Spring 2016 Newsletter - Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson

Spring
2016
SERVING ANIMALS AND THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1952
P.O. Box 147 • Charles Town, WV 25414 • 304-725-0589 • www.awsjc.org
HAPPY CATS AND CUSTOMERS
It took two years of raising funds to make the new cat room a reality. The new lobby,
cat room and cat colony were completed in the fall of 2015. Not only are the cats
happier but so are the staff and customers! With the funds raised from two Valentine’s
dinner/ auctions, the lobby,
restroom, hallway, and cat
room all received new tile
floors. The cat room was
reconfigured for the new
Mason cages, which allow
cats to move more freely in
their caged areas. They can
climb up and down and have
beds on various levels with
the litter boxes at the bottom,
hidden for more privacy. A
separate bank of cat condos
was purchased with the
funds from a grant from the Parkersburg Community Foundation- Ruth Hornbrook Memorial Fund. This bi-level
condo allows cats to visit each other by way of portals or the unit can be closed off for separate quarters. A glass door
separates the cat room from the cat colony. This is a small area with areas for sleeping, climbing, and play . Three large
glass windows and a glass door allow visitors to watch the cats interact from the lobby. The lobby was upgraded with
new office furniture, cabinets and chairs. Stop by the shelter and see how the community has helped change the lives
of the cats and kittens as they wait for loving homes.
Panera’s Ten Year Commitment to AWS
The local Panera Bread franchise, comprised of 14 bakery-cafés along the Blue Ridge Mountains, presented the
Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson
County (AWS-JC) with a donation
of $1650.00 on Tuesday, March
8th. AWS-JC is the “Operation
Dough-Nation” partner of our
local Ranson Panera Bread and this
$1650.00 contributed to their total
contribution of $20,000 over the past 10 years. Panera’s
Community Operation Dough-Nation program focuses
on bringing Panera and its customers together to make
a difference in the community. The Animal Welfare
Society of Jefferson County has been a partner since
2006. Contributions from this year’s donation were
made to sponsor AWS’s new cat room and to help with
renovation of its older dog kennels.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Dunn, President
Dottie Kracke, Vice President
Jill Bonvillain, Treasurer
Judith Cain, Recording Secretary
Anna Mary Walsh, Corresponding Secretary
Janet Bailey
Jeff Bresee
Kay Bresee
Pam Bush
Dixie Dunn
Mina Goodrich
Jan Kletter, MD
Dawn Rodgers
Jane Tarner
Dannie Walls
SHELTER STAFF
Shelter Manager - Gwen Shelton
Animal Care Coordinator - Andrea Carroll
Kennel Assistants - Carrie Angel, Robert Back,
Michela Cipriano, Cindy Hawes and Susie
Jennings
NEWSLETTER
Editors - Dixie Dunn, Jane Tarner,
Anna Mary Walsh
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES DONATED BY:
Anna Mary Walsh, Bill Dunn
Website supported by: Bill and Dixie Dunn
Webmaster - Bill Dunn
Printed by Progressive Printing in Martinsburg
The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County
operates a no-kill shelter for homeless animals,
located on Leetown Pike, next to the Jefferson
County Fairgrounds. The shelter may be reached
at 304-725-0589 and is open to the public during
the following hours:
Wednesday through
Saturday 11 am - 4 pm
Sunday 11 am - 2 pm
To
Martinsburg
To
Middleway
Leetown
Kearneysville
Leetown Rd.
Traffic Light
To
Shepherdstown
Leetown Pike
AWS Shelter
Jefferson County
Fairgrounds
So
uth
Rt. 9
15
.1
Rt
Guys Buick
To Charles Town
2
Potomac M
arket
Place
Visit our Website www.awsjc.org
Dedicated Board Members Will Be Missed
After years of dedicated service, Ann Trumble and Anne
Marie Kohlhepp have retired from their positions on our
Board of Directors.
Ann Trumble began
volunteering for AWS in
2002. She was elected
to our Board and served
as treasurer from 2003
to 2015. Thanks to her
expertise, AWS was able
to enter into the 21st
century with all finances
recorded on Quick Books,
allowing for easy access of
all information, including
budgets, payroll,
donations, shelter costs,
Ann Trumble
veterinarian costs, utilities
and all types of income that is generated annually. Serving
as treasurer was comparable to a full time job and she did it
all with ease and patience. She is now retired from NIH and
enjoys life at Shenandoah Farm with her husband, Tom, sister,
Alice, three horses, four dogs, and one cat.
Anne Marie Kohlhepp joined the Board in 2006 and almost
immediately became chair of the Renovations Committee
and instituted an annual fundraiser –the Valentine’s Dinner
and Auction, held at the Hollywood Casino to benefit our
Capital Campaign funding. This year’s seventh annual
Valentine’s event had a sold out attendance and raised more
money than any other year, with a profit exceeding $34,000!
Anne Marie was relentless in her endeavor resulting in a new
isolation facility, a new cat room, offices and upgrades to
our existing facility. Her Renovations Committee members,
Board members, shelter staff and our dogs and cats are
grateful for her tenacity and fortitude in accomplishing these
improvements for the betterment of the lives of all of the
animals at the shelter. Anne Marie works from home with
the company of three dogs. She is also kept busy with two
grandchildren and
twins on the way.
Thank you to both
of these wonderful
women and their
years of hard work,
dedication and
friendship.
Anne Marie Kohlhepp
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
DINNER/AUCTIONS A GREAT BENEFIT FOR AWS
Twice a year, the auction committees work very hard to have successful events. Both
events have a wonderful dinner, raffles and over 100 silent auction items and 10 live
auction items. The Howl-O-Ween Dinner and Auction held on Oct. 24th was very well
attended, with many who enjoyed dressing up for the costume contest. Each year
the attendees become more and more
creative with their scary and/or funny
costumes and makeup. This year was
the ninth and most successful HowlO-Ween event with over $20,000
raised! The money generated from
this event went directly to operating
expenses and care for the shelter animals. The Valentine’s Dinner/Auction,
held on Feb. 13th, had a sold out crowd, raising over $34,000 to help fund the
renovations of the dog kennels.
Many thanks to all who attended and to the individuals and businesses who
donated items and sponsored the event, and to the Hollywood Casino for
hosting the event.
