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| Issue 9 - Quarter 2, 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 second quarter 2010 edition of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley enewsletter.
As we welcome springtime, which is a season of renewal, we are reminded that we need to spring into action for the animals at the Humane Society. More than ever, we need to be resourceful in our efforts to support the activities of the Shelter.
There are so many ways of doing so whether by actions or by words. Financial support is always welcome. Volunteers are also needed in every area and always appreciated (activities such as walking dogs, visiting cats, assisting the office staff, helping out at events, etc.). Please click here for more information:
http://www.skagithumane.com/volunteerinfo.html
Like the exquisite tulips that spring from the ground this time of year, your volunteer efforts help nurture the homeless animals at the Humane Society and help each of them blossom while they patiently await their loving and forever homes.
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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The 15th Annual Black Cat Auction will be held on Saturday, May 1 at the Burlington Community Center. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and include both a silent auction and a live auction. Mark your calendars! Please join us for a night to remember!
This fantastic event features hundreds of items and services donated by local businesses and private contributors. Enjoy great food, great beverages, and great people. There will also be fun visits from some of the pets at the Humane Society.
Tickets are only $25 each and are available at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, or the Humane Society Thrift Shop, or at the door the night of the event.
Funds raised will help provide adoption programs and community education programs as well as assist in caring for the 3,000 pets that arrive at the Shelter every year.
Donations and volunteers are always needed. For more information, please call 360-757-0445 or email humane@sos.net. |
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Ten-Year-Old Jessica
Wants to Buy Land for the Animals
As I do each year at this time, I made a New Year's Resolution with the goal of reducing stress, and building some good karma. This year I decided to remove the wrist watch from my left wrist and replace it with a bracelet made of Tibetan prayer beads. I would call it a chill bracelet since each time I looked at my left wrist, instead of wondering what time it is, I would remind myself to "chill out." It sounded like such a good idea that I decided to put the term "chill bracelet" into the Google search engine and see what I came up with. Here in the first position is what I saw:
Welcome to Chill Bracelets. This website is about saving animals. You can help by buying one bracelet. It will save space on Earth for animals to live...
I clicked on the website and discovered that a ten-year-old by the name of Jessica had taken on this task and was using the idea of a chill bracelet in a totally unique and different way from what I envisioned.
After collecting money from some friends, we placed a tidy order through Jessica's website. Jessica's Dad, Rick, asked how I found the website and I responded with the above story. I asked Rick how Jessica came up with the idea and this is his response:
"It's funny how Jessica and I remember things slightly differently. I used to own a website business so Jessica knows I have made websites. She says that I suggested making the website, but my memory is that she came to me and asked if I could help her make a website so she could sell bracelets. I said that I would be happy to do that if she wrote down what she wanted the website to say. She said she wanted to raise money to buy land for animals. I told her that she should search online and find a good organization to donate to that buys/protects land. She said 'No Dad, I want to use the money and we buy the land for the animals ourselves.' I thought that was very cute and wonderful that a nine-year-old made such a simple but profound statement. I had to explain that we likely would not be able to raise enough money from bracelets to buy land on our own, but she could donate it so it went along with other people's money to buy land. She liked this and we found three great local organizations. I printed out all three and she picked Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast from the three choices. I think she made the perfect choice as their goals are exactly the same as hers. I am very proud of her and I believe she will find many ways in her lifetime to help animals and people. Jessica is now ten years old and plays guitar and violin. Jessica has danced in the Nutcracker for the past four years and possibly wants to become a veterinarian. Jessica is truly an amazing person and her Mother and I are very proud of her wonderful spirit and dedication."
I asked Jessica to tell me about herself and here in her own words are the answers to my questions:
Q. How did you get interested in helping animals?
A. Well, I've always loved animals. But I always thought how can just a little girl help? I searched and searched trying to figure out how I could help. At first me and my friend Mackenzie made a club where we donated money to help animals. It was a bit hard to get a donation. So soon we quit. Then I asked my Dad. I was wondering if he could help me somehow. Well he helped a ton he said it's easy just make a website! How can I do that I'm only nine years old. I'll help you he said. Thanks Dad! And that's how I got interested in helping the animals.
