Progressive Animal Welfare Society
A no-kill, non-profit animal shelterSpring 2012
Update on PAWS' new building 
by Sue Hutson, President
 

PAWS owns a 10-acre parcel across the street from our current facility.  And, if any of you have driven past the PAWS' empty lot, you may have noticed some of the land has been cleared and a sign has been erected.  The PAWS' community has dreamt about a new building for many years and our hope is to someday make that dream come true. 

 

However, we have run into a couple of recent roadblocks.  First, the economy has left the community devastated, which in turn has left PAWS with less financial support.  As most of you know, we are a private, non-profit organization and receive no local, state or federal funding.  Our survival depends solely on the generosity of our supporters.  When our supporters suffer, we suffer.  We hesitate to go to the public and ask for help to raise the additional capital needed to build, because we understand what a tough time this is for everyone. 

 

Second, we have recently discovered a business prospect, which is not entirely complimentary to an animal facility, may be building on the lot north of our lot.  We would never want to jeopardize growth in Middletown or stop any new business from coming to town.  And because we aren't sure exactly when we will be starting our project, we felt the right thing to do was to allow the new business to proceed.  

 

We are currently looking at other options, including trading our land for another parcel in perhaps a better location.  We do want to assure our supporters that we haven't given up on your dream.  We just need to reassess our options.  We all understand that we are here because of our generous donors.  We must be frugal with every dollar, so it would be foolish of us to proceed until we are 100 percent confident in our path.  

 

 

'Fur the Love of PAWS'      
      Mark your calendars for Big Event scheduled Saturday, Nov. 3
 
gavel

 

Attention, PAWS' friends, volunteers, donors and supporters!!!   Please mark your calendar for a major fundraising auction event this fall to raise money for PAWS' many projects and services.  Date is Nov. 3 and location will be Shaker Run Golf Club, 4361 Greentree Rd., Middletown, Ohio.

 

Titled "Fur the Love of PAWS," the event still needs a theme, but that will be announced in an upcoming newsletter, according to Auction Co-Chairs Sue Hutson and Nicole Larson. The festivities will feature a Live Auction, Silent Auction, Special Appeal and many other exciting raffles and contests. "We will have something for everyone, whether you like the competition of live bidding or prefer the more subdued atmosphere of the silent auction," Hutson said.

 

The two co-chairs have gathered a committee of volunteers to help organize the event and are looking for more.  "A number of people have stepped up to help, but we have a tremendous amount of work left to do. Subcommittees have been formed for decor, advertising, invitations and programs and we welcome anyone who would like to contribute," Larson said.

 

Committee members include Megan Wells, Rhonda Pingleton, Kathy Teller, Rachael Copple, Barb Young, Kristen Rohm, Marty Davis, Sheila Fletcher, Ashley Hood, Gail Corrill, Sue Willis, Lisa Miltenberger, Christine Marshall and Sherri Mallett.

 

"We are looking for items for the auction and these may also include services.  Dinners at fine restaurants, wine baskets, and scratch-off lottery baskets all make great auction items," Hutson said.   "If you or your business has a product or service that you would like to donate, please let us know and we will get someone out to your place to pick it up.

 

"A good rule of thumb when trying to decide if an item is auction-worthy is to ask yourself:  Would you or a member of your family like to win or bid on this item?  If the answer is yes, PAWS would love to have it!"

 

 

A long way home   

by Nicole Larson, PAWS Volunteer
Meika 3
Christine and Meika reunited.
 

On Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, I had the great honor of watching one of our PAWS dogs jump into the backseat of her person's van and ride off into the sunset to her forever home. This happiness occurs on a daily basis here at PAWS, but I knew somehow this dog's story was too incredible not to share with the world. 

 

After years of being traded between homes and shelters, dog fights and abuse, Meika reunited with the one person who ever truly loved her...her trainer and human mother Christine.

 

Meika's story begins as a puppy born in Kettering, Ohio, a purebred German Shepherd dog of Czech lineage. Meika and her littermates were bred with the purpose to become search and rescue dogs.

 

Her human, Christine, has been a breeder and trainer of GSDs for many years. She trains and then sells her dogs to people and organizations needing search and rescue trained canines. Her criteria to be able to own a dog like Meika is very stringent. Contracts, home visits and check-in phone calls every six months are just a few of the controls she requires before selling.

