Summer Issue 2008 - SNIPSACare Services after being hit by a car and sustaining a significant degloving injury. Her leg was so badly injured that it had to be amputated. Despite her

Summer Issue 20 08

CHANGING LIVE S THROUGH RE SPONSIBILIT Y.

Get your running shoes on for SNIPSA’sFirst Annual 5K Race for the Rescues.Not a runner? Bring your dog and participate in the 2 Mile Run/ Walk.Water stations and doggie pools will beavailable for you and your pet.

Race proceeds will benefit:

CRITTERS IN CRISISAssists animals with special medical needssuch as fractures, heartworm disease,mange, neglect, and nursing mothers.

SPAY/NEUTER OUTREACHSNIPSA will host a clinic for those inlower income areas who would like tohave their pet spayed/neutered butcannot because of lack of financialresources or transportation.

Join us in raising awareness about homeless animals in our community.

On the Cover:Scooter

Scooter, a male mixed breed, cameto SNIPSA in 2005. At that time,there was no official non-profitstatus, just a handful of well-meaning Samaritans chasing strayand unwanted animals aroundSan Antonio.

Scooter was just another stray –running with a pack and looking forhis next meal. After being detainedby the St. Mary’s University campuspolice for traveling without alicense, he made his way to thehome of two veterinarians wherehe was scheduled to be neutered.After his surgery, Scooter wasplaced in an adoptive home. Thatdidn’t work out and within a weekhe was back with the veterinarians.He shredded the blinds, salivated inhis kennel, and proceeded to wreckhavoc throughout the house. And,he never left...

In 2006, the group officially formedSNIPSA – a local rescue dedicatedto saving homeless and abandonedanimals from high kill shelters.With the support of an incrediblevolunteer base and countlesshours of work, SNIPSA has rescuedand rehomed over 1,000 animals.

Scooter’s SpecsORIGIN: running at large,

St. Mary’s UniversityETHNICITY: mixed parentageMEASUREMENTS: 12 inch waist

18 inch chest14 inch collar

HOBBIES: listening to XM radio,getting car sick, chasing chickens,

attending SNIPSA eventsSTYLE: bringing fuchsia spandex back,

Libby Lu headphones, Plush Puppy Volumizing Mousse

for a shiny, healthy coat

1 Summer 2008 www.snipsa.org

SavingLivesThe joy of reading heartfelt messages from adopting families isthe driving force of fostering – the reason we open our homes toanimals in need. In the end we know any sacrifice is worthwhile.

Shadow, Rosie & TexShadow was abandonedwith his littermates atAnimal Care Services.He was the last of his litterto be adopted as is the fate of many blackdogs. Finally a family whohad recently lost theirbeloved dog discoveredhis picture on SNIPSA’s

website. The Rice family, who thought they weren’t quite ready foranother dog, reluctantly inquired. It was love at first sight and Shadowjoined his new family. They convinced their daughter and son-in-lawto visit the site and they later adopted two Labrador Retrievers namedRosie and Tex. Chance was added to the Rice family in late August tomake four SNIPSA adoptions. What a testament to the world of rescue!

We adopted Rosie and Tex the Friday before I took the Texas Bar Exam. I tookRosie with me to Houston for the test and we stayed at my parent’s house with theirnewly adopted SNIPSA puppy, Shadow. Shadow immediately fell in love with Rosieand she endured hours of his attempts at flirting. When the Bar was over my husband,1-year-old son Landon, and Tex drove over from Austin for a weekend of relaxationat my parent’s lake house. Landon was so excited to see a dog that was his size andall three dogs had a blast racing around the lake property. Rosie and Tex have continued to be wonderful pets and show endless patience with Landon – we can’timagine our house without their 130 lbs. of furry love! –––– Rebecca Fike

BarkleyRescued from AnimalCare Services after beingimpounded as a stray,Barkley found a homewith two other rescuedpurebreds. Forty percentof all shelter animals arepurebreds.

