Adopt. Educate. Love.
Forsyth Humane Society 2013 Annual Report
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP Our members are essential to our work in the community, and are indispensable partners in helping to end animal overpopulation. Members are champions of responsible pet ownership and advocates for the humane treatment of animals. They act as a voice for the voiceless. Membership sustains 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.
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.
ADVISORY BOARD Pamela Cook Nan Griswold Roseann Rush Anna Marie Smith
Allison Gong Susan King David Scruggs Nancy Young
OFFICERS Anna Marie Smith Julia Toone Jon Alford Adam Duke
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS Donna Burke Amanda Creamer Dennis Emerson Katura Jackson Jose Lahargou Robin Pfefferkorn Brian Stebbins
Kathleen Cannon Jaymie Eichorn Carol Gray Mary Kesel C.H. McMahan Mitchell Spindel Mark Uren
STAFF Sarah Williamson Darla Kirkeeng Jill Kerridge Erin Ryan Jamie Bertman Shari Harding Rex Welton Matthew Smith Melinda Mueller B. Daniels Matthew Wyatt Kristin Hughes Danny Rawley Nicholas Rodriguez Debbie Swank
Executive Director Marketing & Development Director Community Program Manager Adoption Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Health & Wellness Manager Public Relations Manager ReTail Manager Finance Manager Front Desk Staff Front Desk Staff Animal Care Technician Animal Care Technician Animal Care Technician Animal Care Technician
Milo (adopted from FHS) & Anna Marie
It was the winter of ’96 and I was driving along Miller Street on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I don’t recall where I was going, but when I passed the charming FHS facility, something drew me in. While there, I called my husband, “Come meet me at the Forsyth Humane Society. I want you to meet someone.” It was a bit sneaky. I admit it. My husband and I were newlyweds and while we weren’t ready for kids just yet, I longed for another furry friend. Within a few days, we had our girl, a Walker Hound-mix puppy, home. She sized us up quickly and it didn’t take her long to work her way into not only our bed, but into our hearts. She was my girl … she was my friend and she was … no doubt, family. Over the years, Dixie was there for me at the most fragile of times when people didn’t know how to be. She seemed to know when I needed her soft nudges most and was not ever shy about telling me when I needed to get my priorities in order. For 16 years, she was a second mother to our daughters and my dearest friend. When we said goodbye to my girl last year, I vowed that no dog could ever take her place. And while no dog will ever replace her, our latest adoptee sure makes it easy to love again. We are forever grateful to FHS and its volunteers, staff, donors and partners. Through the good work of FHS, hundreds of animals every year find their forever families. I’m sure glad you’re a part of mine. Here’s to all the animal companions who support us in our life journey! With gratitude,
Anna Marie Smith President, Board of Directors
724
adoptions in 2013. The Forsyth Humane Society's family grows every time a puppy, kitten, dog, or cat arrives at our no-kill adoption center. In 2013, 724 animals found their forever homes.
It was never a consideration to go anywhere else for a new addition to our family. When we wanted to adopt our first dog as a family several years ago, FHS did not have exactly the dog we were looking for. But that didn’t stop FHS from helping. They searched through their connections and found partners in another county who were able to provide us the perfect pet. When we lost our Bella to canine lymphoma it was a hard decision to move forward and give our hearts to another dog. Finally after much prayerful consideration we were ready. The Forsyth Humane Society was not only able to help us add our newest family member but they were sensitive to our situation and provided excellent advice throughout the process. We adopted Olive Bacon as a puppy in December 2013, and 4 months later we couldn’t be happier. — Jeff Bacon
Andrea, Buddy, Sam Robinson, Olive (adopted from FHS), Jeff, Morgan & Camden
During the 36 years we had dogs of our own we lived with 14 dogs. After the last one died in 2008 we took a couple of years off to travel. After we got the travel out of our systems, we wanted to have dogs again. However, we realized that we were too old to guarantee that we could care for a dog throughout its lifespan. Fostering seemed to make sense, and we took in our first foster dog in March 2010. We currently have numbers 57 and 58 living with us now. Each one finds a special place in our hearts and we have learned that although each has its own unique personality, they all need love and security. Our reward comes from knowing we have provided some respite for a dog on its journey to it’s “forever” home. In some cases we have been able to help a fearful or insecure dog learn to trust again. That is especially rewarding. — Linda & Marvin Scherl
Marvin, Milo (FHS foster - adopted) & Linda
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 or neutered.
