Local Humane Society In Need of Dog Food

The Humane Society of Elkhart County is in need of  DRY dog food due to the overwhelming need of services.  Last month alone, the Humane Society took in 369 animals. The nonprofit organization is asking the community for donations of food to help offset shelter expenses.

In addition, the Humane Society may have to halt its Pet Food Assistance program. The Pet Food Assistance program is available to only Elkhart county residents that need help feeding their pets. There is an immediate application process that can be done in person at the Humane Society. Just this year, the Pet Food Assistance program has helped more than 300 residents that have faced financial hardships.

“We’re really hoping the community can help us out in our time of need,” says Rachel Dennis, assistant director of the Humane Society of Elkhart County.  “We hate to halt the Pet Food Assistance program since it was helping keep so many pets and their families together.”

Besides dog food, additional needs of the Humane Society includes:

• Bleach
• New or Gently Used Towels – please clean before dropping off
• Monetary Donations- to help offset vet and medical bills

Residents are asked to drop off items to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 CR 19, Bristol, IN 46507 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Share the Love with the Humane Society this February

Showing love to animals is routine everyday of the year for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. This year, the Humane Society will be celebrating Valentine’s Day all month long! To show the love the Humane Society will have two great ways to save on adoptions this month along with a special event:

-For the month of February, bring in a Valentine card for any dog, cat or critter available for adoption at the Humane Society and receive 10% off any adoption fee. The staff will decorate the animal kennels with each Valentine. For a list of animals for adoption, please visit http://www.elkharthumanesociety.org.

-See the movie Valentine’s Day and bring in your ticket stub, and receive 10% off any adoption fee.

-The Humane Society will be at Elder Beerman at Concord Mall on February 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for the “Puppy Love, Kitty Kisses” event.

“At the Humane Society, we are always looking for creative ways to celebrate our animals,” said Rachel Dennis, assistant director at the Humane Society of Elkhart County. “Our hope is to break the record for our February adoption totals.”

Adoption forms are available on-location or at www.elkharthumanesociety.com. The adoption fee for dogs and puppies is regularly a $100, with cats and kittens is $80, which includes a valuable package of  initial vaccines and deworming, feline leukemia testing (cats only), heartworm testing (dogs over six months),  microchipping, discounts at partipicating vet offices and 30 days of free pet insurance. The Humane Society also has cuddly critters such as ferrets for $50, rabbits & guinea pigs $15, birds with a cage for $25. Hamsters, gerbils and rats are available for $5. In addition, all animals at the Humane Society are adopt one; take a companion pet home for FREE!  Military and senior citizen discounts are available too.

Humane Society Announces New Board President and Members

The Humane Society of Elkhart County is pleased to announce leadership changes to its current board leadership including a new board president and five new board members to its current board of directors.

Stephanie Krol has been elected as board president. Krol has been an active volunteer with the Humane Society for the past three years since she adopted her dog from the Humane Society. She regularly brings pets for adoption on WSJV-TV every Monday morning during the organization’s Adopt A Pet segment and discusses animal welfare issues as a spokesperson for the nonprofit. Krol owns her own business called Stephanie Krol Public Relations. She is also the president of the board of directors for the Public Relations Society of America-Chicago chapter. Krol resides in Bristol with her husband and two rescued pets Simon (dog) and Nigel (cat).

Newly elected board members include :

Michelle Bauman is an Assistant Vice President in Business Banking for KeyBank in Elkhart. Michelle has been a Key 4 Woman Champion for the past three years. She is newly involved with the Humane Society and is looking forward to helping with fund raising and board leadership. Bauman resides in Granger with her husband, son and her two dogs, Lindsey and Abbie.

Dr. Gene Grove is a Pain Management physician and owner with OSMC-Orthopedic Sports Medicine Center. He is also the Medical Director of the out-patient surgery center. Dr. Grove also serves in the U.S. Army Reserves. He resides in Bristol with his wife, daughter and Sasha (dog from the Humane Society.)

Jennifer King is a sales manager with ASA Electronics in Elkhart. Jennifer has been involved with the Humane Society of Elkhart County for four years. Additionally, she is involved with Lab Rescue. Jennifer also does the monthly Saturday Adopt A Pet on WNDU-TV often educating what families should consider before adopting a pet. Jennifer resides in White Pigeon, Michigan with her husband, daughter and two rescue dogs, Dirk, a Black Labrador, Needles, a Doberman Pinscher and her cat Leo. Needles and Leo are both HSEC alumni.

Jodie Russell is the Branch Manager for KeyBank in Bristol. Jodie resides in Granger with her husband, son and daughter, and dog (Chip). Jodie had previously served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for five years with the Women Build projects.