Q. How did you get the idea to help buy land for the animals?
A. I was on the computer at school and the website I was looking at was about how little land animals have to live on. I talked to my Dad about this and he thought that this is what my website should be about, buying land for animals.
Q. Where does the name chill bracelet come from? What is the meaning behind the name?
A. For sure I wanted bracelets somewhere in the name. So first I thought of animal bracelets but it was already taken. I'm into peace so I thought of peace bracelets and that was already taken!! Then suddenly my Dad said "how about chill bracelets." "I like it!" Then I thought hey it's cool it's small and it's catchy. That is how I got chill bracelets!
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I have about six pets. One is a dog named Maggie who is fourteen, another is a bunny named Cuddles, and the rest are tadpoles.
Please check out Jessica's website and buy some chill bracelets!!
http://chillbracelets.com/
Written by 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 |
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What's New at the Humane Society Thrift Shop
 Well, spring is here and so is the spring and summer merchandise at the Humane Society Thrift Shop! We've stored warmer weather clothing and shoes to be displayed for sale during the spring and summer months. Some of our items are even new with tags still on. Check us out before going to the mall for your wardrobe additions!
If you are already a Thrift Shop customer, you may have noticed our new brighter ceiling lighting, thanks to a Puget Sound Energy grant. It is more energy efficient than our previous lighting, so will save us money on the electric bill, as well as provide a brighter shopping environment!
The cats are back at the Thrift Shop! Due to a lack of space, we were cat-less during the Christmas season. Now that things are back to normal, we've already found homes for four wonderful cats: Kimi, Bradley, Lucas and Bobbert. If you're looking for a nice cat or just want to pet one, stop by the Thrift Shop and see who we have!
The Thrift Shop is in need of clean, resalable donations of all types. This time of year the Thrift Shop actually runs low on donations. Although it doesn't look like we have room for furniture, we eagerly accept large resalable items and display them on the sidewalk in front of the store. What doesn't sell during the day is moved inside at night. Please remember we accept all kinds of holiday merchandise all year long (yes, even artificial Christmas trees and large yard decorations)!
Questions? Please call Megan or Amy at (360) 424-5991.
The Humane Society Thrift Shop is located at 525-D East College Way, Mount Vernon, just four doors north of Value Village.
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.
On behalf of all the animals served by the proceeds from the Humane Society Thrift Shop, we thank you for your support!
Click below for more info:
Written by: Megan Strong, Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager |
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Meet Our Thrift Shop Volunteers
 We are so appreciative of those who donate their time and talents to raise money for the Humane Society. Even a commitment of just two to four hours per week is the kind of help that really adds up and makes a difference.
The Thrift Shop's lead volunteer, Sara Strong (Megan's Mom) was featured in a previous enewsletter issue. She works at least three days per week at the Thrift Shop, plus countless additional hours in her garage and home, washing, sorting, organizing and packaging many items.
Janice Davis packages small toys and fabric scraps at home and then straightens the store and displays fabric on Monday mornings.
Pat Helliar, Jan Wilson and Kathy Culver are all trained to operate the cash register, hang clothes, display merchandise and serve the customers. Kimberley Smith and Madeline Delia are recent volunteers in cashier training as well.
In her home in Lynden, Kathy Ewing measures, rolls and packages our fabric.
Steve Hawkins checks electronics, prices "guy stuff" and helps us immensely in so many areas. He is often the man receiving donations at the back door too.
Kathy Moore is our recycling expert. She processes all types of metal and delivers it for sale to Skagit River Steel to benefit the Humane Society.
Many of these volunteers are participants in Skagit County's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), America's largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over. Thank you Sara, Janice, Pat, Jan, Kathy C., Kimberley, Madeline, Judy, Kathy E., Steve and Kathy M.! Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
If you have a few extra hours per week, and would enjoy helping out at the Humane Society Thrift Shop, please contact Megan or Amy at (360) 424-5991 or just stop by and introduce yourself! We'd love to meet you!
Written by: Megan Strong, Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager |
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For those with a Facebook account, please click here:
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No Facebook account? No problem, please click here:
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And They Lived Happily Ever After
 My story is short but sweet. In September of 2009 the Humane Society of Skagit Valley acquired a female white Rex rabbit and her three babies who were one month old. I volunteer at the Shelter and when I saw them I offered to foster them.