These success stories
SPONSORS FOR VALENTINE’S DINNER
would not happen
without the support
AND AUCTION
of the community.
Great Dane $1,000Mark your calendar
Panera Bread Company
for this year’s HowlBernese Mountain - $500
O-Ween Dinner and
Mina Goodrich and Larry Dean- In Honor of Wally and
Auction on Oct. 29th.
Otis; Dannie Wall and Wayne Braunstein- In Memory of
Bluesette; Rob and Mary Logan Hoxton- In Memory of
Lucy, Windstock and Elliott; Jill Bonvillain- JLB Business
Solutions-In Memory of Blue and Emily; Guy Chicchirichi;
SPONSORS FOR PAWS AND CLAWS
Sheehan Insurance Group; Bank of Charles Town; Tri-State
HOWL-O-WEEN DINNER AND AUCTION
Fence and Lawn; Gaggle Empire LLC.
Top Dog- $1,000
Mina Goodrich and Larry Dean- In Honor of Wally and Otis;
Italian Greyhound $250
McKinney’s Auto Repair and 24-Hour Towing; Sheehan
The Kohlhepp Family- In memory of Helen and Ray
Insurance Group-William Patrick Sheehan.
Kohlhepp; Jane Tarner- In Memory of Joey Long, North
Jefferson Elementary’s school dog of 13 years; Jeff and
Cool Cat- $500
Kay Bresee- In Memory of Molly, AWS graduate; United
Dannie Wall and Wayne E. Braunstein- In Honor of Scooter
Bank- Charles Town Team; United Bank,; River Riders, Inc.;
and Lucy; Jane Tarner- In Memory of John Clinton; J and K
J&K Precision Auto Care; Stephen Skinner; Neal and Alice
Precision Auto Care; JLB Business Solutions- In Memory of
Barkus; Country Roads Car Club.
Blue Bonvillain; Don Amoroso and Fran Phillips.
Classy Canine –$250
Cornerstone Lawn Services, LLC; Jan & Maggie Kletter;
WGAM Inc-Tracy & George Moody.
Cat’s Meow- $100
BVintage ;William and Judith Reichardt; Andy’s Pizza; Apple
Tree Animal Clinic; Stephen Skinner.
Toy Pomeranian $100 and up
Paul and Elizabeth Welch; Jean Neely; Candy Cain- In
Memory of Harley; Gagan Singh, M.D.; Thomassen Ford;
Jefferson Security Bank; Apple Tree Animal Clinic; Susan
Brown and Arthur Wineburg; Mindy May and Meredith
Adams– For Cats Only; Barbara Spicher and Martin Burke;
The Medical Eye Center; Kable Team Realty, LLC.
SPREAD THE WORD!!!
DINE OUT AND HELP HOMELESS PETS
The Animal Welfare Society continues to participate in Applebee’s Dining to Donate program. Dine at Applebee’s in Charles
Town on the first Thursday of each month and Applebee’s will donate 20% of your bill to the Animal Welfare Society. Bring in
the flyer printed from the AWS website – www.awsjc.org or mention Animal Welfare Society to your server.
AWS is also participating in the Dining for Dollars fundraiser at Glory Days Grill in Ranson from January 1st to December
31st, 2016. When you dine at Glory Days Grill in Ranson, the restaurant will contribute 10% of your total food purchases to
the Animal Welfare Society. You must keep the copy of your guest check (not credit card receipt), and either mail it to: AWS,
P.O. Box 147, Charles Town, WV, 25414, place it in the collection box at Petco in Ranson, give to a Board member, or drop it off
at the shelter on Leetown Pike.
This is a great opportunity to grab your family and friends, enjoy a great meal and help support the efforts of AWS to help
take care of the needs of the abandoned, abused and surrendered animals of Jefferson and surrounding counties.
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CAN YOU HELP US FIND A LOVING HOME?
MESHE
By Gwen Shelton
This is the story of a new beginning for one old backyard dog. Meshe started this new journey
on the day that a neighbor noticed her tethered in the back yard of a house that was recently left
vacant. Can you imagine any owner simply packing everything up and leaving their supposed pet
tied out in the back yard with no way to get food or water or help in the event of extreme weather?
This was Meshe’s plight until a concerned neighbor felt she simply had to act. She went to the
house and unchained Meshe and brought her home with her. This was no easy thing to do since
she had dogs of her own at home and soon found that Meshe would not blend with the family
pets. Undaunted, she made a warm comfortable space in a weather tight shed and saw to it that
Meshe received the appropriate care. After a visit to the vet she put her on a balanced diet with
supplements to help Meshe with a skin condition that had been worsened by her outdoor life. Of
course, she knew the shed was far from an ideal situation for Meshe and she began to look for a
better place for her to live. During this search she reached out to AWSJC who did promise a future
spot at the shelter when something opened up.
Meshe was surrendered to the AWSJC shelter on April 30th 2015. Meshe has several
characteristics that make adoption opportunities few and far between. Meshe is a black dog with
bully breed in her and she is also an older adult. Her exact age is unknown as her teeth are very
worn down, but the greying muzzle does suggest some years. With all these strikes against her,
Meshe still maintains a very good attitude and is energetic and happy with any attention she
receives. More recently, in November of 2015, we were visited by a volunteer who thought she
might like to try fostering a dog for us. Several dogs were considered for foster but Meshe seemed to stand out for her as really needing
the help. So, on November 16, 2015, Meshe went into a foster home. Meshe is still in that foster home today. The original person who
found her, Christine Kain, still supports Meshe’s financial needs, whether it is a bath at the local vet, food and supplements or flea and
heartworm treatment. Christine’s devotion to the care and future happiness of this dog is overwhelming and we want to thank her
for all the care she has and continues to give. Meshe’s foster care giver, Terri Mehling, has taken on not only the home care for Meshe
but also the job of teaching her better social skills so that she will make a better pet when she finds that forever home she needs so
badly. We appreciate Terri’s willingness to open her home and her heart to help a deserving animal. The happy ending to Meshe’s story
has yet to be written but as long as we have people like Christine and Terri, dogs like Meshe still have a chance. If you would like to
consider adopting Meshe or any of our other deserving pets, please contact the shelter or stop in.
