THE PET PRESS SPRING 2019
MEET MOSEY
Learn all about her story on PAGE 10
PLUS
A YEAR IN REVIEW PAGE 11
A Quarterly Magazine for Rescue Animal Lovers | Compliments of SafeHaven Humane Society
Executive Director Focus Hi Friends, SafeHaven welcomed 2019 with a stronger than ever commitment to provide a better life for animals—by saving more lives! As you read this edition of the Pet Press, I hope you will see that each “happily ever after” story and each achievement made is because you made it happen. You made it possible! Without your support and compassion for the animals, SafeHaven could not continue changing and saving lives! As we move forward into 2019, we continue to grow and evolve. We ask ourselves, “What more can we do for homeless and abandoned pets?” “How can we save more lives?” SafeHaven knows that one of the answers to these questions is to have the ability to spay or neuter our animals on-site. An on-site spay/neuter surgery suite is in our future-and we believe because of this, more lives can and will be saved. Get involved in our future. Donate, volunteer, or adopt. Let’s do great things together in 2019!
Chris Storm Executive Director
SafeHaven is presenting a new way to support the animals while getting your own pet professionally photographed! Check out the details and pricing and get your cutie on the books today.
Register today at www.safehavenhumane.org/camps
Call 541-926-2924 and ask for Peggy to schedule your photoshoot. www.safehavenhumane.com/photopaws Check out Peggy’s work at
www.photopawsbypjk.com
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A DV E RT I S E M E N T
Table of Contents
The Pet Press is a free quarterly magazine published by SafeHaven Humane Society in Tangent, Oregon.
Executive Director Focus.................. 1
We are a private 501c3 organization.
Featured Adoption.............................. 3
We are not affiliated with any other humane organizations and we do not receive any government funding or tax dollars.
Happy Tails............................................ 4 Events...................................................... 5 New Beginnings............................... ... 6
TAX ID NUMBER: 93-0676661
Community ................................ . ......... 7
Phone: 541-928-2789
Business Spotlight ............................ 8
Fax: 541-928-5939
Development.......................................9
SHELTER HOURS
Year in Review ........................................... 11
Tuesday - Friday, noon to 6 pm Saturday - Monday, noon to 5 pm
Foster Care Spotlight.............................. 14
Central Oregon, the Mid-Oregon Coast, and the 2001 YourServing Home Town Propane Service Provider and #1 Choice for Willamette Propane & Valley, Propanesince Accessories
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Business of the Year 2014 2017 2018
A DV E RT I S E M E N T
Featured Adoption Here at SafeHaven, sometimes our favorite animals are the ones who are here the longest. This was especially true for Shirley, a 5 year old Pit Bull/Staffordshire mix. She originally came to us all the way back in 2015 on a “Rescue Me” transport from Los Angeles, CA. From there, her story had a lot of ups and downs. After being adopted in early 2016, we didn’t see Shirley again until she was surrendered by her owners in May of last year. She was adopted again by a family, but once again returned to the shelter last October. There were various reasons why she had been returned these two times, but her friendliness was certainly not one of them. The staff and volunteers quickly fell in love with her and as the days went on, we all wondered why no one wanted to take home this lovely, sweet girl. Sure, she preferred to be the only pet in the home, but Shirley had a quality that most people are looking for when choosing a family pet -- she absolutely loved children.
While Shirley was at the shelter, she attended many kids camps, movie nights, and other Humane Education programs and loved spending time with youth in our community. Shirley loved the attention and seemed most at peace with a group of kids. By the time December rolled around, we really pushed for Shirley to find the perfect home in time for the holidays. She was a part of our “Home for the Holidays’ campaign and we made sure she received as much attention as possible leading up to Christmas day. Then, one day, it finally happened. Shirley’s new forever family adopted her on December 20, 2018. We were all so happy for her and even more elated when we found out that she was going to a home with kids. We knew she would be so happy!
Shirley, enjoying her time spent with a Winter Break Day Camp in December, shortly before finding her forever home! 3
Her family updated us just days later about how well Shirley had transitioned into their home. They shared, “She is doing great. She is never alone and gets to go on trips in the car. The kids LOVE her and she loves them! Thank you for letting us adopt her.”
