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Dec-27-2009Shelter animals enjoy holiday(topic overview)
CONTENTS:
- Seattle, WA, December 25, 2009 --( PR.com )-- More than 5 million votes (a new record high) were cast between September and December in The Animal Rescue Site's $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge together with Petfinder.com. (More...)
- Each government is giving $697,000 to the society to help build a new shelter. (More...)
- Barbara Bruin is taking over the city's animal shelters. (More...)
- The massive windfall brings staff's vision for a new shelter into clearer focus and renders the goal more attainable than ever before, said shelter manager Ruby Richards. (More...)
- In an e-mail, Howard listed a number of accomplishments including the opening of a free-standing thrift store, and a low-cost wellness clinic for Flagler County residents. (More...)
- ANDERSON COUNTY - The Anderson County Humane Society plans to open a low-cost spay-and-neuter facility in Anderson around February. (More...)
- Since the society prohibited the adoption of unaltered animals, it had been using a low-cost clinic in Irondale to perform the procedures. (More...)
- With several new initiatives on the horizon for 2010, shelter officials are working to turn things around. 2009 could have been worse, they said. (More...)
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Seattle, WA, December 25, 2009 --( PR.com )-- More than 5 million votes (a new record high) were cast between September and December in The Animal Rescue Site's $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge together with Petfinder.com. Among the groups receiving an extra Christmas treat through the dedicated efforts of their supporters were: Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary of Montana, who will receive the grand prize of $20,000; Denison City Pound of Iowa, who will receive the second place prize of $5,000; The Oasis Sanctuary of Arizona, who will receive the third place prize of $3,000. More than 70 cash grants for a total of $100,000 were awarded in this Challenge to shelters and rescue groups in every state in the United States as well as to groups in Canada and Costa Rica. "Our congratulations to the winners of this Challenge," said Elizabeth Neuschatz, Executive Director of the Petfinder.com Foundation. "We know how hard they worked at encouraging people to go online and vote, and it paid off. The exciting part of this contest to us, however, is not just the prizes, but the way it engages the public in the process of helping their shelters. If they win, it's icing on the cake--a very rich, scrumptious icing, furnished by The Animal Rescue Site, I might add." [1] The current $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge began on September 14. Visitors to The Animal Rescue Site were able to cast a free vote every day for their favorite group until December 20. Shelters were also encouraged to submit stories for the "Most Touching Story" portion of the Challenge: the two prize winners from this competition were the Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue with the tale of Frankie, a paraplegic dog rescued from a puppy mill, and Cats Anonymous of Orton, Ontario (Canada), with the story of Winnie, a feral cat rehabilitated and placed in a forever home. "Probably the hardest part of this Challenge was picking just two winning stories," said Lisa Halstead, Chief Operating Officer of The Animal Rescue Site. "Our judges thought all of the submissions were amazing, heart-warming, and truly indicative of the splendid work being done by these groups on a daily basis. We are very honored to be able to help them with these grants in 2009." [1]
Each government is giving $697,000 to the society to help build a new shelter. "We suffered the worst tragedy that can happen to an animal shelter," said Durham Humane Society president Karin Martens, as she shed tears of joy instead of sadness this year and thanked everyone responsible for the gift. "We grieved, people around the world cried, they grieved with us (and) they were there for us. Today, we are absolutely elated and people everywhere are going to be celebrating this wonderful day with us." [2] Re: "When a rabbit bites a girl, it is news " (Kathleen Merryman column, 12-21). I thank the heroic staffers at the Humane Society for putting animals' best interests first by performing the heartbreaking job of euthanasia so that the shelter can continue to accept every needy animal who comes through its doors. No one despises the ugly reality of euthanasia more than the brave people who hold the syringe and who go to work every day knowing they may have to say a final goodbye to homeless animals -- animals they've fed, walked, cared for and loved. [3]
