THE PET PRESS SPRING 2020
MEET JEM
Learn all about him on PAGE 11
PLUS
JOIN US FOR PAWS IN THE PARK ON PAGE 5
A Quarterly Magazine for Rescue Animal Lovers | Compliments of SafeHaven Humane Society
Executive Director Focus Dear Friends, Sometimes working in animal rescue breaks your heart. Sometimes your best just isn’t good enough and no matter how many prayers you say, tears you cry, or how hard you work…..sometimes you still have to accept the reality.
animals and support and education to the community. It truly makes me smile every day!
Clancy, his siblings, and his mom were brought to SafeHaven when Clancy was only days old. We immediately put them into a loving foster home to grow and thrive, which they did….for about 4 weeks. Then one by one….each puppy started getting sick and the foster mom brought them back to SafeHaven for medical treatment.
Thank you for your support—it has changed lives—it has saved lives! And although we were not able to save Clancy, his short life will always be a reminder of why we are here---to do everything we can for the animals!
And that is when I first met Clancy…..in isolation here at SafeHaven. He was refusing to eat, so as I left work that day, I grabbed a carrier and took Clancy home so that I could monitor him and feed him through the night. My first prayer was said that first night for this sweet boy to live as he cuddled into my arms. The next two weeks brought lots of tears as each one of Clancy’s siblings passed away, leaving all of the staff here at SafeHaven feeling devastated and our veterinarian confused. Testing was done and it was determined that Clancy and his siblings were born with distemper (passed to them through their mother who was not vaccinated by her prior owner) which starts to show signs at 4 to 5 weeks of age—and Clancy was the only puppy left. My family and I (and SafeHaven) fought hard for Clancy. We did everything we could to save his life….for 7 additional weeks he was our newest family member. We prayed, cried, begged, and bargained for the disease to not ravage his little body….but in the end, it did, and we lost our sweet boy in January at 12 weeks of age. I share this with you so that you may remember Clancy and how important it is to talk to your veterinarian about vaccinations for your pets. If only Clancy’s mom had been vaccinated, he never would have endured this disease and would be a happy, healthy puppy right now. I also share this piece of my heart with you so that you might also understand my joy as I look into our new medical center each day and see our shelter pets being examined by our own veterinarian and getting the critical and timely medical treatment they need. We now have the ability and opportunity to provide the best care possible to our shelter
Chris Storm Executive Director Postscript: Fortunately, Clancy’s mom was only a carrier of the Distemper her puppies contracted and is expected to live a long, healthy life. She has since been adopted into her forever home with a family to love.
The Pet Press is a free quarterly magazine published by SafeHaven Humane Society in Tangent, Oregon. We are a private 501c3 organization.
We are not affiliated with any other humane organizations and we do not receive any government funding or tax dollars.
TAX ID NUMBER: 93-0676661 Phone: 541-928-2789
Table of Contents Executive Director Focus.................. 1 Featured Adoption.............................. 3 Happy Tails............................................ 4 Events...................................................... 5 2019 Year in Review........................ ... 7 Business Spotlight....... . ..................10
Fax: 541-928-5939
Development......................................... 11
SHELTER HOURS
Volunteer ................ ...................... . . . . . . 13
Tuesday - Friday, noon to 6 pm Saturday - Monday, noon to 5 pm
Gift & Thrift ....................................................14
SPRING BREAK DAY CAMPS Join SafeHaven Humane Society for a day filled with fun, crafts, games, snacks, and time with our amazing, adoptable animals!
March 23rd & 26th 9 AM - 4 PM Space is limited so register today! Registration available at: www.safehavenhumane.org/camps Email HumaneEd@safehavenhumane.com for more information. 2
Ellie’s Timeline to Forever
MEET ELLIE!
MARCH 12, 2019 Ellie has been here for 197 days. SafeHaven posts her story on social media and Ellie starts getting some buzz around the community. Many people express that they would love to take her home but already have dogs and is not the right environment.