Happy Tails STANLEY’S ADVENTURES
We recently heard from Kayla Rickford about her amazing cat who can do it all! Here is what Kayla told us about her cat, Stanley: “I knew I wanted to harness train my cat before I even decided to adopt one. I had seen photos of my friend’s cat going on walks with his humans, and knew I wanted to provide that experience for my cat, too. I adopted Stanley in the summer of 2017 and immediately started harness training. I had hoped little outdoor excursions would give him some entertainment and keep him from getting bored when he had to stay indoors the rest of the time, but I had no idea how far it would lead us. In the past year and a half, Stanley and I have struggled through clicker training and harness training with the help of as much cat behavior understanding and patience I could muster up, and it has been so worth it. Stanley has learned to walk in a harness, ride in the car or in a backpack, and it has enabled him to see new places and meet new people and their pets – be they fur, feathers, or fins. When the weather is too poor or I am too busy to take him anywhere, I entertain Stanley by giving him food puzzles to solve throughout the day, or by teaching him new tricks and behaviors when I am home. I know I would go insane if I was confined to a small apartment for a few days, let alone my whole life, so I try to give Stanley the fullest life possible, while also keeping him safe. It has been incredibly fun and engaging to bring my furry companion along on day hikes, vacations, to the office, and even out on the lake in a kayak. I find it rewarding to watch him explore and expand his world, and the enrichment he receives from our adventures leaves him happy and entertained. To see more of our adventures, follow us @stanleysshenanigans on Instagram.”
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR Meet Timber! He is now in a loving home after being adopted by his new family. But sadly, Timber’s happy story began after an unfortunate loss for the Saathoff family. Matt and Sarah Saathoff had recently lost their dog to cancer just a few short months ago. Sarah told us that they “weren’t sure how we would get over his loss.” Their last dog, Bruin, was such a big part of their lives and with a brand new baby, a new dog really wasn’t in the cards. That was, until they saw Timber on SafeHaven’s website. Sarah told us that Timber closely resembled Bruin and she and her husband both felt compelled to go to the shelter to meet him. When they met Timber, they instantly fell in love. Sarah shared, “My husband and I couldn’t think of a reason to not take him home, we loved him so much.” She shared that he was so loving and also very gentle with their two month old baby. The Saathoffs took Timber home that very same day! Timber, now known as Charlie, has a happy cozy life now with Matt and Sarah and their new baby. She added on our SafeHaven Alumni Facebook page, “He is a breath of fresh air after a long cancer battle with our first SafeHaven pitty. We’re so thankful to have him in our lives.” 4
Events
We want to send a huge thank you to Rebecca Swanson for being our presenting sponsor for this event for the second year in a row! It’s time to round up the troops and start looking ahead to Rescue Roundup 2019! The date for our largest annual event of the year has been set and we want you to get involved. Check out the sponsorship opportunities available for this event below!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 1
$1,300
Audio/video sponsor: Logo featured in event-specific electronic publicity and website pages (10k unique visitors each month) with a thank you on Facebook (~18k followers), podium acknowledgment, as well as logo recognition in the video portion of the event.
2
$750
Silent Auction Sponsor: We will brand this important part of the evening with your logo on all printed materials pertaining to this portion of the event with visibility to our 350+ attendees. Our silent auction has over 200 highly desired items and is very popular with our attendees.
3
$350
U-Haul Sponsor: Receives a listing recognition for contribution in event catalog, and a thank you in post-event publicity.
4
$500
Raffle Sponsor: This is a highly anticipated raffle that always sells out! For your contribution, you will receive signage at the raffle ticket table as well as podium acknowledgment during the drawing.
5
$500
Venue Sponsor: Receives a listing recognition for contribution in event catalog, and a thank you on our Facebook page (~18k followers).
TABLE PACKAGES & SINGLE SEATS A
$7,500
Presenting Sponsor: Category Exclusivity, receives logo recognition PRESENTING SPONSOR: on event banner, receives logo recognition on event posters, flyers and other event-specific material, featured in event-specific electronic publicity and website pages with a thank you on social media. First right of refusal for 2020.
