Janice Brown,

Founder and Editorial Director

It seems like articles are popping up everywhere these days about the strength of the human-animal bond. Speaking with colleagues, reading trade publications, and having people email me every bit of pet-related news means I don’t miss much. Just like Kevin Bacon’s six degrees of separation, nearly everything in my life comes back to pets.

There are many opportunities for animals to work themselves into our daily routine, even for non-pet lovers. Think about how many commercials, for example, feature animals. From toilet paper to carpet cleaner to insurance, adorable animals get people’s attention.

When animals are abused, however, it can raise even more awareness. When the Michael Vick dogfighting scandal broke, I heard an interesting discussion on the radio. One of the hosts believed Vick would’ve had a better shot at reducing the scrutiny and the charges if he’d hurt another human being instead. He reasoned that when a domestic situation makes it to the news, there are always two sides to the story. In this case, the victims were animals; helpless, innocent, and dependent on humans to care of their needs. There was no love triangle, no betrayal, and no hidden story. These dogs’ only crime was remaining fiercely loyal to a person who was using them as weapons.

Luckily, this level of evil is foreign to the majority of us. But when the underside does show its ugly head, I feel good that animals have earned a place in our society where this is unacceptable. The actions of the NFL and the companies connected to Vick through sponsorship deals were a direct response to the public’s cry for justice. We should remember how loud our voice can be when we all speak as one.

Happy fall-

Jason A. Heidemann,

Executive Editor

I’m a sucker for summer. In my opinion, nothing beats endless sunshine, sand in your toes, and even the slight sting of humidity. That is, until autumn arrives. When that first fall chill hits the air, I embrace the shorter days, changing leaves, and cooler temps with just the slightest bit of melancholy. But my favorite season of all isn’t even recognized on calendars and that’s the one that’s finally upon us.

I’m talking, of course, about the holiday season. Sandwiched between the languid pace of October and January’s unrelenting chill is my favorite time of the year. The holiday season has sights, smells, and sounds that are entirely its own and I’m guessing you know what I’m talking about. Sure, there’s plenty of consumer culture and unnecessary distractions to spoil the fun, but I manage to find plenty of peace and quite time amongst the hustle and bustle and I hope you do too.

For me this means spending more time with my pets. With the sun setting so early this time of year, my guilty pleasure becomes taking a late-afternoon nap with my furry ones curled up by my side. I live in a new home and for the first time I have a fireplace. My cats are going to love this. I’m already envisioning snapshots of them curled up like tiny balls while I sit next to them reading a book.

One note of caution however: the holidays can spell danger for dogs, cats, and other small animals. Leftovers, overzealous children, and dangerous décor should be kept out of reach of dogs, cats, and other small animals. We’ve addressed some of those common concerns in this issue and offered up some helpful solutions so that the holidays are a safe and loving time for both your human loved ones as well as your animals.

Have a great Thanksgiving—  

Letters

Dear Tails editors,

I would like to make a brief comment about the interview by Laura Oppenheimer with Nathan J. Winograd in the recent September issue.

Winograd states that, "What the no-kill movement is trying to do is to go back to these (early SPCA's) original roots." This statement is somewhat misleading as none of the early SPCAs on the East Coast held a no-kill policy. The first SPCAs in NYC, Philadelphia, and Massachusetts were all trying to find more humane disposal of unwanted cats and dogs. They were trying to rid the streets of stray animals and eradicate the widespread practice of mass drownings, shooting, or beating dogs to death. A no-kill policy was not part of Henry Bergh or George Angell's thoughts in the 19th century.

The first no-kill shelter in America came about in 1903 under the direction of Flora D'auby Jenkin Kibbe in New York—37 years after the ASPCA was founded in 1866. She got her inspiration from French no-kill shelter models. Most American shelters did NOT take on this policy.

All this said, I was intrigued by the interview and the prospect of reading Winograd's book and if he includes historical data on the origins of no-kill shelters.

Many thanks,
- Amy Huprich Cook
The University of Cincinnati

Winograd responds:

Actually Amy is wrong. Bergh was opposed to taking over animal control and argued that dogs and cats should not be killed. He never wanted the ASPCA to take over the pound contract. They certainly did not call it no-kill, but that is exactly what it was.

- Nathan J. Winograd
Director
No Kill Advocacy Center