You Can Make A Difference! - Humane Society of Polk County

SPRING ISSUE 2009
Volume 4, Issue 1
of Polk County
You Can Make A Difference!
As the economy worsens, so does the plight of animals here in Polk
County. The animals truly are the innocent victims of our current financial
crunch. They are all too often abandoned, left behind and forgotten. If
they are lucky a neighbor might find them after someone has moved
out of their home or dumped them out.
Every day at the shelter we receive more pleas for ­assistance.
People are forced to move and are no ­longer able to
keep their pets. Others have lost their jobs and find
that they are unable to purchase pet food and/or
medications for their pets.
As a result of this rise in requests, we find that we
need your help. We have an ­immediate
request for more foster families. If you
have the time, love and commitment to
­consider being a foster ­family for the Humane
Society of Polk County, there is no better
time than now to become part of this
­wonderful group of animal lovers.
Are you looking for a new addition to your
family? We have an abundance of animals
to choose from. Remember that we do have a Match-a-Pet Program.
Just come into the shelter and take a look to see if the new love of
your life might already be here. If not, add your name to our Match
a Pet List, and we will call you when your petfect match comes in.
Don’t forget that you can fill out the Match a Pet Form online, too!
The Humane Society shelter hours
of public operation
You could also help us help them by simply bringing in some left
over food that your pet didn’t like. Having more pets at the ­shelter
requires more food. In addition, we are getting an ­overwhelming
­number of requests now for help with pet food, while ­owners are
in between jobs, to enable them to keep their pets. If you have any
medications, like left over flea control or heart worm ­preventative,
we have a direct need for these products too.
As contributions to charities are down all over the country, now is
the time we need you the most! We have come so far toward our
goal of building Polk County’s only no-kill animal ­sanctuary.
The hardest part we have achieved by finding the location;
a ­beautiful property on CR 544 just off of US Hwy. 27 in
Winter Haven. This property is centrally located for the
east side of Polk County making it easy for all to access.
Thanks to your contributions, we now
own this property, but we haven’t
reached our goal yet! Won’t you
consider helping us build more
space for needy animals
while ­making Polk County a
NOT
no-kill ­community? We need
ME!
you to “B-ONE” who
makes the ­difference for
Polk’s Pets. For ­information
on how you can help please
call Lisa at 863-324-5227.
W I LL
WO R K
F OR F OOD
Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. We have staff at the shelter every day from
8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Holiday hours vary, but there is always someone available for animal care.
In this issue...
Wish List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Upcoming Events. . . . . . . . Page 10
Rusty Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
B-ONE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Be a Brick, Buy a Brick!. . . . . Page 11
Animal Stats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2
Rusty’s Pool Party. . . . . . . . . Pages 6-7
Chain of Lakes
Cycling Classic . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Memorials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
“I Rescued a
Human Today”. . . . . . . . . Page 11
Felix Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Dog Obedience Classes . . . . Page 10
We value every life!
SNIP Information. . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
P o l k
C o u n t y ’ s
Furry Tales &
Happy Endings . . . . . . . . . Page 12
F i r s t
N o
K i l l
S h e l t e r
I want to
ride my
bicycle!