We can’t understand why more people don’t adopt from a rescue and getsomething other than a puppy. Barkley was exactly what we were looking for. Weget lots of compliments on him and I always tell people exactly where he came from.Thanks for all the hard work you do rescuing from the pound! –––– Bryce Segar

SNIP-ITS from Adopters

Journey of FaithFaith, a Labrador Retriever,was rescued from AnimalCare Services after beinghit by a car and sustaining

a significant degloving injury. Her leg was so badlyinjured that it had to be amputated. Despite her injury,Faith is thriving. She showered her foster family withkisses and was always on the hunt for food. Faith wasrecently adopted to a couple with a large yard forromping, a pool for cooling off, and air-conditioningfor sleeping. One of her favorite pastimes is retrievingher giant squeaky toy, three legs and all.

Opie WalksAbandoned at a local busstop, SNIPSA volunteersfound Opie with severelymatted hair, covered in

fleas and unable to use his hind legs due to possiblenerve damage along his spinal cord. There wasmuch discussion about the course of action. Shouldwe carry on or had Opie suffered enough?

After witnessing his spirit and determination thedecision was made. Opie, along with his devotedfoster parents, went to the pool several times aweek for physical therapy. Special splints weremade to help him stand. In a matter of weeks Opiestarted advancing his hind legs, swimming laps inthe pool and gaining strength daily. After two andhalf months the splints were removed and he nowwalks without assistance.

SNIPSA is a non-profit rescue organization foundedby a group of veterinarians and caring individualsdedicated to rescuing unwanted and homeless animals from high kill shelters in San Antonio and thesurrounding area. Below are two inspiring stories ofanimals that were given a second chance

SNIPSA – Changing LivesThrough Responsibility

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Summer 2008 2www.snipsa.org

• (L-R) The dogs, Chance, Shadow, Tex, and Rosie, and theirfamily, Eric Rice, Glenda Rice holding Landon Fike, ValerieRice, Stan Rice, Rebecca (Rice) Fike, James Fike.

• (L-R) Bear, Barkley, and Bailey.

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CanineChatterOn the surface, long-distance animal adoption seems logistically impossible. Thankfully, that’s not the case. A nation-wide network of animal rescue groups works together to facilitate adoptions, conduct home visits and coordinatetransportation so that animals can be placed in loving homes across the country.

SNIPSA Knows No Borders – Long Distance Adoption

Cheesy Dog Biscuit TreatsKibble’s Korner Due to a shortage of adoptable

dogs in the northern part of thecountry, PetSmart Charities, inconjunction with progressiveshelters, is moving animalsnorth and saving lives.

Approximately 40 animals eachmonth are transferred aboard“rescue wagons” speciallyequipped with air conditioningand roomy cages. They areaccompanied by experiencedpersonnel. Because of theoverwhelming demand, mostanimals are adopted within 72hours of their arrival.

Dogs Go North

3 Summer 2008 www.snipsa.org

Trooper’s Trip to Bean TownTrooper, a beautiful Husky, arrived toAnimal Care Services with a luxatedhip. Injuries such as this preclude otherwise healthy dogs from beingadopted. Animal control facilitiesoften lack the necessary resources to

offer the extra medical care such animals require.An animal care employee was making her rounds asTrooper was being sedated for euthanasia. She asked thathe be spared and transferred him to SNIPSA.An adoption inquiry was made by the Towle family fromMassachusetts after they discovered him on SNIPSA’swebsite. Determined to adopt Trooper, they worked diligently with SNIPSA to make necessary travel arrangements.Anxious volunteers received a late night call that Trooperhad arrived safely in Boston and was united with his newfamily. This is just one example of how important privaterescue groups are in changing the fate of these animals.

Laverne & ShirleyLaverne and Shirley joined SNIPSA afterbeing abandoned at Animal CareServices in a cardboard box. It wasclosing day of the old facility and animals were being carted to the newshelter. There was no room at the inn forthis litter of puppies. They were riddledwith worms and suffered from bothdemodectic and sarcoptic mange.After months of treatment, they weretaken to an adoption event. Shirleywas adopted by a college studentand they moved to North Carolina toattend graduate school.

