Animal TalesAnimal Tales1820 Princeton Road • Hamilton, Ohio 45011(513) 867-5727

Spring 2011www. animalfriendshs.org

Tripp

Brooklyn

Curby

Parker

Hudson

PurrBucket

Lacey

Apollo

Momo

Val Guthrie adopts a pot-bellied pig - she reported back that “Hammie” is busy chasing the cows & goats and is having a blast on the farm!

Sarge - the last of the 77 dogs surrendered last

summer - is adopted by the Delaguardia family

from Kentucky.Channel 5 News arrived

just in time to film the grand send-off!

A

NIM

AL FRIENDS

Bark’n’PurrBALL20112011

H

UM

ANE SOCIETY

omething to Bark n’Purr About... In yet another year filled with many unknowns, generosity came forth for the animals at Animal Friends Humane Society. In a humbling twist, businesses came through as never before with gift certifi-cates and coupons right down to the last minute. Businesses that have been struggling generously donated whatever they could. In contrast to last year, some gave more and some gave less; the point is, they gave. We know where your loyalty lies and Animal Friends Humane Society is immensely grateful. The 6th annual event was held at Receptions in Fairfield on March 19, 2011. Outnumbering last years attendance, over 450 patrons were there to show their support. Hosting the shelter’s largest fundraiser of the year were once again Tim and ‘my mom calls me George’. Tims dog, Captain Steve (a Beagle he adopted from AFHS last summer) accompanied them as the events guest of honor. In the silent auction there were hundreds of gorgeous baskets and items to bid on, including a stun-ning set of retro Huffy his and hers bikes customized with the shelters logo! The craftmanship and the bikes were donated by Jordan & Courtney Schank. Also new this year was the inclusion of a truly captivating cat tree that towered at least 8 feet high. Sculptured to the likeness of a real tree; it was a unique work of art donated by Lisa & Ed Minton. A piece of history, a brick from the former Trenton shelter, sat next to the bidder sheet where someone had written the word ‘priceless.’ The highest selling items in the live auction were an autographed Eric Clapton stratocaster guitar and airline tickets from Air Tran and Southwest. A photo of Betty White with her furry companions and autograph was also in the auction. To help direct more revenue to the animals, outrageous desserts were lovingly prepared by volunteers. This was another first and hopefully, the beginning of a new tradition! The evenings music entertainment was donated by Thunderbay Band featuring Board President, Rick Fox on drums. All of the proceeds from the event go towards the care of the animals, the spay/neuter program and operational costs of this (501)(3) non-profit organization. Once again, an anonymous and very generous donor made it possible for all of the shelter staff to attend free of admission. The donor told Director, Meg Stephenson that the recent Animal Tales editorial, ‘What part of humane do you not understand?’ explained the very reason for their donation. There were other angels behind the scene this year who generously helped some volunteers to attend, as well. Glasses raised high- here’s to the angels and the animals! Besides being such a great cause for the animals one of the nicest things about the Bark’n’Purr is the commraderie and sense of community it provides. The return of old faces and the meeting of new. Also present in the audience were Butler County Commissioner Chuck Furmon and Sheriff Rick Jones. Surprising everyone at the end, the hosts, Tim and ‘my mom calls me George’ (who are leaving the area) announced that if at all possible, they would make a special trip to host next years Bark’n’Purr. This dynamic duo has shown incredible support for Animal Friends Humane Society and yes, we would love to have them back! Another first was the amount of news coverage the event received from the Middletown Journal, Hamilton Journal and the Fairfield Echo. The story was published not once, but twice and on-line they posted several photos. Finally this beloved, passion driven fundraiser for the animals is getting its due! People are getting it. The animals in the shelter DO matter! To all who contributed in making this event a huge success Animal Friends Humane Society thanks you on behalf of every beating heart in the shelter - We hope you will join us again for the next Bark’n’Purr Ball on St. Patricks Day, March 17th, 2012!

by Nancy BenderS

Tim and My Mom Calls Me George with “Captain Steve” MC’d our Bark’n’Purr - we bid them a fond farewell and special thanks for all their support.

Former board members, Patty Turner-Felts and Carolyn Kramer with Ron Short, AFHS Board 2nd VP. Both Ron & Patty were involved with Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts - Patty with animal rescue & Ron as a consultant for OSHA, assisting with humanitarian housing needs.

The Newsletter of

HUMANE SOCIETY

Already #1 dog in Jim & Debi Gedling’s hearts, he now has the tag to prove it! ...interview on page 2

’

Cooper...

AFHSBoard of Trustees

Richard G. FoxPresidentFairfield

Kendra Robinson1st Vice PresidentHamilton

Ronald C. Short2nd Vice PresidentMiddletown

Dee ParraghSecretary, Fairfield

Jeremy TaylorTreasurer, Trenton

Jack ArmstrongHamilton

Robert T. BaeselHamilton

James FehringWest Chester

Greg HullHamilton

Walter J. LeapMiddletown

Nancy NichtingHamilton

Nancy PiperHamilton

Susanna Schwartz, DVM Diplomate ACVSCincinnati

Be a voice for the animals... if you witness animal

neglect, cruelty or abuse, report it to the

proper authorities!

