OHS Summer 2024 Magazine

Across the nation, shelters are taking in
more dogs than they adopt out.
Find out how we are trying to solve this
DOGGONE
DILEMMA
Plus
A look into the updated
adoption process
The top three questions
to our Pet Behavior Helpline
37 years of Doggie Dash
and the impact YOU made
for shelter animals
1

In This
Issue
SUMMER 2024 | Vol. 53 | No. 2
OHS News
Get the scoop on the
latest news at OHS
including a visiting vet
from the U.S. Army.
Doggone Dilemma
OHS delivers solutions
to national challenges
facing big dogs
in shelters.
2 4 9 10 12
Updated Adoption
Process Our Portland
campus returns
to walk-in adoption
model to help pets find
homes faster.
Behavior Helpline
Our free resource
helps pets and their
owners struggling with
tricky pet behaviors.
Doggie Dash 2024
Animal lovers join
together to support our
largest fundraiser of
the year.
OHS is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable
organization that relies on donor support for
its adoption, education, medical, and humane
law enforcement programs.
OHS does not receive portions of donations
made to national humane organizations.
VISIT OREGONHUMANE.ORG
Get the latest OHS news and cuteness in your inbox.
Sign up at oregonhumane.org/subscribe.
Follow us online @oregonhumane
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
DIANE ROSENBAUM, CHAIR
Former Oregon State Senator
& Majority Leader
DAVID H. ANGELI, VICE-CHAIR
Angeli Law Group
TRACY CRANDALL
Sterling Asset Management
Group Inc
DEV DION
Retired, Development
Professional
REGINALD R. EKLUND*
Retired, NACCO Materials
Handling Group, Inc.
STEVEN L. GISH, TREASURER
BPM Real Estate Group
JOHN C. GOMEZ*
Key Bank
MARC F. GRIGNON* Retired,
NW Equity Holdings, Inc.
DR. JOHN E. GUSTAVSSON,
SECRETARY
Radiology Consultants, Inc
DAVE HANSEN*
Umpqua Bank
ADENA LONG
Portland Parks & Recreation
ROBERT E. MACK, DVM,
DACVIM
VCA Northwest Veterinary
Specialists
ELIZABETH J. MEHREN
Journalist and Author
PATTI M. MILES
Walsh Construction Group
BETTY B. NORRIE* Retired,
Program Director, NCAA
Foundation
ERIC PIESNER
Centrl Office
MARVEITA REDDING,*
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Retired, City of Portland,
Bureau of Environmental
Services
SHAYNA ROGERS Cosgrave
Vergeer Kester, LLP.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EMERITUS
Marilynn Jensen
Dolorosa Margulis*
*Past Board Chair
2

Dear OHS supporters,
I am excited to introduce you to my new dog, Josie. She was part of a recent transfer of 60 dogs to Oregon Humane
Society from our shelter partners in Josephine and Jackson counties. These shelters were at crisis capacity levels and
urgently needed assistance. This situation reflects the current challenges for shelters all over the country–intake is up,
and adoptions are down.
OHS was able to step up and provide hope to our shelter partners thanks to your support and the incredible compassion
in our community. Most of the dogs from this transport were quickly adopted, and I was fortunate to welcome Josie, short
for Josephine, into my family. Having Josie in my life has given me a renewed sense of hope after the loss of my beloved
German shepherd, Sea, in March.
In every corner of our work at OHS, I see hope being restored. On pages 6-9, see how we are finding solutions to help
big dogs find homes, and stay in their homes. For dogs who are with us a little longer, our staff and volunteers provide
opportunities for enrichment like Kennel Buddies, going for a run or hike, or getting away for a “Dogs Day Out.”
When a dog or cat needs expert behavior support, our Behavior Modification Program gives them a chance for renewal.
The Community Veterinary Hospital provides hope to pet owners who are struggling to afford care. Shelter pets in Salem
now have a faster path to healing thanks to the completion of the Digital Radiology Project. Read more about this work
on page 2.
The pain being felt across animal welfare right now is very real. Lack of affordable housing, inflation, and other complex
issues are pushing shelters to their limits.
Even when times are tough there is always hope.
Because of you, OHS can be that beacon of hope and
renewal—providing services and resources to support pets
and the people who love them.
With gratitude,
Sharon M. Harmon, CAWA
President and CEO
1

OREGON HUMANE SOCIETY
NEWS
TRAINING A NEW GENERATION
OF VET TECHS
A national shortage of Certified Veterinary Technicians is
putting a strain on pet owners being able to access care.
OHS and our Community Veterinary Hospital are working
to reverse that trend through a partnership with Portland
Community College. The college has one of the most popular
veterinary technology programs in the region and relies
on cooperative education partners to help future CVTs get
hands-on experience and refine their skills.
A similar partnership between Oregon State University and
OHS has played an important role in giving future veterinarians
experience treating pets and performing surgery. In fact,
a former OSU veterinary student who did a rotation at the
shelter reached out to suggest that PCC vet tech students do
hands-on learning at OHS.
Since early 2023, vet tech students can complete a five-day
rotation at OHS. They spend time working in the shelter hospital
and Community Veterinary Hospital, and learning about
animal behavior from OHS experts.
Training and being able to hire more CVTs is already having
a big impact at OHS. “We simply cannot do our work without
CVTs,” says Dr. Steve Kochis, OHS Chief Medical Officer.
“Since doubling the number of CVTs on
our team, we have been able to do so
much more for clients and their pets.”
—Dr. Steve Kochis, OHS Chief Medical Officer
DOG ADOPTIONS IN SALEM
ON THE RISE
Dog adoptions at OHS Salem Campus are defying national
trends–up 87 percent when compared to the same period in
2023. Data from Shelter Pets Count paint a different picture
with dog adoptions down 1.2 percent nationally while intake
is up.
Hobie Pearson, OHS Salem Customer Care Manager, attributes
the increase in dog adoptions to multiple factors. “OHS
has become more established in the mid-Valley community
and that is leading to more potential adopters visiting the
shelter,” he says. “Our team does a terrific job working with
clients to find the right match.”
The increase in dog adoptions also means that OHS Salem
Campus can help more owner-surrendered animals and
bring in additional dogs from shelter partners, especially
Marion County Dog Services.
Cat and kitten adoptions in Salem are also up 21 percent,
January to April 2024 versus the same time in 2023.
“Salem is a growing and vibrant community,” added Hobie.
“I am very hopeful about all that OHS will
be able to offer in the future.”
—Hobie Pearson, OHS Salem Customer Care Manager
2