1,000
volunteers. In 2013. FHS volunteers logged over 13,000 service hours which is equivalent to 7 full-time employees. Volunteers are essential to the daily work of FHS, and we could not run without them. Volunteers range in age from twelve to eighty and represent all genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Forsyth Humane Society, a small no-kill shelter with a big heart, has become our home away from home over the years. Much is done with little funds to provide shelter and care for many cats and dogs while we work to unite them with their forever homes and humans. Over the years I have witnessed countless staff and volunteers give it their all and go the extra mile to provide love and care to neglected and forgotten animals. We help them learn to trust again, while they wrap their little paws around our hearts. — Bob & Sylvia Biskeborn
Syliva, Robert & Bailey (Tailer decided not to attend photoshoot)
HOW FHS VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Foster Volunteers Dog Walkers Cat Socializers Animal Care, Laundry & Cleaning Dog Training & Obedience Customer Service Adminstrative Assistance Outreach Program Support Humane Education Fundraising & Special Events Photography Technology Assistance Marketing & Design Public Relations
We have had animals – cats, dogs, turtles, fish – all my life. All of our cats and dogs have been rescue animals from shelters like the Forsyth Humane Society. When we adopted our cat, Miss Chiff, from Forsyth County Animal Control, a volunteer there helped us greatly and inspired me to volunteer. I was too young to volunteer there, so they referred me to FHS. I am so glad they did. We connected almost immediately with the animals and other volunteers and we do our best to try and find the animals homes. I wasn’t old enough to volunteer alone and my mom was required to volunteer with me. She has enjoyed it so much that she continues to volunteer with me even though I’m old enough to be there on my own. When my Eagle Project came around, I wanted to do something for the Humane Society. With the help of my troop and my family, I was able to raise the funds and recruit workers to replace the old sign with a new one, remove bushes obstructing its view, add fencing and improve the “Blue Kitty Trail.” The Forsyth Humane Society shares the value we have for life by providing animals with a safe place to live until they find their forever homes. My family is very happy to play a small part in that. — Chase Cunningham
Chase, Riley (adopted from FHS), Miss Chiff (adopted from FCAC) &Truffles (adopted from Raleigh SPCA)
1,100
spay/neuter surgeries. In 2013, FHS provided over 1,100 spay/neuter surgeries with generous funding from PetSmart Charities, the Forsyth Spay Day Coalition, and The Winston-Salem Foundation's Sturmer Fund. At 5 kittens or puppies per litter, this reduced our potential animal population in one year by 5,500 animals. The
The Forsyth Humane Society is an amazing organization of compassionate, selfless people. My wife Cayce got “Jai” as a kitten from FHS just after her mother passed away in 1997. I was raised with Dachshunds, and found my best buddy at Almost Home rescue for Dachshunds in March 2007. Duke was two years old, little, and perfectly “runty.” Years later when Cayce and I moved in together we were worried about the clashing canine and feline dynamic. We were delighted to find they loved each other as much as we loved them. In October of 2010 we lost our beloved “Jai Byrd” after a long battle with kidney failure. We miss him every day. After we married in September of 2013, we decided it was time to rescue a new fuzzy friend. In December of 2013 I went back to FHS and found a beautiful seven month old white Siamese mix little girl that we named Messi. Messi immediately became a contributing member of the family. Duke now has a new baby sister/best friend. We are honored to support FHS. It’s an important part of our community. Thank you for your work. — Tucker Tharpe
Tucker, Duke (adopted from Almost Home), Messi (adopted from FHS) & Cayce
Daisy (adopted from FHS) & Danny The New Leash On Life program changed my life. The trainers taught me how to train dogs with patience, confidence, and compassion. The moment you earn a dog’s trust, he gives you his unconditional love and it is amazing. Every dog I trained helped me to better value my life, and they have a special place in my heart. I am now employed at FHS as an Animal Care Technician and living a dream come true. I am happy to have given so many dogs a new leash on life, and now, my new life has begun. — Danny Rawley
Education and Outreach programs are key to fulfilling FHS’ mission. A variety of educational programs for children and young adults are taught through area schools, summer camps and religious organizations; emphasizing responsible pet ownership and pet safety awareness. A New Leash on Life is an innovative program in partnership with the NC Department of Correction at the minimum-security, Forsyth Correctional Center. Homeless dogs are paired with qualified inmates and receive socialization, crate training, basic obedience skills and agility training. Following a ten-week program, dogs trained under inmates are available for adoption. Pet Therapy is provided to the community by FHS pets and volunteers as they visit assisted care facilities, nursing homes, and community groups.