of Polk County
2008 - 2009
HUMANE SOCIETY BOARD
of DIRECTORS
Gerry Reeves, President
Suzie Moraco, Vice President
Elaine Butterfield, Secretary
Terry Cleaves, Treasurer
Cindy Connors
Jack Enfinger
Jackie Greene
Tracey Greene
Dennis Hewitt
Alan Klose
David Kosakowski
Nancy McDonald
Becky Reeves
Melinda Riddle
Gene Saks
Jane Saks
Bonnie Sutton
Jim Sutton
Joan Turner
Mitsie Vargas
HUMANE SOCIETY
Employees
Lisa Baker
Executive Director
Laura Chaikin
Administrative Assistant
Joe Morgan
Office Manager
Ron Ericson
Abuse Investigator
Rhonda Daniels
Animal Care Specialist
Doug Hansen
Animal Care Specialist
Erika Henn
Animal Care Specialist
Will Taylor
Animal Care Specialist
Contact Info:
Pause for Paws is published quarterly by:
The Humane Society
of Polk County
555 Sage Road • Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863.324.5227
Fax: 863.325.8980
Web site:
www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
________________
Jackie Greene - Editor
Laura Chaikin and Lisa Baker Contributing Editors
Clark/Nikdel/Powell - Graphic Design
and Illustration
Page 2
RUSTY
Last October we had
the pool party, what a
blast that was for all who
Rusty
­participated! Thanks for coming to the only
pool party of its kind in Florida! I would just like to point out to my overly sensitive
and easily offended buddy Felix, that there was not a cat in site! Just to show how
humble I truly am, I insisted on having a puppy and, yes, a feline representative in
our commercial coming out for the Chain of Lakes Cycling Classic. Look for it in your
bright house on TV soon. So what is all of this Cycling Classic stuff anyway? I knew
you would want to know all the de-tails, so I started my investigation, as any good
canine would, by sniffing out the facts. The Cycling Classic is an event for the whole
family to come and enjoy. There will be a kid’s race for our youth to be involved
and learn just how exciting cycling really is. You will be able to see and meet the
top cycling athletes in the south, who will be gathering right here in Polk County
to show off their mad skills and bravery on the top criterium course in Florida. As
your canine investigator I uncovered the mystery of what a criterium actually is. A
­criterium race is like NASCAR for bikes! I’ll bet you didn’t know it but some of the
leaders in our community are actually racing in this event. Here are just a few of
my new hometown heros, Julius Alesio, Joel Baker, Bill Cundiff, Vance James, Don
Nettlow, Jared Williams and Andrew Young to name a few. What do bicycles have
to do with dogs and cats? Nothing, except the awesome people who ride them
love me, I mean, animals! Here’s the case cracker, Cycling Classics, Inc. decided that
all the proceeds of the event will benefit the Humane Society of Polk County. This
means the top cycling athletes in Florida are coming together to help my friends,
at the ­shelter, find their forever homes and help to build our new one too. Maybe I
will allow Felix to host this event. I know that cats think they are so much more agile
than dogs, but how are their little legs ever going to reach the peddles?
SAYS:
Love, Rusty
ANIMAL STATS
From August 2008 to January 2009
Dogs in: 149 – Dogs out: 143 – Dogs put to sleep: 11 / 1 (ET request)
Puppies in: 84 – Puppies out: 86 – Puppies put to sleep: 1 (ET request)
Cats in: 60 – Cats out: 52 – Cats put to sleep: 10 / 5 (ET request)
Kittens in: 129 – Kittens out: 120 – Kittens put to sleep: 15 / 5 (ET request)
TOTAL IN: 422 – TOTAL OUT: 401
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Spring Issue
Bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle,
I want to ride my bike…
Boy does that song bring back some old memories (I’m
­probably telling my age here), and we hope that the Chain
of Lakes Cycling Classic will create some new ones for us all.
Cycling enthusiasts and animal lovers are uniting forces to
bring the premier cycling event of Florida to Polk County and
Downtown Winter
Haven on Saturday,
April 18th and Sunday
April 19th. If you
have never attended
a ­criterium race, you
are in for a day of
thrills and excitement.
On Saturday, April
18th we will have
a mini Tour de Polk
in the Lake Buffum,
Alturus area. The first
race will feature our
youth ­riders who will start out at 11 a.m. the last of our ­riders
will em”bark” on their races at 3:10 p.m. Join us Sunday
­morning in downtown Winter Haven for the pawsitively
­exciting, action-packed ­criterium races beginning at 8 a.m.
Pause for Paws Newsletter
This is an event to bring families together with fun, fitness
and furry friends. Children will be able to not only witness
but ­participate in the ­excitement of cycling. The Kids’ Zone
will feature a Kids Bike Race (please pre-register), Bicycle
Safety Rodeo, games and fun activities like face ­painting,
entertainers, street
­performers, ­balloons
and more all in
Central Park. To
­pre-register your
child for the race
please call our
friends at Main
Street Winter Haven
at 863-295-9422.
They are sponsoring
the Kids’ Zone! Of
course, the Humane
Society will be in
the middle of it all ­helping our babies find forever homes.