A FAIRY TALE THAT NEEDS A HAPPY ENDING! by Abby Horner
There once was a puppy named Diamond who ended up at the Animal Welfare
Society of Jefferson County along with her siblings. One by one, her brothers and
sisters found homes, but still Diamond remained. Then, one happy day, a family came
to take Diamond to her very own “forever home”.....but, along came the villains of the
story - the bad old Homeowner’s Association which told her new owners that Pit Bull
Terriers were not welcome in the land. So, sadly, Diamond was returned to AWS.
She waited and waited some more, then found another family to take her in.
Unhappily, they had another dog and Diamond is a princess who requires her home to
be dog and cat free (although she adores humans). So back came the poor girl to AWS.
Yet a third time she found a home - only to come back shortly afterwards because
she had “too much energy”. Time passed, five YEARS worth of time, and Diamond is
still looking for that “forever” home. AWS is sure that, somewhere out there, there is a
hero or heroine to this story, who can make her wish come true!
If Diamond is offered a treat, she will smack her lips.
WE STILL NEED HOMES!
She knows sit, speak, and give paw commands, and
loves her stuffed toys. She’s intelligent, strong and
confident as any lady should be! She is currently in
training, so that she accepts a muzzle and can venture
on walks where there might be other dogs. We expect
her to pass with flying colors.
Diamond must be the only animal in the home, but
she loves humans and is eager to learn. What a happy
day it would be for her to go to a real home!
Baby
4
Buck
Marmalade
Jack
HAPPY TAILS
BRUCE WAYNE by Andrea Carroll
When AWS staff came to work on December 23, 2014, they found that someone had left a surprise
waiting for them in a backpack on the porch. When they unzipped the backpack, a cat popped out!
He was a Cornish Rex who was very eager to get out and make some new friends. He was very thin
with jaundiced skin, and, at first, his age was hard to determine because he had no teeth. He was left
with no note, only a book about the Cornish Rex breed and a kitty sweater. Animal Care Coordinator,
Andrea Carroll, who was then a volunteer, took him into her home as a foster. His giant ears meant he
needed a “bat” name, so he became Bruce Wayne (he was too elegant for “Batman”).
A vet checkup revealed that Bruce Wayne was about fifteen years old, severely malnourished, and
his body had gone into starvation mode, resulting in fatty liver disease. The remedy was good food
and lots of it, a plan with which he was on board 100% ! He spent the first two days at Andrea’ s house
eating a half-can of food every couple hours. His vet prescribed two different medications to get his
liver back in shape.
Fast forward a year, and Bruce Wayne has settled into the Carroll house as if he’d been there all his
life— making his foster family a foster failure. He is still on medications to keep his liver healthy and
has a mild heart murmur that he sees a cardiologist for once a year. He enjoys riding around the house
on Andrea’s shoulder and sleeps in the Carrolls’ bed snuggled up under the blankets next to Andrea.
He’s very popular at his vet (he’s been referred to as “the best cat ever” by the techs), came within
three votes of winning a featured spot in his cardiologist’s annual calendar, and was the poster boy for
AWS’ Paws & Claws Halloween event.
THE KITTY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD by Jane Tarner
Remember the 40 inches of snow that blew into our area at the end of January? The snow was not the only thing that blew into
my back yard. As I sat in my warm kitchen watching the snow fall, I heard a meow. Not
surprising when you have 5 cats, but it sounded different and farther away. I turned on
the porch light and then I saw it. A small gray kitten was sitting on my deck railing with
a lump of snow on its head, meowing loudly. “Oh, no”, I thought to myself, “I don’t
need this with 30 plus inches of snow coming”. But I knew I couldn’t leave it out there in
the storm. I opened the door and it ran under my deck. I checked my outdoor cat house
next to my back door to see if it was still protected from the snow. It was, so I could only
hope the kitten would be smart enough to get inside it. I never heard the meow again and
assumed it went home.
The next morning the day long shoveling began. As I finished a path to my heat pump,
I heard a MEOW! “Really, you are stuck under the deck?” With snow totally covering any
way to get out, I began shoveling a path to the deck door so I could open it and it could
come out. Thirty minutes later ,the snow was removed and the door was open. “Here Kitty,
Kitty”- not a sound or sight of the kitten. At least it could get out and I headed up the steps
to the back door. “Meow, meow”- out comes the kitten from the cat house!!! “You couldn’t
have done this before I shoveled!” I scolded as it purred and rubbed up against my legs.
So another cat took residence in the large cage in the basement away from my other cats, which were not happy. The kitten was
friendly and I was able to determine it was a female. I named her Nora after the Nor’easter and promised to get her spayed and
then to the shelter. My friends laughed as I held her in my arms as she purred and declared “I am not keeping her”. But I was sure
I was not. She got spayed, recuperated in my basement and went to a foster home. Her foster home was great, but she would not
come out of the room. So back to me she came to get socialized. When I let her out of the carrier, she walked over to the cat door,
went through it into the litter box room, used the litter box, came back out the door and looked at me as if to say “Any questions?” I
am now the president of FFA- Foster Failures of America. Wanna Join?
SPIKE by Shawn Wedhorn
My son and I adopted Spike. We love Spike so much!! He’s a chill dog, which I need and he’s
loving and sweet and really smart and he’s incredibly patient. Spike has done so much more
though. He doesn’t even know. I want you to know because this awesome dog has given me a
new outlook on life. I spent a year in Afghanistan, as a contractor, not in the service. But I’ve been
a military brat and a military wife all my life. I saw this as a chance to make my contribution to
our country. I didn’t come back the same. I was angry-- sooo angry-- and all the other things.
It was like my life stopped for a year but everyone else just kept going without me. I was very
depressed. Long story short, my marriage fell apart and it took a year just to find a job. My son
and I moved into our own place in April. Then I lost my cat of fifteen years in July. I spiraled
down into depression. Spike is pulling me out of the depths of hell. He has given me a reason to
get out of bed as well as to get out of the house when we go for our walks. I see how he loves to
just stretch and roll in the grass. He sits on my lap while I cry but he always makes me smile. I
love this dog!!!!! Thank You.
