Timeline of a Preventable Tragedy

     I feel I need a disclaimer on this post. In the 4 months that I've been writing Save 90, I have consistently tried to be fair, objective and not overly critical of the 
Baltimore County Animal Shelter (BCAS). I want to be a positive force for change and improvement, not an alarmist or someone who blows things out of proportion.
    Today I have no choice but to be outraged and deeply saddened by a preventable tragedy that unfolded in recent days at BCAS.
     This is the story of a puppy whose short life came to an unnecessary end. BCAS euthanized her because she had suspected bite injuries and there was legitimate concern that the puppy might have been exposed to rabies through those suspected bites. 
     As I said, this concern was valid. What unfolded afterward was anything but. The shelter killed the puppy after only two days, well before a required four day stray hold period was up. This, despite an offer from a rescue group to foster the dog during a 6 month quarantine, despite information that the possible owner of the dog had been found, despite the fact that this possible owner said the dog had been vaccinated for rabies, and despite an offer from another shelter to take the puppy.
     The facts of this story are complicated. I've interviewed many people involved to get the fullest picture possible. 
     Here is a timeline of what unfolded:

Early morning hours, Tuesday, Jan. 13
     Baltimore County police found a female puppy at an apartment building in Middle River. The puppy, named Briar Rose, had injuries that included lameness in her back right leg, and suspected bite wounds on her body. The police officer took her to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. 

                                              Briar Rose

     On intake, Briar Rose had no temperature, and one veterinarian who saw her described her to me as "playful and sweet."
     A hospital employee later learned that BCAS planned to take custody of Briar Rose and euthanize her, because of concern that she might have contracted rabies through her injuries. BCAS said the only other alternative was a 6-month quarantine, and the shelter was not able to provide it.
     The hospital employee, in an effort to save Briar Rose, called Sarah Millard, a board member at 
Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF). She was hoping AARF could foster the dog and save her life.

Approximately 3:15 P.M. Tuesday, Jan. 13
     Millard messaged Teresa Fernandez, an AARF volunteer who also volunteers at BCAS. Millard asked Fernandez to notify shelter authorities immediately that AARF wanted to pull the dog and that Millard could foster her during the quarantine period. 
     Fernandez notified shelter officials that Millard was a Baltimore County resident, was vaccinated for rabies, and could foster and quarantine Briar Rose. 

8:31 A.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14
     Acting Chief of Animal Services Laura Culbertson emailed Teresa Fernandez saying, "We are checking to see if we can release Rose today. Can you pick her up?" Teresa responded that someone could pick up Briar Rose. 

11:16 A.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14
     Culbertson emailed Fernandez again. She wrote, "Our staff actually will take this puppy.....thanks tho (sic)."

2:30 P.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14
     BCAS picked up Briar Rose from the animal hospital.  

3:51 P.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14
     Fernandez emailed Culbertson saying, "Hold on. I think the original owner has been found. I'll keep you posted."
Culbertson did not respond to this email.

Around 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, Jan. 14
     Briar Rose arrived at BCAS.

Unknown time on Wednesday, Jan. 14
     An area animal shelter offered to take Briar Rose from BCAS.
     
How did someone find the possible owner of Briar Rose?
     Sarah Millard of AARF has a friend who knows a maintenance man at the apartment complex where police found the puppy, and contacted him. He asked around, was told who owned the dog, and went to the man's apartment. The man wasn't very cooperative but did say Rose was his and that she had been vaccinated for rabies and was microchipped. 

10:30 A.M. Thursday, Jan. 15
     An employee at the animal hospital called the shelter to check on the puppy. BCAS informed her Briar Rose had been euthanized...that a decision had been made that no one but a BCAS employee was allowed to foster the puppy and that no one had been able to do so. 

     So, Briar Rose was euthanized sometime late Wednesday or on Thursday morning.  This was done approximately two days after she was found, despite a required four day stray hold requirement. The four day stray hold is intended to give owners a chance to find and reclaim their pets. 
     She was euthanized despite the fact that someone from a reputable rescue group who was rabies vaccinated and a Baltimore County resident was willing to foster and properly quarantine her.
     She was euthanized despite notification that a possible owner had been found. It appears no one from Animal Control followed up on this information in an effort to find the owner and verify whether the dog had been vaccinated for rabies.
     She was euthanized despite the fact that another area shelter had offered to take her. 
     
Here's an interesting additional fact. 
     When strays come into a shelter, shelter employees give them a name. The name Briar Rose, however, is strangely coincidental. 
     When the maintenance man spoke with the possible owner, he referred to his dog as Rose. 
     How did the shelter know her name was Rose? Was it because the dog was microchipped? The possible owner said she was. If so, why wasn't the microchip information tracked down?
    
