Summer 2018 | Vol. 30 | No. 1
North Bay Pets
FREE
a publication of the humane society
of sonoma county
Q
AND
A
CINDY ROACH Executive Director, HSSC
p.10
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
in a
heart BEAT
p.15
p.20
HEART MURMURS IN SHELTER PETS
humanesocietysoco.org
North Bay Pets
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North Bay Pets
Letter
from the Executive Director
Dear Friends, If you are an adopter, volunteer, donor, employee, or other supporter of the Humane Society of Sonoma County, you have been a part of a particularly wonderful year. As we publish our 2017 Annual Report we have many things to be thankful for. You are one of them! This year we witnessed the culmination of efforts that were years in the making. The changes and investments we made in our infrastructure helped us increase our intake of animals by 23%! In fact, we celebrated more adoptions in 2017 than in any of the past 10 years and our live release rate increased to 98%. These are significant milestones. At the same time, we completed our first year of operation in our Healdsburg facility where close to 300 animals were adopted. We were excited to commence and complete our landscape project, which included the addition of three spacious dog play yards. Now, the Healdsburg facility and grounds are providing excellent temporary living environments for our shelter guests as they await their forever homes. As we take this moment to celebrate those successes, we find ourselves looking forward to the changes yet to come. In this issue of North Bay Pets Magazine, you’ll learn about the launch of our ringworm treatment program in Healdsburg, our improved lost and found pet reporting, and our post-fire collaboration that aims to increase microchip pet registrations in our community.
Cindy & Penny, photo © The Labs & Co.
Progressive organizations are rarely not in motion and your Humane Society continually implements best practices that improve the wellbeing of our animal friends. As you read about the important work we do and rejoice in our “happy tails”, remember that providing services for our community is made possible only through the generosity of our donors and volunteers. If you are one of them—THANK YOU! If you are not yet, please consider joining the team…you’ll find yourself in great company! In gratitude,
North Bay Pets INSIDE Post-Fire Collaborations. . . . . . . . . . .p. 4 Foster Weekends & Overnights . . . p. 5 Happy Tails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 6 Q&A with Cindy Roach . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 10 Animal Care Techs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12 2017 Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15 Board of Directors Feature. . . . . . . . p. 19 Heart Murmurs in Shelter Pets . . . . p. 20 Healdsburg Happenings. . . . . . . . . . p. 23 Bequests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 25 The Power of a Legacy. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 25 New Friends at the Farm!. . . . . . . . . . p. 26 Camps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 27 In Loving Memory of Robin See. . . p. 27 Sponsor Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 29 Volunteer Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 31 The Humane Society of Sonoma County— ensuring every animal receives protection, compassion, love and care. We are a locally founded, locally funded nonprofit organization supported through donations from our community. Tax ID# 94-6001315 North Bay Pets is a publication of the Humane Society of Sonoma County. Content Writer/Editor Signe Ross-Villemaire Contributors Nathan Rathmann Senior Designer Melissa Ehret Contributing Designer Erin Rose Opperman Contributing Photographers The Labs & Co. Melissa Ehret Sumner Fowler Emmaline Jones Amber Kernohan Chris Kittredge On the Cover Our adorable cover dog Teeka is all set to find a home this summer! She arrived at HSSC in need of medical support and a safe place to land. Shown here with her foster mom Mary, Teeka is a great reminder that—with a little love—pets with medical conditions can enjoy full, healthy lives. Read more about her on page 20.
Cindy Roach, Executive Director Cover photograph © 2018 The Labs & Co., www.thelabsand.co
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North Bay Pets
POST-FIRE COLLABORATIONS Stronger Together
L
ike wildflowers blooming in the wake of last October’s devastating fires, there are some beautiful partnerships popping up between local animal welfare agencies that give hope and help to our community. HSSC has been collaborating with local partners to expand our safety net. Our goal, not only in times of emergency, but for the ongoing safety and wellbeing of all pets, is to decrease the number of stray animals who end up in our local shelters—and to get them home to their families as quickly as we can!
Microchips
Lost and Found Pets
One way that we are collaborating with local partners is in raising the public’s awareness about the importance of microchips. These tiny, permanent identification chips are implanted beneath the surface of your pet’s skin. Microchips are not GPS trackers, but rather they store your contact information so that you can be reached in the event that your pet is lost and brought to a shelter, clinic or veterinarian.
As the two largest animal organizations in our county, HSSC and SCAS were the most inundated with stray pets during the fire. And, in our normal operations, each agency takes in multiple stray pets on a daily basis. Together, we have implemented a lost and found pet database which uses mapping technology to plot the pets' lost or found locations and streamline their return home. In addition to being accessed by staff at both shelters, the maps are accessible by anyone from the public.
After the Sonoma/Napa fires, 74% of microchipped animals were reunited with their families, while only 1% of non-microchipped animals made it back home. This past spring, HSSC partnered with VIP Petcare and Sonoma County Animal Services (SCAS), Forgotten Felines, Pets Lifeline and other local shelters to offer vouchers for free microchipping throughout Sonoma and Marin counties. Unsure if your pet is already microchipped? You can bring your pet to any vet clinic or shelter to have your pet scanned for a chip. If your pet is already scanned, please make sure that their microchip is registered with your current contact info. Visit foundanimals.org/microchip-registry to update your pet’s profile.
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If someone loses their pet, they can post a description and photos of their pet to the site. If a person finds a stray pet, they can search maps by neighborhood, as well as post details of the pet they’ve found. Ideally, this will allow pets to return to their people without necessitating a trip to the shelter. For more information about our lost and found pet database, please visit humanesocietysoco.org/ owner-support/lost-or-found-a-pet.
North Bay Pets
MOS SADAMS.COM
COMMUNITY RISES IN THE WEST
FOSTER WEEKENDS & OVERNIGHTS The “Paws” That Refreshes!
