Published semi-annually by the Hilton Head Humane Association, Inc. Spring/Summer 2016

As we continue our Public/Private Partnership with Beaufort

County, and in particular Beaufort County Animal Services, we cannot emphasize enough the thousands of animals that are alive today because of this relationship. With our two organizations working in concert to save and find loving homes for animals our objective of a no-kill community moves from a dream to a realistic goal. Although we will continue to operate our Shelter at 10 Humane Way, our ability to impact the lives of animals is expanding!

The Hilton Head Humane Association together with Beaufort County recently approved plans for a new 21,136 sq. ft. facility to be located in Okatie not too far from the intersection of routes 278 and 170 at Pritcher Point Road. The building’s interior area of 16,830 sq. ft. includes the HHHA spay/neuter clinic, a HHHA adoption center and Beaufort County Animal Services. Over 4,300 sq. ft. of exterior kennel space is included plus separate “get acquainted” and exercise yards for the dogs. The design team, headed by Glick Boehm Architects of Charleston, SC and Shelter Planners of America is now moving forward with site planning, exterior

aesthetics and development of all other building elements. Centralizing Adoption, Spay/Neuter and Animal Services into one facility will be an exciting opportunity for the citizens and the animals of Beaufort County.

To complete this campus, J. K. Tiller Associates is actively planning the adjacent (west of the building) 70+ acre Okatie River Passive Park.

This park will complement and enhance the physical structure by offering dog park areas and trails spread throughout this natural and beautiful setting

Although Beaufort County and the HHHA have made substantial financial commitments to bring the Animal Campus to fruition more funds are still necessary. In the near future we will be asking members of our community to help as we move forward with “The Beaufort County Animal Campus Capital Campaign”. As you have in the past we are confident that your support will make our dream possible.

Sincerely, Chuck Laine

Chairman’s Comments

Together We Can!

In This Issue:• Chairman’s Comments• The Heart and Soul• Become a Member• Heartworm Prevention• Meet Our Shelter Volunteers

Upcoming Events:April 30 8:30 AM

Dog Walk on the Beach @ Coligny BeachSeptember 1 10 AM - 1 PMCut A Thon, Tata’s Hair Studio

New Orleans RoadOctober 7 10 AM - 1 PM

Hounds on the HarborOctober 30 12 PM - 2 PM

Shelter Halloween PartyNovember 5 4 - 7 PM

Captain Woody’s Oyster RoastNovember 13

Four Legged Frolic @ Westin Hotel

Take Me Home!See Page 6

Alexander Gulliver

Posidon Art

Blade Cooler

2 Hilton Head Humane Association

Chuck Laine, Chairman

Frank Raiti, Vice Chairman

Sandy Leath, Recording Secretary

Lorie Frankovic, Corresponding Secretary

Monte Leath, Treasurer

Michael Casuccio

Yvonne Curl

Mary Doyle

Ramona Fantini

Franny Gerthoffer

Bill Rothe

Rick Saba

HHHA Boardof Directors

Mission StatementTo improve the lives of homeless dogs and cats while also working to substantially lower the number of animals reproduced or relinquished.

Join Our Information HighwayWant to know about shelter special events and upcoming activities? Call us at 843.681.8686, and give us your email address or email us the information at membership@hhhumane.org. We’ll speed the news out to you. Be sure to check out our Facebook page and our newly re-designed web site at www.hhhumane.org!

NoticeThe Hilton Head Humane Association does not employ or contract with any professional fund-raisers. The HHHA creates all mailings and fund- raising efforts. All money received comes directly to the shelter where it is used for the benefit of the animals. The HHHA mailing lists are held in strict confidence. Lists are neither sold nor used for public consumption.

The heart and soul of any organization are the dedicated people who support it.By Franny Gerthoffer

Hilton Head Humane Association is humbled to have so many dedicated

volunteers who believe in the mission of saving animals and give of their time and talents on a regular basis to help us improve the lives of homeless dogs and cats.

