www.animalfriendshs.org

Animal TalesAnimal Tales

The Newsletter of

HUMANE SOCIETY

1820 Princeton Road • Hamilton, Ohio 45011(513) 867-5727

Winter 2011

Spuds

Mikey

Velvet

Boog

Frosty

Trixy

Lilly

Bandit

Cassie

Black Friday!

Animal welfare is constantly evolving. New, healthier, innovative ways to facilitate the housing and re-homing of animals are coming to light each and every year. It is our duty as care providers to be receptive to change and strive to make a difference in the lives we touch daily. I had the privilege of attending a conference in October of this past year. Tara Allen, the kennel manager for Animal Friends Humane Society, joined me with the objective of bringing back the tools to enable us to save more lives. The conference - provided by Best Friends Animal Society - was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, a treat in and of itself. But this conference was more than a vacation to a fun city, it was inspiration. ‘No More Homeless Pets’… what a simple concept. This being the title of the conference gives you an understanding of what each workshop focused on, different strategies to achieve this one goal. We enjoyed two and a half days absorbing as much as we could. Some of our favorite workshops were “Taking the Leap: How One Person Can Make a Difference for Animals”, “Why Didn’t I Think of That? Inspiring Ideas to Increase Adoptions”, “Digging Deeper into Social Media to Save Animals” and “What you Need to Know to Help You Place More Pets in Good Homes”. Over one thousand people attended, all wanting to make a difference.

What Happens in Vegas...comes home!by Meg Stephenson

Lucy is ready to go home - finally! Adopted by Patty Hardison and her daughter, Kelly from Liberty Township!

12 year old Lindsay of

Fairfield adopted ‘Tiger”

adoptions!47

continued on page 7

Norm & Jennifer Moon,Middletown, adopt a partially black dog - their 3rd from AFHS!

‘Cheri’, a lab mix, is one of the 77 dogs surrendered this past summer, making this an extra special adoption!

Mans Best Friend, ‘Frankie’ bonds with adopter, Larry Henson of Somerville

Lisa Draham of Dayton, said her parents saw Meg on television talking about free adoptions of older and black animals. Lisa went on the website and fell in love with an older pug mix... her new best friend!

Chris Laib (at left) and sons from Cincinnati, with newly adopted “puppy brother”! Chris heard about AFHS on WLW and wanted to help out! Chris said, “With all the animals in this shelter, there is no reason to ever buy a pet! I’ll always adopt!”

Erica Ferris from Hamilton with her newly adopted one year old black lab mix, ‘Harley’.

Caudill Family with newly adopted ‘Jenny’

The Ganote Family of Liberty Township show off their newly adopted addition, an eight week old Lab puppy!

2

AFHSBoard of Trustees

Richard G. FoxPresidentFairfield

Gregory E. Hull1st Vice PresidentHamilton

Kendra Robinson2nd Vice PresidentHamilton

Dee ParraghSecretary, Fairfield

Jeremy TaylorTreasurer, Trenton

Jack ArmstrongHamilton

Robert T. BaeselHamilton

James FehringWest Chester

Walter J. LeapMiddletown

Nancy NichtingHamilton

Nancy PiperHamilton

Susanna Schwartz, DVM Diplomate ACVSCincinnati

Ronald C. ShortMiddletown

Be a voice for the animals... if you witness animal neglect, cruelty or abuse, report it to the

proper authorities!

Vanna

Bixby

19th out of 50 - Nationwide!

Kathy Gross...on making a difference“My job is to exercise the cats and make sure they are well. In the photo are Kathy Gross and “Tom”. I truly enjoy handling and caring for all the cats at the shelter.”

What Inspired You? “After I retired I wanted to volunteer at Animal Friends Shelter where we have adopted our 2 cats. When I went for orientation and took the tour of the “cat room” I was emotionally unsure I could do the job. When I started, I found the cats to be healthy & well cared for which made my job much easier.”

Our Thanks To All Who Adopted!

Like Father... Like Daughter

HUMANE SOCIETY

Bravo & Congratulations!

Growing up, the term pet referred to the aquarium of fish we had. Allergies were common among the Stephenson family and fur just didn’t make the cut in the Stephenson household. Therefore, it’s quite surprising that I chose a career dedicated to our furry friends.

My father, on the other hand, grew up on a farm and I remember as a child listening to stories about Hondo and Cammie, his beloved Golden Retrievers. Hondo and Cammie were two of many pets he had as an adolescent. When I decided to adopt my first dog while finishing my undergraduate degree, my father gave me words of encouragement and confidence that I was prepared for pet ownership and that I was making the right decision for both Diesel, my rescued Red Doberman, and myself. He has supported my career choice on both a personal and professional level. His company frequently sponsors events held by Animal Friends Humane Society, and you’ll be sure to see him attending the Bark N’ Purr Ball (which is March 19, 2011… mark your calendars!).