Tickets: 10 Drink Tickets: 20
6
$450
Table Centerpiece Sponsor: Our decorating geniuses will incorporate your logo into the event centerpieces that are visible to the 350+ attendees.
7
$300
Bid Card Sponsor: Your ad/logo will be printed on the back of the bid card and will be visible to our 350+ attendees during the live auction portion of our event.
8
$400
AUCTION BUYER APPRECIATION SPONSOR: LLIVE ive Auction Buyer Appreciation Gift: Every buyer during the live auction receives a special thank you gift. We will incorporate your logo in the special gift and you will receive podium acknowledgment during the live auction portion of our event.
B
$5,000
Catering Sponsor (2 spots available at the $5,000 level): Receives logo recognition on event posters, flyers and other event-specific print media, featured in event-specific electronic publicity and website pages, email list, with a thank you on social media, podium acknowledgment, a half page ad recognition for contribution in event catalog as well as signage on buffet tables.
Tickets: 8 Drink Tickets: 16
C
$3,500
Buckaroo: Receives logo recognition on event posters, flyers and other event-specific print media, featured in event-specific electronic publicity and website pages with a thank you on social media, podium acknowledgment, table recognition and half page ad recognition for contribution in event catalog. First right of refusal for 2020. First right of refusal for 2020.
Tickets: 8 Drink Tickets: 16
D
$2,500
Bar Sponsor: Category Exclusivity, receives logo recognition on event posters, flyers and other event-specific print media, featured in event-specific electronic publicity and website pages with a thank you on social media, podium acknowledgment, table recognition and half page ad recognition for contribution in event catalog. First right of refusal for 2020.
Tickets: 8 Drink Tickets: 16
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5
$250
Clean-up Sponsor: After the dust settles, we always need help breaking down this fun filled event! If your business and/ or club would like to contribute their time to help us clean-up the event, you will receive a Facebook shout out as well as podium acknowledgement when we conclude the evening. We will donate the $250 back to your club or organization.
E
$1,500
Wrangler: Featured in event-specific electronic publicity and website pages, email list, with a thank you on social media, podium acknowledgment, table recognition and 1/4 page ad recognition for contribution in event catalog.
Tickets: 8 Drink Tickets: 16
F
$1,000
Print/Banner Sponsor: Category exclusivity, receives logo recognition on event banner and yard signs, and receives 1/4 page ad recognition for contribution in event catalog.
Tickets: 8 Drink Tickets: 16
G
$500
Rustler: Reserves table at event, receives table recognition, a listing recognition for contribution in event catalogue, and a thank you in post-event publicity.
Tickets: 8 Drink Tickets: 8
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:
If your company is looking to sponsor this event or any other fundraiser at SafeHaven, we would love to speak to you about the options available! Please call the shelter 541-926-2924 or email Ashley Barker at ashley@safehavenhumane.com.
New Beginnings & A Growing Need For the past year, SafeHaven has been working towards building our very own Spay and Neuter Surgery Suite within our facility. The growing need to have the ability to complete spay and neuter surgeries at SafeHaven is immense. With over 40 animals a week needing surgery, local veterinarians are doing their best to accommodate our needs, but struggle to get all of the needed surgeries done. And now, we are so thrilled because, for the first time in SafeHaven’s history, we have a full-time veterinarian on staff! This piece of the puzzle has now been completed and gets us that much further toward our goal. We are excited to introduce you to Dr. Amanda Gordon who began her journey with SafeHaven mid-January of this year. We are looking forward to her valuable insight and expertise in expanding our facility in the coming months and believe she is the perfect addition to our growing family! Dr. Gordon grew up right here in Albany, Oregon. She earned her undergraduate degree from Portland State University and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. This year, she will complete her Master’s degree in Veterinary Forensics from the University of Florida. She has previously worked in Vancouver, Washington, focusing on internal medicine and surgery for companion and exotic animals. Her veterinary interests include shelter medicine, animal abuse and neglect cases, surgery and pathology. In her free time, Dr. Gordon enjoys spending time with her two cats, Tundra and Sprocket, and her pug, Dizzy. She also enjoys outdoor activities, reading, attending concerts and playing various musical instruments. With the support of our community and now, with our own veterinarian, we plan to have the Spay & Neuter Surgery Suite up and running in 2019!