Butler CountyDog Wardens:Chief Julie HolmesDeputy Julie FlanaganDeputy Tonya HensonDeputy Kurt Merbs

Animal Control Officers:Officer Liz LucasOfficer Chuck GeurinSheriff Holly Fuller

Animal FriendsHUMANE SOCIETY

Butler County, Ohio

Executive Director: Meg Stephenson Office Staff:Becky Ryan, Office ManagerLashon BricknerKaren JohnsonMelissa McKee

Clinic Staff:Susan Collins, RVT

Megan SamsRyan CollinsRobert FinkHolly Craig

Kennel Staff:Tara Allen, Kennel ManagerKelsey BarkerScott HorburyCindy EdensTeresa SizemoreCindy GrossmanAleshia Doughman

Special Thanks to All of the Business & Individual Donors

- 2011 Bark’n’Purr Ball -Abuelo’s - The Flavor of MexicoAir-Tran AirwaysAli’s Paw PrintsAnimal Ark Pet ResortAnimal Care CentersAnimal Hospital of West ChesterAnthony’s Cigar Bar & GrilleAquatic & Garden DécorArbonne InternationalArby’sBanfield Pet Hospital, BridgewaterBark BustersBeach WaterparkBerns Garden CenterBest In ShowBig LotsBird GardenBissellBiscuit Bath & BeyondBlind SquirrelsBodywork By PiperBon BonerieBonefish Grill - Voice of AmericaBridgewater Falls ManagementBruno’s PizzaBuffalo Wild Wings Grill & BarCandy’s Dog-O-MatCat Care HospitalCincinnati BengalsCincinnati OperaCincinnati RedsCincinnati Symphony OrchestraCity BarbequeCleveland BrownsCockerillColours SalonColumbus Zoo & Aquarium Companion Care Animal HospitalConey IslandCourtyard Racquet & Fitness CenterCulver’sDaniel Michael & Co.Dewey’s PizzaDog Day Every DayDollywoodDomino’s Pizza, Liberty-FairfieldDon’s BirdhousesDr. Robert Ringgenberg, DDSEads Fence CompanyElliot Auto BathEnriching SpacesFirestoneFirst Watch, Tri CountyFirst Watch, Union CentreFlying Panda GiftsFox & HoundFox Dental ExcellenceFriends on Third SalonFrontgate, West ChesterGold Star Chili, Liberty TownshipGolden CorralGraeters, Tri CountyGrand Victoria Casino & ResortGreat ClipsGuitar Center, Tri CountyHalf Price BooksHallmark, Liberty Township Hamman’s Shop Deli & CateringHampton Inn & Suites, West ChesterHead Shed Salon & SpaHilton Garden Inn, SharonvilleHoliday World & Splashin’ SafariHuffyIndiana Beach Amusement ResortInvisible FenceJ. Alexander’s Corp.Jacks’s Aquarium & PetsJet’s PizzaJoan Day’s Backyard TreasuresJimmy John’s, Bridgewater FallsKeyBank, HamiltonKidd CoffeeKnight’s Action ParkKrogerKroger, Liberty-FairfieldKroger, MonroeLa Pinata, Bridgewater FallsLakeview Garden CenterLaRosa’sLee’s Famous Recipe, Middletown

Liberty Veterinary HospitalLowesLuLu’s Noodles, SpringdaleLuvin’ Hugs Groom ShopMason Community CenterMason Family Pet HospitalMcAlister’s DeliMichel Tires PlusMike’s Express CarwashMiller CoorsMilton’s DonutsMona Lisa’s Permanent Make UpMonster Mini GolfMonroe Family Pet HospitalMt. Pleasant Animal HospitalNational AmusementsNational Photo RestorationNatorp’s Garden StoresNewport AquariumNoce’s Pizzeria, BridgewaterNoodles & CompanyNTBOil-Dri Corp. of AmericaOlive GardenPaint By The GlassPaint-N-PlayPanel-Fab, Inc.Penn Station, Liberty TownshipPet City ResortPet PeoplePet SpotPet Suites Pet Resort & SpaPhil NuxhallPhillip Pierce SalonPipe Stone Golf ClubPleasantree Gift ShopProctor & GambleQdoba Mexican GrillQuiett Concepts Art StudioRave Movie TheatreRivers Bend TanningRed Star WorldwearRoostersSAA SolutionsSalons of KenwoodSamson’s GymS.C. Waldroff JewelersShaker Run Golf CourseSkatetown USASkyline ChiliSmashBurgerSplash and Dash Auto WashSouthwest AirlinesSquare Framer Gallery & DécorSquare One Salon & Day SpaStarbuck Coffee Co.Start Printing, LLC, MiddletownTarget, Bridgewater FallsTeklandTexas RoadhouseTire DiscountersToedtman School of MusicTractor Supply Co.Trenton Animal HospitalTrio BistroTwo Little Buds, BridgewaterUnique DesignsUnited Dairy FarmersVCA Animal HospitalVictoria’s Studio & GalleryVillage Spa SaloonWalden Ponds Golf CourseWalgreensWalt Disney WorldWalt’s BarbequeWeatherway Golf CourseWest Chester Veterinary CenterWestern Hills Veterinary ClinicWetherington Golf & Country ClubWhistle StopWhite House Inn, West ChesterWilliam H. Robinson, Inc.Win Place Or ShowYMCA of Greater Miami ValleyYou Dirty Dog!

Our sincere apologies to anyone we

may have missed!...AFHS

Buster

Marigold

2

by Meg StephensonName: Cooper (formerly Buddy)

Cooper’s people: Jim and Debi Gedling

DOB: 2002, but was adopted from Ohio Valley Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club Rescue Committee on 3/6/2005

Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Weight: 32 pounds

City of Residence: Hamilton, Ohio until September, 2011. Then he will be living in Sarchi, Costa Rica!

What excites Cooper most about moving? The neighbor owns a street dog that has adopted them as her family. Her name is Dee Dee and she and Cooper are currently pen pals. Cooper is very excited to meet Dee Dee and move forward in their relationship. Cooper has also never been to the beach, so he is excited to dig his paws in the sand.

Who will Cooper miss most from Hamilton? The cats on Emerson Avenue and the black dog on the corner of Cereal Avenue and Emerson Avenue. Cooper says hello to them every day on his walks.

