Willamette Humane Society Strengthening the bond between pets and people

WHS Awarded Grant to Support Spay & Neuter Marketing Efforts in Targeted Neighborhoods

The Handsel Foundation has awarded Willamette Humane Society (WHS) a strategic grant to support the “Love Our Cats” project - a two-year study which will measure the effectiveness of spay and neuter messaging in targeted neighborhoods and provide 1,000 subsidized surgeries for cats from economically stressed households. WHS currently receives more cats than any other animal shelter in Oregon. With the opening of its new low-cost spay & neuter clinic in January, Willamette Humane hopes to reduce the number of cats that enter the shelter. The Handsel Foundation grant monies will be used to help further this goal by identifying the neighborhoods in Marion and Polk Counties that surrender the most cats and by supporting marketing efforts to reach those neighborhoods with spay/neuter messaging. The grant will also provide 1,000 subsidized spay/neuter surgeries to cat owners who live in the targeted neighborhoods and receive public assistance. “Our study will benefit our community as well as other organizations embarking on similar spay and neuter marketing programs,” said WHS Executive Director Susan Carey. “With this grant, we can develop best practices for reaching target audiences with spay/neuter messaging.” Established in 1990, the Handsel Foundation provides financial support to organizations with effective plans to reduce animal suffering through targeted spay and neuter programs. For more information about low-cost sterilization services available through Willamette Humane’s spay and neuter clinic, go here.

Valentine’s Day Book Launch Party Benefits WHS

A book launch party on February 14, 2010, sponsored by Rogue Phoenix Press, a locally owned electronic book publisher, will benefit the pets at WHS. A VALENTINE’S ANTHOLOGY features three stories by local authors C.L. Kraemer, Genene Valleau, and Christine Young, who will be signing printed copies of the anthology at the release party. The party is scheduled for 2 pm to 4 pm at Willamette Humane Society, with door prize drawings every fifteen minutes. A grand prize drawing will be held at 4 pm for a basket of books and Valentine’s goodies. The public is welcome.

Romance writer, anthology contributor, and dog lover Genene Valleau’s previous three novels are available both as downloads and in print. When a friend suggested auctioning a “write-in” part in one of her stories—similar to a cameo appearance on TV—as part of a fundraiser to benefit shelter animals, Valleau’s six adopted shelter dogs all voted “yes!” Fellow authors Young and C.L. Kraemer were easily convinced to join the cause. As a result, each of the stories in A VALENTINE’S ANTHOLOGY contains a fictional role featuring the local winner of these write-in parts.

It seemed fitting that the three authors celebrate the release of the anthology at the shelter. In addition to the money raised from the auction, one dollar of each book sold on launch day will be donated to Willamette Humane Society.

Along with her husband Arlo, Christine Young started Rogue Phoenix Press in November 2008 as a retirement venture. Although they focus on electronic books, Rogue Phoenix also offers a print-on-demand option for authors who want printed copies of their books available.

Adopt SomeBUNNY Special this February

February is National Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month – a great opportunity to learn what to expect when living with a rabbit. “For the right people, rabbits make wonderful indoor companions,” says WHS “bunny expert” Stacey Copeland. “They often get along with other companion animals (including gentle cats and dogs), are intelligent, inquisitive, and can readily learn to use a litter box.” Like other pets, rabbits’ individual personalities vary, so Stacey and other knowledgeable WHS staff and volunteers will help interested adopters select the rabbit that best fits their needs and lifestyle. Staff and volunteers can also provide expert advice on rabbit care and training. All rabbits adopted from Willamette Humane Society are spayed or neutered and microchipped before going home. See all of the rabbits available for adoption at WHS.

WHS Hosts Furry Speed Dating

Want to make a love connection with a furry new companion this Valentine’s Day? Come to Willamette Humane Society for a unique experience: Furry Speed Dating! On Saturday, February 13, from 1 pm to 3 pm, WHS will host a special speed-dating experience for prospective adopters. Participants will meet a variety of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes (of the four-legged variety) during short, five-minute “interviews.” During each interview, prospective adopters will learn about each pet’s likes and dislikes, what type of home he or she is looking for, and any special needs the pet may have.“This is a great opportunity to meet a variety of pets with different characteristics and temperaments,” says WHS executive director Susan Carey. “We hope to make some good matches and get each pet into a loving, new home - just in time for Valentine’s Day.” No pre-registration is necessary. If you want to participate in Furry Speed Dating, come to the shelter on Saturday, February 13, between 1 pm and 3 pm.

