2010 ELECTION RESULTS
The results of the election for
four directors for a three year term commencing in 2010 were:
Bob Klamm - 104
Mary Jane Manzi - 108
Kenway Mead - 104
Marcia Moffatt - 110
We are very pleased to welcome
these four new directors to the board. We are a very hands-on,
hard working board and each of our new directors has already
proven their commitment to the animals and the welfare of the
organization prior to being nominated and elected to the board.
The amendment to change from
a voting membership to a non voting membership passed by a vote
of 100 for and 20 against which well exceeded the two thirds
majority required by our bylaws. Thank you for your support of
the future of the RVHS by taking the time to vote.
However, as a result yet another lawsuit has been filed by Marilyn
and Krum Theodoroff, Claire Hobby, and seventeen other individuals
seeking to invalidate the results of this vote. Obviously the
only ones who get hurt again are the animals as money that should
go to them will once again go to attorney fees. No donations
from individuals or members are used for legal fees and we hope
to recoup these fees when all is said and done.
Should another vote be required,
we hope we can count on your support to ensure these unending
lawsuits concerning membership voting rights is finally put to
rest and the board, staff and volunteers can continue to spend
endless hours of their own time pursuing the welfare of the animals.
"PAWS UP "
These are just a few of the many individuals and businesses who
have provided extra special support to RVHS for the benefit of
the animals.
** Reco and Milton Hill for the
many years of dedicated service they have given to RVHS.
"* Chet and Vida Walker
for the many improvements they have provided at the shelter.
** Grants Pass Elks Lodge for
sponsoring special events and providing space at the Lodge to
hold our meetings.
** Caveman Kiwanis for their
generous donations.
** Mini Pet Mart for their ongoing
sponsorship of the Pet of the Week.
** The Grange for providing a
place for donations of food and other items used at the shelter.
** Evergreen Bank for giving
us the use the Bear Hotel for our annual meeting.
** Broadview Security for providing
us with a substantial discount on the installation of our new
security system.
** Wheeler Toyota for donating
the cost of the labor to repair the new RVHS vehicle.
2010 COMMITTEES
One of our goals for 2010 is
to increase the participation of RVHS supporters on our committees.
Currently there are openings on the Fund Raising/Marketing and
Public Relations Committees. We are looking for people who can
help us think of new and creative ideas for ways to raise money
for the animals and/or help with the running of specific events
or fund raisers. For more information on how to participate,
please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Diane Mead at 541 244-1619.
"No More Homeless Pets" Conference
Best Friends Animal Society
Oct 23-25, 2009
Marcia Moffatt, Board Member
I had the pleasure of attending
this amazing conference with RVHS Shelter Manager, Margaret Varner.
There were over 700 animal advocates in attendance at the Rio
Hotel featuring non-stop workshops, networking opportunities
and exhibits. For two and a half days we attended sessions on
fundraising, social networking, membership development, infection
control for fostering animals in the home, training tips/personal
recipes for success from the trainers in "Dog Town,"
and ideas for reforming animal control attitudes towards a IMo-Kill
mentality. The schedule was exhausting yet exhilarating. Each
day a panel of experts discussed different aspects of past, current
and future trends in animal welfare in the United States and
Canada. Frequent video clips kept us smiling, then crying, then
smiling again with happy tears: animal abuse and neglect followed
by pictures of success showing how we, as animal advocate groups,
can make a huge difference in the lives af sa many.
Best Friends Anima! Society is
an internationally recognized animal sanctuary established 25
years ago in the hills of southern Utah by 25 people who came
together to end animal suffering and advocate for humane treatment
of all animals. What began as a place to house dogs - the ones
thought to be 'unadaptable,' has became a haven for almost 1900
animals. We saw dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, pigs, rabbits, guinea
pigs and parrots and we met two of the twenty-two pit bulls that
were rescued from Michael Vick's dog fighting operation. Their
success story is an inspiration to everyone who acts to end animal
abuse.
After the conference Margaret and 1 traveled to Angel Canyon
with 60 other people so that we could tour and volunteer at the
Best Friends compound. We shared animal stories and information
and sampled lots of vegetarian food. Our morning at Best Friends
was spent volunteering in Cat World - a colony of 11 buildings
housing up to 700 cats. Many buildings were assigned to special
needs cats: feline leukemia, neurological disabilities, weight-management
and a wonderful kitten nursery. Their rule of volunteering is
"an animal that wants attention comes before cleaning"
was very pleasing and followed often. This was my idea of heaven,
a cat literally on my back while I was bending over to pet another
and surrounded by 20-30 more. Some encounters were sad and touching:
a cat without back legs still getting around and purring like
crazy; a young tabby with a major neurological problem twitching
along the floor yet able to play like a kitten when I got down
on the floor to pet her. It's good to know that even the saddest
cases can have happy endings and that compassion can go a long
way toward making a life worth living.
