What a Wonderful Ride

Today, I am doing what thousands of animals have been fortunate to do when leaving the VBSPCA- I am going to a new home.

During my 6 years of employment, I have had the opportunity to be the recipient of kindness and generosity which truly humbled me to my core.  Many of these individuals were entirely unaware of the affect they had on my life's journey.  People like Barbara Vandeventer, that allowed me to orchestrate the pairing of an elderly woman with a senior dog.  She taught me about dedication and unwavering love. People like the educators throughout Hampton Roads that were willing to share their classroom time with the primary goal of enhancing their students' lives and futures.  People like Sharon Adams, that have spent a career's time diligently working towards meaningful change.  Of course there were all of the animal advocates that were willing to stand up and be the voice for those that don't have one.  These unsung heroes are found in every day places such as animal shelters, news stations, classrooms, laundromats, and grocery stores.  They have a huge responsibility in changing the world for both people and animals, and they are staying the course. 

Barbara with 16-year old Otis

So, as I begin to put pen to paper, beginning a new chapter in my book of life, I would like to thank everyone that has made these past 6 years so magical.  Looking in my rear view mirror at my journey thus far, I see just how far I have come.  The magician of life has transformed me from a girl with a dream to a woman with a mission.  And for that, I am eternally grateful.  I take my collage of memories, experiences and dreams with me, and it is my hope that you all continue fighting the good fight.  

With Sincere Gratitude

Peace-n-Paws

~Amy 

"Understand the Power of a Single Action"

My favorite quote all of time is admittedly from the back of an REM T-shirt that I proudly wore in 10th and 11th grade.  On the back it read, "Understand the Power of a Single Action."  Wow.  Who knew that one of my favorite bands would make such a profound statement, which would ultimately remain in the back of my mind for over 20 years?

The vintage quote was brought to the forefront of my consciousness this week when I was chaperoning a field trip to the Virginia Aquarium with my group of Critter Campers.  While we were looking at an exhibit, having a great time, I witnessed a child being struck by whom I assume to be his father.  Now, this is not a blog to debate the subject of spanking but I will admit that I am not an advocate of sanctioned hitting of any sort.

Regardless of whichever side of the proverbial fence you sit regarding the "S" word, what I witnessed was not discipline but rather a form of anger.  I found this troubling for a host of reasons, but especially because the offense seemed very trivial while the force utilized was quite significant compared to the petite size of the child.  I would wager a bet that he was between 2-3 years old.

I debated for the past two days whether I wanted to write my experience on the field trip, and I wasn't certain whether it would be appropriate to do so via the VBSPCA blog.  It was only when I awoke this morning that I decided that my single action regarding this incident would be to write about it.

Working at an animal shelter, we receive approximately 4-5 thousand domesticated animals every year.  Some of these animals have been treated poorly, and it takes a lot of love, consistency, kindness, and compassion to reverse cruelty to an animal.  While I am not saying that the parent I am referencing above was cruel, it is my opinion that the action was unnecessary.  I wish that people would realize the long-standing consequences of their actions.  Actions are accompanied with power; whether they come in the form of a kind word or gesture, a thank you card or note, a rolled up newspaper on a muzzle, to a swat on a child's body.

Let's all reflect on the power that we inherently have regarding the people and animals in our lives and recognize the importance of our actions.  I certainly will be paying closer attention to mine.
~Amy

Flying the Friendly Skies, Once Again

I was fortunate to spend the earliest part of my morning with a sweet animal named Kermit. The name Kermit conjures up an image of a singing, dancing little green frog for most people, myself included.  However, this Kermit is a one-winged pelican that was recently rescued by the Virginia Beach SPCA's Wildlife Program. He is just as endearing as Mr. Jim Henson's frog, which explains why so many people participated in the series of events all leading up to his successful flight at 7 am on July 3rd.

 The old adage, "it takes a village to raise a child" should be augmented to include "and rehabilitate wildlife." Especially in the case of Kermit (the non frog). There were a lot of participants involved with the bird's rescue such as: "Mo"-the Navy Ship Captain that called the VBSPCA hotline when he discovered the injured bird; Karen and Noah who went and tackled the logistics of capturing an adult pelican; Pearl who immediately began caring for him which included administering antibiotics; Jason who was willing to report on the story for WVEC 13 despite the lack of notice; and the Virginia Aquarium for putting Kermit on a national registry. I am quite certain there were many other hands involved in getting Kermit to his flight this morning, and each role was instrumental in the carefully orchestrated transfer.

Now, the primary goal for rehabbers and the VBSPCA Wildlife Program is release, but with Kermit's wing amputation he was unable to be returned to the wild. So, Kermit flew on a Commercial Airline out of Norfolk International rather than his traditional flight pattern. He will arrive at his destination, Sea World, where he will live out the rest of his life with ten other pelicans.  We certainly would have preferred for Kermit to fly with his pelican bretheren during their migration cycle, but we know that this is the best alternative that we have to offer the gentle bird.  And, one can't ask for more than our collective best.

So, as I type this blog, I hope that Kermit is enjoying his peanuts and pretzels as he flies to his forever home at Sea World, Orlando.  Safe travels, Kermi.
xox

Amy

Homemade Gifts Are The Best.