So, if you’re trying to keep that New Year’s resolution to stay
fit, dust off that old bike of yours and ride it downtown to
the Cycling Classic.
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Page 3
FELIX SAYS: YOU MUST BE KIDDING
Me on a bicycle? That’s false
­advertising! Against the laws of
decency! I wouldn’t be caught dead
on a bicycle; it would be ­demeaning,
not to mention undignified. Cats are
­nothing if not dignified.
Don’t get me wrong; I support this event – and truly admire
those cyclists and organizers who have promised to donate the
proceeds to the Humane Society of Polk County. Anybody who
helps our shelter helps all of us, and we thank you in advance.
I wish their route would come by the shelter; then I could show
many people what we have to endure here. The place really
Rusty has proved himself unworthy of my
has gone to the dogs; even the cat room is full of dogs with a
attention. He insults me every chance he gets, pen on the floor full of 6-week-old puppies. We have to look
and he wouldn’t
at them ALL DAY, EVERY
allow me to attend
DAY; right under our noses,
his pool party last fall. I would not
literally and ­figuratively. I’ve
have swum anyway, but I would like to
received complaints from
have been invited. I thought we were
the American Feline Liberties
friends with a ­bipartisan cooperative
Union (AFLU), but my paws
­relationship. That will teach me to have
are tied. My position now is
expectations. He’s just a dirty dawg,
live and let live; the ­puppies
and I will not stoop to his level.
are funny, actually, and they
give us something different to look at while my fellow felines
As for the cycling itself, it’s fine for Rusty. Biking could add to his
wait to find their forever homes.
­repertoire of tricks. I’ll pose for graphics and promotions, but don’t
look for me in downtown Winter Haven where the cycling classic
So long for now…
will take place.
Love, Felix
Wish List...
Equipment
❑ Brooms with dust pan
❑ 50-foot commercial-grade hoses
❑ Pooper scoopers (large)
❑ Nylon clothes line
❑ Large clip-on mop heads
Wishes for Cats only
❑ Purina Cat Chow (dry)
❑ Purina kitten food (dry)
❑ Regular clay kitty litter
(Special Kitty brand)
❑ Advantage
Office Supplies
Wishes for DOGS only
❑ Copy paper (white)
❑ Purina Dry Dog Chow
❑ Powder laundry detergent
❑ Purina Dry Puppy Chow
❑ Kitchen trash bags (13 gallon)
❑ Kongs, Gummabones,
❑ Large trash bags (30 gallon)
Nylabones or Greenies
❑ Liquid hand soap
❑ Stainless steel food bowls
❑ Kleenex
❑ Heartgard (all sizes)
❑ Dish soap
❑ Frontline spray
❑ Pine-Sol
❑ Advantix (all sizes)
❑ Bleach
❑ Bottled water
❑ Toilet paper
❑ Paper towels (rolls)
❑ HP Ink Cartridges (#15, #23, #27, #28, #45, #93, #97, #98, #99)
Page 4
Donations for H.S.P.C. Programs
❑ SNIP Fund (spay, neuter and
inoculation program)
❑ Second Chance Fund (emergency financial aid
for pet owners’ veterinary expenses)
❑ Operating Account (general operating expenses)
❑ Building Fund (for our new facility, located at
State Rd. 544 – one block west of US Hwy. 27
in Winter Haven)
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Spring Issue
I’ve got a BONE
to pick with you!
Did you know that your Humane Society of Polk County is the ONLY “NO KILL”
shelter in the county and that HSPC leads the field in pet awareness and education?
u for
thank yo
y
ll
a
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r
to pe
he lost
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ne for t
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in this a
ls
a
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and abu
u
s
n
e
began
have be
­Animals
rs old, I
a
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ix
s
e. At
rs of
in my lif
past yea
e
s
e
h
T
.
many
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ht me so
g
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­riding ho
a
t
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to give
rses ha
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I wanted
.
s
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ane
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the hum
in
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a
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back to
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ust as t
y life so
m
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society j
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gain!
Thanks a
, 16
Brie Bird
To “B-ONE” of the reasons that
animals live healthier happier lives…
You have to pick a BONE!