I contacted Don Mohler, Chief of Staff for Baltimore County Executive, Kevin Kamenetz and asked for comment on this story. 
     Mohler directed me to a comment the county posted on the Reform Baltimore County Animal Services Facebook page. 
     It reads in part, "Carly Stokum and Jan Markowitz from Communicable Disease in the Health Department were consulted as per policy by me as to the disposition of the puppy. Because of exposure risk, they decided to not put the puppy into the community on a 6 month quarantine. The rules for the quarantine are not fair to the puppy's socialization and put the community at risk if the rules are not followed. We were advised to have the puppy euthanized and sent as lab specimen immediately.
     A very recent case of a similar situation illustrates the seriousness of these recommendations and the process in which they need to be implemented. A stray puppy with wounds of unknown origin and unknown vaccination status was found in Maryland and adopted by a family in another state. Within 2 weeks the puppy developed rapid onset of symptoms and was laboratory-confirmed rabid.
This was a public health decision."
Here is a link to Mohler's full comment on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/reformbaltimorecountyshelter/posts/319860914880241

     I spoke with Dr. Steven Rosenthal, a veterinarian and the owner of Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates. He serves on the AARF Advisory Board and went to see Briar Rose while she was in the hospital.
     Dr. Rosenthal described Briar Rose as, "bright, alert, playful, and personable to all staff members."
     He told me, "I find it unfortunate that this puppy that had a potential for a loving home was euthanized prior to full availability of all information of its health status and prior medical history. I'm not sure what the rush was."
     
What would other shelters in our area do under these circumstances? 
     I asked the Executive Directors of BARCS, the Baltimore Humane Society and the MD SPCA. Here are their responses:

Jen Brause, Executive Director of BARCS:
     "When BARCS takes in a stray animal that has bite marks of unknown origin, we hold it for the stray hold period. The only time it would be put down before its stray hold period is up would be if the animal was near death and unable to be stabilized and/or if the animal was showing clear signs of rabies. Otherwise, if no one came to claim the animal and it was considered adoptable, we would either quarantine it for 6 months at the shelter or would transfer it to one of our rescue partners to carry out the quarantine."

Jen Swanson, Executive Director of the Baltimore Humane Society:
     "We feel if we had or could find a foster home for it, we would be ok with it. We wouldn't want it in the shelter, not because of rabies necessarily, but because of the lack of human interaction they would get being in quarantine, and just the fact that a kennel is not the same as a home, and could potentially cause stress-induced behavior problems. That said, if they (BCAS) contacted us about this we would do everything possible to make sure the animal didn't get euthanized." 

Aileeen Gabbey, Executive Director of MD SPCA:
     "We would do the hold period and work with interested rescues. Rescue groups are best for these tough situations."

My Conclusions
     Here's the question: Is this case an extraordinary circumstance or is it symptomatic of pervasive problems at the shelter? It would appear to be the latter. 
     Clearly shelter employees and the Baltimore County Health Dept. employees who supervise the shelter failed at every level. Their decisions appear to have been governed by fear rather than best medical practices, informed decisions, and connection to other area shelters and rescue groups. 
     It's a systemic problem that can be repaired only by leadership of the County Executive and the passage of pending 
County Council legislation to create a Shelter Oversight Commission. 
     The Baltimore County Animal Shelter has made halting progress in recent months. But clearly that progress wasn't enough to save the life of Briar Rose. It's time for leadership that results in major reform.


Final Fact:
     An employee of the pet hospital that treated Briar Rose says she was notified by her superiors that the lab results showed that Briar Rose did not have rabies. I have emailed county officials to verify this. They have not responded.

Because of the serious nature of this post, I have not included any new Save 90 ads. They will resume with my next post.
Below is a list of those who have advertised on previous posts:
Chesapeake Contracting
Needles and Threads of Ruxton
Bare Necessities
Edie Brown Associates
The Mark Building Company
Studio of Makeup
BJS Insurance
Parsonizing Dry Cleaners
Graul's Market
Zibazz Hair Studio
Linens and Lingerie
Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection
Nationwide Nissan
The Jewelry Lady
The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store
Barre at the Quarry
The Lichter Group
The Little Shoebox
Window Consultants, Inc.
Matava Shoes

This Is What We've Been Waiting For!

     As I'm writing this post, I have a cameraman from WJZ over my left shoulder. Unusual company, to be sure. Channel 13 came to my home to do a story on Save 90. 
     Many of you have seen the story, but in case you haven't, and would like to watch, here's the link.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2014/12/19/familiar-face-pours-her-passion-for-animals-onto-the-page/
     
New Save 90 ads:
     Before we talk about this post's subject matter, I want to thank my newest Baltimore County advertisers: 
The Little Shoebox, 
Window Consultants, Inc., and 
Matava Shoes. 
     Their ads will appear below the text of this post along with a thank you video from the latest animal rescue group to get a check from Save 90, as well as a new tally of money raised so far.

