hsnewsletter19.qxp_Layout 1 1/28/19 3:28 PM Page 1
U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 45 Grove, OK 74344
P. O. Box 451205 Grove, OK 74345-1205 NON-PROFIT LIFE-SAVING ANIMAL SHELTER Return Service Requested
Introducing New Shelter Director Downstream Casino New Extended Hours 2019 Membership Drive Sponsor Social Media Improves Adoptions Grand Groomers/Kozy Kennel Save The Date Barkaritaville Happy Tails Cinnamon Sunrise Holly & Kringle Saved Statistics for 2018 Grand Country Pest Control WANTED Volunteers Second Chance Thrift Shop Ivan Devitt Joplin Humane Society and Kansas City Pet Project Fostering Why We Transport Pet Sponsorship Program DIRECTORY for SECOND CHANCE PET RESCUE OF GRAND LAKE A NON-PROFIT 501c3 Animal Welfare Organization Physical address: 64301 E. 290 Road Grove, OK 74344
______________________________________________________________ CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE
2019 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE LEND A HELPING PAW!
BASIC MEMBERSHIP
• Student (16 & Under) $10_______ • Family $50_______
• Annual Angel $100_______
PAWS MEMBERSHIP
• Bronze Paw $200-$499 _______ • Golden Paw $1,000+ _______
• Individual • Business
$25_______
$50_______
• Silver Paw $500-$999 ________
ADDITIONAL DONATION $________________
SPONSORSHIP $_____________on the _______day of each month beginning _____________.
For automatic sponsorship payments contact your financial institution or go to doitforthepets.com and donate via PayPal.
DATE________________________________________________________________________________ Name ________________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________City________________State______Zip __________ Home Phone_______________________________Cell Phone __________________________________ E-mail Address (for E-Newsletters) ________________________________________________________ Make checks payable to: Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake - P.O. Box 451205/Grove, OK 74345-1205
JOIN TODAY & BECOME AN EVERYDAY HERO!
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 451205 Grove, OK 74345-1205 Telephone: 918-786-7630 Website: doitforthepets.com email: doitforthepets@gmail.com Hours of Operation: Wed – Fri: Noon – 5 pm Sat: 10 am – 3 pm Sunday Noon – 3 pm Mon-Tues: Closed After Hours: By Appointment
Introducing Lysa Boston, New Shelter Director
Talking with Lysa Boston, the new director of the Second Chance Pet Rescue, can be difficult. For one thing, she seems to always be in motion. As she was providing answers to questions, she was juggling dog health issues, administrative decisions, and cleaning and rearranging the front office of the Grove shelter. The other difficulty in talking with Lysa is that her answers to standard questions are wrapped in both philosophic and practical terms which require listing closely to her words. So maybe learning her favorite quote is from the Stephen King book/movie “The Green Mile” isn't so surprising. That movie is about compassion and that nothing can be judged by first impressions.
Lysa became the director of Second Chance Pet Rescue in September 2018 after Manager Kimberly Dudley resigned for health reasons. Lysa, who was formerly shelter director of the Joplin, Missouri, Humane Society, had decided she wanted a change. The timing was perfect, both for Second Chance Pet Rescue and for her. With more than 25 years in shelter management, cruelty investigation, and animal control, she brings a wealth of experience and ideas to our animal rescue organization. Lysa is a Midwest transplant from New Jersey where she grew up in a rural county surrounded by animals. She initially wanted to be a journalist, but after answering an advertisement for a kennel worker to help pay for college, her life changed directions.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Michele Norwood, President Theresa Swift, Vice-Presient & Treasurer Jane Adams, Secretary Marion Metcalf, Thrift Shop Manager Terri Cox Ivan Devitt Laketa Langley Janis Pedersen Connie Ruzicka Kim Shearer Sharon Shearer Sue Casey Claudine Bell
During the next 12 years, while raising four boys, she advanced from kennel worker to shelter manager. Not surprising considering her strong work ethic. She also became certified as an Animal Control Officer, Animal Control Cruelty Investigator, a Veterinarian Technician, and took courses in shelter management.
SHELTER MANAGER: Lysa Boston
A major accomplishment at that shelter, which houses between 400 and 600 animals each month, was the reduction in the euthanasia rate for dogs which was over 85 percent in 2010 and today is only 6 percent. She attributes that to an aggressive spay and neuter program.
SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOP 220 E 3rd Street (Three Blocks East of Main in Downtown Grove) Marion Metcalf, Manager Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Sat: 10 am – 5 pm
Maybe it was fate that after 12 years when she was considering a change in her life, that one of her colleagues in shelter management called her and offered her the job as shelter manager for the Joplin Humane Society. So 8 years ago, she packed up and moved to the Midwest.
Lysa says: “It takes time to see the effects of a successful program. For a program to be successful, it has to be affordable and easy, and there has to be a benefit for pet owners, such as reduced licensing fees. It takes 8 to 10 years
to realize the full benefit of an aggressive program, but it is worth it.” Lysa was the manager of the shelter when the Joplin tornado struck in May 2011: “I thought we might need to accommodate 100 dogs. It turned out that we started taking in animals, and it didn't stop until we had an additional 1,301 animals. The ASPC (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty) helped by renting three vacant warehouses where we cared for animals around the clock. What we found was that less than 2 percent had any identification. That is why we now insist that every animal that leaves our rescue be microchipped.” During her first few weeks at the Grove shelter, there has been a number of new routines set up for both the animals and the staff. “Animals do better if they have a set routine,” Lysa noted. In addition, Lysa has studied animal behavior analysis. In fact, it was her desire to better utilize that knowledge that led her to seek to work at a smaller shelter. “In Joplin, we took in as many as 400 dogs a month; it was just not possible to analyze and work with troubled dogs.” She has already made substantial progress with one of our rescue's dogs, Zeke, who has been at the shelter for more than a year. The dog was so abused that no one could touch him. Now Zeke is walking on a leash and slowly coming out of his shell. One of her first projects is to color code the behavior of each dog and cat in the rescue. “By analyzing the animals, we make it easier for volunteers and potential adopters to help make perfect matches. Some dogs are people-friendly, some are protective, some are extremely active. By color coding each of the dogs as to behavior, it is easier for adopters to match their wants with the needs of the animals.” Lysa also plans to expand the hours the rescue is open and have more community outreach. Perhaps the shelter, with its long concrete corridors will be known as the “The Gray Mile”, reflecting the compassion reflected in Lysa's favorite Stephen King's book/movie “The Green Mile.”
hsnewsletter19.qxp_Layout 1 1/28/19 3:28 PM Page 3
New Extended Hours of Operation:
Our shelter is now open to the public on Sundays from Noon to 3 pm. Shelter hours are: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: Noon – 5 pm Saturday: 10 am – 3 pm Sunday: Noon – 3 pm
After Hours Adoption Appointments Available, call 918-786-7630.
Social Media Improves Adoption Rate
In the past six months, Second Chance Pet Rescue has focused on developing a major social media marketing program aimed at increasing adoptions. Although it is still evolving, it has had a major impact on adoptions. In the first six months of 2018, the rescue adoptions totaled 37 dogs and 38 cats. However, from July to December those numbers skyrocketed. Cat adoptions doubled to 74 adoptions and dog adoptions are up 200 percent to 111 animals. This push not only helps animals but the bottom line of the rescue. Every dollar we raise is important. The rescue estimates that medical costs alone on each dog average about $100 and for each cat about $60. This does not include feeding, cleaning, and manpower costs.
We also have expanded the area in which we are marketing our animals. Since we have many adoptions into Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas as well as towns such as Tulsa and Tahlequah, we have expanded our marketing efforts to Facebook pages in those markets. All of these efforts are done with volunteers at no additional cost since Facebook pages do not have a cost associated with them. The shelter is looking to further expand its social media outreach during the next six months as many younger families like to shop online and see animals they are interested in before they come to the shelter.
When we transport dogs, we receive no reimbursement for those animals. When we adopt an animal, some of those costs are recovered. Therefore, adoption is an important revenue stream for the rescue. In the past six months, the rescue has had an active Facebook page where not only can we feature recent cats and dogs entering the shelter, we can ask for donations for specific issues such as severe medical needs of an animal as well as the need for supplies. The shelter has been overwhelmed by the immediate and generous donations from the community through the Facebook postings. In addition, we have added a new Facebook page for those who adopted from the rescue. The Second Chance Alumni page provides a place for those who have adopted to let all of us know about the adventures and growth of our former dogs and cats. There are some amazing stories being shared, and it is great to know what wonderful lives these animals are sharing with their new owners.