No matter where we are, the sun rises on acts of goodwill that help the communities we live and work in thrive. We’re proud to support the Humane Society of Sonoma County.
RISE WITH THE WEST.
Assurance, tax, and consulting offered through Moss Adams LLP. Investment advisory services offered through Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC. Investment banking offered through Moss Adams Capital LLC.
SHO PE R IN R O S E . C O M
Travis and Molly (a bonded pair) enjoy the comforts of a home on weekends!
O
ur Foster Care Program’s Overnight and Weekend option is like an “airbnb” for dogs waiting to find forever homes. These mini-breaks from the shelter give dogs the opportunity to get spoiled with extra snuggles and people-time while surrounded by all the comforts of home. “Foster parents can now pick up a dog at the end of the day and return them before we open,” HSSC Alternative Placement Manager Ashley Armstrong explains. “They can also take them from Sunday night through Tuesday morning, while our Santa Rosa campus is closed.” Not only are these breaks good for shelter dogs' souls, they give us valuable information on how they behave in the “real world” that we can share with potential adopters. From the looks of things, they are acting, um… kind of like typical dogs!
HOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST FABULOUS SILK SCARF. Designed with love in Sonoma County.
Our Foster Volunteers are truly lifesavers for the animals. Interested in learning more about foster opportunities? Visit humanesocietysoco.org/ help/volunteer. Petey loves couch-time and people-time at his foster home.
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North Bay Pets
HAPPY TAILS In their own words: Adoption Updates
TANK
DIEBOLT
JESSICA
photo © Sumner Fowler
POE
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North Bay Pets
POE
formerly Smudge "Just a little update to show that Poe (formerly Smudge) is thriving wonderfully! He has the best personality. He’s as brave and mischievous as they come and keeps us laughing (and on our toes) all the time. He’s been to two check-ups at the vet and they think he wins the award for “cutest patient”—he gets quite the attention for his curly-cue tail. He’s gained 2 lbs. since he’s come to live with us and is quite good at sharing our older cat Bandit’s food. I’m not sure if our dog thinks he’s a cat or if Poe thinks he’s a dog, but they both wait side by side for us at the window when we leave and together rush to greet us every time we come home. They play chase up and down the hallway and Poe always has the upper hand (our dog, Levi, is as gentle as they come). Poe is an angel until he’s 'Curtain Climber, the Great'. We love him so and are grateful every day for him!" —Caitlin
DIEBOLT
formerly Manny Manny is a special little guy. He came to HSSC as a stray in the first week after the Tubbs fire. It was obvious that he'd been neglected for some time. But what a sweet guy he is, so snuggly and loving of attention! Because of his past of neglect, he has some special needs that require regular veterinary care. We’re so thrilled that he has found a loving family who have welcomed him with love, unconditionally! “My sweet bunny Pom passed away last March of '17, he was such a special guy and we missed having a bun around. One day in the fall of last year I was out getting dog food and saw a sign selling rabbits (adopt don't shop!). I thought to myself, today is the day I find my new bun! I drove over to
the Humane Society and there was Manny, so sweet, a little bit of a loner, and a serious cuddle bunny! I wanted to adopt him immediately. Due to his past neglect, Manny's teeth were offset and our vet had to remove his 4 front teeth so he can live his little bun life pain-free! We renamed him Diebolt (pronounced Deebolt) after our favorite Champagne, Diebolt Vallois. His favorite foods are cilantro and basil, and is a top notch water drinker! Recently Diebolt went to the Kenwood School to teach kids about rabbits! Thank you Humane Society!” —Danae
TANK
formerly Biggie "Hey All, I just wanted to give you an update on Tank (formerly Biggie). I’m absolutely in love with him—he’s a good boy. He is an active dog which forces me to be active and he actually helped me lose weight! We go on lots of outdoor adventures together and he loves every minute of it. He also loves to be my shadow and cuddle any chance he can get. Even though I adopted him, I’m really the lucky one. Who’s a good boy? Tank, is a good boy.” —Christina
JESSICA “Dear ones, we adopted Jessica four years ago this November. We came in looking for a young, short-haired cat and left with a 13-year-old long-haired cat named Jessica. I could tell she had been well-loved. It seems her ‘mom’ had to give her up as she was no longer able to provide a home. I fell in love with Jessica and every day I love her more. I hope somehow her first mom will read this poem and know that Jessica won the kitty jackpot when she came home with me. She is well-cared for—loved beyond all measure. She has all the food and kitty treats she wants. She gets regular checkups and is going strong. I have always felt that Jessica wanted me to write a little poem to her first mom, so here it is…” —Barbara
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North Bay Pets
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HAPPY TAILS CONTINUED...
I Landed On My Feet I knew that day must have been awfully hard that day we said goodbye I could tell, because each time I looked at you you would start to cry Then the time for parting came, you held me oh so sweet… You were gone, I was alone… but Ma, hey Ma I want you to know I landed on my feet! The ladies there were kind to me, they gave me lots to eat I missed you, I was confused, but I landed on my feet People would come by and look at me, this lasted a week or two Then one day a new Ma came…. she reminded me of you!!! We sat down for ten minutes or so, she said I was very sweet… She would not leave without me! See…I landed on my feet. She lets me sit with her in the chair just like we used to do… (See Ma what did I tell you, she reminded me of you) That day she brought me home she promised to take good care of me. And Ma, she’s kept that promise… and I’ve been as good as I can be. So do not fret or worry about what you had to do And please don’t ever think that I have forgotten you. Just want you to know that things are good. In my yard the flowers smell so sweet… And Ma most of all I want you to know, I’m OK, I landed on my feet!
"When I look back at my time with HSSC, I will be proud of the team. I think if I’ve done anything well, it was to hire great people, give them support…and then get the heck out of their way. I’m just an enabler."
