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| Issue 1 - January/February, 2009 |
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Greetings!
(Please click above where TO VIEW THIS ENTIRE ENEWSLETTER, PLEASE click here is indicated. Since different email programs may display information differently than intended, this will make sure you are able to enjoy the entire enewsletter.)
Welcome to the first e-newsletter of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley! For now, we plan on publishing the e-newsletter every other month. Our ultimate goal is to have an increase in volunteers and donations to benefit the animals, while having a bit of fun too.
Did you know the Humane Society of Skagit Valley helps over 3,000 animals per year? The Shelter provides a safe and secure environment with love and care; always showing the utmost compassion and integrity toward the animals and members of our community.
It is our hope that you will participate in the e-newsletter. We need stories, we need suggestions, and we need ideas. Please email us; we would love to hear from you. Our email address is:
Thank you for your interest and for your understanding that it takes each and every one of us to get involved to improve the lives of the animals.
For All The Animals,
Volunteers Karen and Bruce Roberts |
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9 Year Old Katie Recently Adopted
Bill Bruders with Ginger and Katie
Bill and Ginger welcome Katie, a 9 year old Viszla, to their family. "There are many advantages to adopting an older dog," says Bill. "Ginger, who was rescued when she was 4 years old and is now 12 years old, is happier with a playmate. Having each other keeps both girls young and healthy."
Bill notes they took to each other like long lost sisters.
Congratulations to all!!!
Click Below To See:
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How To Be Thrifty and Gifty
Thanks to all who donate and shop at the Humane Society Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop provides necessary funding to operate the shelter as every penny, after expenses, goes directly to the shelter.
We accept all types of merchandise, from kitchenwares to books, clothing to furniture, jewelry to collectibles, as well as many items in between. Feel free to call if you are wondering if your items would be accepted. Our phone number is 360-424-5991. We do ask that all items be clean and in resalable condition.
The Humane Society Thrift Shop is located at:
525-D East College Way
Mount Vernon (four doors north of Value Village)
We are open seven days a week as follows:
Monday through Friday 9:30 am - 7:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Whether you are looking for items for yourself, for your family, or as gifts for special occasions, we invite you to see what we have to offer.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Click below for more info:
Humane Society of Skagit Valley Thrift Shop
Written by: Megan Strong, Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager
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Gifts of Love
As Valentine's Day approaches, the Humane Society Thrift Shop is getting in the spirit by stocking the shelves with gifts of love. Come and shop for your special loved ones, and by doing so you will be supporting the work of the Humane Society. What a wonderful way to spread joy to animals who want nothing more than to share their love.
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Did You Know?
The Humane Society Thrift Shop gratefully accepts holiday decorations, trees, yard ornaments, etc. all year long?
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Meet Theresa Chason, Volunteer
Q. How long have you been a volunteer at HSSV?
A. Six years.
Q. What led you to volunteer to work with animals?
A. Visiting the shelter, I sympathized with the dogs' need for human contact , love and leadership.
Q. What do you like most about volunteering at HSSV?
A. The dogs give back more than they receive. They give unconditional love.
Q. If you had to name one most memorable experience, what would it be and what made it so?
A. Every time a dog is adopted; especially those dogs that have been there a long time.
Q. What is the funniest animal story you have witnessed?
A. A lot of dogs have quite a sense of humor. A pit bull puppy tried to push me into a poop pile I was picking up. I laughed for a long time at that trick.
Q. Name the biggest challenge you encounter and how you deal with it?
A. Teaching dogs not to pull on the leash (I do circles or go in the opposite direction the dog wants to go). I also give a lot of praise. Some dogs learn really fast and others take a lot of repetition.
Q. What would you like to tell others who may be interested in volunteering at the Humane Society?
A. There are a lot of jobs that can be done; ask the staff for help finding the job that fits you.
Q. What advice would you give pet owners to keep their animals safe and healthy?
A. Training and regular vet checks.
Q. What advice would you give people who find stray pets?
A. If you think you know who the owner might be, find that person. Otherwise bring them to the shelter where they will be safe.