Now the news...And there's lots of it.
First the good news. And it's really good.
     Efforts to bring change to the Baltimore County Animal Shelter have moved onto a new stage. They came front and center at the meeting of the Baltimore County Council. 
     Newly re-elected 2nd District Councilwoman Vicki Almond has been a very strong supporter of change for the 
Baltimore County Animal Shelter. She spent a great deal of time and effort crafting a bill to be introduced at the first meeting of the newly (re) elected County Council. The legislation, if approved, will establish a Baltimore County Animal Services Advisory Commission.
     The Commission will consist of 11 members; each of the seven Baltimore County Council members will appoint one member to the Commission. The other four will be appointed by 
County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Of the four members appointed by Kamenetz, one must be a licensed veterinarian, one must be a representative from an animal welfare organization, one must be a person who operates an animal shelter, and the fourth must be an at-large member from the public.
     Councilwoman Almond sees this Advisory Commission as just a first step toward major change. 
     Watch this video to hear what Councilwoman Almond has to say about this bill.

     I'll write more about public/private partnerships in the weeks ahead. At BARCS, it means Baltimore City has a partnership with the shelter and provides some of its operating budget (that's the public part). But BARCS is a 501 c3 (that's the private part) and is responsible for raising the rest of  the money it needs to operate. 
     At the time I interviewed, Councilwoman Almond before the bill was introduced, five of her 6 fellow Council members had signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. By the time she introduced the bill at the County Council meeting, all 6 of her fellow Council members were on board. This measure will be veto-proof.  
     The next step for the legislation is discussion at a Council work session on January 27th at 2 PM. 
     The County Council will hold a final vote on the bill at the Feb. 2nd County Council meeting at 6pm. 
     This truly is a first step toward change. It's huge. Now we must keep this moving forward. Please go online, find out the name of your County Council representative.  Call his or her office to express support for this bill and/or write an email.
     If council members don't hear from their constituents, they'll conclude that people don't care about this issue. You're reading this blog. Clearly you do care. Let them know it. 

Legal News:
     Three Baltimore County citizens have filed suit against Baltimore County over the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. The suit is a mandamus action, meaning it is asking the court to order Baltimore County to do things it is obliged by county law to do at the shelter but is currently failing to do. For example, it alleges the shelter routinely fails to walk or exercise dogs, fails to provide for the adequate socialization of cats, and fails to provide environmental enrichment for the animals.

     The suit, which is not seeking financial damages, has been filed on a pro bono basis by a large Washington, D.C. law firm called Covington and Burling. 
     I spoke with two of the attorneys involved, Kamila Lis and Bryant Lee. They told me the suit includes a number of witnesses who have come forward with statements about what they've seen and experienced at the shelter. 
     Said Lis, "Our facts are strong and our case is strong. Otherwise we wouldn't have brought the case." 
     Don Mohler, Chief of Staff for County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, was quoted in a Baltimore Sun newspaper article on Saturday, saying the lawsuit is "absolutely absurd." The county refused additional comment today.
     
More legal news:
     You may have read about the recent animal fighting ring bust in Baltimore City. Many dogs were taken in that bust, and six of them are at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. Because of the pending legal case, they've been placed in something called, "Administrative Hold." That means they may be at the shelter for quite a long period of time while the dog fighting case makes its way through the legal system. 
     According to Baltimore County Health Dept. spokeswoman, Amanda Knittle, "All animals held in custody are cared for by our ....professional animal care staff and veterinarians. Adoptability decisions will have to wait until their status is resolved."
     Here's the problem. There's a good chance those animals will be caged for weeks and possibly months while prosecutors work on this case. Being caged for that length of time is obviously not an ideal situation at all. Save 90 hopes Baltimore County will seek out rescues willing to take these dogs and keep them in foster care while the case is resolved. 
     
Now a story of volunteerism and of diamonds in the rough:
     If you've ever been amazed by before and after pictures in beauty magazines, you know what a little sprucing up can do. But those pictures don't begin to compare with the transformations that can take place in an animal shelter.
     Many shelters don't have the money to have a full-time or even part-time professional groomer on staff. That's where volunteers come in...people like Animal Groomer Chris Goldsmith who volunteers her time at Anne Arundel County Animal Control. 
     Animals often arrive in shelters dirty and matted. They don't exactly put their best paw forward to potential adopters. Chris helps peel away this outer layer to show the beauty of the animals that lies beneath. Take a look.

     Robin S. Catlett, Administrator of Anne Arundel County 
Animal Control says, "Our shelter staff, volunteers and the animals greatly appreciate Chris donating her time and services to helping the animals in need.  She has had a positive impact on countless animals since she began volunteering with our shelter."
     I often criticize the Baltimore County Animal Shelter, but here I have to give them great credit. One of the shelter's staff members has duties that include grooming. 
      For those shelters that don't have groomers on staff, volunteers like Chris Goldsmith make all the difference. 
     
