Wagging Talespawsibilities®, the humane society of greater akron SUMMER 2011

www.summithumane.org

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDAkron, OH

Permit #134

HOURS OF OPERATIONSunday: Noon-5pmMonday: ClosedTuesday-Friday: 1pm-7pmSaturday: 10am-6pm

7996 Darrow Rd. Twinsburg, OH 44087330.487.0333www.summithumane.org

On Friday, May 13 our humane officers responded to an animal House of Horror. The conditions were heartbreakingly deplorable: boiling temperatures, ammonia levels off the charts, no running water, and 102 animals literally stacked on top of each other in cramped cages, forced to stand and lay in their own feces and urine. 42 dogs, 25 birds, 24 cats, 2 ferrets, 2 rabbits, 1 iguana and 6 mice were all desperate to be rescued.

Friday the 13th would be their lucky day.Our two humane officers, along with Summit County Animal Coalition partners Paws & Prayers, One of a Kind Pets and Summit County Animal Control worked tirelessly for hours in the pouring rain to remove these animals and transport them to safety at Pawsibilities.

Once custody of the animals was given to Pawsibilities, the staff began the task of rehabilitating and re-homing them. In large rescues like these, it would be a tremendous burden to go it alone. We are proud and forever grateful to work with the following wonderful people and rescues:

FrIDAy THe 13TH HOUSe OF HOrrOr

Dr. Amy Moore, DVM from Buckeye Veterinary Clinic Parrot Hope RescueOne of a Kind PetsPaws and PrayersSummit County Animal ControlOhio Pet Placement Ferrets UnlimitedGreat Lakes Mastiff RescueJennifer Mauger CPDT, L’Chaim Canine

These relationships allow us to shorten the length of time between rescue and forever homes. Your donations allow us to continue to do our important work in our community. THANK YOU.

We appreciate the outpouring of community support following this large rescue. TThank you for understanding the legal constraints that come along with our mandate as the county’s “animal cops”. In situations that require our officers to seize animals and charge owners with cruelty and/or neglect they are prohibited from disclosing certain details.

2011 save The animalsName: Email: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone:

I would like to pay with: Check CC

Pawsibilities®, HSGA now has the ability to automatically charge your credit card monthly. Kindly bill my credit card $ monthly Name on Card Visa/MC/DIS # Exp Date: CVV 2 (three digits from back of card)

Please use my tax-deductible donation to care for animals who deserve a second chance at life.

____ Up to $100 Best Friend____ $100 Silver Paw____ $ 250 Gold Paw____ $ 500 Platinum Paw____ $ 1,000 Leadership____ $ 2,500 Champion____ $ 5,000 Advocate____ $ 10,000 Guardian

I do not need an acknowledgement letter.

I would like an electronic acknowledgement letter.

I would like an end-of-year report.

electronic

mail

Board MembersChairman: Kerri Bowman, D.V.M, DACVSVice Chairman: Pat Weschler Treasurer: Nevin NussbaumSecretary: Kim HolmbergAsst. Treasurer: Judy SteinerEx-officio: Drew Alexander

Shelly AllioCarianne BurnleyBob CailorBob EckertGary GardnerCarol HainesDon Hess

Mark HilkertKyle KlawitterTed Moore Erin Wojno Bob Zajac

FULLy VeTTeD – PAWSIBILITIeS’ NeW MeDICAL AND SUrGICAL SUITe

OPeNS FALL 2011

Executive Director: Karen Hackenberry

We started construction on our fully-equipped surgical, medical treatment and isolation suite. It’s a milestone in our history that will elevate our mission and expand our animal welfare services. What will it mean for animals under our care? Animals can be helped quickly with reduced wait times for spay or neuter appointments and routine surgeries and treatment. Injured victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment won’t be so stressed by transport to outside vets. They will all benefit from continuity of care just like we do!

What will it mean for the organization? Projected cost-savings of $50,000 annually from part-time veterinary capacity will make the best use of your community support. Future cost savings in animal transport, pharmacy inventory, surgical procedures and routine medical care can boost adoptions, support rescue, improve shelter care and increase community education.