Thus, the apple does not fall far from the tree. On October 7, 2010 Chief Julie Holmes called me, and in an uplifted tone said, “Your dad just rescued a dog!” I had no idea what she was talking about so I prompted Chief Holmes to tell me as much as she knew.

The sheriff ’s office had dispatched the Dog Wardens by radio to an emergency situation. A dog was severely submerged in mud and struggling to get out. The dog was a Golden Retriever (ironically the breed my father grew up with) with mud up to her belly in a semi-dried out pond behind a building on Stillwell-Beckett Road. Chief Holmes was in route but decided to contact an officer who was closer, Deputy Merbs. He arrived first to the scene and Chief Holmes listened to her radio in anticipation of what Deputy Merbs would report. After several minutes, Deputy Merbs announced across the airway that the dog had already been rescued. Some workers nearby saw the distressed animal and took action themselves. Their mud covered pants and shoes and socks lying nearby gave a pretty good picture of what had just happened. Deputy Merbs walked over to thank the rescuers, and was stunned to see none other than my father, Tom Stephenson. The two exchanged mutual thank you’s

While we waited to see if anyone would come to claim the Golden Retriever we gave her a nice bath, warm blankets to lay on, plenty of food and water, and lots of affection. No one came looking so it appeared no one wanted her. But that was far from true. GRRAND, a golden retriever rescue group, immediately contacted us expressing interest in having her join their organization. We were thrilled and know she is enjoying the comforts of her GRRAND foster home while she waits for a forever home. How true the saying is, like father, like daughter. I was so proud of my dad, and know I get my compassion for animals from my parents. Even though my childhood was void of furry pets, the appreciation and reverence for the lives of companion animals is apparent in the Stephenson household. I am honored to be a part of such a loving family.

before Deputy Merbs departed with the tired, dirty, appreciative Golden Retriever.

by Meg Stephenson

123 MORE LIVES SAVED!

3

shared by

Meg Stephenson

I was looking for a young pit to revive the energy in my other two pits. Then along came Zaki and he fits in this pit family like a puzzle!

Thanks Petfinder.com!!

John

Loveland, Ohio

Dear friends, It has been a whirl-wind of a month since we picked up our sweet Roxie (Roxy) on Friday, October 1st. We just wanted to share

Hello! I adopted Sandy (now known as Bella) a few months ago and just wanted to give you an update.

The attached photo shows her on our screened in porch; she loves spending time out there watching squirrels, birds, and leaves fly by! She is the sweetest little thing and has brought such happiness to us. We are totally in love with her! Best regards, Joni

Good evening, About 2 weeks ago, my fiance and I adopted Houston, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. We promised that we would keep in touch. Houston is now known as Brodie and seems to like his new name and already answers to it. We were pleasantly surprised to find that Brodie was already potty trained and knew a few basic tricks when we brought him home. He did a fantastic job on the 2 1/2 hour car ride home. Unfortunately, after being home for a couple of days he fell ill and we had to make an emergency trip to the vet. Poor little

Dozer, previously known as Luke, was adopted October of 2009. He was just 2 months old when I adopted him. Dozer was adopted once and brought back. (I must say that I am so pleased that they brought him back because he was the dog for me!!) He has been my bundle of joy to watch grow. Dozer is now a little over a year old and loves giving kisses, swimming with his brother Diesel, playing at the dog park, going for car rides, and being lazy on weekends with mom and dad. We couldn’t have asked for a better dog! Dozer is so smart and loving. He has attended the Petsmart Beginner Education training and graduated June 2010. In such a short time he knows cage, sit, shake, down, roll over, stay, and how to walk calmly on a leash. He makes a mommy proud!

- Thanks from Dozer and his family; Ashley, Brad, and Diesel!

a picture of Roxie. Our lives have been forever changed and we know Roxie was just the right dog for our family. She’s so sweet and it’s as if she’s lived with us forever. She loves riding in the car and we’ve taken her to many places already. The folks at PetSmart all want to take her home! Thank you again for all you do! We are glad we were able to rescue a dog, which was our goal all along and why it took 6 months to find the ‘right’ one. -Natalie

guy ended up with an upper respiratory infection. The vet gave him a round of antibiotics and he got special treament when we got home and he did a lot of laying around and sleeping. After about 5 days, Brodie started feeling MUCH better and is a completely different dog. Brodie and Chloe LOVE to play with each other and chase each other all over the place! He is adjusting well now that he is feeling better and is getting TONS of attention from everyone he meets. Thank you so much for all of your help and for allowing us to have Brodie!

great adoption updates...

