Animal Friends' 10-Days-of-10 Anniversary Event: Canine Enriched Environment Trail

Doggone, we've done it again! 

In conjunction with our 10-Days-of-10 Anniversary Event, we've created yet another famed Enriched Environment Trail. But this time, we've based it on the materials of traditional anniversary gifts.

For hundreds of years, people have been giving gifts based on different materials to celebrate anniversaries. So we tried our hand at a trail based on that concept.

Of course, the goal of our enrichment activities is so much more than fun and games! It's to provide the our shelter pets with a chance to think and learn with the introduction of novel objects. The objects may have a unique texture, scent or sound. 

Dogs love to discover new things and use their sniffers. So this enrichment trail added something unexpected to their daily routine, thus mentally stimulating the pups' minds and giving them confidence. The pooches moved along the trail at their own pace and were given ample time to investigate each activity.

For the gift of paper, shredded newspaper was placed in a wading pool and we received no complaints from Tumbleweed or Patsy!

 

Second anniversaries receive cotton, which translates to rope toys in a wading pool. And look at Tika, BoomBoom and Mahogany go - use those sniffers!

For year three and leather, a pile of leather shoes was placed in a box. Sniff the leather shoes ... if you dare! And, clearly Ringo, Neeko and BoomBoom dove right now. Way too many good sniffs to pass up here!

Fruits and flowers is for fourth anniversaries. We thought placing fresh flowers in sniffing box would really give the pooches from variation (especially after smelling a box of shoes!). BoomBoom and Milkbone had no complaints!

Wood is given for fifth year. What did we opt for at this station? Cheese tree, of course! Ferngully closed her eyes while she enjoyed the cheese. She knew the flavor of the cheese would be brought out by the scent of tree. Not Patsy, she just went for it.

"Candy" poppers were placed in a wading pool to symbolize sixth anniversaries and the gift of candy. Sirius and Neeko weren't shy at all. Take as much "candy" as you'd like boys!

  

 

  
Year seven and wool, a "sheep" maze was created. Sirius, Elvis and Tumbleweed wove their way through the "sheep" like champs!

 

Pottery is the gift for eighth anniversaries. This one gave them a nose buster! A mystery scent was placed under clay pot and BoomBoom was racking his nose for what it was!

 For year nine, willow is given. Scents were placed in a willow basket and Frank took in the scents of the branches. While, Tika enjoyed it so much she wanted to take the basket with her!

 

And, lastly, for 10 it's gifts of tin or aluminum. For this, we created aluminum pom poms and Patsy is really getting her nose in there to sniff and move the poms around. 

 Don't forget! Enrichment isn't just for shelter pets, it's great for your owned animals as well. Click here to check out some of our favorite enrichment games that you can do with your pets and with things you most likely have at a home!

Bird Migration

Early Spring Migrants 

Killdeer

So far this spring some of our migrating birds have come back early.  One wonders if it is because of our early spring.  It would seem this is a logical reason but if most birds migrate according to an internal mechanism which is controlled by day length, then weather should not make a huge difference.  Spring storms would stop migrating flocks and cause them to hold up until clear weather, so I would expect weather to have some effect.  Whatever the reasoning, so far this year some of our birds are back early.  

Belted Kingfisher

Birds that come back early face increased survival risks.  Bad weather can be severe.  Today is March 17 and we are having a snowstorm.  Early migrants will have to endure this weather and probably go without being able to feed today.  I remember one spring when an Eastern Phoebe came back very early to our place and probably died in the winter storms we had after its arrival.  There certainly would not have been many insects for it to feed on.  When migrants arrive they are especially hungry from their long flights.  They need rest and nourishment.  

Red-winged Blackbird

Migrating birds are anxious to get here early because they want to claim nesting territories.  That is why we often see males arrive first.  They begin singing and thus claiming their territories even before the females arrive.

