Volunteer Spotlight

HOT WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger. To prevent your pet from overheating, take these simple precautions provided by ASPCA experts:

Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer

checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication.

Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or

humid outdoors.

Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

Know the symptoms of overheating in pets,

which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Never leave your animals alone in a parked

vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in several states, including Oregon, under any circumstance that will cause them harm.

Do not leave pets unsupervised around a

pool—not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals.

When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to

the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS

Meet Karen, a SafeHaven volunteer since February 2020. Read her words below to learn more about Karen and her experience volunteering:

"I started volunteering at SafeHaven two years ago, after retiring from a 43-year nursing profession. Volunteering in my community was my focus after retirement. My family, including our pets, and friends are the center of my life. I've been married to my childhood sweetheart, Stephen, for over 43 years. We spend as much time as possible with our two children and three grandchildren. We also enjoy spending time at our beach home in Waldport. The majority of our years together have also included three amazing shelter/rescue dogs, Josh, Libby, and Cisco.

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

"I love spending time in an organization that welcomes everyone that comes through the doors and greets them like family. The love of animals is evident in SafeHaven staff and volunteers."

What advice do you have for new volunteers?

"Ask questions and learn from those around you. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in the SafeHaven walls. Also, don't be afraid to try volunteering in several areas/positions. There are opportunities to shadow many areas - try some out."

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK

April 17th through the 23rd was National Volunteer Appreciation Week and we want to let you all know how much we LOVE our volunteers! We truly couldn’t do all we do without them. Their hard work, dedication, and kindness makes such a powerful impact on the lives of so many animals that come through our doors. THANK YOU to each and every one of our amazing volunteers!

Volunteering at SafeHaven Humane Society is a great way to work directly with animals, or indirectly to assure their welfare. If you would like more information about volunteering with us, call us today at 541.926.2924 or email volunteer@safehavenhumane.com.

Dedicated volunteers, Christi Luxford and Peggy Kowal volunteering at the Albany Carousel Community Non-Profit Fair.