Animal Tales - Animal Friends Humane Society

www. animalfriendshs.org
The Newsletter of
Spring 2011
Animal Tales
HUMANE SOCIETY
1820 Princeton Road • Hamilton, Ohio 45011
(513) 867-5727
Something to Bark’n’Purr About...
Parker
Apollo
Hudson
S
Tripp
H
Lacey
In yet another year filled with many unknowns, generosity came forth for the animals at Animal
Friends Humane Society. In a humbling twist, businesses came through as never before with gift certificates and coupons right down to the last minute. Businesses that have been struggling generously donated
whatever they could. In contrast to last year, some gave more and some gave less; the point is, they gave.
We know where your loyalty lies and Animal Friends Humane Society is immensely grateful.
The 6th annual event was held at Receptions in Fairfield on March 19, 2011. Outnumbering last
years attendance, over 450 patrons were there to show their support. Hosting the shelter’s largest fundraiser Tim and My Mom Calls Me George with “Captain
Steve” MC’d our Bark’n’Purr - we bid them a fond
of the year were once again Tim and ‘my mom calls me George’. Tims dog, Captain Steve (a Beagle he farewell and special thanks for all their support.
adopted from AFHS last summer) accompanied them as the events guest of honor.
A L F R I EN
In the silent auction there were hundreds of gorgeous baskets and items to bid on, including a stunD
IM
N
ning set of retro Huffy his and hers bikes customized with the shelters logo! The craftmanship and the bikes
were donated by Jordan & Courtney Schank. Also new this year was the inclusion of a truly captivating cat
tree that towered at least 8 feet high. Sculptured to the likeness of a real tree; it was a unique work of art
donated by Lisa & Ed Minton. A piece of history, a brick from the former Trenton shelter, sat next to the
Bark’n’Purr
BALL
bidder sheet where someone had written the word ‘priceless.’ The highest selling items in the live auction
U
2011
T
were an autographed Eric Clapton stratocaster guitar and airline tickets from Air Tran and Southwest. A
M
ANE OCIE
S
photo of Betty White with her furry companions and autograph was also in the auction. To help direct
more revenue to the animals, outrageous desserts were lovingly prepared by volunteers. This was another
first and hopefully, the beginning of a new tradition! The evenings music entertainment was donated by
Thunderbay Band featuring Board President, Rick Fox on drums. All of the proceeds from the event go
towards the care of the animals, the spay/neuter program and operational costs of this (501)(3) non-profit
organization.
Once again, an anonymous and very generous donor made it possible for all of the shelter staff to
attend free of admission. The donor told Director, Meg Stephenson that the recent Animal Tales editorial,
‘What part of humane do you not understand?’ explained the very reason for their donation. There were
other angels behind the scene this year who generously helped some volunteers to attend, as well. Glasses Former board members, Patty Turner-Felts and
Kramer with Ron Short, AFHS Board
raised high- here’s to the angels and the animals! Besides being such a great cause for the animals one of the Carolyn
2nd VP. Both Ron & Patty were involved with
nicest things about the Bark’n’Purr is the commraderie and sense of community it provides. The return of Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts - Patty with
old faces and the meeting of new. Also present in the audience were Butler County Commissioner Chuck animal rescue & Ron as a consultant for OSHA,
assisting with humanitarian housing needs.
Furmon and Sheriff Rick Jones.
Surprising everyone at the end, the hosts, Tim and ‘my mom calls me George’ (who are leaving the area) announced that if at all possible,
they would make a special trip to host next years Bark’n’Purr. This dynamic duo has shown incredible support for Animal Friends Humane
Society and yes, we would love to have them back! Another first was the amount of news coverage the event received from the Middletown
Journal, Hamilton Journal and the Fairfield Echo. The story was published not once, but twice and on-line they posted several photos. Finally
this beloved, passion driven fundraiser for the animals is getting its due! People are getting it. The animals in the shelter DO matter!
To all who contributed in making this event a huge success Animal Friends Humane Society thanks you on behalf of every beating heart
in the shelter - We hope you will join us again for the next Bark’n’Purr Ball on St. Patricks Day, March 17th, 2012!
Y
Momo
by Nancy Bender
A
Brooklyn
Purr
Bucket
Curby
Cooper...
Already #1 dog in Jim & Debi Gedling’s hearts, he now
has the tag to prove it!
...interview on page 2
Sarge - the last of the 77
dogs surrendered last
summer - is adopted by
the Delaguardia family
from Kentucky.
Channel 5 News arrived
just in time to film the
grand send-off!
Val Guthrie adopts a pot-bellied pig she reported back that “Hammie” is busy
chasing the cows & goats and is having a
blast on the farm!
Interview with #1
Butler County Dog, Cooper!
by Meg Stephenson
Name: Cooper (formerly Buddy)
Cooper’s people: Jim and Debi Gedling
Buster
AFHS
Board of Trustees
Richard G. Fox
President
Fairfield
Kendra Robinson
1st Vice President
Hamilton
Ronald C. Short
2nd Vice President
Middletown
Dee Parragh
Secretary, Fairfield
Jeremy Taylor
Treasurer, Trenton
Jack Armstrong
Hamilton
Robert T. Baesel
Hamilton
James Fehring
West Chester
DOB: 2002, but was adopted from Ohio Valley Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club
Rescue Committee on 3/6/2005
Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Weight: 32 pounds
City of Residence: Hamilton, Ohio until September, 2011.