The Ottawa Humane Society will deliver seven animals to new homes on Christmas morning as a surprise for children whose families adopted the pets weeks ago. Tara Jackson, communications manager at the Ottawa Humane Society, said the shelter is relaxing its normal policy on Christmas adoptions because of the high number of animals in need of homes. [4] Jackson said the four dogs and three cats were all adopted in accordance with humane society policies. "That means that the parents came in weeks ago, filled out a questionnaire, met an adoption counsellor and then we've worked with them to find the best match for their family." Jackson said volunteers wearing Santa hats will deliver the animals to their adoptive homes early Friday morning. Depending on the family, the holidays can be a good time to adopt a pet, she said. [4] Flagler Humane Society has a small staff and relies on volunteers to help with the daily chores, fundraising and education outreach programs. To ensure that the number of volunteers continue to grow the shelter now has a quarterly Volunteer Fair to introduce residents to the opportunities available to them. Make a resolution this year to help a homeless cat or dog, whether through adoption, fostering, donations or most important, having pets spayed and neutered. [5]
DURHAM -- This Christmas promises to be a lot merrier than last year for staff at the Humane Society of Durham Region in light of an announcement that a hefty chunk of change will be pouring in from the government. The shelter -- which had its Oshawa building destroyed on Dec. 17, 2008, in a tragic fire that ripped through the walls, killing more than 100 animals in its path -- is set to receive a total of $1.394 million from the federal and provincial governments. [2] The money is being provided through the government's infrastructure stimulus fund that strives to assist municipalities in much-needed infrastructure projects. "The Humane Society of Durham Region has provided important services to the community, caring for abandoned and unwanted animals for a long period of time and this was a serious setback that happened in the past year," said Federal Finance Minister and Whitby-Oshawa MP Jim Flaherty, who dropped by the shelter's temporary location on Wednesday with the big news. "We had some serious things that happened internationally but many things are close to home and this was very close to home for many of us." [2] Although Bruin has never directed a shelter before, she's familiar with animal issues in the state. Until she was appointed to this position, she served on the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico's board of directors, and she still sits on the New Mexico Attorney General's Animal Cruelty Task Force. She started working with AHA about six years ago as a volunteer, eventually becoming involved with fundraising and, later, policy decisions. Bruin's real work experience is public administration and law, a field she's been in for 30 years, including a stint as a prosecutor. The Alibi sat down with Bruin during her third week on the job. Most of her time thus far has been spent acquainting herself with the position and the issues, but she says she has some plans she wants to institute immediately. [6]
"Our congratulations to Humane Society of Southern Arizona and its supporters," says Elizabeth Neuschatz, Executive Director of the Petfinder.com Foundation. "We know how hard they worked at encouraging people to go online and vote, and it paid off. The exciting part of this contest to us, however, is not just the prizes, but the way it engages the public in the process of helping their shelters. If they win, it's icing on the cake--a very rich, scrumptious icing, furnished by The Animal Rescue Site, I might add." [7] "Our families are in different states and we decided to spend the day with the animals," Neil Shumaker said. "We love people, but the animals don't have anybody to take care of them." Leonard Wiggins said his family supports the humane society in any way it can - not just on Christmas. "In the last six months we have adopted a cat and a dog and we are always checking the Web site and bringing in food," he said. "Today we decided to bring in ourselves and the love we can give these animals, even if it's only for a couple of hours." [8] All of the animals in the shelter were given canned food and treats while the dogs were given a pig's ear and cats were given extra catnip for the holiday. "We wanted them to feel spoiled a little bit," Roe said. While the animals were the focus of the volunteers, they chose to give their time to the shelter on Christmas in order to give the shelter's staff a day off. "They never get a day to just spend with their families and, like most of the people here, I can't think of any place I'd rather be," said volunteer Kim Davis of Parkersburg. "It makes me happy to be able to make the animals happy, even if just for a little while." [8] The number of volunteers at the shelters dwindled in the past few years. Having volunteers is critical for the shelter, she says, because they can help do all the things staff members don't have time for, like socializing animals. She also hopes to find people who can foster