We have rescued rabbits from another place. They came from a terrible home; in fact only one likes to be petted. They are all very sweet and loving rabbits and are just not used to receiving attention and love from humans.
My husband and I got to see how lovable and affectionate Momma Rex was after we spent time with her. She loves to be petted and loves attention from us; very different from our other rabbits. We then decided to adopt Momma Rex and named her Meadow.
Meadow is doing great. She has her own room, receives lots of attention, and has playtime every night where she runs and does binkies (a rabbit's way of showing they are happy by doing funny jumps and twists in the air).
Written by: Laura Sisk |
Ani Means Beautiful and Gentle Spirit
We are the new and proud parents of Ani (formerly known as Raggedy Ann). Ani means beautiful and gentle spirit. She has made us laugh since the day we left the Shelter. Ani wants to please, love, and fit in and she has done just that. With each day, Ani's true self is coming out. Ani was found in a box near death by the side of the road on Christmas day. She was extremely thin with bones showing and had a skin condition that left her with little hair. One of the first things we did was have blood work done and thankfully the results were normal. We now have her on duck and potato dog food, Omega oils for her skin and coat, and enzymes to help her as well. She loves car rides and puts her head on one of our shoulders as we drive. Ani sleeps in her luxurious new dog bed (which was probably her first ever). She is well mannered, potty trained, and keeps herself clean.
We are blessed to have her, and because of her, our lives have been transformed. Ani looks like she has been through a lot in her lifetime. Most likely her past has brought her pain and suffering, but the amazing thing is that her spirit never gave up hope or trust. We now look at those who society considers to be outcasts and of little value and we see great value in them.
Ani is a tribute to how all mankind should be--full of inner beauty and a gentle spirit. Thank you for giving Ani a second chance at life. And, thank you again for allowing us to adopt her and give our love to a very special girl who desperately needed it.
Below is a picture of Ani:
Written by Debbie and Pepper Iverson |
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Your Daily Vote Does Count
The Shelter Challenge is back. Now through April 18 help us get cash grants from the Shelter Challenge through the Animal Rescue Site.
Just click the above link to vote. And every day through April 18 click the same link on the Humane Society of Skagit Valley website to cast your vote.
Do you have more than one computer at home?
Please vote for us from each one every day.
Do you work in an office with computers?
Vote from each every day. And, spread the word among your coworkers.
Place the Cash for Critters link in your signature block on outgoing emails so everyone you know may vote each day.
It only takes a few seconds per day--really!
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In His Own Write
To the Humane Society of Skagit Valley:
Below is Scruffy's story (what he was willing to share). A before and after photo follow.
It was a year ago when I hit my low point. I was homeless, sick, tired and cold. My hips and back ached from an injury that hadn't healed. I was missing a large clump of fur on my back from a fight. The fur I had was matted and impossible to clean. And I could barely open my eyes because they hurt so much. Even though it was March, a cold snap had hit the area and the night time temperatures were in the lower twenties. I wasn't sure how long I'd make it.
But as I hid out, curled in a tight little ball to stay warm, I felt the sun streaming down through the wooden slats. I slowly stretched and decided to take a chance. I limped out into the sunshine and carefully pulled myself up onto the deck. I walked over to the sliding glass door and made eye contact with an indoor cat just for a brief second before I looked down. He stared at me, assessing me, and then called out to his humans. They looked at me and then the first miracle occurred. A nice lady came out to the deck with a bowl of food and water. I quickly inhaled the contents and took a nap in the sun.
That night she returned and led me to the family's garage where I found bowls of food and water, a warm bed, and a litter box. I settled in for the night and prayed they would keep me. But after a few nights they took me to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley.
While the people at the Shelter were very kind, I was scared and stressed. I prayed for another miracle, but I didn't really think I had a chance. Visitors would pass by me and say, "Look at that old, scruffy cat. He's on his last legs." If only someone would see me for the great kitty I could be. If only someone would give me a chance.