BECOME A 2019 MEMBER OF SECOND CHANCE PET RESCUE “SAVING AN ANIMAL WON'T CHANGE THIS WORLD...BUT FOR THE ANIMAL, THE WORLD CHANGES FOREVER!” Every year, Second Chance Pet Rescue depends on its annual Membership Drive to provide the operational funds needed to care for hundreds of homeless, abused, and injured animals. As a non-profit organization, which does not receive your tax dollars, Second Chance Pet Rescue can only continue its mission with financial donations from caring people like you. Financial support has always been the key to continuing our mission over the last 35 years, and now the 2019 Membership Drive is even more important as we continue to move forward to make amazing things happen. This Annual Newsletter describes just some of the progressive improvements at our small animal rescue and what can be accomplished with the combined effort of a few amazing people. We hope you enjoy the read and join us as we continue to improve! Please make your pledge gift today while it is fresh in your mind. The 2019 Membership Application is the
last page of this newsletter. Please complete and return in the enclosed self-addressed envelope along with your tax-deductible check. Any amount is appreciated as your 2019 pledge DOES make a difference in the lives of the many homeless animals that are surrendered each year to our life-saving shelter.along with everyone.
SAVE THE DATE
Benefits Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake
Grand Groomers 918-786-3402
Kozy Kennel 918-801-3380
Hours 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM 2227 Lake Road 3, Grove, OK
Hosted by
The Parrot Steakhouse & Grill At Honey Creek Landing & Marina
May 18, 2019 • 5:30-9:00 pm LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BRETT & TERRI (Rain date: June 8, 2019)
Dog & Cat Boarding Grooming Pet Daycare Center
hsnewsletter19.qxp_Layout 1 1/28/19 3:28 PM Page 5
Second Chance Pet Rescue Statistics for 2018
“Happy Tails” Adoption for Cinnamon Sunrise A terrified red and white pit bull mix was brought to our shelter on November 7th. A Good Samaritan had rescued her. She was about to be shot because it was suspected that she was chasing cows. She would cower and hide when you tried to touch her. The vet tech spoke to the scared dog throughout the checkin process, and her little body slowly began to relax. Soon, the dog was curled up after her supper and sleeping peacefully in her kennel. We wondered how long it had been since she was able to truly rest and not be afraid of what could happen next.
Dogs/Puppies
Cats/Kittens
Total
Number of Animals Accepted 1/
452
188
640
No. of Adoptions 2/
148
112
260
No. of Animals Transported
204
71
275
1/ Since 2014, Second Chance Pet Rescue (SCPR) and the City of Grove have worked together for SCPR to accept all stray dogs and some cats captured by City Animal Control Officer and unclaimed by owners. SCPR does this service without compensation from the City of Grove in order to stop city's euthanasia of healthy dogs and cats. All costs associated with care for these animals (veterinary wellness exams, medical expenses including spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, food) are borne by SCPR. As a private 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization, no funds are received from the city, state, or federal governments nor is SCPR associated with any other animal rescue organization.
She needed a name, and the shelter decided on “Cinnamon Sunrise”, a beautiful name for a dog with both inner and outer beauty.
2/ All animals adopted from SCPR are required to be sterilized to reduce pet overpopulation. All of our animals are wellness checked by a veterinarian, micro-chipped, and given required vaccinations. SCPR offers a low-cost spay/neuter clinic to the public. You may contact the shelter office at 918-7867630 for more information on its weekly spay/neuter clinic and to make an appointment. Pet overpopulation of homeless animals is a serious crisis situation in Northeast Oklahoma and the Grand Lake communities. To reduce and eliminate this crisis of homeless animals, the communities MUST accept that spay/neuter of pets is the Number 1 way to reduce and eliminate pet overpopulation.
Cinnamon became happier and more at ease every day. It wasn’t long before she was ready to find a new home. She loved the staff and her kennel friend, but all dogs want a real home of their own. On January 2nd, Cinnamon had a surprise visitor. Kayla Davidson, who had read about her through petfinder.com, drove all the way from Rogers, Arkansas, to meet our Cinnamon Sunrise! It must have been a match made in heaven because Kayla quickly fell in love and adopted Cinnamon that very day. We were so excited for our sweet girl to finally be chosen.
Kayla tells us that Cinnamon is playful and loving and that she found her perfect match and perfect companion. Cinnamon makes Kayla and her boyfriend laugh with all the funny things she does. Kayla says that when she is not acting silly, Cinnamon loves snuggling up and taking naps. We think Cinnamon is pretty sure she has found her perfect match, too. Cinnamon also has a new name – Mocha - and we think that is perfect, too!
VOLUNTEERS
From terrified, cowering, and about to be shot to being described as “a light of sunshine” and so well loved is the happy ending we want for all our pets. Everyone at Second Chance Pet Rescue wishes Mocha and her family a very, happy forever!
