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| Issue 2 - March/April, 2009 |
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Greetings!
Welcome to the second e-newsletter of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley!
Please click above where it says TO VIEW THIS ENTIRE ENEWSLETTER PLEASE click here. Since different email programs may display information differently than intended, this will make sure you are able to enjoy the entire enewsletter.
We are very excited to see the list of subscribers grow. We would be delighted if you would tell your family and friends to sign up. There are several easy ways to do so:
There is a link on the main page of the Humane Society website:
http://www.skagithumane.com
You can forward this email by using the Forward Email link at the bottom of this e-newsletter. Recipients can then subscribe by clicking on the Subscribe Me link.
There are sign up sheets at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley and Humane Society Thrift Shop.
Do you have an adoption story or pet related story to share? We would love to hear from you.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all who provided us with feedback and suggestions. Keep 'em coming.
Please email us at:
EditorHSSVenewsletter@yahoo.com
By being involved with the Humane Society, we all add love, care, and compassion to the animals waiting for their loving forever homes.
For all the animals, Volunteers Karen and Bruce Roberts |
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My Heartfelt Gratitude
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the absolutely enormous outpouring of support for my puppy mill survivor friends and me during the recent puppy mill raids. Your response has been overwhelming. Every day the donations keep pouring in. However, so much more is needed to help get us healthy. For instance one of my friends had to have her leg fixed; we need to be mended in so many ways. It is clear the Humane Society could not do any of this work without your incredible and amazing support. Thank you doesn't begin to convey our gratitude to you for giving all of us a chance at a new life.
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A Minute with Snowball the Cat
Oh....hello there. I just had a snack and I am ready for my nap but do want to talk with you for a minute.
Several weeks ago, I found myself at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. All I knew was I had to leave the family I was living with after nine years. I was scared and nervous when I arrived. Thank goodness the staff and volunteers at the Shelter made me feel loved and comfortable. One day this woman walked up to my cage and it was love at first sight for both of us. The next thing I knew I was on the move again. This time I was moving into my loving and forever home. My new family, including my new brothers and sisters (dogs and cats of course), welcomed me from the moment I arrived.
Here's the kicker: My new family owns a fish market. How purrrrr-fect is that? I am one happy, loved, and well cared for cat!
I am so grateful to have been brought to the Shelter and want to thank all the staff and volunteers. Without them, none of this would have been possible for me.
Now....if you will excuse me, it is time for my nap.
Love, Snowball
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A Hobo No More
The locals had given him names like Lucky, Road Kill, and Hobo. For many years, this dog who now goes by Hobo, was a stray that lived near the ice caves in Granite Falls. As Shirley Duncan tells it: "He spent most of his life on his own without humans, except for the people like Steve who left food for him along the side of the road. Everyone in the Mountain Loop area of Snohomish County knew about him and watched out for him. They say he lived at the same place by the road for 12 to 14 years, maybe more. He wouldn't let anyone get too close to him. No one knew the story of how he came to be there. I think he waited for someone who never came back. He's not a dog who needs or wants human companionship, but he's not the least bit unfriendly. Everyone feared the worst for him as he grew older and became more crippled with arthritis, as the road he lived beside and crossed had a lot of log trucks traveling along it. They were fast and he was getting very slow."
Hobo now lives with Shirley and Steve Duncan. It was Steve who fed the homeless dog for seven years and also built a covered shelter for him alongside the highway. "I worried about him all the time," said Steve, the former Vietnam vet who served in the third Marine Division. Steve was also one of seven officers in the 1970s that began the Seattle Police Department Mounted Patrol. One day, Animal Control picked up Hobo. A fellow road worker of Steve's let him know what had happened. Steve went and got Hobo released in his custody. Steve says: "He now has a covered kennel, his own heated bed, fresh water and food every day. He comes out often, even in snowy weather and rain; he is a tough old guy. Hobo seems content and has been with us over a year. He probably doesn't have a lot of time left, but we intend he should be as safe and happy as he can be. We have seen to it Hobo received the finest veterinary care after being diagnosed with arthritis, worms, and a stomach mass. Hobo's nomadic ways are over and he now has a big fenced yard, a healthy diet, and a loving and caring family."