Q
AND
A
CINDY ROACH Executive Director, HSSC
T he best leaders have vision, integrity, decisiveness and great communication skills. It also doesn’t hurt if they have a sense of humor and humility. Here at the Humane Society of Sonoma County, we’ve been so fortunate to have an Executive Director who embodies all these qualities and more. As Cindy Roach prepares to retire this coming August, we’d like to celebrate her tenure with a “Q and A” session—but first, a little background…
C
indy started her career with HSSC 10 years ago as our
Cindy’s emotional intelligence and ability to observe situ-
Development Director before becoming VP of Program
ations from multiple perspectives has been an integral
Development. She became our Executive Director in 2015, at a
part in building relationships within Sonoma County’s an-
time when our organization was facing many changes. Evelyn
imal welfare community—and HSSC’s ability to achieve
Mitchell, Vice President of HSSC’s Board of Directors, credits
a 98% lives saved rate for the animals who depend on
Cindy’s unique combination of skills with helping us navigate
us. Cindy will be greatly missed, but we’re excited for
difficult situations with clear vision and calm. “Her dedication,
the future—one that’s bright due to the solid footing and
leadership and fiscal understanding were exactly the right
momentum she’s created.
choice. Cindy and her team deserve so much credit for keeping the organization moving in the right direction and always doing the right thing for the animals in our care.”
Q. What achievements are you most proud of in your tenure at HSSC, especially as Executive Director?
North Bay Pets A. When I look back at my time with HSSC, I will be proud
completely unprepared for the loss I felt and the void she left
of the team. I think if I’ve done anything well, it was to hire
behind. That’s when I knew that I would always, ALWAYS have a
great people, give them support…and then get the heck
dog (or two) in my life. She was a tough act to follow, but Maggie
out of their way. I’m just an enabler.
and Wiley (both HSSC alumni) are keeping up her legacy now.
The Humane Society is deeply committed to keeping
Q. What will you miss most about working at HSSC?
animals’ best interests at the heart of everything we do. We are a progressive organization that isn’t afraid to make changes when emerging data supports that there are new and better ways to serve our population. Our team is supremely dedicated to monitoring trends
A. I will miss knowing that what I’m doing is making a difference for animals at a critical point in their lives. When I leave work at the end of the day…whether it’s been a great day or a really rough day…I know I’ve contributed to a greater good.
and research, they keep themselves educated, and they
I will also miss being part of such a unified effort. HSSC is the most
have the freedom to bring new ideas to the table. It has
compassionate place on earth. When you work here, you work
been my extreme pleasure to see how profoundly their
among staff, volunteers and donors who have the biggest hearts.
dedication affects the animals in our care.
Humankind’s capacity to give is inspiring.
In the past few years we’ve overcome financial chal-
Q. What adventures (or non-adventures!) do you have planned
lenges, opened the Healdsburg shelter, responded to the devastating October wildfires, and still managed to
for retirement?
increase our intake and adoptions by more than 20%.
A. This may sound strange but I’m looking forward to being “avail-
None of these things could have taken place without the
able”. As a manager, I’ve always had a very open door policy for
right team of people. They ARE the Humane Society.
my team. But, when you are working full time, the people in your personal life don’t always get that same level of accessibility. So
Q. What do you wish other people knew about HSSC? A. Oh—so many things. I still feel as if HSSC is one of our community’s best-kept secrets. I don’t think people real-
I’m looking forward to being available to walk my dogs, to help friends and relatives, to visit my kids, to explore new places with my husband...
ize what a holistic approach this organization takes when
I also have an incredible appreciation for Mother Nature and all of
it comes to animal care and rehoming. The goal of HSSC
her flora and fauna, so I’m looking forward to spending more time
isn’t to bring every animal into the shelter, it’s to do what
with her!
is best for each individual animal. In addition to running an excellent medical and sheltering program, we invest in programs that help keep animals in their homes, reduce abuse and neglect, and try to get ahead of a situation where an animal is abandoned or surrendered. Our best case scenario is one in which the animal and its guardians get to stay together. Q. Tell us about a pet (or pets) who made a special impression on you. A. Lucy was a turning point in my life—without question. She was the first dog who was truly mine, and by that I mean she was my shadow, my confidant, my running partner…she was part of my heart. I remember the day we drove her home from the rescue; she was so nervous that she drooled and vomited all over the back of my car and I thought, “oh my…what have I done?” Well, what I had done was bring the purest and most unconditional love into my life. When she died I was
Cindy with Lucy at the California coast
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An i mal C a r e Te chn ician s
( AC T s)
Hel pin g us ke e p o u r p r o mi s e t o p e t s
MICKI DUNSKY
AC T, Santa Rosa
ELISE CHRISLER AC T, Santa Rosa
F
rom the moment an animal arrives at the Humane Society of Sonoma County, we promise them four things: protection, compassion, love and care. Our team of Animal Care Technicians (ACTs) are at the forefront of helping us keep our promise! Theirs are the first faces our shelter animals see each morning, and the last faces they see at night. They provide the routines that bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to animals in desperate need of consistency. Besides efficiently carrying out morning walks, scrubbing rooms, delivering breakfast, fresh toys and bedding, our ACTs also have an understanding of each animal’s unique physical and psychological needs. In helping our pets feel safe, cared for and loved, friendships with them blossom and bonds—often profound— are formed.
BETH des ROSIERS
AC T Supervisor, Santa Rosa
ALI ROSE
AC T, Santa Rosa
Lindsay McCall, HSSC Director of Animal Care explains, “It takes a special person to work daily to care for animals in this type of environment. It’s an emotional job. It takes a strong person to show up each day and work for this cause. They are our ground-floor heroes and we are lucky to have them around every corner.”
JENNIFER LYNCH AC T, Healdsburg
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Recently we asked our ACTs what makes all their hard work so worthwhile, and to tell us about pets who have touched their hearts. We salute our amazing crew and are proud to share their responses with you here!
CAYTLIN MALONE
AC T, Shelter Hospital
North Bay Pets
"
To watch animals come out of their shells and show us who they really are warms my heart. I'm so proud to be a part of the team that shows animals they're in the safest place, and to help them feel as comfortable as possible.