    
     Now, for the latest Save 90 ads:
Thank you to The Little Shoebox, Window Consultants, Inc. and Matava Shoes:

Because of money raised through its advertisements, Save 90 has written its 5th check for $750 to an area animal rescue group...this one to Bella's Bully Buddies:

Here's the growing list of Save 90's advertisers...I hope you'll support them:
Chesapeake Contracting
Needles and Threads of Ruxton
Bare Necessities
Edie Brown Associates
The Mark Building Company
Studio of Makeup
BJS Insurance
Parsonizing Dry Cleaners
Graul's Market
Zibazz Hair Studio
Linens and Lingerie

Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection

Nationwide Nissan
The Jewelry Lady

The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store

Barre at the Quarry

The Lichter Group

The Little Shoebox

Window Consultants, Inc.

Matava Shoes

Because of Save 90's advertisers, Save 90 has now raised $4100 for area animal rescue groups.
Thank you.
If you or someone you know owns a Baltimore County business and would like to advertise on Save 90, please have them contact me at debstone01@comcast.net.

   
     

Rescue Groups-How they do it

     A lot of news to report on this post...perhaps the most since I started writing Save 90. I have news about the 
Chief of Animal Services job, remarks by Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz on a radio show last week, as well as Save 90's second video on rescue. 
     In the first video on my last post, we saw how rescues work hand in hand with animal shelters. This time, we'll examine how rescue organizations accomplish their work, how they pay for it, and how they change the lives of so many animals. 
     First I want to thank Save 90's newest advertisers: The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store, Barre. at the Quarry, and The Lichter Group. 
     You'll find their ads below the text of this post as well as a tally of funds raised through these ads for animal rescue groups. 
    
Now, some news:
     On my last post, I reported that Baltimore County was going to begin interviewing applicants for a new Chief of Animal Services. 
     One of those applying for the job was Jen Swanson, now the Executive Director of the Baltimore Humane Society. Last week, Jen got a phone call from the county, informing her that her interview was cancelled. 
     To learn why, I emailed Monique Lyle, the 
Public Information Officer for the Baltimore County Health Dept. which runs the county shelter.
     Lyle replied, "We did not attract a sufficient number of candidates to evaluate so we have cancelled all interviews. We are evaluating how we want to move forward."
     When I asked how many had applied, she answered that about a dozen had done so. That would seem like a rather large group of applicants. And, as I mentioned earlier, the list included someone who currently runs a shelter in our area, Jen Swanson. 
     I don't know who the other applicants were, or their qualifications, but it's difficult to understand why county officials didn't think it worth their time to interview Swanson and learn what she would bring to the table.  
    Says Swanson, "I'm very disappointed. I really thought I had a good shot at it, and I was looking forward to getting in there and helping save animals while also protecting public safety."
     A staff member of one Baltimore County Council member wrote a local animal advocate about the matter, "I have been given the impression that the County Executive and Dr. Branch are looking for a candidate that is in step with their political philosophy as it relates to Animal Services. That may be why Ms. Swanson, as qualified as she might be, is not being chosen."
     Here's the only way I can interpret this: anyone with differing views on how the shelter should be run has absolutely no shot at  getting the job.
     That's disappointing to say the least because, while there have been some improvements at the shelter, and construction has begun on a new shelter facility, it's not what's needed most. What is called for is a change in philosophy, a move toward a mindset like the one that guides BARCS, the shelter in Baltimore City. 
     BARCS is the equivalent of the Baltimore County Shelter in that it's an open admission shelter. It must accept every animal surrendered by pet owners as well as every animal picked up as a stray on the streets of the city.
     BARCS takes in almost two and a half times as many animals as the Baltimore County Shelter. Yet it accomplishes so much more...more rescue coordination, more volunteers, more fosters, more enrichment, more concern over each animal's life. While Baltimore County's euthanasia rate is 50%, BARCS' euthanasia rate is just over 20%. 
     For reasons I cannot comprehend, that kind of operation is apparently not in step with the county's political philosophy as it relates to Animal Services. 

On to the title of this post: Rescue Groups-How They Do It
     Two point seven million. 
     The Humane Society of the United States estimates that's the number of healthy animals killed in U-S animal shelters in 2012. It's just a number...until you think about each individual healthy life that ends prematurely with an injection or inside a gas chamber. 
     In my last post, we looked at the ways rescue organizations help reduce the number of animals killed in animal shelters. 

     Now let's see how rescue groups carry out their life-saving work. I spent time with the volunteer members of 
Animal Allies Rescue Foundation, also known as AARF, one of the animal rescue groups in the Baltimore area. AARF has saved almost 500 animals since it formed in 2012. Take a  look.