Please read Animal Lovers Among Us
below for more on the animals in
Shirley and Steve Duncan's life
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I Rescued A Human Today
(Author Unknown)
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor looking apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from the accident I had in the back of my cage.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today. |
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Meet Staff Member Cindy Steorts
Q. How long have you worked at HSSV?
A. Since May 30, 2008.
Q. What led you to work with animals?
A. I have worked with animals since 1989. I became involved in Canine Companions for Independence and worked with service dogs for the blind and handicapped in Michigan. I went on to become a 4H leader, obedience trainer, and kennel owner. I am certified in the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Program evaluator. I also hold a certification in the Association for Pet Dog Trainers.
Q. How do you spend your time day to day?
A. I perform a variety of tasks on a daily basis: anything from cleaning kennels and cages, helping with adoptions, and training. I really like that each day is so different from the day before.
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
A. I have many favorites and enjoy working with people as well as working with the animals.
Q. Describe the happiest of times in your job?
A. Adoptions!
Q. What are your favorite experiences at the Humane Society?
A. My favorite experiences are helping individuals find just the right animal companions. It is very rewarding watching them walk out the door and start their new lives together.
Q. Name the biggest challenge you encounter and how you deal with it?
A. I would say a big challenge is having enough time to do what is needed. I deal with this challenge by doing the best I am able as each situation presents itself.
Q. What advice would you give others who may be interested in working at the Humane Society?
A. Become a volunteer first.
Q. What advice would you give people who find stray pets?
A. Bring them here to the Humane Society.
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. What spare time (grin)? I like to spend time with my family. I have six children and they are married with children. |
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What's New at the Humane Society Thrift Shop
Bunnies, baskets and more abound in the Easter Corner of the Humane Society Thrift Shop! Shop here before going anywhere else, as you might just find what you need, save money and help support the animals!
Thrift Shop Manager Megan reports, "We have also received a wonderful collection of women's fashion watches as well as sterling silver, 10K gold and 14K gold rings. Come check out the "bling!"
If your reading preference is mystery/suspense, we have hundreds of the best books, again from a donor's collection.
The Humane Society Thrift Shop has cats available for adoption. Please call to find out who is available, or stop by and meet them, as the selection changes as they are adopted.
Greg, pictured below, is one of the cats currently waiting for his new loving home.
Greg is a large 4-year old gray and white neutered male with a spectacular personality. We let him roam the shop before opening and after closing, so he can stretch his legs. He is never hard to find when it's time to return him to his cage. Greg is one cool cat! His adoption fee includes a microchip, feline leukemia/FIV test and FVRCP vaccination.
The Humane Society Thrift Shop is located at:
525-D East College Way
Mount Vernon, just 4 doors north of Value Village
Phone:
360-424-5991
Hours:
Monday through Friday - 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
Saturday - 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday - 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thank you so much for your donations of clean resalable items to the Humane Society Thrift Shop. YOU are what keeps this operation running, allowing us to raise funds for the animals we serve!
Click below for more info:
Humane Society Thrift Store
Written by: Megan Strong, Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager |
Meet Volunteers Barbara and Ingmar Quist
In January 1992, we started volunteering at the HSSV. We began by walking dogs, brushing cats, helping to paint, working in the garden, selling "stuff" at the Skagit County garage sale, etc. It became a routine visit every Thursday for about one hour. In September 1995, Sandy Nelson (Humane Society Director) showed us a huge pile of coins on her desk. This led to a new job, emptying doggy banks in Mount Vernon, La Conner and Anacortes. Once a month we make the rounds, count the money, and deposit it. To date the little "banks" have yielded over $21,500, thanks to the generous people of Skagit Valley.
Why do we volunteer? Because we are animal nuts! We have one sheep and two dwarf Nigerian goats (all eight years old now). In addition, we have one goose (named Joseph and soon to be 16 years old), two ducks (a Swedish Blue and a Khaki Campbell). Also there is our cat from the HSSV, Också, whom we have had for over 18 years. With such a menagerie, life is just a circus. You don't grow old when you have animals.
Volunteering isn't a job or a burden. It just is what it is. Animals, no matter what kind, always provide pleasure and satisfaction. They are helpless. We are not.
