The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of fear, pain, and suffering in all animals.

Speaking of

AnimalsWinter 2009

4242 South 300 WestMurray, UT 84107

Phone: (801) 261-2919www.utahhumane.org

HSU Introduces Anti-Tethering

Ordinancepage 3

One Beautiful Storypage 4

Snatched, Then Savedpage 6

Plus:Here Comes Santa Paws,

La Dolce Vita, and more!

Inside:HSU Introduces

Anti-Tethering Ordinance

page 3

One Beautiful Storypage 4

Snatched, Then Savedpage 6

Plus:Here Comes Santa Paws,

La Dolce Vita, and more!

Inside:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Craig S. Cook, PresidentDr. Eric Belnap, Vice PresidentDr. JoAnn B. Seghini, Secretary

Randy John, Treasurer

Directors:Michelle Christensen, Janet E. Haskell

Steve Starley, Tim J. Williams

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Gene Baierschmidt, Executive DirectorPaul Chapin, DVM, Veterinarian

Shama Chapin, DVM, VeterinarianJohn Paul Fox, Chief Investigator

Pauline Edwards, Director of ClinicCarlene Wall, Director of

Operations and EducationCarl Arky, Director of Communications

Katharine Brant, Director of Publications and Membership

Oliver Schmidt, Director of Electronic MediaLoraine Delgadillo, Business Manager

Human ResourcesCarrie Glavin, Volunteer Coordinator

Kris Smith, Community Outreach Director Jessica Almeida, Animal Transfer CoordinatorBarbara Conrad, Foster Animal Coordinator

SERVICES PROVIDED

v Adoption of animals to qualified homesv Low-cost sterilization surgeriesv Receiving of unwanted animalsv Preventive immunizationsv Investigation of animal abuse and neglectv Animal rescuesv Humane education and pet-facilitated therapy

For further information on services provided by HSU, call (801)261-2919 during business hours.

Remember, HSU is your shelter.We are here to help the animals of Utah.

Please help maintain and support our programswith your contributions.

The Humane Society of Utah is an independent 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization

that is not affiliated with any other group, nationally or locally. We receive no funding from taxes or any

source other than your contributions.

Incorporated 1960

4242 South 300 WestSalt Lake City, UT 84107-1415

Telephone: (801) 261-2919 Fax: (801) 261-9577

www.utahhumane.org© 2009 Humane Society of Utah. All rights reserved.

One of the most “pup-ular” events the HumaneSociety has ever featured is the famous “Coursea’Lure” dog exercise run, where a long, safely-fenced obstacle course filled with jumps and tunnels zig-zags over HSU’s spacious lawns while dogs havethe time of their lives racing after a mechanical lurethat zooms along just ahead of them. Almost everydog chases the lure instinctively, and it’s not atall unusual to see most of the eager participants begging for second, third, and even more rompsaround the course.

What is the Course a’Lure?Course a’Lure has been owned and operated since March 2005 by Bountiful natives

Bob and Cyndi Conwell, who were inspired by the obstacle lure course conceived bytheir good friend Arlene Horne and her Jack Russell terrier, Madison. The Conwells’own Jack Russell dogs fell in love with the run the first time they saw it, and “It is becauseof [our dogs’] love of obstacle lure coursing that we made it our own,” say the Conwells.

They now spend most of their time traveling around the western states with their equipment in two large, sleek vans, and set up the course well in advance of its scheduledappearances. This involves determining how much space will be available, laying out theconfiguration of the runs, and installing the hurdles, hoops, and other obstacles along theroute, as well as the brightly-colored mesh fencing that keeps the dogs inside the course.Bob Conwell operates the lure and can adjust its speed and movement to conform to eachindividual animal’s pace and abilities.

