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PawPrintsNewsletterAugust2016Final
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- 2. Paw Prints Newsletter, Volume 6 Summer 2016 2 HSAC Humane Program Up & Running 1 Article by Jessica Huxmann In late June 2016, the Humane Society received a call from a concerned citizen about a neighbor who had locked a family of cats in an outbuilding for two days without food or water. When Humane Agent Melissa Downs arrived on the scene, she was appalled by what she found. The temperature outside was over ninety degrees. The temperature inside the wooden shed was certainly well above that. All of the week-old kittens were limp. Their mother was lethargic, emaciated, and dehydrated. For the past forty- eight hours, locked in the sweltering dark building, the mother cat had exhausted every last ounce of moisture from her body to nurse her kittens, and now there was not enough left for them to survive. Agent Downs immediately removed the mama and five babies from the shed and transported them to the Animal Shelter in West Union, where they were given intensive treatment. Sadly, one tiny kitten died as a result of heat stress and dehydration. Agent Downs remained at the Shelter well past midnight to ensure that the mama cat, nick-named “Joanne”, would 2 survive. Agent Downs hand-fed Joanne small morsels of wet cat food every half-hour until she was satisfied that the cat could eat on her own. Joanne and her surviving four kittens have come a long way in their recuperation, but some of the kittens continue to struggle with the effects of their extreme neglect. Two of the kittens have permanently lost vision in one eye due to untreated infections. All of the kittens are smaller than normal for their age. The Humane Society of Adams County is committed to continuing to care for the felines until each one is healthy and has been adopted into its forever home. Joanne and her family’s rescue and recovery have been made possible by the Adams County Commissioner’s generous support of HSAC’s Humane Program and by the donations of supporters like you. Each time Agent Downs learns of a possible new case of cruelty or neglect, she must pull together all of her available resources to properly investigate the situation. This might include using gasoline to travel to and from the site of the alleged abuse, using a digital 3 camera to take photos of evidence, spending hours in the field and on the phone interviewing suspects and witnesses, writing copious notes to document each detail of the case, and spending time in the offices of law enforcement to ensure that the case is properly handled and the perpetrators are brought to justice. The future of the Humane Program depends on the availability of funds to pay for these expenses. Without members like you, the rescue of Joanne and her family would not have been possible. Thank you for your support of the abused, neglected, unwanted and forgotten animals of Adams County. For more ways you can help the Humane Program, please see the Humane Program Wish List on Page 7.
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- 4. Paw Prints Newsletter, Volume 6 Summer 2016 4 We Are Ready for New Homes These are just a few of our many friendly and fully-vetted animals ready to be adopted. “Thumper ismy name. I’m a VERY desirable mutt: Schnauzer/Shih Tzu! I’m pretty new at the Shelter, so the nice folks here and I are still getting to know each other, but I’m ready to meet you and your family and maybe we’d be a great match!” “Jenna Here! I'm such a sweet loving girl. I am 6 years old and I came to HSAC in April 2016, when the rescue I was with found themselves unable to care for the many cats in their possession. It happens to the best sometimes. Funding isn't easy to find anymore, at least that's what I keep hearing anyway. Luckily HSAC was able to step up and take me in. Anyway, now that you know some of my history, will you help me write my “Greetings, I am Grace. Never in your life will you find a feline as exquisitely wonderful as me. I suppose that the universe had larger plans for my future when I was abandoned and ended up here…. I believe YOU are a part of that plan. Do come visit me today. I shall be forever grateful.” “Hey there! I'm Scooby, I'm a 1.5 year old, Red Heeler/Hound Mix. I'm a pretty awesome boy, if I do say so myself! Cool fact: part of one my eyes is light blue! I think it makes me pretty unique, as if my awesome personality didn't do that already! I came into the Shelter in April 2016 from in a not-very-good situation at my last home. I was tied up all day and all night for most of my life. I really would love to find a new forever home, a pup can't stay at the shelter forever, ya know!” Photo by Hazelbaker Photography
- 5. Paw Prints Newsletter, Volume 6 Summer 2016 5 We Are Ready for New Homes “Marney ismy name. I’m a VERY friendly cat that would love a family of my own. Being in a Shelter is not a very happy place for such a people-loving cat like me! At my age age (born in 2014), I’ve got lots more years of love to give! I’m in great health and I love squeaky toys as much as any dog! I also like being in the sunshine – I’ll seek out the beams wherever they are. I am already spayed and vaccinated.” “Hello there, Wren here! I'm a pretty awesome girl. Most cats aren't cool enough to have one blue eye and one green eye! Pretty cool huh? I'm such a lover. I love to snuggle right next to you and be petted. I get along well with other animals and kids. I’m spayed and up-to-date on all shots. What's not to like?” “Flower here! I'm such a cuddle bug!!! I don't know a stranger! Boy oh boy do I love to play fetch!!! I would, however, prefer to be the only dog in the home, and I would love a home without small children, they make me pretty nervous. I get along great with older kids and cats, though! I am housebroken, crate trained, and I love to go for car rides!” “I’m Midas and I think life is a blast, except for one thing: I’m sure that seeing shelter visitors leave without me is no fun! I’m a very affectionate young boy who is a people-lover through and through. Born around May 2015, I came to HSAC with my two brothers, Chewie and Jerzy. I had a small hole in my chest cavity but I already had surgery to correct it and I’m fully recovered! I am neutered, up-to-date on all vaccinations, and I am happy to live with other cats.” Photo by Hazelbaker Photography Photo by Hazelbaker Photography ADOPTED ADOPTED