Marc Van Zandt has been an active volunteer with the Humane Society for the past few years. He was introduced to the Humane Society by his wife Kristin when she rescued their lab/beagle mix named Annie. Van Zandt is currently Plant Manager at Alro Steel in Niles and prior to that served in the Navy & Marine Corps. for 16 years while attaining the rank of Captain in the Marines. He is active in Sunday school and Youth activities at Trinity United Methodist Church. Van Zandt resides in Elkhart with his wife Kristin (the Humane Society’s pro bono photographer) and rescued and foster pets. Mack (dog), Heidi (dog), Annie (dog), Jack (cat), Wyatt (cat), Sophie (cat).

The Board of Directors is a group of volunteers that help oversee the corporate management and fund development efforts of the Humane Society of Elkhart County. The board establishes organizational standards and goals and ensures corresponding policies and procedures. “It’s an honor to lead the Humane Society of Elkhart County as it continues to play a critical role in our community and to ensure the nonprofit’s mission is carried out” said Stephanie Krol, Board of Directors president. “With such a talented group of professionals dedicated to the Humane Society, it will be an exciting year to watch our organization grow throughout the next year.”

The Humane Society of Elkhart County is continuing to grow its board of directors particularly those with government, legal, fundraising, human resources or marketing backgrounds. If interested, visit http://www.elkharthumanesociety.org to fill out the Volunteer Prospect form and mail to Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 County Rd. 19, Bristol, IN 46507. The Humane Society’s Board of Directors has also developed a Board Development Committee that will oversee board selection.

To our supporters all across the nation and the globe!

December 1, 2009

To our supporters all across the nation and the globe!

You just can’t imagine how your outpouring of calls, gifts and contributions have uplifted our spirits as well as provided valuable support to our work on behalf of animals.

Every day of the year, dedicated staff members are here at the shelter to carry out the numerous tasks related to animal care — cleaning cages, preparing food and water, vaccinating incoming animals, medicating those animals which need additional attention in accordance with a veterinarian’s instructions.  It’s a huge task, and we are fortunate to have caring individuals who are committed to doing their best for the animals.

We are blessed to have legitimate rescue groups supporting us in trying to find homes for our homeless critters, and we are blessed when we have families and individuals who are ready to make a lifetime commitment of a loving, forever home for these animals.

Yet, we are saddened that we have had to continue euthanizing animals.  We are saddened that the numbers are so staggering; we can’t get the animals out quick enough in order to save all of them.  This takes a daily toll on all of us.

 When MSNBC wanted to do a story to share the challenges we faced, we hoped that we could not only educate the public about our shelter but also to enlighten others regarding shelters within their own communities.  We felt privileged to be a part of this educational process, and we hope that everyone will have a greater understanding of the important and valuable work that shelters are expected to perform.

Thanks from everyone here at the Humane Society of Elkhart County for your words of encouragement, your sensitivity to the struggles we encounter and your affirmation.  We remain committed to do whatever we can to create an environment that will create a greater community of support for animal welfare.

Sincerely,

Anne K. Reel,

Executive Director

New Cat Adoption Prices

Because of the influx of cats we have received at the HSEC, we’ve decided to lower our adoption prices on cats to $80.00!

Your adoption fee includes:

Your new pet, Microchip, Feline Leuk test, flea treatment, grooming, first set of initial vaccinations, a discount at one of our participating vets on your next vet visit and 30 days of free pet insurance.

We are still running our 2 for 1 campaign.  Adopt 1 pet and get a companion for free!

Help us move these pets out of the shelter.  Adopt today!

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

At animal shelters and rescue groups across the nation, there are an abundance of healthy senior pets looking for a special home to cherish them for the rest of their lives. Although shaping the life of a youngster sounds appealing, giving a second chance to an older companion can be equally rewarding. They like to share quiet moments, are already trained and usually do not chew or scratch everything in sight.

The following are some thoughts about adopting a senior pet:

Matching Lifestyles: An adult animal’s relatively calm demeanor and less intense exercise needs make them the perfect match for a full-time, working household or an older person seeking friendship and love. Older pets often make excellent or at the very least, agreeable companions for other household pets, as well.

Physical Demands are Low: Fortunately, many senior animals are not as demanding as a younger animal. Like any animal, they need quality time in the form of attention and exercise, but the length and intensity of exercise may not be as great. Older dogs, for example, may prefer quiet walks to running or active play and will usually not pull you around on the leash or jump up on you.

Previous Training: Adult animals often already know how to live harmoniously with humans. In general, adult pets require far less supervision and less constant care, which can make them ideal companions for people with already busy lives. They may already be litter box or housetrained. An older dog might also have some obedience training.

What You See is What You Get: With adopted older pets you will usually know about any behavior challenges or health considerations before you adopt. In other words, there are no surprises.

Visit our shelter and receive 25% off any pet 5 years and older (discount cannot be applied with other discounts). Check out Big White, a 5 year-old male, who loves to c

Jump In…A Swim Party for Dogs to Benefit the Humane Society!