HSU a Popular Host SiteIn the past two years, one of the most frequently-used locations for a Course a’Lure

event has been the Humane Society of Utah. We’re a popular choice not only because ofour broad, shady lawns and beautiful surroundings, but also because of our commitment to working for the benefit of animals throughout the state — a goal shared by theConwells: Every time they set up camp here, they generously donate one-half of all theproceeds to HSU to use for helping all animals in need. Their costs are $10 for one run,$15 for two, and $20 for four, and a modest estimate is that more than three hundred dogshave chosen to run the course at least once in each of the half-dozen times it’s appearedhere. That adds up to a very-much-appreciated bit of assistance for our programs of shelter, adoption, humane education, low-cost sterilization and vaccination services, and crueltyinvestigation, and we deeply appreciate the Conwells’ contribution to giving well-lovedcompanion dogs the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful, fun-filled treat, while at the sametime allowing us to improve the chances to create a better life for animals all over Utah. v

Dogs just want to have fun, and they get plenty of that with

Course a’Lure

“I can fly!” Border collie Strider takes one of the Course a’Lure jumps in stride

at a recent HSU event featuring the popular dog-run activity.

A Workplace Giving OpportunityIn each issue of Speaking of Animals, you will see the logo of Community

Shares Utah. This is a workplace giving federation that allows employees to donateany specified amount through payroll options to a range of non-profit agencies,including the Humane Society of Utah, that work to benefit the environment,

deliver critical services, improve the community, protect human rights and promote animal welfare.

The Humane Society of Utah has been a member of Community Shares for several years.Look over the list of other member organizations at www.communitysharesutah.org to seewhat good company we keep. HSU would love to benefit from your workplace giving program— if you don’t have the opportunity to contribute at work and would like to, please contact:

Carlene Wall, Humane Society of Utah (801) 261-2919, ext. 209 or Lynne Bradley, Community Shares (801) 486-9224

3

Humane Society IntroducesAnti-Tethering Ordinance

How many times have you glanced into a back yard and seena lone dog chained to a stake or a tree or a small doghouse —and glanced into the same yard again, more than once, only tosee the same dog in the same place wearing the same chain? Youshake your head and think, “There ought to be a law about that.”

The Humane Society of Utah is now trying to get such a lawpassed in unincorporated Salt Lake County. At a news conferenceheld at the HSU shelter on August 10th, we introduced a proposed ordinance in Salt Lake County that would prohibit people from keeping their dogs tethered outside on a chain formore than eight cumulative hours in any given 24-hour period, or for any time under extreme weather conditions. CouncilmanRandy Horiuchi and Council Chairman Joe Hatch, both of whom support the idea, were in attendance, along with a numberof shelter dogs who also voiced their approval of the plan.

It’s about Compassion and Common Sense,Not Regimentation

This is not a radical or repressive concept — more than 100 jurisdictions in 30 states have already passed anti-tetheringordinances, from places as small and rural as Live Oak, TX, to the entire sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles. Says HSUExecutive Director Gene Baierschmidt, “These rules are beneficialto both dogs and people. Animals aren’t automatons devoid of feelings or awareness of their surroundings. If you’re going to assume

responsibility for the care of another living being, you’ve got to realizethat you can’t just stash it behind the garage like a lawnmower or apotted plant. People who aren’t willing to treat a companion animallike any other member of the family shouldn’t get dogs; they should getpet rocks or electronic burglar alarm systems instead.”

Long-term chaining is objectionable for both humane andpractical reasons, according to Humane Society officials.

“Imagine being chained to a pole in a dreary back yard year afteryear,” says Mr. Baierschmidt. “All day, every day, you watch thedoor of the house, hoping someone will come out and play with you,take you for a walk, bring you inside so you can enjoy the sounds ofpeople conversing, music playing, and later maybe have a peacefulnap cuddled up against your person’s feet. But no one ever does. Youlong to run through the thick grass, to sniff and investigate differentcorners, to see new sights out of various windows. But you can onlypace in the same worn, restricted circle that your chain allows you.You shiver in the winter, you pant in the summer. You start barkingto draw somebody’s attention — anybody’s attention. You bark allnight because you’re lonely and bored. You become frightened anddefensive, and if anyone does happen to come near your prison, yousnap and bite. The neighbors complain. Eventually you stop barking,you stop waiting, you stop living. You have given up hope, and nowyou are only existing.”

