Adopt. Educate. Love.
Annual Report 2011–2012
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FHS Mission Statement
The Forsyth Humane Society is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to the compassionate treatment of cats and dogs in our community. We are committed to maintaining an adoption center with a no-kill policy. Educating our community about responsible pet ownership. Preventing overpopulation of cats and dogs. Advocating for the well-being of animals, placing cats and dogs into loving homes and enriching the lives of those in our community through animal companionship.
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ADVISORY BOARD
Letter from Leadership
Nan Griswold
Roseann Rush
Joia Johnson
David Scruggs
Susan King
Rex Welton
Jane Milner
Nancy Young
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
For 71 years, the Forsyth Humane Society has worked to care for animals in
Donna Burke
Jose Lahargou
need and to make our entire community a more humane one.
Candide Jones
Anna Marie Smith
We take the word “humane” seriously. Defined as “characterized by
MEMBERS
tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, especially for
Stephanie Belcher
Carol Gray
the suffering or distressed,” the word pretty much sums up our work.
Steve Benefiel
Katura Jackson
Colleen Byers
C.H. McMahan
We care for animals 365 days a year, and we strive to do more than provide
Kathleen Cannon
Mitchell Spindel, DVM
food, water, and shelter. Many of the animals we house in our small adoption
Pamela Cook
Julia Toone
center have suffered in ways that they cannot describe to us. They need their
Meredith Daly
Leila Warren
bodies and spirits nurtured, and they need us to find them forever homes.
Dennis Emerson
Our ‘no-kill’ adoption center saves lives, but there is no way we can ever save all the homeless, unwanted, abused, neglected animals in our community.
STAFF We know that the key to stopping overpopulation is by educating humans about the word “humane.” Therefore, housing dogs and cats is only one of
Mark Uren Executive Director
Rex Welton Broadcast Media Relations
Darla Kirkeeng Director of Development
Susan Doran Education Program Coordinator
Joy Haldeman-Englert Adoption Center Manager
Vanessa Doran Volunteer Coordinator
Erin Ryan Adoption Counselor
Melinda Mueller Finance Manager
the many services we offer to our community. This annual report will tell you more about all the ways we try to live up to our name. We hope you’ll take the time to learn more about us, and discover ways you can join us in this important, compassionate mission. We need your help. Let’s get started: turn the page.
Shari Harding Lead Vet Technician
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Adoption Saves Lives More than 8,000 pets were euthanized in 2011 in Forsyth County. The moment a kitten, puppy, dog or cat arrives at our no-kill adoption center, they are safe and they are home. For some, it is the first time they feel compassion. They are nurtured by our caring staff and volunteers and are a member of the Forsyth Humane Society family. Adoption is not just about finding a home; it’s finding their loving forever home.
It was love at first sight when I saw this smushed faced, pointy eared, stubby tailed dog. I have always loved the French Bulldog breed, and was so glad to have
I started volunteering at the Forsyth Humane Society to complete a
the opportunity to ADOPT one, since I
community service requirement for a school project. I quickly fell in love
would never purchase from a breeder.
with a beautiful long haired tuxedo cat named TJ. Each week during my
Adding a new dog for us required a
volunteer hours we bonded through petting
commitment to dog training, which has
sessions and playing with the laser pointer.
been majorly beneficial. Lovingly renamed
After a few weeks, TJ decided that he wanted
“Chunk”, our newest little guy has made
to come home with me. My husband and I
our family feel complete. Chunk is a
happily welcomed him into our family (which
playmate and pal to our other dog, Penny,
included three other cats). He has integrated
and has truly captured our hearts. We
wonderfully with his new siblings, and every
can’t picture life without him!
morning we are entertained by him galloping up and down our hallway chasing after his favorite black mouse! Adopting TJ is one of the best things I have ever done. We love our “tuxedo boy” and we are so glad he is a part of our family now.
Melinda Mueller 4
Erin Ryan
“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France
FHS FACT 717 Forsyth Humane Society pets found their loving forever homes last year. All animals adopted through FHS are spayed or neutered as a condition of adoption. Our adoption fees are not a source of income. The fees cover only the cost of basic medical care and the cost of the animal being spayed/neutered.
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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.� Margaret Mead
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Volunteers Our volunteers are the bridge to a new life for both humans and animals.
Volunteering at the Forsyth Humane
The Forsyth Humane Society’s kind and compassionate
caring for animals, it warms my heart.
volunteers generously donate their time and talents. We are
dogs and cats.
Society is a rewarding experience. When
grateful for their inspiring humane spirit and commitment
Also, it is fun playing with the cheerful
Juhi Shah
to animal welfare. HOW FHS VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Foster Volunteers
Humane Education
Dog Walkers
Fundraising & Special Events
Cat Socializers
Photography
Animal Care, Laundry & Cleaning
Technology Assistance
Dog Training & Obedience
Marketing & Design
Customer Service
Public Relations
Administrative Assistance
Speakers Bureau
FHS Outreach Programs
I love to volunteer at the Forsyth Humane Society because I’m given the chance to truly help my community and to know that I’m making a difference. There is nothing better than seeing the connections
FHS FACT In 2011-2012, FHS had 3,594 volunteers log 13,334
between the happy customers and animals
service hours which is equivalent to 7 additional full-time
when they find their best friend.
employees. They performed numerous tasks, ranging from administration, to animal care, to assistance with FHS programs,
It’s the most amazing and rewarding
outreach and special events. They are an essential part of the daily
feeling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
operation at the Forsyth Humane Society. Volunteers range in age from twelve years old to seventy years plus and represent all
Callan Ramirez
genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Building a
Humane Society
FHS Education & Outreach Programs
The Forsyth Humane Society is a leader in the Triad
Community Pet Food Distribution
when it comes to compassionate service to animals and
Community Phone Referral Program
their people.