Our volunteers have contributed to the success of matching 1368 animals with families in 2015. Also because of volunteers, 1267 feral cats were trapped and neutered for free at our clinic and our clinic was also able to neuter 6722 animals county wide for families in need by the end of 2015.

The Litter Box volunteers have made all of our efforts possible by raising money to support the medical needs of all of the animals that come through our door. The Litter Box is the key to our success in helping as many animals as possible year after year.

The enthusiasm of our volunteers is contagious! Their spirit and commitment is unmatched. Surrounding yourself with such positive people is not only good for the organization but for all the folks who come in contact with our volunteers.

In an effort to continue our success in 2016 we are always looking for new volunteers to join our team and reap the rewards of knowing they are making a difference in the lives of animals.

Please consider volunteering at the Litter Box, the shelter or our clinic and be prepared to get hooked on Hilton Head Humane!

A Great Gift Idea!Holidays, Birthdays, Weddings, and Anniversaries are just a few of the opportunities

to honor family members and friends by giving a donation in their names to the HHHA. Your honoree will be sent a prompt acknowledgment of your gift!

Gift donation forms are available at www.hhhumane.org

Paw Prints • Spring/Summer 2016 3

By joining the Hilton Head Humane Association, you are helping to save the thousands of animals who will pass through our gates this year. In 2015, through it’s many services the HHHA had a positive effect on the lives of over 13,000 animals in the Lowcountry.

Please consider becoming a member of an organization that helps the animals and the community!

Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City _________________________________________________________ State _____________ Zip ___________________

Phone_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Enclosed is my check made payable to HHHA in the amount of __________________________________________________

VISA MC Dis AmEx # ____________________________________________ Exp. _________________________

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES Individual $35 Family $60 Bronze $150 Silver $500 Gold $1,000 Lifetime $2,500

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP Guardian $250 Defender $500

I do not wish to join, but I want to make a donation at this time $ _______________________________________

Visit us at www.hhhumane.org • Like us on Facebook!

Membership benefits include:Mailings of the HHHA Newsletter and email notification of Shelter and Litter Box events

10% Discounts on adoptions and logo merchandise • 10% Discount at HHHA’s Litter Box Thrift StoreBusiness members are recognized in our newsletter and website

Most importantly, you’ll have the reward of knowing you are helping Lowcountry animals

All gifts are tax deductible. The HHHA is a nonprofit organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

None of this is possible without animal lovers like you! We need your help! Please join us and

become a member.

Delilah’s ear canals were completely calcified causing her a great deal of pain. Through the pain, she has been a delightful office helper. Surgery to repair her ears should be completed by the end of March.

Valentine was born blind, but that didn’t take away from his sweet personality. Valentine had surgery to remove both of his eyes at the shelter. He was adopted by one of our shelter staff members who also had another cat. He is doing very well in his new home.

842-MEOW (842-6369) • Mon-Sat 10am-4pm

POUNCE ONGREAT DEALS!

All proceeds go to improve the lives of animals.

fursure!

4 Hilton Head Humane Association

Leave A LegacyWays to help sustain the HHHA’s work now and into the future:

Unrestricted Donation: Your gift of cash or securities will be used for shelter operating costs or an area of greatest need.

Restricted Donation: Your gift will be used only as you specify.

Endowment Donation: Your contribution goes directly to the endowment fund.

Will: Your legacy will continue after you are gone. Sample Bequest Language:

I give, devise, and bequeath to the HHHA, federal tax i.d. No. 57-0630156, P.O. Box 21790, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925,

the sum of $___ (or describe the real or personal property or estate portion) to be used for its general purposes.

Life Insurance and Retirement Beneficiary Forms: Simply list “charity” as relationship to beneficiary, plus name,

address, and tax i.d. no. of the HHHA.

Charitable Remainder Trust: Your planned gift will enhance your income and offer significant tax benefits.

We recommend that you consult with your attorney or financial advisor. Contact Chuck Laine at 843.342.7224 if you have questions.