animals, which is a good strategy for dealing with pregnant strays or puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted, she says. [6] Bruin's looking to add a voucher program, which would allow people to take a voucher to a veterinarian outside the shelters for a free spay/neuter. The vouchers would be good with any vet who's signed on to the program, and Bruin says the program would be open to all of them. She's also working with animal groups in town to get the word out. She'd like to get the program functioning before spring, when the number of animals that end up at the shelters rises. There are some things Bruin says she would like to do once money becomes available, starting with significantly increasing the number of kennel staff (a move local animal groups have been demanding for a decade). There are other things she can do right away, she adds, like hiring a volunteer coordinator. [6]
Behavior testing and adoption counseling at the shelters are minimal. Although the budget is tight, she'd like to start increasing both in the coming months. Bruin says she's still learning about all the issues at the shelters. In visiting both locations every day, she's been impressed with what she's seen. Problems do exist, but "the kennels seem clean and well-cared for," Bruin says, and she's eager to work with animal welfare groups to get things done. She seems to agree with a sentiment voiced by Colman: "Everybody has something to bring to the table, and we need to find a way to bring everybody to the table." [6] Sean McGuckin, the pound master at the City of Taylor Animal Shelter, said almost all animal shelters are forced to euthanize at least some animals that are not able to be adopted. At the Taylor shelter, animals with collars are kept for a minimum of seven days and others are kept for at least five days before they are euthanized. He said the national standard is four days. 'It's just reality is all it is,' he said, noting that the staff works with area rescue groups to adopt out as many animals as possible. Brang-Schroeder said that while she has reservations about the arrangement, she was relieved to learn that the Taylor shelter does not use gas when it euthanizes animals, and it does not sell animals for testing. [9] Sean McGuckin, pound master at the City of Taylor Animal Shelter, said almost all shelters must euthanize at least some animals that aren't adopted. The Taylor shelter keeps animals with collars for at least seven days and others for at least five days before they are euthanized. At least a handful of people are expected to be interviewed after the holidays for the public safety director position because Director Michael Makowski is retiring as of Dec. 31. [10]
Ending a 22-year arrangement with the Michigan Humane Society, the Redford Township Board tonight voted unanimously to contract with the City of Taylor for animal shelter services. [9] The clinic will be at 407 Pearman Dairy Road, on the same road as the Anderson County Animal Shelter but about four or five miles away from that facility. "This clinic has been long-needed in the county, and the downturn in the economy has only increased its importance," said Wanda Crane, president of the local Humane Society branch. She said volunteers from the organization have been talking to county officials about the county government's intention to sell or give its existing animal shelter building to a free or low-cost spay-and-neuter clinic. [11] In 1982 a group of animal lovers combined their talents and formed the Flagler County Humane Society, a small building with a section not much larger than a walk-in closet that housed homeless cats and a line of about 16 kennels for dogs. It is estimated that approximately 200 dogs and cats were cared for by the newly formed volunteer group in that first year. [5] The shelters, which take in more than 27,000 dogs and cats a year, have an unfortunate history. Although they've come a long way since 2000 when the Humane Society of the United States declared them inhumane and abusive, they're still far from their goals. [6]
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - After watching the Humane Society of the U.S. shepherd laws in six states to keep animals out of cramped cages, dairy marketing officials are preparing for scrutiny. The Humane Society-led ban this year on tail docking at dairies in California is 1 of several initiatives that have renewed interest in how the country's farm animals are treated. California's Proposition 2, a 2008 ballot initiative, will free egg-laying chickens from their cages by 2015. [12] After watching the Humane Society shepherd laws in six states to keep animals out of cramped cages, dairy marketing officials are preparing for scrutiny. They believe the Humane Society-led ban this year on tail docking at dairies in California, the nation's No. 1 dairy state, signaled a new focus on the milk industry. "All of these things are harbingers of a different environment," Galen said. [13]