Holly and Kringle Saved by Second Chance Pet Rescue Although December is when most dogs are snuggled up in a warm and cozy dog bed, dreaming of what new toys Santa might bring them for Christmas, a little white bulldog mix mother was worried about finding shelter from the cold wind and enough food to keep her and her puppy alive. Luckily for them, a kind person found them and brought them to Second Chance Pet Rescue. It was impossible to look at them without gasping. They were both so emaciated. Every rib and vertebrae were visible. There was nothing to both mother and pup. The poor mother dog was giving everything she had and sacrificing herself to keep her puppy alive. The shelter staff named them Holly and Kringle, and went to work right away to get the pair on the path to a healthy future. They were both placed on “recovery diets”, which are specialized feeding plans to help them safely gain weight. With full bellies and a safe spot to curl up on a soft blanket, they got the best sleep they had ever had that first night thanks to the caring shelter and its dedicated staff.
Today, a few weeks later, Holly and Kringle are doing wonderfully and are ready to find new homes. Their struggle to survive is now far behind them. They are nothing but happy, sweet and playful dogs who love toys and the special treats they get from staff and volunteers. They will never have to worry about being cold and hungry again.
We're Searching for Volunteers!
Our rescue is looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of abandoned and orphaned animals in our care. Our dogs and cats are in need of care, attention, walking, playing, socialization, and engaging with people in order to help them find adoptable homes to go to.
We need friendly, outgoing, and personable volunteers to assist the public and work with the shelter staff. Volunteers are needed to assist with important roles such as adoptions, kennels, greeting customers, photography, videography, grooming, public relations, and office tasks.
We would love for you to be a part of our rescue's awesome group of volunteers who help us fulfill our mission daily. Flexible days and hours are available. Come by the shelter and discuss your interests with our Volunteer Coordinator Sue Casey, or call or text her at 918-633-5049.
• SHELTER OFFICE HELP • WALKIN' BUDDIES FOR DOGS • CAT/KITTEN SOCIALIZATION • PET FOSTER PARENTS • PET PHOTOGRAPHER • REMOTE ADOPTIONS • FUND RAISERS
hsnewsletter19.qxp_Layout 1 1/28/19 3:28 PM Page 7
Second Chance Thrift Shop Welcomes You... The idea of creating a beautiful shop and enjoyable shopping experience in Downtown Grove became a reality in 2011 for the Second Chance Thrift Shop. April, 2019 marks our 8th Anniversary. Come help us celebrate and enjoy quality merchandise at bargain prices. By shopping with us, you give your support to the many homeless dogs and cats in the area. All our proceeds go to benefit the Second Chance Pet Rescue of Grand Lake located just 2 miles east of our Shop on Highway 10. Our volunteer staff is available 5 days a week (Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to assist you. We are located at 220 E. 3rd Street in Downtown Grove. You may call us at 918-786-9330 for information and directions. We offer home décor items, shoes, purses, clothing (designer to casual), books, tapes, cds, dvds, dishes, glassware (crystal to everyday), furniture, framed art (originals, prints, photographs), linens, kitchen items, curtains/ drapes, throws, rugs, mirrors, floral arrangements, baskets, and more.
SHOP, GROVE, OK. Gift Certificates are available for all those special occasions (Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, Graduations, Anniversaries, Christmas). Pets are Welcome! Bring your pet to our shop. All we ask is that your pet is on a leash, has been relieved prior to your visit and is friendly and wellbehaved during your visit. We love to see happy pets with their owners in our shop. It reminds us of the hope we have for all our shelter dogs and cats to find their forever homes and be loved by their owners. It is especially rewarding to see our rescued animals! Second Chance Thrift Shop Grove, OK
and LIKE US!
Your donations of the above items in clean, lightly used, sellable condition are appreciated during our open hours. We are happy to provide a receipt for your tax deductible items. Arrangements can be made to pick up your furniture items by calling Marion Metcalf at 918-519-6352.
Why We Transport Our Shelter Rescues to Out-of State Animal Shelter
For many years, Second Chance Pet Rescue has had great relationships with other rescues throughout the country. Because more and more states are enacting strict spay and neuter laws, there is actually a shortage of rescue dogs and cats in some states. In addition, there are many rescues who specialize in adoptions of cats or in a specific type of dog. Transporting our shelter rescues results in saving lives – one drive at a time!
