BrightSide Animal Center Shelter Scoop Spring 2014

Shelter Scoop BrightSide Animal Center

(formerly Humane Society of Redmond)

Updates on our high save mission to achieve humane animal care in Central Oregon

Spring 2014

We survive and thrive through support of the

public (less than 1% of our funding comes from

government subsidies)

NEW THRIFT STORE!!! Come check us out

Bring your donations (or we will pickup for large donations)

838 NW 5th Street in Redmond Inside: • Why we do MATCHING ADOPTIONS

• How the cats taken in the hoarding case of

2013 are doing

• How Chance found new life • How even in passing you and your animal can help others

Message from our Executive Director Thanks to all the community who are supporting BrightSide Animal Center, we are on pace to have our best year ever! We measure success by how many animals’ lives we improve and as the accompanying chart shows, our success is fantastic. To continue this progress we rely heavily on staff, volunteers, donors and adopters; it is truly a community effort! To create our success, we need financial support. Please consider the following when thinking about how you can support animals in Central Oregon: Thrift Store Sales: Our Thrift Store sales are able to cover 33% of our Shelter operation’s costs!!! Your donations of items, and shopping at our store, truly is a gift to help Central Oregon animals. Nothing to donate or no money to shop,? How about volunteering at our Thrift Store? Adoptions: We found homes for over 98% of all animals we took in, the highest save rate in the Redmond/Bend area. Spay/Neuter: Please spread the word about the need to spay/neuter. We charge less than half what it costs us to do a spay/neuter. We do this because controlling the pet population is core to our mission. Your financial support allows us to offer this service. Volunteers: To be high save, we must keep our animals engaged and adoptable. Dogs and cats must get daily human interaction, stimulation and exercise; we owe this to the domesticated animals who depend on us. Volunteers are critical to our mission in keeping our animals adoptable. Training: Our dog training program allows us rehabilitate “special needs” dogs and, combined with our matching adoptions procedure, has dramatically reduced our adoption returns. Matching Adoptions: We have seen the devastating effects for both dogs and humans when when an adoption does not work out. We are here to serve our animals and in that capacity we look for the best home fit for each animal. Bottles & Cans: Believe it or not, we get more than $40,000 a year from our bottle and can program. Ask us how you can help. Or just collect bottles and cans from your neighbors and drop them off at one of our trailers … it is easy as that! There are many other programs that our staff and volunteers engage in to support our efforts, I wish I could list them all! Come to BrightSide or visit our web site to learn more. Thank you for your support. Believe me, the animals would give each of you a big kiss if they could. Chris Bauersfeld, Executive Director BrightSide Animal Center

Spring 2014

Shelter Scoop: BrightSide Animal Center newsletter Spring 2014

Adoptions January - February

Chris Bauersfeld and Chance Photo by Jerry Boysen

Don Francisco coupon

$1.50 off If you are receiving this newsletter in digital form, then please come by

the shelter and ask to receive a coupon for Don Francisco coffee.

Available at Wal-Mart in K-Cup form and Cans

Available at Safeway in Can form

Spring 2014

Don Francisco is a big supporter of our cause. Their coffee is available at your local Safeway & Wal-Mart stores…. Enjoy!


Remember the 24 cats that BrightSide took from the hoarding situation?

To refresh your memory: The lives of 24 cats changed in an instant on

April 3rd, 2013 when we responded to an urgent Deschutes County Sheriff’s call to rescue twenty-four cats, one dog, and three rats from a small neighborhood in Redmond. A small trailer holding all of these animals in a tightly populated neighborhood was the scene where these animals were fighting for their lives, gasping for air in the windows as they laid there waiting for someone to rescue them. One cat was pregnant, two females had kittens, and two of the males had obvious wounds from a fight. Almost every cat was showing signs of upper respiratory infection and no one was spayed or neutered. Our veterinarian, Dr. Cheryl Byrd and her amazing veterinary staff immediately took on the task of removing the animals and getting them on the road to recovery. It took months of working with these cats to develop human trust, get them over their illnesses and to learn about playtime!!!! Ultimately each and every one was deemed “adoptable”. Well, we are HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY (infinite happys) to report that 22 of the 24 have found their new forever homes, bringing tears to our eyes as they head out the front door for the last time. Only Koi and Deja still remain. Koi’s name comes from her beautiful orange, black and white coloring. She is just over two years old and is much more independent than the rest of the group. Koi would be the one always on a new adventure in her new home. Deja is the smallest one of the group at only 8 months old. She loves to play with anything that moves and still has that kitten enthusiasm. She’s beautiful and she knows it. Deja loves all other animals and will allow you to pet and admire her for hours on end. Because of their past, they deserve a future full of love and rubs in their new forever homes. Please consider Koi and Deja when looking for your new best friend.