B-ONE of the family that
become a foster home for
­abandoned aniamals.
ip
Sponsorsh
These speci
al BONES a
sked for do
the Human
nations to
e Society o
f Polk Coun
of gifts at th
ty
instead
eir birthda
y party.
B-ONE of the sponsors that
gives to make a difference in
­animal education for children
and families – or animal care
and ­shelter improvements.
B-ONE of the volunteers
that makes tails wag.
You picking a “BONE”
is the best thing that will
ever happen in the lives of
abondoned animals in Polk County!
g
erin
Fost
Voluntee
r
Go ahead and pick a BONE!
For more information on how YOU can pick a BONE,
or to find out about the many programs and services
­available, please call The Humane Society of Polk County
at 863.324.5227. Shelter located at 555 Sage Road,
Winter Haven, FL 33881.
Volunteer — “B-one” — we need your help!
art.
ed at PetSm
S that help
E
N
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o
Two of
Pause for Paws Newsletter
To have a premier event, you need premier people to help with it. Our
­volunteers are the back “B-ones” of the Humane Society, and we will need
at least 75 ­people “B-ones” to help us with the Chain of
Lakes Cycling Classic. If you are available to help us out on
either Saturday or Sunday please call the shelter at
863-324-5227 ASAP. We need people in all areas of
the event from the kid’s zone to helping to keep our
riders safe watching the road crossings and passing
out water, etc. Isn’t it time for you to “B-one”!
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Page 5
Chloe’s Day Out!
Chloe is a 55-pound mix breed,
­rescued by the Polk County
Sheriff’s Department at 10
weeks old, a victim of abuse.
Calling s!
DogGardens
aatllCypress
We arrived
at 11:00 a.m. My wife Bonnie
drove her car as she was
a volunteer for the event.
Chloe and I were in my car
(I was ­driving this time). Today was to
be Chloe’s coming out party as she had
recently celebrated her first birthday.
We registered and made the short walk
to the entrance to the park. As we
rounded the corner and got our first
glimpse of the festivities, I realized this
was going to be a HUGE day for Chloe.
Every imaginable breed and mixture of
breeds was represented. We made our
way over to say hello to Lisa, Laura and
crew from the Humane Society. Poor
Chloe could hardly contain herself. She
had spotted the wave pool filled with
dogs of all shapes and sizes. We made
our way past the snow cone vendor,
snow cones for dogs
Page 6
Calling s
g!
all Do
that is … chicken or beef flavored.
Past the hot dog and hamburger stand
which would normally have her frozen
in her tracks. Not today, today she
only had eyes for the water. After all
she is a veteran swimmer of many of
the lakes in the area but had never
seen waves before.
She seemed to feel as if this clear water
lake was taunting her with the waves,
and she was determined to stand up to
the challenge. She charged through the
waves with her chest leading like the
bow of an icebreaker through an ice
flow. Clearly her eight-foot leash was
not going to be long enough. As most
of the dogs were leash free, I tentatively
decided to risk releasing her and did
so. She was free and the day was on!
She quickly joined a pack consisting of
three labs and two other mixed breeds
­chasing tennis balls and Frisbees.
Behind us a presentation of “Dogs in
Sync” was in progress. All of the dogs
following commands in unison while
music played in the background.
At this point Chloe discovered the
­kiddie pool area and I obediently
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
– continued on page 7 –
Spring Issue
Chloe’s Day Out!
– continued from page 6 –
f­ ollowed her to her next adventure. She
seemed amazed watching a Great Dane
“puppy” (at 75 pounds) trotting up the
steps to launch himself down the slide,
over and over again. This was when
Chloe decided that anything thrown
by anyone was fair game. I spent the
next hour returning stolen toys to their
­rightful owners with apologies.
Meanwhile raffle ticket numbers were
called out for prize baskets filled to
overflowing with toys for pets and
people. The baskets were assembled
by board members and friends of the
Humane Society of Polk County.
Then it happened. In broad daylight!