One busy afternoon I heard a familiar voice. It was the lady who let me stay in her garage. I opened up my eyes and there she was, opening my cage and reaching in to pet me. I gave her a love nip and purred, staring at her longingly. And somehow it worked!
I came home on Good Friday and joined the Romano family. It has been a long process. I had to be nursed back to health and slowly introduced to the house and to my kitty companion, Giuseppe. Sometimes I act tough when I'm tired or achy so he'll leave me alone. But I know he rescued me. Thank you for bringing me into your home, Giuseppe!
Please, Humane Society of Skagit Valley, tell the other animals this: If an old, injured and sick kitty like me can find a forever home, so can they. Keep on hoping, guys! Your turn will come!
Sincerely, Giuseppe Gattino Romano (Scruffy's Brother) and Scruffy
Here is the before and after photo of Scruffy:
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The Humane Society Thrift Shop donates 100 percent of its proceeds to the animals at the Shelter. Every year there are four major events at the Thrift Shop (Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween). Many of these huge undertakings by the Thrift Shop staff would not be possible if it weren't for the generosity of people like Maxine Melvin and Lynn Walenda. Maxine and Lynn are the mother-daughter duo who have turned their love of obtaining collectable items and clothes into donations for the Thrift Shop. Megan Strong, the Humane Society Thrift Shop Manager says, "They are an army of two when it comes to keeping the store stocked with interesting and fun collectables and clothes."
When Maxine moved back into the area in 1994, she and Lynn found they really enjoyed antiquing and shopping together. "We wanted to do something that would benefit the community," says Maxine. "By donating to the Humane Society Thrift Shop, we found that this benefits both the homeless animals at the Shelter and people who are able to reuse items that we collect," says Lynn.
The time spent volunteering at the Humane Society made Lynn keenly aware of the financial needs of the Shelter. Maxine and Lynn feel that the contributions are a better way of supporting the community rather than holding weekend garage sales, since they get the double dip effect of helping both the community and homeless animals at the same time.
Pictured above: Animal lovers Maxine Melvin and Lynn Walenda |
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Meet the Newest HSSV Board of Directors Member,
Ellie Wright
Ellie is the newest member of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley Board of Directors. Ellie moved to this area from Santa Barbara, California, and her love for animals is what first motivated her to get involved in late 2008. "The animals need a voice and we are the only ones who can speak for them," says Ellie. "If anyone reading this has ever thought of volunteering with the HSSV, please do it today. It doesn't matter how little time or money you can give, as it is all greatly appreciated. There are many ways to help," she adds.
Ellie is working tirelessly on procuring items for the May 1, 2010 Black Cat Auction and will be the Auctioneer (the same as she did for the last Black Cat Auction). Ellie is also responsible for the magnificent Biker Quilt that will be raffled at the May 1, 2010 Black Cat Auction.
"I love the sound of the Harley and enjoy it when the bikers come to town (although I have not been on a motorcycle since I was about 23 years old). Up to 20,000 bikers come to town so I figured it would be a good place to sell tickets, as bikers are very generous people and do a lot for charity. That is what gave me the idea to do a quilt. Other animal organizations have quilts donated to be raffled so I thought I would kick it off for our Humane Society as another way to bring in money. I had the help of another animal lover, Peggy Wilbur. Peggy is a long time quilter who did a beautiful job and donated her time and materials."
Ellie has a wonderful Basset Hound named Margaret Elizabeth or Maggie for short. "Maggie was a rescue dog who had been dumped on Highway 20. She is fifteen-plus years old, as I got her in 1997 and she was already full grown. To this day, Maggie whines every time we go in the car until she knows she is heading home."
Congratulations on your appointment to the Board of Directors, Ellie. All the animals at the Shelter thank you for your dedication, devotion, and loving support. |
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Click, Like Magic
Editor's Note: You first met Becca Graham in our last issue. The Humane Society of Skagit Valley is honored to have Becca as a dog evaluator. Becca's services are instrumental in preparing dogs to be placed in their loving and forever homes. Becca trains volunteers on use of clicker training when working with the dogs at the Humane Society. For more information, just call the Shelter or stop by.
So what is "clicker training" and why are we using it on the shelter dogs? Hopefully the following information will help fill you in on a few answers to the more common questions.
