The Haven News Fall Winter 2020

FALL/WINTER 2020

THE HAVEN

News

IN THIS

ISSUE

10,000TH PET ADOPTION SAVING LIVES DURING COVID-19 A NEW TOOL FOR OLD TECHNOLOGY HAPPY TAILS MMOR 2021

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R H AV E N F O

559 S. Section St. • Fairhope, AL • (P) 251.929.3980 • www.havenforanimals.org

A NIM A L

Haven Celebrates

10,000TH

Pet Adoption!

The Haven for animals in Fairhope recently celebrated a huge milestone — its 10,000th pet adoption. The lucky dog is a 3-year-old black Labrador Retriever, named Kaiser, who had been waiting patiently for a forever home. The happy adopter is Lindsay, of Gulf Shores, who fell in love with Kaiser, after finding him on The Haven’s website.

Lindsay had no idea she was the 10,000th adopter.

When she arrived at the Adoption Shelter to pick up Kaiser, she was greeted with a big celebration, including the song, “Celebrate”, balloons, cheering by the staff, and a huge box of treats, toys, and food for Kaiser. Kaiser was excited, too! Kaiser’s adoption was a “curbside pickup” to continue with contactless adoption procedures during COVID-19. The small staff practiced safe social distancing during the adoption and celebration.

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R H AV E N F O

Lindsay said she expected the adoption to be a hard process because of the virus, but the people at The Haven were “so helpful, understanding, and quick to reply”. She commends that other people adopt now, as it was an easy process, and a great experience. How good was it? “I’m thinking of getting a second dog in the future and will definitely use The Haven again.”

A NIM A L

Excited about the 10,000th adoption, the Haven’s Executive Director, Michael Graham said, “The Haven continues to have a significant impact on the animals and people of Baldwin County, due to the many programs we provide to our community.

Kaiser

Rehabilitating and re-homing abused and neglected animals like Kaiser is a critical part of our mission to end pet homelessness. We are thrilled to celebrate this exciting milestone, especially during these challenging times. Our life-saving mission has never waivered, as our doors continue to remain open during COVID-19, as we implement new, innovative, and safe ways to keep saving homeless pets.”

Of the area’s support, he said, “These pivotable achievements would not be possible without the dedication and passion of our staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders in the communities that we serve.”

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H AV E N F O

The Haven Saves Lives

DURING COVID-19

R A NIM A L

The Haven’s staff and volunteers are doing a remarkable job of helping to save the lives of many animals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the foresight and ingenuity of the hardworking staff, and with the dedicated effort of many volunteers, The Haven has been able to continue its many programs and adoptions. In praising those who have worked so hard, Executive Director, Michael Graham, remarked, “There were so many unknowns for all of us, but our staff and volunteers made the necessary adjustments to remain open during these trying times”.

Haven’s “angels” have excelled at devising new ways of doing things: The Emergency Foster Program was established, whereby a record number of caring individuals have opened their hearts and homes to care for homeless pets; A Virtual Adoption Program, using the latest technology, was successfully implemented to replace the normal adoption program; The Emergency Pet Food Pantry Program provides food to

needy pets, enabling them to remain safely in their own homes, rather than to be surrendered to area animal control shelters. Also, a grant from Alley Cat Allies has provided low-cost spay-neuter medical care and Cat Care Kits for over 30 felines. And, the innovations continue.

Said Michael, “We are so proud of our team of staff and volunteers.

Whenever we have needed them, they have rolled up their sleeves to work, whether it be a change in hours, a new program, or new job roles. Our dedicated team continues to save, heal, and care for hundreds of animals. They are our heroes! We thank them for helping to end pet homelessness”.

If you want to help The Haven in any way during the COVID-19 crisis, please contact us through the website, havenforanimals.org. Many dogs and cats are still waiting for forever homes. The Haven is a non-profit organization. Donations are gratefully accepted and allow us to continue saving so many animals.