These are the ReasonsAuthorities say there are good reasons why dogs shouldn’t be

kept on chains most of the time:

1) Dogs who live chained up outside suffer from extreme isolation. The lack of socialization creates fearful dogs who act quickly and fiercely to defend their territory from allintruders, including other animals, people, and small children.

2) Dogs are pack animals, which means that they naturally crave companionship. Chained dogs live an existence which is contrary to their instincts. The lack of socialization is a large part of what makes chained dogs more dangerous.

3) Chained dogs are at risk of getting hurt. Aside from the psychological damage caused by chaining, they are vulnerableto other dangers like effects of extreme weather, inability toescape attacks from people or other animals, and strangulationfrom getting the tether tangled or caught.

4) According to statistics compiled by the Humane Society of theUnited States in Washington, DC, chained dogs are 2.8 timesmore likely to bite, and 5.4 times more likely to bite children,than are dogs who live indoors as part of the family.

5) Outdoor dogs who bark at all hours can result in late-nightpolice calls and problems with neighbors. Ordinances whichrequire dogs to be inside overnight significantly reduce (andpossibly eliminate) such issues.

Ordinance Would be Flexible“This law would provide exemptions under appropriate

circumstances,” explains Mr. Baierschmidt, “for example, if the dog’s tether is attached to a running line, or during training activity, shepherding or herding of livestock, or conduct related to the business of carrying out agricultural projects.”

If passed, punishment for violation of this ordinance would

continued on page 8 (Anti-Tethering)

Just another day on the job. Sincethis animal is obviously inside afenced enclosure, what is the point ofkeeping him on a chain that doesn’teven allow him to roam the entirepen? How much protection fromwind, rain, baking heat and freezingcold will that primitive shelter provide him? Is there any food orwater in the bowl sitting on that tire?What’s happening to his spirit?

This dog’s world consists of a five-foot semicircle of gravel

and rubbish. She can’t even getinto her doghouse for protectionfrom the elements, because the

doorway is not only turned to thewall of the building behind her,

it’s also blocked with debris.

4

A Lifeby Richard Carter

It was in the early summer of 2007 when I first noticed thelarge, scruffy black cat now and then prowling through ouryard. Even though he was a large animal and moved with graceand power, he was obviously homeless and wild; his aggressive, fearful, and stand-offish nature plainly proclaimed his feral condition. He refused to acknowledge our calls of “Here, kitty-kitty-kitty” with anything but a slight flicking of his ears, butmust have instinctively sensed that we represented a haven of sorts for creatures in need: at the end of our field was a dilapidated old building where all sorts of four-footedtravelers, including a family of raccoons, had takenrefuge at one time or another. After a while“Black-Scruffy-Cat,” as Margaret and I had started calling the big stray, appearedto have become a more or less regularlodger at “The Cat House.”

For years we have maintained severalfood stations for feral and lost cats atnumerous spots around our property, andin mid-October we started monitoring a little orange female who had been dumpedout of a speeding car and had found her way to one of these feeding-places. (She wasclearly more used to people, and we eventually caught her, took her to theHumane Society to be spayed, and she was soon adopted by a remarkably good, caring lady.) But before that, while she was still avoiding us, we kept an eye out for her, especially since the weather was

growing nippy. On Thanksgiving Day she emerged from TheCat House — and, lo and behold, she was hanging out with old Black-Scruffy-Cat! We wondered, could she have possiblymellowed him?

Though we were able to catch the little female and see thatshe was properly cared for, her distant association with Black-Scruffy-Cat had not changed his deep-seated mistrust and suspicion of humans. The entire winter of 2008 was a brutaltime, with temperatures well below zero each night. For longperiods he seemed simply to disappear, and we grew increasinglyconcerned for him.