4

Formostofus,whenwethinkofarollercoasterride,theimageofanamusementparkcomestomind.ButforthededicatedanimalloversemployedbyAnimalFriendsHumaneSocietythetermconjuresupimagesofatypicaldayatwork.Betweenallthejoyandsorrow,thehighsandthelows-ittrulyisarollercoaster,alldependingonwhatthedaybrings,fromthemomentthefrontdoorsareunlocked.Beforetheshelterisevenopen,thephonesringoffthehook.Franticinquiriesaboutlostpets,questionsabouthowtosurrenderananimal,costtoadopt,whattodoaboutaninjuredanimal,wheretogoforlowcostveterinarycare,andsoon.Peoplearrivewith“have-a-heart”trapscontainingferalcats.Anexcitedfamilycomesintopickuptheirnewlyadoptedcompanion,whileanotherfamilysearchestheadoptionareaforapotentialpetandnonearechosen.Apoliceofficerwalksinwithastraydog.Ashelterdoggetslooseintheadoptionkennel,awildchaseensuesandthedogiscapturedbyavolunteer.Atthefrontdesk,amanchokesbacktearsashesignspaperstohavehisterminallyillpetputdown.Adog,courtorderedtobehelduntilafterthehearing,wasfinallyreleasedtoAFHSafterspendingfourandahalfmonthsinacage.Thestaffgettowatchashejoyfullyfrolicsoutinthecourtyard.Aboxofabandonedpuppiesisbroughtin.Prideisshareduponlearningthattheshelterisrankingtwelfthplaceoutoffifty,acrossthenationintheASPCAcontest.Thepresenceofdiarrheainastraypuppieskennelisquicklytestedforparvo.AbystanderoutfrontasksastaffmemberifAnimalFriendsisa“no-kill.”Adoptionsarebusilybeingprocessed.Justasonehappyfamilyleaveswiththeirnewlyadoptedpet,threemoreanimalsarebeingbroughtintobesurrenderedtoAFHS.Pagesforstaffassistanceareheardovertheintercom.Threesmallchildrenarewailingastheirfathersurrendersthefamilypetduetohavingnoplacetolive.Theyleaveandthelobbyissuddenlysilentforthefirsttimeinthespanoftwohours.Allofitwasenoughtomakeyourheadspinandyet,thestaffcontinuedonwiththeiremo-tionsincheck,preparedforwhateverelsewouldunfoldintheremaininghours.Thequestionbegstobeasked:HOWdotheydoit?!

Inhereffortstoreachouttothepublicforhelp,ShelterDirector,MegStephen-sonsendsletters,usuallycontainingastoryaboutasuccessfulanimalrescue.Shewriteswithrestraintsoastospareunwanteddetailandsharesthefinancialchallengeofcaringforalltheanimals,expenseswhichincludethespayingandneuteringofeveryanimaladoptedout.IncludedwiththisisMeg’sexpressionofgratitude,adonorformandanenvelope.

Everynowandthen,anenvelopecomesacrossherdeskcontainingnotadona-tion,butinstead,apieceofhatemail.Writtenaccusationsthatinclude:“Youaremurderers!”;“Youarecruelandabusivetoanimals!”;“Youkilldogsandotheranimals!”Themorningoftheshelter’sfirstbirthdayparty,Megwasdownbythestreetbusyremovingcardboardsignsaffixedwiththesamebasicmessage.ThestaffatAnimalFriendsHumaneSociety,foraslongasithasbeeninexistence,havecontinuallyhadtoexplainthatAnimalFriendsisnota“no-kill”shelter.Norcaniteverbe.Formany,thisisanupsettinganddifficultconcepttounderstand,muchlessaccept.ThisappliesnotonlytoAnimalFriends,butallhumanesocieties.Aslongasthereareunwanted,abused,neglectedandabandonedanimals,therewillalwaysbeaneedforthehumanesocietyandnearlyeverycountyhasone.