Our afternoon at the sanctuary
included a 3 hour tour of the grounds. We were able to spend
some time in most of the different compounds and get close to
many of the animals. We ended the day at "Angel's Rest,"
the animal cemetery that contains the remains nf all non-equine
animals who have passed at Best Friends. Even at the end of their
lives the animals are treated with kindness and respect.
All of the animals, their stories
and the people who care for them touched my heart. For me, the
entire trip was an outstanding experience.
* Editor's Note - Marcia attended
the conference at her own expense and paid for half of the hotel
for both attendees thus saving RVHS some of the cost of this
invaluable conference.
PREPARING FOR THE
FUTURE OF YOUR CAT OR DOG WITHOUT YOU
MAGIC'S STORY
Marv Hanson. Board Member
"Magic," one of three
elderly cats, each with medical conditions, was taken to the
RVHS in June of 2008 after his owner passed away. Family members
were to have taken the three cats into their homes but as so
often happens, pet owners' wishes are not always followed through
after their death.
Although shelter staff and volunteers
do all they can to see that each animal gets the attention they
need, elderly animals just as humans, have a very difficult time
adjusting to a change in their environment. Shelter conditions
can be stressful for even the most well adjusted young animal.
Many people don't realize that their pets are as bonded with
them as they are to their pets, and the loss of an animal's 'human
companion1 and 'home' can result in grief, depression, anxiety,
sickness and decline. Elderly animals rarely get adopted by anyone
other than shelter workers who Dut of concern for their well
being will take them home to live out their lives.
Over the next two or three months,
Magic's emotional and physical condition deteriorated. This was
exacerbated by his being in renal failure and having special
dietary needs. We were called by the shelter manager and asked
if we could possibly foster Magic so that he could have a home
environment for what looked to be the last few weeks of his life.
Shelter Manager Margaret Varner brought him to us on a hot August
day and he was immediately given his own quiet bedroom with a
window looking out to the birds in the shrubbery. As the weeks
passed, rather than going downhill, he became more animated,
put on a little weight and was even caught on occasion playing
with his "Hotcat" catnip toy.
He was slowly introduced to the
other felines in the household and in the thirteen months we
cared for him, became a beloved part of our family.
In the last few months of his
life, renal failure took its toll and he eventually had to be
given subcutaneous fluids a couple of times a week. By early
October of 2009 he let us know that his little body had given
all it had, and we had to make the difficult decision of having
him euthanized by our wonderful vet. We then brought him back
home and he was buried in our garden.
Please prepare now, for the future
of your beloved animal companion when you're gone, and make sure
that your directives will be carried out. One way to accomplish
this is to include provisions for your pets in your will.

Help a shelter baby,
help yourself!
|
WANTED: Bundle of joy looking for long-term relationship. Will
provide hours of entertainment and cuddle time in exchange for
delectable meals and access to indoor bathroom facilities. Looking
for some special time with that someone special to show me that
humans are a caring species. Call 479-5154 if interested. |
So this may be a bit of a stretch
but we're sure this is every kitten and puppy's yearning when they are brought to the
RVHS as babies. How much more comforting to spend your early
growing up months in a warm home with affectionate humans to
play with? It sure beats spending those months in a cage, just
waiting to grow up, get spayed or neutered, and finally be adopted.
Though our extremely dedicated staff and volunteers do all they
can for our animals, little ones deserve to have some freedom
and interaction with a family, especially in their early developmental
months of life.
Being a foster parent is so very
rewarding. It is a wonderful escape from the constant stress
we all feel these days. Being witness to a little one's antics
will make the pressures of the day just melt away.
We can all learn from their carefree
attitude and trust, which is an honor to be a recipient of. I
guess you could even say it is a great form of therapy!
So along with offering a helping hand to the RVHS and allowing
us more room to take in immediately adoptable animals, you are
enhancing your own life by exposing yourself to the delight of fostering.
Our need is great, so please pass the word along. It is a wonderful
project for older kids (with parent's supervision of course!}
especially during the summer months. Seniors also find the experience
enriching and a worthy cause to dedicate their time to. Please
come by and complete a foster home application -we will be eternally
grateful!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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THE HEART OF
OUR HOME: VOLUNTEERS |
FUR EVER FRIENDS PROGRAM
The newly formed dog training
classes were off to a great start on Saturday January 17 when
26 people attended the first behavioral lecture on dogs 101.
Trainer Behaviorist, Gidget Walcha,
proceeded over the two hour lecture giving insight into the minds
of our four legged friends and discussed the importance of understanding
the way they thin, "You have to understand them to communicate
in a way they understand us" is Gidget's philosophy of the
animal world. For this reason all classes begin with the lecture
on why dogs chew, bark dig, bite and jump. Once you know the
whys then you can begin the training process. A discussion of
products on the market for dogs was also discussed educating
the class on the various items.
The program is in the "infant"
stages and having completed its first session is considered a
complete success. Each dog that is adopted will receive at no
charge to the adoptee, the two hour lecture followed by one group
training class. After completion of this first phase the student
has the option of continuing with three more classes for a donation
of $45.00.