Laying out the RulesFinally prolonged hunger and bitter cold wore down Black-

Scruffy-Cat’s resistance to some degree. When after a particularlyextended absence he at long last re-appeared, he was lookingsick and old and had developed a bad limp in one of his frontpaws, and under these dire circumstances we were able to establish an uneasy truce with him. He would warily wait for me to put food down for him, and then make sure that I waswell out of sight before he came to the dish and ate. I began tothink that there might be hope of befriending him, since he washungry and taking food. But in actuality he might as well havebeen a black panther skulking in the deepest jungle; he wouldnot go into a live trap or any other enclosure that had only one exit, not even when it was baited with tuna. I finally realizedthat any relationship we were to have with Black-Scruffy-Catwould have to be forged solely on his terms, so I made a pactwith him: we would continue to feed him in our yard, but would make no further efforts to capture him until he was ready.And so the months went on.

By late summer, even though he could still bolt with lightning speed whenever Margaret or I happened

to stray into his line of vision, his conditionseemed to have deteriorated. His limp was more

noticeable, his eyes were always runny, and hisfur was dull and chunky. But I learned, thehard way, that he was definitely still his owncat: One day when I dared to reach for himas I put his food bowl down, he sank his

teeth and claws into me with amazingstrength, plainly telling me that I had betrayed

him and broken my side of the bargain we hadstruck. He released my hand only after I promised

him that I wouldn’t try to catch him again.

Independenceat a Terrible Price

When winter came around once more, it was as fiercely cold as it had been the year before, and Black-Scruffy-Cat steadilyweakened in the sub-zero temperatures. It was

Two Beautiful People, One Beautiful StoryEditor’s note: For long-time animal advocates throughout the western United

States, Dick Carter and his talented artist-wife Margaret Pettis need no introduction. In addition to fighting tirelessly for respect and understanding

for all of Utah’s priceless wildlife — in 1990 they organized the Bear-a-Van, a large group of supporters who petitioned the legislature to tighten up the laxrules governing the sport hunting of black bears; Dick’s landmark "WildlifeManifesto," issued the same year, was an eloquent, comprehensive analysisof mankind’s responsibilities to the environment we share with so many otherspecies; and Margaret’s exquisite illustrations of animals have graced cards,

notepaper, and local publications throughout the state — they have alsodevoted their lives to caring for domestic animals, both their own and the

unfortunate ones abandoned in their remote northern Utah town.

We recently received the following touching account of a completely feral catwhose brief, hard life was made bearable — and in the end, meaningful —by Dick’s and Margaret’s infinite patience and compassion. “I needed to tell

about him,” says Dick, “so that he would have a history.”

The Humane Society of Utah is honored to be the vehicle for sharing thathistory. Here is Dick Carter’s moving account of Black-Scruffy-Cat.

Talented Utah wildlife artist Margaret Pettis, whowith her husband Dick Carter spent two years caringfor a fiercely independent feral cat, painted this strik-ing portrait of the animal they came to call "Black-Scruffy-Cat." Dick’s deeply moving account of howthis wild, aloof creature finally learned to give and

receive love is a reminder that patience, respect, andcompassion can work incredible miracles.

5

Just this side of Heaven is aplace called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies who hasbeen especially close to someonehere, that pet goes to RainbowBridge. There are meadows andhills for all of our special friendsso they can run and play together.There is plenty of food, water,and sunshine, and our friends arewarm and comfortable.

All the animals who had beenill or old are restored to healthand vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as weremember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. Theanimals are happy and content, except for one small thing: eachone misses someone very special who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together,but the day comes when one suddenlystops and looks into the distance. Hisbright eyes are intent; his eager bodybegins to quiver. All at once he beginsto run from the group, flying over thegreen grass, his legs carrying him fasterand faster.

You have been spotted, and whenyou and your special friend finally meetyou cling together in joyous reunion,never to be parted again. The happykisses rain upon your face; your handsagain caress the beloved head, and you

look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gonefrom your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...Author unknown

only because of the bitter weather and his compromised defenses that I was finally able at least to coax him into ourshed — which had two ways out — and into a covered cat bed — which also had two ways out. But even after having submitted to this primitive form of “domestication,” Black-Scruffy-Cat’s limp worsened, he began to favor one of his back legs as well, and his weight was going down. He was often obviously ill, now only nibbling at the soft food that hehad once eaten with gusto. But he remained his curmudgeonly,touch-me-not self. He never spoke, he never purred; he onlyglared.

