Special Thanks to our Volunteers, Donors, and Rockville Printing & Graphics, Inc. for making HWAH’s Annual Newsletter publication possible!

Board of DirectorsSher Polvinale - Director/PresidentHarriette Sackler - Vice PresidentJacqueline Raymo - TreasurerJudy Lyons - Public Relations Coordinator

AdvisorsDr. Claire Godwin, DVMDr. Kim Neville, DVMMindy Felinton, Attorney at Law

Newsletter DesignJackie Phan

Saftey Net EditorJohn Butler

For more information about the Safety Net complimentary listing services, visit www.housewithaheart.com, click on Resources > Giving Up Your Pet.

In This IssueGreetings from Sher ............................ 1Love Lives at HWAH ............................ 2Monthly Sponsorship .......................... 3HWAH Wish List ................................. 3Welcome to HWAH Boarding ................ 3After Death ....................................... 4In Memoriam .................................... 4New Ways to Support HWAH ................ 5About HWAH ..................................... 6

House with a Heart2012 END-OF-YEAR NEWSLETTER

Join Our Mailing ListIf you wish to receive our occasional HWAH newsletters (sent via email) and follow what is happening at HWAH, be sure to sign up for our news updates via - www.housewithaheart.com/site/Newsletter.html. Visit our blog - http://housewithaheart.wordpress.com/author/hwah7437Join us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/HousewithaHeartWe do not sell our email lists. At any time, you may opt out if you decide to do so.

Greetings from Sher—Another Year of BlessingsDear Friends,

As many of you already know, I consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world. I wake up each morning knowing that I will be spending my day (and night) pursuing my passion. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to give so many senior pets a loving home. Each one of them brings joy and laughter. Their unconditional love warms my soul. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.

2012 has been another busy year for House with a Heart (HWAH). We have welcomed many new Volunteers both Adult and Student. Our Volunteers make up the HWAH Family. They not only enrich the lives of the pups and kitties, but mine too.

Mama Harriette has made numerous trips to our many Vets, to Heart Specialists, to the Eye Specialist, and I think a Neurologist visit is on the horizon…whenever our pups need medical treatments we make sure they get what is necessary, and we can do that thanks to the all of the folks who support HWAH.

We have set up a 911-On Call Team of volunteers who are willing to make themselves available "after hours" in case of an emergency with one of our residents. Knowing they are ready and willing if they receive a call for help makes us all feel safer.

Barb and Lori stepped up this year to become our first Give-Up Counselors. They chat with folks who need to give up their pets and try to help them find solutions if we are unable to accept them into our program at the time.

We have so many incredible volunteers. It seems that every week brings new people who care and want to share their talents for the good of the seniors. We have volunteers who scrub and clean, who poop scoop and weed, cut grass, sew, wash pups, clean up after the kitties, take out the trash, throw the ball for the dogs, take dogs for long walks, fundraise, we even have an Acupuncturist and the list goes on and on and on. Everyone shows up with a smile on their face and love in their hearts.

As Mama Harriette has said many times…you might think that a Senior Sanctuary would be a sad place but that just isn’t so. Love Lives Here!

I am looking forward to 2013 and all the joy I know it will bring.

Blessings to all,

Sher Polvinale

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LOVE LIVES AT HOUSE WITH A HEART — FEATURED RESIDENTS

All of our residents come to us with their own unique histories and needs. Sometimes it seems that there’s not terribly much we can do to improve their health issues and reverse their trauma, but we never fail to try. We give them a loving and caring home for the rest of their lives, and hope they’ll know peace. Sometimes though, miracles really do happen, with invaluable assistance from our wonderful veterinarians, specialists and from you, our supporters. Hope you enjoy meeting Maggie, Candyman, and Noodle.

The minute this sweet, adorable dachshund joined the HWAH family, she captured the hearts of everyone who met her. Sadly, her elderly owner could no longer care for herself and was forced to relocate to live with relatives, who were not able to accommodate Maggie. Luckily, they learned about HWAH, and when they contacted the Sanctuary, we were able to invite Maggie to live here.

After her initial geriatric exam, Maggie underwent a dental cleaning and a hernia repair. She had to spend some extra days at the hospital due to complications from her surgery. But now, she is a vital part of the Sanctuary family. Mealtime and snuggle-time are the favorite parts of Maggie’s days. She is an accomplished snuggle bug!

Noodle, our very independent ten-year-old Jack Russell, came to us from the MCHS, after she was surrendered by her owner. In order to eliminate a painful hip condition, Noodle went bionic! She received a hip replacement which resulted in a new and improved Noodle. Heartfelt gratitude goes to volunteers Kathy and Katherine who took Noodle into their home during her recovery and transported a very cranky Jack Russell to and from physical therapy during her recuperation. Noodle now lives with her new foster parents, Bob and Judy; and her new pack mates, Candy and Archie.