As a child, I fondly remember the act of creating gifts for my parents.  Often times, my craft of love took the shape of a hand made card which was usually folded to resemble a heart with the sentiment of my adoration scribbled on both sides of the pink construction paper.  Part of my joy in the creation was when my parents would gush over how much my gift meant to them, and then my art would quickly find its way to the coveted space for any child's work- the refrigerator door.  There, it would remain for weeks until my parents elected to take it down.  Usually, it was only to be replaced by yet another card.

Today, I witnessed adults' labor of love which was beautifully and thoughtfully created by Dr. Clement and Mrs. Sue Ellen Bloom.  The hand-fashioned treasure came in the magnificently stunning form of a boat which was hand made and  hand painted with love by the Blooms.  Now, its place in this world will be assisting the Virginia Beach SPCA's Wildlife Program where it will enable the water-rescue and assistance of  injured wildlife for many years to come.

So, as I run my hand over a smooth side of this unnamed vessel, I am reminded that my parents were right all along.  Homemade gifts really are the best.
~Amy

Be Kind With Your Line

Most people never think about what happens to old fishing line after it is off the rod and reel.  And to be honest, we didn't either until it started invading our world in a disturbing way. Isn't that always how a project or cause takes root?

Our Wildlife volunteers began getting calls about birds and other wildlife becoming entangled in discarded monofilament line.  Some of these animals were stranded and others were unfortunately injured.  Tragically, we just heard that a goose that our volunteers rescued from this kind of entanglement back in January, died earlier this week while still recovering from it's injuries.

The Virginia Beach SPCA is partnering with several local groups to establish a new fishing line recycling initiative, “Be Kind with Your Line,” that will help keep monofilament line out of the ecosystem.

Monofila-what?

Monofilament line is thin, nearly invisible, strong and may stay in a waterway for as long as 600 years!  Mammals, reptiles, and even fish can become entangled leading to injury, disfigurement, drowning, strangulation, or starvation. Discarded line can also impact boats and humans. People can be caught by hooks hidden on discarded line. Boat propellers are frequently fouled with monofilament line. Once entangled, a prop may seize up. Line can enter bilge pumps, water intake valves, or wrap around the lower unit causing damage.

Come out and help

Waterway Cleanup - Saturday, July 14

Volunteers will be out a several area locations to remove monofilament and other material from local waterways:

• Stumpy Lake
• Hell’s Point
• Rudee Inlet to Owl Creek Ramp
• Northwest River
• West Neck Creek
• Little Island
• Lynnhaven Boat Ramp
• Munden Point

In addition to shoreline workers, we are also in need of volunteers with boats and kayaks.  For more information or to register, go to recycleyourline.com.

Even if you can’t make the July clean-up, you can still help.  The recycling effort will go on throughout the year, and volunteers can be trained to do their own cleanups.  We are also looking for people who can help build the recycling boxes needed to collect the line!

Kindness Contract

Over the past several years, schools across the nation have been vigilant in promoting a zero-tolerance for bullying.  This "anti-bullying movement" was born after many well publicized cases of suicide were the result of traumatic bullying.  As both a Humane Educator and parent, I am thrilled that schools are taking a proactive stance in protecting our children from torment.  Peer-to-peer cruelty has a long standing effect on children, and its damage isn't always evident.

While it has been quite some time since I warmed the seat in an elementary school classroom, I still can faintly remember the way my young brain operated.  If I was told not to do something, I immediately found myself wanting to do that which was forbidden.  Now, here is where I will say that I was not a bully.  In fact, I was a kid that found myself dodging a certain boy because he frequently threatened to beat me up.  I can still remember trying to stay home sick in order to avoid the terror.  But, back to my point....

I believe in choices and positive rule-making.  Such as:  'Would you like water or milk with dinner?' versus 'No soda with your meal'; or 'Would you like to do your homework before your snack or afterwards?' versus 'No television until homework is completed."  Empowering a child with positive choices is a philosophy to which I subscribe.

So, as my Humane Education Curriculum for the 2011-2012 school years closes, I am electing to have my final lesson include the signing of a Kindness Contract.  Rather than asking the children to NOT bully, I am having them agree to my contract which states, "I agree to be kind to all living things."  By the end of May, this contract will have been signed by over 2,000 children in Virginia Beach.  If I can positively impact one child that is suffering, or keep one child from inflicting pain on another, then I will have had a measurable and meaningful programming success.

And so, I would like to kindly thank all of the children and educators that have allowed me to meet with them, each month.   I, too, agree to be kind to all living things. ~ Amy

Fare Thee Well

We're saying goodbye to two of our management staff members within the next week.  Both of them are making some pretty big life changes and so they are stepping down from their current positions.  Between them, we are losing 12 years VBSPCA history and knowledge, not to mention buckets of their sweat and tears.

We get used to the goodbyes -- faces (those with skin, fur and feathers) change often around here.  But each life leaves a mark and the wheels continue to turn.  The thing is, we can't do everything we do without all of these faces, for whatever time they are here.  Each person and each animal that comes through our doors makes us better and we learn something from them everyday -- each staff member, each volunteer, each citizen, each critter makes a difference.

So, I was wondering how we would bid farewell to our comrades next week. How can we bottle up everything they have done here at the shelter and hold on to it?  But I guess the most appropriate goodbye would be the same way we send animals out into the world each day.  We say, "Good luck, we will miss you, I know you are going to have an amazing life and we are grateful that you stopped here on your journey."