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Bow Wows of Thanks for AWS Wish list Items and Monetary Donations
from Businesses, Schools and County Organizations
Panera Bread Café 4461; The Petco Foundation; Glenn Edwards-Children’s Tennis Program Jefferson County Memorial Park;
Hollywood Casinos; PGPresents, LLC; Charles Town Lodge No 948; Kabletown C.E.O.S. Club of JC; Shepherdstown Women’s
Club (for all the great work you do); New Street United Methodist Church; University Health; Nicole Boulay- Loudoun Water;
Steve Yendrzeski; Sam Madkour; Ginny Taylor - PC Construction; Wright Denny Intermediate School; Jennifer Poteet for
Driswood Elementary; Shepherdstown Elementary School; C.W. Shipley Elementary Second Grade; Martin & Seibert LLC;
Wee Disciples Christian Academy; Potomac Family Dining Group ( Applebee’s); United Way of Frederick County,MD; J&K
Precision Auto Care,;Michele Terwilliger (Silpada); Clovers in Action 4-H Club; North Jefferson Elementary School – In Memory
of Joey Long, NJE school dog; Smile.Amazon; Country Roads Car Club; McKinney’s Auto Repair; Glory Days; Country Clover;
4H-Club, United Way of Allegheny County, MD; Wright Denny K-Kids Club;Key Club -Jefferson High School.
Purrs of Thanks to our Wish List Donors
Susan Pipes; Susan Destephanis; Marjorie Gaestel; Cheryl Beuning; Dee Hanna; Kathy Hamer; Betsy Mead; Tammy Kirik;
Susan Pipes; Lisa Jacob; Jesse McKnight; Dawn Rodgers; Charlene Fraysier; Carole Bassett; Alicia Ring; Dara Ritter;
Linda Small; Judy Sager; Gayle and Earl Johnson; Abbey Horner; Paul Buscher; Elizabeth Stagner; Mary Simpson; Mark
Rhoads; Nancy Fishenden,; Pamela Bush & Peter Rublee; Kayla & Ryleigh Hollowman; Denise Pohill; David and Gwen
Boltson; Debby Kay; Sarah Lueck; Jan Dandrigi; Patricia C Scott,; Kim Thomas; Gayle Chapman; Kathleen Vasconcelos;
Ray Casiano; Melica D Propst; Christine Reed; Dottie Kracke; Sheri Lehman; Kelly Brown; Dannie Wall; Carol Stokes; Scott
Gordon & Noel Laing; Michael Cummings; Bruce Staskiews; Brigid Rofen; Andrea & Dave Carroll; Darieus & Belinda
Zagara; Louis Covey; Deborah & Kevin Crowe; Carole & Lester Henry; Kim & Todd Molnar; Tina Boarman; the customers
of Clippers Hair Salon; Jim Lusby-Treber, Jim & Kay Close, Jerry Arvin, Karen & Stephen Scott, Ivy Allison McMullen; Lacy
Washabaugh; Rose Jackson; Kim & Todd Molnar; April Burnell; Sarah Samuelson; Catherine Stevens (In Honor of Logan’s
birthday); Doris David; Millie Wells; Peter F. Dessauer; Jeff Sargent; Debby Kay; Theresa Rush,;Laura Lazur; Carrie Angel;
Dale Horensky; Angie Faulkner; Marla Seymour; Joe Schill; Angus McDonald; Douglas Evans; Kevin Styles; Melanie
Friedman; Chris and Jackie Larson;Calvin S. Stokes, (new refrigerator); Erick Butterworth; Karen Schroyer; George and
Debra Cornwell; L. Narramore; Amy & Steven Secrist;Shaquita M. Basileo; Doneesha Robinson; Michele Terwilliger; Anna
Williams; Lou Ann Spaur; Teresa Ballantine-Gossard Melvin Gossard.
Service Donors
Businesses and Individuals who have donated time and supplies for Shelter Maintenance
McKinneys Auto Repair; Vital Signs Plus; Home Depot; Bill Dunn; John and Elizabeth Hostler – Greensburg Bed and Biscuit;
Barbara Keech Photography; Linda Domer- All About the Dog
Generator Donors
Tom Dunn; Jim Rogers/Pat Rissler; Linda Zangla; Holly & Marc Waybright; Helen Burch; Dana Pickles; Robert & Mary Ann Brewster;
Fay Tyler; Vicki Lanham; Mina Goodrich & Larry Dean; Mary Murphy Jones; Joyce Herman; Ken & Beth Gilbert; Alcia Quiambao;
William Lineburg; Rose Anne Tennant; Roberto & Isabel Depetri; Wanda Miles; Bill & Sandy Coughlin; Anne Kask; June Thompson;
Paul & Mary Jackson; Deborah Fisk; Lauren Vogelsong; Ellen McDonough; James & Mary Holland; Carole & Norm Bassett; Henry
Willard II; All-Star Animals 4-H Club; Cheryl & Wayne Bennett; E.L. & R.M. Danner; Carol Gallant; Constance Hartman; Brian & Jo
Ann Hilger; Jeanne Kushner; Anne Luxford; Kenneth & Betsy Mead; Kathleen & Richard Mills; Jim & Melinda Schmidt;Doris David;
William Binkley; Sheri Crock; Mary Lynn Mauk; Theodore & Sylvia Viands; Tina Larrick; Faye
Davenport; Scott & Valerie Campbell; Mary & Maurice Espinosa; Pam Bush; Textile Preservation
Assoc.- Cathy Heffner; Steven Moler; Edward Yourkovich; Ellen Murphy; Jeffry Levesque; Dr.
Doris Morgan; Tina Lippincott; Candy Cain; Dorothy Mozden; Sylvia Zepp; Nancy Snyder;
Laura & Roland Johnson; Emma & James Locke; Gayle Chapman; Kenneth Pohill; Steven &
Amanda Bock; Pamela & Daniel Blumenthal; Rosa Hall; Anne Marie Kohlhepp; Dannie Wall &
Wayne Braunstein; Patricia Scott; Lee Ann & William Baty; Theresa Barb; Jody Cullen; Laurel
Neff; Doreen Neff; Kimberly Bell-Jackson; Joan Pope; Sally Martin; Delores Nicewarner; Santo
Richard Miglioris; Michael & Kathleen Sholl; Jennifer Stahl; John & Stephanie Sutton; Andre &
Jessica Tuzzio; Nancy Zapotocki; Molly Lapenotiere; Cynthia Hamilton; Frances Keyser; Jane
Tarner; Richard & Kathleen Kidwell; Jondra Kershner; Jennifer Perrott; Cynthis Baynham; Lisa
& Paul Welch; Joni Miller; Laura Miller; Rose Ann Glover; Guy Chicchirichi; Karen Hill; C.K.