ServingtheneedsofButlerCountyanimalsisAnimalFriendsHumaneSociety,

nowinits57thyearofoperation.ItistheonlyopenadmissionshelterinButlerCountywhichmeanstheymustacceptallanimals,fromaggressivetosickandevendeceased.Thereisnoselectionprocess,noanimalscanbeturnedaway.“Nokill”shelters,ontheotherhand,canchoosewhichanimalstheywillacceptandwhentheyarefilledtocapacity,whichcurrentlyisthecaseformostifnotallofthem,theymustturnanimalsaway.Makenomistake,thesetypesofsheltershavetheirownsetofchallenges,financialstruggles,headachesandheartaches,butitisnomatchtothosethatfaceAnimalFriendsHumaneSociety.Onanygivenday,therearebetween200-300animalsbeinglookedafterbysixkennelstaff.WhenstraysarepickedupbyButlerCountyDogWardenstheyarebroughttoAnimalFriends.Whenanimalsinvolvedincourtcasesmustbedetained,theyarekeptatAnimalFriends,notin“no-kills”.AnimalsthathavebeenbadlyneglectedorabusedarebroughttoAnimalFriends,wheretheyhaveachanceforlifesavingmedicalintervention.“Nokill”facilitiesareneitherequippednordotheyhavethetrainedpersonneltohandlethesesituations.HowmanyofyousawthehorrificnewsstorythispastsummerwithDeputyKurtMerbsrushingintoAnimalFriendsHumaneSocietywithanunconsciouspitbullinhisarms?Itwasaheroicandunforgettablesight.Thedogwasinshockfromseverehyperthermiaafterbeingchainedtoawatermeterwhereshewaslefttoroastalldayin90degreeheatwithnoshadefromtheblazinghotsunandnowater.TheshelterveterinarianandclinicstaffstartedI.V.sandprovidedemergencymedicalcare,butdespitetheirbestefforts,thedogdiedduringthenight.Whatabouttheindividualwhodidtherightthingbysurrenderingthe77dogshecouldnolongercarefor?Whereelsecouldthiskindsoulhaveturnedforhelp?Itbecomesamadscrambleforthestaffastheyputoutcallstothemediatobroadcasttheneedforadoptions,enlistthehelpofanimalrescuegroupsandtestforcompatibilitytogroupmoredogsineachkennelinordertofreeupmorespace. AnimalFriendsdoestemperamenttestingoneveryanimalasthesheltercannotadoptoutaggressiveanimalsthatputpeopleatriskforinjury.Someattemptsaremadetoworkwiththeseanimals,somearesuccessfulwhilemanyarenot.Thisexplainswhytheshelterpleadsforvolunteerstohelpsocializetheanimals.Itiswhytheyneedvolunteerstohelpfostertheanimals.Behaviortraining,fosteringandsocializingarewhatgivestheanimalsabetterchanceforbeingadoptedintoalovinghome.Thestressofbeingkenneledinthesheltercanrapidlytakeatollonanyanimal.Thedownwardspiralofananimal’smentalandbehavioralstatusissomethingnoanimalcaregiverwantstosee,andyetitiswitnessedallthetime.Tohelppreventthis,AnimalFriendshasadoptionspecialswhichareannouncedonthewebsite,inthenewspaper,onT.V.andvariousradiostations.MegtakesanimalstoWCPO,Channel9’s‘PetPals’onSaturdaymorn-ings.PetMobilecoordinator,DeeParraghworksferventlyschedulingfrequentoff-siteadoptionevents.Staffandvolunteersspreadthewordviae-mails,anythingtogettheanimalsadopted!Onethingforwhichwecanallbegratefulistheanimalsaretrulyhappierinthelargerimprovedkennels.Atleasttheycanromparoundandplay,enjoyingnaturallightandfreshairintheirkennelswhiletheywaittobeadopted.Forsomanyofthesewonderfulanimals,timeisoftheessence.Thelongerananimalwaits,themoregrimtheoutlook.Butmiraclescananddohappen!

On“BlackFriday,”firstimplementedatAFHSayearago,(itwasMeg’singe-niousideatoincludetheshelteranimals)therewereabout50peoplewaitingforthedoorstoopensotheycouldadopt!Lucy,ablacklabmixhadbeensittingin

What Part of Humane Do You Not Understand?

byNancyBender

theshelterfornearlyayear,thelongestofallthedogs.Whenallshereallywantedtodowasplayandgivebigkisses,shehadadaptedtothestatusquoofpassingglancesandneverbeingcho-sentobeadopted.Butthatday,thankstoPattyHardisonandherdaughter,Kelly(andKelly’sboyfriend-seefrontpagephoto),allofthatwould

VolunteerHeatherRammersocializingadog...

5

change!TheylovedLucyandLucylovedthem!Channel5Newswaspresenttocapturethestory,notknowingwhatastoryitreallywas!Thisgeneratedawaveofexcitementthroughtheshelterintheformoftearsandhugsbetweenthestaffandvolunteers.Onfinalcount,therewere47adoptionsandthethrillcouldbefeltovertheinternetase-mails,oneafteranother,wereshotout.Lucyneededamiracleandshegotone!ForAnimalFriendsHumaneSociety,thankstotheHardisonsandallthepeoplewhocametothesheltertoadopt,itwasatrulyamazingday!Keepinmind,therewillalwaysbedogsandcatsatAnimalFriendsinneedofamiracle...