     Animals that land in shelters and are taken out by rescue groups are all too often victims of the shortcomings of human beings. It's our job as caring people to do what we can to help them heal and stop their suffering. That's what rescue groups are all about.
     Here's where Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz comes in. On Dec. 3rd, he was a guest on the C4 show on 
WBAL Radio. A caller asked why the shelter is killing so many animals. Her approach was confrontational and not constructive. She stood little chance of getting a good response as a result. 
     That said, here is what Kamenetz had to say: 
     "You have to really understand what the role is of Baltimore County. We take animals of last resort...the animals that no one else wants. No one else wants to adopt them or they're abandoned or they're disfigured and we then always have to take those animals. A lot of private shelters, when they reach their capacity, they stop taking new pets in."
    These are not animals of last resort. The shelter is a place of last resort for them. They are not the animals no one else wants. They are the animals someone doesn't want. 
     It's clear from the video above, rescue groups do want these pets, so much so, in fact, that they raise thousands upon thousands of dollars to get them medical care. Then they give them to families who want to take these pets home and love them forever.
     My first rescue, Arthur, was a perfect example. You'll see his picture above. Ironically, I found him at the 
Baltimore County Animal Shelter about 25 years ago. He had been picked up on the streets as a stray. He was filthy, his hair matted from root to end. At first glance, it was difficult to imagine anyone wanting him.  
     I had him groomed and took him home. He was beautiful and sweet and I loved him until he died 13 years later. 
     Is it possible that our county officials don't see what's underneath the dirt, the matting, the injuries, fear, and anxiety? Do they really believe these animals are different from pets that come from breeders? The only difference between them is the fact that shelter pets have been unwanted, neglected or abused. 
     It's true, our Baltimore County shelter cannot pick and choose which animals it accepts. It must take in every animal that comes through its doors. But that's not an excuse for placing too little value on each life. 
     Not every one of them can be saved. Some are too sick, too old, or too aggressive. But if we believe it's worth trying to save as many a possible, that is a shift in perspective. It has the potential to move us along the road to saving 90.

Now for Save 90's latest ads from The Big Screen Store and Sofa Store, Barre. at the Quarry, and the Lichter Group.

Here's the growing list of Save 90 advertisers:  

Chesapeake Contracting
Needles and Threads of Ruxton
Bare Necessities
Edie Brown Associates
The Mark Building Company
Studio of Makeup
BJS Insurance
Parsonizing Dry Cleaners
Graul's Market
Zibazz Hair Studio
Linens and Lingerie

Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection

Nationwide Nissan
The Jewelry Lady

The Big Screen Store and The Sofa Store

Barre at the Quarry

The Lichter Group

     I hope you'll support these businesses. Their ads have contributed $3910 to Save 90. As a result, I'm preparing to write my 5th check for $750 to an area animal rescue group. More on that in the next post. 
     If you know of a Baltimore County business owner who might like to advertise on Save 90, please ask them to contact me at debstone01@comcast.net.
    Special thanks to Jennifer Kahn for her help on Save 90 this week!

Rescue Organizations-A Huge Piece of the Puzzle

     Another post….another round of ads! A million thanks to 
Save 90's newest advertising supporters: 
Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection, 
Nationwide Nissan, and 
The Jewelry Lady.
     Their ads will appear below, as well as thank you's from the most recent animal rescue organizations to benefit from our advertisers'  generosity. 
     First, two quick news items:
1) Baltimore County is accepting applications for a new 
Chief of Animal Services. This would be a replacement for Charlotte Crenson (whose name you will see later in this blog post.) The question is, will the county hire someone who is dedicated to the kinds of programs aimed at saving every life possible? 
2) Baltimore County has awarded the bid for construction of the new animal shelter to Roy Kirby and Sons. They have begun construction.
Now on to this week's post:
Rescue Organizations: A Huge Piece of the Puzzle
     Most everyone has heard of animal rescue organizations and has some idea of what they do. But you might be surprised at all they accomplish, the difficulty of their never-ending work, the amount of money they must raise to do that work, and their vital role in saving the lives of animals in animal shelters.

    It's difficult to know the exact number of animal rescue organizations, but we know it's high. We get some idea just from the number that are affiliated with Petfinder. 
     Petfinder's Director of Shelter Outreach, Sara Kent, says, "Close to half of the 13 thousand + membership in Petfinder is comprised of foster-based rescue groups." These are groups that place animals in volunteer foster homes while they work to find forever homes. 
     Where do these animals come from? From animal shelters mostly. As a result, rescues play a huge role in saving the lives of animals in shelters. 
      Says Barbara Healy of the MD SPCA, "Rescue groups that have foster homes available are great resources for shelter animals who are too stressed, fearful or shut down in a shelter/kennel environment. Often behavior issues a dog may display in the shelter environment are not exhibited in a home environment, which will allow the dog to be adopted more quickly."
     In addition, adopting families have the benefit of a great deal of information about the pet, learned while it's in foster care. Foster parents often know whether an animal is housebroken, whether it's friendly with children and other animals, if it needs lots of exercise or is very sedentary, etc. This information can be so important when it comes to choosing the right "forever" home. 
     Animal shelters like BARCS in Baltimore City rely heavily on rescues to increase their live release rate and reduce their euthanasia numbers. 
    BARCS Executive Director Jen Brause took over the 
Baltimore City shelter in 2005 when it became a 501 c3. She says, "When we first took over, the shelter only worked with one rescue group. That was one of the first things we changed. We work with hundreds of rescues now and send them over 3 thousand animals a year." 