We are grateful to the following private foundations for their support for the medical surgical suite: the Rick and Michelle Schultz Family Foundation of Hudson, the Howard Atwood Family Fund of the Akron Community Foundation, the James G. Robertson Fund of the Akron Community

Foundation, the Lucy and Emily Beasley Charitable Trust, the Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation, the Vernette W. Loker Trust, the Robert O. and Annamae Orr Family Foundation and the Welty Family Foundation. Generous individual contributors also stepped up to support the suite as well. We want to acknowledge the efforts of County Executive Russ Pry and the Summit County Port Authority for helping to make our new home a reality. Visit www.summithumane.org for an announcement of our grand opening celebration.

Over $2.2M of our $5M Capital Campaign has been raised to build our brighter future. Some of you are still waiting for completion of other areas close to your heart. Thanks for your incredible patience and generous support. Please know that we are working on your priorities: plans for the outdoor dog exercise area as well as the memorial garden and benches, construction of an indoor dog exercise area and improvements to Kitty City. As funds are raised, we will then tackle animal get acquainted rooms, dog and cat assessment rooms and the food prep and grooming area. We still have unmet needs and naming opportunities on our website. Together, we will build the future for Pawsibilities!

Follow us on Facebook and on our new blog! www.phsga.blogspot.com

...sorry we’re behind but please visit our website to view the most current list of Memorial and Honorarium gifts.www.summithumane.org

*Stock Photograph

You can Leave a Legacy® that honors your best friend or the bond you share with all living creatures. Jane Williams, an award-winning local artist, did just that.

Her photographs and paintings reflect her life-long love of animals. Jane’s paintings have been on display at many exhibits including those at the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center and Akron in Art Annual Members Exhibits. Educated at the Frank J. Reilly School of Art in New York City, Ohio University and the Madison School of Art, her deep connection with her animal subjects is clearly apparent in her work. Animal lovers identify with her evocative and heart-felt images. Jane Williams’ work is displayed at her husband’s studio, the Jack Richard Studio located at 2250 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls. Dog treats welcome canine visitors, while visiting children are encouraged to explore the world of art by playing the “Find the Animals” game among the paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures. Every child is a winner….and every dog is a special guest!

We are very privileged to have been the beneficiary of her personal generosity. Jane’s memory lives on by providing a second chance at love for many injured, abused and abandoned animals. Thank you Jane, for also making the world a more beautiful place for them.

You can leave a legacy that honors your values and perpetuates our animal welfare work. Please contact Karen Hackenberry, Executive Director at 330.487.0333 ext. 224 for more information about our program.

JANe WILLIAMS’ LOVe OF ANIMALS LIVeS ON AT PAWSIBILITIeS

CAMe rAIN Or SHINe; PLeDGe WALkerS, SPONSOrS AND VeNDOrS rAISeD

$35,000 AT BArk IN THe PArk!

NeW HOMe…..NeW PAWSIBILITIeS!

Do you know the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence?

• Pet abuse is one of five predictors of abusive behaviors toward humans

• Evidence links animal abuse to rape and homicide

• Animal abuse is present in 90% of homes where there is domestic or physical child abuse

Fortunately, studies also indicate that empathy can be learned. Every time a child lovingly strokes a playful puppy or cute kitten, it can reinforce the brain’s capacity for compassion. Our adoption and education programs help children learn how to make an animal feel safe and secure. Even children raised with violence can learn to transfer their close bonds with animals to their human relationships. Caring for animals makes us more caring people!

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT FLUFFy

On September 30th, we will join the Battered Women’s Shelter to sponsor a presentation for professionals, animal and child advocates and interested community members. Registration information will soon be posted on our website at www.summithumane.org. Phil Arkow, the coordinator of the National Link Coalition who has worked with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animals & Society Institute, is the featured speaker. He recently directed Link® Programs at the American Humane Association, the nation’s oldest federation of child and animal protection organizations. It is an opportunity to learn more about what we know intuitively from working in animal welfare: the cycle of violence transcends species, empathy is contagious.

save the datePawsibilities®, the Humane Society of Greater Akron 2011 Events

Hudson Wine Festival July 16-17, 2011Wine & Wags VIP Preview Party, July 15Over 250 Wines, Food, Music & ArtFirst & Main Shopping District, Hudson, OH