“There’s not a single being at HSSC who
"
the sweetest meows, and they have
Storm
doesn’t give it 110% daily. The reward is
even rubbed up against my legs! Their
working with like-minded people who
trust in me makes my day.”
share the same passion that I do. We’re —Elise Chrisler all here to make it the best day possible for our furry friends. The work we
“Just working with animals and the
put in shows from the positive feed-
wonderful staff of HSSC is so rewarding.
back we receive from the community.
I’m passionate for animals in need of
When I tell people where I work, they
good homes.
always tell me a story about a pet they adopted and they thank me for all the work that I do. As an ACT, I contribute to those stories. I am ever so grateful to work in an industry that helps animals get a second chance at life. “Storm is a high-energy Lab mix who likes ‘having a job to do’. He is a bit anxious when we first meet in the morning… that is, until he discovers my dog treat pouch. He sits without asking and waits for me to toss him a treat. It’s great to see how focused he is. To see him relax after a few minutes helps me relax as well.” — Micki Dunsky
“Holly has really touched my heart. She One of our feral cats
just wants someone to love her. She’s so friendly. She just wants to cuddle! A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the ground and she was trying to sit on my lap, which is pretty funny because she’s a big dog.” — Jennifer Lynch
Holly
“Being surrounded by like-minded, gifted, dedicated people who give their all to helping animals find forever homes is one of the most personally rewarding parts of this work. Interacting and being with the animals is wonderful, too, of course—but the people caring for, educating, and facilitating the entirety of this process to help the
taking care of the animals in every way
animals is what takes it to the next
they need. Showing them love and
level for me. All the departments work-
giving them meals each day comforts
ing together and supporting each other
them, and I know I’ve made their lives
to meet the same end goal is pretty
better. I’m so proud of where I work. It’s
amazing to see.
fulfilling to know that my work helps get animals into their forever homes. “Two of our feral cats have recently
River
photos © Sumner Fowler (except Holly)
“The most rewarding part of this job is
“A Great Dane named River was transferred to us not long ago. The first morning, I went in to say ‘hello’ and
touched my heart. Every time I see
take her out for a walk. She was eager
them they run to me and greet me with
to go, but hesitant and unsure of her
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North Bay Pets
» surroundings. Once outside she walked
body (I actually had to brace myself
help them realize we’re only here to
slowly, staying close by my side. At
against her giant frame) and we just
help them. To watch animals come out
some point she just stopped, snout
stayed there, leaning on each other, for
of their shells and show us who they
raised to catch whatever scent was on
a long moment. It was such a peaceful,
really are warms my heart. I’m so proud
the breeze. She leaned in against my
trusting interlude to a day otherwise
to be a part of the team that shows
filled with activity and motion. It’s nice
animals they’re in the safest place, and
to have these moments that perfectly
to help them feel as comfortable as
illustrate how people and animals sup-
possible. At HSSC, they’re not stuck in
port each other.”
a cage. They’re in their home-away-
Colt
— Beth des Rosiers “The biggest reward of being an ACT is having the opportunity to see the animals who we care for and bond with
who touch my heart each day—I can’t
years. He’d experienced a traumatic situation in his previous home, and being suddenly thrust into the shelter environment shut him down. I and many other people spent time with him and slowly his real personality began to come out. He became my favorite dog to see around the shelter, and his tail would always be wagging when he saw me! It was truly a gift to see this dog come out of his shell and begin to gain confidence again. I’ll never forget how quickly I felt a strong bond with that dog. I still miss him but it means so much to know that he went to the loving home that he deserves.” —Ali Rose “The most rewarding thing, for me personally, is being a part of the front line of the shelter. It makes me feel so amazing when a dog or cat enters the shelter just terrified and completely
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“There are a lot of four-legged friends choose just one! Two of our previous
(Colt) who was returned to us after two
photo © Sumner Fowler
doors every day!
grow old in.
here, there was a Dutch shepherd mix
Bernie
home. I feel blessed to walk in these
go to the homes that they’ll thrive and
“A couple weeks after I starting working
Beauford
from-home until someone comes in and whisks them away to a forever
shut down and, as ACTs, we’re able to
resident Pitties, Beauford and Bernie, definitely have a special place in my heart. Time and time again, these two big and beefy, but sweet-as-can-be lovebugs were getting looked over. It never made sense to me! These two beefcakes were among the sweetest boys I’ve met. Beauford, the toothless wonder, just wanted to be around his people. And, if you were willing to toss a ball from dusk-to-dawn with Mr. Happy Tail himself—Bernie—you were his best friend! Any interaction with them was something that immediately brightened my day. Nothing made me happier than watching these two trot out of here and into their perfect forever homes.” —Caytlin Malone
A COMPASSIONATE COMMITMENT
D
o things look a little different around here? We have a new name! As of January 1st, 2018, the Sonoma Humane Society is now called the Humane Society of Sonoma County. What hasn’t changed is our unwavering commitment to providing lifesaving protection and care for animals in need of a second chance. We continually strive toward positive outcomes for all pets, and your compassionate support makes it possible.
The numbers you see in our 2017 Annual Report reflect these accomplishments. Last year, we were able to achieve a 98% lives saved rate. This means that for more animals like Max, the hope of a forever home can become a reality.
Max
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
photo © Sumner Fowler
The 10-year-old diabetic cat was deemed “unadoptable” at another shelter due to his medical condition. In spite of being underweight and in poor health when he first arrived at HSSC, Max responded well to the friendship and medical care we gave him. We knew this smart and fun-loving fellow deserved another chance. So did one of our longtime supporters, Kim. With a diabetic family member, Kim was familiar with the injections, glucose monitoring and other considerations needed to manage this condition. She’d recently moved out of state, but that didn’t stop her from stepping up for this sweet cat. On adoption day this past April, she arrived at HSSC with a pet carrier and a cold bag for transporting Max’s insulin—ready to bring him to the loving home where he will truly thrive. Beautiful outcomes like Max’s are the result of a community doing whatever it takes to ensure a strong safety net for the animals. Each number in our Annual Report is a testament to our shared commitment. We are proud of the work we are doing together!