SALEM CAMPUS DIGITAL
RADIOLOGY PROJECT OPENS
Shelter pets are getting a new level of care at OHS Salem
Veterinary Clinic thanks to the recent completion of the digital
radiology and dentistry suites. Critical diagnostics for sick
and injured shelter animals can now take place onsite. Previously,
pets who needed x-rays or dentistry were transported
up to the shelter hospital at the Portland campus.
“It will be so nice to be able to walk across the hall to get
shelter pets the care they need,” says Jessica Wagner, Hospital
Operations Manager, OHS Salem. “Now, we can get the
answers we need to treat a pet in a fraction of the time.”
Construction began in January and wrapped up at the end of
May–on budget and ahead of schedule. Walsh Construction
were general contractors and Mahlum Architects designed
the space. The project has raised close to $600,000 with the
majority of gifts coming from local Salem-area donors.
“The fundraising for this project was really a community
effort,” says Sherri Partridge, OHS Salem Donor
Relations Manager.
“Seeing so many local donors step up for
pets in need makes this a particularly
special achievement.”
—Sherri Partridge, OHS Salem Donor Relations Manager
A ribbon cutting event is scheduled for July 9. Email Sherri
Partridge at sherri.partridge@oregonhumane.org for more
information about how you can support this project and care
for shelter pets in Salem.
U.S. ARMY VETERINARIAN
TO PORTLAND
OHS is very pleased to welcome Dr. Sara Almcrantz, a
veterinarian currently serving with the U.S. Army Veterinary
Corps, to our Portland campus. Dr. Almcrantz has been
working alongside the talented OHS medical teams since
April, in both the Animal Medical Learning Center and our
Community Veterinary Hospital, to get hands-on experience
in a clinical setting.
Dr. Almcrantz is visiting OHS thanks to the Army Career Skills
Program, which helps those transitioning out of the Army get
experience in a civilian field of their choice. A Portland native,
Dr. Almcrantz recalled OHS’ incredible services, saying,
“OHS seemed like a natural fit because they already have
a robust internship and residency program. They also have
connections with OSU and support veterinary student clinical
rotations on a regular basis.” Lucky for the animals, this talented
and well-traveled veterinarian chose to make OHS
her temporary, clinical home.
Dr. Almcrantz hopes to put the skills she acquired during
her time in the Army and her time at OHS to good use by
providing clinical care to rural and remote communities who
don’t often have access to care for their pets. The time spent
learning with the OHS team is helping her sharpen those skills
as most of her work in the Army has been focused on public
health, food safety, and other missions outside of veterinary
medicine. Dr. Almcrantz will be at OHS until July of this year.
3

DOGGONE
DILEMMA
ACROSS THE NATION—
AND EVEN RIGHT HERE IN
DOG-FRIENDLY OREGON, A
STATE RECENTLY NAMED THE
SAFEST PLACE FOR ANIMALS
BY THE ANIMAL LEGAL
DEFENSE FUND—SHELTERS ARE
SEEING AN INCREASE IN DOGS
COMING IN.
4