 

After most of her brothers and sisters had found new homes, Meika and one sibling were the only two puppies left from the litter.  Meika was feisty and full of spunk. Her sister was small and easily overpowered. They began fighting amongst themselves and Meika learned to become quite an "escape artist." Christine recognized these signs early and knew that Meika needed a job, so the two began training. "Her technique was amazing," Christine said.

 

They worked many hours together training in tracking. There was a special bond that formed between them and, when the time finally came for Meika to leave, Christine had many reservations about letting her go. "I never wanted to get rid of her," Christine said, "but I knew she needed to work."

 

After much deliberation and many sad goodbyes, Meika found her new home in Las Vegas, Nev., with a woman wanting to incorporate working lines into her dogs. However, after a few short months and a debilitating car accident, Christine and Meika lost contact.  "I tried searching for her," Christine said. "I couldn't find anything!"

 

Two years had passed when on Nov. 26, 2011, PAWS Adoption Center received a phone call from a woman in Boone County, Ky. A German Shepherd dog had been surrendered to the shelter and was going to be euthanized. Kathy Teller, canine supervisor of PAWS and owner of GSDs, found Meika dirty, scared and hungry and brought her back to Middletown, Ohio.

 

After a few days Kathy posted new pictures of the PAWS dogs online and received a phone call. The woman on the other end was Christine. Christine's daughter was on PAWS' website looking for an adoptable dog when she saw Meika's picture. She called her mother right away. "It was too much of a coincidence not to take a walk through the shelter."

 

"When we got to Meika's kennel," Christine said, "I started bawling and cried 'That's my dog!'" Everyone stood in the aisle crying in disbelief. Except for age, Meika hadn't changed. Christine told Kathy the story of how Meika received the scar on the top of her head as a pup, about how she had trained her in search and rescue and how she never thought she would see her again.

 

The two women took Meika into the large side yard at PAWS to reconnect. Meika was so happy, she couldn't contain herself. She bounced out of her kennel and ran through the yard. Then the real fun began when Christine started giving Meika some of her German commands. Impressively, Meika responded as if her training had never ceased. There is no denying it...Meika came home.

 

Today, the two are inseparable once again. "She's a complete bed hog!" Christine laughs. "She gets anything she wants." Meika's training has resumed and although she needs to work on her form, she is doing remarkably well. All of her wounds have healed, and Meika is safe in her forever home once again thanks to PAWS.

  


Meet PAWS' heroes and heroines
    Why I share my time with PAWS
 
by Linda Tucker, PAWS Volunteer
 
We asked Linda Tucker, one of PAWS top volunteers, to tell us why she comes back, week after week, month after month, year after year, to help us at PAWS. Not only does Linda help but she brings her daughter, Deanna, and Deanna's friends who do everything from walking dogs and giving them baths to cleaning up the yards.  Here is Linda's story:
 
I love volunteering at PAWS.  Everyone wants to save the world, but I get the chance to help make my corner of it a better place.  Volunteering does not
Linda Tucker
Linda Tucker

have to be grandiose and overwhelming.  Look for a place and a cause that inspires you and that you will want to do even when the weather is bad or you don't feel your best. Try to find a way that your time, while limited, is used to its maximum.  I can't lift heavy things or do hard physical work, but I can take pictures of the animals and volunteers, help advertise PAWS and collect items they need.  

 

I bring four girls with me every week, my daughter Deanna and three of her friends, Anna, Sarah and Samantha.  That means I donate 10 hours per week instead of two. They are trained volunteers and LOVE being a part of PAWS.  We first "met" PAWS when I was a co-leader for a local Girl Scout troop. In order to help keep the girls involved one more year, we "adopted" PAWS and put our time, efforts and money into the organization.  The fact that PAWS is a no-kill shelter was a huge part of our decision.  That way, we parents could say no to bringing the animals home, unless the fit was right for our families.  

 

The fit was right twice for our family.  We have adopted a cat and a dog from PAWS to join our other dog and two cats.  But I know that my girls and I have helped prepare many animals for their new forever homes, cared for those who have not found theirs yet, educated our families and friends and encouraged them to ADOPT, not BUY pets.