I hoped — but in my heart knew better — that when springcame and the weather slowly warmed up, his health wouldimprove. It didn’t. In fact, it took a definite turn for the worseand he went into a rapid decline. He began to disappear for periods of two or three days at a time and would always returnin more dilapidated shape than he had been in when we lastsaw him.

Learning to Love — Never Too LateOne day in the middle of April we had a torrential

rainfall, and through the downpour I saw Black-Scruffy-Catactually crouching on our outer porch. I could tell at once thathe was in deep trouble, but even so, as soon as I opened thedoor he hobbled away from me. I didn’t follow him. That waswhat I had promised him. Besides, I intuitively knew that hewas finally ready to stop running.

That was his last afternoon. At about six in the evening I went outside and set his dish in the usual place, and I was not surprised to see him emerge shakily from the shadows eventhough I was standing there in plain sight. He took a bite or

two of his dinner, then stumbled toward me and heavilyplopped down, literally at my feet. No explanation was necessary. For two years I had honored our unspoken agreementand he trusted me. Now that he had come to the end of hisjourney, he let me reach out to him and he was, for the firsttime in his brief life, experiencing love.

A Member of our FamilyI gently lifted him up and carried him into the house. He

had always been and still was a large cat, but, in spite of thefact that I knew how ill he had been I was nevertheless startledto find how very little he weighed now; he was nothing butbones and fur. He gave one creaky meow — the first time we’dever heard his voice — as Margaret and I laid him on a thicktowel on the kitchen table, and then, as we softly brushed hisrough coat, he began to purr. I honestly would never have suspected that he even knew how.

We carefully placed him in a warm, soft, dry carrier — hemade no protest — and took him to the veterinarian. At 6:30PM he crossed over to Rainbow Bridge.

We know he’ll be there. Rainbow Bridge is the place whereanimals and the people who loved them meet again, where alltroubles of both the body and the soul are healed and familiesbecome whole and happy together. Black-Scruffy-Cat neverlived with us, never let us touch or even approach him untilthe very end, but we loved him and he knew that he couldalways find sanctuary with us. And I truly believe that, in hisfinal hours, he loved us with all his heart. That makes us family.

And now he also has a history and it has been told, which isvery important for any beloved member of one’s family. v

“Rainbow Bridge” is a famous essay about the eternal bonds that exist between animals and the people who have loved them. It first appeared in national publications several decades ago, and the author is unknown. We’ve printed it in Speaking of Animals before,

but its timeless message never grows old. For those who almost know it by heart, and also for those who may be seeing it for the first time, we again present its beautiful philosophy of hope and devotion.

Rainbow Bridge

6

Mary Rancipher hasloved animals all her life,and for many years shehas put that dedicationinto practice by both volunteering and workingfor the Humane Society of Utah. Many “special-needs” dogs and cats arenow in loving homes oftheir own because ofMary’s foster care, andshe is currently employedas an adoption counselorat the HSU shelter. Sheand her family keep several beloved companionanimals of their own. Allof them are cherished andadored, but one of them— a tiny five-year-old

fawn-colored Chihuahua named Sammy — will forever hold aspecial place in the Ranciphers’ hearts, and this is his story.

A Very Special DogThree years ago, Sammy came under Mary’s care when he

was brought to her after an accident that left him severelyinjured: Among other things, he had crashed head-on into abarbed-wire fence with such force that his vocal cords weredestroyed, leaving him completely voiceless. As Sammy healedin Mary’s home, the family’s other dogs and children bonded soclosely with him that they found it impossible to give him up toanyone else after he was well. He stayed on to become a happy,permanent member of the close-knit group.

