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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"Pets Are Not Disposable" A Great Informative Article by ChristieLyn Diller, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Washington Humane Society

ChristieLyn Diller is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Washington Humane Society. She is the proud parent of one hamster, two rats, and one adorable mutt, Gwen.

Read her article here: Life & Times Hyattsville Community Newspaper: Pets Are Not Disposable

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Adopt a Pup for $100 During “The Dog Days of Summer” at the Washington Humane Society - September 15th - 21st

Washington, DC – From Monday, through Sunday, September 21, 2014 the Washington Humane Society (WHS) is offering reduced adoption fees for all dogs. Patrons can bring home a new best friend for a reduced rate of $100 (regularly $170).

All pets adopted from the Washington Humane Society go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Potential adopters can view available pets online at www.washhumane.org/adopt, then visit one of two adoption centers (open daily from noon to 7pm, closed Wednesdays), one of our community events, or make arrangements with a foster parent to meet the animals. Our standard adoption interview and approval process applies to all adoptions, and a $15 DC dog license fee is required for dogs adopted by DC residents.

WHAT: “Dog Days of Summer” Adoption Special

WHEN: Monday, September 15 – Sunday, September 21

WHERE: Promotion applies to all animals available for adoption at offsite events (www.washhumane.org/adoptionevents), animals in foster homes, and animals residing at both Washington Humane Society Adoption Centers, located at:

1201 New York Avenue, NE
7319 Georgia Avenue, NW

                   SPECIAL: Reduced adoption fees of $100 for all dogs

About the Washington Humane Society: WHS is the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States and has been the leading voice for animals in the District of Columbia since 1870. WHS provides protection and care to over 43,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including: sheltering, adoption, humane law enforcement, spay and neuter, humane education, human – animal rehabilitation programs, and lost and found services. For more information, please visit www.washhumane.org.

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Possible Cougar Sightings in Fairfax County,Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia - Two potential cougar sightings have Fairfax County Police urging citizens to take precautions.

In both cases the reports described a large cat, possibly a cougar near Riverside Elementary School on Old Mount Vernon Road in Alexandria.

Animal Control officers have searched the area but have found no evidence confirming the presence of the animal, police said.

The cat was described as sand or orange color and was estimated to be the size of a large dog with a tail equal to the length of its body, police said.

Authorities are working to set up wildlife cameras around the area and animal patrol will be patrolling.

Teachers and parents have been notified to take the necessary precautions to keep children safe, police said.

Police advise, that if you see the cat, do no approach it. Go to a safe location and call the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

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Deadly Cobra Sought After Biting Dog Near Los Angeles

A "very dangerous" albino cobra was being hunted Wednesday, two days after it bit a dog and disappeared in a suburban neighborhood near Los Angeles, authorities said.

Officers with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and local animal control were searching for the venomous monocoled cobra in Thousand Oaks.

Residents were warned to keep pets inside, shut their doors and "stay as far away as possible," animal-control spokesman Brandon Dowling told the Los Angeles Times.

"It is vitally important for families to closely supervise children and instruct them to avoid any snakes, as well as playing in and around animal burrows, pipes and culverts where snakes may seek refuge," the department said in a statement.

The injured dog was reported in critical condition after being bitten Monday, though its owner did not report the snake bite until Tuesday, he said. The man took a photo of the cobra before it vanished.

A cobra bite can kill a human within an hour.

It's illegal to keep cobras or other venomous snakes in Los Angeles. Authorities have not located the snake's owner.

The monocled cobra is native to South and Southeast Asia. An adult snake can grow to between 4 and 7 feet long.

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