 

PAWS is a great place to volunteer and adopt.  The staff is amazing in their hard work and patience, not just with the animals but with the public and with me and my girls.  

 

I have come to know and care for the employees as well as the animals and being at PAWS is like being somewhere I belong.  PAWS IS OUR CAUSE!

 
 
Wish List  

Mr. Clean Febreze

 

Doggy pooper scoopers

 

OdoBan gallon odor eliminator

 

Push scrub brush (like a push broom, but with a scrub brush)

 

Ink hp 20 & 21

 

Tall white kitchen trash bags

 

Paper plates Lg/Sm

 

Batteries AA

 

Air cleaners (plug in type)

 

Gas cards

 

Postage stamps

 

Hand sanitizer 

 

Scoopable cat litter  

 

Heavy duty metal cat litter scoopers 

 

Copy paper 

 

Plug in air fresheners

 

Brooms & mops 

 

Clear sterilite containers (plastic storage bins) 

  

Grass seed  

 

Toilet paper

 
new york life
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charity can begin with the gift 

of life insurance

 

by Jim Barnes, Agent

New York Life Insurance Company

 

Even in a tough economic environment, with a little foresight and creativity, there are many ways you can support worthwhile endeavors and gain satisfaction knowing you'll be able to contribute for the long term. 

 

Regardless of your income level, you can continue to support your favorite philanthropic organizations by donating through life insurance. For example, when you name your chosen charity as the beneficiary of your policy, you are contributing to a worthy cause and can benefit from potential tax deductions (as discussed below). (Must be a qualified charity.)


 There are several methods of gifting life insurance as a charitable donation:

  • Designate a charity as owner and beneficiary. This benefits the charity and gives the donor a bonus in the form of income tax benefits. Premiums on such a policy are deductible to taxpayers who itemize their deductions. Consult a tax professional for details.
  • Designate charity as beneficiary. As policyowner, you retain the right to make changes to the policy, including changing the beneficiary. While premium payments are not tax deductible, upon the donor's death, the estate receives a charitable estate tax deduction for the proceeds, as allowed by law.
  • Donate an existing policy. If you own a policy with coverage that is no longer needed, you may consider donating it to a charity. The donor could irrevocably assign or transfer the policy to a charity as owner and beneficiary. This gift is generally not subject to gift tax, and, in most cases, may be eligible for a charitable income tax deduction.
  • Create a charitable remainder trust. This is a complex planning option for donors with unproductive appreciated assets, such as real estate. This transaction can be structured to benefit the donor, heirs and charity. Consult an attorney or accountant for advice. 

This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Jim Barnes.  For additional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact Jim Barnes at 513-535-5734.

 

Neither New York Life Insurance Company, nor its agents, provides tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal or accounting professional before making any decisions.  Also, state laws vary with respect to charities and insurance. Consult your legal advisor for details.

 

  

PAWS former board member turns author 

Love a good book?  You may want to investigate the literary offerings described below.  Eleanor Stewart, former PAWS board member, is co-author of two of the books and is eager for PAWS to receive a portion of book sales.

 

Visit BookFactory.com/featured during the month of March and order any book on that page. Use the discount code of PAWS12 to receive a 10% discount.  PAWS will receive a percentage from each purchase.  This is a great way to buy books for yourself or as a gift while also helping our shelter!


Book offerings at the website include:

 

Maggie Quick is a about a nine-year-old girl in a small Irish-American town in the Midwest. Immigrants brought with them their beliefs, folklore and forms of witchcraft (the good kind!). Maggie discovers her special powers and is able to use them to save her village from destructive powers.  She shares her hopes, fears and questions with the three wise women in her life who guide her.  The Irish lore has been carefully researched, and many of the portrayals of people and events were influenced by the people in the authors' lives. Although the novel is perfect for young adults, all of the adults who have read it have loved it.  Watch the "Maggie Quick YouTube" and visit www.MaggieQuick.com.  Dr. Robert T. Rhode and Eleanor Y. Stewart co-authored this novel.