We are also working with other rescues in our area. Particularly since Lysa Boston was the former director at the Joplin Humane Society, we have been able to exchange animals between the rescues. Lysa points out that certain dogs don't do well in large, impersonal shelters. They do better when they can decompress and show better in a smaller shelter like Second Chance. Other animals are not "popular" in some markets. For instance, some cities have ordinances against some types of dogs such as pit bulls and, therefore, cannot easily find adopters. By exchanging animals between shelters, these animals have a better chance for adoption. In addition, sometimes large litters of puppies are adopted quickly where they have more exposure to a larger adoption base.
In the past six months, the rescue has done three transports. We were able to move 18 cats and kittens to Kansas City Pet Project. This was done in cooperation with the Joplin Humane Society. Of the 18 cats and kittens transferred, 90 percent of them were adopted within three days. Several of these cats had been in our rescue for more than six months. Now they are in loving homes.
Be sure to ask about our special discounts and promotions including our “Frequent Shoppers Rewards Card” and 10% off for our “Facebook Friends”. There are always great sales and special raffles. We will repeat our free drawing for $100 in merchandise (grand prize) and two prizes of $25 in merchandise at least twice this coming year. Watch for all the promotions and specials on our Facebook Page at SECOND CHANCE THRIFT
In addition, we had a volunteer who transported more than 20 dogs to a facility in Blue Springs, Missouri, in October. That facility transports animals to areas where rescue animals are needed such as Colorado and Minnesota. In early January, our Volunteer Coordinator Sue Casey and her brother Dale, transported 26 dogs to a rescue based in Elgin, Illinois. The Anderson Animal Shelter has several locations in the Chicago area. They met our transport van in St. Louis, for an exchange. We actually transported a dog bound for a Tulsa rescue for them back to Oklahoma.
Working with Joplin Humane Society and Kansas City Pet Project for Cat Adoptions
Raven and Resa were litter mates and very frail when they were surrendered to our shelter. They were thankfully brought back to health by their foster mom. They grew up stronger, but obviously had become very bonded to each other. Time went on and Raven and Resa got older, but no families were interested in adopting them together.
It is this type of cooperation between rescues that provides adoptions for animals and less time in a facility that may not offer them as quick of an adoption.
Second Chance Pet Rescue Launches “Pet Sponsorship Program” Be a Hero, Be a Sponsor, Stand with Us to Save Lives
Step in Joplin Humane Society Animal Adoption & Resource Center and Kansas City Pet Project who invited Second Chance Pet Rescue to include some of our long waiting cats on transport along with their cats to Kansas City Pet Project. In less than a few days in Kansas City, Raven and Resa were adopted together! Second Chance Pet Rescue is so appreciative of both organizations and their assistance with finding forever homes for our cats.
Ivan Devitt The
Broker/Associate 918-791-8328
DODD COMPANYLLC Realtors/mls
Office: (918)787-5355 911 S. Main Street, Grove, OK 74344 Realtors/mls
www.thedoddcompany.com
Believing that it truly takes a village to make a positive change in the lives of homeless pets, Second Chance Pet Rescue has launched a “pet sponsorship program” and is inviting the community to help them help the many homeless pets in our care. Once an animal is accepted at the shelter, he or she will stay until the perfect home can be found. For some, that may be only a few weeks, for others it may be a year or more. The cost of daily care, veterinary services, and other expenses adds up quickly. Our mission is to help the lost, the broken and unwanted pets; but we cannot do it alone. Our rescue needs community support to continue providing outstanding care to the pets who need us the most. Our shelter does not receive funds from any government entity, and the donations we receive are what keep our doors open and allow us to provide for our homeless pets. Choosing to sponsor a pet allows the sponsor to play a direct role in caring for the dog or cat while in our shelter. For just $75, you can become the sponsor for the pet of your choice, or
let us choose one for you. Sponsors will be recognized on social media, and the sponsorship will also be visible on "their" pet's online adoption listing. Pets can be sponsored in honor of or in memory of a beloved person or pet, or as a birthday, anniversary or holiday gift for a special pet lover. The $75 donation will sponsor the pet for thirty days, but the recognition of the sponsorship will remain with the pet throughout his or her stay. At the end of 30 days, sponsors can choose to extend their sponsorship or sponsor another pet in need. Sponsorships can be purchased online securely at www.secondchancepetsponsors.org. Prospective sponsors are also welcome to visit and choose a pet to sponsor or sponsor though a phone call to the shelter. Lola is a beautiful shepherd mix who is easy-going and seems to get along with everyone.