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| Issue 8 - Quarter 1, 2010 |
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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 edition of 2010. It has been one full year that we have been publishing the enewsletter on behalf of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. We would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your ongoing support.
Here's to our making 2010 the best year yet for the homeless animals in our community. Through our kindness, generosity, compassion, words, and action we have the power to make each and every animal at the Shelter feel special, protected, cared for, and loved. For many of the animals this is the first time in their lives that anyone has shown this kind of attention to them.
There are literally countless ways to help, such as volunteering, assisting and attending HSSV events, donating, and communicating the merits of adopting pets. These are just a small sample of ways to help. Every action we take on behalf of the animals at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley does matter and does make a difference.
As always, please let us know if you have any story ideas or suggestions. Our email is:
editorHSSVenewsletter@yahoo.com
For all the animals,
Volunteers Karen and Bruce Roberts |
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Donate to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley
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 |
Please click here:
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A Win-Win Situation
The devotion, commitment, and enthusiasm shown by hospital employee Kathy Brown and hospital volunteers Sharon Highet and Treva Hari is absolutely amazing and never-ending. They not only figured out a solution that greatly benefits the animals at the Humane Society and Skagit Valley Hospital, but they also have a direct impact on preserving our environment.
It all started in September of 2008 when Humane Society of Skagit Valley volunteer Kathy Brown put the word out at Skagit Valley Hospital that the Humane Society was in need of clean items for the cat and dog kennels. Kathy, who is a Registered Nurse working at the hospital, posted notices asking people for blankets, towels, and sheets. Kathy noted the Humane Society can also use dog beds, throw rugs, small carpet remnants, and fleecy bedding.
A Very Happy Kitty
In January of 2009, after the Skagit County puppy mill bust, Kathy updated her notice requesting more items be donated because the Humane Society had taken on additional dogs from horrific conditions at the puppy mill. It was necessary for the Humane Society to rearrange the kennel areas to accommodate the newly rescued dogs.
In April 2009, Kathy sent a letter to the Skagit Valley Hospital Administration with the news she had discovered items that could be used at the Shelter as opposed to throwing them out. Every day, operating room drapes used for wrapping sterile instruments, towels, and basins were being thrown away. Kathy had established an easy system for collection. At least every other day Kathy, Sharon, Treva, and a multitude of other hospital volunteers sort and fold the supplies and place them in clear plastic bags (for easy identification). They bring them to the Humane Society where the staff eagerly awaits the much needed items. Just as one example, the Shelter staff and volunteers used the operating room drapes to line the floors of the kennels of the dogs rescued from the puppy mill. The drapes are used for incoming animals and as privacy curtains. The plastic basins are used as kitty beds so every cat has the opportunity to curl up and sleep in a cozy and safe spot.
The donations save thousands of dollars and have greatly reduced the need for the Shelter staff to wash and dry towels, blankets, rugs, and sheets. There is also a significant savings on cleaning supplies and expenses.
In May of 2009, Kathy put together a picture board for the Skagit Valley Hospital administrators showing the process of how unused instrument wrappers were folded, delivered, and used at the Humane Society. The Skagit Valley Hospital Staff and Safety Committee loved the project so much that they helped identify the best location for storage and sorting of the supplies on an ongoing basis.
Sandy Nelson, Director of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, notes in a letter to Steve Schultz, Director of Volunteer Services at Skagit Valley Hospital, that she has the opportunity to work with many volunteers who give generously to the animals. Sandy goes on to say how much everyone at the Shelter appreciates Kathy Brown, and hospital volunteers Sharon Highet and Treva Hari for their readiness and willingness to help the many animals the Humane Society cares for.
A win-win situation!
P.S. Yvonne Allen, from United General Hospital, started saving the operating room drapes used for wrapping sterile instruments, thinking there must be a way to reuse them. Yvonne and Kathy talked and now Yvonne has started a similar program.