A DV E RT I S E M E N T
Coming Together For The Animals On the morning of February 5th, on the way to Salem for a routine visit to a veterinary clinic, our SafeHaven van unfortunately hit black ice and toppled over into a ditch along Interstate 5. The roads were unfavorable, but in order for these animals to go to their forever homes, they needed to be transported to be spayed and neutered. Right now, without the ability to perform these necessary surgeries on-site, we must transport the animals to local clinics and, unfortunately, this practice puts undue stress on our animals and adds extra costs to the operation. We are so grateful to report that all of the animals and the driver of the van were uninjured in this accident. Although, it did bring to light the true importance of building the Spay & Neuter Surgery Suite as soon as possible so that our animals no longer need to travel for this surgery and can recover here, in their temporary home, while they wait for their forever. Thankfully, upon hearing this news, we had several generous donors step up and were able to fully fund the purchase of a new (used) van without putting extra strain on an already tight budget. In addition, Xtreme Graphix has agreed to donate a customized wrap to the new vehicle. SafeHaven is so fortunate to have such strong support in a time like this and friends who really step up for the animals! 6
Community SAVING UP TO SAVE ANIMALS What an incredible way to start the year! Early in January, the Page family stopped by and brought us a cash donation of $618.34 for the animals. The family told us that they saved all year whenever they had spare change and it sure added up. This act of kindness towards the animals brought big smiles to our faces and we are so grateful! The children in the family were especially excited to present our staff with the Zip-loc baggies filled with cash. We spent some time talking about their own pets, before they spent the afternoon with some of our shelter animals seeing the faces of those that they saved so diligently for all year long. Thank you to this generous, caring family!
LOOKING FOR LOVE For the second year in a row, SafeHaven hosted a Valentine’s Day fundraiser to find a Valentine for each of our animals. Community members had the opportunity to sponsor one of our animals while they wait for their forever home. Jake (pictured) was happy to show off his Valentine whenever a prospective family stopped by. Each sponsorship of $20 helped provide warm shelter and care for each animal. The animals also received a heart on their kennel announcing their sponsorship and SafeHaven sent updates to each sponsor as their Valentine got adopted. At the end of the month, 50 Valentines had been purchased, raising $1,000 for the animals, and all of the kennels in the shelter had a little more love.
HOPPING INTO SAFEHAVEN Meet Barnaby! He is our first ever shelter animal dedicated to attending programs, classrooms, and more. Many humane societies have animals that live in the shelter and are raised by the staff, but it wasn’t until we met Barnaby that we decided it was time for SafeHaven to hop on the train. Barnaby was brought in as a stray by long-time supporter, Diana Sartin, (who started Bow Wow Bingo at Schmizza’s Public House in Lebanon.) While completing his stray time, the staff fell in love with Barnaby’s personality and were inspired to keep him. He is the most relaxed bunny and also one of the softest! Since October, Barnaby has been to multiple classroom visits at various local elementary schools, day camps at SafeHaven, Pets and Pajamas Movie nights, and has met a lot of youth in the community. He seems to love his new role as SafeHaven’s official Spokes-Bunny. If you are interested in SafeHaven coming to your child’s classroom, please contact Katie Bateman at humaneed@safehavenhumane.com. It’s free and the whole class is sure to enjoy it!
Business Spotlight
Every December, several businesses around our community generously offer to host a Giving Tree to collect donations for the animals at SafeHaven. Each tree is important to us and we always recognize the compassion shown by each business to help. This year, Central Willamette hosted not one Giving Tree, but six total between the branches! There were trees all the way from Corvallis to Salem and each tree brought in donations that allow us to continue saving lives! Working with Central Willamette Credit Union over the years has been a real treasure. In addition, Stacie Wyss-Schoenborn, the President & CEO, serves on SafeHaven’s Board of Directors and is a vital addition to our team. Check out all the donated items we picked up from this wonderful company. Barnaby, our shelter bunny, and Chunk, a SafeHaven alum, tagged along to show our appreciation to the team. Thank you Central Williamette Credit Union for your support during the holiday season and all year long!