     With 12 thousand animals arriving at BARCS each year, getting 3000 (25%) out is huge. The task falls largely to BARCS' Rescue Coordinator, Juliette Crosson. Watch this video to meet Juliette and see some of the amazing work that she does. 

Now that you've seen what real coordination with rescue groups looks like, let's talk about Baltimore County Animal Services (BCAS), our Baltimore County Animal Shelter which is run by the Baltimore County Health Dept.

     There has been a great deal of concern that BCAS does not adequately work with rescue groups. 
     Some of these groups have complained that it has been difficult to work with BCAS. Some feel underutilized. I asked one local group that pulls many animals from BARCS and the MD SPCA if they get pleas from the Baltimore County Shelter. She tells me, "Rescue pleas do come from time to time, but rarely. Instead we will occasionally hear form volunteers (vs. staff) asking if we can pull a specific animal or …animals".
     One animal rescue group, Fancy Cats Rescue Team, has filed suit in U.S. District Court against Baltimore County, as well as the Director of Animal Control, Charlotte Crenson. The suit charges that Crenson retaliated against Fancy Cats after the group complained about the health of cats coming to them from the shelter and about several cats that didn't survive.
     On June 2, 2013, Fancy Cats sent an email to Crenson raising serious concerns about the cats that had died. It also said that in comparison with other shelters with which the rescue group worked, the level of illness in cats coming from the Baltimore County Animal Shelter was "staggering." 
     Later that day, Crenson sent an email back to Fancy Cats removing the organization from the shelter's rescue partners list.
     The county refuses comment on the suit.
     To be fair, there has been some increase in the number of animals that are going to rescue from BCAS. In 2013, the shelter sent 275 cats and 209 dogs (484 animals total) to rescue. In 2014, from January 1st until November 10th, the 
Baltimore County Animal Shelter sent 405 cats and 195 (600 animals total) to rescues. 
     An improvement, yes. But if you compare this number with BARCS, which sends 3000 animals to rescues each year, Baltimore County comes up very short.
     The Baltimore County Animal Shelter is failing to take advantage of one of the greatest resources for saving lives and decreasing its 50% euthanasia rate. 
     It takes work to create strong relationships with rescues. It takes dedication to contact them and follow up each time a good candidate for rescue comes through the door. The question is whether Baltimore County believes that each animal's life is worth the effort.  
     If manpower is an issue, Baltimore County should take advantage of volunteers (something I've suggested numerous times on this blog.) As I've mentioned before, BARCS has 400 volunteers. The MD SPCA has 800. The Baltimore County Animal Shelter has 20. 
    This is the way it all comes together. A successful shelter must come at the problem of homeless animals from numerous angles, by coordinating extensively with rescues, creating a strong and well-trained volunteer force, and developing a thriving foster program. 
     Do it all and guess what happens? Live release rates go up. Euthanasia rates go down. And the 
Baltimore County Animal Shelter can begin moving toward saving 90% of the animals in its care. That's what Save 90 is all about. 

Next post will look at rescue from the perspective of animal rescue groups.
Now on to happy news. This week's ads from 
Betsy Robinson Bridal Collection, 
Nationwide Nissan, and 
The Jewelry Lady.

I hope you'll support Save 90's growing list of Baltimore County business advertisers:
Chesapeake Contracting
Needles and Threads of Ruxton
Bare Necessities
Edie Brown Associates
The Mark Building Company
Studio of Makeup
BJS Insurance
Parsonizing Dry Cleaners
Graul's Market
Zibazz Hair Studio
Linens and Lingerie

Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection

Nationwide Nissan

The Jewelry Lady

As you know all money raised from these ads is going to animal rescue groups. Each time the amount reaches $750, I write a check for that amount to one of these groups.

Total raised: $3090. 

Newest recipients:

• Adopt A Homeless Animal
• Feline Rescue Association and
• Tara's House Animal Rescue

Thank you to our advertisers who make these donations possible!

     

The Shelter Hits the Road

     
     Before we get to the main subject of today's post, some timely news about shelters in our area. This week, the 
MD Dept. of Agriculture announced recipients of 475 thousand dollars in grants, aimed at reducing intake and euthanasia numbers at our state's animal shelters. 
     The plan was to accomplish this goal by increasing low-income residents' access to spay and neuter services. 
     Fifty-one non profit and governmental organizations applied for the grants. Fourteen have been chosen to receive money, among them, BARCS (Baltimore City's animal shelter), the MD SPCA, and the Baltimore Humane Society. 
    The Baltimore County Animal Shelter did apply for this money but was not chosen as one of the grant recipients.
     I spoke with Jane Mallory, the Program Coordinator for this grants program at the MD Dept. of Agriculture about why the Baltimore County Animal Shelter did not win one of the grants.
     She told me that those chosen included shelters offering spay and neuter services for free. Baltimore County's grant request involved creating more outreach and advertising for its current  spay and neuter program, which provides spay and neuter services for $65 for dogs and $50 for cats. 
     With grant money limited, the MD Dept. of Agriculture selected those programs that would do more for low-income residents, and determined "free" is better than "low-cost." Some of the grant winners even offered transportation to and from spay/neuter locations.
     The Dept. of Agriculture plans to communicate with those who did not win grants to tell them how they can improve their chance of success when next year's grants are awarded. I hope the county is able to secure a grant next year, as low-income county residents could certainly benefit from it.
    That aside, I want to express enormous thanks to this week's Save 90 advertisers. They are three more Baltimore County businesses that care about the animals in the 
Baltimore County Animal Shelter, and support the concepts expressed in this blog.
 They are:
 Graul's Market
 Zibazz Hair Studio 
and
Linens & Lingerie
Here are their ads:

These businesses now add their names to the growing list of 
Save 90 advertisers:
Chesapeake Contracting
Needles and Threads of Ruxton
Bare Necessities
Edie Brown Associates
The Mark Building Company
Studio of Makeup
BJS Insurance
Parsonizing Dry Cleaners
Graul's Market
Zibazz Hair Studio
Linens and Lingerie

     I hope you'll give your business to these companies that care about our community's animals. They have helped Save 90 raise $2360.00 (that number just keeps climbing!) All money goes to area animal rescue organizations like 
Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF).

    Two more checks will be written next week to 
Adopt a Homeless Animal and The Feline Rescue Association. 

Now on to this week's post, "The Shelter Hits the Road":
     Running an animal shelter must be a little like the 
"I Love Lucy" episode where the chocolates go faster and faster on the conveyor belt. Administrators must constantly find ways to get animals out alive, as a never-ending stream of dogs and cats continues to pour through the door. 
     It's not often that something new offers a whole new way to promote adoption. But that's what's happened at BARCS, the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter.  
    This extraordinary adoption tool has been fondly named the BFF Waggin. It's a beautiful new van, specially equipped to take shelter animals out into the community. There, they can meet potential adopters in pleasant, friendly surroundings. 
      The BFF Waggin boasts secure cages that can accommodate up to 33 dogs and cats. It has heat and A/C, running water, and a fridge. 
     And can you believe it...this amazing vehicle, with a price tag of 150 thousand dollars, came to BARCS through an anonymous gift.
     The BFF Waggin hit Baltimore's streets this past August, and has 5 adoptions under its (fan) belt….several more if you count those people who were at BFF Waggin events, decided to visit the shelter, and adopted dogs there.
       A few weeks ago, organizers of Baltimore Beach Volleyball invited BARCS to bring the BFF Waggin to a tournament at Rash Field. 
Take a look.

     You might see the BFF Waggin driving the streets of Bal-timore or at partner stores such as Pet Smart, Petco, and Pet Valu. Organizers can also request a visit from the BFF Waggin, so you'll be seeing it at special events and festivals too. 
     Just think of all the potential adopters this vehicle will reach who may have never gone to BARCS. They'll meet animals in relaxed settings, more likely to allow the dogs and cats to show their true personalities. This, of course, makes them more likely to be adopted.
     I don't know the name of the anonymous donor who gave this generous gift. I'm not privy to the reasons why he or she chose BARCS as the donation's recipient. 
     I imagine it may have had something to do with the dedication of BARCS employees and volunteers, and the amazing work they do to find loving homes for close to 80% of the 12 thousand animals that come through the shelter each year. 
     Just imagine: what would happen if Baltimore County Animal Services decided to emulate BARCS...creating similar programs for enrichment, volunteers, and coordination with rescues? What if Baltimore County even decided to let a 501c3 run the shelter in a public/private partnership with the county, just as BARCS does with Baltimore City?
     I believe that will be the day when philanthropic animal lovers will choose the Baltimore County Animal Shelter as the recipient of their charitable donations. 
     Just imagine how these changes would improve the lives of animals in the shelter. Just imagine how many more of them would find happy, forever homes. This is what Save 90 is all about. 
     I can see it. Can you? 
    If so, let your county representatives know it. That's the first step to making it a reality.
     

A Statewide Solution

     O.K. Business first.

     Many thanks to the latest Baltimore County businesses who support the concepts expressed in this blog and are advertising on Save 90. The newest advertisers are: Larry Rosenberg of The Mark Building Company, 

Karen Weiner of Studio of Makeup, 
Barry Steinfelder of BJS Insurance, and 
Michael and Mitchell Parson of Parsonizing Fine Dry Cleaning. 
Here are Save 90's latest ads and don't forget…Support Our Sponsors! 

This is the growing list of Save 90 advertisers:                   
Chesapeake Contracting
Needles and Threads of Ruxton
Bare Necessities
Edie Brown Associates
The Mark Building Company
Studio of Makeup
BJS Insurance
Parsonizing Dry Cleaners

 Total money raised so far: $2070.00. All is going to area animal rescue organizations.

     Having Baltimore County businesses support these efforts is crucial. This sends our county government a message: The people at the heart of our county's economy want our shelter to emulate the great shelters that are its neighbors: the MD SPCA, the Baltimore Humane Society, and BARCS. 

