Washington Humane Society - Happy Fourth Year Anniversary to Stephanie Shain and Beau Archer

 From: Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO, Washington Humane Society

I'm not sure whether to say Happy Anniversary to you two, to WHS, to the animals, or to me. Either way, it has been four wonderful years since this dynamic duo came to WHS and rocked our world. Lucky WHS, lucky animals and people of DC.




Stephanie Shain, Chief Operating Officer

Stephanie Shain joined the Washington Humane Society in September of 2010 as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining the WHS team, Stephanie was a Senior Director at The Humane Society of the United States where she led efforts including investigations, legislative actions, public education and coordination with law enforcement to rescue animals from puppy mills. Prior to that, Stephanie worked within the shelter, veterinary and education arenas to help and work with companion, wild and farm animals. She has a special place in her heart for WHS; she adopted her two dogs from our New York Avenue adoption center. She lives in Washington with her husband and two daughters, their two dogs, four cats, four gerbils, and two guinea pigs.

Beau Archer, New York Avenue Shelter Director with Piper

Beau Archer joined the Washington Humane Society in September of 2010 as New York Avenue Shelter Director. Prior to joining WHS, Beau worked at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) where he managed advocacy programs and maintained a network of advocates across the country working to combat cruelty in the puppy mill industry. Prior to that, he served on The HSUS shelter evaluation program where he conducted shelter evaluations for both small, private humane societies and large, municipal animal care and control facilities. Beau also served four years as the Director of Operations at Animal Haven, an animal shelter in New York City. Beau holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Enviromental Studies from Vassar College and currently lives in Takoma Park, MD with his partner, their dog, and three cats.

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Dr. James Laurita, Who Founded Hope Elephants, Apparently Died While Caring for Those Elephants

Hope, Maine (News Center) - The man who established a sanctuary for retired circus elephants in Maine was found dead. Dr. James Laurita, who founded Hope Elephants, apparently died while caring for those elephants.

The State Medical Examiner Dr. Flomenbaum said that the injuries Dr. Laurita sustained are consistent with an elephant stepping him. Dr. Flomenbaum said the elephant did not go berserk, but it was an accident.

Knox County Sheriff's office said the investigation shows Dr. Laurita had fallen and was on the ground when the elephant stepped on him. He suffered multiple chest fractures and died of asphyxiation. Someone at the sanctuary found him and called 9-1-1.

Hope Elephants wrote on their website:

"Hope Elephants is deeply saddened by the death of our founder, Dr. Jim Laurita. Jim's passion for all aniamls, especially elephants, was boundless...It was through education that Jim passed on his passion and the importance of wildlife conservation."

Laurita began his love affair with elephants in the late 70's when he worked for a regional circus. In fact, the two elephants at the sanctuary in Hope, were those he took care of while working for the circus.

It is too soon to determine how Laurita's death will affect the sanctuary and the future of the elephants. Laurita was 56 years old.

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"Jafar" A Short Anti-Racist Film by Nancy Spetsioti (Video)

This anti-racist short film will make people think twice. Look at this family, they didn’t want anything to do with this guy, and didn’t mind showing their disgust with the stranger.

This short film, entitled “Jafar” by Nancy Spetsioti, portrays unfortunately a not so uncommon scene in may parts of the world…. Let’s share this film and try to make a difference.

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Paris Hilton Shows off the Newest Member of Her Animal Family, a Micro-Pomeranian

Paris Hilton stopped by the Bowery Hotel in New York City on Friday, and she showed off the newest member of her animal family -- a micro-Pomeranian that's so tiny, he can fit into the palm of her hand.

Yesterday she Instagrammed a few photos of him and wrote, "My baby just arrived! I am so in love!!! He's so perfect! I need the perfect name for him! Does anyone have anymore name suggestions for my precious lil angel baby?" The tiny pup was originally named Mr. Amazing, but we have a feeling she'll share his new moniker with us in the next few days.

The five-month-old pooch weighs a scant 11.6 ounces and stands 2.5 inches tall, and P bought him from Betty's Teacup Yorkies in Calgary, Alberta for $13,000, reports TMZ.

In addition to an unlimited supply of toys and treats, he'll also have a bunch of other dogs to play with. As you know, the heiress is also mom to Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Harajuku, Marilyn Monroe, Pixie and Baby Bear.

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