2008-09 Annual Report Now Available

For the year-in-review or to see our honor list of donors, check out Willamette Humane Society’s 2008-09 Annual Report.

Rescued Horses Seeking New Homes

(Nov 11, 2009) - Six horses rescued from neglect by Willamette Humane Society (WHS) over the summer are now available for adoption. The adoptable horses were seized from the Early Rise Ranch in July due to starvation and neglect. For the past four months, these horses (and more than 20 others removed from the Ranch) have been in foster care with WHS undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. “Four months ago, most of these horses were starving and in such horrible condition, they could barely stand. Today, thanks to the incredible work of volunteers, staff, supporters who stepped up with supplies and monetary donations, and a $5,000 emergency grant from the ASPCA, all of the horses surrendered to WHS from this case were saved and are on the road to recovery,” said WHS Executive Director Susan Carey.

On October 15, the horses’ former owner, Kristina Early, pled guilty to multiple counts of animal neglect, first degree theft, and tampering with physical evidence. She was sentenced to 60 months probation, ordered to perform community service and pay restitution to Willamette Humane Society. She also cannot possess animals for five years.

The seven horses available for adoption range in age from two to 25 years and include Arabians, Quarter Horses, Pintos and Paints. The horses’ training and skill levels vary greatly. “All of the horses have had some handling. A few have experience under saddle,” said WHS staff member BJ Andersen, who assessed each horse’s skills to determine what types of new owners would be best suited for each of them. “They would all benefit from additional training,” she added.
Anyone interested in learning more about the available horses should to read each animal’s individual profile. Those interested in adopting should also download a Livestock Adoption Application and fax or mail the completed application to WHS. Staff will review the applications and contact potential adopters who meet the criteria.  A few of the horses are still in foster care. WHS appreciates all donations to help offset the cost of their continued care and rehabilitation. To make a secure, online donation, go here.

Winter Behavior & Training Class Schedule Posted; Enroll Your Dog Today

Could your pup’s manners use a little polish? Enroll him or her in one of our behavior & training classes. WHS proudly offers Puppy Kindergarten, Dog 101 and more. Private consultations are also available to help owners address specific concerns. All classes are held in Willamette Humane Society’s fully enclosed training room and taught by Certified Pet Dog Trainer Annie Ingersoll. Learn more and see the complete schedule of upcoming classes.

Groundbreaking Campaign Launched to Promote Adoptions

The first nationwide campaign promoting pet adoptions launched Thursday, September 24. Titled The Shelter Pet Project, the public service advertising (PSA) campaign includes TV, radio, print and outdoor ads, which are being distributed to more than 33,000 media outlets nationwide. The ads direct audiences to visit The Shelter Pet Project website to find out more information about how to adopt a pet from a shelter. The groudbreaking campaign was created by the Ad Council - the group that crafted many successful and memorable campaigns, including “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires” and “This is Your Brain On Drugs.” View some of the PSA’s and learn more.

Volunteer’s “Dog Blog” Draws Rave Reviews; See Her Videos of Adoptable Dogs

A few months ago, WHS volunteer Martha Russell started blogging about the dogs she meets each week in her role as a volunteer dog handler. Not only was her blog recognized by the Statesman Journal as one of the best on their website, more than one dog has found a loving new home thanks to Martha. She also recently added video footage on YouTube; check it out!

Tune in to CCTV to Meet Adoptable Pets

If you subscribe to Comcast Cable, tune in to CCTV (Capital Community Television) Channel 23 to see adoptable animals featured at Willamette Humane Society. Each week, you’ll meet some of the terrific cats, dogs, rabbits and other small pets who are ready to find their new homes. New shows run each Thursday at 8:30 p.m.; Fridays at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 10:30 a.m; and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Don’t have Comcast? Go here to view the show on our website.