Sixteen-year-old Candyman, one of the original residents of HWAH, came to us from the MCHS and, at first, wasn’t the cuddle bug he is now. With lots of love and attention, particularly from Joe, Sher’s late husband, Candy was able to overcome his fear and anxiety. And now, he has just been given a new lease on life. Almost totally blinded by cataracts, an evaluation by our veterinary eye doctor concluded that Candy was a good candidate for cataract removal surgery.

Candy underwent surgery on his left eye and spent several weeks recuperating. We think that the necessity to wear a "collar of shame" was well-worth the gift of sight. Right, Candy?

MAGGIE

NOODLE

CANDYMAN

6409 Stream Valley Drive

Gaithersburg, MD 20882

Please Join Us for the 2012

House With A Heart Annual Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 8th1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Visit with Our ResidentsTour the Sanctuary

Shop Our Holiday BoutiqueEnjoy Delicious Refreshments

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HOUSE WITH A HEART WISH LIST

Below are items we use regularly for the care of our senior pets. Donations of these items are always put to good use. We indicate specific brands or stores when we have found that specific products work significantly better for our residents, even though there may be less expensive alternatives available. To schedule a time to drop off your donation, please e-mail housewithaheart@yahoo.com.

EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE AT HWAH

House with a Heart very much appreciates ALL donations made to the Sanctuary. Whether it is a one-time donation, occasional donation, or a monthly or other form of regular donation, every penny received is used for the care of our residents. Whether

it be for the purchase of food, payment of our very costly veterinary expenses, doggie supplies, or structural improvements such as handicap ramps and outdoor fencing.

Monthly Sponsorships for Sanctuary Residents

WELCOME TO HWAH BOARDING — A FIVE-STAR DOGGIE HOTEL

Need a comfortable, attentive, and loving environment to board your beloved pet while you’re away? Consider making a reservation at House with a Heart. We provide spacious kennels, lots of outdoor exercise, and attentive volunteers to insure that your dog enjoys his/her visit.

Our smaller visitors who are very friendly and calm may have the opportunity to join our residents in the first-floor doggie rooms for a thoroughly homelike experience.

If you would like to visit the Sanctuary and tour our boarding facilities, please feel free to give us a call to set up an appointment.

Holidays and summer months do book far in advance, so make your reservations early. We recommend that you have an alternative plan should the Sanctuary be at capacity and unable to accommodate your boarding needs.

We offer affordable rates and a portion of the boarding fee is tax deducible. All proceeds support the Sanctuary.

HOUSE WITH A HEART IN THE NEWS

We’re thrilled to be featured in the following news media & award.

×× Bethesda Magazine×× NBC-4’s Twelve Days of Giving×× NBC’s The Today Show×× Montgomery County Humane Society Humanitarian Award×× The Gazette Newspaper

To read these articles or to watch the video clips, click on the MEDIA link,under RESOURCES, at www.housewithaheart.com.

• Gift Cards – Costco, Giant Supermarket, Target, and Home Depot• Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes – unscented, ultra-soft cloths• TENA Serenity Pads: "Heavy Absorbency-Long" – package normally 42 count

(These incontinence pads are used to line doggie diapers)• "Finish" brand All-in-One Gel Packs for the dishwasher• Laundry Detergent – any brand, for high efficiency washer• Science Diet ID Canned Food (Available at vet’s offices)• Bounty Paper Towels• Clorox Liquid Bleach• Dish or Hand Towels• 8.5x11 Computer Paper

• Canned Green Beans• Canned White Meat Chicken• Dish Soap• Peanut Butter

• Fabuloso Cleaner• Baby Food Rice Cereal• Canned Pure Pumpkin• Jar Meat Baby Food

A monthly donation will go a long way to help us provide care for our senior residents. We welcome supporters who would like to sponsor a particular resident. If you live in the area, we would love to have you come and visit your sponsored pet. HWAH is a 501c 3 non-profit organization, so your donation is tax deductible.

AFTER DEATHFarewell,Master,yetnotfarewell.WhereIgo,yetooshalldwell.Iamgone,beforeyourface,Amoment’stime,alittlespace.WhenyecomewhereIhavestepped,Yewillwonderwhyyewept.

IN MEMORIAM

Please join us in remembering the cherished residents we have said goodbye to this year. They will remain in our hearts and we are grateful for the time we had them in our lives. Their pictures are in the same order as the list below.

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By Edwin Arnold

Angel A little sweetheart who spent most of her time in the arms of the many volunteers who loved her.

Big Mike This beautiful collie mix had only just taken up residence at HWAH when we discovered he had an undiagnosed tumor near his heart. We had hoped to have our boy with us a long time, but he was ours to love just briefly.

Buddy Our much-loved pug mix was one of the very first Sanctuary residents. He enjoyed many years of good care and adoration with us and we mourn his loss every day. His Best Friend Jenny still misses him.