The lecture was offered for participation
from the general public and raised $140.00 in donations. A second
lecture is already scheduled and the response from an article
in the Daily Courier has been wonderful. The public is requested
to offer a $20.00 tax deductible donation and will have the option
of enrolling their dogs into the training program for a donation
fee of $85.00.
They will receive a credit for
the lecture fee that will go toward the training. This is a win
win situation for dogs, human companions and the Rogue Valley
Humane Society.
We have more ideas in the works
which include a Behavior Hot Line, a monthly obedience for all
dogs in waiting. We will keep you updated with our progress
ONE HOUR A MONTH
One Hour a Month is all it is!
Think of it this way - one day during the month, when you are
at work, tell yourself, "For the next hour, I am working
for the animals". Then, get out your check book and write
a check for what you make per hour. It's just an hour. You spend
countless hours with your own pets. Think of those that are caged,
or think of the millions of unwanted puppies and kittens. It's
much easier to write a check then. Don't forget to mail it.

Thrift Store - Donations &
Volunteers Needed
The Rogue Valley Humane Society
operates a Thrift Store, located at 1169 Redwood Ave. We have
been successfully operating this store for many years. The income
is very important to the financial stability of the society.
This year the monthly income has been steadily rising. These
proceeds help pay for food, care and the labor to operate the
animal shelter. We do all this with a very small group of committed
volunteers. At the present time we only have eight volunteers
that are very dedicated and come in rain or shine. The need for
more volunteers is always present. The public support with their
donations of usable items in good condition is much appreciated.
We thank you for your support. For additional information on
the Thrift Store, please call 955-3367.
SHELTER VOLUNTEERS
For people who just want to have
fun, volunteering at the shelter is always an upbeat and fulfilling
experience. Call the shelter to find out the many ways you can
help.
More Volunteer Options
Medical Matters
Parvo in Puppies and Dogs
This past year Rogue Valley Humane
Society experienced several cases of Parvo which is a viral disease
of dogs. Parvovirus affects puppies more than adult dogs and
grows in rapidly dividing cells. The intestinal lining has the
biggest concentration of rapidly dividing cells in a puppy's
body. The virus attacks and kills these cells, causing diarrhea
(often bloody and foul smelling). It causes puppies or adult
dogs to vomit and become lethargic and unable to absorb nutrients
or liquids.
Symptoms usually begin with a
high fever, lethargy, depression and loss of appetite. Generally,
it takes 7 to 10 days from the time of exposure to start showing
symptoms. Parvo is highly contagious and can remain infections
up to 9 months or longer if conditions are favorable. It can
be transferred on our shoes, hands and even car tires. Any areas
that are thought to be contaminated with Parvo are immediately
disinfected multiple times with Clorox bleach which is the most
effective and inexpensive agent.
Some puppies infected with parvo
will die despite prompt and adequate treatment. A good estimate
is that 80% of puppies treated for Parvovirus will live. Without
treatment 80 % or more would die. Although the treatment is very
costly to the shelter, we continue to provide the quality care
that is necessary to adopt a healthy happy puppy or dog.

Everyday Wish List
Everyday we use:
* Paper towels
* Wood stove pellets which are used instead of cat litter
* Bleach, dishwasher liquid, laundry detergent
* Trash bags
* Disposable gloves
* Hand sanitizer
Just for the animals:
* Dog (Kong (black) toys would be best!) and cat toys - no soft
toys please - plastic that can be sanitized is needed
* Leashes (strong ones), collars
* Brushes and combs? * Cotton blankets (no electric
ones please) and sheets
* Science Diet kitten and puppy food
* KMR liquid kitten milk replacer, bottles,nipples
* Esbilac (Milk Replacer] for puppies
* Revolution for cats and dogs * Pet Vitamins
Office supplies:
* White or yellow copy paper
* Stamps
* Pens, pencils, yellow markers
* Legal size envelopes
* Post-Its
* Scotch tape

THANK YOU ONE AND ALL
The financial support we receive
from all the animal lovers is greatly appreciated. We could not
continue to help the animals without your ongoing support. In
these times of economic difficulty we are grateful for every
donation that goes for the care and feeding of the many cats
and dogs who stay with us until they find their forever home.
Rogue Valley Humane Society
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan Beldman, President June Peterson, Vice President Mary
Hanson, Secretary
Linda Bradley Lloyd, Treasurer
Don Ewald
Bill Fien
Dawn Franz
Heather Hanson Bob Klamm Mary Jane
Manzi Kenway Mead Marcia Moffatt
STAFF
Margaret Varner, Shelter
Manager
Tanya Allen
Josh Kyniston
Tylene Morgan
Tim Shofner
Billie Jo Gross (Thrift Store)
NEWSLETTER
Susan Beldman, Co-Editor
Heather Hanson, Co-Editor
Mary Hanson & Margaret Varner, Contributing Writers Tanya Allen, Photographer
RVHS Official WEBSITE
roguevalleyhumanesociety.org
Don Ewald of Left
Coast Web Graphics, Webmaster
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