MORE 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
STRAYS
1,106
TRANSFERS from other rescues
821
OWNER SURRENDERS
454
Foster Care Animals
1,407
Fospice Animals 140
SHELTER CAPACITY
240
ANIMALS RETURNED HOME
421
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
North Bay Pets
MEDICAL Shelter animals with medical needs
2,048
Animals served at public hospital
4,875
Charity medical services rendered
$25,852
Fire relief free clinics
$60,104
FORGET ME NOT FARM Children Served 287 Agencies Served 12
HUMANE EDUCATION PROGRAMS Summer and Winter Camp Attendees
210
Youth Tours and Outreach 181 Mentoring and Community Service
126
Animal Assisted Activities Program
School Site Visits 200
Adult Site Visits 500 Library Visits 920
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING Shelter Dogs Trained 1,197 Public Dogs Trained 717 Puppies enrolled in Puppy Socialization Classes 241
Spay & Neuter Public Hospital Spays/Neuters
115
Shelter Hospital Spays/Neuters
258
Low-Cost S/N Surgeries 1,836 Total 2,209
VOLUNTEERS Volunteers 710 Volunteer Hours 59,710 Equivalent FT Employees 27 Equivalent Employee Compensation
$1,552,453
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
Income Donations, Events, Bequests, Endowments & Grants
$3,379,672
58%
Hospital, Adoption, Training & Services Fees
$1,938,965
34%
City Contracts $235,000 4% Pet Supply Shop Sales $55,992 1% Investments and Rental Income/Loss
$177,704
3%
Total $5,787,333 100%
Expense Adoptions and Animal Care Programs
$4,196,626
Education, Outreach and Abuse Prevention Programs $371,459
78% 7%
Management and General $341,973 6% Donor Development and Fundraising
$459,701
9%
Total $5,369,759 100%
Humane Society of Sonoma County Board of Directors 2017-2019 Shannon Tracey, President Evelyn Mitchell, Vice President John Prouty, Treasurer Kati Aho, Secretary 85 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to help homeless animals get the medical attention, behavior support and adoption services they need to live full, happy lives with loving families. It also supports our efforts to prevent animal abuse and neglect through humane education.
Jim Barnes Darlene Brazil Johnny Drake Chris Kittredge Grace Lucero Maren McCloud Marty Olhiser Robert Quail Kathy Yerger
GRANTS Received, 2017* Bissell Pet Foundation, California Foundation for Stronger Communities, Clif Bar Family Foundation, City of Santa Rosa, Community Foundation Sonoma County, Encore.org, Ernest L. & Ruth W. Finley Foundation, Forever Young Foundation, In-N-Out Burger Foundation, Maddie’s Fund, Marcia McFarland Endowment for Animal Welfare, PETCO Foundation, Salatko Animal Welfare Fund, Salesforce.com Foundation, Shirley Ann Spencer Fund for the HSSC, Speedway Children’s Charities, Sonoma Paradiso Foundation, Thelma Doelger Trust for Animals, Thornton S. Glide and Katrina D. Glide Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation *This financial report aligns with our fiscal year ending June 30, 2017 therefore our generous grantors who provided support during the fires are not listed in this issue.
North Bay Pets
HOW JOHN PROUTY GOT "ON BOARD"... WITH HSSC!
F
or someone who spent over 35 years in the high tech industry, John Prouty is hardwired with a soft spot for animals! As an HSSC board member extraordinaire and lifelong animal lover, John’s official foray into animal welfare began when he was well into his engineering career. Inspired by his wife Susan’s initiative to help the feral cat population at Hewlett-Packard (now Keysight), John became involved with Forgotten Felines and eventually joined their board. After serving with them for four years, including a year as board president, John joined the Humane Society’s Board of Directors in 2005.
photo © Chris Kittredge
HSSC Executive Director Cindy Roach says “John is everything you hope for in a board member. He is fully engaged and participates with 110% involvement—giving generously of his time, his expertise and his finances.” John currently serves as our Treasurer, but he’s held all offices including President, Vice President and Secretary. He’s also served on a variety of committees, most recently helping us with public safety and infrastructure projects. After John retired from his career with Keysight, “he became even more of an asset to the Humane Society”, Cindy explains. “Through a fellowship grant, John became a temporary part-time member of the team who helped our organization develop a business continuity and disaster plan: a key document for any organization and one that provided critical education for us prior to the October fires.” John cites lessons learned from Lake County’s 2015 Valley Fires as the impetus for spearheading HSSC’s Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Committee, “in order for us to be able to assist in any kind of disaster—in Sonoma County or beyond—we need to make sure that we are safe and viable as a business and as a shelter before we can venture out and help others.” John says the original focus of his work “was on business continuity, planning for likely disaster scenarios and developing plans around prevention, mitigation, response and recovery. That lead into understanding deficiencies that we would have to deal with during a disaster, such as temporary sheltering, medical care, communications and so on.” For the last couple years, John has met regularly with the Director of Sonoma County Animal Services to establish disaster response and recovery goals between our two agencies, including
identifying each agency’s strengths and strategizing response around those strengths. John feels these efforts put us in a position to most effectively and efficiently serve our community when our own fires struck last fall. He’s also proud of the work we did in the recovery phase to help pet owners “John is great to work care for with. He has a vast base of their pets experience and knowledge. through He has the ability to offer our charity solid, level headed advice medical with a degree of levity services which I appreciate.” and distri—Shannon Tracey, bution of HSSC Board President food and supplies. HSSC Board Vice President, Evelyn Mitchell is impressed by John’s commitment to the Humane Society, “No matter how long he’s been on the Board, he continues to be innovative and enthusiastic.” And John’s enthusiasm for serving
the community knows no bounds. An avid cyclist, he also works with Bike Monkey, the group which produces Levi’s Granfondo. He’s responsible for Field Support Infrastructure, an area John says that “focuses on participant safety during the events. It plays to my interest in emergency preparedness and communications.” For all the work that has him envisioning worst-case scenarios in our community, John clearly appreciates bestcase scenarios closer to home. “We have cats. Our two oldest, Solitaire and Domino, are 15 and are truly twins— both white with blue eyes. Our latest addition is Vesper. We adopted her from the Humane Society in January. She’s about 9 months old and she too is all white, but has one blue eye and one gold eye. She is very energetic. She loves playing fetch and attacking plants and her sisters!”