AUGUST 24, 2019 Ellie, a recent long term resident at SafeHaven, was finally adopted by a loving forever family on January 4, 2020. She had been with SafeHaven for over a year and her adoption day was truly one of the happiest ever in SafeHaven history. After a past we could only assume was troubling, Ellie came to the United States with little trust for humans, a low tolerance for other dogs, and little joy in her heart. The staff at SafeHaven knew they had to help and that underneath the tough exterior was a sweet, loving, playful girl who would make the right someone very happy! Check out Ellie’s timeline at SafeHaven where she blossomed into the girl we know today: OCTOBER 26, 2018 Ellie comes to SafeHaven Humane Society with her litter of puppies on a START Transport, a rescue from Mexico. Cut free from her heavy chain with bolt cutters, Ellie gets a new start.
NOVEMBER 2018 Ellie starts Enrichment Training with the SafeHaven Training staff. She LOVES squeaky toys. We find that Ellie would be best if she were the only Princess in her new home, as Ellie does best if she is the only dog.
JANUARY 3, 2019
Ellie goes to the vet for her spay surgery; no more puppies for Ellie.
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Ellie continues to perform well in group class. She does a great job focusing on toys, loves to sit in laps and give kisses.
OCTOBER 25, 2019 We celebrate with our community and friends... it’s Ellie’s RESCUE DAY! Ellie has been with us at SafeHaven for one year. The staff, volunteers, and community rejoice in how far Ellie has come in the time she has been at SafeHaven. She is a whole new dog still searching for that special someone.
NOVEMBER 30, 2019 A kind gift is made and Ellie’s adoption fee is paid for… Shhhhh, it’s a secret.
JANUARY 4, 2020 Ellie is ADOPTED! She’s found her forever home. Luckily for everyone at SafeHaven, her new family updates us constantly on her new life outside of the shelter. Ellie is thriving in her new home and it’s clear by the smile on her face that she is finally exactly where she was meant to be.
Happy Tails THIS JUST IN Kala, the news dog at KGAL, sadly was adopted and returned to SafeHaven three separate times before finding her home with Charlie and Mary Eades. When she was still a SafeHaven resident, Kala made a visit to the KGAL studio as the Pet of the Week and, while going live on the radio, Mary saw a dog that had great potential. Kala wasn’t quite a year old yet and still had a lot to learn. Soon after, Kala was adopted into her forever home with parents determined to create the best possible environment for her. After coming home with the Eades, they ran a DNA test for Kala. Mary’s reason why? She wanted to find out what breeds Kala was to better understand her and give her the proper training she needed. With results in hand, they learned that Kala is a quarter each of Bulldog, Cattle dog, Hound, and Pitbull. Mary felt better prepared now to help Kala. After researching more, Mary saw strong Bulldog characteristics from Kala and focused on earning her trust, allowing Kala to be less dominant. Mary says it took only six days for Kala to say, “Okay, I trust you.”
MARY SAYS, “KALA SITS WITH ME IN MY NEWSROOM DOING THE MORNING SHOW MON-FRI ON 1580 AM. SHE’S GREAT AT SNIFFING OUT NEWS!”
It’s been four years now and Kala is inseparable from Mary, being the best companion to her. When Kala isn’t on air, she is hanging out with her siblings Bailey and Izzy. You can listen to Kala and her mom, Mary every morning on KGAL 1580AM. And be sure to listen for SafeHaven’s Pet of the Week on Wednesday mornings!
A CINDERELLA STORY Tesla came to us in March of 2019 in quite a sticky situation. This abandoned kitten had electrical tape wrapped around her little body that was beginning to embed into her skin. She was a frightened kitten and it was clear she had little to no socialization and trouble trusting humans. Through SafeHaven’s foster program, Tesla found a foster family that was able to give her the love and healing she needed to be able to come back to SafeHaven, all ready to go home with a loving family. While Tesla was not unfriendly, she did have a spunky side to her personality that staff and volunteers learned to love and, with those big yellow eyes, how could you not love her? She slowly learned to trust people again and over time, began to come out of her shell. Just in time for the holiday season, Tesla found what she had deserved all along - a home! She was adopted on December 15th by her new mom, who has demonstrated patience and understanding while Tesla learns her way around her new life. Tesla, now named Abby, has been braver with her surroundings every day and we can’t wait to keep getting updates about her progress!