His pleasant new life with the Rancipher family continueduninterrupted until one day last August, when Mary returnedfrom work and was faced with the shocking discovery that herhome had been broken into. The door of the house had beenkicked in and the premises ransacked. Burglars had stolen a flat-screen TV, computers, cameras — and, inexplicably,Sammy. When Mary reported the crime to authorities, she tearfully said, “I don’t care about all of the other stuff [the burglars]took, I just want Sammy back.”

Mary’s co-workers at the Humane Society rallied around her with sympathy and support, and when Executive DirectorGene Baierschmidt learned about the theft of the dog, heimmediately decided that his organization would do all it couldto help find Sammy. “Normally, we don’t intervene when pets havebeen stolen,” he said, “but this was a special case. For 22 yearsMary has been performing kind and selfless deeds for so many otheranimals; she was one of our own employees and foster parents. Itseemed only right for us to try to repay her many good acts by doingwhat we could to help her.”

Public AlertedWithin two days a press release was sent to all local media

outlets describing what had occurred and offering a $1,000reward for information leading to Sammy’s safe return. Hisphoto and story appeared in the papers and on TV, and radiobroadcasts mentioned his plight. Following that, all anyonecould do was wait — and hope.

After a bleak and nerve-wracking weekend, Mary returned tothe shelter on Monday to carry out her duties helping otheranimals, all the while in the grip of grief and anxiety over herown little friend. The day wore on and there seemed to be littlereason to expect anything to change.

Then at about five o’clock on that very afternoon, the relative late-day quiet of the entire shelter exploded as wordpassed from department to department. Was it possible? Couldthe small fawn-and-white Chihuahua that had been brought tothe shelter by a Magna family really be Sammy? When Maryraced into the receiving room and called his name, he leapedinto her arms and began joyously licking her face and thrashinghis tail. Her husband and children were summoned, and together the family confirmed that their beloved companionhad indeed been returned to them. Mary, again overwhelmedwith a flood of tears — good tears, this time — could only clasp the little dog to her heart and repeat brokenly, “This is thehappiest day of my life.”

Some People Can be WonderfulHow did the miracle happen? The story came out from the

young woman who had brought Sammy in as she joined withthe Ranciphers in sharing hugs and laughter. Apparently herown family has well-loved animals also, and on the previousFriday night they had seen a small dog hiding under a car neartheir home. Although obviously frightened and confused, theChihuahua seemed to be used to people and didn’t bark at hisrescuers when they approached him. They took him into theirhome, introduced him to their own menagerie, and waiteduncertainly for further developments. They didn’t watch anytelevision or read the newspapers that weekend.

On Monday, the sister of the woman who found Sammy sawthe story of the missing Chihuahua at her own place of work.She had heard her sister speak of the mysteriously silent littledog who had showed up a couple of days before, and called heron her cell phone. “Look on KSL.com,” she told her. “This mayanswer a lot of questions for you.” She looked, she recognized thedog, and she brought him to the HSU shelter. The result was avery, very happy reunion for Sammy and his family.

HSU Honors its PledgeEven though Sammy’s finder firmly stated that seeing the

happy ending to his dramatic adventure was ample reward forher, HSU officials insisted on presenting her with a check for$1,000. “This was what we promised in our press release,” said

continued on next page (Sammy)

Mary and Sammy share a joyous moment of reunion after Sammy, who was stolen from the family home along with cameras and other

equipment, was later found and brought to the shelter by caring strangers. The $1,000 rewardthat HSU paid for his return came from a special,

separate fund that is maintained for such emergencies,and not from members’ donations.

Sammy’s Saga: Snatched, Then Saved!

7

Sammy... continued from previous page.

Mr. Baierschmidt. “When the media and the public cooperate with uswhen we ask for their help, and we get positive results from that, we don’tgo back on our word.” (The reward money, incidentally, came from aspecial reserve fund the Society keeps for extraordinary circumstanceslike this one and did not involve donations made by HSU members.)