 

Flyways: A Green Fable for Our Times is an accurate description of sand hill cranes within the context of a spiritual fable about the journey toward harmony.  This book takes a green approach while advocating the power to change personal relationships for the better. Lively characters, plenty of action, and a consistent plot are hallmarks of this delightful yet provocative fable.  The cranes' instinct, their tendency to commune with the flock in winter while focusing on pairing during the summer, their nesting behaviors and their nearly mystical talent for migration are the backdrop against which a compelling plot unfolds.  Open to interpretation, Flyways warns against unsustainable practices that threaten the delicate natural balance.  Dr. Robert T. Rhode illustrated the cover of this fable, which was co-authored by him and Eleanor Y. Stewart.

 

Kitchenary: The Persons, Places and Things in Our Kitchen is a fascinating collection of culinary terms and their origin.  The book, written and illustrated by Dr. Robert T. Rhode, is perfect for anyone who spends time in the kitchen, and it also makes a wonderful gift for the cook or a host!

 

Emma's Gift From Africa, written by Timothy W. Lyons and Robert T. Rhode and illustrated by Robert T. Rhode, is a delightful story for elementary aged children and was inspired by a true event.

 

A resident of Springboro, Ohio, Dr. Rhode has taught at Northern Kentucky University for over 30 years.  His specialties include William Dean Howells, Edgar Allen Poe, Walt Whitman, the cultures of small towns and rural areas, the importance of natural spaces and the steam power era in literature and history.  He has published over 150 articles and many books.  Dr. Rhode is an internationally recognized expert on steam power and owns a Case 65.  His love of animals is apparent in his many pets: He has, in fact, even raised a brood of orphaned opossums.

 

Timothy W. Lyons is a Cincinnati native who now lives in Springboro and works at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. A compassionate animal lover all his life, Lyons has rescued many stray dogs and cats - and has even adopted ducks.

 

Eleanor Y. Stewart is a native of Middletown who taught for the Middletown City School District and Miami University before retiring.  She volunteered at PAWS for more than 10 years, walking dogs every Saturday, chairing the annual auction for 10 years and serving on the governing board.

 

Meet PAWS'
Top Cat
McKitty
McKitty

McKitty is our sweet, ol' "Love McMuffin!" She was living out of a McDonald's dumpster for some time and came to PAWS a very sick kitty! It took a long time for an eye infection to heal. 

 

She still has a bit of a scar left, but that doesn't deter her one bit from her favorite past time.... chasing the mice out of the office! The rest of the day you can find her resting in a sunny window, dreaming of her next quest. 

 

McKitty loves dogs, too, as long as they don't play too rough! She is on special food and the days of Egg McMuffins are long gone, but McKitty says she'd rather be living out of the dumps than in them. . .

 
Meet PAWS' 
Top Dog 

 
Amus

Amus
March is Famous Amus Month!!!
 
This is his time to find his forever home. Amus is a Lab/Rottie mix. He is about about three years old. 

He acts more like a lab and loves his tennis balls.  He also loves water, the hose and playing fetch. He is loyal and very loving.

 
Amus would make a great four-legged pal!

 

Launch your
PAWS dog's modeling  
career
   
 
dogpatch logo

 

Calling all PAWS adopted dogs!

 

 

Middletown's dog portrait studio, Dogpatch Pix, is conducting a model search for up to eight dogs that have been adopted through PAWS. The dogs selected will receive a complimentary portrait session at the Dogpatch Pix studio and a free 5x7 print of one pose... a value of $125! 

 

Portraits of the selected models will be revealed in the studio during the May 4, 2012, First Friday event at the Pendleton Art Center, 1105 Central Ave., where the Dogpatch Pix studio is located. To apply for the model call, complete the application form that can be found at:  

http://www.dogpatchpix.com/model-call/

 

Dogs will be selected to provide a nice diversity of types for the portrait display on May 4. Deadline for model call application is April 4 OR when we reach a total of 30 applicants. Dates of portrait sessions will be April 14 and 15. Please enter only one dog per family.

 

Admission to the First Friday event on May 4 is free and time is 5 to 9 p.m. Come visit PAWS and Dogpatch Pix that evening and enjoy the beautiful Pendleton Art Center.

 

 

PAWS Golf Outing
scheduled
Aug. 20
 
Many thanks to Rick Fishbaugh of Fishbaugh Homes and Sherry Fishbaugh of Re:Source for heading the PAWS 2012 Golf Outing to be held Aug. 20 at Wildwood Golf Club, 601 Aberdeen Dr., in Middletown.
 