GOOGLE “THE MOST DOG-FRIENDLY PLACE TO LIVE” AND IT WON’T BE A SURPRISE TO SEE PORT-
LAND, OREGON AS A TOP RESULT. YOU'RE UNLIKELY TO VISIT AN OREGON BREWERY WITHOUT
FINDING A PUP LOUNGING UNDER A PICNIC TABLE OR VENTURE OUT FOR A HIKE WITHOUT EN-
COUNTERING A FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND.
Unfortunately, across the nation—and even right here in dog-friendly Oregon, a state recently named the safest place for
animals by the Animal Legal Defense Fund—shelters are seeing an increase in dogs coming in, but a decrease in their overall
adoption rate. According to analysis of 2023 intake and outcome data by Shelter Animals Count, three percent more dogs
entered shelters than left. While that number might not sound staggering, it’s on the rise. This slow flow of dog adoptions is
clogging up capacity at smaller shelters. Dogs who are 50 pounds or more—often with high-energy needs—are waiting
even longer to find new homes and struggling to adjust to extended shelter stays.
Facing this growing crisis head-on, Oregon Humane Society staff and volunteers are taking swift and creative action. Our
goal is to not only provide the best daily care possible for our longer-term canines, but also unlock innovative ways to address
this concerning trend.
ENRICHMENT
OHS Customer Care Manager, Julie Griggs, and her team
have seen firsthand the shift in interest for adopting big dogs.
There are many factors playing into the trend—from housing
restrictions and insecurity to the rising cost of dog food and
veterinary care. While no single cause can be identified,
one thing is clear: the longer these dogs remain at OHS, the
less enticing they appear to
potential adopters.
“The dog might be jumping a
lot or grabbing clothing with
their mouth, or they might be
strong pullers on a leash,”
Julie says. Plus, there can be
physical symptoms too: red
eyes, panting, and sometimes
even digestive issues. The
length of stay for some of
these high-energy, big dogs is
averaging more than 90 days,
versus in 2019 where similar
dogs would average closer to
21 days.
To mitigate these effects, OHS
is continuing to do what it has
always done, finding innovative
ways to provide top-quality
and specialized animal care with renewed focus on
some longstanding enrichment programs led by our Animal
Care Team.
Dogs Day Out is a program that lets volunteers take dogs
out of the shelter and into safe spaces in our community. A
peaceful park, a walk around a block in a cozy neighborhood,
or even just time spent at home on a soft sofa with
a volunteer can help these dogs decompress and expend
excess energy in new and exciting locations. Some volunteers
have even reserved private outdoor spaces—for
distraction-free playtime away from the shelter. A dedicated
group of running club volunteers take selected dogs out for
leashed runs to really stretch their legs. Tyler Jeffe, OHS
Foster Care Coordinator, can be found with OHS dogs
sporting a bright yellow
adopt-me harness while
trailing their way up a hillside
during a fun day hike.
In the shelter, the
Kennel Buddy
program has staff
and volunteers
spending time
in kennels right
alongside
the dogs.
During this time, dogs can
practice settling and calming
behaviors while getting much
needed love and attention.
All of this enrichment helps
reduce the stress dogs may
experience in the shelter, and it gives staff and volunteers
invaluable information to pass on to potential adopters.
Notes like how a dog does traveling in cars or what to expect
when encountering other dogs on a walk can help ease
the transition from shelter to home, helping placements stick
long-term.
5

DIAMOND IN THE RUFF
For some, the enrichment will still not
be enough to help garner extra interest
from potential adopters. Huskies,
German shepherds, and other larger
breeds are some of the
most overlooked.
Diamond in the Ruff, OHS’ new fosterto-adopt
program, is filling the gap by
helping families see that big dog ownership
is within their reach.
The program gives adopters the option of
taking a dog home for a minimum of two
weeks to see how they do in the new setting
with extra support from OHS. Julie and her
Customer Care staff check in with routine calls to
help work through any trouble spots. At the end of
two weeks, the families can decide to either adopt the
dog, return them to the shelter, or continue to foster until the
right family comes along.
The goal is to take dogs who are behaving one way in the
shelter and set people up for success by supporting them
through the challenging scenarios that may play out. The foster
families get practice integrating a dog into their real lives
and routines, and the extra support they receive helps create a
positive experience that hopefully builds their confidence. So
far, it seems to be working.
Since inception in December 2023, 18
dogs have been enrolled in Diamond
in the Ruff, and all that have gone into
homes have been adopted by their
foster families.
For dogs like Jellybean, the first to be enrolled in Diamond in
the Ruff, the program has been an invaluable experience.
Exuberant and overstimulated as a pup, Jellybean needed an
active owner willing to give her lots of exercise and training.
Elizabeth took Jellybean home having never fostered an animal
before. But after the two weeks, thanks to the support
of OHS’ customer care team and extra behavior training
from OHS dog trainer Paulina Tahran, it was a perfect
match. Today the two go on frequent 10-mile runs and
have an incredible bond.
6
Jellybean, the first
Diamond in the Ruff dog

BEHAVIOR AND RESCUE CENTER
For some dogs, their fearful and
anxious behaviors are more
deeply rooted than can be healed
without expert intervention. Luckily,
there is a place for these special
cases at OHS. Opened in 2022, the
Behavior and Rescue Center houses
OHS’ Behavior Modification Program
and the dogs (and cats) in their
care. The building is not open to the
public, and staff and volunteers are limited
to ensure the space is peaceful and
quiet. Here, certified trainers work with
shy and fearful dogs that have more complex
behaviors, knowing that often, finding
the right home will take as long as it takes.
For Annika Howland, the Dog BMOD program manager,
the space and the program are invaluable to the
animals they serve.
“By giving these dogs a space
where they can relax and build trust
in people, we can build their
confidence and resiliency.”
This was especially true for Wilder, who was surrendered
back to OHS when his family struggled to manage his
strange behaviors. He was fixated on the area underneath
the refrigerator, relentlessly pawing at the space. He
would spin in endless circles, chase shadows and light, and
couldn’t be redirected. Because of his large size, they could
no longer safely manage him.
It turned out that Wilder’s behaviors were far more complex
than anticipated. He was deaf and partially blind. Staff noted
that since he couldn’t see or hear, his sense of smell was
heightened, making him a strong puller on walks
and outings.
In the BRC, the team was able to reduce as much light and
shadow as possible by dimming the lights and keeping metal
bowls or anything reflective out of his kennel, allowing him to
fully rest. As for his compulsive behaviors, the team worked
on interrupting the search/chase cycle by offering a toy and
playing tug with him when they noticed his behaviors triggering.
The training worked, and Wilder turned out to be a
model dog—even welcoming new BMOD dogs to the space
because of his sweet and friendly nature.
After all his hard work, Wilder would need an adoptive
home that was willing to continue his training. A few months
into the program, a special family came forward. Today,
they have built their lives around Wilder’s needs, enrolling
him in extra training classes for deaf and blind dogs, monitoring
him with a dog camera while away, and diligently
continuing the training that the BMOD team had initiated.
Since moving to the BRC, OHS has seen BMOD dogs getting
ready for adoption 40 percent faster than before. The
program is making incredible strides, providing a safe
haven for the sensitive souls who just need a little more time
and attention.
Wilder, loving life in his new home
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Tanya Roberts, Behavior and Training Director, has been at OHS for more than 25 years and has seen adoption trends
come and go throughout her lengthy career. She admits that in today’s social and economic climate there are many compounding
barriers and cultural shifts making dog ownership more difficult than ever. Housing insecurity, housing density
(living with family, roommates, or in smaller spaces), an uptick in community stress, and a decrease in tolerance for
working with behavior issues could all be contributing to the decreased interest in dog adoption.
For Tanya, the why isn’t as important as the work ahead. The diversity of programs and tools that OHS has established
to support dogs and their people—like OHS’ enrichment, Diamond in the Ruff, and Behavior Modification
programs—is more expansive than ever before. Despite it all, Tanya has a lot of hope for the future.
“People will never stop loving animals.”
7