Cooper’s Best Tricks: Sit, Shake

What is Cooper’s favorite thing to do? EAT!

What is Cooper’s favorite thing to eat? Milk… every morning after Jim finishes his bowl of cereal he sets the spoon on the table. Cooper hears it no matter where he is in the house. He comes running and licks the small remaining milk from the bowl. While I was conducting the interview, Jim said the word ‘milk’ and Cooper showed just how much he loves it! He danced and jumped around until finally Jim and Cooper went into the kitchen to ‘make good’ on his word.

A typical Cooper Day consists of: Breakfast, Bone, Eat, Milk, Yogurt, Walk, Sleep, Food, Walk, Biscuit. On the weekends Cooper loves spending his days outside in his fenced in yard.

Cooper reflects on how it feels to be the #1 dog in Butler County: Cooper is very proud and is on a mission to raise as many funds as possible for AFHS. He believes all owned animals in Butler County should dig deep into their pockets and help those less fortunate.

Cooper ended the interview with ‘Pura Vida’ which means ‘Off to the Good Life’...

Interview with #1 Butler County Dog, Cooper!

3

great adoption updates...We adopted 'Cookie" in October of 2010. She is now re-named Ziva and she and big sister Abby (adopted from Animal Friends in May of 1998) get along great. Ziva has been super easy to

Hello -

I wanted to take a moment and send you all an updated picture of Bella. We saw her on your website in mid-January. My parents had recently lost their dog due to old age and were missing a dog companion in their home. When I told them about Bella and the story that was posted to the site, we had to schedule a trip to Animal Friends to see her.

Hello all,

It's been a bit over a month since I adopted my little Wyatt from you (you might remember him as Matt). He is just a wonderful little ball of energy who loves everyone he meets! He loves to cuddle, fetch, and, as of last week, play in the toilet... I'm currently working on stopping this one!!!

Other than his toilet habits, he is such a good boy. He even lets me cut his nails! He is so full of love and I am so happy that he is in my life.

Thank you for giving me such a wonderful gift!

- Miranda

We adopted Allie only a week ago and already she is making herself at home! We named her Kizmet and she is already responding to her new name. We didn't know it when we got her, but we chose the perfect dog! She is house-trained, crate-trained, good on the leash, doesn't bark, and gets along well with our cat! She is super cuddly and doesn't want to play with toys - her favorite treat is to have her belly rubbed, although just recently she remembered how to play with a ball. She already knows a few commands, and seems very

train. House training took only about a week and she has already learned to sit, shake, lay down, and fetch (and she even knows to sleep in on weekends). She is really entertaining and likes nothing better than laying on your lap. Her favorite thing is when she is allowed to wake the teenagers in the house with a flying leap onto the bed and lots of licking on their ears! She has been the perfect addition to our family. Thanks so much! - Tamara

smart and eager to please. I know she was a favorite of the staff at the shelter, but I can guarantee you aren't getting her back! We love her very much, she is adjusting well, and we thank you for letting us adopt such a great new friend!

Sincerely,Leslie and Mike

As you can see in this photo she has a happy new family (George & Shirley Spence) with a loving home, a back yard to enjoy and four grandkids that visit and enjoy playing with her, too. She loves to play with her toys, run in the backyard, go for walks, play ball and Frisbee in the backyard, ride in the car to visit family and also enjoys an afternoon nap cuddling with one of them in the recliner. She is a sweet girl and everyone has quickly fallen in love with her. Thank you again for all that you do to help animals find good homes! - Lori