A thief was caught red handed, or
red pawed in this case. Bonnie’s ­sister,
Maureen, accompanied by Katie
(Miniature Schnauzer) was seated in
a lounge chair to enjoy her lunch of
a freshly made cheeseburger. She
was ­distracted by something Katie
found interesting and was giving the
­traditional taste test to. Her burger was
in her left hand when the Great Dane
puppy (from the slide) snuck up from
behind and ever so gently plucked the
burger from Maureen’s hand. Even the
Pause for Paws Newsletter
most seasoned of pickpockets would
have been proud had he not been
caught. The burger was gone in one
gulp leaving behind only the lettuce and
tomato. Then the lettuce ­suffered the
same fate. Apparently Great Dane
puppy is not a fan of the tomato.
Dear Lau
ra and S
Personally, I think Katie was in
taff at t
H
u
he
m
ane Soc
on the caper as it went way too
iety of P
o
lk Count
smoothly. Maureen might have
Words c
y,
annot ex
press th
considered seeking justice for this
­Huntley
e fun th
and I ha
at
d at Rus
heinous crime had she been able
I didn’t k
t
y
’
s
Pool Par
now wha
ty!
to stop laughing.
t to ex
­arr
Two o’clock came all too soon
and Bonnie, Chloe and I said
our goodbyes to our friends,
including a host of new friends
we met that day, then made
our way to my car. As I navigated through the parking
lot to head home I glanced
over to see Chloe curled up
in the floorboard with her
head propped in the passenger seat, sound asleep.
Nothing says “Great Day”
like a pooped pup.
Submitted by:
Jim, Bonnie and Chloe Sutton
ived; ­how
pect wh
en I
ever…th
e fun th
when we
at we ha
got ther
d
e has be
­discussio
en topic
ns with
of many
friends s
The even
ince the
t was so
e
v
ent!
well org
it was a
anized, a
mazing t
n
d
o see th
got alon
at all th
g! The fi
e dogs
r
st thing
of when
t
h
a
t
I heard
I though
about Cy
t
changing
press Ga
their ho
r
d
e
ns
urs was
to take
“oh no! I
Huntley
w
a
t
n
o
t
the pool
That wa
party ag
s my only
a
in
c
!”
oncern!
much fo
Thank y
r the ev
o
u so
ent, and
to t­aking
we look
part in it
f
o
r
w
ard
again th
is year!
Musicall
y,
Sara Mic
haels
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Page 7
Memorial Donations
From August 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009
In Memory of: Catherine Parker
Donated by: Jane Fronappel
In Memory of: Putt Boucher
Donated by: Patrick & Judy Dugas
In Memory of: Bob Deedrick
Donated by: Mark Deedrick
In Memory of: Robert J. Hamilton Jr.
Donated by: Gladys Bailey
Betty Balch
Beth Shinn
James & Deborah Shinn
Shinn Groves
Ben & Kathleen Benham
Thomas & Deborah Stovall
Kenneth & Donna Rabasca
Margaret Siegrist
John & Ann Thompson
Robert & Elaine Gamson
John & Elaine Wheaton
Lewis & Carole Marotti
Stanley & Teri Roberts
and Family
Judy Lawson
Ricky & Patricia Marshall
George & Donna Markey
Harold & Adonis Bailey
Benjamin & Beverly Sibley
Carol Cangemi
Richard & Lu Ann McNeer
In Memory of: DeAnn Breen
Donated by: Bernard Breen, III
Joe & Debra Breen
Dan & Christal Clifton
Gregory & Lisa Mercer
Kieth & Marian Tadlock
The Enser Corporation
Mark & Gail Bergling
Roger & Bonnie Leitner
Robert & Sherry Kirschenmann
Floyd & Dixie Bulkley
Christine Rasmussen
Fansion Juenemann
Verol & Rosemary Bergling
Stuart & Barbara Lindell
Roger & Melinda Carlson
Daryl D. Walker
Martyn Barlow
Andrea Rucker
Rich & Peggy Thompson
In Memory of: Aletha Carmichael
Donated by: Don & Ann Wainscott
In Memory of: Wendy Hodge
Donated by: Ralph & Jeanette Blackmon
In Memory of: Forrest R. Stolburg
Donated by: Charles & Frances Stolburg
In Memory of: John Marz
Donated by: Oakview Lakes Homeowners
Assoc., Inc.