 
Kathy Brown Sharon Highet and Treva Hari
A Portion of the Story Board |
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Mr. Big Strikes It Big
Greetings! My name is Vernon. I am very proud of my name because it is part of the name of the town where my human and I first met. I met Tom in Mount Vernon at the Humane Society Thrift Shop. My name was Mr. Big back then (both because I was a big four month old kitten and, of course, I am big in attitude as all kitties are). What happened was Tom walked in the Thrift Shop and I immediately knew he would be mine. Tom is a loving and generous man with a heart of gold. He said I reminded him of Yanny. Yanny was a cat who was fortunate enough to live with Tom for 13 years before he became very ill and eventually passed on. Tom was owned by only one cat now named Zelda and she needed a playmate. I remember looking at Tom and feeling that special and magical feeling when everything falls into place. Can this really be happening? Yes it was. Did I just land in heaven? Yes I did. I love everything about Tom, Zelda, our home, and my new life. Zelda and I are both indoor cats and Tom even put a chain link kennel on the deck that we can access through our pet door. Thank you to everyone at the Shelter and Thrift Shop for giving me a magnificent life filled with love and happiness.
That is me on the right with Zelda. Can you see my huge smile?
Written by: Vernon Olsen |
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Animal Lovers Among Us:
Mike and Donna Simonds
When we called Mike and Donna Simonds for an interview for the enewsletter, their response was quite matter-of-factly, "Sure, if it will help the Humane Society of Skagit Valley." Mike and Donna are ardent supporters of the Humane Society in so many ways. They also fostered and adopted an extremely brave puppy mill survivor.
Anyone who has been to the Shelter has seen their wonderful work. They own All American Engraving. They design, manufacture, and donate all the beautiful dedication plaques at the Humane Society.
Mike and Donna are officers of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie & Auxiliary #3242 in Burlington. They support the Shelter by soliciting donations and encouraging volunteerism on an ongoing basis. In their roles as officers, they make selections as to which charities to support. In 2012 Mike is going to be State Aerie President and in 2014 Donna will be State Auxiliary President. Also, in 2010 Donna will be the Burlington Auxiliary President. As such, she will have her choice of two charities to support. One of the charities Donna is selecting is the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. Donna indicates she will alternate monthly between supporting cats and supporting dogs.
"Meet Bubba," Donna said. "I don't go anywhere without him." Donna explained that Bubba is one of the puppy mill survivors. However, looking at Bubba with Donna, you would never be able to detect Bubba suffered through years of abuse and neglect and even had a broken leg when the Simonds first fostered him. Bubba, in his very stylish jacket, looked so happy and content in Donnas' lap. The Simonds family lives on three acres which is home to four dogs. The other three dogs, Peanut, Rocky, and Fanny, are all Shelties. "Bubba loves to pal around with Peanut. Also in the past we have bred Shelties," Mike and Donna said. In addition they have a summer home and to accommodate Bubba's small size, they have redone the deck of their summer home. Mike and Donna say, "The dogs are a part of our family and we would do anything and everything for them."
We are extremely fortunate to have the support and generosity of dedicated animal lovers like Mike and Donna Simonds. We are very thankful and grateful to them for all they do for the animals and the Humane Society of Skagit Valley.
Below are Mike, Donna, and Bubba:
Below are two of the beautiful dedication plaques created, manufactured, and donated by Mike and Donna:
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Welcome Becca Graham
Becca Graham is a dog evaluator for the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. The evaluation test Becca performs is used as a guidance tool for the Shelter staff and for categorizing dogs for potential adoption. Becca also works as a dog behaviorist at the Academy of Canine Behavior in Bothell. "The two jobs complement each other," Becca says. "If there are Shelter dogs that need professional intervention, they may go back to the Academy to spend a week with the staff of trainers as well as me. The partnership provides a second chance for the Shelter dogs and great work experience for apprentice trainers."
Thank you, Becca, for your vital contributions and the important service you provide to assist dogs in finding their forever and loving homes.
Becca with two dog friends who work together at the
Academy of Canine Behavior are pictured below:
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Click Here,
Attention: Current and Future Volunteers
Have you heard of dog clicker training?