shared by Meg Stephenson

4

Chief Julie Holmes. Deputy Tonya Henson. Deputy Julie Flanagan. Deputy Kurt Merbs. These four individuals are the Butler County Dog Wardens. Together they are an asset and a blessing to this community as they watch out for our animals. When the news is on T.V. and one of their vans appears on the screen, ever notice how everything you are doing comes to a screeching halt? Somewhere an animal rescue is occurring and one or more of our wardens are involved. We are glued, watching anxiously knowing that the animals are now in good hands. Their primary job is animal welfare, public safety and enforcing the laws that provide for this. Always on the lookout, they are true animal advocates and in this profession they are typically the first to respond and rescue the never ending number of lost, abandoned, neglected and abused animals in Butler County. In order to provide a better understanding of what they do I requested to go on a ride-a-long with Chief Julie Holmes. Their day starts at 8:30 AM in the wardens office which is located at Animal Friends Humane Society, the anchor in rough seas for Butler County’s animals. The answering machine is carefully screened for messages left during the night by various residents with issues, mostly dog related. Referrals sent via email from police departments are reviewed. Notes are duly taken. The wardens verbally exchange reports taking into account who will be following up on which calls. As we climb into the van, Chief Holmes instantly sums it all up: “A dog is man’s best friend and we are a dog’s best friend!” She’s all smiles. She notes her love for Animal Friends Humane Society. We couldn’t do it without them and they couldn’t do it without us. With reference to her fellow dog wardens she shares her pride. She exclaims,“ I love my people. They are all so good at what they do!” It doesn’t take long to figure out they are a tight knit crew; one that shares over 60 years of combined animal welfare work experience. In December of 2011, Chief Holmes will commemorate 20 years as a dog warden. Going back in time, she shares how she once worked as a nurse’s assistant in a nurs-ing home and was attending nursing school. She good-naturedly confesses, “But then one day I found a stray.” For Holmes, it was a life changing moment that led her down a new career path involving her love and compassion for animals. In 2007, Julie was promoted to Butler County Chief Dog Warden. She currently serves as secretary for the Ohio County Dog Wardens Association. Through her expanse knowledge, expertise and dedication with humane animal welfare she has made her mark with the OCDWA. She has been voted President elect for 2011-2012, leaving her poised to serve as the next President from 2013-2014. For the animals, it was a slow day which was a good thing. Julie explains that spring and fall are the busiest times for dog complaints because the weather is more conducive to dogs having increased energy, kind of like having cabin fever and therefore, are more likely to be found running at large. What follows is increased incidents of dog bites and dogs being struck by cars. During winter and summer, when the elements are less forgiv-ing, the problems most likely to be encountered are those pertaining to neglect; a lack of protection from the heat or cold and no water or water that is frozen solid. A call comes over the radio air wave from the wardens office. Chief Holmes re-sponds in code, using numbers that indicate an officer’s locale and availability to handle a crisis. A large black and white dog has been reported running loose in Trenton. Julie drives to the reported address that has been provided by the dogs license tag. She ap-proaches the front door where she is greeted by an elderly gentleman who is unaware that his dog is loose. By coincidence, I recognize this house from a few years back when I was taking Leland to an auto repair shop. I remember we stopped and stared in amazement at this large dog that was standing on top of the garage as if to show who was really king! Julie and I circled around back. No sign of the dog, but on the snow covered garage roof, sure enough, were fresh paw prints from that morning. Julie pointed out how she thought the dog was getting up there and then proceeded on with her search. The National Animal Control Training Academy is one such institution that provides officer training. In Ohio, what is required to become a Humane Officer is a 20 hour cer-tification course in humane officer training. “Every agency does their own training,” Julie pauses, “and most of the training is on the job experience.” She clarifies, “All dog war-dens are considered officers of the law. They have full powers of arrest, but only in the performance of their own duties involving animal welfare.” Chief Holmes is astonishingly versed in animal welfare law and she adamantly points out, “Every facet of what we say and do is governed by law.” She recalls the old image of a dog catcher with a net. “Yep-those days are long gone!” Now the requirements of the job include a working knowledge base of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. She lists a host of other expectations: “We are animal behaviorists. We are part prosecutors, part detectives. We are our own crime scene investigators and crime scene photographers. We are part psychologists. We function as social workers and teachers.” In a potential prosecution case involving an animal, evidence is critical. Evidence is everything. Warnings must be delivered, often

repeatedly and documentation, mounds of it must be done. All I’s must be dotted, all T’s crossed. Animals that cannot be signed over and removed for evidence or safekeeping (to prevent further pain or suffering) must be re-peatedly monitored by the officer. It is a step-by-step, law abiding all consuming process. It can take months on end to get a case seen by a judge, and as for the ruling? There are no guarantees. Sometimes it all comes down to who is holding the gavel, but ultimately it is the laws & legislations that prevail. The most challenging aspect of being a dog warden has less to do with canine issues and more to do with human issues. Some an-imal behaviors such as aggression can be a symptom of something that has gone awry in the household. Where there are animals suf-fering, whether from neglect or abuse, strife can often be found in the form of strained re-lationships, domestic violence or substance abuse. How well we all know the established connection between animal abuse and child abuse. When a child is observed abusing an animal an immediate red flag should go up. The wardens can usually discern when animal neglect is intentional or unintentional; the latter of which can result from any number of reasons including financial, psychological and / or medical hardship. Dog wardens are sometimes faced with having to deal with irrational members of society; criminal elements who feel they are above the law; people who have difficulty with authority figures and those who simply have no regard for life-human or animal. Deputy Julie Flanagan has been a dog warden for 26 years. She has never been injured on the job and prides herself on being able to rely on her verbal abili-ties and empathy with people who are difficult or uncooperative. Chief Holmes credits Deputy Flanagan as being extremely competent in capturing frightened or aggressive dogs. Both of these officers are also trained Equine Abuse Investigators. An animal lover all of her life, Officer Flanagan states, “Patience is key.” She is, without question, a seasoned and highly skilled professional. Empathy alone may not always be enough and so, early January of this year, all of the Butler County Dog Wardens were trained by the Ross Police Department in the use of tasers and now carry them on their person. Bottom line: Wherever they go and whoever they meet, they are there first and foremost as advocates for the animals. Sometimes what prompts an investigation is a phone call from an individual who has witnessed an act of cruelty towards an animal. The wardens, along with Animal Friends Humane Society strongly encourages people to do this. Without your phone call, an animal can suffer unmercifully in the wrong hands. ALWAYS report animal cruelty or neglect! In the meantime, if you can accomplish this without putting yourself in harms way- take pictures, lots of them, or take video and write down your observations, including dates and time. This will be an enormous help to the responding officer. All of the officers know their legal boundaries, when they can remove an animal from the premises and when they cannot. Sometimes, as in the case of animal hoarding, multiple animals, living and deceased are removed and taken to Animal Friends Humane Society. When the rescue involves livestock like horses, goats, chickens-you name it- they enlist the help of community members who have farms and the necessary resources to take care of these animals until other provisions can be made. Not all rescue attempts end well. Burn-out, PTSD, and compassion fatigue are some of the occupational hazards of the job (the same applies to those who work in the shelter). Taking care of one’s own mental well being is a high priority. This is yet one more reason why community support is so important and always appreciated. April 10th through April 16th is National Animal Control Appreciation Week. This Fall, Chief Holmes will be going to Olathe, Kansas, home of the National Headquarters of the National Animal Control Association. She will be attending a dedication for a newly erected NACA Memorial Wall and Gardens that honors fallen animal control of-ficers. It will be a tribute to remember and honor dedicated animal control officers whose lives have been lost in the line of duty. In 2010 alone, six lives were taken. Another call radios in. A woman in Liberty Township has been struggling to get

Butler County Dog Wardens: The First Responders By Nancy Bender

Chief Julie Holmes“One day I found a stray...”

