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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 third enewsletter of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley!
We are reminded of why we are proud to be members of the Skagit County community. On the mind of every animal lover has been the recent puppy mill bust. We recall going to the store to get puppy food to donate. We dropped off the food at one of the collection sites set up at a veterinarian's office. We were thrilled to find a huge line of cars waiting to drop off food and supplies. Later that same day, when we volunteered at the Shelter, it amazed us how many people showed up to assist in any way possible, lending a hand to accept the donations of dog food, blankets, puppy pens, puppy pads, etc. Supplies were literally arriving by the truckloads. There was a steady stream of people coming together with one common goal: to help the rescued dogs.
Whether we help in small ways, medium ways, or large ways, by donating our time, energy, and resources, we all make this a better place for the animals who deserve so much more than they have received and are starting the next phase of better lives with love.
Please let us know if you have any suggestions or feedback on the enewsletter. Also we would love to hear from you if you have pet adoption stories to share.
Please email us at:
editorhssvenewsletter@yahoo.com
For all the animals,
Volunteers Karen and Bruce Roberts |
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Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed?
It all started when Leirin Cook volunteered at the Humane Society and offered to make "ADOPT ME" jackets for dogs to wear during community events. That led to making beds for the dogs at the Shelter. Soon Leirin's daughter, Jessica Cook, began helping and decided that it would be an excellent entry for her senior project at school. Leirin's mom, Stella Thompson, joined the fun and voilą, it became a family affair.
The cover material and zippers are regifted from the Humane Society Thrift Shop. Fiberfill from old pillows is used to make the beds soft. Leirin, Jessica, and Stella take these recycled materials and turn them into wonderful products that bring comfort and love to the animals at the Shelter.
The beds are now being made available for purchase at the Humane Society Shelter and the Humane Society Thrift Shop at 525-D East College Way, Mount Vernon (four doors north of Value Village). Donations of 16" to 22" zippers and bed pillows with fiberfill are always appreciated. If you would like to discuss custom orders, or donate materials, please email Leirin at Leirin11@aol.com |
Life Is Super for Snooper
Hi, I just wanted to drop you a line and let you all know that I am doing great and really enjoying my new home on Whidbey Island.
I have become very accustomed to my stepbrother Wallace (he's a Mini-Schnauzer). We like to wrestle, and play tug-o-war. We also like to relax by the fireplace together on cold days. He is a great companion and keeps a sharp eye on me to make sure I am not getting into trouble.
My new parents have taught me all kinds of new things, like "sit," "down," "wait," "stay," "come," "leave it," and even "roll over." My manners on a lead have improved a lot, and I am enjoying long walks, jogging, and taking trips to new places. I also overheard my dad talking about enrolling me in doggy school... sounds interesting...
My dad takes me jogging in the mornings before he heads to work. During the day, my mom likes to play games with Wallace and me in the back yard. In the evenings, we all enjoy walks through the neighborhood.
Some days we go to the dog park or dog beach and I get to run wild with all sorts of other great dogs and people. My new interest is the water at the beach. During my first trip to the beach, I wasn't too sure what to make of the water, but some friendly Labradors showed me that it's nothing to be scared of. Each time we go to the beach I go out a little further, and I am working up the nerve to go for a swim!
Thank you so much for taking good care of me and giving me the opportunity for a new home!
Love,
Brody (a.k.a. Snooper)
Pictured Above:
John, Tiffany, Brody, Wallace Saxton |
Meet Megan Strong, Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager
My involvement with the Humane Society of Skagit Valley began in 1984 when I was employed by the Skagit County Commissioners' Office. I took minutes at a Commissioners' meeting where representatives of the Humane Society asked the County for a few additional dollars to help care for the animals. (At that time, HSSV didn't even have a truck, copy machine or typewriter! Sandy Nelson, the current HSSV Director, used her car and ran to town to make copies!) I was moved to tears by their desperation, so I cleaned out my house of two carloads of stuff I no longer needed and donated it to the Humane Society Thrift Shop. Within weeks I was volunteering at the thrift shop and attending Humane Society meetings. I was soon on the HSSV Board of Directors and eventually became President for a few years! I've seen our Humane Society grow and improve so much in the last 25 years, and I'm so proud to be a part of it! The construction of our new adoption facility is actually a dream come true. We worked hard for many years to make it happen!
I have been manager of the Humane Society Thrift Shop since 1995. Our thrift shop team consists of Amy (Assistant Manager), Kathy, Heather, Mary, and Elizabeth, as well as volunteers Sara (my Mom, who works more than I do), Pat, Gloria, Janice, Dick, Kathy, and Steve. My toy Poodle, Bailey, is our token shop dog.