ThefateofacourtdetaineddogrestsentirelyinthehandsoftheJudge.Theshelterstaffhavenosaysointhematter.TheseanimalsareconfinedincagesatAFHSsometimesforaslongas9monthswhilecourtcasesdragonanddecisionsaredelayed.Meanwhile,anunavoidablebondiscreatedbetweenthedogandthestaffcaringforit,makingitespeciallydifficultifthedogisorderedtobeeuthanized.Dogbiteinvestigationsandextremeanimalcrueltycasesareexamplesoflegalpredica-mentsthatcanleadtocourtorderedconfinementofananimal.AnotherimportantservicethatdistinguishesAnimalFriendsHumaneSocietyfromothersheltersisthatitistheONLYshelterinButlerCountythatactivelypursuesandprosecutesanimalcrueltycases.Tothisday,peoplerememberandaskaboutChina,theseverelyneglectedwhiteshepherdwhoseneckboretheresemblanceofrawhamburgerfromabadlyembeddedchokecollar.Sucharethestoriesthatmakethecase:thereisaNEEDforAnimalFriendsHumaneSociety!Whatremainstobeexplainedisthereasonforthehatemailandnegativepublicitywhichishurtfulnotonlyfortheshelter,butfortheanimalsthatresideinit. AstheHumaneSociety,AnimalFriendsutilizeshumaneeuthanasia.Itisnota“nokill”shelter.Itisanextremelycontroversialsubject;onethathasearnedtheshelteranunfairstampofdisapprovalbysome,butthankfullynotbyall.Morally,ethicallyandspirituallyconflicting,humaneeuthanasiaspawnsemotionallychargedopinionswhichcanbedivisivenotonlywithinthecommunity,buttheshelter,itself.Eventhoughtheshelterstaffareonthefrontlinespromotingadoptionsharderthanever,doingalltheycantosavelives(seeMegsstoryonpage1),theyareaneasytargetforharshcriticismforsomethingoverwhichtheyhavenocontrol.Hatemail,rumorsandnegativepublicityinvolvingAnimalFriendsisnothingnew.Notaccordingtovolunteer,CarolynKramer,whoseextensiveinvolvementwithAFHSdatesbackto1966.“Theshelterhashadtodealwithnegativepublicitysinceitwasfirstorganized”.Shestates,“Therearealwayssomefolkswhodonotrealizethattheshelteroperatestoprotectpeople,aswellasanimals.Overpopulationofdogsandcatsinacommunityresultsinanimalsufferingandhumanhealthhazards-dogbites,diseasesandcaraccidents.”Shepointedlyexplainssomeoftheshelterhistory,howitwasoriginallyrunbylay-personswhowerenottrainedinhumaneworkaswenowknowit.Sheemphasizes,“Atalltimes,throughouttheyears,theshelterpersonneltreatedtheanimalswithkindnessandutilizedthemethodofeuthanasiathatwastoutedtobethemosthumaneforthetime.Decadesago,whenleashlawswerenotinplaceanddogsandcatsroamedthestreets,therewereyearswhenasmanyas12,000animalswerehandledbytheTrentonShelter!Lookhowfarwehavecome!It’sbeenslow,butIamtrulyamazedandthrilledbytheprogress!”Shequicklyadds,“It’sadirectresultofspayingandneuteringofanimals,publiceducationandthepushforshelterpetadoptions”.Whileshemarvelsoverwhatsheterms“theevolutionoftheshelter”,itsaddensherthatitcontinuestobeplaguedwithanillreputethathasmanagedtotrailthemfromtheverybeginning.Thethornontherose,mostlikelybeingthat,backthen,theanimalswereeuthanizedbybeinggassed.Formerdirector,LelandGordon,endedthisformofeuthanasiaandchangedittoinjection,thehumanemethod

oncriteriainvolvingthehealthandbehaviorofananimal.SometimesthedecisionisjointlymadewithKennelManager,TaraAllenorDirec-tor,MegStephenson.Alternativeoptionsareevaluated.Forapuppythathasparvooracatwithfelineleukemia,humaneeuthanasiamustbeusedtopreventthespreadofthesehighlycontagiousandpotentiallyfatalconditions.Whilenoneofthisisever

...Nancy

currentlyusedtoday.Itissomethingnoonewantstodo.Itissomethingnoonelikestodo,butstillitmustbedone.Assignedstaffareprofessionallytrainedandcertifiedasmandatedbylawandtheprocedureisperformedwithcareandcompassion,justasitisdoneinaveterinariansoffice,usingthesamefastactingsolution.Withinseconds,asufferinganimalisputoutofitsmisery.Thedecisiontohumanelyeuthanizeismadebytrainedpersonnelbased