Join Planet Canine for a splashing good time at its Dog Swim Party to benefit the Humane Society of Elkhart County on Saturday, October 10. Pups will enjoy a fun and therapeutic dip in Planet Canine’s heated canine pool. Not only will your furry loved ones have a great time doggy paddling around the pool, there are several health benefits swimming can have for animals as well.

“The water can increase relaxation, helping muscle and joint pain, while strengthening the spine,” said Pam Mendenhall, owner of Planet Canine. “The relief for arthritis at any age is priceless and can result in increased quality of life and activity level quickly at home.”

According to Mendenhall, swimming is also a great way to aid in weight loss, build and tone muscle, increase confidence and decrease stress, not to mention the pleasure dogs get from a few laps around the pool.

Activities at the Dog Swim Party will include:

• 15 minutes in Planet Canine’s heated canine pool for a $10 donation
• Staff to dry off wet dogs
• Photographer on hand to capture the moment
• Fun dog swimming demonstrations
• Snacks for hungry pups that work up an appetite
• Learn how to get involved with the Humane Society of Elkhart County

When: Saturday, October 10, 2009

From: 11am – 4pm

Where: Planet Canine

4411 Wyland Drive
Elkhart, IN 46516

For more information, visit www.planetcanine.com or call 574-522-8584.

Humane Society Announces Board Members

Bristol, Ind. – The Humane Society of Elkhart County is pleased to announce its current members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is a group of volunteers that help oversee the corporate management and fund development efforts of the Humane Society of Elkhart County. The board establishes organizational standards and goals and ensures corresponding policies and procedures.

 Board Members include:

• President: Christopher Anderson serves as the Elkhart County Recorder. He resides in Goshen.
• Vice President: Cynthia Tuff is the owner of Garber’s Decorating. She resides in Elkhart.
• Secretary: Stephanie Krol is the owner of Stephanie Krol Public Relations. She resides in Bristol.
• Treasurer: Julia Stauffer is a Certified Public Accountant and owner of JA Stauffer CPA PC. She resides in Goshen.
• Board Member: Dr. Minerva Anderson, DVM is a veterinarian at Animal Aid Clinic South. She resides in Wakarusa.
• Board Member: Tracey Bail is the owner of Bail Construction. He resides in Goshen.
• Board Member: Debra Dodge is currently attending Ivy Tech to become a Medical Assistant. She resides in Elkhart.

“As the new president, I’m really excited to see the changes we can make for the Humane Society of Elkhart County along with our new executive director, Anne Reel,” said Christopher Anderson, Board of Directors president. “We have a talented and dedicated crew of local professionals who will undoubtedly make an impact on this nonprofit that is critical to Elkhart County.”

 The Humane Society of Elkhart County is continuing to grow its Board of Directors particularly those individuals with government experience and those with legal, financial, business administration and marketing backgrounds. If interested, visit www.elkharthumanesociety.org to fill out the Volunteer Prospect form and forward it to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 County Rd. 19, Bristol, IN 46507. The Humane Society has also developed a Board Development Committee to assist in this growth.

Humane Society of Elkhart County Reunion Photo Request

The Humane Society of Elkhart County (HSEC) is asking residents who have adopted a pet from the shelter to send in a photo for a reunion collage to be displayed year round at the shelter.

Photos can include pets (past and present) and their owners.  Photos are non-returnable and should be no larger than 4″ x 6″.

Please mail (mark envelope “Reunion Photo”) or drop off photos to:   The Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 County Road 19, Bristol, IN 46507.  The deadline to submit photos is September 1st.

Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet

By making sure that your pet can’t have puppies or kittens, you’ll have peace of mind that his or her offspring won’t be euthanized in an animal shelter.

Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. You might think that these are animals born in the streets or there is something “wrong” with them. But often they are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Maybe someone’s dog or cat got out just that one time or maybe the litter was intentional, but efforts to find enough good homes failed.

Still the result is homeless animals that have to be euthanized because there are more dogs and cats entering shelters than there are people willing to provide them with loving care. Even if you do find homes for your pet’s puppies or kittens, that means there are fewer homes available to take in other pets from shelters.

Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats. Help your community … and yourself Homeless animals may get into trash containers, defecate in the neighborhood and bite or attack.

Spaying or neutering your pet means that your animal and its potential offspring won’t contribute to the population of unwanted pets. You can also enjoy your spayed or neutered pet more. Female pets that have been spayed do not go into heat. You won’t have the mess that comes with the female reproductive cycle or the boisterous, noisy male suitors.

Spaying and neutering may also reduce the risk of certain health problems, offering you more years with your beloved dog or cat.

Millions of pet deaths each year are a tragedy—but it can be solved. By spaying and neutering your pet, you can be an important part of the solution. Contact your veterinarian today and be sure to let your family and friends know that they should do the same.