Deputy Julie Flanagan“Patience is key.”

5

her cattle dog to come to her for the past 6 hours. It is bitter cold and she is pleading for help. We find ourselves in a trailer court with our eyes peeled for the loose dog. The owner had finally succeeded in retrieving her dog and approached Chief Holmes for ad-vice. They had a friendly discussion about canine behavior training, dog parks and the need for current dog licensure. On a personal note, we are lucky in more ways than one to have Chief Holmes with us. Two years ago, the die-hard Cy-clone fan was inadvertently thrown from her horse (a horse she had saved from a life of abuse). The resulting CT scan revealed an unknown malignancy growing on one of her kidneys. With her life spared by her horse, the rescue mission had come full circle. Day Two: Not quite 24 months old, Ad-dalyn Merbs mimics the sound of a barking dog when asked where her daddy works. Addy’s father is Butler County Dog Warden Deputy Kurt Merbs, now in his fourth year of tenure. On February 23rd, Chief Holmes as-signed me to do my 2nd ride-a-long with him. Temps now in the 40’s, there was a notice-able increase in the number of calls concern-ing dogs running loose just as Chief Holmes had explained. The day had only just begun and already it seemed Deputy Merbs had a full agenda. It’s amazing how much there is to learn, all while flying by the seat of your pants. It is what Officer Merbs deems ‘an average days work.’ By personal choice, he patrols the Hamilton area and has done so for the last 3

due to be born on March 7th. He values family and friends and relates that the support he receives from his wife, Renee, enables him to be able to cope with the stress and horrors attached to the job. Deputy Merbs is radioed directly to the Hamilton Police department and he listens for humane calls, those that require his intervention. He makes several stops and with the exception of two or three, no one answers their door. He posts notices and warnings on the doors. Failure to have a dog currently licensed is the single most frequent offense. That same afternoon, an owner complied with Officer Merbs notice and obtained a license from Animal Friends Humane Society. We circulate through all parts of Hamilton including a poverty stricken section laden with spray painted gang graffiti, garbage, fire damage and boarded up windows. It is a sad sight. An area unfit for life- human or animal and yet, it is home to both. Kurt is hypervigilant as he searches up one alley and down another. There are dogs secured with chains that look heavier than the dogs, themselves. It is from this neighborhood where Deputy Merbs rescued the Pit Bull with hyperthermia last summer. Kurt points out which dogs have been at Animal Friends. We encounter a home with four Pit Bulls in the backyard. From two houses over, the ribs are visible on two of them. Kurt dispatches Officer Henson for back up. Within moments, Tonya turns the corner and the officers survey the situation while two other Pit Bulls lunge at the wire fence barking viciously. Deciding not to open the gate, Deputy Henson leans from an incline at the side of the house, pounding to get the owners attention. No sign of anyone. Before leaving the premises, the wardens discuss how best to intervene and in the next moment it’s raining dog biscuits as Officer Henson showers the dogs with lots of treats! They quickly eat them and appear genuinely surprised by this unexpected show of kindness. The next morning, Deputy Merbs e-mailed me with their follow up. He and Deputy Henson returned to the house and met with a man who claimed to be house sitting. All of the dogs were impounded. They were able to track that the house was being rented to this man and he was served, in all, a total of 12 citations. In the course of 6 hours, 2 deceased dogs are recovered, the cause of death different for each. One, found by Deputy Henson, had been left in an alley in a dog food bag. Also retrieved were two labs reported by the Hamilton Police to be running loose. The dogs had escaped through an electric fence and traveled nearly a mile and half from home. They were micro-chipped, but no one was home leaving Officer Merbs no choice but to leave notice and put them in the van. One of the messages screened this morning was a report of an alleged dog theft from someone’s yard. These are prime examples of why pets should never be left in the yard unsupervised. Last pick up, a loose Chihuahua with no tags and no collar. The scared little guy was quick on his feet. Deputy Henson uses what is called a snare pole and succeeds in capturing him, but not without first tumbling over a childs big wheel! To her credit, Tonya is a clever gal. Maybe it was all a part of her strategy to distract the dog. Either way, it gave the wardens a good laugh, much needed medicine in this line of work. Deputy Henson has served as a dog warden for 11 years. She is a small woman, but clearly a force to be reckoned with. She is a no-nonsense animal advocate and when asked what led her to become a dog warden she replied, “It was my calling.” Clearly, not enough good can be said about these four wonderful officers with regard to their endless dedication to the animals and the depth of knowledge, fortitude and profes-sionalism that is required of each of them. Their compassion for the animals is genuine. In part, it defines who they are as people and it serves as the driving force behind what they do as professionals. Along with their regular duties, the wardens provide support and assistance when animals are involved in circumstances requiring the following agencies: The DEA and local law enforcement during drug raids, SWAT stand-offs, fire departments, E.M.T.’s, and EMA (handling displaced animals secondary to car accidents, fire or natural disasters). In all of these cases, the wardens have a dual purpose of protecting the ani-mals as well as safeguarding people (i.e. fellow officers) from the animals. They intervene with the coroners office when a found deceased owner has pets left behind with no one looking after them. Sheltering is provided at AFHS until family members can make other provisions. The dog wardens also participate in community events, fairs and parades to promote humane education and to build public relations. Also deserving of recognition and appreciation are the Animal Control Officers who work exclusively for the following areas: Officer Liz Lucas (Middletown), Officer Chuck Geurin (Fairfield) and Sheriff Holly Fuller (Sheriffs Animal Control). They utilize Animal Friends Humane Society for sheltering of their rescues, as well. Although the Butler County Dog Wardens and Animal Friends are two separate enti-ties working under the same roof, they work as one to support the mission of the shelter. On a rotating basis, there is a dog warden available 24/7. For after hour EMERGENCIES ONLY you must contact your local police authorities and they contact the warden on call. Try as they might, the wardens can’t be everywhere, all the time. As a community we can help them by being their eyes and ears. More importantly, we can help the animals by being their voice. Namaste,