Gund; Pat Fiori; Brenda Winterstine; Brian Steeley; Blanca Haase; Eric & Bridgette Flanagan; Wanda Raczkowski; Janice DeHaven;
William Senseney; Andrew Cremia; Kelye McKee; Mitchell Carroll; Russell Jones; Theresa Rush; Betty Jo & Joe Walter; Mary Ann
Stevanus; Troy Kemp; Sandra & James Watkins; Carolyn & David Bryant; and Beverly Belchik.
And many thanks to all the businesses, groups and individuals who may have donated to AWS
and may have inadvertently been left out of the above donors.
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MEMORIALS
In Memory of Blue BonvillainAmanda Stroud, Candy Cain
In Memory of John ClintonLawrence Phelps, Linda Small,
Treva Blackford, Pamela Bush &
Peter Rublee
In Memory of William HepnerMelissa A Boswell, William N.
Rinehart, Anne W Carver, Carrie
B. Rhodes, Charles W Bolton Jr.,
Julia K Rader, Darryl Coffman, Nancy Hepner
In Memory of Jessie Hicks-Linda Ballentine
In Memory of Tenton Nelson Horton- Barbara Humes,
Charlene Clark
In Memory of her father, William Hepner-Carole Henry
In Memory of William Hepner-Charles Sisson, Jr., Henry &
Barbara Reid, Greg Maddox
In Memory of Beth Walsh, with love, Roger & Cindy Webster
In Memory of Bailey- Ellen McDonough
In Memory of Chester, Carol Blessing’s beloved dog-Sherry
Brown
In Memory of Winston & Porkchop-Sherry Brown
In Memory of Joseph Abel-Joyce Rudnick
In Honor of David Hammer’s many years of community
service- Ann & Tom Trumble
In Memory of Larry Stillwell- Dottie Kracke
In Memory of her husband, Larry Stillwell-Mary Lou Stillwell
In Memory of Patsy Croushorn-Katherine Dunbar, Susan Lee
In Memory of Micki, Nicki, Ginger, Duchess, Princess &
Abbey-Janice Breeden
In Memory of Tenton Nelson Horton, “a dear and loving
man and friend. He was so good to all of his animals &
he is greatly missed by his friends in Colorado.”- Carolyn
Baldwin
In Memory of Patricia Croushorn- Sandra & Jake Gruber
In Memory of Cesarina Wysong- C. Locke Wysong
In Memory of Sandra Cookson- Mariland & Charlie Lee
In Memory of her JCAWS best friend for the last 15 years,
Harley- Frances Keyser
In Memory of Frances Latterell- Richard Latterell
In Memory of Nutterbutter, their cat who passed away- Karen
& Stephen Scott
In Memory of Barley & In Honor of Trixie- Janette & Michael
Collins
In Memory of John Morrison- Susan Parfrey
In Memory of Patrick’s “Woody”- Roger Ramey
In Memory of Kitty, Crystal, Impy & Tooey and In Honor of
Buff Cat- Betty Jo & Joe Walter
In Memory of John Morrison-, Susan Parfrey
In Memory of Lily Butler, much loved dog of Linda and Pat
Butler- Jane Tarner
In Memory of Melvin Strider- Gideon Properties, LLC
In Memory of Terry L. Carey- Sylvia Zepp
In Memory of Ian Pape’s 32nd B-day- Karen I. McMullen
In Memory of Lily Butler- Stephen & Bridget Roth
In Memory of Linda Shackleford- Lincoln Elementary School,
Purcelleville, VA
In Memory of Smokey- Jim Knowlton
In Memory of Mayor David Hamill- Jane Tarner
In Memory of Knotty, beloved cat of Janet Bailey& Rem
Onyshak- Candy Cain, Jane Tarner
In Memory of Dear Smokey- Cat Tails Inc.
In Memory of Charles Dillow, Sr. - Jennifer Carlucci, Estate of
Lolee Judd
Richardson, Mary & K. Scott Holder, Nutwell Plumbing &
Heating, William Booth
In Memory of Jasper, beloved dog of Carolyn Bradford and
Brandeis- Jane Tarner, Candy Cain
In Memory of Bradford- Pamela & Daniel Blumenthal
In Memory of Joey Long:
- North Jefferson
Elementary School’s
mascot and canine friend
of 13 years - Jane Tarner,
Rachel Potts, Eileen
Davis, William & Patricia
Stine, Susan Ingram &
Gary Heerd, Marilyn
Hynoski, Mary Jenkins, Cheri C. Perks
In Memory of Charles Redden- David Tomick
In Memory of Joey Long- North Jefferson Elementary Schoolmoney generated from a Scentsy sale
In Memory of Geoff Lewis- William & Janice Parris
In Memory of Beverly Whitmore -Brenda Hildebrand
In Memory of Charles Dillow - Engle United Methodist
Church
In Memory of Beverly Whitmore - Mary & Maurice Espinosa
In Memory of Beverly Whitmore- David Ramsburg
In Memory of Shirley Rickard- Ken Seal Co., Guy
Chicchirichi, Rebecca Kesner, Mary Moffat
In Honor of Dr. Jan Kletter- Wayne & Cheryl Bennett
In Honor of Rod Glover & Tom Mayes wedding, 10/10/15Beth & Mark Seibel
In Honor of Rosemary Wagner-Steve & Bridget Roth
In Honor of Connie Clem- Darlene & Diana Grimes
In Honor of Kate & Kevin Gladmon- Carolyn & Don
Whetstone
In Honor of Maddy, Vicki & Dana Johnston- Carolyn & Don
Whetstone-Thanks to the AWS Staff
In Honor of Donald & Carolyn Whetstone- Dana, Vicki &
Maddy Johnston
In Honor of Kate and Kevin Gladmon. - Love, Dana, Vicki &
Maddy Johnston
In Honor of three friends, Terri Ramsey, Donna Kerns, Cindy
Chapman- Tina Larrick
In Honor of her companions, Gretchen & Odi- Helen Burch
In Honor of the marriage of Mr. & Mrs. Travis HessenauerJordan Hitrik
In Honor of Margaret Bloom & Kim Hit- Otho S Bloom
In Honor of Jeff Bloom & Josie- Otho S Bloom
In Honor of Lucy - “Thank you for bringing ‘families’ like
ours together” - Patricia Donohue
In Honor of “My Wonderful Teachers at Charles Town Middle
School”, Ms. Spurlock, Ms. Parker, Ms. Grithith, Ms.
