Canine columnist: ‘Call me Silly’

Call me a canine ambassador. I’ve been the resident dog with the Caring Hands Humane Society for more than five years now, and in that time I have seen a lot of things. I’ve seen and been seen at community events, tagged along to area schools to help educate youth, visited nursing homes to comfort the lonely, and even played the part of Toto in a local play.

I’ve seen selfless kids celebrate their birthdays by asking guests to bring presents for us instead of themselves. Bake sales, garage sales, in-kind donations, community dog washes, adoptathons, Eagle Scout projects, fund-raising events and junior volunteers are just a few of the great things happening every day at Caring Hands.

I’ve seen countless dogs, cats, rabbits and birds brought in by caring people who have found these animals stray or unwanted. Some animals are brought in by ailing owners who can no longer take the responsibility of caring for a pet. Some people come in for advice on animal behavior or health issues. Still others come in to adopt an animal to offer a second chance at life.

I’ve seen the other, less appealing side of shelter life too. The dramatic rise in the number of puppy and kitten intakes during the spring; abused animals that come in starved, hurt, mistreated and unloved; the necessary evil of euthanasia; dogs bred not for temperament or companionship, but for size, stature and aggression.

Call me a newshound. As a canid of the community, it is my civic duty to report what is going behind the scenes at the Caring Hands Humane Society. I’ve heard changes are on the horizon.

I’ve heard new and exciting community events are in the works. For example, Pets in the Park takes place from 10 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of each month at Athletic Park. Each Pets in the Park event will feature professional (and free!) dog training instruction, fun agility obstacles to try out, and a dog adoption.

I’ve heard a revamped, more interactive web site is on the way. It will be more user friendly and will have lots of great new features, information and updated pictures of animals available for adoption. Check out our current web site at www.caringhandshs.com and give us your suggestions on what you would like to see.

I’ve heard about the incorporation of the new Spay and Neuter Your Pet (SNYP) program. SNYP Vouchers worth $100 will be distributed to pet owners who are serious about getting their dogs or cats spayed or neutered.

I’ve heard about the increased drive to recruit volunteers. Rewarding opportunities include positions such as shelter assistant, adoption counselor, Pet Pal and Puppy Power play groups, foster homes, special events, education opportunities and more.

Call me Silly. Seriously. Well, it’s more of a nickname around here, but how many other dogs do you know will star in a play, schmooze potential donors, and submit an article to The Newton Kansan? I have quite a bit of experience in the animal welfare field. I know a lot.

I know positive things are happening at Caring Hands. For decades it was the trend for shelters to blame irresponsible pet owners for pet overpopulation, a high euthanasia rate, and the enormous numbers of stray dogs and cats. While pet owners will still be held accountable for their pet’s health and well being, Caring Hands has taken steps away from the traditional "blaming mindset" and replaced it with a more effective way of addressing these issues by helping people "do the right things".

I know by now you want to come see me in action (or inaction during nap times). Caring Hands is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, ‘til 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and closed Sundays. You may contact me at 283-0839 but leave a message if I am out.

Sylvester (a.k.a. Silly) is the resident Cairn Terrier at Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton. He has been at Caring Hands since 2002 and is about 14 years old. Sylvester loves snuggling with rabbits and his Chihuahua girlfriend, Pixie.