The best part of my job is the annual "Christmas Collection" opening, this year scheduled for Monday, November 16. Mark you calendar! If you enjoy Christmas, it's something to experience! My Mom and I work throughout the year in her garage, packaging and pricing the merchandise. This year's offerings will far surpass anything from the past!
As our customers know, the thrift shop also offers cats available for adoption. Since we began adopting cats almost ten years ago, we've been responsible for the successful adoption of over 650 cats! It's fun to hear the happy stories from our customers about how well their cat is doing, and what an important member of the family he or she has become!
I feel I was born to be involved with the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. Managing the thrift shop has been a good fit for me because the harder I work, the more money I can make to help the animals! It is extremely rewarding to be involved with helping to better the lives of all the animals we serve! |
The Road to Recovery
Both of us lead busy lives. We have full time jobs and very active schedules. We live with three cats that allow us to pay the bills, and we also love volunteering at the Humane Society on the weekends. With the recent puppy mill rescue, we were asked if we would consider fostering. "Oh, we couldn't possibly foster dogs," we replied. That quickly changed after we spent time with the rescued dogs at the Shelter. The next day we drove away with two Chihuahuas. One was dappled in color, and on the way home we found ourselves singing the lyrics "dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep" from a song by Simon and Garfunkel. Since they were both females, the name Simon was out of the question, so instead we named the dappled Chihuahua, Simone. (Heaven forbid the other female be named Garfunkel.) As we talked about a name, there was a fabulous blues singer who came to mind named Nina Simone. The other beautiful Chihuahua was therefore named Nina. Nina is also Spanish for little girl, so it was double good.
Over the next few days it became clear that Simone was not only emotionally devastated but also physically very ill. We took her to Dr. Lance Campbell at College Way Animal Hospital in Mount Vernon. Simone had abscesses in her mouth and also had a severely infected uterus. Dr. Campbell did emergency surgery to remove her infected uterus and pulled 11 teeth. Simone instantly felt better. She was making leaps and bounds in trusting us as well. (Prior to this, we could only pet her with one finger without her freezing in place.) She loved her new toys and had energy galore. Simone even unzipped her dog bed and shredded the foam. We couldn't tell if Simone was more proud of herself or we were more proud of her. You go girl!
By this time, the Humane Society was placing dogs from the puppy mill for adoption. We scheduled a time to bring Simone to Sandy Nelson (HSSV Director). We knew we had to use this opportunity to give Simone a chance to find a loving home. It was an extremely tough decision to make because we had both come to love her and were proud of the strides Simone was making toward recovery. We had to keep focused on what was best for Simone. When we met Sandy at the Humane Society, we saw through our tears that she was talking with a gentleman about the puppy mill dogs. He and his wife adopted Simone hours after we left. Simone went straight from Sandy's arms to her new parents. (Talk about timing.) Simone's new parents are retired, have a big fenced yard, and own a senior dog. When they all left the Shelter, the woman had Simone snuggly tucked in her jacket. Simone will always have our hearts. What an honor and privilege it is to know Simone and to have her live with us for a short time.
Pictured Above: Simone with one of her favorite toys
Hi, my name is Nina and these are my puppies. I love them very much and I am being the best mom I know how to be so they will grow up big and strong and make people wonderful companions.
I am five years old and until recently, my only function in life was to have litter upon litter. But, all that is changed now. I have my own room and lots of space. I am kept warm and clean. There is wonderful music in the background. My foster mom and dad spend time with me and pet me often. They always tell me I am among the most loveable, sweetest, charming dogs they have ever known. They talk to me about all kinds of things. That sure makes me feel wanted and loved just the way I am. My foster mom and dad tell me I have many magnificent times ahead and I have a lot of living to do.
Written by Karen and Bruce Roberts |
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Meet Volunteer Wendy Richeson
In June 2007, I became a volunteer at the HSSV. I offered my professional grooming service to any animal that needed it. When I was asked how much I would charge, I answered that all my services are free because nothing gives me greater pleasure than transforming animals so they can find homes.
Soon after, I became a foster parent and set up a cage for adoptable cats at my grooming shop. The first cat that came to my shop was a beautiful massive tiger striped tabby. Her name was Giggles and she settled right in and made herself at home. Within a couple of weeks I began to realize that she would not be finding another home because she had picked mine. I adopted her shortly after that and she is the official greeter at my shop. She has taken on the job of socializing the other cats up for adoption and putting all dogs firmly in their place...even the ones who usually see cats as something to chase!