At our Community Veterinary Hospital,
we care for your pet as much as you do.
Services Include:
Preventative Care | Spay/Neuter | Dentistry | Urgent Care
Find care for your pet at oregonhumane.org/care.
8

ADOPTING FROM OHS IS AS
SIMPLE AS 1-2-3
1.
Visit our Portland or Salem shelter to view all the pets
who are looking for a home or visit
oregonhumane.org/adopt.
2. Talk with one of our customer care representatives at
the front desk about the pet you’d like to meet. Our
staff will help you fill out a questionnaire and discuss
the animal’s needs to help determine if the pet is the
right fit for your home.
3. Take your new pet home! Our team will help set
you and your new family member up for success by
providing information on all our support services,
including a free behavior helpline if you need it.
HELPFUL TIPS:
• Fill out a blank questionnaire prior to
visiting the shelter so your information
is already in our database.
oregonhumane.org/questionnaire
• Visit the shelter during off-peak
hours—typically during a weekday.
FOCUS ON
ADOPTIONS
Helping Pets Find Homes FASTER
Adopting a pet is a big decision. Our knowledgeable Customer Care
team works hard to match people and pets every day. The goal is
to make adoption an enjoyable and informational process that is
accessible to as many members of our community as possible.
Simplifying the Process in Portland
On June 1, OHS’ Portland Campus moved to a walk-in, first-come firstserved,
adoption process. This change creates a similar adoption experience
at the Portland and Salem campuses.
The goal of this update is to help reduce animals’ length of stay and increase the
number of pets adopted in Oregon. Moving to walk-in only means that potential
adopters will have more of an opportunity to make an in-person connection with
the pets in our care. This simplified process also reduces barriers
to potential adopters who are not comfortable using online tools.
Many of our shelter partners are struggling with record intake
and OHS is truly their lifeline. Increased adoption rates will also
mean more shelter space can be available at OHS to help
support our partner agencies with critical animal transfers.
The Purr-fect Candidates for
Outreach Adoption Events
Getting more pets into homes includes
meeting people out in the community
and making adoption the easy option.
During the summer months, helping
felines find homes is particularly urgent
since this time of year is often referred
to as “kitten season”–a time when
there is a spike in litters born in
communities all over our state.
Through partnerships with PetSmart
and Petco, close to 500 cats and
kittens found homes during outreach
adoption events in 2023.
Find out when
OHS will be at
a location
near you.
oregonhumane.org/adoption-events
9

BEHAVIOR
HELP IS JUST
A CALL AWAY
As our pets grow, so do the unique challenges
that can arise, and unresolved pet
behaviors can cause frustrating rifts between
people and their pets. Luckily, OHS’
Pet Behavior Helpline is free and open to
anyone struggling with a pet-related issue.
Our trainers monitor the line and provide
guidance for a variety of tricky situations.
In 2023, the helpline received more than
1,700 calls, helping families strengthen
their bonds and stay together.
Tanya Roberts, OHS Director of Behavior
and Training, gave us the inside scoop on
three common calls we receive through
the helpline.
Challenge #1: Baby Meets Fur Baby
I am expecting a baby soon. What can I do to
safely introduce my fur baby to the new baby
when the time comes?
Whatever you can do today to prepare your pets
before the baby comes is the best first step. To the
best of your ability, try and imagine what your
new routine will be when the baby arrives and
implement as much of it as you can now. If you’re
going to use baby gates, put them up today. If
friends or family will be helping as a dog walker
for those first few months, introduce them and
have them begin to take your dogs out. Tanya
even suggests playing baby noises, and yes even
baby cries, from sound clips online so pets can get used
to the new sounds coming their way.
Visit oregonhumane.org/baby to read more
about how you can help your pet adjust to the
big change with minimal time and effort.
10