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Events SAVE THE DATE For the first time in six years, SafeHaven is bringing back Paws in the Park! Save the Date for June 20, 2020 to join us and run or walk to save animals. This fun filled day at Timber Linn Park in Albany will include a 5K Run and a 2K Walk, local vendors, shelter animals, and more. With your help, we hope to raise $50,000 to help care for and find homes for approximately 2,500 pets in 2020.
4 WAYS TO FUNDRAISE! Register as an individual, create or join a team, or support SafeHaven from the comfort of your own home as a couch puptato. Visit SafeHaven’s home page or www.safehavenhumane.org/pawsinthepark to build your customized fundraising page to encourage your friends, families, and co-workers to donate to your cause!
PRESENTED BY:
Early Bird registration of $25 begins March 1st and includes entry to the race and your signature race t-shirt.
Presented By:
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 17, 2020
Howdy Partner! Join us for our largest event of the year! Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Contact Steph at steph@safehavenhumane.com for information on how to get involved. 5
Holidays at SafeHaven A NOBLE CAUSE It really is the most wonderful time of the year! We had a busy and festive holiday season here at SafeHaven. Our dogs and cats were good boys and good girls this year and received so many gifts from our community members and local businesses. Our 21 Giving Trees were a grove of success! Thank you to the following businesses for supporting SafeHaven and ensuring that we start a new year of saving lives on the right paw with pet supplies, cleaning supplies and everyday administrative supplies: Albany Acupuncture, Albany Christian School, Albany Heritage Mall, Albany Senior Center, Albany Supercuts, Cascade Ridge Apartments, Cool’s Feed and Seed, Coldwell Banker of Albany, Corvallis Feed and Seed, Dazel Salon, Haven’s Urban Movement, LBCC Bookstore, Lebanon Wilco, Luminous Salon, North Albany IGA, SafeHaven Gift & Thrift locations, Stor ‘N Lok, Sully’s Stay and Play, Timber Ridge Place Apartments, and Willamette Community Bank.
SANTA PAWS “SANTA!!! Santa’s here? I know him. I know him!” Santa Paws had a very warm welcome this year as we had lines of wagging tails waiting to sit on Santa’s lap. Santa Paws is not just for pets. We had many cute families partake in this fun annual fundraiser of getting their picture taken with Santa. Look at those happy faces! Over 3 days, this fundraiser brought $1,980 to the pets at SafeHaven. Thank you to everyone who attended and Coastal Farm & Ranch for hosting again this year.
HOLIDAY CHEER May your days be merry and bright and what better place to find the perfect light arrangement for your home than J&J Electric! Christmas pups joined J&J Electric as they hosted Home Decor Day on Thursday, December 12, 2019 where 20% of sale proceeds for the day went back to the animals at SafeHaven. Thanks to 3rd party fundraising partnerships like this, SafeHaven’s animals will have a BRIGHT future. Thank you J&J Electric!
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW FINDING HOMES 2,068 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.
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RIZZO, ADOPTED MARCH 201
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 2,068 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.
1,196 DOGS 848 CATS 24 SMALL ANIMALS 7
ONE EYED WILLY, ADOPTED NOVEMBER 2019
HERMIONE, ADOPTED AUGUST 2019
EDUCATING MINDS
4,555
711
YOUTH REACHED
DOGS TRAINED
OPENING HEARTS
9,193
Pounds of Food Distributed
MEALS DELIVERED
1,087 VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTED
19,632
HOURS OF SUPPORT
618
Cats Count Spay/Neuter Vouchers Distributed
9,903
Lbs.