Then he will be living in Sarchi, Costa Rica!
What excites Cooper most about moving? The neighbor owns a street dog that has adopted
them as her family. Her name is Dee Dee and she and Cooper are currently pen pals. Cooper
is very excited to meet Dee Dee and move forward in their relationship. Cooper has also never
been to the beach, so he is excited to dig his paws in the sand.
Who will Cooper miss most from Hamilton? The cats on Emerson Avenue and the black
dog on the corner of Cereal Avenue and Emerson Avenue. Cooper says hello to them every
day on his walks.
Cooper’s Best Tricks: Sit, Shake
What is Cooper’s favorite thing to do? EAT!
What is Cooper’s favorite thing to eat? Milk… every morning after Jim finishes his bowl of
cereal he sets the spoon on the table. Cooper hears it no matter where he is in the house. He
comes running and licks the small remaining milk from the bowl. While I was conducting the
interview, Jim said the word ‘milk’ and Cooper showed just how much he loves it! He danced
and jumped around until finally Jim and Cooper went into the kitchen to ‘make good’ on his word.
A typical Cooper Day consists of: Breakfast, Bone, Eat, Milk, Yogurt, Walk, Sleep, Food,
Walk, Biscuit. On the weekends Cooper loves spending his days outside in his fenced in yard.
Cooper reflects on how it feels to be the #1 dog in Butler County: Cooper is very proud and
is on a mission to raise as many funds as possible for AFHS. He believes all owned animals in
Butler County should dig deep into their pockets and help those less fortunate.
Cooper ended the interview with ‘Pura Vida’ which means ‘Off to the Good Life’...
Animal Friends
Greg Hull
Hamilton
HUMANE SOCIETY
Walter J. Leap
Middletown
Butler County, Ohio
Nancy Nichting
Hamilton
Executive Director: Meg Stephenson
Nancy Piper
Hamilton
Becky Ryan,
Office Manager
Lashon Brickner
Karen Johnson
Melissa McKee
Susanna Schwartz,
DVM Diplomate ACVS
Cincinnati
Office Staff:
Clinic Staff:
Susan Collins, RVT
Kennel Staff:
Tara Allen,
Kennel Manager
Kelsey Barker
Scott Horbury
Cindy Edens
Teresa Sizemore
Cindy Grossman
Aleshia Doughman
Megan Sams
Ryan Collins
Robert Fink
Holly Craig
Butler County
Marigold
Be a voice for the
animals... if you
witness animal
neglect, cruelty or
abuse, report it to the
proper authorities!
2
Dog Wardens:
Chief Julie Holmes
Deputy Julie Flanagan
Deputy Tonya Henson
Deputy Kurt Merbs
Animal Control Officers:
Officer Liz Lucas
Officer Chuck Geurin
Sheriff Holly Fuller
Special Thanks to All of the
Business & Individual Donors
- 2011 Bark’n’Purr Ball Abuelo’s - The Flavor of Mexico
Air-Tran Airways
Ali’s Paw Prints
Animal Ark Pet Resort
Animal Care Centers
Animal Hospital of West Chester
Anthony’s Cigar Bar & Grille
Aquatic & Garden Décor
Arbonne International
Arby’s
Banfield Pet Hospital, Bridgewater
Bark Busters
Beach Waterpark
Berns Garden Center
Best In Show
Big Lots
Bird Garden
Bissell
Biscuit Bath & Beyond
Blind Squirrels
Bodywork By Piper
Bon Bonerie
Bonefish Grill - Voice of America
Bridgewater Falls Management
Bruno’s Pizza
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
Candy’s Dog-O-Mat
Cat Care Hospital
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
City Barbeque
Cleveland Browns
Cockerill
Colours Salon
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Companion Care Animal Hospital
Coney Island
Courtyard Racquet & Fitness Center
Culver’s
Daniel Michael & Co.