Challenge #2: Kitty Litterbox Conundrum
My cat refuses to use the litter box, no matter how
consistently I clean it. I’m feeling fed up and I’m not
sure what to do. Is there anything that can be done?
It’s good to report litter box misuse to your veterinarian to
make sure there aren’t any medical conditions that might
be contributing to your cat’s behavior. Once you rule that
out, Tanya recommends that you begin to take note of the
litter box behavior by asking questions:
Where is your litter box located?
What type of litter do you use?
Has your cat ever used the litter box?
If yes, what’s changed? (new cat, new apartment,
moved the litter box, etc.)
Once you’ve investigated the litter box lifestyle of your
cat, you may want to consider re-training. This might look
like restricting your cat from areas where they are going
to the bathroom or providing more litterboxes in alternative
places. “It’s rare that a cat is not using their litter box
without a good reason,” Tanya says. Thorough investigation
will help you identify what steps to take next. Calling
our Pet Behavior Helpline is a good first step to formulate
a plan.
Believe it or not, cats can be trained!
Visit oregonhumane.org/cat-training to learn
more about the variety of in-person and virtual,
feline-friendly behaviorand training courses
OHS offers—including one on litter box misuse.
Challenge #3: The Vet Visit Willies
My dog is so fearful when we go to the vet. I avoid
taking her unless it’s an emergency. But I would like her
to get more routine care so she can stay healthy. Is there
anything I can do to make going to the vet less painful
for both of us?
At home preparation is key. Get animals used to activities
that they will commonly do at the vet by doing them
calmly at home first. Activities like wrapping your cat up
in a towel, having your dog walk onto a scale, or using
a syringe without a needle can help animals adjust to
the stimuli they will encounter in a medical setting. Tanya
even suggests keeping carriers out in the open, instead
of hidden away, so that a carrier coming out of the closet
doesn’t heighten your pet’s anxiety before you’ve left
the house.
Talking to your vet in advance is also key; let them know
that you have a nervous animal and learn about accommodations
they may have. OHS’ Community Veterinary
Hospital is built with a cat waiting area separate from the
dog waiting area to mitigate extra stressors.
For especially shy pets, consider enrolling in OHS’ newest
class, Calmer Canine Vet Visits. Geared toward fearful
pets, this private training allows animals to explore the
Community Veterinary Hospital when it’s closed so they
can acclimate to the space and work on growing
their vet visit confidence. Visit
oregonhumane.org/training to see all the
training options OHS provides.
OHS trainers are standing by, eager to help our
pet-loving community and keep families together!
Call our Pet Behavior Helpline at (503) 802-6729
to get the support you and your furry friend need
to live happy, healthy lives together!
11

For our 37 th Doggie Dash, the Portland community came together to take
the most important walk of the year. Collectively treading more than 1,800
miles, an estimated 3,000 people filled Tom McCall Waterfront Park in
downtown Portland. Best of all, this amazing group of individuals,
businesses, partner organizations, and of course, dogs, made a huge
impact for shelter animals in need by raising more than $522,000!
Oregon Humane Society’s largest fundraiser of the year was made
possible because of the support of our incredible animal-loving
community—sideline cheerers, pup-tastic partners, reunited rovers,
and even a surprise royal guest of honor—who came together
before, during, and after the event to make it all happen.
12

Partners & Pups Prepare
Kicking things off the day before the big event, SOLVE
volunteers, OHS staff, and some pups with an extra pep in
their step gathered to clean the “dash-way.” The morning
of the race, our friends at Central City Concern helped
keep pathways safe and clear. By helping to keep Portland
beautiful, these dedicated partners and volunteers worked
behind the scenes so Dashers would have a squeakyclean
path to the finish line.
Sponsors Reign Supreme
More than 80 sponsor booths lined the park, bringing the
festival to life for Dashers and their doggos with fun activities,
information, and give-aways. For over a decade,
Subaru of Portland has been a top sponsor of OHS and
Doggie Dash. On the main stage at the event, they presented
OHS with a generous donation of $30,000. Plus,
they treated all OHS staff and volunteers helping set up
the festival to lunch.
Furry Friends Reconnect
In 2022, OHS rescued 80 beagles as part of a national
effort to save young beagles from a life of cages and
laboratory testing. Due to the incredible support of eager
adopters in Oregon, a new community of furry friends was
born. The group has remained in touch and turned out
for a sugar-sweet Beagle Reunion at Doggie Dash. It was
great to see these once shy and fearful beagles, many of
whom had never seen grass before they came to OHS,
with their tails-up and wagging in the park with the rest of
our Dashers.
Royalty Returns to Help
Ms. Oregon 2024, Amber Rosenberry, showed up ready
to put her paws to work! Having attended Doggie Dash
since she was a little girl, for nearly 30 years, Amber
knew she had to make time to come out and support her
local community of fellow animal lovers. Amber helped by
co-hosting some of our doggie contests, like the fan-favorite
Peanut Butter Lick-Off. Don’t let the crown fool you, she
dove right in at the end helping OHS staff and volunteers
with post-event clean up!
Top Dogs Up the Tally
Of course, the day would not have been a success without
all the individual Dashers: the pups in strollers, the walkers
and runners, the labs in tutus, and the incredible fundraising
teams like Highway to Home and Carol’s Canine Companions
who tied in fundraising efforts by raising more
than $17,000 each. It was the incredible support of this
animal-loving community that made the day even sweeter
for all the animals in need at OHS.
13

RAISE YOUR
PAWS
WE ALL WANT TO DO MORE FOR ANIMALS, BUT OUR BUSY LIVES
CAN PUSH OUR ASPIRATIONS FOR HELPING ANIMALS IN NEED
FURTHER DOWN THE TO-DO LIST.
When you set up a recurring PAWS donation, you can easily and automatically
support the animals with a sustaining gift that provides
for their daily care and prepares Oregon Humane Society to say yes
to urgent needs at a moment's notice.
A YEAR OF MONTHLY DONATIONS:
Little Girl
$
15
PER MONTH
PROVIDES SPAY/NEUTER SURGERY TO
3 ANIMALS!
In just one week, OHS veterinarians performed
60 spay/neuter surgeries for dogs transferred
from Josephine and Jackson County shelters that
had reached critical capacity.
Little Girl is thankful for PAWS donor support
that helps reduce animal overpopulation in
our community.
$
25
PER MONTH
VACCINATES
20 ANIMALS!
Last year, OHS vaccinated more than 11,500
animals—a crucial service that keeps pets healthy.
This is essential for dogs like Marge, who came
to OHS Salem Campus in need of medical care
before she found her new loving home.
Marge
Biscuit
$
42
PER MONTH
FEEDS FOR A WEEK
64 ANIMALS!
On a single day during kitten season, OHS
had nearly 1,000 animals in our care needing
healthy, quality food.
Growing kittens like Biscuit appreciate the
sustained support that keeps their tummies
well-fed and happy!
14
VISIT OREGONHUMANE.ORG/PAWS TO GET STARTED.