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heart BEAT
photos of Teeka © The Labs & Co.
in a
HEART MURMURS IN SHELTER PETS
S
pend a few moments in Teeka’s company and you’ll have a
“It’s a common condition,” explains Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, HSSC
new best friend. When she jumps up on your lap for some
Director of Shelter Medicine, “and one that we don’t want adopt-
petting or sits contentedly by your side as you work, it’s as
ers to feel scared about. Heart murmurs and heart disease are
if you’ve always known each other. Her casual personality belies
typically not surgical diseases in our veterinary patients so, while
a bumpy arrival to the Humane Society. The 10-year-old Chihua-
they can require ongoing care, they are usually manageable
hua mix was abandoned in the lobby of a local vet clinic in Janu-
conditions.” As with any other manageable or treatable medical
ary, with a note from an owner who was no longer able to care
condition, we believe that pets with heart murmurs deserve to
for her. In spite of this, Teeka is trusting and unperturbed. She’s
be with families who will love them for the “perfectly imperfect”
also not too ruffled by the fact that she has a heart murmur… and
beings they are.
we don’t think you should be either!
North Bay Pets
S
ince it is such a common condition, we asked Dr. Reidenbach
imperfections. Adopters who are able and willing to offer a spot in
to break it down for us. “‘Heart murmur’”, she tells us, “is a
their homes to animals like Teeka completely change lives.”
general term for a sound made by turbulent blood flow. When the usually smooth flow of blood is disturbed, like when being pushed through a diseased or narrow heart valve, it creates an abnormal sound. When listening with a stethoscope, the normal ‘lub-dub… lub-dub…lub-dub’ of the heartbeat will sometimes be drowned out by a ‘whooshing’ sound.”
At HSSC, we do not consider euthanasia for any adoptable animals, including those with manageable or treatable medical conditions. We are here to love and care for them as long as it takes. “Nevertheless,” as Dr. Reidenbach points out, “we don’t like seeing these animals sit in the shelter for long periods waiting for their forever homes. We’re here to discuss questions and con-
Hearing a heart murmur during a physical exam will often be a
cerns, and to make sure adopters feel comfortable with their new
veterinarian’s first hint that the animal may have heart disease. Dr.
four-legged family members.”
Reidenbach emphasizes though, that hearing a murmur “is not a reason to panic, but it could be a reason to consider more tests to determine the cause. Some murmurs are considered benign or
This year, so many of our shelter pets with heart murmurs have gone on to become family members, including Cory, Wren and Gizmo!
physiological, meaning there is no apparent heart disease causing the murmur. These murmurs do not affect quality of life or life expectancy.” They can also be congenital or acquired at some point during the animal’s life. “These too can be benign, but are more often associated with developing heart or valve disease, and can affect quality of life and life expectancy in varying ways, depending on the specific diagnosis and severity.” Many benign murmurs require no treatment and pose no risk, Dr. Reidenbach explains, “but ones associated with heart disease can require intervention and accommodations. For example, when an animal goes under anesthesia for a surgery, it’s important for them to have a stable cardiovascular system. Animals with significant heart disease may be at greater risk when undergoing anesthesia.”
Cory
Wren
Gizmo
For longer stay dogs like Teeka, periodic breaks from the shelter are much appreciated. Recently, Teeka was spotted gleefully scampering out the door with her foster mom, ears and tongue flapping in the breeze. We can’t wait for the day we get to watch her scamper out the door with that special someone who’ll give her all the love, warm laps and stability she craves—forever!
At HSSC’s shelter hospital, Dr. Reidenbach and her team always
Would you like to meet this adorable senior dog? We think you’ll
evaluate the risk versus the benefit on a case-by-case basis. “In
want to bring her home in a heartbeat.
Teeka’s case, we noticed a grade 5 (very loud) murmur on exam. We took x-rays and saw that the left side of her heart looked enlarged, but there were no signs of heart failure. Because we wanted to perform a dental procedure on her, we sent her to a cardiologist to better characterize her heart disease and determine if anesthesia was safe.” After an echocardiogram, the cardi-
Did you know that approximately 80% of the animals who arrive at HSSC require medical attention beyond routine exams? Donations to our Angel’s Fund ensure that homeless pets receive the care they need on their journey to adoption. Be a part of an animal’s health and happiness by visiting shsoc.ejoinme.org/donate.
ologist characterized her disease as moderate and confirmed that she was not in heart failure. From there, our medical team was able to create a solid plan for Teeka’s long term care. “We elected not to perform the dental surgery,” Dr. Reidenbach says, “because, while her teeth may be a little yucky, they are not causing her pain or creating a significant source of infection. We determined it was not worth the risk to put her through an anesthetic procedure.” At this time, the only thing Teeka needs is a single medication daily (which slows the progression of heart disease) and, just like all pets, regular vet visits. She also needs someone to love her unconditionally, in spite of her condition. “Dogs and cats don’t get to choose if they have a heart condition,” Dr. Reidenbach states. “The best thing we can do is be willing to love them in spite of their
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THE LUCERO GROUP R E A L
E S T A T E
S E R V I C E S
HELPING PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE FIND GREAT HOMES IN SONOMA COUNTY AND BEYOND
P LEA S E JO IN U S F O R OUR
4 TH A N N U A L
CAUSE PA W S FOR
HAPPY HOUR FUNDRAISER FRIDAY, JUNE 22 ND | 4-7 PM
421 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg CA Enjoy food, drinks, and awesome raffle prizes throughout the evening! All proceeds go to support the Humane Society of Sonoma County.