Muddy Paws Trail Race July 23, 2011, 7 amPine Hollow, Crows Foot Gully & Little Meadow, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

2nd Annual HSGA/Happy Trails Block Party!July 31, 2011, 12-5 pmMaiden Lane 17 N High Street, Akron, OH

Akron Aeros Paws and Pitches Pet DayJuly 27 & August 16, 2011, 6 pmCanal Park, 300 South Main Street, Akron, OH

Chefs Who CareAugust 18, 5-9 pmVegiTerranean, 21 Furnace St. Akron’s Northside

Rummage SaleAugust 12-13, November 4-5 Stow-Kent Shopping Center

Pawsibility BallSeptember 24, 2011, 6:00-11 pmThe Hilton West in Fairlawn, 3180 West Market Street, Akron, OH

ADOPTABLe ANIMALS

Tassie is about 3 years old & weighs about 45 lbs. Tassie is shy when first meeting new people & needs time warming up. She has such an amazing spirit. She is loving, happy, fun & so very sweet. She gets along great with other dogs & loves playing with them. She LOVES playing with toys, enjoys fetch, giving kisses & being near her people. She rides great in the car & enjoys walks. Tassie is super smart too - she has been worked with the clicker & knows sit, shake, down, & a “target” command. This precious little girl tips the love meter scale.

Arnie is around 4 years old and weighs about 60 pounds. He seems to get along well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous of new situations, but with just a little time he seems to be at home. Arnie thinks it would be awesome to be part of a family!

Kisses, gives kisses & loves to be pet, though she’ll let you know when she’s done. She play-bites sometimes, but it’s cute when you learn how to read this golden girl. We’re not sure what happened to her ear, but it definitely gives her character & she adores it when you talk to her( there’s no problem with her hearing). Kisses loves to be carried her around! Won’t you carry her away to her furrever home? She is on special food for potential allergies.

Brena the tiger kitty tells us she prefers the finer things in life. Once you’ve paid up with treats she’ll let you pet her and she becomes a playful and friendly girl. Brena’s hard-to-get approach is deceiving at first because she really enjoys company and wants to interact with you.

For questions about these adoptable animals, please call 330-487-0333.

Implementation of an all-encompassing shelter software called Pet Point that streamlines all of our data

ADOPT pilot research project – to raise awareness & increase education of potential adopters to ensure a life-long adoption

“Putting Our Best Paw Forward” shelter dog training improves canine manners and behavior using volunteers and staff trainers

New dog and cat training classes open to the general public every month

Collaborative adoption events and education with other local shelters and the Summit County Animal Coalition

CQI Committee of volunteers, staff and board set Continuous Quality Improvement goals to increase our adoptions

Improved communication with supporters and animal advocates on our new blog, Facebook, e-newsletters, and volunteer newsletters

CHECk OUT OUR NEW INITIATIVES TO INCREASE ANIMAl ADOPTIONS:

Rain clouds and gray skies were not enough to keep pledge walkers, volunteers, vendors and sponsors from coming out to Springfield Lake Park on Saturday, May 14 to take part in the 2011 Bark In The Park. Over 125 walkers and their pets took part in the annual pledge walk, raising over $35,000 to help the animals of Pawsibilities®, The Humane Society of Greater Akron. Supporters and participants enjoyed an afternoon of shopping from the vendors, raffle prizes, a pet ice cream eating contest and a demonstration by police k9 group, B.A.R.K at the Pet Expo.

Thank you to the wonderful sponsors who helped to make this year such a success: Cascade Subaru, Lisle M Buckingham Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation, Montrose Wireless, Montrose Auto Group, First Merit Foundation, Summa Health System, The Suburbanite, Invisible Fence, Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital and Referral Group, Ohio State Waterproofing, Hummel Pet Service, Northcoast Medical Training Academy, Hattie Larlham Doggie Day Care and Boarding, County of Summit DD Board, Camp Bow Wow, Quick Clean Mobile Grooming, and Ohio Animal Chiropractic.

www.summithumane.org