We want to shine a special light on Mr. G and Jenny Nassar of Farmers Insurance in Albany! They recently partnered with us to save more homeless animals. Starting in February 2019 and continuing indefinitely, if any of our supporters call their office to receive a free quote, they will donate $10 to SafeHaven. As an added bonus - every caller also gets a free raffle entry to win a brand new 55” LED TV! Mr. G and his wife, Jenny Nassar, are both involved in our community and if you’ve had the pleasure of meeting them, you know how kind and personable they are. We encourage you to call them at 541-926-7140 or email Mr. G at gnassar@farmersagent.com.
GET INVOLVED When your company partners with SafeHaven Humane Society, it is a win-win! That’s because being a good corporate citizen is also a good business decision. Business partner benefits include gaining marketing and public relations opportunities, confirming your company’s values with community members, employees, and clients, experiencing satisfaction by supporting the animals and people in our community, and gaining additional exposure at SafeHaven events and fundraisers. Your business can partner with SafeHaven Humane Society in many different ways to help animals in need. If you are interested in learning more, contact us at marketing@safehavenhumane.com.
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Development SUPPORT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA In the past several years, Facebook has been instrumental in SafeHaven’s fundraising. In 2018, $15,470 was raised from this social media site alone. The funds were brought in from birthday fundraisers and specific campaigns like Chunk’s, pictured here, and from arbitrary donations now and then. Unfortunately, a SafeHaven puppy, Chunk, had an accident and broke his front leg. The veterinarian that examined Chunk told us he would may need a surgery costing over $4,000 to save his leg and we were committed to raising the money. We knew our community would help. Sadly, when the veterinarian opened Chunk’s shoulder to operate, they found out that they could not save his leg and needed to amputate. Even though he lost his front leg, Chunk is very happy and healthy and is getting along just great in his new home and we have our Facebook followers to thank. Thank you to everyone who donates on social media, shares our posts, and tags friends to help out, too! The $800 raised for Chunk, in the photo, not only helped to pay for his surgery, but also his care and medication afterwards. This kind of generosity helps tremendously when unexpected expenses arise for the shelter and our community is always happy to step up and donate.
DEDICATE YOUR BIRTHDAY TO THE ANIMALS AT SAFEHAVEN Celebrate your birthday by giving back. Facebook will remind you when you are two weeks from turning another year older and ask if you want to create a fundraiser for a cause that is close to your heart. We ask you to consider choosing SafeHaven to help save thousands of homeless animals each year. We know there are countless ways to give back to your community and are grateful if you choose to help the animals. Whether your goal is to raise $20 or $5,000 (which happened in 2018), we want you to know how much we appreciate it and how impactful your choice to do so is!
Than!k you 9
Humane Education KINDNESS WEEK Each year, North Albany Elementary School participates in Kindness Week at the end of January. This year, two of our staff members were invited to the kick-off assembly on Thursday, January 24th. We talked to the students about kindness and even brought one of our alumni who performed a few tricks for the students! Kindness Week at NAES was full of compassion and learning about what it means to show kindness in our community. The school also held a coin drive for SafeHaven, which resulted in a $276.02 donation from the students for the animals at the shelter. The students also made Valentines for the animals, along with some homemade biscuits for them to enjoy for Valentine’s Day. On Thursday of that week, it was a Superhero Dress Up Day and Amelia (pictured) wore a SafeHaven shirt to school because she thinks the people at SafeHaven are superheroes for rescuing animals. This warmed our hearts when Amelia’s mom shared that with us. At SafeHaven, we are forever grateful for the youth in our community and constantly reminded of their kindness and compassion. We are also thankful for the staff and educators at the schools who promote programs such as Kindness Week to teach kids valuable lessons outside of typical classroom subjects.