1/2 years. He knows the area like the back of his hand. Which dogs are new and which aren’t. He cruises all the side streets making his presence known. For those who have received citations from him the van is not necessarily a welcome sight. Some dogs that were running in the yard suddenly disappear into the house. People peek through their blinds. They know Deputy Merbs is watching out for the animals. Some people offer a rare friendly wave. A man strolls down the sidewalk with a healthy looking Pit Bull on a leash with current license tags visible. Kurt points and says, “That’s what I like to see.” As we move along, he shares the story of Patches, a Boxer that was owner sur-rendered to Animal Friends Humane Society. The dog was skin and bones and suffer-ing from dehydration. The owners claimed to feed her, but something about their story did not sit well with Kurt. There is video of the dog scarfing food and water provided by the shelter staff. In a weeks time, her weight and overall health was dramatically improved. She looked like a completely different dog. Deputy Merbs instincts took over and he decided to pay a visit to the home where Patches came from. He discovered that Patches had been sharing a single food dish with another dog. The dogs were tethered separately out back and whereas the one dog was able to reach the food, Patches could not. As a result, Patches developed food aggression which frequently stems from having to compete for food. Deputy Merbs served a citation to the owners for animal cruelty based on failure to feed the dog and failure to seek medical attention. Animal cruelty is considered a first degree misdemeanor in Ohio and a court case was pending early March. The good news: Patches is going to her new forever home tomorrow! Deputy Merbs states, “We need more happy endings like this.” A year ago, Deputy Merbs was involved in a court trial related to felony charges he brought up against a Pit Bull owner resulting in a 16 month prison sentence for the perpetrator. He has zero tolerance for animal cruelty and his love for animals has been lifelong. He grew up on a farm in Michigan where he was always surrounded by cows, horses, pigs and dogs. When he was 14 years old, he instinctively knew what to do when he found one of the pigs undergoing a difficult labor. He saved the momma and all her piglets. To this day, he is still saving pigs as he rescued a black pot bellied pig that was wandering in an alley in Hamilton (see front page photo). Prior to becoming a dog warden Kurt was working in a steel factory, a job he absolutely hated. One day, he sat down to take a break and lying on the floor in front of him were the classifieds from the local newspaper. What got his attention was an ad for animal control training. He “ took it as a sign from God”, completed the program, and is now doing what he was born to do. “I love what I do” insists Deputy Merbs adding, “there is nothing else I would rather do, not now or ever.” He shares his excitement over the anticipated birth of his son, Gage,

...Nancy

Deputy Tonya Henson“It was my calling.”

Deputy Kurt Merbs“We need more happy endings...”

April 23... Easter Egg Hunt at the Shelter

May 21... Pounds for Pets Dog Walk

at Joyce Park, Fairfield

June 4... Candy’s Dog-O-Mat Car Wash Fundraiser

June 18... Dog Wash Fundraiser at

Biscuit, Bath, & Beyond... Liberty Township

August 20... Second Birthday Paw-ty at the Shelter!

proceeds from fundraising events

go to AFHS

6

Recent Article Draws Readers Comments

What a difficult subject - seamlessly written. It needed to be put out there. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberty Township

Phenomenal story. I got choked up reading it. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trenton

WOW! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairfield

What I didn’t understand about the Humane Society before, I certainly understand now. Having recently visited Animal Friends, I was thorougly impressed with the facility and the staff. They should all hold their heads high. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dayton

Thank you for writing that beautiful story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairfield Anyone who refuses to learn and understand the truths behind the disturbing realities shelters face is truly in denial of the situation at hand. Thank you for speaking out about this publicly. I have gained a whole new respect for shelter workers. . . . . West Milton, Ohio

Hopefully now people will understand. . . . . . . . . . . . Fairfield Township

It can’t be repeated enough. It is an ongoing problem and there will always be people who don’t “get it”. . . . . . . . . . Middletown

The story made me grateful the shelter is there. . . . . . . . . . . .West Chester

If people would spend just an hour there (AFHS), they would see and understand the love and compassion everyone out there has. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fairfield Township

I had no idea how much work was involved being the director of an animal shelter. Butler County is fortunate to have such a committed staff caring for the homeless animals. . . . . . . . . . . . Mason

Awesome news article! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canada

I had no idea the shelter gets hate mail. Makes me sad. . . .Middletown

With respect to your article, I didnt know the no-kill shelters were selective about who they take. That was an eye-opener. I also had my eyes opened regarding all the decisions that have to be made regarding euthanizing the animals. That has to be so difficult for those who work there. They are there because they love animals, and yet part of that love is to have to put some of them down because of space and the economy that we are all a part of. I never realized how long some of the animals are kept there waiting to be adopted. You are all doing God’s work! . . . . . . . Cincinnati

The story served to remind me of why I am continually amazed with the staff at AFHS. People need to know the hard reality of the shelter process and then maybe they will think twice before going to a breeder.

Having once volunteered for a no kill shelter I felt moved to share an experience. There were two dogs of great concern because they were beyond rehabilitation and considered totally unadoptable. Not knowing what to do, a meeting was held and a representative from the Trenton shelter was there upon request. The people who attended left in tears following a recommendation that the dogs be humanely euthanized. It was their first time to have to do this, but it must be done. It would not have been in the dogs best interest to force them to spend the remainder of their lives in their condition in a shelter. Bless all of the employees and volunteers at Animal Friends Humane Society for all that they do for the animals.

