Greetings!

Please pardon our mess!

If you've recently visited us at the shelter, you know what I'm talking about. Crews have been using large machinery to dig and trench extensive portions of our property to the west and north of our parking lot.

One of our aging, inadequate septic tanks required replacing, and it has turned out to be a major project. The good news is we now have a larger, updated system that will be able to handle both our present needs and our future growth.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during the construction. If you have beloved pets resting in our cemetery, please be assured that no graves were disturbed, and we are continuing to provide cemetery services. We will restore landscaping to the affected area as soon as we can.

On behalf of the animals-

Chuck Tourtillott
Executive Director

P.S. Help us build a strong future for animals in our communities. Please take a moment to donate now! Want to help the cause but can't afford to donate? Use GoodSearch!

The first time I met Rascal was last December during the Cedar Valley Humane Society's Holiday Open House. He was paralyzed with fear but remained calm and gentle. I subsequently discovered that he was abandoned, "rescued" by people who had tied him outside where he contracted heartworm. They then turned him over to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

Rascal had become a special-needs dog due to his fearfulness and disease. The Cedar Valley Humane Society staff worked with him for several months as he recovered from his fears and received critical heartworm treatment.

I monitored Rascal's progress during this time, and in March I had the opportunity to meet him again and potentially adopt him. What a change! He looked so happy running around the courtyard and visiting with the staff that cared for him. After a few moments, he let me pet him. During this visit, Rascal met my elderly Lab, Walter (also a CVHS alumnus), and interacted quite well, demonstrating respect for the older dog. I decided then and there that this wonderful, goofy dog deserved a forever home, and Rascal became part of my family.

Ever since that night, Rascal has flourished! I took advantage of the Pawsitively Paws free consultation that was provided with his adoption paperwork. Their advice was invaluable, and I highly recommend that everyone take advantage of this training and dog behavior assistance. Each week, Rascal makes additional strides forward. He has been on a road trip to downtown Chicago, playing well with others on the Chicago dog beach. He conquered the elevated dog walk at dog agility class, and he now meets most people without fear. He loves to play ball with kids and does somersaults in the grass when especially happy.

I cannot thank the folks at the Cedar Valley Humane Society enough for saving Rascal's life, especially the staff that worked with him for months and those who provided the resources for his heartworm treatment. This organization truly cares about doing right for the animals and people of Linn County.

I understand that he was the first of many dogs who became part of the Cedar Valley Humane Society "office dog" program, and I am sure the staff has many more Rascal stories. I cannot imagine my life without Rascal, who now has a loving home, care, and protection for the rest of his life while providing joy for mine.

Annette H.

Remember, YOU can send us your Happy Tail, too!

Cats are the ultimate narcissists. You can tell this by all the time they spend on personal grooming. Dogs aren't like this. A dog's idea of personal grooming is to roll in a dead fish.

-James Gorman