More important for farmers, it awakened the masses to the stark reality for many animals raised for food. This October, as the animal protection organization taped workers at a Vermont veal slaughterhouse kicking and shocking day-old calves, the National Milk Producers Federation began urging dairy operators to participate in a new standard-of-care program it is launching in January. The federation figures self-imposed regulations are better than having the Humane Society of the U.S. force them on the industry through referendums like the one it championed in California that banned cramped cages for chickens, pigs and veal calves. "Clearly the animal rights community is much more emboldened and aggressive than they have been in the past," said federation spokesman Chris Galen. [13] SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Recent successes by the Humane Society of the United States in securing protections in some states for chickens, pigs and veal calves have prompted the dairy industry to launch a PR offensive. The National Milk Producers Federation will begin its new standard-of-care program in January to ensure that dairymen seeking its endorsement have procedures in place for everything from hoof care to euthanasia. [14]
Associated Press - December 25, 2009 2:15 PM ET SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - After watching the Humane Society of the U.S. shepherd laws in six states to keep animals out of cramped cages, dairy [12]
The gift of a live animal for Christmas can be exciting but the director of the Cache Humane Society's Animal Shelter says it's also unwise unless you have made preparations in advance. [15] More than 200 animals, the total number under the group's care for all of 1982, seek shelter at the humane society on a daily basis. Some criticize the shelter for not becoming a no-kill facility, but unlike the no-kill shelters, this one doesn't turn animals away. [5] While transportation was free, the animals could only be taken in large groups. Humane Society Director Joe Murphy said local vets will allow the organization to maintain its current adoption fees. [16] The local Humane Society spends more than $80,000 a year on spay-and-neuter efforts, fostering, adoptions and medical help for animals. [11] When the International House of Pancakes refused in September, the Humane Society unleashed 11 million letter-writing members and recorded a commercial with HBO's Bill Maher, who dubbed the California-based chain the "International House of Pain." A staff of 30 attorneys - up from three when Wayne Pacelle took the helm five years ago - file lawsuits against factory farming operations they believe operate outside of the law on everything from pollution to potential price fixing. In an effort to make factory farming less appealing, they petitioned the EPA in September to force emissions from the manure at confined animals operations such as dairies to comply with the Clean Air Act. [13] "A whole variety of things are changing in society." That change has come over several years on multiple fronts: food movements that encourage consumers to connect with local farmers; authors such as Michael Pollan who write about the politics and processes of factory farming and food safety issues; and a Humane Society president, Wayne Pacelle, who believes that the collective level of suffering among the nation's 10 billion farm animals exceeds all others. [13]
What better way to do that than to participate in the annual Humane Society pet food drive to help the area's lost and homeless pets through Dec. 31. 'This is to guarantee we have food for the upcoming new year,' said manager Tom Cameron. [17]
Individuals could vote daily. To be eligible for a prize, animal welfare groups had to be Petfinder.com members, posting their adoptable pets on the Web site. Humane Society of Southern Arizona posts its adoptable pets on Petfinder at www.petfinder.com/shelters/AZ15.html. [7] In addition to having animals spayed and neutered, the humane society also provides necessary vaccinations to dogs and cats prior to adoption. [16] The current fees charged by the humane society are $100 for dogs and $75 for cats. [16]
While working at the shelter Friday, humane society board member Jon Six decided to adopt the cat and has plans to adopt another. "I'd really like to have two so they can keep each other company," Six said. "Yes, it is good that the (cat) is getting a home, but he is my Christmas present." [8] PARKERSBURG - While most of the Mid-Ohio Valley celebrated Christmas with family and friends, a handful of volunteers gave the four-legged residents of the Humane Society of Parkersburg's shelter a happy day. [8]
Crane said the Humane Society wanted to get at least an interim spay-and-neuter clinic started while the new shelter is being built, and future discussions with county officials could still be possible. [11] Animals adopted from the Chilton County Humane Society are now being spayed and neutered locally. [16] The suffering cow covertly taped by the Humane Society of the U.S. prompted the biggest beef recall in U.S. history and contributed to sweeping legislation over the past 13 months designed to improve the lives of farm animals. [13] The goal at the Humane Society is to find GOOD homes for the animals there. It's the reason they have the questions. [8]