Koi, looking for love and adventure

Deja, a special sweety that wants to share her love and beauty

Spring 2014


Considerations for End of Life: You and Your Pet

Lately we have received several animals that

were turned in to us due to their owner’s death. These cases are especially sad because the animals have typically had such a loving and wonderful home. Sad and depressed these cats and dogs do not do well in a shelter. Fortunately we are high save and will find them new loving homes. So, please consider the following regarding you and your pet’s futures: 1. Have a plan and someone that you trust and your animals trust as your pet’s “Godparent”. 2. Be prepared. As sad as it may be, our animals will leave this earth. In preparation, they would only ask

that the end come with loved ones near by and with as little suffering as possible. BrightSide is one of the few facilities that will allow you to be present as your loved one leaves this earth for the heavens. Even if you do not want to be present, we euthanize in the most humane way possible.

3. In death, your animal can help others. How? Horizon Pet Cremations donates a portion of every cremation to BrightSide Animal Center. Ask for Horizon to do your animal’s cremation.

You have loved your animals, extend that love to the end of their lives.

When planning your estate, please remember us and the animals. Every dime helps and you can be assured your money will go far with us. Please contact: Chris Bauersfeld to discuss how a portion of your estate can be donated and how it will be spent to support our mission to improve animals’ lives. Also remember that your belongings can be helpful as a donation to our Thrift Store… we are happy to come pick up items throughout Central Oregon.

Spring 2014


A HAPPY ENDING FOR CHANCE No one more clearly epitomizes BrightSide’s high-save mission than Chance, the pit bull who was found by a roadside near death last July. He had been accidentally dragged by a vehicle, resulting in horrible injuries affecting most of his body. The incident occurred on a Saturday and he was not found until the following Monday. BrightSide’s Executive Director Chris Bauersfeld and veterinarian Dr. Cheryl Byrd considered carefully whether Chance could be saved, given the severity of his injuries, or should be humanely euthanized. They decided to try to save him because they felt there was a reasonable chance they could, and because of his own determination: He had survived the weekend in sweltering heat, lacking water, shelter and care. His strong will to live, and his obvious affection for people—as evidenced by the way his spirits brightened and tail thumped vigorously when anyone touched or spoke to him – told us we should do whatever we could for him. July 29th was the turning point. While he was under anesthesia for another in a series of necessary debriding of his skin, his heart stopped. And the hearts of everyone in the room skipped a beat. But Dr. Byrd’s skill, and Chance’s own will, brought him back from the brink. From then on he made steady progress and won supporters and contributors from all over the world, who followed his recovery on Facebook and our web site. In December, in recognition of our work to save Chance, BrightSide won a $25,000 grant from the Petco Foundation, in conjunction with “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and its Holiday Wishes program. In addition, Bend artist Mindy Sue Werth gave BrightSide a beautiful original portrait of Chance, which now hangs in Chris Bauersfeld’s office. You can have a copy for your home, too. Visit http://fineartamerica.com/featured/chance-mindy-sue-werth.html. But the best part of the story of Chance is its happy ending. On Jan. 31 Chance officially was adopted by BrightSide dog trainer, Judy Anderson, who had been fostering him in her home during the last months of his recovery. Congratulations, Judy and Chance! We’re very happy for both of you.

Chance giving kisses to his new human forever caregiver, Judy Anderson

Photo by Jerry Boysen

Chance portrait by Mindy Wirth. Learn more about Mindy’s work at www.msworiginals.com

Support BrightSide animals by having breakfast or lunch at the best dog gone

café in Redmond, open 6am – 3pm 7 days a week

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/chance-mindy-sue-werth.html







http://www.msworiginals.com/

Mary Wilda Warner has been walking shelter dogs weekly for over 14 years. Mary began at the Humane