But, the story doesn’t end there. The student’s parents werekeeping Shirley and fell in love. They contacted SNIPSA inhopes that Laverne was still available. She was, and withina week she boarded a plane and arrived safely in Illinois tomeet her new family.

Ingredients:1 cup rolled Quaker oats 2 tsps. chicken or beef flavored bouillon1/3 cup margarine 1/2 cup milk1 cup boiling water 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese3/4 cup corn meal 1 egg, beaten1 tbs. sugar 2 – 3 cups whole wheat flourInstructions:Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease cookie sheet.In large bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine and boiling water; let stand 10 minutes.Stir in cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, cheese and egg; mix well. Add flour one cup ata time, mix well after each addition to form a stiff dough.On floured surface, knead in remaining flour until dough is smooth and no longersticky, 3 to 4 minutes. Roll to 1/2 inch thickness, cut with bone shaped cookie cutter.Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutesor until golden brown. Cool completely. Store loosely covered. Makes 3 1/2 dozenlarge or 8 dozen small dog biscuits.

BEFORE: Laverne and Shirley

AFTER: Laverne

San Antonio is mobilizing around animal welfare on several fronts. Under theleadership of Mayor Phil Hardberger, City Manager Sheryl Sculley, and withcommunity input, the city’s Animal Care Services (ACS) Advisory Boarddeveloped a strategic plan intended to bring San Antonio to No Kill by 2012.No Kill means that every healthy, treatable, or rehabilitable animal is adoptedrather than euthanized. The plan calls for greatly increased adoptions, transferof ACS animals to rescue organizations, and free and low-cost spay/neuter. It has received widespread community support and was unanimouslyapproved by City Council.

To assist in this mission, the San Antonio Area Foundation recently partneredwith the city to establish and staff a community-wide Consortium of Partnersto bring the entire community around the goal of No Kill by 2012. The Consortium

CommunityNews

•Mayor Phil Hardberger and Spurs owner, Peter Holt, show their support for the OwnUp SA campaign.

Where is San Antonio Heading?

Summer 2008 4www.snipsa.org

has contracted a major public relations campaign, OwnUP SA, designed to encouragefamilies to spay/neuter their pets and provideresponsible care. Peter Holt, owner of theSan Antonio Spurs, is serving as CorporateChair. Other corporate partners include ClearChannel Outdoor Communications, Rackspace,and WellMed. A city-wide billboard campaignfeaturing well known locals and their pets willbe a visible part of the awareness effort.

AAPAW (Alamo Area Partners for AnimalWelfare) is the third component in the equation of No Kill whereby rescue groupsand adoption organizations join forces withthe common goal of saving lives. AAPAW isfocused on neighborhood and one-to-oneeducation utilizing the existing infrastructureof neighborhood associations and civicorganizations. Recent mega adoption eventshave proven to be very successful; placingmore than 100 animals per event. Adoptionevents are held quarterly at accessible andhighly traveled locations. The next megaadoption events are scheduled for Saturday,October 4th and Saturday, December 6th atthe Rim Shopping Center. Please join AAPAWand support our mission of reaching No Kill.

Traditional methods of trapping and killing feral cats haveproven to be ineffective. Studies have indicated that byremoving a feral cat from its environment, it only creates an ecological void allowing other unaltered cats to move in.Before you realize it, you have an entire population ofunowned cats eating out of dumpsters and foraging forfood, seeking shelter in alleyways, dense habitat, or anywhere they can establish a safe haven. The cats continueto reproduce and the problem doesn’t go away. Cats areincredible survivors and will establish themselves in almostany environment.

The tax dollars spent on impounding, housing, and euthanizingferal and unowned cats is outstanding. Studies have proventhat it is far more economical to sterilize and release a catback into its familiar environment than to trap and destroy it. Low cost spay/neuter clinics are cropping up across the country to address the overwhelming need. Cats arehumanely anesthetized through the trap, spayed/neutered,vaccinated, ear-tipped, and recovered from surgery. Within24-48 hours they are returned to their habitat and are nolonger contributing to the problem. Over time, the colonywill diminish due to natural attrition.