4,000
pounds of donated pet food. Community partners like Second Harvest Food Bank allow us to share pet food each month with lowincome families at FHS and through collaborative partners including Senior Services, Animeals, Crisis Control Ministries, and Ardmore United Methodist Church Food Pantry.
% 100
community funded. The Forsyth Humane Society is a local, independent, non profit animal welfare organization funded solely by donations and service fees. FHS in not affiliated with the Humane Society of 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 Forsyth County because of the generosity of our donors, partners, and community support.
When I sat down to plan for the future — and specifically, a future when I'm no longer here — Forsyth Humane Society immediately came to mind as an organization I wanted to honor and remember in my estate planning. My bequest, and those of other supporters, will enable FHS to continue their good works for generations to come. I feel strongly about the work that FHS does to find forever homes for pets and as a result, enriching the lives of their forever families. One cannot have a pet and be untouched by the love and friendship they bring. It only takes a few minutes with our pets at the end of the day to feel the stresses and worries fall away. FHS impacts and benefits our community in numerous ways beyond adoptions. New Leash on Life, spay and neuter programs, education about responsible pet ownership ... they strive to make our community better. FHS has also touched my life in a more direct way — introducing my husband Geoff and me to “Seth” and “Sam.” We adopted our boys — 10-week old kittens at the time — a few months after losing our longtime feline friend of 16 years. They brought laughter and new life into our house, and we soon couldn't imagine life without them. I'm making provisions for FHS to receive a portion of my estate so they can continue their efforts. Animals benefit, people benefit, and my bequest will hopefully help them continue what they do, long after I'm gone. — Elizabeth Wood
Tuxedo & Elizabeth
INCOME Public Support 62% Service Revenues 18% Special Events 9% Other 11%
EXPENSE Programs & Services 76% Management & General 21% Fundraising 2%
Dear Friends of FHS, This past year has been a year of change for FHS. With your help we changed the lives of over 700 animals, embracing them as our own and caring for them until they found their forever homes. Those beloved cats and dogs, in turn, changed forever the lives of their families. And the larger FHS family grew and was changed by every one of these families. In September with the help of Wells Fargo’s Week of Caring we changed the organization of our adoption center and our living quarters for our cats. We opened up our ďŹ rst ever cage-free cat room, making room for 12 more adoptable cats, and giving visitors a view of cats sleeping in window perches along our second story. This past fall, with the support and generosity of Hanes Mall management, we opened our first ReTail store featuring gently used and donated new pet-related merchandise. This opportunity has strengthened our outreach and visibility to new audiences in Forsyth County. One of the many great pleasures of serving FHS is how often people like you tell me how much their companion animals have changed their lives. Thank you for allowing us to be part of that powerful and loving change.
With warm wishes, Sarah Williamson Executive Director
Sarah & Frankie
61 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 Phone: 336-721-1303 Website: www.forsythhumane.org
Photography: Lucky Pup Photography Design: The Mill