A New Leash on Life
We believe an informed and engaged community is the first step in
Puppy Trekkers
controlling pet overpopulation. There are far more animals in need than
Critter Cuddling
people who are willing and able to help. What is essential, then, is a
Critter Camp
strong educational outreach about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering pets as well as having the resources available to meet the needs of our community. FHS outreach programs inform, rehabilitate and nurture the body and soul through the joy of animal companionship.
Pet Loss Support Group Paws & Claws ROVER Youth Advisory Board Emergency Collection and Distribution Site Legislative Advocacy LEAF: Let’s End Animal Fighting Dog Park at Tanglewood Animal Abuse Spay/Neuter Voucher Assistance Woof Forest
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A NEW LEASH ON LIFE
The Forsyth Humane Society and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety have partnered to bring A New Leash on Life to the minimum-security Forsyth Correctional Center in Winston-Salem. Homeless dogs are paired with qualifying inmates who provide socialization, crate-training, basic obedience skills, and agility training to the dogs under their charge. Qualifying inmates work with volunteers and professional dog trainers to learn positive-reinforcement training methods. For eight weeks, the dogs live and work with the inmate-trainers, sleeping in a special Doggie Dorm at night. After “graduating” from the program, the dogs are ready to become the newest member of an adoptive family, and another dog is teamed with an inmate-trainer. The program helps
The New Leash on Life program changed
both man and dog by helping inmates learn a marketable skill, become
my life completely. It helped me to learn
productive members of society, by giving dogs the necessary training to
patience, persistence, consistence, a
be welcomed by a forever family, and by teaching both about how to give
good work ethic and a skill to train dogs
and receive unconditional love.
and work with people. I have to say that the New Leash on Life Humane Society volunteers were truly a blessing for me, and I’m very grateful to know every one
FHS FACT Forsyth Humane Society is fortunate to receive pet food and supplies from generous donors in our community. The kind gifts allow us to distribute these items to those needing temporary assistance for their dog or cat, as well as to other Forsyth County rescue groups. The Forsyth Humane Society distributed 60,000 pounds of pet food to those in need through Senior Service’s Animeals, Crisis Control Ministries, and the Ardmore Methodist Church Food Pantry.
of them. They taught me a valuable skill, and to have the confidence that I have now. Most important of all is the love and support I’ve gotten from them: one step at a time, every day, leading me to a right direction to better myself. I love you all and I won’t let you down! Thong (“Tom”) Mai Former New Leash on Life inmate-trainer and now private dog trainer throughout the Triad. 9
Donors Change Lives & Give Second Chances Every gift makes a difference. Our donors help us continue to operate our no-kill adoption center, advocate for the rights of animals, work to prevent pet overpopulation and strive to create a more humane Forsyth County. GIFTS OF CASH OR STOCK
Having joined the FHS as a volunteer photographer almost 9 months ago, I
GOODS AND IN-KIND GIFTS
have learned one thing: that the FHS is a fast-paced environment that can change
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
at any minute.
PLANNED GIVING
I can go from photographing animals to unloading dog food to tracking a lost dog
CORPORATE/PERSONAL SPONSORSHIP
all within a 2 hour period. It is a challenging, fun and upbeat place to volunteer. The staff and volunteers are super friendly, knowledgeable and always
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP A member is essential to our work in the community, and an indispensable partner in helping end animal overpopulation. Members are a champion of responsible pet ownership; an advocate for the humane treatment of animals; and a voice for the voiceless. Membership helps continue our programs, including our no-kill adoption center, our spay/neuter assistance to low-income pet owners, our educational outreach to children and underserved parts of our community, and our life-changing New Leash on Life program at the Forsyth Correctional Center.
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willing to help. I have enjoyed every minute of my time there photographing nearly 500+ animals, going to the many events and programs that FHS facilitates, like New Leash on Life and Critter Cuddling, and being able to try and capture a great moment. I really enjoy volunteering there and hope to continue for many years to come. Jason Ellison
Service Revenues 8% Special Events 8%
Income
Financials
Other 7%
The Forsyth Humane Society is a local, independent, nonprofit
Public Support 77%
animal welfare organization funded solely by donations and service fees. FHS is not affiliated with the Humane Society of
Programs & Services 77%
EXPENSE
Other 11%
Fundraising 7% Administrative 5%
the United States or any other animal welfare organization and receives no funding from other humane societies, government or tax revenue agencies. We are able to serve as the leading animal welfare agency in the state because of the generosity of our donors, partners and
I donate to the Forsyth Humane Society because
community support.
I really think the services the Humane Society provides are so necessary to the community. It is so important to have a shelter where abandoned and neglected pets can go, and where they can find homes where they will be loved and cared for. THOMAS SHAVER
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61 Miller Street
12
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
336-721-1303
www.forsythhumane.org