We’ll Fetch
Your Car.
Donating your car to help shelter
pets is easier than you think.
Fill out the online form at
oregonhumane.org/autos
Need more information?
Visit oregonhumane.org/autos
or call (503) 802-6766.
15

HAPPY
homes for animals is one of the most
important things we do at Oregon Humane Society.
When adopters keep in touch, their stories and
TAILSFinding
photos inspire us.
Faith was among a group of 7 other mastiffs who were brought to
OHS Portland Campus when their owner needed help finding them
new homes. They arrived as sensitive dogs who were offered a safe
and stable place to thrive. Faith was able to learn new skills and
navigate things that she had never seen before as a big dog in a
new world.
The Animal Care, Training & Behavior, and dedicated volunteers
worked with her to get her ready for her new home. After a few
months in the shelter, Faith became a part of OHS’ new
Diamond in the Ruff program, where dogs can be fostered for
two weeks before adoption to make sure it's a good fit. Now,
she lives with her new family, including Hammond, a senior dog.
Faith’s adopters say she enjoys the calm energy of her new
doggo sibling. She has found a dedicated family who is patient
with her anxiety and gives her love while she adjusts to her
new life.
A tale of two kitties. Simon, formally known as Dalton, came to OHS
Portland Campus from the home of an overwhelmed cat caregiver.
He lived in an environment with many other cats but had limited interaction
with humans. He started out his time in the shelter as an extremely
shy and fearful cat, whose anxiety manifested into physical digestive
symptoms. Over time, his confidence grew as he worked with the
Behavior Modification team at the Behavior & Rescue Center, and his
stomach began to ease. Now, Simon is living with his adopter Cindy
and his kitty sister, Jewel, also an OHS and BMOD program alum.
Jewel was adopted eight months after Simon and has helped him
blossom in his new home. “We’ve passed the one-year mark for
Simon, and Jewel has been such a great addition to the family! She
has calmed Simon and allowed him to open up. Simon now sits on
my lap getting brushed, petted, and chin scratches. I wasn’t sure we
would ever get to hold him!” says Cindy.
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Patrick was found as a stray and brought to OHS Salem Campus. He was
given shelter, food, water, and anything else he needed while he waited for
his loving home. This little dog was full of energy and needed an adopter
who was ready to take him on plenty of adventures. Enter Trenton. Because
of Patrick’s beginning, he started off a little unsure of his human friends. His
adopters are patient and continue to work with him to help Patrick blossom.
“He is the sweetest boy ever. He’s so kind, very scared of others, but he’s
working on it. He loves cuddles, giving hugs, and still is a sucker for treats.
We can’t thank you all enough,” says Trenton.
At 13 years young, Audrey
was surrendered to OHS Salem Campus when
her owner was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and sadly
no longer able to care for her. Audrey needed a calm home where
she could thrive. At OHS, she was able to find just that. Senior pets
can be overlooked and often have a longer than typical stay at the
shelter. But Audrey found her adopter Carol in just 11 days and now
spends her time in a new loving home. “It’s a perfect match. She
spent two days hiding under the bed but gradually started coming
out. She now sleeps next to me at night! Very sweet, just a bit standoffish.
Audrey loves being pet but isn’t comfortable sitting on my
lap just yet. We love her,” says Carol.
The moment Jefe’s adopter Emily saw
him in his kennel at OHS Portland Campus, she knew
he was the dog for her. The shelter environment was tough for Jefe, he was
fearful and overwhelmed. At home, he has blossomed and showed Emily
a completely new side of him–one that is brave and at times, silly. Jefe
now lives a life full of adventure–he goes to parks, hikes in the woods,
goes to the beach, farmer's markets, and more. He has all the love and
care he needs, including high-quality pet care when he needs it.
Emily started her OHS journey as an adopter and has continued on as
a client at OHS’ Community Veterinary Hospital. Jefe went to his first
CVH appointment and was able to get the care needed, plus snacks.
“He had to get a few shots and a blood test which couldn't have been
too much fun for him, but he took it like a champ and seemed to feel
comforted by the way the staff treated him during this process.
They even fed him his favorite snack after—a slice of cheese! I'm
definitely going to be a lifelong client for CVH,” says Emily.
17

The Gift That Pays You Back
My name is Al Didier and I’m a fellow animal lover, like you. In the 40 years
my partner, Sherry Holley, and I have been together, we’ve deeply loved
and cared for 16 wonderful cats. Our love for cats extends beyond just those
in our home, so we have been supporters of Oregon Humane Society and
the cats in their care for over 25 years.
When we moved to Oregon from Alaska, we had no family nearby that
could care for our three beloved cats, Lefty, Lucky, and Ebony, should the
day ever come that we could no longer care for them.
We were so relieved when we discovered the Friends Forever
TM program at OHS. Our estate gift would offer continued
support for animals at OHS long into the future,
plus, it would ensure our cats would find love and care
in a new home. After some research we decided that
a Charitable Gift Annuity might be the right gift for us.
During our meeting with Gary Kish at OHS, we
learned that CGAs have double impact—they provide
financial support to OHS and the animals in their care,
and as the donors of the CGA, Sherry and I receive dependable
income for the rest of our lives.
The concept is simple. If you are 65 years or
older, and give a CGA gift to OHS of $10,000
or more, you receive a guaranteed annual
income for the remainder of your lifetime.
The annuity payment amount is fixed at
the time of your gift and depends on the
age(s) of the income beneficiaries. These
payments can be made to you and/or
a loved one.
This was a dream scenario for Sherry
and me. As we are both retired,
knowing we will have dependable,
regular income provides relief for
our future. And by making this estate
gift, we could enroll all three of our
beloved cats into the Friends Forever
TM program and guarantee their
futures as well.
Our Charitable Gift Annuity was so easy
to set up thanks to the support from
OHS staff. If you want to guarantee the
future of your precious fur family and
continue to help improve the lives
of shelter pets, take it from me and
look no further.
Getting started is easy. You can
calculate the benefits of creating your
CGA by visiting oregonhumane.org/cga
or give Gary Kish a call
at (503) 416-2988.
18