Turkey Vulture

The first early migrant I saw was the Belted Kingfisher.  We spotted it sitting on a branch over-looking the river on March 12.  That is over a month early!  In the last 5 years the first one I saw was on the following dates: April 25, 19, 27, 26, and 15.  One wonders if it will survive, but with the river being open, I expect it will.

Song Sparrow

The first Song Sparrow seen this year was March 16.  That, too, is early by about 2 weeks.  Other first dates in the last 5 years are:  April 3, March 16, April 1, 5, 8.  These are hardy sparrows and probably will have no trouble surviving until the warm weather.   I look forward to the first Song Sparrow song in the spring.  To me, it means that spring is really here.  I am not so sure about yesterday's bird. 

The Red-winged Blackbird is another early arrival.  My first this year was seen on March 13, which is a week or more early.  Other first dates in the last five years include:  March 23, 12, 30, April 1, 3.

The Turkey Vulture has also started coming back early.  These are traditionally warm weather birds but have surprised us by moving into our area during summers and in late years, extending their stay into cold weather.  A few have showed up here already this spring.  I saw my first on March 16.  That is 3 to 4 weeks early!  Other first dates seen in the last 5 years include:  April 18, 17,  4, 10, and 8.  They feed on roadkill so should be able to survive.

 

The Killdeer is also a harbinger of spring.  Its killdeer, killdeer call heard across the dormant landscape of early spring is welcome indeed.  It brings promise of better things to come.  I heard one yesterday, March 16.  How nice that was!  But, it, too, is 3 weeks early!  Other first dates for this species in the last 5 years are:  April 25, 3, 8, 6, 14.  This is generally a hardy species and will probably be able to make it through the snowstorms of today and tomorrow.  

Spring migrants are a blessing and bringers of hope and promise.  After a long winter they are a welcome sight and sound.  We should be diligent about keeping our feeders stocked with good food in order the help them regain their strength after their long flights.  It is important to put mixed grains on the ground near 'cover' (trees or bushes) so the sparrows can feed.  Some sparrows prefer to feed on the ground.  Needless to say, cats should be kept inside and away from such areas.

Enjoy our spring arrivals.  Step outside and listen to the bird song.  It is one of our true blessings!

Animal Friends Presents Tahoma and Verdana

Last January, a Good Samaritan contacted Animal Friends’ Humane Investigations Department about some domesticated rabbits running in her neighborhood – some of which were being hit on the road by cars. Not knowing what else to do, she turned to Animal Friends.

When our Humane Investigations Department, along with a partner organization, visited the neighborhood they immediately saw what she meant. Nearly a dozen domesticated rabbits were scattered throughout the area. Released into the wild by their former owners to fend for themselves.

The two youngest of the rabbits – at only a few months old – were found huddled together for warmth. Barely old enough to be separated from their mother but here they were, without food, water or shelter and vulnerable to the elements.

But just in time, these two, tiny kits found the warm kennels and warm hearts of Animal Friends.

Tahoma and Verdana, as they soon would be named, received much-needed care and were placed in a loving foster home. Soon they would be healthy and strong enough to be adopted.

It’s for animals like Verdana and Tahoma that we won’t give up the fight for a better future for the pets in our region. That’s why we continue to think outside the cage. Each year we spay/neuter more than 10,000 pets to prevent unwanted animals from going to shelters – or worse. 

Through rescue, adoption, spay/neuter and outreach, we’re building a community that values pets. We’re working to end the sad cycle of abuse, overpopulation and unnecessary euthanasia.

You can make a difference in the lives of pets in our region with a Sarris candy purchase. With you, we can continue this critical, lifesaving work.

Click here to purchase some sweet treats before March 21! And be sure to use the Group ID# 10-0375 and designate Animal Friends as the organization.

Animal Friends' Home-to-Home Adoption Program Presents Lover Boy!

Crystalann writes about Lover Boy ...

I rescued Lover Boy in Dammam, Saudi Arabia when I was living there a little over a year ago.  His age is unknown although my best guess is that he is around 2-4 years old. My friend and I found him in a local park and he was eager to come up to us for some food and affection. He is considered to be a black and white Domestic Shorthair.  