Feral Cats and Their FutureFeral and unowned cats have long been viewed as a forgotten and nuisance population.

(continued on page 5)

Recently, San Antonio has made greatstrides in its approach to feral cats. InDecember 2007, city ordinances werechanged to legalize trap-neuter-return (TNR) of unowned/ feral cats.Caretakers who have long beenfeeding and sterilizing cats on theirown, finally garnished city recognitionand support. A pilot program managedby Animal Care Services and Purr-FectHaven at Sunken Gardens proved tobe an effective method of controllingferal cat populations where aggressivesterilization was its driving force.Carefully selected feeding stationswere established high off the groundto allow cats easy access while

prohibiting entry from other smallmammals. Caretakers reported a farless number of litters being born during Spring/Summer 2008.

What we as a city need to keep inmind is that this is a communityproblem which requires communitysupport. By increasing the numberof community-based programs thatallow cats to live out their lives sideby side with the rest of us, we caneffectively manage their numbers.Not only is TNR the most humaneway to address feral cat populations,it is also the common sense way.

(Feral Cats continued)

•Scooter seems concerned about the officiating.

SNIPSA recently attended the Hoops and Hounds event at the AT&T Centerto support the Silver Stars and OwnUP SA. It was great fun to watch awomen’s professional basketball game in the company of our caninefriends – Chihuahuas to Great Danes. It was also a clever way for a city tryingto raise awareness about pet overpopulation to promote friendshipbetween a canine and his owner. A portion of the proceeds benefits theOwnUp SA campaign.

SNIPSA successfully placed two dogs intoadoptive homes. One, a pup named Comet,made her way all the way to Ruidoso, NewMexico. A second, Gabby, went home with fansthat were seated behind her at the game.

Hoops and Hounds

5 Summer 2008 www.snipsa.org

SNIPSA kicked off the summer with a backyardbarbeque to welcome new volunteers and tothank our current volunteers. Guests devouredburgers grilled by Donald Ikerd and listened tolive music by Robert Henry. Everyone gatheredto visit while children played games, threw waterballoons, and scavenged candy from a pinata. It was nice to finally put a face to some of thosewe knew only from e-mail.

•SSNNIIPPSSAA vvoolluunntteeeerrss hhaavviinngg ssoommee SSuummmmeerr NNuutt ffuunn..

SNIPSA Goes Nuts

•(Left) Benjamin and Chips, the Animal Care Services Mascot.(Above) Claudia and Skylar are seeking adopters for a SNIPSA dog.

550 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _500 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _450 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _400 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _350 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _300 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _250 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _200 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _150 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _100 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

50 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _0 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

WhatCanYouDo?2. Foster Families NeededFoster families are the single most important variable in thenumber of animals SNIPSA is able to rescue. We do nothave a standing shelter and depend entirely on volunteersto open their doors to house our animals. While in fostercare we learn a great deal about the animals’ needs andbehavior – how they get along with cats, other dogs,small children, any escape tendencies, housebreaking,and general temperament. This helps us make a suitablematch between the animal and his new owner. SNIPSAstrives to find permanent placement for our rescues.

3. Spay it ForwardDid you know: For every unspayed cat, her offspring canproduce 69,000 unwanted cats in just 7 years?Join SNIPSA in sponsoring a spay or neuter and helpreduce the exorbitant number of animals euthanized in ourcity every day. Trying to undo the damage of a breedinganimal is an uphill climb. The true solution to reducingunwanted animals is to sterilize your pet. Not only does itreduce their risk of disease, but also unwanted behavioralissues such as marking, fighting, and roaming. Your donationwill enable SNIPSA to spay and neuter more animals andincrease our chance of reaching No Kill by 2012.