easy,thetruedevastationcomeswhenthedecisionhastobemadeduetolackofspace,whichusuallyindicatesallothersheltersarefullandpeoplearesimplynotadopting.Duetothedownturnintheeconomy,joblossesandhomeforeclosures,thenumberofanimalintakesyeartodate,accordingtoMeg,hasfarexceededthepreviousyear.Sheexpectsthosenumberswillcontinuetoclimb,reaching8,000ormoreanimalsbyyearsend.Furthercomplicatingmattersforthis501(c)(3)nonprofitorganizationisthedecreaseindonations.Theshelteriscompletelyreli-antonindividualandpublicfunding.ForMeg,itmeansgoingbacktothedrawingboard,applyingforgrants,writingmoreletterstoButlerCountyresidentsaboutanimalover-population,theneedforspayingandneuteringandadoptions.Whatweighsonhermind,andonhershoulders,iswhatmorecanbedonetosparethelivesoftheseanimals?Itisadauntingjob.NotjustforMeg,butforallofthestaff,includingButlerCounty’sAnimalWardens.Eachday,theyareconfrontedwithnewandoftenenormouschallenges.Ifthesheltercouldhaveapennyforeverytimesomeoneadmitted“Icouldneverdotheirjob”... Asyouwalkthroughthedogadoptionarea,youcanseetheproactiveeffortsbeingmadewithbehaviormodification.Therearepostedsignsinstructingthereadertorewardadogwithatreatifitisobserveddoinga“goodsit”ornotbounc-ing4feetintotheair!Withlimitedstaffonhand,thetaskofsocializingthecatsanddogsfrequentlyfallstothevolunteers.ComefollowtheexampleofvolunteerslikeHanniahDavisandHeatherRammerwhositinthekennels,lovingondogsinneedofextraattention.Itispositivelyexhilaratingwhensomeoneisabletorehabilitateananimalandgetitadopted!Itisthesuccessstories,theunexpectedmiracles,andadoptionsthatfuelthestaff.Itiswhatenablesthemtothriveintheirchosenprofessionandbeabletowithstandtheneverendingrollercoasterride.Whilethepoliciesandpoliticsmaydiffer,theultimategoaloffindinglovinghomesfortheanimalsiswhatunitesAnimalFriendsHumaneSocietywithallothersheltersandrescuegroups.Whenitcomestohomelesspets,everyonewantsthesamething!Thecallforshelterpetadoptionandanimalrescueextendsacrosstheglobe.Thereisnoneedtochoosesides.Instead,whynotchoosehowyouintendtobeapartofthesolution.Canyouadopt?Ifnot,areyouwillingtovolunteer?Areyouabletomakeadonationorhelpwithfundraising?Alloftheseoptionsmakeadifferenceinthelivesoftheanimals.OnefinalmessageonbehalfofAFHS,theButlerCountyDogWardensandtheanimals,themselves:Ifyoufindyourselfindirestraitsandhaveabsolutelynomeansoftakingcareofyourfurrycompanions,please,PLEASE,don’tabandonthem!!AnimalFriendsstronglyencouragesyoutobringyourpettotheshelterwhereitwillatleasthavefood,waterandprotectionwhilehavingachancetobeadopted.WhateverwouldwedowithoutthiswonderfulshelteronPrincetonRoad?

AnimalFriendsHumaneSocietystriveshardtoliveuptoitsmissionincaringforButlerCounty’sanimals.Importantforalltoknowisthatnoneofthisistheirfault.Itneverwas.Theyaretheredoingwhattheylove.Takingcareoftheani-mals.Andtomorrow,comewhatmay,theywillbetherefortheanimalsdoingitalloveragain.Thisisbutasnapshotofwhatcompassionanddedicationlookslike.

Nexttimeyouareoutattheshelter,findastaffmember,ananimalwardenoravolunteerandthankthem.Expressyourappreciationandgratitudeforallthattheydo.Theydeservetoknowwhatanincrediblejobtheyaredoing!And,asalways,AnimalFriendsthanksyouforyoursupport!

Namaste,

CourtorderedLabfinallygetstorun!

StaffBusyProcessingAdoptions

6

Hearts that care...In Memory Of Donated ByJean Crabill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norma WestonRichard B . Elberfeld . . . . . James & Susan Fitton, Kelly Basham, Mary Lewis, John Slagel, Renee

Lorance, Robert LaFelice, Amanda Stratton, Steven GoldsberryClarence Herschel Estridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James & Susan Fitton, Jean GaylordGayle Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay & Diana KlenkGloria LaVern Curtis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pease Warehouse Outlet Inc .John Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louise AdamsElaine Dillon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paulette McCandlessAlma Holmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donna StephensDona Morningstar Blizzard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaine Morningstar, S . Caldwell, Peggy CramerJames E . Finley,Jr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred & Joan Willsey and WinstonKatie, a black lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim & Donna KaufmanBandit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Derek & Karen ConklinLola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John & Ruth HonakerStuff & Dutchess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carole & J . B . LittleCyclone, Rudy & George (cats) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary LeibforthSpanky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louis & Ellen PopazivanovGilbert, a beloved cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marian & Dick NelsonMotor, an 18 year old cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carol ThomasSnowball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary ColeAllie, a sweet friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gloria LaceySausage, a good cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathleen NickelPatricia Kapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AnonymousCecilia Doppleb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allegra Brown DuffBeverly McElfresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joanne ErnstEdna Mae Turek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim DaviesBonnie Pauckner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Hills Veterinary ClinicDoris Duba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan & Frank VabicWilliam Thorn III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs . Judy ThornPhyllis Schroeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walter SpurgeonPolice Chief Carl Worley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FOPD #19Jerry McCandless . . . . . Margaret Elieff, Matthew Elieff, Patricia Bell, Larry, Martha & Michael