A New Tool for

AN OLD CHALLENGE

The Haven’s volunteer program is an indispensable component of the organization’s great success. Says Michael Graham, Executive Director, “The Haven’s volunteers are a driving force in working towards a day when we can celebrate the end of pet homelessness as we know it. Volunteers are the power behind our no-kill movement. They re-energize our team to continue saving homeless pets’ lives. Listening to our volunteers has provided feedback, that has helped us make improvements to become more efficient in the life-saving business.”

Because the organization enjoys the help of over 220 volunteers during the year, a new system was needed to manage the volunteers’ activities and hours. The Haven is excited to announce the adoption of Volgistics, a web-based volunteer

management software program.

“The Haven will be able to coordinate new volunteer assignments and improve communication with our volunteer base”, remarked Michael. The extent of the impact of The Haven’s volunteer program is tremendous. In 2019, over 10,000 hours were donated by skilled volunteers, to give homeless pets a second chance.

As the value of a volunteer’s time is about $25.43 per hour, this provided the organization with over $254,000 in annual savings.

Whether it is assisting our dogs and cats, helping with photography, raising funds, organizing events, or writing press releases, volunteers perform an essential service.

The volunteer opportunities are myriad: Dog Walking & Socialization Program; Fantastic Feline Program; Adoption Counselor; Adoption Event Specialist; Animal Photographer & Videographer; Canine & Feline Animal Care; Fundraising Event Volunteer; Communications & Public Relations Specialist, and more.

Happy TAILS

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H AV E N F O

SUMMER

The saying, "I've got you under my skin" is an understatement for an exceptional litter of five, seven-week-old spaniel and collie mix puppies. The puppies arrived at The Haven covered with the pesty mite, scabies. Sarcoptic mange, otherwise known as scabies, is a contagious, tiny mite that burrows deep in the skin, causing intense itching. These free-riders can be treated by killing the mites and their eggs with particular medication and consistent medicated baths. Our caregivers got to work immediately, providing these babies with some much-needed relief. After weeks of treatment, Summer and her siblings were now healthy and ready to find a new, loving home. On that extraordinary day, Summer's human companion noticed Summer's photograph on The Haven's website. They submitted their online adoption application, and a virtual meet and greet were conducted. Shortly afterward, the adopter's scheduled a time to bring their dog, Zelda, to meet with Summer. While practicing safe social distancing, Summer’s new family decided to make the adoption final, Zelda approved. Summer is thriving in her new home with her family.

R A NIM A L

S.O RG

Summer

RICKIE

Rickie, a young, gray and white dsh kitten, arrived from a local animal control shelter with his mother, Reba, and siblings Lucy, Ethel, and Fred. Rickie was named after the handsome husband of Lucille Ball from the hit TV show, I Love Lucy. Even though this litter was only a few days old, their names suited them purr-fectly. Thanks to volunteers, Maggy, Rickie, and his family were fostered and enjoyed their days filled with love and pampering, like the celebs they are. Rickie's second special day occurred when he was adopted by a loving and caring family. He no longer needed to fear where he and his family would end up. He can make new scripts for future episodes of his sitcom called, "I Love Rickie!"

Rickie

Mystic Mutts of Revelry FEBRUARY 6, 2021

ADOPTION SHELTER LOCATION 559 S. Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 (P) 251.929.3980 www.havenforanimals.org

ADOPTION SHELTER HOURS Mon - Tues: 10am - 4pm Wed: Closed to the Public Thurs - Fri: 10am - 4pm 4th Sat of Each Month: 10am - 1pm Sun: Closed to the Public

SHELTER ON WHEELS off-site pet adoption events held the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturday of every month.

1st - Petco, Daphne 2nd - Daphne Animal Shelter, Daphne 3rd - Pet Supermarket, Daphne

CONNECT WITH US

Please see changes in hours and services on our website due to COVID-19.

The Haven is a no-kill, 501Š3 non-profit who shelters and finds adoptive homes for abused, neglected, and homeless animals treating them with love, respect, and medical care. Through education and volunteer programs, we promote community awareness of pet overpopulation and responsibility.

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