Clicker training has been used with marine mammals for years, and is a clear, effective way to communicate with your dog. A clicker is a small plastic box with a metal tab that makes a clicking sound when pressed. The click acts as a marker to let your dog know the exact moment he is doing what you want. Why would your dog care if you click? Because each click is followed by a treat! Dogs learn quickly that "click equals treat," so they try to figure out how to make us humans "click." We use the click instead of verbal cues like "good" or "yes" because it adds consistency to the training despite multiple people working with them. The click never changes, unlike words which change from person to person.
How do you use the clicker?
You will be clicking the dogs for progressively getting closer to the end goal. There are various ways to get your dog to do something that will earn a click. Luring means leading your dog into position by having him follow a treat. Shaping means rewarding progressive bits of a behavior. For example, to get your dog to lie down from a sit, you might click and treat at first for a slight dip of the head, then for the head lowered further, then for head lowered further combined with one paw reaching forward, and so on until your dog was fully lying down. Luring and shaping are often combined. Capturing a behavior means clicking each time your dog happens to do it on her own. For example, if you click and treat each time your dog voluntarily makes eye contact, you will soon have a dog who is staring at you! In clicker training, we do not add the verbal cue (for example, "down") until after the dog is performing the behavior correctly. Once he's "got it" and is freely offering the behavior, we simply add the cue just before the dog starts doing the behavior, thus creating an association in his mind. That allows us to then elicit the behavior by giving the verbal cue.
A couple of key facts to keep in mind:
Don't click if the dog is doing something you don't want.
Say the dog is barking but holding a nice sit. You want to reinforce the sit but if you click you have a 50/50 chance the dog thinks she is being reinforced for the sit or the barking. So as a general rule, don't click unless the dog is offering appropriate behaviors. This will decrease confusion later on.
All behaviors get worse before they get better.
Think of the child throwing a temper tantrum for being asked to go to bed early. Eventually the child gives up and falls asleep if the parents maintain their cool and don't give in. Same with dogs; they will do what gave them a reward even if it was you yelling at them and pushing them off of you. We call these self-rewarding behaviors because you didn't mean to reward him but by jumping he got attention and "pet." They are some of the hardest to break but by consistently using the clicker you will have a dog sitting politely for pets in no time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the Academy of Canine Behavior at (425) 486-9567, or (800) 335-9267, online at http://www.aocb.com.
We are looking forward to continuing to see the results in calmer, happier, and ADOPTABLE dogs!
Becca Graham, Dog Behaviorist and Master Trainer
Pictured Above: Becca Graham and Client |
Featured Pets, In Their Own Words
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Is that an empty lap I see?
Hi, my name is Sparx. I am about two years old. I would love to be your forever friend. I love to snuggle. I am very social too. I get along well with other cats or can be by myself. Also I love children. Wouldn't it be fantastic for you and me to cuddle together all we can?
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Can you hook up my i-pod?
I am Esmeralda. Although I have an old-fashioned name, I am a very cool and hip gal. People say I am a real sweetie-pie. I am very smart too. We can learn all kinds of things as we start our new life together. I can't wait to give you all my love and affection.
Are you getting sleepy? I am! Hi, my name is Mazoni and I am two years old. I tend to be a little shy but by being here at the Humane Society I am rapidly learning the world is a wonderful place filled with loving and caring people. Won't you let me be your cat? Please!!! I will always love you.
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Is That a Frisbee I See?
They call me Dumpling. They say I am a gentle giant. I am a very mellow girl. I am about three years old and I have so much love to give. Can I go home with you now? You will see I am extremely loyal, devoted, and fun.
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I'm Hypnotizing You...Please Take Me Home...
...I am waiting to go home with you. Greetings! My name is Gaie and I am about three years old. I am very friendly and will give you all my love if you just give me a chance.
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Oh Boy, Are We Going For A Walk?
I love walks! My name is Paisley and I am three years old. My manners are not the best but I learn very quickly, promise! All I want is to be the best dog ever. Will you teach me? I will be by your side loving you forever. I am very friendly and have lots of enthusiasm and I am great around other dogs and children.
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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. |
We hope you enjoyed the 2010 second 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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