The whereabouts of the other stolen items, and the identity of thethieves, remain unknown. The Humane Society is hopeful that the

criminals will be found and brought to justice, but, says Mr.Baierschmidt, “That part of the investigation is up to the police now. Thefocus of our concern was the beloved companion of one of our employees,and he’s back where he belongs now. We’re just grateful that the mediaexposure that was given to his case made this happy ending possible.”

Thanks to all our media friends, and to a caring family who didthe right thing. Even though Sammy has no voice to say so, it’sclearly obvious that he feels the same way. v

La Dolce Vitafor HSU Adoptee

My name is Rachel, and I wanted to tell you about the dog Irecently adopted from the Humane Society of Utah. When I first met this gorgeous animal her name was Tessy, but I have re-named her Dolce. That’s the Italianword for “candy,” and I choseit because she is such a sweet and loving Rottweiler. I can’tthank you enough for allowing me to adopt her!

I already had a Rottie pupcalled Buddah, and he wasquite lonely after myDoberman, Daisy, passed away from causes related to old age. After both Buddahand I had spent monthsgrieving for Daisy, I finallyfelt that it was time tobring another dog into ourhearts. With Buddah at myside, I visited every animalshelter in the Salt Lakevalley searching for a dog

whom we both could love, but we just didn’t have any luck. I hadalmost decided to give up, but one afternoon on our way to the dogpark I decided, on the spur of the moment, to drop by the HSU shelter once more.

Meant for Each OtherAnd there sat the perfect dog, calmly gazing at me with her

intelligent eyes. I at once took her out in the dog run and introducedher to Buddah. Instant mutual attraction! Without hesitation, Iprocessed Dolce’s adoption papers and took her home, and she andBuddah have been spiritually connected at the hip ever since (andboth of them are connected to mine). I’ve discovered, to my great

delight, that Dolce is very much a“Velcro dog”— wherever I go, thereshe is (of course closely accompaniedby her own “shadow,” Buddah). Bothof them regularly come with me toFlaming Gorge Acres, where mycabin is, and they absolutely loverunning with the cows up there!

I think it is wonderful what theHSU accomplishes for homelesspets. You all are extraordinary.Thank you so much for all that youdo — Buddah and I are so happywith Dolce as our new best friend!

With love,Rachel, Buddah, and Dolce v

What are the surest signs of autumn? Well, the days grow shorter and nippier, the leaves turn colors and fall to the ground, and dogs, cats, and a lot of other pets all over the valley start brushingtheir whiskers and polishing their claws to look their best for their photos to be taken in the annualHumane Society of Utah “Picture Your Pet with Santa” event!

This is a terrific opportunity to get full-color, professional portraits of your furry, finny, feathered,or scaly friends with Santa himself and help the animals of the Humane Society at the same time.We offer a wide variety of options, including Christmas cards featuring your pet’s photo for holidaygiving. Packages start at $28 for two 5" x 7" prints, and other options are available.

Just a couple of reminders:3 An appointment is required (call 801-261-2919, ext. 207)3 Pets must be current on all vaccinations3 Please, no pets in heat3 Cats must be in carriers, and dogs must be on leashes

Pictures will be taken on November 7th and 8th, and again on November 14th and 15th, soyou’ll be sure to get your prints in time for holiday sharing. Please call 801-261-2919, ext. 207, tomake your appointment now. Get a memento of this Christmas season that you’ll cherish forever! v

by Rachel Segalla

Buddah, left, and Dolce are inseparablefriends who rule the roost when they visittheir beautiful country cabin at FlamingGorge. Dolce was adopted from HSU

after Buddah’s elderly Doberman companion passed away, and now

he has learned to love again.

This is the life! Buddah and Dolce enjoy a romp together through the lush greenery

surrounding their mountain getaway.

Here Comes Santa Paws, Here Comes Santa Paws – Right Down the Animals’ Lane!

8

Anti-Tethering... continued from page 3

be anything from issuing a warning citation on the first offenseup to charging the dog owner with a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of as much as $1,000 for repeated offenses.