"We are sitting at about a $140,000 deficit for the year," said Michelle Warren, the humane society's executive director. "This is actually lower than years past, but still is a red number." [18] The clout amassed by the organization with a $157 million annual budget means it sometimes can score victories without mounting a fight. In Michigan, lawmakers and the agriculture industry agreed this year to Prop 2-type legislation when the Humane Society threatened a statewide initiative. [13] At $25,000 per year, the three-year contract is expected to cost the township less than half of what it pays the Humane Society annually. [9]
Tickets for the first ever Ultimate Doggie Spa are $30 per dog and must be reserved by calling the Bay Area Humane Society. [19] Tickets are $170 per couple and are available at DuBois Formalwear locations, Lady Savannah Women's Clothing, Bay Area Humane Society, or pay by credit card by visiting www.bayareahumanesociety.org or call (920) 469-3110, Ext. 111. [19]
Dairymen also aren't waiting for the Humane Society's next move. In November, the California Milk Advisory Board released 15 mini-documentaries on its Web site, seen 95,000 times so far, showing the lives of farmers. As the sun rises, multigenerational dairymen in idyllic settings talk about the affection they have for cows and the family members with whom they work. [13] A spokeswoman for the Michigan Humane Society could not be reached for comment. In other news, the board approved the police department's request to replace its two-way emergency radio system with updated equipment. [9] Steve Knecht, the chairman of the humane society's board of directors, called 2009 "a fairly typical year overall." [18]
Redford Township residents currently use a Humane Society shelter in Westland. [9]
Barbara Bruin is taking over the city's animal shelters. She poses here with Brandon, a dog available for adoption. Albuquerque's new mayor, Richard Berry, walked into his 11 th -floor office for the first time on Dec. 1. That Tuesday wasn't just Berry's first day on the job. It was also Day 1 for all of his city appointments, including Barbara Bruin, the head of the city's two animal shelters. [6] The hope is that the new location would not have the rent issues and other issues faced by the center in the mall, Warren said. Though the shelter's adoption rate is slightly down and its euthanasia rate slightly up over 2008, it's been taking in a similar number of animals. Through Tuesday, the shelter so far this year had taken in 2,180 animals, according to the shelter's data. That number compares to 2,473 taken in during 2008. [18] Individuals may bring donations of dry dog, cat, puppy and kitten food to the shelter to be placed under the Christmas tree. 'We've been requesting more cash this year, which has been very helpful for medical care for stray animals,' he said. [17] There is always room for "one more." The shelter does have a "low kill" policy, a last resort for animals not adopted due to behavioral or health issues or those that have been housed for months and passed over and not living a quality life. They are behind bars, loved and cared for, but basically imprisoned for something that was not their fault. This year has been another bad year for the economy and families have had to make the painful decision between feeding their family, paying the mortgage or rent, and their pets. I have seen these people come into the shelter, some choking back the tears, others unable to hide the pain of having to give up their family pet. [5] Please, help reach the day when there is a loving home for every animal by never buying from breeders or pet shops, supporting and adopting animals from shelters, and always spaying and neutering. (Chagrin is an animal care and control specialist with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.) [3] "We got a lot of spring cleaning done on Christmas," Roe said. Roe said she had expected to have about five volunteers, not the 15 who filtered through the shelter doors throughout the day. "It has been really great for us because we had more volunteers than work," she said. "We had so many people here that we were able to not only get all of the work done, but the animals got to play and cuddle, which is a treat for them." Leonard Wiggins of Belpre brought his daughters Heather, 19, and Selena "Beanie," 6, to help walk and feed the shelter animals. "These animals didn't ask to be in their situation and we thought it would be nice to spend a day with them," he said. [8]