Bequests Received
Oregon Humane Society gratefully acknowledges
the following individuals, who, during their lifetimes,
thoughtfully included OHS in their estate plans, and
from whom estate bequests were received since
April 1, 2024.
Alfred Amerio
Pamela Bond
Ann Bornholdt
Mary Canfield
Patricia Carlton
Brady and Virginia Gallagher
Joan Gudmundson
William Hamann
Raymond Hayden
Darrell Hensley
Geraldine Holmes
Zona Hopps
William Keno
Gordon Metzger
Wendy Morseth
David Mueller
Dennis Nelson
Dianne Oliver
Gerald Petersen
Frank Prade
Peter Reader
John Rodal
Dolores Walters
Estate Expectancies
Oregon Humane Society honors the following
individuals who have made a commitment to animal
welfare and OHS’ future operations by planning a
gift through their will, trust, retirement plan, insurance
policy, charitable gift annuity, or other estate planning
device since April 1, 2024. If you have already
remembered OHS in your plan or would like to start
a confidential conversation about future support,
please call Kathryn Karr at (503) 802-6743.
Charlene R. Carson
Fern Kulpreecha
Learn more about planned giving at an upcoming event. Visit oregonhumane.org/events
for information on dates, topics, and locations.
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE BUSINESS PARTNERS
The following businesses have made significant financial contributions ($2,500+) to OHS and/or in-kind
donations over the past 12 months. A complete list of President’s Circle Business Partners can be found online at
oregonhumane.org/support-our-partners.
2 Towns Ciderhouse
AAA Oregon/ Idaho
Ameriprise Financial
Angeli Law Group
Aquilini Brands
Bentley's Coffee
Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Boehringer Ingelheim
Bridge City Events, LLC
Bridgetown Veterinary Emergency
and Referral
Bristol Urban Apartments
Brooks Greenhouse Construction
C.O.A.T. Flagging
Cambia Health Solutions
Capitol Subaru
Cashmere Homes
Catena Consulting Engineers
CBRE
CertaPro Painters of Portland
Columbia Sportswear Company
Comcast Corporation
Constellation Brands
Costco Wholesale
Daimler
Delta Fire, Inc.
eBay
Eco-Products
Fetch Pet Insurance
Goodwick Creative Services, LLC
Google Inc.
Hallmark Inns and Resorts, Inc.
Hyster-Yale Group
iHeartMedia, Inc.
Intel Corporation
Johnstone Supply, LLC
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the
Northwest
KeyBank National Association
KPTV / Fox 12 Oregon
Lakefield Veterinary Group
Lease Crutcher Lewis
Lithia Auto Stores
Microsoft Corporation
Moda Health
Morel Ink
Morgan Stanley
Mud Bay, Inc.
Nike
OnPoint Community Credit Union
Portland General Electric
Rodney Strong Wine Estates
Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care
Scott| Edwards Architecture
St. Innocent Winery
Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of Portland
Surety Association of Oregon
Swank Management Group, Inc.
Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency
The Kroger Co.
The Marble Center
The Standard
Thede Culpepper Moore Munro &
Silliman LLP
Tito's Handmade Vodka
TriMet
Umpqua Bank - Lake Oswego
VCA Animal Hospitals
Vintage Wine Estates
Voodoo Doughnut, LLC
Walsh Construction Co.
Washman USA
19

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE BUSINESS PARTNER PROFILE:
Capitol Subaru
Shares The Love
Subarus are often thought of as the car for dog lovers.
The advertisements show drivers happily cruising along
with their fluffy best friend by their side, but the Subaru
Share the Love event is further proof of their dedication
to dogs. Capitol Subaru is no exception. The staff are
passionate about helping people and pets in the community.
For the 10 th consecutive year, Oregon Humane Society
Salem Campus is honored to be chosen as Capitol Subaru’s
“Hometown Charity” for their annual Share the Love event.
From Nov. 16, 2023, through Jan. 2, 2024, Subaru of
America donated $250 to OHS for every new Subaru sold
or leased from Capitol Subaru. Incredibly, the dealership
elected to contribute an additional $50 per vehicle.
Cameron Stinger of Capitol Subaru received the top salesperson
award during the Share the Love event. A fellow animal
lover with two German shorthaired pointers, Cameron has been
working at the dealership for nearly five years, and this event is
especially important to him. His dog, Huckleberry, even gets to
enjoy the perks of the dog park that is just right outside of
the dealership.
“I’m very passionate about dogs, so I always put in a little extra
effort to steer people toward donating to Oregon Humane
Society. People are excited to donate to a good cause. Oregon
Humane Society does a lot,” says Cameron.
“My hope is that this donation can support
finding good homes for older dogs. I think
that’s the coolest thing ever—when you
give an older dog a special life for the time
that they have left,” says Cameron.
Because of Capitol Subaru’s commitment to helping animals, the
event marked a record $80,000 in total donations—a gift that
will go a long way to helping the shelter pets who
rely on OHS’ lifesaving programs. In 2023, OHS Salem
Campus found homes for nearly 3,000 shelter animals, spayed/
neutered 6,251 animals, and supported Salem area pet owners
through our free Pet Behavior Helpline—thanks to the generosity
of supporters like Capitol Subaru.
20