AFHS is solely dependent on private donationsfor 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!

Sign up for our “E-Newsletter” at animalfriendshs@butlercountyohio.org

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.

Now you can bring your old cell phones and inkjet cartridges to the shelter for recycling

and fundraising. Please drop off at the front desk.

Check Important Updates, Volunteer Orientations & Events...

For the most current info, please go to www.animalfriendshs.org

to find events, micro-chipping and Pet-Mobile schedule for off-site adoptions

See our website or phone 513-867-5727

BricksMemorial

Leave a Permanent Legacy . . .

Great Gift Idea...

‘What Part of Humane Do You Not Understand?’

Upcoming Events!

7

1) XXL Garbage Bags (55 Gallon)

2) Paper Towels3) Toilet Paper4) First Class Stamps5) Disinfecting Wipes6) Gift Cards to Walmart, Office Depot, Home Depot & Menards7) Gas Cards for PetMobile8) Ziploc baggies (gallon size)9) Foam Squeegees10) Canned Cat Food

ourWish List

and, of course... goodies for our hard working staff!

IN MEMORY OF... DONATED BYAnna Mae Beer . . . . . . .Don Beer, Michael & Marcia McCutchanStuff and Duchess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carole & J. B. LittleLacee and Satin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha & Othell HandBandit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Derek & Karen ConklinDawson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer RoneyCourtney and pups, Chubbie and Berniece . . . . . . . . . Joan WillseyMaxwell, a mastiff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melinda CaporossiRounder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill & Jennifer KokosChloe, a cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James & Linda HeltonBo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melissa TrentSnuffy and Snickers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat & Virginia JenkinsBogey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. & Mrs. Donald AlfordKramer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy AdkinsAnnabelle Cheek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daryl & Carol CheekWonderful husband, Walt & his dog, Tug . . . . . . . . . . Joyce FerrellLawrence Brookshire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Constance LockerJackie House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Godbey FamilyJerry McCandless . . . . . Paulette McCandless, Tony & Judy ElieffCarol Hankins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy PaytonOscar Flannery . . . .Rich & Kerri Mathews, Kirk & Sandy Brown,

Bob & Rica Heflin, Joanne ScottTimothy Ray Sorrell Nikki, Jeff & Adam; Jane Akers, Neil & Mary

Gamstetter, Austin & Lois Gleason, Deb MorrisonJoy Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mrs. N. Deserisy, Douglas Boyd,

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Back, Beth & Dick Heil, Sandy LittleJoseph Caruso . . . . . . . . . . . .Rosetta Quattrone, Jacqueline Leahy,

Rick & Susan Allen, Tony & Lois Contino, Mr. & Mrs. William Hawkins, Nancy Glaskin, Kenneth & Kathy Rieser, B.

James Lowe, Mary Lundberg, Mr. & Mrs. Roy Huffer, Carol Thomas, Carla Stevens, Roger & Judith Bennington,

Diane West, Barbara Dorff, Marjorie Thornton, Donald Gregory, Mike & Bev Oscar, Mr. & Mrs. Karl Koett, Sr.,

Todd & Kathleen Ford, Mr. & Mrs. Patrick HarlowDonna Robicheaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Robert GiffordDonald Brindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim and Phyllis CochranDora Scheffler . . . . . . . . Stan Scheffler, Betty Barr, Marty Jiminez,

Jim & Linda Wilson, Clifford Harpold, Joan & Ralph Crawford, Michael & Teresa Pachan, John Mericle & two anonymous

Christine Rafferty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katha HildebrandTerri Hodges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty at St. Charles Borromeo,

Cynthia & Joseph Focke, Thomas and Susan FockePaul Menchen . . . . . . . Rosemarie Truster, Glen and Mitzi Truster, . Barbara & Peggy Truster, Ed & Toni Truster & FamilyReba Howard . . . . .United States Postal Service, Rossville BranchLady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacqueline ClinganAbby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Joyce HayesBaby alpaca and all mistreated animals . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jack ArnoldDorothy Grimm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mrs. Robert Gallagher,

Jacqueline Holton, Doris LouisoBabe and Esther - Percheron horses . . . . . Jane Young & Bill FultzNikki, a German shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan KimballToby and Daisy, cats over 15 years old . . . . . . . .Pam & Gary JursikPacco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debra GarvinBeloved cat, Ellie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marty Shea & Dick GrundBubbles, Snoopy, Smokey and Biffy . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl ThomasKoko's pet, Daisy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cathy PierceScootie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly GriffinHer cats: Pumpkin, Gremlin, Socks, Tuxedo, Callie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dianne ThomasDorothy Gabbards' cats: Honey Bear & Frisbie . . Dianne ThomasBeloved pet, Lola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John & Ruth HonakerBeloved Roxanne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. & Mrs. Richard RoserCats: Poo & Poo II, & "grand-dog" Cinnamon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken & Betty SchrayDavid Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. & Mrs. Richard NelsonPolly Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joan Witt, Anne McAdams,

Ellen Flegal, Marjorie NewtonBob Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy BurtonKevin Roettger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob & Whitney RodriguezMitzi Rosfelder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. BlomerThomas Hall, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lois GleasonKelly Rags, Tramp, Trouble, Tiger, Timmy . . . . . . . . Lois GleasonSaloma Burer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy WenningPati and Ed Fox, Geneva and George Ewen . . . . . . . . . . . Rick FoxPeaches, Goldie & Link, Co-Co, Mitzi, Nikki, Snoop and Taffy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick FoxAdopted dog, Cocoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle SpurlockSparky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandra Stafford