Support our Business Members:

Atlantic Personnel

Coco’s on the Beach

Curry Printing

Dolphin Head Golf Club

Just a Walk in the Park

Red Rover

Steven Carb SERG Restaurant Group

Pino Gelato

Bill Sauter Edward Jones Financial

Advisor

Heartworm PreventionYou’ve just poured yourself a glass

of sweet lemonade and as a resident of the south, you and your pet are getting ready to enjoy the best room in your home...your porch. Just as you are getting comfortable outside, the most un-welcomed guest decides to buzz past your ear. Was it a bumble bee on its way to a flower? No. It was a diseased winged monster on a bloodthirsty mission. Mosquitoes are dangerous pests that humans can, fortunately, avoid somewhat with sprays and can be terminated with the palms of our hands. Our furry pals were not blessed with opposable thumbs and don’t have the luxury of swatting those pesky nuisances away. Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying to your pet they pose a very threatening danger and can easily infect your dog/cat with a horrible disease known as heartworms.

American Heartworm Society informs us that heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs. Did you know that there are 3,000

species of mosquitoes, and more than 70 species of mosquitoes that are capable of transmitting heartworm in the US? It’s a silent killer and it is our job as responsible pet owners to help decrease the risk of infection. Having a heartworm-positive dog in the neighborhood dramatically increases the already high chance of infection for healthy pets. So if you are thinking that the $4-$12 a month cost of heartworm preventative is a waste of money, please reconsider, not just for the sake of your pet, but also for your community.

What really is a heartworm? Larvae from an infected mosquito are transmitted into your pet, where it then matures. It takes roughly seven months, once a dog is bitten, for the larvae to grow into foot long adult heartworms that can live in the heart chambers and lungs of your pet for up to 7 years. They can cause difficulty in breathing and reduced blood flow to vital organs. The signs of infection are not always noticeable, but the most obvious signs are a soft, dry cough, nervousness, weakness and shortness of breath. These signs are most apparent after exercise, and in advanced cases, dogs can suffer from congestive heart failure and severely

infected dogs may die suddenly during exercise or excitement.

Despite the rumors, there are no “safe” months from heartworm. Your pet can get infected in December just as easily as in June. And while heartworms affect dogs four times as much as cats, cats are still susceptive from infection from a mosquito that carries the disease. Indoor pets are not immune to infection, and need to take monthly preventative just as much as pets that go outdoors.

It’s important to be a proactive and responsible pet owner by using preventative instead of waiting to treat your dog/cat if he/she gets heartworms. Heartworm treatment for dogs is very risky and very expensive. Treatment that is not guaranteed to work can cost anywhere from $500 to $4000. Unfortunately, treatment for cats with advanced heartworm is virtually non-existent, which is another reason why heartworm preventative is SO important.

With the effective and affordable heartworm preventative available today, no pet should ever have to endure the pain and suffering of this deadly disease. Schedule an appointment with your vet to get more information about how you can keep your pet safe and healthy.

Paw Prints • Spring/Summer 2016 5

Meet our Volunteers:Cecilia Noblett

Meet our Volunteers:Rushton Bowen

HHHA Members Provide:

• Care and medical attention for over 3000 animals yearly.• The operation of the only high-volume spay/neuter clinic in the Lowcountry.• Aid to help folks avoid relinquishing their animals.• Free spay/neutering and vaccinations for feral cats.• Rescue of animals from over-crowded shelters to save them from euthanasia.• A safe haven for animals until they are adopted.

In this issue, we feature another key member of our growing team here at The Litter Box. Cecilia Noblett

started volunteering for the store 5 years ago, and since the first day she came through the door, I don’t think she’s ever stopped moving! With the most cheerful and optimistic personality, she’s such a source of positive energy for everyone here at the store. At this point, we wouldn’t know what to do without her here!

Whether it is sorting through all of the donations as they come through the door, running a register, helping us research special items, training someone new or even unloading customer vehicles we can always count on Cecilia to do whatever is needed to help!