     If you know a Baltimore County business that would like to place an "ad" on Save 90, please have them contact me at debstone01@comcast.net.

    Nelson Mandela said, "It always seems impossible until it's done."
     Keep that in mind.
     This will get done.

Now on to today's post:
     I saw Ken Ulman (Democratic candidate for Lt. Gov.) recently and asked him for a comment on our state's animals. Here's what he had to say.

So, what might statewide support for Maryland animals look like? 
     It would be a challenge, because in Maryland, there is no cookie cutter animal shelter mold. Each county or jurisdiction has its own shelter. Some of these employ best practices and save most of the animals in their care. Some do not.
     So, whether a dog or cat gets out of a shelter alive is partly a matter of location. If it's lucky (a relative term!), it ends up in a shelter like BARCS in Baltimore City. BARCS has a foster program, extensive relationships with area rescue groups, and a large and active volunteer force. As a result, BARCS saves almost 80% of the 12 thousand animals that come through its doors each year. 
     Animals in many other Maryland shelters aren't so fortunate. For example, in Baltimore County, euthanasia rates are 50%. So, only half of the approximately 5000 animals there each year survive. 
     Imagine a statewide solution…legislation that would standardize the practices at Maryland shelters, requiring them to do what shelters like BARCS, the MD SPCA, and the Baltimore Humane Society do: place the highest priority on saving as many lives as possible. That means creating extensive relationships with rescue organizations, having a thriving foster program, as well as a large and active volunteer force. 
     Creating statewide standards is the goal behind "CAPA 4 Maryland". CAPA stands for "Companion Animal Protection Act." The state of Delaware passed a CAPA law in 2010. The state of California has something similar known as the Hayden Law. The group, 
"CAPA 4 Maryland" wants this kind of legislation in our state.  
     Tammy Zaluzney of CAPA for MD says, "CAPA basically mandates all the things good shelters do."
     Among other things, here's what she says CAPA would do:
1) Make euthanasia the last resort, requiring shelters to make lifesaving their primary goal.
2) Standardize public safety efforts as well as the relationship between shelters and animal rescue organizations. 
3) Provide transparency for taxpayers who are footing the shelter's bill.
     Zaluzney says her group is working on language for CAPA legislation to be introduced in the next session of the Maryland General Assembly, and is talking with potential sponsors of the legislation.
     But don't expect smooth sailing. One possible roadblock to this kind of law is that Maryland is what's known as a home rule state. That means cities, municipalities, and/or counties have the ability to pass laws to govern themselves as they see fit as long as they obey state and federal constitutions. Some counties will no doubt balk at statewide sheltering requirements.
     Will Baltimore County be one of them? I contacted the Baltimore County Health Dept. to ask. A spokesman declined to comment. 
     Since the legislation is not yet written, it's difficult to know if CAPA 4 Maryland is the right way to go. But on the face of it, the idea of standardized practices seems to make sense for animals as well as humans. Think of the Ebola epidemic. We would all hope that every state in our nation is on the same page there. 

     We'll be watching this issue as the MD General Assembly convenes in January of 2015. And no matter the outcome of next week's MD gubernatorial election, I surely hope our next governor is concerned about the animals in our state's shelters. If statewide rules make sense, I hope he supports them.

Ads; The Good Kind!

     Are you ready for a game changer? Well, here it is. I'm initiating a new element on this blog. Save 90 will now feature "ads." These will not be typical advertisements. I'm engaging members of the Baltimore County business community and enlisting their support for the concepts behind Save 90.
     So, now you will see their "ads" on this page with every post.
     "Advertisers" will pay $90, $190, $290, well, you get the picture…any amount they want that includes the number "90". They will then have videos on this blog where they express their support for Save 90.
     All money raised will go into a Save 90 bank account, and each time the account balance reaches $750, I'll write a check for that amount to an area animal rescue group.
     I'll keep a running list on the blog of all "advertisers" and the total amount of money we've raised together, so you'll know which area businesses really care about the animals in our shelter. I hope you'll support them.
     And here's the best part. Our Baltimore County government will see that this issue matters, not just to individuals but also to the business owners whose jobs and taxes are the backbone of our county. When county officials see how many people want real change at our shelter, how can they justify doing things the same old way?
     I want to especially thank my first "advertisers":  Bobby Ginsberg of Chesapeake Contracting in Reisterstown, Judy Greer of Needles and Threads of Ruxton, the Fram family of Bare Necessities in Greenspring Station, and Edie Brown of Edie Brown Associates in Mays Chapel.
     Here is the first group of Save 90 "ads."

     Because of the generosity of our first advertisers and others who will appear on this blog soon, Save 90 has already written its first two checks of $750 each to area rescue organizations: Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF) and Adopt a Homeless Animal (AAHA).    
     Here's how you can help. If you know a Baltimore County business owner who wants to "advertise" here and show their support for Save 90, have them contact me. I can be reached via email at debstone01@comcast.net.
     We ARE making a difference together. Let's keep going.