This page contains more information about the topics discussed during the Oregon Humane Society's annual Telethon, broadcast live:
Saturday, October 18
1 pm
KOIN Channel 6

Contact:
Kathy Covey
Communication/Events
(503) 416-2985

Donate to the Telethon

Tellington Touch

Flower Essences

Volunteer for the Oregon Humane Society

Foster Care Volunteering

Animal Assisted Therapy Volunteering

Service Learning for Youth and Groups

Adopting an Animal from OHS

OHS Free Behavior HelpLine Information

Oregon Humane Society Technical Animal Rescue

How to Report Animal Abuse or Neglect Complaints

Autos for Animals - Vehicle Donation Program

Microchip - a Permanent Form of Identification

The Link Between Animal Abuse and Violence towards Humans

I want to be an animal cruelty investigator

Blue Sky Soda Promotion

Tellington Touch

What is TTouchT?  

TTouch - the Tellington Touch - is a method developed by internationally
recognized animal expert, Linda Tellington-Jones, based on circular
movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. The intent of the
TTouch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular
intelligence - a little like "turning on the electric lights of the body".

It also helps establish a deeper rapport between humans and animals
through increased understanding and more effective communication.

TTouch helps to release tension and increase body awareness by using a
combination of touches, lifts and movement exercises. This allows the
animal to be handled without provoking typical fear responses. The animal
can then more easily learn new and more appropriate behaviors.

The Tellington TTouch can help in cases of:

• Excessive Barking & Chewing
• Leash Pulling
• Jumping Up
• Aggressive Behavior
• Extreme Fear & Shyness
• Resistance to Grooming
• Excitability & Nervousness
• Car Sickness
• Problems Associated With Aging

This gentle method is currently being widely used in several countries. Please check www.ttouch.com to find your nearest certified practitioner.

Flower Essences

Flower essences are not new. They've been used for centuries and became
popular when Dr Edward Bach, sixty years ago, began using English
flowering plants and developed his "Bach Flower Remedies". They work on a vibrational basis with an animal's emotions to bring them back into balance.
The flowers of specific plants are floated in spring water and placed in
the sun. The petals are removed leaving the vibrational healing quality
of the flowers in the water. You just add a few drops of a flower essence
into your pet's water dish, or just let them lick it out of your palm. (Very basically, the flowers of a particular plant are floated in water and placed in the sun. When the petals are removed the "stock" contains the healing quality of the flowers.) Now, flower essences are widely available. Check Wild Oat's, New Seasons, New Renaissance, Healing waters.

Online you can visit:
www.flowersociety.org 
www.mastersessences.com 
www.bachflower.com

Local Flower Essence Practitioner Katherine Keller

OHS Free Behavior Helpline

Helping keep animals in a home is the number one goal of the OHS Behavior Helpline. This free service is offered to any pet owner who calls. You will be prompted to leave detailed information and will then receive information in the mail and perhaps a follow up phone call. You can reach the Helpline by calling (503) 416-2983 or email your question. Help is on the way.

You can also find answers to some training and behavior questions right here on our website.

Oregon Humane Society Technical Animal Rescue

What is OHStar?
OHSTAR is a volunteer based group of animal rescuers trained in a variety of rescue disciplines. Members are able to respond to individual animals in danger as well as provide disaster relief and emergency animal sheltering in large scale incidents.

What does OHStar do?
OHSTAR is designed to respond to situations anywhere anytime in the tri-county area when an animal becomes trapped and is unable to extricate themselves and needs human intervention. OHSTAR will assist in the evacuation of large and small animals during natural disasters. OHSTAR also provides education in disaster preparedness related to the care of animals.

What type of training do OHStar members have or receive?
OHSTAR members receive training directly related to the handling of animals in rescue situations, and zoonotic diseases. Members are also trained in the following areas: Search & Rescue Fundamentals, Incident Command System, Compass & Navigation, Basic Vertical Rope Work, Basic Rock Climbing, Rigging, Water/Swiftwater Rescue, Animal First Aid & CPR, and Animal Disaster Preparedness and Response.

How can you become involved?
All members serve on a voluntary basis and are required to complete the Oregon Humane Society's Volunteer Training and Orientation. Although it is highly desirable that members have search and rescue training prior to joining OHSTAR it is not required. We will provide you with the training you need. OHSTAR accepts applications for new recruits at the end of the year. Members that wish to have an active role as a rescuer need to be in good physical condition and may be required to complete a physical fitness test for some portions of training.

Contact the OHS Investigations Department for information.

Microchip - a permanent form of identification

The Oregon Humane Society encourages all pet owners to put visible identification on their dogs and cats - even indoor only cats. As a permanent form of identification, which supplements the identification tag, a microchip implant is the best option.

I want to be an animal cruelty investigator

What is an "Animal Cruelty Investigator" or "Humane Agent"?
An Animal Cruelty Investigator is a person who carefully researches and examines reports about animal welfare concerns to determine if a crime has been committed.

Qualities of a good Investigator:

• Objective, open-minded
• Diplomatic
• Understanding
• Knowledgeable: about the law, about animals, about human behavior
• Compassionate
• Ethical
• Physically Fit

How do I become an Animal Cruelty Investigator?
The best Animal Cruelty Investigators are people with a broad range of abilities, from strong communication skills to criminal justice training to professional animal care experience. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, the following activities, classes, and trainings may help you along the way:

1. Communications classes: both verbal and written communication skills are essential to this type of position.
2. Criminal Justice courses through your local Community College: learning how the criminal justice system works will help you understand your role as an investigator.
3. Work at an animal shelter: learning how to care for animals, not just pets, will give you a broader understanding of a variety of animal care issues, diseases, and solutions.
4. Work in a veterinary clinic: even as a receptionist or animal care technician, working in a vet clinic can give you important skills and knowledge that would help you as an investigator.
5. Attend formal animal cruelty investigations training: formal training specific to animal cruelty investigations is available in various locations across the United States. Usually offered in one-week segments at a cost of around $500, this training is often required after employment and would give you an advantage in the hiring process.
6. Pursue any type of law enforcement experience you can find: park ranger, animal control officer, police reserves, sheriff's posse, etc.   There are many aspects of these jobs that are similar to the skills and experiences you would apply to being an Animal Cruelty Investigator.

In addition to any local resources you may find in your own community, the following national organizations often sponsor trainings that would be relevant to this career: The National Animal Control Association (NACA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Humane Society University.