Additionally, Cecilia is the stores resident jewelry expert, handling all of the work that comes with processing all of the donated jewelry so that it is offered to our customers

organized, clean, and did, I mention, well priced! She’s even gotten her husband on board by having him test and install fresh batteries in all of the watches that we have available.

If you’ve never been to the store before, you owe it to yourself to come in to see all of the beautiful jewelry and other special treasures that the local community so generously donates day after day!

The Volunteer Spotlight is not only a way for us to show recognition of some of our most dedicated volunteers,

but also a way to highlight how rewarding it can be to volunteer at Hilton Head Humane Association. Rushton is a shining example of someone who is passionate about animals and dedicated to HHHA cause.

Rushton spends his days off from his job working in the dog kennels, keeping kennels clean and sanitized; walking, feeding and picking up after the animals. He feels rewarded through volunteer opportunities by taking care of our animal’s health both physically and mentally. Besides, working with dogs sounds much more fun than being a couch potato!

6 Hilton Head Humane Association

This little girl is ready to take on the world, despite the physical challenges she has faced in her short life. PIXEL had a developmental abnormality in both her knees that caused her knee caps to be luxated all the time. Our very

talented veterinarian performed surgery and Pixel is now doing very well. She will hop into visitors’ laps to demonstrate that she can do anything that any other normal 7 month old kitten can do. Pixel is the perfect angel with stunning looks to add to all the reasons for someone to adopt her. By the way, Pixel likes to pass the time by listening to the music on the radio – her favorite station is – take a guess!

Wow, get this fellow wound up and he will tell you all his life secrets. CROOKSHANKS has a very different sounding meow that we can’t even describe – folks will just have to come to the shelter to hear his form of communicating. When

Crookshanks is out and about in the cat room, he will approach the other kennels to have a chat with whichever kitty happens to be there. We think he does this when there are no visitors around to give him attention, so he has to have a way to pass the time – whatever it takes, Crookshanks! This handsome guy is 4 years old.

GYPSIES has mastered the art of standing on her hind legs. If she is offered a treat, Gypsies will go a step further and walk on her hind legs – what a balancing act! Gypsies does not like to stay in one place for very long (It’s that “gypsy

thing”), but she always makes herself available to cuddle. Gypsies has a notched ear – a sign that she went through the feral cat program. Not to worry, this gal is anything but feral. Gypsies has asked to be moved into the room in the kitty house that has the music – she loves to dance and show off her moves. Gypsies is 7 ½ years old.

You know how there is always at least one cat that folks just can’t resist, well, that’s PRETZEL. This petite senior offers the best of both worlds – very sweet, and a little salty. Pretzel likes to tell stories and will jabber non-stop. She really is the one

in charge of the cat house – she just pretends that the shelter staff is. Pretzel will sit on any available lap and soaks up the attention. She is a

true social butterfly and visitors can’t believe that Pretzel is 12 years old. Pretzel is offering a huge reward to the family who will adopt her – she’s keeping the amount of the reward a secret.

ALI KAT is one of those cats who will always be there to comfort you, no matter what. Her goal in life is to please people, and she shows you this by rubbing up against your legs. Ali Kat certainly does not want to be an alley cat (not

that we would ever let that happen!), so we want to guarantee a cozy home for this 10 year old. Ali Kat is a mellow gal with the charms and grace of a true Southern lady. Her meow even has a slight Southern accent to it. Whoever adopts Ali Kat will thank their lucky stars and might even decide to get a second cat just like her!

Would you like an international movie star to live with you? Then Greta Garbo is the girl for you. GRETA GARBO will make your spirits soar when you see her and interact with her. This 3 year old gal enjoys being brushed and likes to

chase toys. She will always take a treat and tilts her head to listen to everything that you have to say. “Greta” has a flat little nose that adds to her appeal, and she wants to make sure that people know this slightly upturned nose is not a sign of snobbishness. Greta Garbo has beautiful long hair that goes quite will with her lovely personality and star-like qualities.