Community ALL ABOARD! No Dinx, First American Title, Courtyard by Marriott Corvallis, Gillott Home Team, Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette, and Linn-Co Federal Credit Union all had a ticket to board on our first annual Waggin’ Train! With cuteness overload, employees (and even a few customers) got to pet those holiday stresses away while saving lives by making a monetary donation to SafeHaven. What a win-win for everyone! Puppies got to practice their adorable playing skills before going home for the holidays, employees had a great time breaking away for 30 minutes to bond with fellow colleagues over puppy kisses, and SafeHaven is able to maintain the ability to give animals the homes they deserve, educate our community’s youth and continue to be a source of support to our community.
Be sure not to miss this adorable RECYCLING SAVES LIVES train’s next stop in Bottle Drop helps nonprofit organizations fundraise and it’s as easy as dropping your recycled cans into 2020! Bottle Drop bags! Step 1: Come in to SafeHaven and ask for a blue Bottle Drop bag. Step 2: Fill the bag with recyclable cans and bottles. Step 3: Bring the filled bag back to the shelter or drop the bag off at the Bottle Drop location in Albany. For more details, contact Katie Bateman at communityoutreach@safehavenhumane.com or call us at 541-926-2924. 9
Business Spotlight About No Dinx No Dinx is a local family-owned business in Albany. For over 30 years, their business philosophy has focused on delivering outstanding design principles for their clients. Their team of graphic designers will work with you to achieve your goals and objectives from start to finish. From screen printing and custom embroidery to stickers and vehicle wraps — No Dinx is the only place you’ll get the expert art design you need, with real people excited to help you out each and every step of the way. We asked Corey and Nina Barton, co-owners of No Dinx, about their SafeHaven connection. Here is what they had to say:
How did No Dinx first become involved with SafeHaven? In 2015, we initially joined forces with SafeHaven Humane Society to support animals here in the mid-Willamette Valley by donating custom gear and apparel for their annual golf tournament fundraiser. We recently had the opportunity to be the Venue Sponsor for the 2019 Rescue Roundup and were excited to collaborate with the SafeHaven team to create a custom design for the shirts sold at the event as part of a fundraiser, as well as custom design for the apparel staff and volunteers wore during the event. Why does No Dinx continue to be a big supporter of SafeHaven? Our animals have been such an important piece of our lives — supporting SafeHaven Humane Society feels like such a natural extension of ourselves and our business. SafeHaven’s mission and values align with ours, and we are just in awe of the incredible impact that they’ve had on animals in the Albany area — and beyond. From flying hundreds of dogs across the country so they can be cared for in a no-kill shelter before being placed with a loving home — to the individualized care given to any animal that comes through their doors. Are there any four-legged members of your family? Our dogs and cats have always been an extension of our family. We don’t even want to imagine life without their companionship and love to bring them along wherever we go — In fact, our dog Dixie-Bean just got back from a conference we attended in San Jose! If you stop into our shop in Downtown Albany, odds are you’ll meet Daisy or Dixie-Bean. The two are quite a pair! Daisy, a black Goldendoodle, helps our team retrieve completed orders and greets every guest at No Dinx with twinkling eyes and a tail that never seems to stop wagging. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Dixie-Bean the white Bichon Frise can most often be found snoozing in the back office right next to Corey’s desk. Anything else? Inspired by the difference we have been able to make supporting SafeHaven and other non-profits in our community, we are launching a scholarship specifically geared towards non-profits in the area as a way to help them with any print, design, and marketing materials that they might need. Learn more or submit an application at nodinx.com/scholarship.
HUGE THANK YOU TO NO DINX AND MIKE’S HEATING & AIR In April 2019, Mike’s Heating & Air donated a van to SafeHaven Humane Society to be used for a multitude of tasks. This van has been instrumental for each department at SafeHaven, including helping with events, transporting animals, and more. No Dinx custom designed and wrapped our van free of charge. A new wrap was finished in January 2020. Staff members are loving the new look and are enjoying driving around the town representing SafeHaven in style. Check out Mike’s Heating and Air team members, Mike and Lance posing with the new design!