Diamond, Ms. Allen, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Hollcroft, and the
office staff- Anna Walter
In Honor of Joe & Beth Caltrider & family- Carol Riggleman
In Honor of Tyler & Mary Mayhew- Carol Riggleman
In Honor of Anna Mary Walsh- Blue Ridge CTC / Enrollment
Management Dept.
In Honor of sweet Huckleberry- Treva Blackford
In Honor of Ellie, Bear, Star, Tommy- Eleanor & David
Leathers
In Honor of his nephew, Jeff Bloom - Otho Bloom
In Honor of Debby Kay- Jim Knowlton
In Honor of David Hammer’s many years
of community serviceAnn & Tom Trumble
And many thanks to the many
businesses, groups and individuals
who may have donated to AWS and
may have inadvertently been left out
of the above donors.
7
ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY “BARK IN THE PARK” SET FOR JUNE 4TH, 2016
The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County is having its tenth annual Bark in the
Park fundraising event at Jefferson Memorial Park in Charles Town, WV. The event will
be held on June 4th (rain date June 5th) from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. with registration at
9:30. You and your best doggy pal or pals can participate in a day of fun. There will be
a Blessing of the Animals; an Interactive Dog Pledge Walk; canine demonstrations; dog
and owner games; canine contests; vendors that include dog
rescues, crafts, products, and delicious food provided by Big Daddy’s BBQ. This year
there will also be a microchip clinic for participants at the low cost of $20 per pet!
For a doggone good time, plan to spend the day and quality time with your best
friend to benefit the homeless pets at the Animal Welfare Society shelter. Registration
is a $10.00 donation per dog for the event and your canine friend receives a doggy
bandana and goody bag. Collect pledges from friends and family to participate in
the Interactive Dog Walk, similar to a walkathon, with suggested pledges beginning
at $5.00 per lap. This major fundraiser for the Animal Welfare Society depends on
the contributions from these pledges to help sustain the Society’s animal shelter on
Leetown Pike and other programs, like spay/neuter and education outreach. Print
the Dog Walk Pledge form and Registration Form from the AWS website www.
awsjc.org and start collecting pledges now.
HOME DEPOT HONORS JOHN CLINTON by Dixie Dunn
John Clinton was a valued employee of the Animal Welfare Society of
Jefferson County, but also worked at the Home Depot, and for the Youth
Court in Jefferson County as a counselor. John passed away unexpectedly
on Monday, July 12, 2015. He was a champion for dogs, especially troubled
dogs as he worked with their behavior and trust to get them to the point
of becoming great adoptees into a forever home with a family. He was
a “gentle giant” among us all, becoming a
beloved staff member and friend to all with
whom he worked, including members of our
Board.
The employees of Home Depot knew of
John’s passion for animals. They contacted
AWS to find out about our shelter needs. Last
summer and early fall, the shelter was in the
process of a major renovation project. The
response by Home Depot staff in helping with general upkeep projects of the
facility was overwhelming. I’m not sure there was any one left to work at Home
Depot the day they came to help! We had people painting the inside of the shelter, installing a new toilet, planting
flowers for the front of the shelter—and all of the supplies were donated by Home Depot.
The impact John had on everyone he met was incredible. We laughed, we cried, we made new friends. The
work at the shelter was a fitting tribute to John who kept the welfare of the animals close to his heart.
JHS HONORS AWS FOR PARTNERSHIP IN JHS’S WORK EXPLORATION PROGRAM
by Jennifer Parker, M.A. Special Education,
JHS Transition Coordinator/Special Educator
The Animal Welfare Society was recognized on Monday, April 25th, at the Jefferson
County Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 pm. for its participation with Jefferson
High School’s Work Exploration Program since it began in the Spring of 2010. Michela
Cipriano is one of our former students and is now an employee at AWS. While our
goal is focused on volunteer experience (without expectation to hire) it is always
nice to see a success story like Michela. We truly appreciate the opportunity for our
students to volunteer. Counting this year, I have had three students go on to pursue a
career as a vet tech and it all started with their volunteer experience with the Animal
Welfare Society of Jefferson County! Thank you!!!
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DEDICATED DONORS FOR 2015
Golden Leash Donors $1,000 and up
Blue Ridge Bread (Panera); Mitchell Carroll; City of Charles Town; Faye & Henry Davenport; Bill and Dixie Dunn; Eastern
West Virginia Community Foundation; Wallace Fauble; Glory Days; Lori Gochenour; Mina Goodric; J & K Precision Auto
Care; JLB Business Solutions; Victoria & Dana Johnston; Marguerite & Jan Kletter; McKinney’s Auto Repair & Towing;
Helen & Edward Moore; Charles Town Moose Lodge; Parkersburg Area Community Foundation; PETCO; Patricia Rissler
& Jim Rogers; Tracey Rissler; William Patrick Sheehan; Calvin & Carol Stokes; John & Stephanie Sutton; Jane Tarner; Ann
& Tom Trumble; Victoria Weagley & Polly Kuhns; Dannie Wall; Jack & Gretchen Weigel; Bridget Wenner; WGAM, Inc.;
Henry Willard; Patrick Winter; Darieus & Belinda Zagara; Michael Zimmerman.
Silver Tag Donors $500-$999
Peter Abbrecht; Arnold Amoroso; Norm & Carole Bassett; Jack Blackford; Pam Bush & Peter Rublee;David & Andrea
Carroll; James Casey; CEOS of Jefferson County; Sheri Crock; C.W. Shipley Elementary School; Dale DeYoung; Scott
Gordon; Michelle Griffith; Karla Hanes; Michelle Harris; Rebecca Horn; Ethyl Hornbeck; Elizabeth Hostler; Hoxton
Financial, Inc.; Richard Kidwell; Dottie & John Kracke; James & Debbie Lancaster; Harrison & Vicki Lanham; Jacqueline
& Christopher Larsen; Robin Mose; PGPresents, LLC; James Poulson; Alcia Quiamboa; Steve & Bridget Roth; Taylor
Mountain Farm; Katherine Upton; Andrew Wandler.