T H E L U CER O G R O U P Grace Lucero | 707.888.2649 grace@vanguardsonoma.com
DRE #01233007 General Contractor Lic. #724473
North Bay Pets
HEALDSBURG HAPPENINGS It's a beautiful thing
P
ets finding safety and the promise of forever homes at our Healdsburg shelter—it’s a beautiful thing! And lately, “the shelter that love built” is looking rather beautiful, too. The landscaping is filling in and looking lush, and our commemorative brick program is well underway, populating our Memorial Courtyard and Pathway for Paws with heartfelt milestones. Another milestone is a specially commissioned sign acknowledging the generosity and compassion of the late Rodney and Charlotte Strong. The Strongs bequeathed their estate in support of the original shelter’s building campaign, and we’re honored to fulfill their wishes. Indeed, we are so grateful to everyone who has helped make the dream of a Healdsburg safehaven for animals a reality!
Coming Soon – Healdsburg Special Care Unit! Work is underway at the Healdsburg shelter on our new Special Care Unit. This space will enable us to treat medical conditions that other shelters are unable to accommodate, such as ringworm in young kittens. Many shelters don’t have the resources to assist animals with conditions that require lengthy or intensive treatment, and are sometimes forced to euthanize instead. With the launch of this special program, we will be equipped to save more at-risk animals. In our specially dedicated room, kittens can receive the care and nurturing they need to be cleared medically and ready for adoption. Cages for our treatment room have been purchased and Healdsburg staff are training with professionals from SF SPCA to implement the protocol and treatments that will save many lives in the years to come!
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North Bay Pets
嘀䌀䄀倀攀琀䌀愀爀攀䔀愀猀琀⸀挀漀洀
䘀漀氀氀漀眀 甀猀 漀渀㨀
嘀䌀䄀倀攀琀䌀愀爀攀圀攀猀琀⸀挀漀洀 24
NOVEMBER 2017–APRIL 2018
BEQUESTS
THE POWER A LEGACY
of
Margaret L. Adams Family Trust Helen Maria Corniola Trust Estate of Curtis Lee Floyd Everett H. Gregory Trust The Marilyn and Roger Koehn Trust Estate of Gretchen Lee Olt Estate of P. K. Roth The Fredrika P. Smith, M.D. Trust Lucille L. Smothers Trust Rose L. Viviani Trust Melitta Wright Trust
Your Pet Supply Store For Over 50 Years!
Socks & Spot
F
or the nearly 2,600 animals who come to the Humane Society each year, your legacy means the world. It means that pets like Socks and Spot have a safe haven where they are loved and nurtured. The two senior cats came to us when their owner was no longer able to care for them. They’ve spent their whole lives together and rely on each other for comfort and companionship. We vowed to find them a loving home where they could stay together and, until then, we are committed to their refuge and wellbeing each and every day.
"Leaving a legacy that ensures protection and care for homeless animals doesn’t require vast wealth, only compassion and a little forethought." Your gift means we are here for the long haul… for the pets who will depend on us in the years to come. Leaving a legacy that ensures protection and care for homeless animals doesn’t require vast wealth, only compassion and a little forethought. Every gift—large or small—gives hope to the animals who will rely on us for lifesaving medical attention, safe shelter and second chances. There are many ways to include HSSC in your estate planning. For more information, please visit humanesocietysoco.org/ help/give and click on the “Leave a Legacy” tab. Or call Melissa Dobar, HSSC Director of Development, at (707) 577-1911.
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Teddy
Starburst
photos © Emmaline Jones
Buddy
NEW FRIENDS AT THE FARM!
O
ver the past few months, Forget Me Not Farm has welcomed some new residents into the fold! Each of these animals inspire us with their resilience in surviving some tough situations… and they’re helping to heal the spirits of children who have survived adversity of their own. Here Nate Rathmann, Operations Director for the Farm, introduces us to these wonderful new friends.
Cushing’s Disease. This placement fell through though and Buddy was having a rough time. Fortunately, we had one vacant stall in the barn at Forget Me Not Farm. When we went to meet him, we knew his sweet personality and gentle disposition would make him a welcome addition to the Farm family. Volunteers and at-risk youth who participate in our program have given him a warm welcome.
BUDDY, A 29-YEAR-OLD ARAB GELDING CAME TO FORGET ME NOT FARM IN JANUARY. Buddy was living on a rental property in Sebastopol and rendered homeless when he and his owner were evicted after their landlord lost his home to the Tubbs Fire and had to move into his rental house. Luckily, Buddy was taken in by Lost Hearts and Souls horse rescue, as it would be difficult to find a home for an old, arthritic horse who’d also been diagnosed with
TEDDY ROOSEVELT WAS BORN ON PRESIDENTS' DAY, ONE OF THE COLDEST DAYS OF THE YEAR. This adorable little Dorper lamb was lucky to make it through the 28° night without the warmth of his mother. Sadly, she had rejected him and would not nurse or care for him. Showing the grit and perseverance of our 26th president, Teddy crept under an electric fence and found his way to a haystack covered by a tarp and survived the night. Needless
26
to say, this little guy was going to need some human intervention to make it. That’s when he came to our Farm, finding a full-service, bottle-feeding forever home! He is growing, thriving and warming the hearts of all who meet him. STARBURST WAS GIVEN TO FORGET ME NOT FARM IN EARLY MARCH. This wonderful 8-year-old mini horse was feeling a bit sad after losing his longtime equine companion to a sudden bout of colic. Coincidentally, we’d been looking for a mini horse friend for our mini donkey, Carmen, who’d recently lost her longtime companion, Windstar. Although Windstar was a mature 37 years old, Carmen is adjusting well to the high energy that Starburst brings to the barn. He is full of life and mischief, and he sports an amazing Mohawk that the kids are so fond of. He and Carmen are enjoying each other’s company.