In Memory of: Archie McQuagge
Donated by: Thomas & Nancy Mitchell
In Memory of: Ron Janata
Donated by: Lois Frakes
In Memory of: Paul Legg
Donated by: Byrum & Linda Cooper
In Memory of: Norma Wheeler
Donated by: Allen Jaeggi
In Memory of: Bud, Kay & Lee Monroe
Donated by: Greg & Delora Herndon
In Memory of: Morris Barton
Donated by: Jeanne L. LaRue
In Memory of: Gene Fisher
Donated by: Carl & Iris Freeland
GB Financial Group
Rapid APS, Inc.
Robert & Vicki Sewell
J.A. & Margaret Moran
Albert Keever
Merrill & Carol McNabb
Sue A. Brugett
Daniel Laubenthal
In Memory of: H. George Burke
Donated by: Frank & Addie Phillips
Charles & Pamela Price
In Memory of: George & Lallie Burke
Donated by: Betty M. Crum
In Memory of: “Jackson” beloved cat of
Scott & Gwen Campbell
Donated by: Michael Clark & Karen Milo
In Memory of: “Socks”
Donated by: Stefanie Rian
In Memory of: “Sport”
Donated by: Howard & Cheryl Beckert
In Memory of: “Biscuit”
Donated by: Tom Dryden
In Memory of: “Goldie”
Donated by: Nancy Waters
In Memory of: “Sable Dubie” Baxter
Donated by: Mrs. William H. Fuller
Jennie L. Adams
In Memory of: “Bandit”
Donated by: Caroline Beckley
In Memory of: “Emmy”
Donated by: Virginia Jones
In Memory of: “Luke”
Donated by: David & Polly Caldwell
In Memory of: John “Jack” Scott
Donated by: Edna E. Scott
Page 8
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Spring Issue
Let your Love ofAnimals Live On
Have you considered a legacy gift to the Humane Society of Polk County?
There are many ways your estate can ­benefit
the well being of animals both now and
well into the future. With planned ­giving,
some of those ways include:
Bequests
Bequests through a will are one of the most
effective ways you can donate to help save
precious lives while enabling you to keep
assets or property during your lifetime. A
bequest can be in any of the following
forms:
• General bequest leaving a certain
dollar amount
• Specific bequest leaving a piece of
­property such as stock or real estate
• Residual bequest leaving all or a ­portion of
the remains of your estate after expenses
• Contingent bequest leaving assets only
under certain conditions
Life Income Plans
These plans offer a way for you to receive
income for life, gain an ­immediate
­charitable tax deduction and leave an
­everlasting legacy. Life income plans can:
• Provide charitable gift tax deductions
• Significantly reduce or eliminate capital
gains tax on gifts of appreciated property
• Improve income from low-yeild,
­high-value assets
• Offer flexible retirement planning options
• Remove gifted assets from your
taxable estate
Provide
income for life
•
for you and your family
Until one has loved an animal,
part of their soul is unawakened.
Life Insurance
Life insurance can
be used in a variety of
ways to make a gift to the
Humane Society of Polk County:
• Name the organization as a beneficiary
of a policy thereby securing an estate
tax deduction
• Obtain an income deduction by
­donating either a paid-up policy or one
on which premiums remain to be paid
• Preserve the legacy passed on to
your heirs by replacing other assets
­previously donated to charity
Your lawyer or financial planner
can help you make provisions for
the Humane Society in your estate.
The Humane Society of Polk
County is a 501(c)(3) organization.
F
“SNIP” Information
SNIP – Spay Neuter Inoculation Program is a no-cost sterilization program to
assist low-income ­families with vaccinations and spaying and neutering their pets.
This program would not be possible without the help and generosity of our local
­veterinarians. Dr. Mattson, Dr. Vargas and Dr. Yoder
have done all of our surgeries, and they are true
champions to the Humane Society. If you are in
Dr. Rayburn
need of assistance with spaying and neutering your
pet, you may qualify for our SNIP program. For more
detailed information visit our Web site or call the shelter at
863-324-5227.