Dennis; Helen & John d’Entremont, Mrs . Zona Courey, Mrs . Patricia SkimmingIrene Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve & Melissa Lutz, Phoenix-TEQ, Connie & Steve Sexton,

Judy Milgrim, Amy, Bill & John King, Mr . & Mrs . Alan Cooper, Mr . & Mrs . Doug Wilson & Katie, Mr . & Mrs . Doug Snider & Jennifer, Dalaco/Myers Poured Walls

James A . Meister, Sr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lorraine Taylor

In Honor Of Donated ByWedding of Erica Henry & Mike Chiseck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding guestsFleishmann’s miniature pinschers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lois & Austin GleasonMolly (German shepherd), Morgan (Jack Russell) & Petie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bea PhillipsTutti & Tigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derek & Karen ConklinWedding of Tom & Symsi Houser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenni Beckner

Leave a Living Legacy...Ten steps you can take right now to ensure you leave a legacy of love.

1. Prepare a will. 2. Establish a charitable Lead Trust. 3. Establish a Charitable Remainder Trust. 4. Name Animal Friends Humane Society as a beneficiary on a new or existing life insurance policy. 5. Name AFHS as the beneficiary of your IRA or retirement plan. 6. Consider a Life Estate Arrangement. 7. Consider donating assets to AFHS. 8. Set aside a specified amount or percentage of your estate for AFHS. 9. Encourage pet-loving family members and friends to consider these gift-giving options for their planned giving to AFHS. 10. Remember deceased loved ones with a donation to Animal Friends Humane Society in their name.

A Letter to Foster Mom, Donna Ponder, from “Muppet’s” Adopter, Mark... I am so sorry it has taken this long to get back to you about this wonderful little dog. Things have finally calmed down and I wanted to send you a message to let you know how he is doing. He fell right into place here after a day or so. He is so much more loving than any other dog I have been around. He'll play with me if I want to, but for the most part he prefers to cuddle 24 hours a day. He follows me everywhere I go in the apartment. He even seems frustrated if I keep moving around too much because he wants to rest, but he won't stop if I don't. We actually love him so much that we started looking for a sister for him! Tracy and I really do appreciate you and the time you put into healing him before we adopted him. He's a member of our family now and we are extremely grateful that he found a loving foster home like yours. I have some videos of him running around in the yard with my brother's dog, as well as some that I want to take of him playing here in the living room. He really has opened up and started playing wildly at times in the living room with me and a ball, so hopefully I can get it on video and post it on the web for you to see!

On October 14th, I responded to a call on S. 11th Street in the city of Hamilton for a complaint of a young male trying to sic a Pit Bull on people as they walk by. Upon my arrival, I spoke to the owner of the house who advised me that they had

The Difference a Micro-Chip Makes!

no Pit Bulls there and she said I could check the backyard. I met her in the backyard as she walked out with a male Blue Pit Bull. She said she found it in her basement and didn't know where it came from. I had her sign the dog over to me as a stray and brought the dog to the shelter. I scanned the dog for a microchip and it popped up instantly. I had Lashon check the microchip number and it came back to a man from Hamilton. I did a search in our citation database because the name sounded so familiar to me and found that Officer Julie Holmes and I had cited him for the same dog in years past. I called the number that came back to the microchip and spoke with him. I advised him that we picked up a dog with a chip that comes back to him. He said that if it’s his dog, Blue, he was stolen a year and a half ago out of his yard. He was so torn up after the incident he went into a state of depression and then finally broke down and got himself another Blue Pit puppy and named it Blue after his last dog. I informed him of the honest truth and advised him that if he didn't come in to get the dog, it would probably be euthanized based on breed. He said he would like to come in and see Blue, so he came to the shelter that day. I took him back to look at his dog and he all but cried over seeing him. His dog was much skinnier than he remembered and had a bunch of scars and puncture marks on his neck and legs. He also had severe callouses on his elbows, probably from having only concrete to lay on. The man returned the next day to pick up Blue and had already scheduled a vet appointment for that night to get a once over with shots and all. The microchip saved Blue! This truly was a rewarding experience!

Muppet

by Deputy Kurt Merbs

For our Office

• Copy Paper• Canon Pixma iP6600D BLACK Ink

Cartridges• First class postage STAMPS!!!• 9-volt and AAA batteries• Office Depot Gift Cards• Lowe’s/Home Depot/Ace Gift Cards• Kroger & Walmart Gift Cards• Receipt books - carbon sets• Bottled water, pop, coffee, micro-

waveable soups, and healthy snacks for our overworked employees!

