Help
a shelter baby, help yourself!
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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!
MEMBERSHIP DUES INCREASE
Effective February 13, 2009,
the membership dues have been increased to $20.00 per year. For
those who send in a regular or monthly donation, please designate
all or part of your donation to go towards membership. If the
full amount cannot be paid at once, we will be pleased to accept
installments.
The cost of mailings to the voting
members and the time spent maintaining the membership list is
considerable. The most important right a voting member has is
to cast a vote in the annual election for directors. In order
to vote in the next election which will be held in early 2010,
all dues for 2009 must be received (not postmarked) by December
31, 2009. Every person who donates money or goods, volunteers
their time or helps the animals in any way is part of the RVHS
family and your thoughts and suggestions are always welcome.
Applications for new members
are available at the shelter and on our website.

Membership
What does being a member of the
RVHS mean? By paying annual membership dues of $ 20.00 you are
entitled to vote in the annual election for the Board of Directors.
When the RVHS was first incorporated in 1964, it did not have
voting members. In 1981 this was changed and became a membership
organization. Then in 2004 ballots were sent to those who were
determined to be members, and the majority of votes received
were in favor of again becoming a non voting membership organization.
After a lawsuit was brought against the RVHS in December of 2007,
the membership with voting rights was reinstated.
It has been our experience that
having a membership organization with voting rights is a cumbersome,
time consuming and costly endeavor. Each board member puts in
long hours volunteering in various aspects of managing the organization
and the time spent dealing with membership issues could be more
productively spent in furthering our goals for the shelter.
Many organizations that have
had voting members in the past no longer do so and very few membership
organizations allow voting rights. Such is the case of the recent
membership drive by a local nonprofit organization, which does
not include the right to vote for the board of directors or to
have any say in the running of the organization.
We appreciate all of you who
support the work we do at RVHS to care for as many cats and dogs
needing homes as can be safely taken care of. Without your caring
assistance many of these precious beings would face an untimely
death or an unknown future. Thank you.
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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.

RVHS BARN CLEAN-UP PROJECT Story
and Photos
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.
CAN YOU HELP?
The Shelter is in need of solar
power tubes for the cat rooms. Natural sunlight (UV) light helps
prevent ringworm and is essential to reduce stress in shelter
cats which can lead to other illnesses. The small tube is the
approximate equivalent of a 300 watt light bulb. Bob Arritola
of SOLATUBE Tubular Skylights of Grants Pass has agreed to discount
his regular prices on the purchase and installation for us. The
cost of the tubes is $375.00 each for three or more and all donations
are tax deductible. The kitties would appreciate your help in
improving their quality of life while here at RVHS.
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
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR
SUPPORT OF THE CATS AND DOGS AT THE RVHS... THEY OWN THEIR LIVES
TO YOU. |
HELP NEEDED TO CONTINUE WITH
THREE NEW PROGRAMS
In 2008 three new programs to
enhance the welfare of the animals were instituted. The cats
are tested for Feline Leukemia and Aids ($12.50 per cat), the
dogs are tested (and treated if positive) for heartworm ($5.00
per test) and all cats and dogs are spayed or neutered before
adoption. The cost for spaying and neutering in 2008 was just
under $15,000. By doing these tests in house, we are saving a
considerable amount of money.
With the anticipated decrease
in donations we now must consider some kind of modification and/or
elimination of these programs. We can no longer afford to pay
these additional costs as well as care for the animals on a daily
basis.
We are asking for your assistance to help us continue these important
services.
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.
PAWS UP! THIS PAWS UP IS DEDICATED
TO EVERYONE
WHO HELPED WITH THE BARN CLEAN UP
- The Clean Forest Project who
coordinated the effort and provided many volunteers.
- Southern Oregon Sanitation for
donating one 30 yard dumpster.
- Allied Waste for donating one
30 yard dumpster.
- Tom Vallejo of Vallejo Land
Improvements for removing the blackberry bushes that were threatening
to take over the barn.
- Marlene Holt for donating the
money for the cost of the fuel for the machine to remove the
blackberry bushes.
- North Valley High School life
skills volunteers.
- Dutch Bros, who donated coffee
to keep the
energy going and the volunteers warm.
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 Angie
Burger
STAFF
Margaret Varner, Shelter
Manager
Tanya Allen Raquel Beckett Luke
Johnson
Mike Murphy
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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