Right after I started grooming for the HSSV, I got a frantic phone call from one of the staff. It was kitten season and I was asked if I could give flea baths to kittens. When I got there I found about 25 kittens that needed baths, so we packed them up and took them to the shop. I set up an assembly line and with my daughter's help we had them all bathed in about an hour!
Another time I got a call late in the day about two Shih Tzus that were in really bad shape. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. The two dogs were so badly matted, you could not tell which end was which! The dogs had to be anesthetized so they could be groomed. With the help of our daughters, it took the four of us over three hours to get the dogs shaved! They both found homes shortly after.
The most rewarding experience I have had so far is definitely the work I was able to do with the recent puppy mill rescue dogs. I can honestly say the whole experience was a life changing one for me. I was honored to be asked by the authorities to go with them on the second raid, and to oversee the grooming process when they were released to the Shelter. We spent many long hours at the fairgrounds scrubbing cages with Sandy Nelson (HSSV Director) and grooming at the Shelter. It felt good to be able to do something to help. It was heartbreaking to see dogs in that condition but wonderful to see the transformations in their looks. I was rewarded by shy puppy kisses from scared unsocialized dogs.
We have since adopted one of the puppy mill rescue dogs, a Yorkshire Terrier we named Frodo. He is about five years old and only has two teeth but that doesn't slow him down.
The last two years have been the most rewarding time of my life. I have enjoyed meeting and working with the people at the HSSV, and love helping the animals. I wouldn't change this time for anything!
Written by Wendy Richeson
Wendy, and her husband Steve, own Pampered Pets & Grooming in Burlington.
For more on Wendy and her family,
please read Animal Lovers Among Us below. |
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Feline Fun Facts
Did you know, cats:
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may find it difficult to find treats you toss on the floor. This is because cats can't see directly under their own nose.
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can jump between five and seven times as high as their tail.
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have eyes that change color as they grow from kittens.
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have over 100 vocal chords.
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hardly ever meow at other cats, as this sound is primarily for humans.
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sleep an average of 12 to 14 hours a day.
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have a total of 24 whiskers, 4 rows of whiskers on each side. The upper two rows can move independently of the bottom two rows.
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use their whiskers for measuring distances.
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love having their foreheads gently stroked.
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Meet Joan Cybula, Willy (the Newest Addition to Her Family)
and Her Other Pets
Five years ago, I moved with my dog Amelia from upstate New York. In New York, I was very active in the Oswego County Humane Society. I was one of the original group that started the Humane Society, being the first Treasurer and on the Board of Directors. Since Oswego County is one of the few in New York State that has no county-wide shelter, our goal was to provide support to the Dog Wardens, create foster homes, and establish education programs for schools and the general public.
Most recently I had been fostering a male Chihuahua I call Willy (free Willy) from the current puppy mill rescue. It has been said that pets often pick their owners and that's exactly what happened with Willy. When the dogs were taken to the Humane Society, I helped clean and care for the dogs. Every day that I helped, this little boy wouldn't take his eyes off me. He had a sign on his kennel that read: HE BITES. When I cleaned his cage for the first time I expected this growling little thing to attack me as soon as I opened the door. Instead, this little boy slithered up to me for affection. When Sandy, HSSV Director, asked if I would be interested in fostering any of the dogs, without thinking my mouth opened and "I'll foster that little Chihuahua" came out. At home, when I opened the door to let Willy out, his tail was wagging so fast I thought his tail would fall off. He was very curious and a little shy but it wasn't long before I realized I was fostering a very smart little boy. Along with the help of my eight year old granddaughter Izzy, I had him housetrained in less than two days. He soon found out there's a world beyond living in a kennel...a world where he can play with toys (what's a toy?), eat biscuits (what's a biscuit?) and go for car rides (what are those?). Willy really likes car rides, especially when we go to get Izzy from school.
I decided to adopt Willy because he has become part of my life and sticks to me like glue. Willy isn't the most handsome of dogs. He has deformed ears and a deformed tail. He is a loving little boy and he thinks he is perfect, just as I do.
Willy joined my other pets, Kivu and Tango. Kivu is an African Gray parrot who will be nine years old this August. Kivu came to me by way of my son, who had inherited her when the original owner moved away. Since my son did not have much time to spend with the parrot, good old Mom inherited her. I've had her for nearly four years now and I am still working on trust issues. We think since Kivu grew up with males that she prefers men. She has pinched my finger so hard it brought me to my knees with tears in my eyes. I am hopeful someday soon she will allow me to pet her. I would be lost without her constant talking as she has a great vocabulary. We sing together, dance together and play games.