'Because of the incoming cash donations, we also were able to give a lot better quality care and provide longer stays here at the shelter, as well as to be able to use other resources to transfer the animals' to other shelters. The donations also helped people who are having trouble caring for their pets, Cameron said. The cash 'helps with abuse cases, such as the animals from Park County,' he said. [17] Until spay/neuter efforts bring companion animal births under control, there will always be a need for shelters that accept every animal and provide a dignified, painless release when necessary. The blame for the companion animal overpopulation crisis and resulting euthanasia rests squarely on the shoulders of breeders, pet stores, and people who don't spay or neuter their animals. [3]
The other two dogs were already adopted and the Chihuahua was a Christmas gift for someone. The animal shelter is worried that these dogs are not getting the treatment they need as they already experienced a rough start. [20] Last Sunday early morning, the animal shelter was broken into and three dogs were taken away, along with computers and more than one thousand dollars in cash from donations. [20]
Under the agreement, 1 percent of the sum of purchases made with the credit card will be donated to the animal shelter in Lafayette. [18]
The fact that Bruin hasn't run a shelter before is unnerving to some animal advocates, who have for years been asking the city to hire a nationally acclaimed shelter director. [6] Bruin is seeking volunteers to help socialize animals in Albuquerque's shelters. [6] From July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009, about 42 percent of the animals that came through the shelters' doors weren't adopted and were therefore euthanized, according to Jeanine Patterson, Bruin's predecessor. [6]
Almost 63 percent of animals taken in this year were eventually returned to their owners, adopted or transferred to rescue groups. That compares to about 70 percent that met the same outcome during 2008. A little over 35 percent of animals taken in this year have been euthanized, compared to about 30 percent in 2008. [18] Spokesman Chris Galen says, "We need to play offense." The animal protection group has secured sweeping legislation in several states to improve the lives of farm animals by freeing them from cramped cages. A ban on dairy cow tail-docking in California this year has led the milk industry to believe they will come under scrutiny next. [14]
About 1,000 animals were spayed or neutered in the past year, Crane said. She said the all-volunteer organization is in need of help and donations. She estimates around $30,000 will be needed for operating room equipment and other supplies. [11]
In July, The Animal Rescue Site gave an equal number of grants for $100,000 to animal rescue groups in the Petfinder.com Network. [1] Treasurer Lily Cavanagh said the decision was based strictly on the expected cost-savings. Even though the board approved the contract with Taylor, Cavanagh said the township would continue trying to find other options closer to home, such as through local nonprofit animal rescue agencies. 'We will see if this is a perfect fit,' Cavanagh said of the contract. [9] The decision, which came during a special meeting of the township board, was made despite concerns expressed by Trustee Diana Brang-Schroeder, who said the Taylor shelter on Northline Road euthanizes animals if it runs out of room. 'I hate to be saving money at the cost of putting animals down,' she said. [9]
"Christmas Day was great with about 15 volunteers at the shelter," said Carrie Roe, president of the HSOP board of directors. [8] The volunteers met at the shelter Friday morning and spent all of Christmas Day cleaning cages, cleaning the kitchen, cleaning and organizing the storage shed and doing all of the laundry available. [8]
Neil and Patty Shumaker of Vincent have been volunteers at the shelter almost a year and in that time have fostered more than 100 dogs. They chose to spend Christmas at the shelter as something to do. [8] With the end of the year less than a week away, it's time to give cash to the animals for Christmas. [17]
The massive windfall brings staff's vision for a new shelter into clearer focus and renders the goal more attainable than ever before, said shelter manager Ruby Richards. "It's a huge weight taken off our shoulders because we always needed to raise money for rebuilding but now, it's realistic that we can get the shelter ready as soon as possible and I can't tell you what a relief that is to us," she said. Shovels are expected to hit the ground on April 1, 2010, with shelter staff aiming to welcome the public into their new permanent home by next Christmas. [2] The county council last week approved a contract for $2.5 million to construct a new shelter in an estimated 12- to 18-month timeframe. [11] Once the remainder of the funding is matched by the shelter through upcoming fundraising efforts, a total of about $2 million will be put toward rebuilding a new shelter for the agency on a parcel of land at the southeast corner of Wentworth Street and William Smith Drive in Whitby. [2]