Lonesome, a cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loren SchumacherJoan Harbin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fred & Joan WillseyFrank Brinker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fred & Joan WillseyDeva Baldwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fred & Joan WillseyLola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John & Ruth HonakerHoward Lenehan, Master Feline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellen BryantRusty, beloved dog . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miriam Salzarulo, Adele FlowerDavey Davidson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Family of Senator Barry Levey Sassy and Zac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karen ShearerSteve Northcutt . . Susan Myers, Sam Marshall, Carl & Joan CraneRuth Logsdon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David and Leora DennisMichael Risner . . . . . . . . . . Walter and Judy Beatty, Jeanne Smith,

OEM Sales & Customer Service Dept. at Connector Mfg., Co.Arzella Wilson . . . . . . . . Derek, Karen, Tutti and Tigger ConklinJerry Worsham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sherry SchmidtMax and Abbey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeanne LuseLady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer RexroadPhyllis Schroeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Walter SpurgeonKinsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dick & Ervena WeingartnerTiny Tim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathy YoungBill Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irene JonesDoris Duba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank & Jan VabicChuck Fiden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank & Jan VabicAlice Crawford & her dog, Angel . . . . . . . . . . Juanita O'DonohoeCecily, a cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl & Joan CraneBarbara Holbert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melvin and Annaliese LessBob Giese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melvin and Annaliese LessRobert Davis . . . . . . .Martha Brown, Mary Eisele, Nancy Layman,

Samantha Lee, Mike & Martha (Ritter) Lansaw, Robin McKeeBeloved dog, Mindy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron & Naomi CarrWheaton terrier, Toby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paulette McCandlessLucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joan Potter-SummerMurph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol & David ThomasRokse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phyllis KadleRamrod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phyllis KadleShari Vinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridget BurkartPaco Simmons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridget BurkartCarolyn Baker Kelechi. . . . . . . . . Family of Carolyn Baker KelechiJerry Braun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald Stewart, Jr., Joan Witt, Beatrice Rice, Tom and Suellen Stretch, Pamela Sue Cook,

S. Caldwell, Bob Schlensker, Hamilton Boat Club, Daryl Calvert, Dr. Jim & Emily Scott, Mrs. Rosemary Stapf,

Jill Gaynor, Kelly Jane Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. William PattersonJeanne Williams . . . . . . . . . . . .Betty Williams, Betty-Jean Logan,

Janet & Jim Douds, Alan & Keiko Williams, Katherine Szmaj, Ray & Jeanne Franz-Huseman, Keith McDonald, Kathy Menke

IN HONOR OF... DONATED BYTutti & Tigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Derek & Karen ConklinJanet Schehr’s Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Jimmie WissingPatty Pechiney 20 years with Ingram . . . . . . . . . . Ingram CompanyShelby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Becca & Byron StoweCuddles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walter & Barbara BaileyBrenda Price for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . Her staff at AurGroup

Financial Credit UnionRuth Brown for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connie & Skip WyattLisa & David Creelman for Christmas . . . . . . . Mary Sue WentzelLisa & David Creelman for Christmas . . Debbie & Steve WentzelMary Sue Wentzel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debbie & Steve WentzelDennis & Pam Deahl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William A. Browne, M.D.James & Dolly Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . William A. Browne, M.D.Sue Frazier . . . . . . . . . . William A. Browne, M.D., Mary L. EvansMarshall & Nelda Clard . . . . . . . . . . . . William A. Browne, M.D.Bud the cat for his 15th birthday . . . . . . Harold “Andy” AndersonHer “grandcats” Katie and Punki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June PierceGary Eyler for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tarri DeHavenConnie & Skip Wyatt for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth BrownSue Frazier for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janice FrazierCarol Willer Monson for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy MonsonLori, a Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Her staffRon Morgan for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy MorganMichelle Miller for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James MillerDonald E. Alford, DVM . . . . West Side Animal Clinic EmployeesSteve & Leah Joos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph BollingJane Loewenheim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lori SmithDanniele Evans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paula HuttonDerek and Karen Conklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sally KoesterSweet Josey, adopted Aug. 2001 . . . . . .David and Wilma EdmondsDogs: Molly, Morgan & Petie and Cats: Missy, Murphy, & Sambo . . . . . . . . . . . Beatrice PhillipsSt. Francis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra McDanielJoanne Williamson, in honor of her dedication to her students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine MildersPaula Hutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie McDonoughCheryl Brockman for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackie BowlingBen and Belle Shaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan KempCaitlin, Megan & Brian Qua for Christmas . . . . . . . . Becky KleinDenise Spurlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle SpurlockRhonda Bohannon’s Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David McDanielPenny Peters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AnonymousDee Parragh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tekland, Inc.Ron and Jessica Axt Wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AnonymousGloria Hendrickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judge & Mrs. HendricksonShirley & Robert Hill’s 60th Anniversary . . . . . Joan & Carl Crane

Hearts that care...

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

Donna Allenof Liberty Township adopted “Fiddle”, a dachshund from AFHS. The next day, she picked up her second new addition, a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Renee & Drew Willis adopt “Rochelle”.

Thanks!c

Parting glances between Donna Ponder & foster, “Bella”... adopted a week later.

Lynn Kolbert of Liberty Township adopts “Kylie”

The Isaacs Family from Fairfield adopt “Shadow”

“Zeeka” is adopted by Shawn Winkler & Amanda Mattingly from West ChesterSean & Kathleen Daughtridge volunteer with the PetMobile

Charles & Judy Calvert of Trenton adopt 5 year old “Katie”

Staff Members, Ryan Collins & Becky Ryan, Office Manager,

celebrate Becky’s Tenth Anniversary with Animal Friends Humane Society

- January, 2011