Winter Edition - Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County

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2 MESSAGES Chalmers Morse, Executive Director Deb Freed, Editor On a recent flight, the woman sitting next to me was crying and going on about someone named Tonto. It turned out that Tonto was her four-year-old dog who had just died. She had no idea I was involved with a shelter, and frankly I wanted to keep it that way. She told me that her dog had died from Heartworm Disease. She went on to say, “It’s no wonder, I bought him from a shelter, so what can you expect?” I asked how long she’d had the dog. “Oh I rescued him when he was only about a year old.” I inquired if her vet hadn’t prescribed some type of heartworm preventative for Tonto. “Well, they did mention it at the shelter when I got him, but he was never sick so there was no need to ever see a vet.” Sadly, we hear those words all the time. It is much easier to blame someone else, rather than accept responsibility. Here was a situation that was preventable. Simply by seeing her veterinarian on a regular basis and giving Tonto monthly heartworm preventative, he would still be alive. Then there was the man who brought a litter of kittens to the Shelter that he didn’t want. When the staff offered assistance in spaying the mother cat, he replied, “Oh there’s no need, I only have the one cat, and she’s an indoor cat.” Well that may be so, but then how did she get pregnant? Having a pet can be wonderful and bring great joy, but it doesn't come without great responsibility, too. “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant This year has been both a rewarding and challenging one for the Humane Society. The effects of the economy brought us many animals relinquished by people in distressed circumstances, but conversely there was the reward of being able to place them in new, loving homes. The Humane Times has told you many of these heartbreaking and heartwarming stories. As I reflect upon 2010, I am reminded of instances when a situation seemed hopeless, then suddenly a generous soul would appear to provide desperately needed funding, foster an animal, or adopt a long-term Shelter pet. Because of the kindness of supporters like you, we have been able to help the people and pets of our community even more this past year. Our Pet Food Bank has provided food for animals in need, our vaccination clinics have inoculated pets that otherwise would be vulnerable to Rabies and disease, and our spay/neuter vouchers have helped to reduce the pet population by offering free or low-cost sterilization. When I think of our donors, I am reminded of the Starfish Story (Loren Eiseley). It tells of two people walking along the beach, when one tosses a stranded starfish back into the ocean to save its life. The other says, “There are miles of beach and hundreds of starfish, you can’t make a difference.” The first person replies, “I can for that one.” This is the time of year when many charities are asking you for a gift, but the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County would like to give you one in return. The article on the adjacent page describes how you can give and receive this holiday season and years to come. 2009 2010 Board of Directors Fritz Spitzmiller, President Debbi Vickers, 1st Vice President Cheryl Gerstner, 2nd Vice President Deborah Freed, 3rd Vice President Jo Ann Becker, Secretary Andy Beindorf, Treasurer Lin Angell David Brower, CPA Jane Cammann Roger Haines Kimberly Hardin Foundation Board Jo Ann Becker Andy Beindorf Parker Crowell Debbie Kanehl Sistie Lewis Michelle Servos Nancy Benedict Dr. Henry Doremus Barbara Evans Pat Anwyl Helen Baker G. L. Freed Cindy Haskett Shana Holub Advisory Council Honorary Board Thomas McDevitt Shelter Management Phone - 388-3331 Chalmers Morse, Executive Director Ext. 15 Dorothy Ritchey, Business Manager Ext. 14 Kevin Humphrey, Controller Ext. 21 Keith Hinton, Director of Development Ext. 27 Connie Cotherman, Asst. Development Director Ext. 26 Janet Winikoff, Director of Education Ext. 18 Ilka Daniel, Director of Animal Protective Services Ext. 28 Maria Ramirez, Director of Animal Care Ext. 31 Phaedra Kohler, Director of Client & Volunteer Serv. Ext. 20 Dr. Elizabeth Bybee – Sr. Consulting Veterinarian Dr. Lyndall Soule – Consulting Veterinarian Humane Times Volunteer Staff Deb Freed, Editor Dr. Cynthia Haskett Bill Hudson Mike Molloy Cornelia Perez Dick Pippert Bill Hudson Virginia Schwerin Fritz Spitzmiller Susan Schuyler Smith Jim Thompson Maria Whittle Horace C. Ford Joanne Grymes Dell Lockwood Lynn Molloy Bob Nyberg Cornelia Perez Mary Schenkel Linda Scott Shelter Staff Writers: Connie Cotherman, Keith Hinton, Janet Winikoff © 2010 Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County. Humane Times is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is encouraged in keeping with the publication’s educational intent. For reprint permission, comments, or questions e-mail the editor at Petwrites@aol.com COVER PHOTO: Christmas Dreams by Linda Scott (Special thanks to Suzy Parker)