Lover Boy has only half of a black mustache and a big black heart on the side of his body.  A strong and large body describes his physical appearance. Although he should not be in a household with any other animals, he is affectionate and loving towards people. He has aggression towards cats and should not be permitted around any other cats and he should always remain indoors.  

Lover Boy loves toy mice, toys, affection, attention, shoulder rides, warm laps, snuggling, petting, talking to him, being around people, cat trees/castles/things to climb, scratching posts, cat treats and tuna. He dislikes being alone, loud noises, being cold (he's from the Middle East), cat harnesses and being locked up.   

 

I want to give Lover Boy the wonderful life that he deserves. Unfortunately I cannot keep him in my household because we have other cats and he doesn't get along with them. 

For a home with gentle, loving people and no other animals, Lover Boy would be the perfect match!  

 If you can help Lover Boy find a loving home, please contact Crystalann at
crystalannjones@hotmail.com.

Tufted Duck

Rare European Duck Visits Saint John - Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Tufted Duck Male

A rare European duck has been wintering in Saint John.  The Tufted Duck is a species that normally breeds in Iceland, northern Scandinavia and Russia.  It usually winters in the British Isles, mainland Europe and around the Mediterranean.  Finding it in New Brunswick is unusual.  However, we occasionally have one winter here.  A male was first found wintering here in Saint John in 1995-96.  Others have been seen at Moncton in 1996, Grand Manan 1997, Dalhousie 1998, and a male seen by me and others at Sheffield on the St. John River in 2000.  So, it is unusual but not totally unexpected.

Tufted Duck Female

The Tufted Duck is closely related to the Greater Scaup, the Lesser Scaup and the Ferruginous Duck (European).  Although the male Tufted Duck looks much like the Scaup it stands out from among them by its black back, its round head which sports a long tuft down the back.  The female looks much like the female Scaup but has a darker brown back and breast and paler flanks.  Sometimes you can see her very small tuft.

The Tufted Duck in Saint John is hanging out with both Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Ducks.  The Ring-necked Duck has more white on its bill and has a showy white wedge between the flank and the breast.

Tufted Duck Immature Male

The immature male Tufted Duck shows a grayish mottled flank and a shorter tuft.  When males fly they show extensive white on the trailing edges of the wings.

The Tufted Duck is abundant and widespread.  It is a rare but regular visitor to our west coast and south to California.  They feed in shallow water  by diving for seeds, roots, clams, snails, aquatic insects and occasionally amphibians and fish.  My references indicate they utter a low whistle during courtship.  I haven't been lucky enough to hear that.

Tufted Ducks - Female, 2 Males

The photo above shows how distinctive are the black back and tufts of the males.  The female is usually with the males and her dark brown colour makes her relatively easy to spot.

The photos in this post were taken by me in Newfoundland where there is often a small wintering flock of Tufted Ducks.

Celebrating an Animal Friends' Milestone

Dear Friend,

It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since Animal Friends moved from the Strip District to our home in Ohio Township! It sounds so cliché, but it feels like only yesterday ... 

I was asked recently to share my fondest memory of our move to the Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center. I remember thinking what an easy question to answer! Hands down my favorite memory is the day we transported the animals from the Strip District to the new Center.  

After months of careful planning to devise the least disruptive way to move nearly 100 animals – some of them elderly, some of them ill and all of them certainly confused – the day came to load them into the caravan of waiting vehicles. Once here, we placed them in their new spaces. Then we waited. And we watched. Hopeful that we got it right.

Then it happened. One by one, the animals sniffed and circled, checking out their new spaces and then ... simply curled up and lied down. That was when I knew we had succeeded.

Celebrating this milestone also reminds me of the important people who have made our many successes possible. They have supplied ample amounts of energy, vision, tenacity and commitment. And, as time rolls along, we are faced with the inevitable, bittersweet good-byes of these people who have been so integral in our success. Kathy Hecker is certainly one of them.