COVER GIRL MOSEY’S STORY Sweet Mosey, pictured on the front cover, came to Judy & Jolly Steel as a hospice care case in December 2016. She was an elderly Chow Chow mix who came up on a START transport with another dog she was bonded with. Unfortunately, Mosey’s partner passed away shortly after his arrival and Mosey was left heartbroken without him. Jolly, a committed volunteer at SafeHaven, bonded with Mosey during his volunteer sessions and asked his wife to adopt Mosey as his Christmas gift that year. Mosey was severely arthritic and had cataracts in both eyes, but was a very sweet dog. Jolly was convinced she would never get adopted and could not bear to have her left at the shelter over the holidays or longer. The Animal Care staff warned Jolly and Judy that Mosey’s future was uncertain given the difficult life she appeared to have lived. It has now been over 2 years since Mosey’s adoption and we’re sad to report that shortly after her cover photo was taken, Mosey passed away when she suddenly lost the use of her back legs and both Judy and Jolly made the difficult desicion to let her go. Judy added, “She stole Jolly’s heart and she leaves a big hole there.” Jolly and Judy also have another SafeHaven dog, Bailey, and a SafeHaven cat, Leo. Judy told us that both Bailey and Leo were extremely patient with Mosey when she arrived and Bailey gave up many of his things for her, including the couch, his floor pad, etc. so that Mosey could fit into their family. Mosey is a true example of what a compassionate family can do for an animal. Having a safe space, a loving home, and proper care all played a part in Mosey living out her golden years in the best possible way.
Bailey and Leo, Judy and Jolly’s other SafeHaven alumni
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2018 REVIEW IN
2,096 ANIMALS GOT A SECOND CHANCE. One person’s unwanted animal becomes another person’s beloved family member. And that is the mission at SafeHaven Humane Society. You can hear it through the halls and around the shelter... “as long as it takes.” That’s because each animal that comes through our doors gets to stay until they find their forever home, no matter how long it takes. These adoptions don’t just happen, however. They happen because our supporters choose to tell their friends and family about SafeHaven and the wonderful animals available for adoption. They happen because our followers on social media engage and share the animals available. They happen because we have an incredible network of volunteers, foster parents, and donors who choose to give support to those who have no voice of their own. For so many reasons, SafeHaven is able to find a home for thousands of animals each year and, for each reason, we are thankful. So, from the 2,096 animals that are now resting happily in their new lives, Thank You! Thank you to everyone who donated their time, dollars, or supplies to keep the animals well cared for. Thank you to anyone who has attended a third party fundraiser at one of the many establishments in our community that generously give back. Thank you for sharing our posts on Facebook and tagging your friends in our stories. We can keep going but instead, let us say Thank You for thinking of the animals who needed us!
ERIC, ADOPTED APRIL 2018
BELLAMY, ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 2018
FINDING HOMES
1,153 DOGS 918 CATS 25 SMALL ANIMALS 11
FLORENCE, ADOPTED JANUARY 2018
EDUCATING MINDS
4,386
634
YOUTH REACHED
DOGS TRAINED
OPENING HEARTS
6,577 Pounds of Food Distributed
MEALS DELIVERED
1,183
824
Cats Count Spay/Neuter Vouchers Distributed
9,282
Lbs.
VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTED
35,341
HOURS OF SUPPORT
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Volunteer Spotlight MEET RYAN & LEXI These two very special volunteers join us every Thursday afternoon after their classes are over and stay until after the shelter closes some days to spend time with our animals. Ryan Herberger and Lexi Melvin are both students at Oregon State University. Ryan is studying Agriculture Sciences and hopes to be a Certified Dog Trainer some day after spending ten weeks interning with our Enrichment & Training Department. Lexi is an Animal Science major at OSU and plans to work with police dogs some day. While Lexi has been volunteering with SafeHaven for almost a month (after being referred to the program by Ryan), Ryan has been volunteering for almost a year and is even fostering one of our dogs, Remy, who was struggling at the shelter. They are currently working on training so that Remy can find her perfect forever home. Lexi told us that she loves volunteering at SafeHaven because she can’t have a dog of her own right now and volunteering gives her time with animals. She hopes to adopt a rescue dog in the future. Ryan shared with us that her favorite part of volunteering at SafeHaven is “seeing the progress and watching the dogs learn.” She said it is rewarding to teach them new manners or tricks and see them understand what you’re asking for. Ryan and Lexi are making such an impact on these animals and say they look forward to Thursdays at the shelter. We can’t thank them, and others just like them, enough for everything that they do!
