needs to know exactly where to take your pet in an emergency. If your pet has a carrier, be sure the sitter knows where it’s located.

6. Many people leave cats home alone with extra food and water for short trips, since a cat doesn’t need to be let out or walked like a dog. You know your cat. Will they be fine on their own for a few days, or will they get agitated or afraid? Are they scared of storms or certain noises? Leaving my Milton alone is not an option since he needs an insulin shot every 12 hours, but even if that weren’t the case, I’d feel better knowing someone is checking in to make sure he’s OK. If your cat is fine with being left alone, it’s still not a bad idea to have a friend or neighbor pop in once or twice.
Have fun on vacation, and don’t forget to bring something back for your furry friend!

By Kristan Huntley

On May 13, a heartbreaking post went out from Kirsten Sandlin to the Cooper-Young Community Association Facebook page. Her 9-year-old daughter’s beloved Catahoula Leopard pup, Duchess, had escaped from their yard and was no where to be found. To top it off, Duchess had just torn loose from her collar and tags the week prior and the family had not yet had the chance to replace them. Kirsten, knowing the slim chance that a dog without tags or microchip would be returned safely, was distraught and in tears. Her daughter Brentley was out of town at the time, but she consoled her mom from afar, reminding her that this was the Cooper-Young neighborhood, and she was sure someone would find the dog and return her.

Duchess was a special and unexpected addition to the Sandlin family in the fall of 2010. The Sandlin’s neighbor was having work done on their home and the construction worker had found Duchess on Crump after nearly hitting her. When he stopped to check on the dog, she hopped into the cab of the truck. Being already late for work because of the scare, he obliged the dog and let her ride with him. Later in the day, Duchess wandered out of the neighbor’s yard, sauntered up the Sandlin’s porch, and plopped her big head in 9-year-old Brentley’s lap. Duchess had made a new friend and also helped fill a big void for Brentley – her big sister had just moved to France for school and she was missing her dearly. Duchess figured that’s just where she needed to be.

The Sandlin’s posted found dog fliers in the Crump area after learning the back story of the dog from the neighbor and construction worker, hoping to reunite her with her former owners who they felt must be missing her. After no one came forward, Duchess became a full-fledged Sandlin and Brentley’s furry best friend.

Out of desperation that May evening, Kirsten posted to the Cooper-Young Community Association Facebook page in hopes that someone would see Duchess. In no time, the message and photo went viral. The Sandlin’s neighbors that were on Facebook reposted the message to their walls, residents looked for Duchess while on their evening walk, a post went up on cooperyoung.org, tweets went out, and word quickly spread. From out of town Brentley was watching on Facebook, anxious but hopeful. Later that evening Brentley’s intuition was proved correct – a kind neighbor had found Duchess and placed her in their backyard for safe keeping and then came across the lost dog post. Duchess, the mischievous Sandlin, was back home safe and sound.

Kirsten moved to the Cooper-Young neighborhood in 2009 after living abroad and in several other US cities. The family loves this neighborhood and the amazingly tight knit community. Sometimes it takes the youngest CY residents to make you realize just how special a place Cooper-Young is.