- 6. Paw Prints Newsletter, Volume 6 Summer 2016 6 We Are Ready for New Homes Zoey ismy name. I am a very sweet Beagle/Labrador Retriever mix. I am in the prime of my life at just three years old. I’m out of my annoying puppy years, but active enough to keep up with anything you’d like to do. I am vaccinated, spayed, and micro-chipped. I adore all people and I love to play. I am looking to be your one and only – I would do best in a home with no other animals. Lots of people pass me by… will you be the one who chooses me? “Hello there, Trip here! I'm a pretty awesome pooch. I'm such a loving guy. I love to snuggle right next to you and be petted. What's not to like?” Looking for a pal you can truly talk to? Hilda will hang on your every word. She is a cheerful, healthy senior. Hilda is crazy about playing with balls and she's more than happy to be petted along her back for as long as you can manage it. Hilda is spayed, and vaccinated. “I’m Blade and I think you might be the one I’ve been waiting for. I’m a very sweet young boy with a hear of gold. I am neutered, up-to- date on all vaccinations, and I am happy to live with other cats.” Photo by Hazelbaker Photography ADOPTED After 10 months in the Shelter! Senior At Shelter since April 2016
- 7. Paw Prints Newsletter, Volume 6 Summer 2016 7 Volunteers Wanted 1 Did you know that the Humane Society of Adams County was run completely by volunteers for the first nine years of its existence? Volunteers still take care of memberships, fundraising, public outreach, social events, education, and most donation drives. Our staff is amazing and they are there for the care of the animals and the smooth operations of the Animal Shelter, but we still rely on volunteers to do most of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the Humane Society humming. We would love to have you join us! You love animals, you want to make a difference in your community, and you have a few spare hours to give. Call us today! ~ Nick Mason 2 Volunteers for HSAC enjoy several great perks: getting to work for a great cause, meeting like-minded folks who may become lifelong friends, enjoying access to some of the most adorable animals on the planet, and gaining the satisfaction of knowing that their work is making a difference in the lives of homeless pets. To become a volunteer, please stop in at the Animal Shelter between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, or call the Shelter at (937) 544-8585. All volunteers fill out a short 3 questionnaire to ensure the best match for your abilities and interests. Training is provided for free by our knowledgeable Shelter staff. Once you are signed up to volunteer, you can set a schedule and start helping – it’s easy, fun, and you’ll feel good about yourself for giving back to your community by helping the homeless cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens of Adams County. We need volunteers to help man the booth at the Herb Festival Oct. 7, 8 & 9, 2016. 456 Humane Agent Wish List 1 • Foster homes for livestock •MAGLITE RX1019 Heavy-Duty Rechargeable Flashlight $193 on Amazon • Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera Kit with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens $400 on Amazon 2 • Money for gasoline • Contractor trash bags • Nitrile gloves, sizes Medium and Large • Disposable Slip-on shoe covers • Gift cards for local feed stores Please consider fostering a homeless horse, donkey, mule, or goat. All feed and vet expenses will be covered by HSAC.
- 8. Paw Prints Newsletter, Volume 5: Issue 1 Summer 2015 Use HSAC to promote your business! The HumaneSociety of Adams County is always interested in finding creative ways to partner with local businesses. Whether you sell donuts or doorknobs, we bet there’s a way we can promote your goods while helping homeless animals. Consider inviting us to hold an adoption event with cute puppies & kittens in your store. How about a “Stuff-the-Truck” event in which HSAC volunteers hand out lists of needed items to your customers as they enter your store. Your customers add one or two purchases to their shopping list and drop the items off on their way out. You get full retail price and HSAC get much-needed supplies to help the animals! Show your customers you care about their community and its homeless animals. Thank you for your support! Surprising Ways You Can Donate • Donate Your Time – become a volunteer at the Shelter or at HSAC events. • Donate Your Talent – Share your special hobby of gardening by helping spruce up the Shelter’s landscaping, or use your sewing skills to make cozy beds for the cats and kittens. • Donate a Place in Your Home – Fostering a pet gives a second chance to an animal in need, and HSAC pays the bills. Dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens often need foster homes, as well as horses, donkeys, goats, and other livestock. • Donate Part of Your Wedding or Event Registry – who needs another toaster? Add some of the Shelter’s “Wish List” items to your registry and let your guests know that their support of the Shelter is also a way to support you and your event, (and you don’t have to worry about re-gifting the toaster). • Donate Household Items – The Shelter uses tons of Dawn dish soap, bleach, laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, and office supplies. • Donate Scoopable Litter – You know how quickly your cat’s litter box gets soiled – now multiply that by twenty-six cats 365 days per year and you’ll understand how critical litter is to the Shelter. Pet food is also a quickly-used commodity, especially food for puppies and kittens. • Sign up with Amazon Smile and Kroger Community Rewards (org #83617) – A portion of each purchase benefits the Shelter. • Double Your Donation Through Your Employer - Check with your company about gift-matching programs. GE is one generous local business that allows employees to select HSAC for contributions, which can be matched by the company. All donations may be tax-deductible. Consider hosting a Supply Drive for the Shelter with your child’s 4-H or scout troop. When they come to drop off their collected items, we will take their photo, give them a personal tour, and sent the photo to the local newspapers to celebrate their service to the community. Checks can be made to “HSAC” and mailed to P.O. Box 245, West Union, OH 45693. Bumble – adopted! Scooby is available, see Page 4. Photo by Hazelbaker Photography