We also provide a low-cost spay and neuter voucher program
to those who do not qualify for SNIP. The program works
this way. You purchase a voucher at the Humane Society to
have your pet fixed at one of our participating veterinarians.
Dr. Yoder
Then you call that vet and set up your appointment. Vouchers
for cats are $40 and dogs are $60. The voucher covers the surgery only for your pet. You will
need to take verification of shots – rabies and first vaccine – to the vet the day of the surgery,
or the participating veterinarian can administer those shots for an additional fee.
We have been very fortunate
to have several veterinarians
in our community partner
with us in this program. We
would like to thank them for
their continued support:
Pause for Paws Newsletter
Dr. Patricia Mattson
Veterinary Emergency
Care, Inc.
3609 US Hwy. 98 S.
Lakeland, FL
863-665-3199 or
863-698-2728
Dr. Jerry Rayburn
Carter Animal Hospital
3691 Lake Alfred Road
Winter Haven, FL
863-293-1428
Dr. Mattson
Dr. Vargas during surgery
Dr. Mitsie Vargas
615 Overlook Drive
Winter Haven, FL
863-324-6964
Dr. Teresa Yoder
Ridge Veterinary
Hospital
23992 Hwy. 27
Lake Wales, FL
863-676-8240
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Page 9
Dog Obedience Classes
Sign up now for dog obedience classes offered at
the Humane Society of Polk County, Inc. We offer
­temperament and ­socialization training classes right
here at the Humane Society. Most of the reasons dogs are brought into the shelter result from behavior issues. If you are in
need of this service please call the shelter at 863-324-5227 or our instructor Bob Sokoloskis at 863-676-2798.
• Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Humane Society @ 9:00 am • Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at the Humane Society @ 6:00 pm
• Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at the Humane Society @ 6:00 pm • Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at the Lake Wales YMCA @ 6:30 pm
Membership
H.S.P.C. Membership Update Form • Annual Registration
Name__________________________________________ Date____________
Address_________________________________ P.O. Box/Apt.#___________
City___________________________State____ Zip + 4__________________
Phone: (_____)______________________ (_____)______________________
(home)
(work)
All members receive H.S.P.C. Pause for Paws newsletter
and special invitations to shelter events.
M E M B E R S H I P L E V E L S
___ $ 25 Individual
___ $100 Sustaining
___ $1,000 Benefactor
___ $ 35 Business
___ $200 Patron
___ $ _______ Other
___ $ 50 Family
___ $500 Lifetime
___
___
___
___
Contact me about becoming a volunteer
Yes: I can foster animals in need
Please remove me from your mailing list
I have already paid my 2009 membership fees
Remember, your membership is tax deductible.
Here’s what your membership can provide:
•$15 food for one animal for one month
•$25 heartworm test & vaccines for a dog/feline
leukemia test & vaccines for a cat
•$50 spaying or neutering of two animals
•$250 heartworm treatments for five dogs who
otherwise would not live
humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
The H.S.P.C. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals and to the promotion of animal welfare and pet
population control. We are funded by private donations, memberships and bequests. We rely on the generosity and compassion of citizens and
businesses to support our programs designed to alleviate the pain and suffering of neglected, unwanted and abused animals.
Want to help the shelter save
money and the environment
all at the same time?
Simply fill out this form
and return it to us to
receive your next issue of
Pause for Paws electronically!
Page 10
Upcoming Events
March 7, 2009 — Off-site adoption
at Peterson Park “Yappy Hour” with
the Doggie Bag of Lakeland,
12:00–3:30 p.m.
March 14, 2009 — Off-site adoption at Ridge Career Center with the
Kiwanis Club of Haines City Pancake
Breakfast, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
April 18 & 19, 2009 — Chain of
Lakes Cycling Classic, Downtown
Winter Haven, all-day event
April 25, 2009 — Polk County Pet
Fest “Scales and Tails” at Simmers
Young Park in Auburndale,
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
October 24, 2009 — Off-site adoption at Lake Alfred Animal Hospital/
Pink Poodle Octoberfest, time TBA.