‘Tis the Season and Reason for Giving It is hard to believe it’s that time of year again when we rush around trying to find that perfect gift for our friends, family members, co-workers, and pets. We fill our already hectic days with decorating, baking and cooking, writing and sending holiday cards, and wrapping gifts. Before you know it, it’s all over. The gifts are opened, the paper and bows discarded, the meals and desserts devoured, and we are left with bills, returns, and a newly found expanding waistline. We often get so caught up in the idea of the perfect holiday that we forget what the season is truly about…love, family, friends, making new traditions, and cherishing old memories. This holiday season you can give a gift that truly gives back when you give a special memorial or honorary gift from the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County. You can be certain it will not be forgotten, and your loved ones will cherish it forever, knowing that your donation also helped the abused, neglected, and homeless animals at this Humane Society. We have many gift options to choose from, depending upon the type and amount of gift you wish to give your loved ones or beloved pet. For your sister, who loves animals and always tries to help the local needy cats and dogs, you can make a donation to HSVB&IRC in her honor in support of our Pet Food Bank or Spay/Neuter Program. Think about a gift for Grandma, who recently lost her husband who cherished his beloved Golden Retriever, Sam. Imagine how moved she would be to receive an engraved commemorative brick paver with a personalized message permanently placed in the Shelter’s beautiful Benedict Bark Park memorializing Grandpa and Sam. She would appreciate one in her honor as well. The pavers come in a variety of sizes: 4 x 8 Paver (3 lines of text with 14 characters per line) $125 8 x 8 Paver (6 lines of text with 14 characters per line) $250 12 x 12 Paver (10 lines of text with 14 character per line) $500 For Aunt Sarah or Uncle Rick you could purchase a Tooth Fairy Sponsorship in his or her honor to help fund dental procedures for Shelter dogs and cats. Many of the cats and dogs come to us suffering with varying degrees of dental problems. Your gift will give each adoptable pet a better chance for adoption, and your aunt or uncle will receive a certificate and special commemorative gift. A tax-deductible donation of $250 will provide this sponsorship for an entire year. Mom and Dad, who are always there to watch over the family, will be thrilled to receive a gift of a Guardian Angel Sponsorship in their honor, knowing that their gift will help with the needs of the animals that reside at the Shelter. Their name will be placed on one of the cat condos or dog kennels for one year. Guardian Angel sponsorships can be purchased for a taxdeductible donation of only $250, and we'll send a certificate and special gift to them. (Angel & Fairy application on p.13) Don’t forget about “Tigger” and “Max” who provide you with unconditional love. Shop for their gifts in the All for Paws Pettique located in the Shelter lobby. The gift shop offers a wide variety of wonderful toys, treats, and supplies. These memorable gifts will provide “comfort and joy” to your loved ones; in return, you will feel the true meaning of giving this holiday season. Your donations/gifts can be made at www.hsvb.org or by calling us at 772-388-3331 X 26. CC 3
Page 1: Winter 2010 • Vol. 25 No. 4 Human
Page 5 and 6: TO THEIR HEALTH... by Dr. Elizabeth
Page 7 and 8: You are cordially invited to attend
Page 9 and 10: d Happy Endings This kitty cat stor
Page 11 and 12: Who will Speaking for the Animals W
Page 13 and 14: In memory of... Angel Honey Beard B
Page 15 and 16: Humane Happenings Dec Sun Mon Tue W

Winter Edition - Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County

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