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Development A SPECIAL CONNECTION Meet our Pet Press cover photo winner! Jennifer Hartsock was eager to enter her adorable SafeHaven alumni, Jem, into our 2019 Petparrazzi Pet Photo Contest and won by getting the most votes from friends and family. Can you blame them? We love Jennifer’s story, because, quickly after adopting her best friend, she jumped at the opportunity to get involved at SafeHaven and help homeless animals who are now sitting where she met her beloved pet. Here’s a brief glimpse at her story. When my brother and I were children, he told me that he wanted to adopt a ginger kitten once he moved out of our parents’ house and became an adult. As his older sister, I remember promising him that if I found the right ginger kitten before he graduated high school, I would adopt the kitten and “hold him” until Tim was able to take on the responsibility. That seems bizarre now that I have Jem – the thought of adopting a kitten and giving it up feels heart wrenching. Right before I met Steph Lesire and Jem (his name was Alexander then), I was coming out of depression. I broke off my long-term relationship in a selfish and awful way, moved into a remodeled attic space that was literally falling apart, and was unable to be alone with myself without getting an anxiety attack. A friend of mine suggested adopting a companion animal. She said caring for an animal would remind me to take care of myself too. The first time I met Steph, she brought out this tiny orange and white floof. Alexander (Steph’s foster kitten) was just a few weeks old, and he whined and bumbled around the kitchen floor while we cooked dinner. Steph explained that he was found alone in a dumpster. At one point during the night, he climbed onto my shoe and perched for a few minutes. I think that was the moment that I realized he was the right companion animal for me. I asked Steph, who I barely knew, if I could adopt him once he went back to SafeHaven. 11
When I adopted and named this kitten, I thought about the men I respect most. This kitten became Jeremy Atticus Finch after a character I deeply admire in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Many people remember only Scout, the narrator, or Atticus, her father. However, not a lot of people remember Jem. He is a youngster who is navigating how to stand up for truth and justice, often leaning into his ego to get the job done. He has a good heart, but he doesn’t “get it” yet. Jem is learning, throughout the novel, what kind of man his father really is. Jem is becoming that kind of person himself. As a writer and person who respects growth, that journey is important to me. Adjusting to such a sweet and feisty kitten was difficult for me. I cried a lot when he kept pooping on my carpet. I remember holding him by the scruff of his neck in the bathtub to wash off the poop all over his bum. This was my first pet, after all. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Through taking care of a baby, I had to work really hard to be patient and work with an animal I barely knew. I found a balance between staying home to play and nurture Jem, and leaving the house for chores and activities. He taught me to be more self-disciplined. Most of all, he taught me to enjoy quiet (and hilarious) moments at home. Jem is a little over a year now, and we have had so many wonderful adventures together. Before meeting Steph and adopting Jem from SafeHaven, I had never loved an animal. My family didn’t have pets growing up. I didn’t know it while coming out of depression, but caring for and playing with an animal fostered a version of empathy and compassion I didn’t have before. Jem means much more to me than an orange and white kitten I promised to adopt and hold for my brother once upon a time. I get it now. I owe this opening of my heart to SafeHaven, and I am impressed with their dedication and effort toward finding animals
Development their forever homes, which includes helping people find an animal that opens their heart too. I enjoy contributing what I can to this cause, which includes being a part of their Inner Circle Caregivers Club and attending fundraisers throughout the year. One of my favorite fundraisers is their Rescue Roundup event, held each fall. I was able to attend the 2019 event, and it was incredible to see so many professionals, families, and individuals supporting the adoption of homeless animals. As someone relatively new to loving an animal, I felt right at home.
Jem is also a featured pet in our Dear SafeHaven book coming out later this year! This book will be available fo purchase and is sure to warm your heart with Happy Tails from SafeHaven adopters dating all the way back to 1987. BE ON THE LOOKOUT STARTING SPRING 2020 TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY!