Kathy Hecker began her tenure with Animal Friends in 1992 and deserves the credit for the creation of our Humane Investigations Department. Through her leadership and role as our Humane Society Police Officer, Kathy changed the face of animal welfare in our region. It’s nearly impossible to measure the sheer number of lives she has affected in her 24 years of service. From the thousands of animals she has rescued to the education she has shared in our communities, she will certainly be missed. We thank her for her dedication and wish her only the best on her retirement.

So as we celebrate Animal Friends’ anniversary at our Camp Horne Road location we also celebrate the many people – like Kathy – who have made it possible. To our staff, volunteers and to you, our supporters, thank you for believing in a more humane and compassionate community for all of our animal friends.

Click here to learn more about our 10-Days-of-10 Anniversary Event! We hope to see you there.

In appreciation,

David J. Swisher

President & Chief Executive Officer

Animal Friends

Plastic Refuse Kills Birds and Other Wildlife

It Is Time To Clean Up Our Act

Bird With Plastic Loop Caught Around Head [Internet Photo]

Every time I pull the plastic ring off a juice bottle I think of our birds and other wildlife.  This post is written to make the reader aware of the dire problem we have created for them with a multitude of plastics polluting the environment.  

We use a humongous amount of plastic.  Virtually all of it ends up in landfills and scattered around the landscape.  Granted, some is recycled but much of that eventually ends up as pollution.  Have you been out on our rivers, lakes and oceans lately?  There is a lot of plastic floating around and piled up on our shores.  Our oceans are becoming a literal plastic dump.  There is no place anymore on our Earth where plastic refuse is not found.

Mallard Female with Plastic Can Holder Caught Around Head [Internet Photo]

We have a serious problem.  It is worse for pelagic birds because they eat bits of plastic and also feed them to their nestlings.  This is causing high mortalities due to impaction and starvation.  The birds are so full of plastic they cannot eat.  Many carcasses are found with the digestive tract heavily impacted with pieces of plastic.

This post will focus on what we can do to help.  We obviously are not actively throwing plastic into the ocean (well most of us).  Take a look around at our environment.  There are plastic bags hanging from trees everywhere we go.  We can remove them and dispose of them properly.  The proper way to dispose of them is to recycle them.  We must, however, take care that they do not blow away from our recycle bin as we set it out for pick up.  

Two items we use regularly create problems; any plastic ring and the plastic ring assembly used to package a six pack of beer, pop, etc.  These are traps waiting to catch unsuspecting birds and wildlife.  See the photo below showing a female duck with a 2-pack ring caught around its beak and head.  The birds are not able to remove the ring and eventually die of starvation.

Duck Caught by Plastic Ring [Internet Photo]

What can we do to help?  We can minimize our purchase of products which use plastic in such configurations.  But we cannot eliminate our use totally.  What we can do is simple.  We can just cut each ring open before disposal.  This is easy and simple and prevents an unsuspecting bird, mammal, turtle, etc. from getting caught.  When I remove the ring from a juice bottle, I just cut it through before I put it in the garbage/recycle.  Easy!  See below.

Plastic Ring From Juice Bottle - Cut Open

Cutting the Rings From a Six-Pack Holder [Internet Photo]

Cleaning up our oceans, lakes and rivers is something we are going to have to face.  Some of our good citizens are actively cleaning up camping sites along our rivers now.  We must adopt the habit of 'taking out more than we take in'.  What I mean is, we must carry a garbage bag along with us and collect and carry out for proper disposal garbage on every one of our outings.  It would be surprising how quickly we could make a difference.

The oceans are a different matter, a very serious matter.  It is going to take a huge effort to clean up what is there already.  As well, we must stop the continuous amount of pollution that is taking place.  It is my hope that we get after this problem now.  Our efforts would be much better for the Earth and for ourselves if we spent our time and resources on that and not on nations fighting one another.

Stork With Plastic Bag Caught Around its Body [Internet Photo]