Honey We’ll always remember the day Honey and her brother, Gene, two adorable poms, came to HWAH from the shelter. Their comic antics as a bonded pair made us laugh with joy. An inoperable throat tumor took her from us way too soon.

Kahn This elderly fellow was his own man. Not one for cuddles and hugs, he enjoyed spending his time outdoors where he could get away from it all.

Kara With us for a very short time, we had hoped that the care she received at the Sanctuary would cure the fragile health of this little doll. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

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Millie Being blind and elderly doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy good food and a soft bed. Sweet Millie spent her end years in peace and comfort.

Mocha This gentle giant was as sweet, loving, and huggable as a dog could be. We fulfilled our mission once again, making sure she had the best food possible, whatever medical care she needed, and lots of love, attention and people admirers until the last second of her precious life.

Monique We were totally unprepared for the loss of our beloved cocker. She was treated for a variety of eye conditions but certainly appeared to be in otherwise good health. Until an undetected tumor burst one evening and left us reeling from the sudden loss of this cherished girl.

Peach If ever a little pooch lived to eat, it was our Peach. When she knew it was time for breakfast or dinner, you’d think she hadn’t consumed any food in days! We miss her comic vocalizations at every meal.

Pitufo This adorable boy’s zest for life kept him going through a number of cardiac emergencies. We knew his days were limited. He passed away at home in the arms of his beloved Mama Sher.

Tinkerbelle This tiny poodle endured unspeakable neglect in her life and it was a blessing to have the opportunity to provide her with love and comfort for so long. How could the heart of a lion dwell in such a little body?

A SHOUT-OUT TO OUR FUNDRAISING SPONSORS

Our wholehearted appreciation goes to the following organizations for

their support of HWAH. We encourage you to patronize these wonderful folks:

×× Bark(PetStore)inOlney,Rockville,&Kentlands,MD - www.barknatural.com×× Orion’sAttic - www.orionsattic.com×× ScentsyProducts

https://tmwilliams.scentsy.us/Scentsy×× SilpadaJewelry

http://mysilpada.com/sites/judy.hines/public/content/jewelry/index.jsf×× TastefullySimple

www.tastefullysimple.com/web/ccook

ANNOUNCING NEW WAYS TO SUPPORT HWAH

We are happy to report that House with a Heart Pet Sanctuary has been approved by the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area as a designated nonprofit. We hope our friends and supporters who are local Federal employees will consider donating to the Sanctuary through this outstanding campaign. Our identification number is 69166.

THE SANCTUARY HAS OPPORTUNITIES GALORE!Whether you’d like to volunteer at the Sanctuary on a regular basis or periodically for special projects and events, we have opportunities for you. Spend time with the residents, help with indoor or outdoor chores, assist with fundraising initiatives or special events, provide handmade inventory for our boutique: The choice is yours.

It’s Heaven to be a Guardian Angel

Guardian Angels help the Sanctuary provide all the cuddles, care, and loving attention that our residents deserve. These volunteers select two to four residents and spend quality time with them at least once a week.

Activities include light grooming, snuggles and outdoor play, going for walks, and maybe even trip to the pet store or a ride in

the car for a doggie ice cream treat.

Feel free to let us know what your interests are. We certainly would be amenable to designing a unique volunteer experience just for you!

Lights, Camera, ACTION!The Sanctuary is in need of volunteers who have contacts in print, television, and radio media. We are constantly seeking ways to spread the word about the plight of senior pets who are in shelters, and their need for foster and adoptive homes. We want to share the House with a Heart story and encourage volunteerism and support for our own, as well as other senior sanctuaries.

House with a Heart Pet Sanctuary6409 Stream Valley WayGaithersburg, MD 20882

www.housewithaheart.comEmail: housewithaheart@yahoo.com240.631.1743CFC Donation Code 69166

HOUSE WITH A HEART (HWAH)

HWAH is a non-profit and all-volunteer organization. Situated in a house on two acres of fenced property in Gaithersburg, HWAH fills a need for its dogs by providing a sanctuary for them. The senior dogs at HWAH are there as a result of becoming homeless or were in the process of losing their homes for a variety of reasons. Unlike most other rescues, HWAH does not seek adoption for its residents. Instead, HWAH provides a safe and loving place for its residents to live out their full lives so they will never lose their home again.

Each animal arrives at HWAH with a unique set of circumstances. Food and medical expenses are generally greater with senior dogs because many require special diets and more frequent medical attention. Currently, HWAH has a full sanctuary with about 30 senior dogs and 4 senior cats.

HWAH relies on donations and dog-boarding fees to cover its expenses. In addition, HWAH’s all-volunteer staff is instrumental in daily operations and upkeep of the sanctuary. To learn more about HWAH, visit www.housewithaheart.com.

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1. Zoey in the backyard2. Happy on the front patio3. Naptime in the kitchen4. Baxter on the ramp

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