The Humane Society is quick to refute common objections toanti-tethering ordinances. To the claim that government can’tinterfere with people’s “property” — i.e., their dogs — officialspoint out that the government already has laws in place to protect both animals and citizens from abuse and danger; a chaining ordinance would simply be an extension of regulations

already in place. If a pet owner claims his dog likes being outside,that’s true some of the time — but not for the animal’s entire life,tethered in a tiny radius by a chain. Finally, the idea that we justneed to enforce the animal cruelty laws that we already have simply doesn’t address the issues created by chained dogs. Whileseverely neglected chained dogs may be helped to some degreethrough basic animal-cruelty laws, those ordinances aren’t preventative in the same way that anti-chaining ones are.

Standards for pet care are constantly changing and improving.There are many old-fashioned ideas about pet care that simplyaren’t acceptable by today’s standards. Since we know more aboutour pets now, we have an obligation to take better care of them.

“It’s up to the public to improve the lives of chained dogs,” Mr. Baierschmidt adds. “Some people may think that it’s none oftheir business, but it’s the business of all compassionate individuals to speak up when they see living creatures being treated like objects.”

Areas in Unincorporated SL CountyIf the ordinance requested by the Human Society passes,

these are the areas that would be affected:

Big Cottonwood Canyon Community • Canyon Rim CommunityCopperton Township • East Millcreek Community

Emigration Canyon Township • Granite Community • HerrimanKearns Township • Magna Township • Millcreek Community

Millcreek Township • Mount Olympus CommunityParleys Canyon Community • Sandy Hills Community

Southwest Community • University of UtahWhite City Township • Willow Canyon Community

A HEARING ON THIS ISSUE WILL BE HELD AT THE SALT LAKE COUNTY OFFICES,

2001 S. STATE STREET, BUT NO DATE HAS BEEN SET AS OF THE TIME THIS PUBLICATION

GOES TO PRESS. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE,www.utahhumane.org, REGULARLY FOR UPDATES.

WE NEED PEOPLE WHO CARE TO BE PRESENT AT THIS HEARING TO SPEAK UP

FOR DOGS WHOSE ENTIRE EXISTENCE IS SPENT AT THE END OF A CHAIN. v

Everyone in Utah knows that there are twovery special events in July — IndependenceDay and Pioneer Day — but this summerthere was a third important activity that drew almost as many delighted “Ooohs” and“Aaahs” from both children and adults as any fireworks display. On July 13th, the PhotoBox photography studio held a “Doggy Day”fundraiser at the Humane Society where peoplecould bring their own pets to the shelter and,for a $25 donation to the HSU animals, get afree 10-minute photo session and a professional,high-quality 8x10 portrait of their dogs — readyto take home on the spot after only a fewmoments’ processing time!

The Photo Box is the pet project of ScottGianchetta, a top-notch lensman with an apparently inborn talent for bringing out thebest in every beast who faces his camera.

Whether his subject is a cool boxer sporting a pair of designer shades or a sweet little collie pup gazing innocently toward the heavens, Scott manages to prove that everydog can be a dish.

“I’ll try to do the ‘Doggy Day’ special at HSU next summer, too,” says Scott, who seemed toenjoy the fun as much as everyone else who participated. If you don’t want to wait that long for your pet to pose, simply go towww.ThePhotoBox.com. You’re sure to love the resulting paw “prints.” v

Photo Box Studio holds “Doggy Day” Special at HSU

If a human being convicted of the most outrageous, sickening crimes imaginable were sentenced to this sce-nario as punishment for his misdeeds, the whole country would rise

up in protest. However, this dog — who has done no harm and committed no offense — has been condemned to life

imprisonment in this ugly little corner of hell-on-earth.

Here are pictures that bring out the "Aw-w-w" in everybody. Scott Gianchetta of The Photo Box made

portraits like these for members of the public last summer and donated the $25 fee for each sitting to theHumane Society of Utah. (Normally, a photo session

like this costs about $150. Thanks, Scott, for givingpeople this great opportunity, and thanks especially forhelping so many HSU animals with your generosity.)