Animal Friends Humane Society

For our Surgery Room

• Surgical Gloves - Large• Paper Towels• Alcohol-70%• E-Collars - new or used• Distilled water• Super glue

For Maintenance

• Deck Scrub Brushes & Looped End Mop Heads• Pressure Washer, Garden Hoses, Hose Couplings, Squeegees, Hose Repair Kits• Pleated Air Filters - 20x20x2 - lots of them!

Wish List

A Nice Rule of Thumb...If your visits to the Shelter are infrequent, try never to go there empty-handed! ...editor

Adopt • Volunteer • donAte

URGENT! • Bleach• Toilet Paper• Paper Towels

7

We recycle for $$$ for the shelter! Please bring your newspapers and aluminum cans (no glass, etc.)

to the collection receptacles located at the far end of the parking lot.

AFHS is solely dependent on private donations for its day to day operation. It is BECAUSE of your donations that the shelter is

able to live up to its mission and provide shelter and care for the 7,000-8,000 animals that come through yearly.

All donations are greatly appreciated and remember, NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!

Looking for a great gift idea?Leave a Permanent Legacy!See our website or phone AFHS at 867-5727

MEMORIAL BRICKS

Upcoming Volunteer Orientationsare scheduled on Saturdays from 9-11 am at

AFHS Shelter, 1820 Princeton RoadNext Orientations: Jan 22 • Feb 19 • March 26

The shelter is forever in need of volunteers!

To find out how you can help, go on-line to www.animalfriendshs.org.

Tundra

I need a home!

thank you!

One unique quality about Animal Friends Humane Society is that we were one of just a few open admission shelters represented at the conference. This seemed to be surprising to many, but not to us. Our goal is the same as every other rescue group or animal welfare organization. It would be great if we lived in a world where we weren’t needed. Where all animals had safe, loving homes and no pet was unwanted, neglected, or suffering. We strive for that as much as any other group does. Our small staff of 18 come in everyday, 365 days a year, because they have a love for animals and a passion for what they do. I extend my deepest gratitude to them for their dedication, commitment, and compassion. Each and every one of them make a difference, and I am honored to have them on my team. We left the conference feeling encouraged and have since implemented new procedures to facilitate the objective of saving more lives. I invite you all to stop by Animal Friends Humane Society and witness our life-saving work. Yes, we are open admission… no animal will be turned away. Yes, we offer euthanasia services… no animal will suffer. And yes, we are committed to animal welfare with one common goal… ‘No More Homeless Pets’.

VEGAS... continued from page 1

For PetMobile and Upcoming Events, check the AFHS E-Letter!

Attention!We are looking for business and private donations

for the live & silent auctions at the Bark’n’Purr Ball this March!If you have anything to donate - like vacations,

time shares, etc., please contact Meg at (513) 867-5727!

Sherry Armstead, owner & daughter, Debbie Weisbrod

Our Humane Society was established in 1952...Our mission is to promote humane principles, to protect lost, homeless, abandoned and mistreated animals, and act as advocates for animals in our communities.

Shelter Hours...Mon-Tues-Fri-Sat-Sun...11-4:30Wed-Thurs...1:00 - 7:00 pm

HUMANE SOCIETY

1820 Princeton RoadHamilton, Ohio 45011(513) 867-5727www.animalfriendshs.org

The oldest,largest,non-profit animal adoption agency in Butler County,Ohio

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCincinnati, OHPermit #967

March 19, 2011

Save the Date!

Saturday

It’s Winter....

Remember...Too Cold For You?Too Cold for THEM!

In about 8 to 10 years from now, there will be an abundance of shade behind the shelter for the dogs, the dog walkers and all to enjoy. We have Eagle Scout, Alex Roy (Troop 744), to thank for this. The 17 year old from Liberty Township chose to earn his Eagle Scout status by planting 15 trees, half of which were donated by Natorp Nursery, Berns Garden Center and Jamie’s Landscaping! He also provided a place to rest by building benches and a picnic table. His proud parents and a group of

Let there be Shade!

his peers assisted with the project. Alex volunteered by walking dogs at the shelter in Trenton for a couple of years. He boasts, “ This is a great organization!” Thanks Alex. Animal Friends thinks you’re pretty great, too!

Proceeds Benefit Animal Friends Humane Society

(978) 297-5477www.BenefitWines.com/afhs

IT’S THAT TIME!

2011 Butler County Dog Licenses on Sale NOW!

$14.75 at the sheltera portion of sale benefits “Dog & Kennel Fund”

for Butler County Animal Control

All dogs 3 months and older must be licensed by 1/31/11

Animal Friends Wine

A

NIM

AL FRIENDS

Bark’n’PurrBALL20112011

HU

MANE SOCIE

TY