Clicker training rewards desirable behavior by using a "clicker" (which makes a distinct "click" sound) which tells dogs exactly when they are doing the correct thing. The Humane Society is very fortunate to have Becca Graham teach a training class using the clicker method. It is an effective and safe technique and is perfect for anyone who volunteers or is considering volunteering at the Humane Society. For more information, please call the HSSV at 360-757-0445 or stop by. |
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News from the Humane Society Thrift Shop
November and December at the Humane Society Thrift Shop were exciting months! This year's "Christmas Collection" was our best ever! I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all the volunteers who helped put it together: Sara (who spends all year working on it), Steve, Kevin, Maria and Roy, Heather, Lois, Kathy and James, Mark, Janice, Nancy, Jan, Pat, Enid, Sharon and Danna. We couldn't have done it without you! Thank you!
Now that Christmas is all packed up, it's time for Valentine's Day. We have all things hearts in the front of the store, so remember your Sweetie!
Also remember, and tell all your friends, the Humane Society Thrift Shop is happy to accept Christmas decorations and artificial trees anytime throughout the year. That gives us time to sort, package and price it. We hope next year's "Christmas Collection" will be even better!
The Humane Society Thrift Shop is located at 525-D East College Way, Mount Vernon, just four doors north of Value Village.
Phone:
360-424-5991
Hours:
Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Click Below For More Info:
All proceeds benefit the formerly homeless, abandoned, and abused animals served by the Humane Society of Skagit Valley.
Thank you for your support!
Written by: Megan Strong, Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager |
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Disaster Recovery Volunteers Needed
Did you know part of the myriad of services the Humane Society of Skagit Valley provides is coordinating resources for housing and placement of small animals evacuated during disasters?
We are looking for committed volunteers to train for emergency evacuation of Shelter animals and assist with animals belonging to the public during emergency rescue from floods and other disasters. We hope you consider volunteering in this important work as you will be making a significant and lasting contribution to the animals and your community!
Please call 360-757-0445 and talk with Sandy or email humane@sos.net for more information.
To read about Animal Disaster Preparedness posted on the
Humane Society of Skagit Valley website, please click:
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Featured Pets, in Their Own Words
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Did you frisk everyone before they came to my concert?
Oh please, have a seat. They call me Bruce and I am 2˝ years old. I am very affectionate and friendly. I love people. I have the potential of being the best cat you've ever had. If you check out the Billboard Top 100, my new CD is number one on the charts.
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Yes, I would like fries with that, thank you.
I'm Pepé, a long-haired Chihuahua and I am six years old. I lived with my human my entire life until my human passed away. I was so frightened of what was going to happen next. I am so lucky to be brought here to the Humane Society. The people here are fantastic and take excellent care of me while I wait for my forever home. I would love to share your quiet home and I can be your best friend and give you all my attention and love always.
Would you please close the door? I am about to eat my dinner.
I love saying that because it has been a long time since I have been able to make that statement. You see, seven months ago I was dumped in the Shelter parking lot. I was very scared but the incredible people here never gave up hope of catching me. They taught me to trust and love humans again. They call me Amber and I love my new name. Thanks to everyone at the Humane Society, I am warm, safe, and feel secure. That is something I never would have imagined was even possible. I am about one year old. Won't you think about adopting me as your special cat? I will love you forevermore.
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Mr. DeMille, I am ready for my close-up.
Hi, I'm Chloe. I am a 1˝ year old Chihuahua. I am so happy and thrilled Animal Control brought me here. Previously, I was never allowed inside the house. I was very cold and alone day after day after day. I was always so scared. The evenings were so dark and seemed endless. Now I have a second chance. Dreams really do come true. I will be the most excellent dog ever!
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Look deep into my eyes.
My name is Sal and I have been patiently waiting for you. I am very playful and loving. I am about 10 months old and would love to be your forever friend.
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Can you direct me to the VIP lounge?
Hi there, my name is Suzy. I am a two year old German Shepherd mix. I pride myself on being a very fast learner (if I do say so myself). I know how to sit, come, and heal on a leash. I am housebroken as well. I love to fetch, run, and swim. I am very loyal and would love to be your only pet so I have you all to myself.
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P.S. When you come to the Shelter to see us, if we are not here, it means we have found our loving and forever families. There are many more pets waiting to meet you who would love to be by your side. | |
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We hope you enjoyed the 2010 first quarterly 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 Roberts | |
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