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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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 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

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