Best Friends Donors $250-$499
Janet Bailey; Jill Bonvillain; Helen Burch; Candy Cain; Gayle Chapman; Guy Chicchirichi; Cornerstone Lawn Services,
LLC; James Curtis; Tom Dunn;Mary Elizabeth Gano; Karen Glennon; Colleen Happy; Cathy Heffner; Carole Henry;
Deborah Hill; Karen Hill; James Holland; Paul Jackson; Sandra Jenkins; James Keel; Richard Latterell; Mary Lynn
Mauk;Virginia Mitchell; Doreen Neff; Lisa Ocasio; Roger and Wanda Perry; Progressive Printing; Roger Ramey; Mark
Reinhart; Dawn Rodgers; Karen Scott; Shepherd University; Anne & Dennis Small; Tim Smearman; Beverly Snaman;
Kasra & Shawn Statler; Susan Stevenson; Tastefully Simple; Textile Preservation Assoc.; Theodore & Sylvia Viand; Lisa
Welch; Carolyn Whetstone.
Barks and Meows Donors $100-$249
Meredith Adams; Sherry & Jo Adams; Apple Tree Animal Clinic; Stephen Arnold; Avalanche Services, LLC; B.Vintage;
Carolyn Baldwin; Linda Ballentine; Theresa Barb; Betsy Barker; Alice Barkus; Barry Bartow; Christopher Basch; Lee Ann
Baty; Mary Bell; Kimberly Bell-Jackson; Cheryl Bennett; Kristy Benton-Grover; Black Dog Coffee Company, LLC; Treva
Blackford; Pamela Blumenthaul; Tina Boarman; David & Gwen Boltson; Stephen Boykin; Jeff Bresee; Sherry Brown; Linda
Butler; Elizabeth & Dino Carson; Kabletown CEOS Club; Marie Cipriano; Michael Collins; Dale Comstock; Kimberly
Comstock; Mildred Contrino; Sandra Coughlin; Louis Covey; Jared Creel; Tina & Randy Creller; Kevin & Deborah
Crowe; Claude Cyr; Darnell & Compan;, Doris David; Eileen Davis; Rebecca Davis; Mike Decelie; Vincent DeSantis;
Sandra D’Onofrio; Thomas Doyle; Tracy Eastman; Mary Ellis; Paul & Cathy Espinosa; Gary & Elizabeth Fazenbaker; L.
Feder; Karen Fellers; Patricia Fiori; Carol & Paul Fisher; Lisa Fitterer; Brigette Flanagan; Charlene Fraysier; Diane Friis;
Rose Ann Glover; Tracy Goglio; Michael Gouzie; Darlene Grimes; C K Gund; Kathy Hamer; Daranell Hanna; Dorothy
Harman; Barbara Heinz, Kathryn Henry, Nancy Hepner, Carolyn Holcomb, Abigail Horner, Patricia Humphreys, Jack
Huyett; Paul & Mary Jackson; Jefferson Security Bank; Pamela Johnson; Mary Murphy Jones; Charlie Keeling; Ken Seal
Co.; Anne & Tom Kerfoot; Jondra Kershner; Frances Keyser; Anne Marie Kohlhepp; Ray Kohlhepp; Jeanne Kushner;
Tina & Mark Larrick; Eleanor Leathers’ Emma & James Locke; William Lutman; Greg Maddox; Beth Manzuk; Angus
McDonald; Ellen McDonough; Nancy McLoughlin; Ivy Allison McMullen; Betsy Mead; Santo Migliorise; Laura Miller;
Steven Moler; Tracey & George Moody; Michele Moskowitz; Dorothy Mozden; Mr. P’s Emporium; Nancy Myers, Laurel
Neff; New Street United Methodist Church; William & Delores Nicewarner; Anne Oxfort; Susan Pellish; Gavin & Patricia
Perry; R Piper; Shay Potter; Mary Propst; Melica Propst; Wanda Raczkowski; Henry & Barbara Reid; Matthew Ridgeway;
Dara Lynn Ritter; Gerald & Kristy Ross; Joyce Rudnick; R Kent Schreiber; Patricia Scott; Alicia Secatello; Elizabeth
Senseney; William Senseney; Shepherdstown Women’s Club; Charles Sisson; Stephen Skinner; Rebecca Smith-Kevern;
Nan & Ed Snyder; Clifford Starliper Jr; Brian Steeley; Mary Stevanus; Phillip & Pamela Stevens; Kevin Stiles; Mary Lou
Stillwell; Amanda Stroud; Karen Swanson; June & William Thompson; Charles Towle; Cheryl Turner; Tammy Turner;
Fay Smith Tyler; Evan Vass; Mary Via; VIP Boarding Kennel; Anna Mary & Gary Walsh; Betty Jo Walter; William Warren;
Washington Humane Society; Sandra Watkins; Donald Watts; Rosalind Welsh; Patricia Willingham; Angela & David Wilt;
Brenda Winterstine; Eleanora Worth; Joan Wyant; Locke Wysong; Edward Yourkovich.
Biweekly / Monthly / Quarterly Donors
Jacqueline Larsen; Meredith Adams; Cheryl Bennet; Mitchell Carroll; Mary Ellis; Mary Elizabeth Gano;Victoria & Dana
Johnston; Michele Moskowitz; R. Kent Schreiber; Bridget Wenner; Jacqueline Larsen; Wallace Fauble
And many thanks to the many businesses, groups and individuals who may have donated to AWS
and may have inadvertently been left out of the above donors.
9
Wright Denny K Kids made dog and cat toys for the cats and dogs at the shelter.
North Jefferson Elementary School donated supplies and over $1,000 in
monetary donations from staff and students. These donations were in
memory of their beloved school dog of thirteen years, Joey Long. Pictured is
Joey’s owner, NJE school teacher, Lisa Long.
Board member Dixie Dunn, volunteer
Rem Onashak , and manager Gabrielle
Harter take a break in the kitchen during
the Applebees FlapJack fundraiser, which
raised over $1,400
Pictured from left to right Pam Bush- Volunteer Coordinator, Dannie
Wall- Board member; Robert Back; Bill Dunn-President; Ann
Trumble, former Treasurer.
