People thought to be 'vegetables' can be rehabilitated

March 27, 2005

AMY MENEREY /Frontiersman reporter

HOUSTON - For Houston Animal Safety and Protection Chief Paula Novosel, education means safety, and that means less injury to both humans and animals.

"I walk around with a scar on my face every day from a dog," Novosel said, "so safety is a big issue."

The ambitious blonde has been chief of the city of Houston's animal control department for the last year and, along with work on the city's new animal shelter, Novosel has made education - and compassion - a key component of animal care.

The name of the three-year-old department itself describes the goals of the department - safety and protection. Novosel says those goals apply to people engaging with animals, as well as that of the animals themselves.

Novosel said she likes to begin education within the schools, usually with fourth-graders, a "good age" to talk about safety with animals. She focuses on what to do if an animal approaches, what signals to watch for and when it is safe to approach an animal.

Much of her time on the job, she said, is spent educating the public about animal behavior and care, as well as regulation.

"So much of this is counseling. We have to walk people through it, and do it with utmost respect. If not, people won't want to come in for help," Novosel said. If someone has a bad experience with animal control, she said, they are less likely to ask for help if they get in over their head. Ultimately, she said, that often means animals end up paying the price.

"It's incredible how many people will, versus coming and telling us they can't handle an animal, will stop on the highway and kick them out," Novosel said.

When animals are brought into the shelter, it's her job to determine their adoptability - not always an easy decision, she said, as she addressed a young, healthy-looking Rottweiler pacing in a cage at the shelter.

Although the massive dog sometimes appeared friendly, tail wagging, at other times he hesitated, head slightly lowered, before lunging at the side of the cage, barking. This animal, Novosel said, could not be trusted and was scheduled to be euthanized later that day.

If an animal must be put down, she said, she's with the animal throughout the process.

"They get their shot and then I sit down with them on the floor. I give them snacks and nuggies until they go to sleep," she said. It is with this attitude of care and respect that Novosel said she approaches both the human and animal population, and encourages her staff to do likewise - sometimes not an easy job.

"It's a never-ending battle and it's hard not to get beat down. You've got to keep up a positive attitude," Novosel said.

One way to keep animals out of danger is through vaccination.

Low-cost vaccinations are offered at the shelter to keep pets healthy and prevent spread of disease. Also available at the Houston ASP shelter is the popular Avid chip, at a cost of $20 for the chip and $15 for registration.

Injected in cats and dogs under the skin between the shoulder blades, the microchip allows easy scanning for identification. Nearly every animal shelter and veterinary clinic in the United States scans for the chip, Novosel said.

As long as the owner properly registers their pet, she said, the chip offers undeniable proof of ownership - and means a greater chance of the animal finding its way back home, rather than being euthanized as a stray.

An animal that comes into a shelter without a chip will generally be held for 72 hours, Novosel said, but with a chip they will be held for 120 hours. Most animals that end up in shelters are without tags or collars. A chip cannot be lost or removed once it is inserted.

The best way to keep people and pets safe, however, is to keep them at home or on a lead, Novosel said.

"They're only safe at home, not running loose," she said. The dangers include being hit by cars, injured by other animals and sometimes being abused by ill-willed people.

"We have people taking small dogs right now and baiting them for fighting dogs," Novosel said. In two recent cases in Wasilla, she said, pets were found in bear traps.

Keeping pets contained consumes a lot of her time, Novosel said, and also runs up the department's expenses.

"A lot of the times I can fix a problem by giving somebody a collar or a chain. Most [people] mean well, but just need education and a helping hand."

Sometimes, however, Novosel said she has to change her approach.

"There are times when I encounter those who don't care, of course. And I can switch gears, believe me," she said.

HOUSTON ANIMAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION INFORMATION

Call 892-6870, first left off Birch Road at Mat-Su Borough sand yard (off Kenlar Road, accessible via Big Lake Road or Hawk Lane) Dog adoption costs $55; cat adoption costs $25.