Gift & Thrift Stores PET LOVERS UNITE! Did you know our Gift & Thrift stores carry a wide
assortment of pet supply items and home decor to tell the world your pet is family? We carry everything from pet food and treats, leashes and collars, pet clothing, and more. Some of it is even brand new! In January, we saw an abnormally large influx of donations from what seemed to be a result of community members organizing after the new year. We’re giving some of the credit to the popular Netflix special, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo”, which seemed to take the world by storm. And so, we want to remind you of the old saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Whether you’ve jumped on the Marie Kondo train to declutter and organize or enjoy searching for treasures to take home and call yours, we hope you consider shopping at the SafeHaven Gift & Thrift stores to contribute to saving thousands of animals each year. And remember, there is a new Daily Deal every single day! Check out the daily deals by visiting your closest location or by checking out www.safehavenhumane.org/giftandthrift. 13
Foster One, Save One
Maybe, Even A Thousand
Foster care is vital to the success of any animal rescue organization. It saves lives. Every animal that goes into foster care to gain health and life skills, makes room at the shelter for another animal to be accepted in its place. The numbers add up quickly. Last year 1,109 animals went into foster care, 985 returned to the shelter to be adopted to their forever homes. While they were being fostered, receiving loving care in a quiet environment, 1109 other animals got the opportunity for adoption in their place. The majority of foster care recipients are pregnant dogs and cats, tiny puppies and kittens, and animals too traumatized to thrive in the noise and stress of a shelter environment. What do you need to foster? Just a little bit of space in your home and room in your heart. SafeHaven provides the rest. Is it rewarding? Ask SafeHaven volunteer and longtime foster care giver, Denise Manning. In the past 14 years, she has fostered 1005 animals for SafeHaven. Right now, she has 7 puppies and a pregnant young mama kitty, ready to add to that total soon. How does she do it? “Fostering is a huge labor of love for me and at times can be heart breaking. But I don’t know any job more rewarding. You get puppy kisses, kitten purrs, and gratitude from their moms for saving their lives and giving them a second chance.” In 2004, Denise answered a SafeHaven advertisement asking for foster care help. She hasn’t stopped helping since. How can she give each animal all that love and care, and then take them back for adoption? Her reply, “How can I not?” She cites the importance of foster care. “Thousands of pregnant dogs and cats, puppies and kittens are automatically euthanized at shelters across the nation every day because they don’t have the space or resources to give them enough time to be ready for adoption. Foster care gives them that time.”
Denise admits to falling in love with the animals she fosters and, often, it isn’t easy to return them to the shelter. “I have to remind myself that I can’t keep them all and their forever home is out there, waiting for them. After I take them back in, I give myself a day to grieve and focus on the big picture, not my emotions. Then, I’m ready to take more in.” Upon reflection, she says, “I have a ‘Save the Animals’ passion.” But, it’s not just animals she believes she is saving through foster care. “My passion is to help people through animals. I know that animals mean so much to people. Animals can save people, as well, by being their companion, therapy or reason to get up in the morning.” Has every animal she helped gone back to the shelter? The answer is no. One dog, Goldie, and cat, Griffin, share the house with her family. Goldie came to her pregnant with 8 puppies. The puppies were all adopted, but Denise couldn’t give up Goldie after all she had been through. Goldie had been used as “bait” in dog fighting, suffering physical and emotional scars. She had never known how to trust and love until she came to Denise. “I couldn’t betray that.” And, Griffin? “She was the only survivor of a litter of kittens born to an abused young cat. “I bottle fed her and she became my baby.” Other animals live with the Mannings on their 52 acres. There are six horses, lots of cows, two friendly German Shepherds and a dozen well-loved former shelter cats with behavior issues that made them “working cats.” But, that doesn’t stop Denise. She’s on a mission to save as many animals as she can, one foster at a time. To learn more or join the foster care team, contact Christy Gibson at christy@safehavenhumane.com. *Article written by Pat Martin, a long-time supporter and volunteer
SafeHaven Humane Society P.O. Box 2018 Albany, OR 97321 Return Service Requested
NonProfit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Albany, OR Permit No. 13
Providing the Place You Love to Come Home to Since 1951 Albany: (541) 924-5616 • 321 1st Ave E, Suite 3C Corvallis: (541) 757-1781 • 455 NW Tyler Ave