By Katie Pemberton
June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing home a shelter cat of your own? No matter which type of cat you’re seeking, you can probably find your new furry feline friend at one of our area’s many rescue organizations and shelters, such as the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County (HSMSC) or CY’s House of Mews on Cooper Street.
Adopting a shelter cat can be a simple and rewarding process; however, there are a few things to consider according to Dani Kiddy, cat kennel technician at HSMSC.
“The first question I ask potential adopters is what kind of cat they are looking for,” said Kiddy. “Often, people have a very specific idea of the type of cat they want. However, I always caution against adopting a certain type of cat simply because you previously owned that type of cat and loved it. Every cat is different.”
Kiddy adds that expecting your newly adopted cat to live up to your former is unrealistic. For example, just because your previous Maine Coon was highly intelligent, never destructive, and loved to chase plastic bags does not mean every Maine Coon will have those same characteristics. Additionally, there are many factors much more important than simply color or looks, such as personality, temperament, and whether you connect with a certain cat.
“Also, ask yourself why you want to adopt a shelter cat,” Kiddy suggests. “If part of that reason isn’t that you enjoy the company of cats and that a cat would fit well with your lifestyle, you may want to consider finding other ways to help, such as volunteering or fundraising. But if a love of cats and a desire to spend much of your time with them is part of your reason for adopting a shelter cat, you are a great candidate.”
Another important reason many people want to adopt a shelter cat is that they simply want to help a cat that needs a home. There is a special breed of person who looks to adopt whichever cat is least likely to be noticed or chosen. Kiddy explains that several types of cats fit the bill of not being most people’s first choices, including older cats, overweight cats, black cats, very reserved cats, and bonded pairs (meaning two cats that must be adopted together because they are so bonded to one another). If you are someone who truly wants to help a cat that needs you, ask your local rescue organization or shelter about these types of cats.
“It helps to be open-minded when you’re looking to adopt a cat,” Kiddy said. “If you let yourself, you could fall in love and find a perfect match in a cat you never would have noticed had you stuck to rigid parameters.”
For example, with bonded pairs, staff or rescue volunteers think their quality of life would be compromised by being separated. But it can be exceptionally difficult for a bonded pair to find the right home where they can be together. For many households, having two cats is an ideal option, as they will keep each other busy playing and experience less boredom, which typically leads to destructive behavior. Additionally, black cats are difficult to adopt out due to superstition and simply because they don’t fit into some of the more popular breeds of cats, like Maine Coon, Calico, Siamese, Orange Tabby, or Ragdoll.
Keep in mind that the shelter environment can be stressful for some cats, and when you meet a cat, he might not be his usual friendly, whimsical self. For any cat you’re strongly considering, make a point to visit him more than one time to get a better feel for his personality.
To see Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County adoptable cats go to memphishumane.org or visit them at 935 Farm Road, Tuesday through Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, or Sunday 1-5pm. You can get more information about any of their cats by calling them at 901-937-3900.

By Trisha Gurley

March was a sad month for the Memphis Animal Shelter. Twenty-five dogs had to be euthanized due to a distemper outbreak at the shelter. Distemper seems to be one of those things that we’ve all heard of but can’t define. When I talked about the depressing situation with people, I’d usually hear, “Distemper? That’s awful! Uh…what is distemper, exactly? Can cats get it too?”

Canine distemper is caused by a paramyxovirus and is not limited to domestic dogs. Wild canines such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes are also at risk. Domestic dogs tend to contract distemper in the fall and winter seasons, but wild animals tend to be affected in the spring and summer months, because younger animals are less resistant to the virus.

Distemper is highly communicable. It is transmitted via air or direct contact. Even contaminated objects and materials can transmit. The virus is also present in animal wastes. Given the close quarters of the shelter, the distemper transmission was extremely difficult to contain. Once distemper has manifested itself, the mortality rate is close to 100%.

How can you tell if a dog has distemper? Symptoms include vomiting, coughing, diarrhea, refusal to eat, and eye discharge. Central nervous system disturbances can be present as well. Distemper, like rabies vaccine, is required for domestic pets. Whether or not your dog has been vaccinated, get him to a veterinarian ASAP if these symptoms are present in your dog!

Feline distemper is different from canine, in that it is caused by a parvovirus. Like canine, it is also extremely contagious and deadly. Ferrets, weasels, raccoons, and skunks can also contract it. The virus is transmitted in the bodily wastes and saliva of an infected animal and can be transmitted for months after a cat recovers. Fleas and shared cat bedding can spread the virus too. Insects that come in contact or consume infected matter can spread feline distemper as well. Inhalation or consuming the infected material is the main means of feline infection.

A cat with distemper has similar symptoms of canine – refusal to eat, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. As with dogs, get to a veterinarian if your cat displays any of these symptoms. Feline distemper can kill cats in 24 hours or less if no treatment is sought, and it is a wrenching death. Treatment involves blood transfusions, vitamin injections for electrolyte balance, and antibiotics.

Simple preventive veterinary care and common sense will keep your pets safe and well. As unfortunate as the recent Memphis Animal Shelter case was, it certainly does not mean shelter pets are unsafe to adopt. I have adopted shelter animals and know multiple people who have shelter pets, and none of us have had to deal with distemper or any shelter or kennel illnesses. Adopting a shelter animal will help ease overcrowding and lower disease risk! If you can’t adopt, help all animals by having your own pets spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and indoors.