Society of Redmond when it was located near the airport, had 16-20 dogs, had no dog walking program and employed 4 people. There were few if any volunteers in any capacity. Goodness how we have changed since then! Her inspiration was simply “to help the dogs”. She walked into the shelter and asked an employee if she could walk dogs and began helping every Tuesday for 4-5 hours, which she still does. She spearheaded the construction of the first outdoor pen in 2000, so dogs could have some outdoor playtime. The only time she ever missed her duties was after she fell from a horse and couldn’t walk for a couple months. While Mary admits that the work is “always dirty and sometimes emotionally difficult, there are many more pluses than minuses”. The rewarding part for her is accepting the dogs and meeting them where they are and knowing that she is helping them move forward to a better life. She enjoys the one-on-one interaction and is motivated by the needs that dogs have for human connection and exercise. We know that Mary’s dedication has helped many dogs with lengthy shelter time survive the challenges of being homeless. That familiar face each week and the countless miles she walks them have surely saved more than one life. BrightSide is extremely fortunate to have compassionate, caring, and committed dog walking volunteers like Mary in our Dog Buddy Program where the goal is “Every Dog, Every Day”. Mary would like to thank her husband Tom for doing all the chores at home while she is at the shelter walking dogs! INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? WE HAVE A THRIFT STORE TO OPERATE, DOGS & CATS TO SOCIALIZE, DISHES TO WASH, KONGS TO FILL, BOTTLES AND CANS TO SORT, AND MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS. CONTACT: [email protected] or call 541-923-0882 or come by the shelter to ask how you can be a part of our high save solution!

Spring 2014


CATS RULE Dogs drool !!

Cats and Dogs, we have them and they have to get along as they live together in our shelter. If you have never been to our shelter, then you don’t know that we have many cats that roam freely throughout the facility. These cats are lovely. They hang out in our reception area, in the open door rooms and all over parts of our shelter as they seek warmth, human comfort and some playtime. The dogs see it totally differently though. They believe that there is a “gang” of cats that take great pleasure in scaring the crud out of them. This is a daily game for the cats. The dogs never seem to get wiser…. dogs come wandering in to our lobby and jump when what was a sleeping fluffy thing hisses at them. The dogs will never believe it, but the vast majority of our cats are good with dogs and most of our dogs are good with cats.

Volunteer Spotlight

Cat waiting to greet a new dog

friend

Two cats “sleeping”, dogs beware

Cats and dogs in love!!!

Cat stalking the mean alleys of

BrightSide

mailto:[email protected]

April 26th 8am Applebee’s in Redmond Pancake (and more) breakfast $8 for all you can eat pancakes and one order of sausage You can RSVP or buy tickets at the shelter, or buy tickets at the door, but space is limited… so don’t wait. All guests get choice of milk, OJ, soda, tea, etc… BRIGHTSIDE gets the money!!!!

Spring 2014


Join us for our EVENTS!!!!

June 14th for a fun run/walk and celebration of PETS

Dog Gone Run Do you like to run or walk with your dog?

Come run or (walk) with us and it all will benefit our animals!

5k or 10k with your Dog (or other pet)

June 14th, race starts at 9am at Weigand Family Dog Park, 1500 W. Antler Avenue in Redmond Register at www.time2race.com or get your form at FootZone

or Fleet Feet in Bend or at our shelter and Thrift Store

Starts at 10am following the Dog Gone Run Sam Johnson Park in Redmond Agility course for dogs Food vendors for people (and dogs) Fly ball practice and demonstration Plenty of contests for dogs Live music Fun for all…..

Bow Wow Bingo Like bingo? Love animals?

Come join us every Thursday at 6:30 pm at the 7th Street Brew House for Bow Wow Bingo.

$1 for each bingo card, Bow Wow winners get cash prizes or valuable gift card!! Drink good brew. Eat good food. Play bingo. Have fun.

Win $$ for your pocket. And $$ for a great cause!!

http://brightsideanimals.org/events/bow-wow-bingo/

Please support Bend Pet Express

a big supporter of our HIGH SAVE mission.

BrightSide Animal Center 1355 NE Hemlock Drive Redmond, OR 97756

Contact Us: 541-923-0882 [email protected] www.brightsideanimals.org

Pappy’s is the place to be for kids!

Enjoy Pappy’s playground for YOUR next birthday party!

Redmond 541-548-1118 (North Side of Town across from Wal-Mart)

Bend 541-317-8888 (Next to Fred Meyer)

Pappy’s has been outstanding in supporting BrightSide’s mission, if

you are going for pizza, please consider PAPPY’S and let them

know you appreciate their support!

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.brightsideanimals.org/

BrightSide Animal Center Shelter Scoop Spring 2014

Government & Nonprofit

Transcript of BrightSide Animal Center Shelter Scoop Spring 2014