SERVICES DIRECTORY
OHS is dedicated to making our community a better place. Learn more at oregonhumane.org or (503) 285-7722.
ANIMAL ADOPTIONS
Cats, dogs, birds, rodents, and rabbits are available
for adoption. oregonhumane.org/adopt
ANIMAL RESCUE
OHS responds to situations where a trapped or stranded
animal needs human help (in case of emergency,
call your local police). (503) 802-6724
ANIMAL SHELTER ASSISTANCE
Food, supplies, and training are offered to animal
agencies throughout Oregon. (503) 416-2993
BEHAVIOR HELPLINE & ONLINE LIBRARY
Consult our online resources or call our free helpline
with questions about pet behavior. (503) 416-2983
or oregonhumane.org/resources
FIND A HOME FOR YOUR PET
If you are unable to keep your pet, OHS may be
able to place your pet in a new home.
oregonhumane.org/find-a-home-for-your-pet
HUMANE EDUCATION
OHS offers classroom presentations,
after-school clubs, summer camps, and more.
oregonhumane.org/student-programs
LOST & FOUND PETS
OHS Portland Campus is not able to accept stray animals.
OHS Salem Campus is not able to accept stray animals,
except stray cats from Polk County. Please contact your
local animal welfare agency for assistance.
oregonhumane.org/lost-found-pets
REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY OR NEGLECT
OHS Humane Law Enforcement team follows up on
every tip and phone call. (503) 802-6707 or
oregonhumane.org/report-cruelty
MEMORIALS & END OF LIFE SERVICES
OHS offers euthanasia and private cremation.
Portland: (503) 802-6800
Salem: (503) 585-5900 ext. 315
oregonhumane.org/pet-memorials
PET SUPPLIES
Best Friends Corner inside the Portland shelter offers
a variety of pet supplies. (503) 285-7722, ext. 201
PET TRAINING
OHS offers classes and consultations at our
Portland and Salem campuses.
oregonhumane.org/train-your-pet
SPAY/NEUTER FINANCIAL AID
OHS’ offers high-quality spay/neuter services.
Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
Portland: oregonhumane.org/portland-spay-neuter
Salem: oregonhumane.org/salem-spay-neuter
COMMUNITY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
OHS’ Community Veterinary Hospital in Portland
serves owned pets and provides subsidized care
for those in need. (503) 802-6800 or
oregonhumane.org/care
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES
Lifetime income for you plus a tax deduction.
Contact Gary Kish at (503) 416-2988 or
legacyteam@oregonhumane.org
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
Sponsor an OHS event or organize a volunteer experience.
Contact the Corporate Relations team at
corporaterelations@oregonhumane.org
ESTATE GIFTS
Include OHS in your will, trust, or beneficiary designation.
Contact Gary Kish at (503) 416-2988 or
legacyteam@oregonhumane.org
FRIENDS FOREVER
Ensure the welfare of pets who may outlive you.
Contact Kathryn Karr at (503) 802-6743 or
legacyteam@oregonhumane.org
GIFTS OF STOCK
Marissa McCormick at (503) 416-5034 or
marissam@oregonhumane.org
IN-KIND SUPPLIES & MATERIAL
To make an in-kind donation, see our wish list at
oregonhumane.org/wish-list
SUPPORT
Your donation includes a 10% discount at the OHS
retail store, subscription to the OHS magazine, and more.
To donate, call (503) 802-6793 or visit
oregonhumane.org/donate
THRIFT STORE
OHS’ Thrift Store in downtown Salem offers low-cost,
second-hand household and pet items. Visit the store to
shop or donate items at 548 High St. NE, Salem,
or contact Kerilynn Kneale at (503) 362-6892 or
kerilynn.kneale@oregonhumane.org
PAWS
Recurring gifts through PAWS (Planned Account
Withdrawal System) support animals at OHS throughout
the year. Contact Erin Green at (503) 802-6766 or
erin.greene@oregonhumane.org
PRESIDENTS CIRCLE
The President Circle honors donors contributing
$1,000 or more annually. Contact Becca Ball at
(503) 802-6780 or
presidentscircle@oregonhumane.org
TRIBUTE GIFTS
Tribute gifts can be made in memory or honor of a pet
or loved one. A card will be sent to your loved one.
Contact Erin Green at (503) 802-6766 or
erin.greene@oregonhumane.org
VOLUNTEER
OHS volunteer programs are available for youth,
adults, groups, and companies. Contact Kim Hudson
at (503) 285-7722, ext. 204 or
volunteer@oregonhumane.org
WORKPLACE GIVING CAMPAIGNS
To learn more about workplace giving campaigns,
contact the Corporate Relations team at
corporaterelations@oregonhumane.org
21

Non-profit
US Postage
PAID
Portland, OR
Permit No. 949
Strut your stuff and show off your pup in a 5K
run/walk, or a mini 1k strut.
Enjoy our dog-friendly festival in the park filled
with local vendors, food, and fun activities for
the whole family.
Most importantly, your participation helps
support shelter animals in the mid-Valley and
throughout Oregon.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Visit oregonhumane.org/willamutt-strut
to learn more.
22
Presenting Sponsor