Colman founded the organization after doing consulting work at the shelters between 2003 and 2004. After Berry was elected, the Alliance offered the city $25,000 to do a nationwide search for a director, Colman says, and she was disappointed when it wasn't taken. "In my view, it would have been the best thing to do a nationwide search to get one of the top 10 directors in the country in Albuquerque," she says. [6] Debbra Colman is the president of the Alliance for Albuquerque Animals, a group dedicated to improving the lives of shelter animals. [6] "Everybody has something to bring to the table, and we need to find a way to bring everybody to the table." She says her experience as a prosecutor will be a great asset to the shelters, not only because of her contacts, but because she also plans to crack down on animal cruelty cases. She cites a case from the fall, when a woman and her husband were found guilty of keeping a Great Dane locked in a crate for its whole life. [6] Bruin, director of the Animal Welfare Department, holds Samiam, a male lynx point that needs a home. [6] Sick cruel freak. I'd like to drop them into a cage with a large anaconda and see how they like it. Its better to find out because the cat may not be going to a home. That and and to them away from the people who just aren't caring to the animals. [8] Then maybee you can adopt the animal. I understand that they do not want to get the animal back due to bad situations but it is just a little much that they "rule" over people like they do. [8]
To Bruin, that punishment is ridiculous, and people convicted of animal cruelty should never be allowed around animals. She says she'll try to get such cases "prosecuted by the full extent of the law." [6] "We know we have excellent, qualified people in New Mexico," Ramirez says. He adds that Bruin was hired because of her skill set, which includes budgeting, policy and administration. Colman says that so far she's been impressed during her interactions with Bruin. "I sent a dozen e-mails to Jeanine over her first year and a half, and she never returned one of them," Colman says. [6] Heritage Park's athletic fields are expected to receive new energy-efficient lights by mid-March, in a change that is projected to save $121,500 in energy costs over the next 25 years. The $272,950 project, funded by federal stimulus dollars and timed to avoid disrupting the next playing season, involves removing lights that were installed more than 25 years ago on the two softball fields and replacing them with 60 luminaries mounted on 10 new athletic field poles. [10]
Finishing in the red was one of the main reasons why shelter officials decided to shut down the off-site adoption center in Tippecanoe Mall. The mall store closed its doors earlier this month, Warren said. It had been open since July 2008. The mall store "just didn't cover expenses," she said. "This year our primary concern has been the need to cut expenses. It was a very good run for us. It really raised awareness." [18] Shelter officials plan to do more public appeals in 2010 than in past years, Warren said. [18]
As it has for the past several years, the shelter finished with a financial loss. [18]
In an e-mail, Howard listed a number of accomplishments including the opening of a free-standing thrift store, and a low-cost wellness clinic for Flagler County residents. The shelter has not limited its care to domesticated dogs and cats. [5] Often confused as a government entity, "county" is dropped from the name, the original building is replaced by a larger facility with surgical suites, more kennels in holding, adoption and quarantine areas, and cat cages with glass fronts to allow the cats up for adoption to be seen more easily by the public. These are often all filled because as the county has grown from a few thousand to nearly 100,000, so have the number of abandoned and neglected animals. [5] In an effort to expand the care for a continually growing feral cat population, a safe fenced-in feral cat sanctuary was created and is being maintained to keep unwanted feral felines properly cared for and out of harm's way. Another program, Ferals 911, a low-cost spay and neuter program, was established to help reduce the number of unwanted kittens born in outside feral colonies in the county. [5]
ANDERSON COUNTY - The Anderson County Humane Society plans to open a low-cost spay-and-neuter facility in Anderson around February. [11] Congratulations and thanks to the Humane Society and the volunteers. This is a heartwarming story and an indicator of the many unsung heroes who make our community a better place in which to live. [8] The Humane Society also is looking for clinic supplies and a stackable clothes washer-dryer unit. [11] An increase in the price of the rental space coupled with the need to pay for an Internet connection at the store to keep the humane society's database current became more than the agency could bear. [18]