SERGEANT is a wonderfully sweet and friendly Leonberger mix. He is a big guy, at 97 pounds, and is 11 years old. He lived in a home all his life, until his family could no longer keep him – perhaps because he had a cancerous skin mass,

which we removed. Although he is fine now, there is no guarantee the mass won’t return. Life holds no guarantees for any of us, but Sergeant deserves to have a comfortable home to call his own in his golden years. This big, gentle guy gets along with other dogs, and would do well in any home that does not have a cat.

Do you need a running partner? CASEY is your girl! She is 3 1/2 years old and a beautiful sharpei/husky mix, so she is very smart and is eager to learn. Casey came to us when her owner was unable to keep her.

She needs a little time to get to know you, but once she does, Casey does a little hula dance when she greets you! She loves her toys and would love to have a family that would teach her some tricks! Casey would do best in home with adults where she is the only pet.

One ear up and one ear down makes this 2 year old lab mix one adorable dog! ROCKO is a very friendly boy who has a lot of energy. He is very smart and would make a great running partner. Rocko would love someone to teach

him manners and how to walk on a leash. He likes other dogs, is ok with cats and comes when called. Rocko is eager to learn tricks to please his new family, which ideally would be an active family with adults and older children. He would love to have another dog to pal around with, too!

HAJI is a very confident dog - he is very confident someone will be adopting him very soon! This handsome husky/shepherd mix is a little over a year old and weighs about 42 pounds. Haji gets along well with other dogs, but does not enjoy cats.

This friendly pup will do anything for treats and already knows how to sit and shake! He needs a few pointers when it comes to walking on a leash, but learns quickly. Haji came to us when his owner could no longer keep him and would do well in any home.

HATTIE is a very affectionate 6 year old that still has plenty of energy and likes to be busy. This cute as a button, 28 pound Boston Terrier/Beagle mix came to us from another rescue. Hattie was treated for Heartworm

but is now fit as a fiddle and ready to find a loving home! Hattie’s ideal home would include older children, adults and cats, but she prefers to be the only dog.

Who doesn’t love chocolate? You certainly will love HEATHER, a 6 year old chocolate lab mix. This sweet girl will melt your heart with her endearing personality and calm ways. Heather is easy on a leash and loves to go for walks – which is

a good thing since she could stand to lose s few pounds! She would fit well into most households and hopes to have a home of her own soon.

We Need You! Take Us Home! We’re the Best!

Paw Prints • Spring/Summer 2016 7

Nationwide®

is a proud sponsor ofHilton Head Humane Association

Like HHHA, we believe all pets deserve a chance.

That‘s why for more than 30 years, we’ve stood behind our promise to help pets get the best care possible.

petinsurance.com • 800-USA-PETS

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide Is On Your Side are service marks ofNationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2016 Nationwide. 15ADV3479

Hilton Head Humane Association, Inc.P.O. Box 21790Hilton Head Island, SC 29925www.hhhumane.org

Non-ProfitOrganization

US POSTAGE

PAIDHilton Head, SC

Permit #41

Issue 16-1

HHHA Shelter10 Humane Way

(off Spanish Wells Road at 278)Daily 11-4, Closed Tuesday

843.681.8686

Think Spring! Think Summer! Think Bricks!

We are an IRS Section 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Charitable Organization. Your gift to the Humane Association is deductible for income tax purposes. Mail to HHHA, P.O. Box 21790, Hilton Head, SC 29925.

Personalize a brick for yourself, your company, friends, rela-tives, animals, memorials, gifts and more. Order a brick today!

Here’s my inscription for the shelter brick courtyard! Use separate paper for additional bricks.

Name _______________________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________________ State _________ Zip ___________

Phone _______________________________________________________________________

Enclosed is my check made payable to HHHA in the amount of ____________ ($50 per brick)

AmEx VISA MC Dis # _________________________________ Exp. ________

Gift Bricks: Include recipient’s name and address. Acknowledgements will be sent.Name ________________________________________________________________________Address ______________________________________________________________________City ______________________________________ State ___________ Zip _______________

Cost: $50 per brick Engraving: up to three lines. No more than 18 characters

per line including blank spaces.