November 20, 2009 — Lake Ashton
Pet Carnival at the Lake Ashton
Clubhouse, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
*** Please check out our Web site
for dates and times we will be at
Petsmart in Posner Park for off-site
adoptions, and for any added events.
Name ___________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________
Phone ___________________________________________________________
E-mail address ____________________________________________________
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Spring Issue
Be a
Brick;
Buy a
Brick!
Help Us Build Our New Shelter
Buy A Gift/Memorial Brick
Unfortunately, we do not have all of the funding needed to complete the building phase of
the shelter, so we are asking people to help us get it done. Purchasing a gift or memorial
brick is a great way for people to honor or remember people or pets that are important to
them. Each brick will be capable of three lines of text holding 21 characters per line for you
to honor your loved one. This is a great opportunity for people to leave a lasting legacy while
­creating a permanent tribute to those who have contributed most to your life. Sponsorship
levels begin with gift bricks for a donation of $100 each. For ­information on how you can be
a brick while ­honoring an ­important person or pet in your life, please contact Laura Chalkin
at ­863-324-5227 or e-mail [email protected]. BE A BRICK; BUY A BRICK!
Send check or money order to:
The Humane Society of Polk County • 555 Sage Road • Winter Haven, FL 33881
Name ___________________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________________________
Phone ________________________ E-mail ____________________________________________
$100 x _________ Bricks = Total Amount $ ___________________________________________
1) ______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
2) ______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
I rescued a human today
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering ­apprehensively into the
kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too
exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back
of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the
shelter keepers get too busy, and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only
have the future to look forward to and want to make a ­difference in someone’s life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder
and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my
neck; she was desperate for ­companionship. A tear fell down her cheek, and I raised
my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened, and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into
her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I
would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who
haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Pause for Paws Newsletter
We value every life! • humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org
Page 11
The Humane Society
of Polk County
of Polk County
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lakeland, FL
Permit No. 1049
555 Sage Road
Winter Haven, FL 33881-8233
Furry Tales and Happy Endings
As far back as I can remember, I have always had a cat.
Three years ago, my 16- and 18-year-old cats passed away
a few months apart. I did not see many more cats in my
future. However, the physician I work for, Dr. James J.
Booker, a pet lover, suggested I go out to the Humane
Society and just play with the cats and dogs. I did and the
result was wonder. I adopted Tigger and then Cassie Cat.
They have filled a big void in my life and are so entertaining.
I cannot say enough about the staff. They are the most
­caring, ­loving, considerate and giving people with the
­biggest smiles I have ever met. I still go out and play with
the cats and dogs, and love
every moment there. My
­heartfelt thanks to all of you.
– Carol Marcum
Chelsea’s Journey
Chelsea and I met on July 7, 2005, at the Humane Society shelter, and it was love at first sight. Some
of my friends were concerned that with her size she would pull me down, so our first ­venture ­
together was obedience training classes which continued for over a year. All of her training is done
with fun and positive reenforcement. The three P’s are applied: patience, practice and perseverance.
We became involved with therapy dogs, going to nursing homes and hospitals. I had begun obedience competition
with her when I noticed I was having trouble with my balance. As time passed, I found it medically necessary to use
a cane. New Horizon Service Dog School in Orange Park, FL was the answer. I wanted Chelsea and I to be an owner/
trainer/companion. Chelsea passed their evaluation with flying colors! Thus, our journey continued in a direction I
never thought possible for my “rescued” companion and me. For her to become my mobility “brace” service dog, it is
required she perform three tasks without failure. She must brace (keep solid position) while walking; assist me up from
a chair by pulling (judging how hard to pull); must retrieve items from the floor, whether keys, cane or a dime. Chelsea
can also turn on a light switch, helps take laundry to the utility room and picks up the portable phone when it rings.
Now you wonder what if Chelsea was unable to have graduated from service dog school? It was never a ­question
– she is a permanent part of my family and a wonderful companion. Her service dog work is just the “icing on
the cake.” This is not just a success story, it is a miraculous story as many dogs in service school do not pass the
­requirements – especially an amateur trainer and rescue dog.
– Sheryll Craven