Since the society prohibited the adoption of unaltered animals, it had been using a low-cost clinic in Irondale to perform the procedures. [16] "Traditionally, we haven't been keen on holiday adoptions because we've been worried about people giving animals strictly as gifts to people who aren't prepared for the responsibility of owning an animal." [4]
We ask for a minimum of $25 to help cover our costs because what we do with that animal is turnaround and make it more adoptable." [15] '''As veterinarians, we need to help out our local shelters,''' said Dr. Jennifer Mobley of Chestnut Creek Animal Hospital in Verbena. [16]
The animal welfare group has convinced some of the country's largest fast food restaurants and retailers to make at least a gradual switch to cage-free eggs. [12] Nationwide, more than 4.5 million votes were cast, and more than 70 cash grants were awarded to shelters and rescue groups in every state in the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica. [7] The shelters already have a program in place that makes free spay/neuter services available to low-income households. (One-person households must make $18,950 or less to qualify, while eight-person families, for instance, must make $35,750 or less.) [6] If you're interested in volunteering at the shelters, or if you'd like more information on the shelters' low-income spay/neuter program, call the city's Citizen Contact Center at 311. [6]
Bruin's biggest priority is increasing spays and neuters in the city. "There are more animals than good homes," she says, and although the HEART Ordinance has helped increase the procedures, it's not enough. [6]
With several new initiatives on the horizon for 2010, shelter officials are working to turn things around. 2009 could have been worse, they said. [18] The financial problems forced the closure of the shelter's off-site adoption center in Tippecanoe Mall, and it forced officials to make other tough choices. [18]
In the middle of a snow and ice storm, 2 dogs tied to a tree, NO shelter, NO food, when called sorry we are only coming out to emergencies. [8] Through Christmas, the charge is only $80 for dogs and $60 for cats. [16] Montreal woman on threatened Detroit-bound flight A Montreal woman who was aboard the Detroit-bound flight where a passenger tried to ignite an explosive device says she feared for her life. Ottawa highrise fire claims 2nd life A second victim has died after a highrise fire in Ottawa's Alta Vista area Thursday morning resulted in a second-degree murder charge against an Ottawa man. 5th anniversary of deadly tsunami observed Buddhist monks in saffron-coloured robes led prayer services in Thailand Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of the tsunami that killed about 230,000 people in 14 Asian and African countries. Top general pays tribute to fallen soldier Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the chief of Canada's defence staff, spent Christmas with troops at Kandahar Airfield and on Saturday paid tribute to Lt. Andrew Nuttall, the first Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan in almost two months. [4]
SOURCES
1. The Animal Rescue Site and Petfinder.com Give $100,000 to Shelters for Christmas - PR.com
2. newsdurhamregion.com | Durham Humane Society gets a helping paw from feds, Province
3. ANIMALS: Overpopulation makes euthanasia necessary | Letters - The News Tribune | Seattle-Tacoma News, Weather, Sports, Jobs, Homes and Cars | South Puget Sound's Destination
4. CBC News - Ottawa - 7 shelter animals granted Christmas wish
5. Columnists - newsjournalonline.com
6. Meet the top dog at the animal shelters
7. Humane Society of Southern Arizona wins $1,000 prize in nationwide contest | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona
8. Shelter animals enjoy holiday - NewsandSentinel.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
9. Redford Twp. opts to send animals to Taylor shelter | freep.com | Detroit Free Press
10. Wayne County news: Boy, 4, is shot by stepfather | freep.com | Detroit Free Press
11. Humane Society plans to open low-cost spay-and-neuter facility in Anderson » Anderson Independent Mail
12. Animal welfare victories prompt farmers' PR moves - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -
13. The Canadian Press: Animal welfare victories prompt farmers' PR moves
14. Animal welfare victories prompt farmers to change - Forbes.com
15. Preparations necessary if planning to give live animals for Christmas | Cache Valley Daily - News and Information for Cache Valley | Cache Valley News | Local News
16. Clanton Advertiser | Humane society, vets team up
17. Cañon City Daily Record - Humane Society gathering food for homeless pets
18. Humane Society deals with familiar woes in 2009 | jconline.com | Journal and Courier
19. Annual FurBall set for Dec. 31 | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette
20. Humane Society offering reward for leads in animal shelter break-in | Pro 8 News.com - News, Weather, Sports - Laredo, Texas | Local
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