CELEBRATING OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS
At AWS, we benefit from having an amazing group of volunteers whose talents and interests are deep and varied. Whether
they’ve worked at training dogs, are experienced landscapers, or possess social media savvy, volunteers are encouraged to bring
their skills and interests to their volunteer experience. In this way, our organization gains a wealth of know-how and expertise that
we could not otherwise afford as a small non-profit, dependent on donations and fundraising efforts. At the same time, we hope
that our volunteers gain enjoyment from sharing their abilities with us and the animals.
We’re not unusual in our reliance on the help of talented volunteers. Today, all non-profits cultivate volunteer programs. What
sets AWS apart is the level of commitment that our volunteers demonstrate in their daily care of our cats and dogs, in their efforts
at monthly adoption events, and in staffing the ongoing fundraisers we must hold to keep our doors open and ensure that much
needed improvements happen.
In an effort to acknowledge and honor the work of these terrific people, AWS instituted the designation of an annual Volunteer
of the Year Award in January, for the past year, 2015. Two recipients were named, Mary Lynn Mauk, was recognized for her
dedication to the cats of AWS, and Robert Back, for his sustained efforts with some of our more challenged dogs. Both of these
dedicated volunteers received a framed document during a short ceremony at the shelter, as well as our huge thanks!
Continuing this effort, Dottie Kracke, Board Vice President and AWS Facebook guru, and I began collaborating on monthly posts
for our Facebook page this winter, highlighting the work of some of our dedicated volunteers. In this way, we hope to not only give
a shout out to some truly kind and generous individuals, but also to inspire others to follow their lead. So far, we have introduced
the larger community to the volunteer work of Tina Creller, Mary Lynn Mauk, Abbey Horner and Jennifer Hartlep. Each of these
volunteers has own her unique way of contributing to our organization and community, but all share a profound love of animals
and desire to help them and agree that, through volunteering, they gain as well as give.
If you or someone you know would make an awesome AWS volunteer, get started by completing an application. These are
available on our website, at www.awsjc.org, at our shelter, or by sending an email to me at [email protected] with questions.
Pam Bush- AWS Volunteer Coordinator
10
If you are already a member, why don’t you invite a friend to join?
Change of Address? Please let us know.
Please enroll me as a member or renew my membership at the level specified below:
 Golden Leash Member $1,000 and over
 Best Friends Member $250 to $499
 Whiskers Club Member $50 to $99
 Silver Tag Member $500 to $999
 Barks and Meows Member $100 to $249
 Regular Member $30
Name _______________________________ Phone ____________________ Email ___________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________________________
Enclosed is my additional contribution designated for:
I am interested in volunteering my time:
$_________ General Operating Fund (This fund helps keep
our doors open so that we can help the many
homeless animals who need us.)
_______ Volunteering at the shelter
_______ Helping with fund raisers
_______ Offering professional skills
(please specify)
$_________ Spay/Neuter Fund
$_________ Shelter Capital Campaign and Renovations Fund
__________________________________
_______ Volunteer at Adoption Days at Petco in Ranson
$_________ In Memory/Honor of (please circle):__________
__________________________________________________
_______ Volunteer at Adoption Days at PetSmart
in Martinsburg
(West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the
Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.)
Please return this portion with your remittance envelope. Thank You.
Sponsor A Dog Kennel Or Cat Cage
And Make A Lasting Impression
Leave your “Paw Print” at the
Animal Welfare Society Shelter
With a donation of $500 or more for a cat cage or a
donation of $1,000 or more for a dog kennel you will
receive a personalized certificate. A sponsor for a
dog kennel or cat cage refers to those donations
that support the care and upkeep of the animals in
the kennels or cages.
_____$500 Donation - Cat Cage
_____$1,000 Donation - Dog Kennel
Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent
allowed by law.
Name of Donor____________________________
Phone____________________________________
Address__________________________________
The Gift
That Keeps
on Giving
With your support, the Animal Welfare Society has been able
to help hundreds of homeless, sick, and injured animals. With
your bequest, we can continue to care for these precious animals
even after you’re gone. By remembering the animals in your will,
your gift can live forever for the cats and dogs who need your
help most. If you wish to remember the Animal Welfare Society
in your will, we recommend the following language:
To the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County,
Post Office Box 147, Charles Town, WV 25414
I bequeath the sum of ________ and/or (specifically described
property) for the general purposes of the Animal Welfare Society
of Jefferson County.
We appreciate all gifts given in tribute and in memory of
friends and loved ones. To make sure that the family of
those who are being honored or remembered is made
aware of your thoughtfulness, please include the name
and address of the family member. A note will be sent to
them. Without this information, we have no way of
getting in touch with them. Thank you for your help!
11
Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County
P.O. Box 147
Charles Town, WV 25414
U.S. Postage
PAID
Non-Profit Org.
Permit #5
Ranson, WV 25438
Agency of the United Way of Jefferson County
Combined Federal Campaign ID# 43359
AWS only receives United Way funds that are designated. Please designate your donations to AWS.
2016 UPCOMING EVENTS
50 gal garbage bags
Low dust Clumping Cat Litter
Kitten Chow • Puppy Chow
Dry Cat Food • Paper Towels
Large Disposable Gloves
See website or Facebook
for a detailed list.
If you receive
duplicate newsletters,
please let us know at
[email protected]
Volunteers
always
welcomed!
ONGOING EVENTS
June 4th
Bark In The Park
(raindate 5th) Jefferson Memorial Park,
Charles Town- 10-2pm
Aug. 25, 26 Jefferson County Fair 5-9pm
September 3 Yard Sale
Zion Episcopal Church
Charles Town 8-1
September 13 United Way Day of Caring
Shelter on Leetown Pike
September 24 Low Cost Rabies Clinic
Tractor Supply
Charles Town 10-12noon
October 29
Paws & Claws Howl-O-Ween
Dinner & Auction
Hollywood Casino at Charles
Town Races 5:30-10pm
November 27 Pet Photos with Santa
Tractor Supply
Charles Town 1-3pm
December 3 Charles Town Christmas Parade
2 pm
Glory Days Dining for Dollars – All Year Long
Applebee’s Dining to Donate – First Thursday of each Month
Each month, based on available animals and committed volunteers, AWS holds adoption events at Petco in Ranson
(second Saturday of each month), and at Petsmart in Martinsburg (third Saturday of each month). Check our Facebook
page to confirm where we’ll be and then come on out. The animals look forward to meeting you!