Then there is Tango, the little parakeet my son found on the side of the road. When I brought him home, he sat on his perch like a bump on a log. After three months, he chirps, plays with his toys, and loves to eat millet. Now I can clean his cage without him going crazy. That's what time, patience, trust and a quiet environment does to a pet. (Oh, and I also have a fish tank with rescued fish.)
I could write a book about all the animals I've owned, fostered, or rescued. I've been very fortunate to have shared my life with some wonderful canine companions. Amelia, Badger and Tippy were great pets, and each one very special to me. They were my companions and loyal friends. A day doesn't pass that I don't think about each and every one of them. Whenever I had a difficult day or needed some companionship, they were always there for me. Animals are so special to me. They are non-judgmental...and only want your love and attention. Of course, an occasional toy and biscuit is ok too.
Written by Joan Cybula
Pictured below is Joan.
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Sandals, Sundresses, and Shorts
Now Available at the Humane Society Thrift Shop!
We are finally out of the snow and cold weather and looking forward to a warmer spring and summer! Here at the Humane Society Thrift Shop we've been stocking the store with summer attire saved throughout the winter. We have a HUGE selection of brand new hip teen brands and women's plus size clothes with the new tags still on them! So shop the Humane Society Thrift Shop first for the best use of your dollar!
On the flip side, since spring is here, that means spring cleaning for many folks. Please think of the thrift shop when you're cleaning closets or de-cluttering your home or garage. We accept all types of big and small donations, as long as they are clean and in resalable condition. (Our limited space does not allow for much cleaning or repair of items. Thanks for understanding.)
All proceeds from the sale of thrift shop merchandise goes directly to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. Your help is desperately needed and very much appreciated!
Don't forget, we also have a variety of cats from the Shelter looking for loving forever homes.
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
Click below for more info:
Humane Society Thrift Shop
Written by: Megan Strong, Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager
P.S. Plastic pants hangers with clips are desperately needed. |
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Upcoming Events
The Humane Society of Skagit Valley has many wonderful fund raising events coming up. We hope you can join in the festivities and participate or volunteer, or both. You will be helping the animals, meeting people in our community, and having fun (guaranteed).
Events include the Doggone Walk-A-Thon, Anne Jackson Memorial Run/Walk, Bark In The Park, and Black Cat Auction. Sound interesting? Please call 360-757-0445, or stop by the Shelter for more information on dates, times, etc.
Information is also posted on the:
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Animal Lovers Among Us:
The Richeson Family
Hi, we are the Richeson family, Steve and Wendy, Michael-18, Ashley-16, Tiffany-14, Brittany-9, and Mandy-2.
We have five spoiled cats (Boots, Abby, Gandalf, Casey, and Giggles), a foster kitten (Mitt Kitt), two loving dogs (Lady and Frodo), a goldfish, and a gorgeous horse named Sassy. Throughout the years we have had almost every kind of animal there is including parrots, rats, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, turtles, snakes, and gerbils. That serves our family well in the work we do at the HSSV.
This past Christmas morning our family of seven decided to do things a little differently. We got up at 7:00 am, got dressed, opened our stockings, and headed out into the snow to the HSSV. We spent our morning helping clean cages and feeding the animals. Normal for our family is to spend the day in pajamas and opening presents. The kids were very excited. We arrived at the Shelter to find people equally as excited to have extra help. In about three hours all the work was done and we headed back home to presents. We all decided this was our favorite Christmas ever and plan on making it a tradition.
During the recent Samish River flood, Ashley waded into waist deep water and helped rescue a horse that was in standing water overnight. She cared for the horse, alongside her horse Sassy, for two weeks until the pasture was dried out. Ashley also grooms dogs and cats for the HSSV any time the need arises!
When Tiffany is out of school, she spends her days volunteering at the Shelter. Tiffany does whatever she is asked (even if the jobs are not the most desirable). On any given day you can go in and see her doing laundry, walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and assisting people at the Shelter. She also went door to door for a church project and collected donations to make blankets for the animals at the Humane Society. She loves all animals and wants to take them all home!
Our family plans to continue being active volunteers for the HSSV. We know the experience the children are gaining will help them with their future dream jobs of animal control officer (Tiffany), and equine veterinarian (Ashley).
Written by Wendy Richeson
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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 third issue of the
Humane Society of Skagit Valley's enewsletter.
Again, we would love to hear from you!
Please email us at:
For all the animals,
Volunteers Karen and Bruce | |
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