INNER CIRCLE CAREGIVERS CLUB Become part of the Inner Circle Caregivers Club today by joining our monthly giving program at a level that fits your budget and help save lives all year long! Homeless animals count on your kindness and generosity. By supporting the vital work of SafeHaven Humane Society with a monthly commitment, you truly are a lifesaver. Every year SafeHaven Humane Society saves thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals. Your monthly commitment will ensure that these lost, injured and homeless animals are given nourishing food, comforting shelter, and much-needed medical care.
INNER CIRCLE MEMBERS:
Save lives — You have the comfort of knowing you are helping animals in your community every month. Make an impact — Make a larger gift to the animals this year by spreading out your gift over 12 months. Save trees — Automatic deductions reduce the need for paper and costly postage, ensuring more of your gift goes to the animals. As part of the Inner Circle, the animals at SafeHaven can count on your monthly gift to provide the vital support they need. For more information call us at 541.926.2924 or email carly@safehavenhumane.com. Ready to get started? Visit www.safehavenhumane.org/innercircle to sign up today!
Volunteer MEET GAGE “Hello everyone! My name is Gage Ziehmn Ardağ and I am excited to introduce myself as the new Volunteer Coordinator at SafeHaven. I have been with SafeHaven since October of 2019 working at the front desk and in animal care, and am so excited to take on this new role and get to know each of you. I recently moved to Oregon in September from Florida with my husband, best friend, two dogs (Chico and Gypsy), and a cat (Pablo). I’m also a proud new mama to a small flock of backyard chickens. I have previously worked at two animal shelters in Florida and one in the Dominican Republic, and now am so happy to be a part of the SafeHaven team. Feel free to say hello when you see me in the volunteer office or around the shelter – I look forward to meeting you. Thank you all for playing a vital role in the care and well being of the animals!” Looking to get involved more at SafeHaven? We love our volunteers and couldn’t possibly accomplish what we do every day without them. For more info, please go to www.safehavenhumane.org/volunteering.
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated
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WWW.RISTREALESTATE.COM CALL 541-362-9030
Gift & Thrift IT’S RAINING CATS & DOGS Spring Cleaning tips from SafeHaven’s Gift & Thrift Stores We all love animals here, but could do without a bunch of dust bunnies! Here are three great spring cleaning tips for pet owners. BREATH OF FRESH AIR! Deodorize carpets, couches, and your pet’s bed with baking soda. Sprinkle over the area, let rest for 10-20 minutes and vacuum it up. Want to add a little extra fresh boost? Try adding your favorite essential oil, that is also safe for pets, to the baking soda before dusting it over the area you wish to clean. Did you just come home to a Lavender field? Your guests will think so and look how relaxed Fido is! Please consult with your veterinarian before using selected oils.
CAT BOX OVERHAUL. Weather permitted, empty out your litter box completely, scrub out and spray the box with dish soap and rinse with a hose. Don’t forget to clean the outside of the box and the lid. Dry it well and add new litter. Remember, cat’s don’t have owners… they have staff. Make that box shine!
DO YOU HAVE “DOG GLITTER” EVERYWHERE? Get that stubborn pet hair that the vacuum just can’t seem to get up. Try using a damp rubber glove to collect pet hair from your furniture. Are you and your pet the adventurous types? Rubbing your car seats gently with a pumice stone will get that tricky hitch-hiking hair out of your car. Want to boost that freshness? Add a 10-15 drops of essential oil in a glass spray bottle, mix it with rubbing alcohol, and give those seats a couple of spritz! Viola! You’re ready to hit the road again.
Bonus Tip!
Looking to minimize clutter or thinking about tossing out the old and bringing in the new?
Our two locations accept gently used items that may be taking up space in your home. Visit our website www.safehavenhumane.org/giftandthrift for more info! Spring into action and bring your items in. Imagine the great feeling of a clean, uncluttered home all while helping homeless dogs, cats and even bunnies!
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