Our advice for volunteers is to do it regularly and don't promise more than you can do. One hour a week, three hours a month, etc. and DO it. It becomes a looked-forward-to habit.
For pet owners, we think high quality food is the solution to many problems. Animals, well-fed but not fat, don't need a vet so often. Clean water, warm, clean living quarters (our bed? no...only the cat) are most important. Our goose lived in the house for four months, and a goat stayed in the house for 16 days after a bladder stone operation. Now that's what makes life interesting!
Written by Barbara and Ingmar Quist |
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Upcoming Events - Guaranteed To Please
Doggone Walk-A-Thon
Walk with your dog, socialize with others, and raise money for the Humane Society.
Bark in the Park
Lots of fun dog and human activities that are guaranteed to make you smile and feel good. To be held, Saturday, June 13, from 10am-3pm at Storvik Park in Anacortes.
Black Cat Auction
The Humane Society's biggest fundraiser. Discover cool stuff you have to have. To be held Saturday, October 24.
Click below for more information as it becomes available:
P.S. Would you like to help with upcoming events? Volunteers are always needed. Please call the Humane Society at 360-757-0445 to find out more. |
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What's In Store?
Help support the magnificent work of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley by stopping by the store located in the lobby the next time you are in the area. |
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In the Spirit of Giving
A huge thank you to Becky and all our friends at Lighting Universe on Burlington Boulevard for donating several beautiful chandeliers, lamps, light fixtures, and dozens upon dozens of glass shades. These most generous donations made our Thrift Shop customers happy and made great money for the animals. |
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Animal Lovers Among Us:
Shirley and Steve Duncan
We have had quite a few animals, a consequence of Steve working for Snohomish County Roads, we suppose. There have been numerous cats that have come into our lives after being abandoned. Basically two females started it. One was Mitzy. Mitzy was a tiny little girl with a heart of a tiger when it came to protecting her babies. She was found living on a pile of molding cat food and garbage with her kittens. Their Mom was right there to protect them from every other animal in our house. The other cat we found had eight kittens after we brought her home. We knew she was pregnant, but what could we do but take her home and find homes for the babies? We also have to include Smokey the cat who came in from the cold. He had belonged to the little girl across the street. Her family moved out suddenly and Smokey and all his stuff got thrown out in the yard. It was winter and he was wet and cold and didn't have a clue about outdoor living. He showed up at our house staying in the covered walkway between the house and an outbuilding. We told each other we couldn't take in another cat, but that changed the night he jumped down and stood beside us looking at the door. After taking Smokey to the veterinarian, he joined Max the gorgeous guy we adopted at the Humane Society Thrift Shop. The cats didn't all like each other at first and still occasionally have a few misunderstandings, but with time they have learned to put up with each other. We still have strays that come regularly to eat the food we leave out for them. We wish we could bring them all in from the cold.
Molly, our adopted black lab from the Shelter can still be a real brat at times, but her behavior continues to improve a little every week. Trooper, our black shepherd, was adopted from a man who didn't have time for him. Trooper was a neurotic mess when we got him but he has calmed down. Molly has put some real muscle on Trooper with all the exercise she gives him playing tug-o-war and running around the yard. She's been good for him. Molly's crate made a world of difference for her. It's her little quiet haven, and a safe place for her to stay when we have to be gone for awhile. We love her and can tell she loves us too. She actually plays now, something she didn't do at first, and she runs faster than any dog we've had before. Good thing we have a very large yard. Time and patience have made a big difference in both dogs' behavior and both get along with each other and the cats.
We want to make sure everyone knows we have had every animal we've taken in spayed or neutered to help ensure they at least won't be producing more strays. We have also captured some of the stray cats' kittens and taken them to the Humane Society with the hope they'll find happy homes and that maybe next summer there will be fewer cats without homes.
Here is a picture of Molly:
Written by Shirley and Steve Duncan
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Donations
If you wish to donate to the animals online, below is a link to PayPal.
Please click the link and follow the instructions.
or
If you wish to donate and write a check, please make it payable to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley and mail to:
Humane Society of Skagit Valley
18841 Kelleher Road
Burlington, WA 98233 | |
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We hope you enjoyed the second 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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