PAWS Committee Co-Chairs Gail Corrill and Ginger Shawver are currently seeking major sponsors for this event.  Contact PAWS at [email protected] if your company is seeking high visibility at a venue named 

the Best Golf Course of Southwest Ohio, according to the People's Choice Awards. This 18-hole, shotgun, scramble event will include box lunches, dinner and a kennel-full of prizes!

 

The committee is also seeking volunteers to help, so if you would like to volunteer, please contact PAWS at the email above.

  

Upcoming events
 

 . . . for details about orientation and UCAN, please visit the events calendar at www.pawsadoptioncenter.org

 

 

Friday, May 4

PAWS at Dogpatch Pix

Pendleton Art Center

1105 Central Ave.

Middletown, OH

Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Free admission

 

Saturday, May 19

PAWS at Smiles-4-Pets

1035 Summit Drive

Middletown, OH

Time: 10 to 4 

Free Admission to a pet adoption event featuring raffles, activities for children and more! 

Sponsored by 

Mark. D. Jungdahl, DMD, 

Douglas C. MacLean, DMD 

and staff

 

Saturday, June 2

PAWS at Hanover Winery

2121 Morman Road

Hamilton, OH 

Details in upcoming newsletter

 

Monday, August 20

PAWS Golf Outing

Wildwood Golf Club

601 Aberdeen Dr.

Middletown, Ohio

 

Saturday, November 3

"Fur the Love of PAWS" Auction

Shaker Run 

4361 Greentree Rd. 

Middletown, Ohio

 

 

 

BODA Update  

 

by Garri Guecking, Animal Activist

 

Garri Guecking recently served this past summer as the SW Ohio Coordinator for BODA, which stands for Ban Ohio Dog Auctions. Guecking and her volunteers visited many public events throughout

garrisouthwestern Ohio educating people about how dog auctions keep puppy mills alive, while their "products" are treated in horrible, inhumane ways. She is a resident of Trenton, Ohio.



The Ohio General Assembly will have until April 2 to pass the proposed law.  They need to hear from you.  They work for you so please let them know how you feel and how hard you have worked. Attached is a letter that can be used to write your legislators.  You can also call them or send them an email.  They need to hear from you on a regular basis.

 

Sample letter follows:

 

(Date), 2012

 

(Representative or Senator)

(Address of Representative or Senator)

(City, State, Zip of Representative or Senator)

 

Dear (Representative or Senator) (Last Name):

 

My name is (Your full name) and I am a registered voter in (name of county), Ohio.

 

On Jan. 27, 2012, a milestone was reached for the citizen-initiated statute, the Ohio Dog Auctions Act.  More than 118,000 signatures from all 88 Ohio counties were certified by Secretary of State, Jon Husted. The proposed law has moved to the Ohio General Assembly for passage by April 1.

 

Dog fanciers (hobby and show breeders) and enthusiasts served as the catalyst for the Ohio Dog Auctions Act. These breeders, along with thousands of voters from the humane community, strongly endorse this ballot initiative as an effective way to address a major distribution channel serving puppy-mill breeders from 15 states, many of whom have long-standing, repeat violations of the Animal Welfare Act and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty.

 

Ohio ranks sixth (up from seventh in 2010) in the number of U.S. Department of Agriculture-licensed high-volume breeding kennels.  Voters and taxpayers can no longer wait to move on regulating an industry fueled by heartbreaking animal cruelty, corruption and consumer fraud.

 

The time has come to serve as a strong voice for the dogs by casting your YES vote for the Ohio Dog Auctions Act.

 

Sincerely,

 

(Your Fulll Name)

(Your Address)

(Your City, State and Zip)

(Your Day Phone Number)

(Your Evening Phone Number)

(Your Email Address)

(Your Facebook URL)

(Your Twitter Account)

 


Quick Links:







PAWS

2790 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd.
P.O. Box 684
Middletown, OH 45042
513-422-7297
Hours: Tues. and Fri. 12-6; Wed. 4-8pm; Sat. Noon-4
Closed Sun., Mon., Thurs.