SNIPSA is proud of the number of animals we havesaved over the past two years. This would not be possible without our volunteers and the financial support of our community and friends.Getting an animal ready for adoption is not simple. It requiresthat the animal be spayed/neutered, heartworm tested, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for parasites. SNIPSAalso assists a large population of injured and sick animals thathave had little prior veterinary care. We are often their firststop and treat heartworm infection, skin and dental disease,and orthopedic injuries. With your support, we can continueour mission of saving animals in need.

1. Donations Welcome

Summer 2008 6www.snipsa.org

4. Adoption – SNIPSA’s Barking Black BeautiesVincent

This four-year-old maleLabrador mix, came toSNIPSA in November2007 after beingimpounded by Animal

Care Services. He loves children anddoes well with dogs his size. He enjoyscar rides, swimming, and long walks.He is crate trained, housebroken, andknows how to use a doggie door.Please consider opening your doorand your heart to Vincent. Once youmeet him, you will appreciate his spirit.

HopieA six-year-old femalelabrador/spaniel mix,Hopie was rescued onthe side of the roadby a Good Samaritan.

She lives for her morning walks andtime in the garden. Hopie is docile anddoes well with other dogs/cats. She hasthe housebreaking routine down pat.An ideal home would be one with olderchildren as she is uncomfortable withloud noises and sudden movements.

MacyA young pit bull/retriever mix, Macywas picked up byAlamo Heights animalcontrol after appearing

on a doorstep. She gave birth to 8 puppiestwo days later. Following a phone callfrom the police chief, SNIPSA secured afoster for Macy where she was able toraise her pups in a healthy environment.Macy is an affectionate sweetheart thatlooks forward to weekend visits fromthe grandchildren.

––––

–Li

vesS

aved

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2008

415*

2006 2007

307

530

*Number saved through August 2008.

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6338 North New Braunfels #185, San Antonio, TX 78209

• Acres North Animal Hospital

• Alamo Heights Kennel Club

• Animal Resource Center

• The Barking Lot

• Camp Bow Wow

• Hill Country Pet Ranch

• Dr. Stephanie Lisciandro

• Perrin Beitel Veterinary Hospital

• Slone + Company Advertising

• South Texas Veterinary Specialists

• Stray Cats Adoption of Texas

• Veterinary Imaging Center

Your support and belief in our missionhas enabled SNIPSA to rescue andrehome more than 1,000 animals.

Special Thanks• Bob Bernhard

Cathy Garison• Rose Blumenthal

Peggy Jane MahanPamela WagemanJack & Barbara OsterAnnette OsterConsumer AssistanceOffice Metro West, Inc.Barry & Judith Milavetz

• Morris BrickenDr. Mark & Ellen Weinstein

• CallyRaymond & Lizabeth Leach

• Crumper*• Caroline Flannery

Patricia Bose• Hallie Harper

Leah Anne Williams• Hannah*• John Haskins

Judy Raines• Belinda Koeller

Kathy Nagel

• Mz. Who*• Joe Nickleson

Patricia Steves• Peaches*• Pig*• Patches Ridout

Ronnie Ridout• Rice Rosser

Leah Anne Williams• Senora*• Sallie L. Westbrook

Marian Dryer

In Memory Of:

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGEPAID

SAN ANTONIO, TXPERMIT NO. 1058

• Nancy Billup’s dogsCynthia Collins

• Baxter BurtingWilliam & Alexandra Bunting

• Buster & BenlakClaire & John Alexander

• Shannon & Ben EspyPeggy & Bill Clark

• Caroline FrankasDr. Mark & Ellen Weinstein

• Kenneth GindyDr. Mark & Ellen Weinstein

• Helen, Sunshine & CinnamonJuanita Sudolcan

• Dr. & Mrs. Johnny KothmannStephen & Margaret Allison

• Virginia Munroe & GastonLou Womack

• OpieAnnie & Ted Snider

• Cindy StooksberryC.O. O’Malley

• Lori TipsWilliam & Kathryn Johnson

• Courtney WalkerM.T. Edwards SpecialTom & Felicia BaldwinJohn & Alice Troy

• Jennifer, Catherine & Christine Nancy Zachry

In Honor Of:*SNIPSA family animals.