Q. Anything else you would like to say?
A. I would like to thank all the staff for being animal advocates and doing a difficult job with kindness and professionalism.
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A Few Words About Volunteering...
The animals at the Humane Society each come with their own stories and backgrounds. Their stories would make us humans justifiably cynical, hardened, critical, etc. They ask for so little and all they want to do is give love and please us humans. It's amazing.
Aside from direct contact with the animals, there are many other volunteer opportunities. For instance, if you have a weed eater and like to be outdoors, the weeds always need cutting. If you have extra room in your home, perhaps you would consider having a female dog or cat spend a few days while recuperating after getting spayed. Always in demand are handy, fix-it type people. Like to meet and greet? The Humane Society is a wonderful way of getting to know people in the community.
Whether you walk dogs, play with cats, assist the Shelter staff, help out at events, or speak to friends and family about going to the Shelter to look for their next pet, it all helps.
Volunteer Orientations are held the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. New information and new ideas are presented each time. Please call 360-757-0445 or stop by to sign up.
Your time spent helping these animals really and truly makes a difference.
For more information, please check out the following link:
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Humane Society Fence Fixed!
A huge thank you goes to Rockie Eggebrecht. One very rainy morning, Rockie fixed the fence so the dogs can romp around again.
Thank you Rockie! You have improved the quality of the lives of all the dogs.
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When You Look At This Adorable Cat....
Would you describe her as brown with orange with white, or orange with brown stripes, or perhaps some other way?
If the unthinkable should happen and your pet is missing, it is always best to come to the Shelter to see whether your pet is safe and sound and waiting to be reunited with you.
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Getting Tipsy
Monica Weidert, Michelle Arnott and Tipsy, Devyn Weidert
When Monica recently spent time with her parents' newly adopted dog, she decided it would be a wonderful idea to adopt a little dog as well. Monica's husband and three children enthusiastically supported the idea. They were sure their dog and three cats would welcome the newcomer. So Monica went to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley to see who needed a home. In the area where small dogs are housed, she proceeded to fall in love with a tiny little Chihuahua. Monica recalls she looked like a bat with huge ears, and she was extremely wobbly on her feet. After spending time with her, she was very excited about getting her home. She named her Tipsy. Monica's veterinarian was concerned about Tipsy's wobbling and attributed it to either an old injury or a neurological issue. The veterinarian also said Tipsy may be a good candidate to walk with a cart if necessary in the future. Monica's family was also concerned about Tipsy's wobbling and wondered if they could really provide the environment Tipsy needed. Monica questioned if she was being fair to Tipsy and doubt started to creep in. With a heavy heart, Monica decided to bring Tipsy back to the Humane Society. Michelle, one of the staff members, promised Monica everyone would do their very best to find a wonderful forever home for Tipsy. Monica thought she should feel relieved but felt empty when driving home without Tipsy. The next morning, after a night of tossing and turning, all the doubt had passed and she knew Tipsy absolutely belonged with her family. When Monica returned to the Humane Society, everyone understood and was happy to see Tipsy find the home she so richly deserves.
"We love our Tipsy so very much," noted Devyn, one of Monica's daughters. Monica is pleased to report Tipsy has gotten stronger each day and only occasionally falls. "It is amazing what a good home, lots of love, exercise, and faith can do. She has melded perfectly in our home.....a bit Tipsy, but then aren't we all in one way or another?"
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Towels Galore
Recently, when the Humane Society had a need for towels, Christine Altona stepped forward and donated boxes of them. The towels are very much appreciated by the Staff and Volunteers.
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The Holidays Really Are For
The Birds, Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, etc.
Having fun at the 2008 photo shoot with Santa at PetSmart
We look forward to seeing you next year!
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If you would like to donate to the animals,
please click above and follow the instructions.
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We hope you enjoyed the first issue of the
Humane Society of Skagit Valley's e-newsletter.
Again, we would love to hear from you!
Please email us at:
For All the Animals,
Volunteers Karen and Bruce
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