CAMPS This summer, children who lost homes in last October’s fires will have the opportunity to relax, learn and connect with animals and nature free of charge at our Animal Adventure and Education Camps.
“
Camps restore, rejuvenate and replenish the spirit. And summertime is a great chance to relax and enjoy all that our camps have to offer. We’re so pleased to be able to provide these experiences for kids who might be in need of some extra healing and enrichment,” says HSSC Humane Educator Beth Karzes.
This wonderful opportunity is made possible with the generous support of: The King Ridge Foundation—Sonoma Pride, Redwood Credit Union, the Redwood Valley and Santa Rosa Community Recovery Fund—Forward Together, and Tipping Point’s Community’s Emergency Relief Fund.
For more information, please visit humanesocietysoco.org/camps.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBIN SEE Our compassionate and dedicated Healdsburg volunteer
R
obin nurtured life in every corner of our shelter—in every dog she walked, every cat she shared a quiet moment
with, every plant she tended on our grounds… in each one of us whose day was brightened by her loving presence. She will always be here in spirit. Whenever we see the flowers blooming, the dogs playing or hear our cats purring, we’ll remember how she touched our lives.
“Dear Robin, we will never forget you. We were so lucky to have known you. Thank you for all the smiles and hugs.”
Counting our Blessings
W
hen we think of the numerous ways we are blessed to be living in Sonoma County, the compassionate community and beautiful scenery are at the top of our list. Our partnership with St. Francis Winery includes both! St. Francis Winery and their sustainable Wild Oak Estate Vineyards are located at the base of the majestic Sugarloaf Ridge and Hood Mountain. This is also the setting for their annual Blessing of the Animals, which celebrates not only the winery’s namesake, but their philosophy of giving back to the community—“a guiding factor in running our business and preserving Sonoma County for future generations,” says Erica Gomez, Marketing and Social Media Manager for the winery.
x
ST. FRANCIS WINERY
North Bay Pets
sponsor spotlight
Each autumn, well-mannered furry and feathered friends can take part in the unique event that is Blessing of the Animals. Besides breathtaking surroundings, Erica tells us “guests can expect a wonderful, leisurely afternoon filled with animal blessings, wine, food, local vendors and lots of opportunities to help us raise money for the Humane Society of Sonoma County—including fabulous raffle prizes, coveted silent auction items and more!” As beneficiary of this special event since 2009, HSSC is very blessed by our partnership with St. Francis Winery. We look forward to seeing you and your furry ones at the event this year! St. Francis Winery’s Blessing of the Animals is held the first Sunday in October each year. For more information, please watch our events page for details: humanesocietysoco.org/ about-us/event-calendar
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF SONOMA COUNTY WOULD LIKE TO THANK JOHN AND SUSAN PROUTY, LONGTIME SPONSORS OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY. 29
North Bay Pets
Green Valley Growers Sebastopol, California
Events & Florals
www.greenvalleygrower.com 707.823.5583 30
North Bay Pets
Remember when the Humane Society first started establishing our services in Healdsburg, operating out of trailers, circa 2014? Caroline Marker does. She refers to this era as “the trailer times” and remembers being one of just a few volunteers caring for just a handful of pets as we completed construction on the building.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
W
Caroline Marker Caroline works with May at our Healdsburg shelter.
e’ve grown a lot
takes adoptable dogs on “Out-and-
community. “I am always willing to lend
since then, and
Abouts” around town, and organizes
a hand whether it be with people or
Caroline has
a local donation box program for the
animals,” she says.
been an important part of our
shelter, following up with different busi-
Healdsburg shelter’s evolution.
nesses on our behalf. She even came
HSSC - Healdsburg Manager
out one day to cut down the black-
Alison Lane says “from the very
berry bushes on Westside Road so the
first day I started working in
shelter signs would be more visible.
Healdsburg, Caroline has shown
Healdsburg Adoption Counselor, Gabe
time and again her dedication
Rathmann, says Caroline’s versatility is
and commitment to the shelter.
“multifaceted, like a Swiss Army knife.
She was eager to help us build
I can’t begin to explain how much we
bridges with the community and
value her dedication to helping us and
her knowledge of the previous
the animals in our care.”
shelter proved invaluable”.
Caroline’s love of animals was culti-
Caroline will modestly tell you
vated in Glen Ellen, where she grew
that she does “a little bit of
up—“we always had animals. Animals
everything” from walking dogs,
have always been a part of my life.” And
cuddling cats and refreshing
a rewarding career in government ser-
their rooms, to working the front
vice, both with the County of Sonoma
desk and helping at outreach
and the City of Healdsburg, instilled
and fundraising events. She also
her with an appreciation for helping her
For all her compassionate hard work and service, we’re glad to know that Caroline also finds time to recharge her batteries. She loves spoiling her 13-year-old terrier mix, Henry, and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoys hiking and snow skiing, and just took up golf. She and her husband also have a plane and take trips to visit friends. “Henry flies with us and even has his own ‘Mutt Muffs’ for hearing protection!”
We are so grateful to Caroline for being such an integral part of our team. Alison sums it up best: “She is definitely one of the pillars of this shelter!” 31
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5345 Hwy 12 West | Santa Rosa, CA 95407 | 707-542-0882 555 Westside Road | Healdsburg, CA 95448 | 707-431-3386 www.humanesocietysoco.org The Humane Society of Sonoma County does not receive funding from national organizations such as HSUS or ASPCA. We depend on donations from our local community. North Bay Pets is a publication of the Humane Society of Sonoma County. © Copyright 2018 | All rights reserved.
AUGUST 10th, 2018
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