Dewey’s Pizza
Dog Day Every Day
Dollywood
Domino’s Pizza, Liberty-Fairfield
Don’s Birdhouses
Dr. Robert Ringgenberg, DDS
Eads Fence Company
Elliot Auto Bath
Enriching Spaces
Firestone
First Watch, Tri County
First Watch, Union Centre
Flying Panda Gifts
Fox & Hound
Fox Dental Excellence
Friends on Third Salon
Frontgate, West Chester
Gold Star Chili, Liberty Township
Golden Corral
Graeters, Tri County
Grand Victoria Casino & Resort
Great Clips
Guitar Center, Tri County
Half Price Books
Hallmark, Liberty Township
Hamman’s Shop Deli & Catering
Hampton Inn & Suites, West Chester
Head Shed Salon & Spa
Hilton Garden Inn, Sharonville
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Huffy
Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
Invisible Fence
J. Alexander’s Corp.
Jacks’s Aquarium & Pets
Jet’s Pizza
Joan Day’s Backyard Treasures
Jimmy John’s, Bridgewater Falls
KeyBank, Hamilton
Kidd Coffee
Knight’s Action Park
Kroger
Kroger, Liberty-Fairfield
Kroger, Monroe
La Pinata, Bridgewater Falls
Lakeview Garden Center
LaRosa’s
Lee’s Famous Recipe, Middletown
Liberty Veterinary Hospital
Lowes
LuLu’s Noodles, Springdale
Luvin’ Hugs Groom Shop
Mason Community Center
Mason Family Pet Hospital
McAlister’s Deli
Michel Tires Plus
Mike’s Express Carwash
Miller Coors
Milton’s Donuts
Mona Lisa’s Permanent Make Up
Monster Mini Golf
Monroe Family Pet Hospital
Mt. Pleasant Animal Hospital
National Amusements
National Photo Restoration
Natorp’s Garden Stores
Newport Aquarium
Noce’s Pizzeria, Bridgewater
Noodles & Company
NTB
Oil-Dri Corp. of America
Olive Garden
Paint By The Glass
Paint-N-Play
Panel-Fab, Inc.
Penn Station, Liberty Township
Pet City Resort
Pet People
Pet Spot
Pet Suites Pet Resort & Spa
Phil Nuxhall
Phillip Pierce Salon
Pipe Stone Golf Club
Pleasantree Gift Shop
Proctor & Gamble
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Quiett Concepts Art Studio
Rave Movie Theatre
Rivers Bend Tanning
Red Star Worldwear
Roosters
SAA Solutions
Salons of Kenwood
Samson’s Gym
S.C. Waldroff Jewelers
Shaker Run Golf Course
Skatetown USA
Skyline Chili
SmashBurger
Splash and Dash Auto Wash
Southwest Airlines
Square Framer Gallery & Décor
Square One Salon & Day Spa
Starbuck Coffee Co.
Start Printing, LLC, Middletown
Target, Bridgewater Falls
Tekland
Texas Roadhouse
Tire Discounters
Toedtman School of Music
Tractor Supply Co.
Trenton Animal Hospital
Trio Bistro
Two Little Buds, Bridgewater
Unique Designs
United Dairy Farmers
VCA Animal Hospital
Victoria’s Studio & Gallery
Village Spa Saloon
Walden Ponds Golf Course
Walgreens
Walt Disney World
Walt’s Barbeque
Weatherway Golf Course
West Chester Veterinary Center
Western Hills Veterinary Clinic
Wetherington Golf & Country Club
Whistle Stop
White House Inn, West Chester
William H. Robinson, Inc.
Win Place Or Show
YMCA of Greater Miami Valley
You Dirty Dog!
Our sincere apologies
to anyone we
may have missed!
...AFHS
great adoption updates...
shared by
Meg Stephenson
We adopted
'Cookie" in October
of 2010. She is
now re-named
Ziva and she and
big sister Abby
(adopted from
Animal Friends
in May of 1998)
get along great.
Ziva has been
super easy to
train. House training took only about a week and she
has already learned to sit, shake, lay down, and fetch
(and she even knows to sleep in on weekends). She is
really entertaining and likes nothing better than laying
on your lap. Her favorite thing is when she is allowed
to wake the teenagers in the house with a flying leap
onto the bed and lots of licking on their ears! She has
been the perfect addition to our family. Thanks so
much!
- Tamara
Hello all,
We adopted Allie only a week ago and already she is making
herself at home! We named her Kizmet and she is already
responding to her new name. We didn't know it when we
got her, but we chose the perfect dog! She is house-trained,
crate-trained, good on the leash, doesn't bark, and gets along
well with our cat! She is super cuddly and doesn't want to
play with toys - her favorite treat is to have her belly rubbed,
although just recently she remembered how to play with a
ball. She already knows a few commands, and seems very
smart and eager to
please. I know she
was a favorite of the
staff at the shelter,
but I can guarantee
you aren't getting
her back! We love
her very much, she is
adjusting well, and we
thank you for letting
us adopt such a great
new friend!
Hello -
Sincerely,
Leslie and Mike
It's been a bit over a month since I adopted my
little Wyatt from you (you might remember him as
Matt). He is just a wonderful little ball of energy
who loves everyone he meets! He loves to cuddle,
fetch, and, as of last week, play in the toilet... I'm
currently working on stopping this one!!!
Other than his toilet habits, he is such a good boy.
He even lets me cut his nails! He is so full of
love and I am so happy that he is in my life.
Thank
you for
giving me
such a
wonderful
gift!
- Miranda
I wanted to take a moment
and send you all an updated
picture of Bella. We saw
her on your website in midJanuary. My parents had
recently lost their dog due
to old age and were missing
a dog companion in their
home. When I told them
about Bella and the story
that was posted to the site,
we had to schedule a trip to
Animal Friends to see her.
As you can see in this photo she has a happy new family
(George & Shirley Spence) with a loving home, a back
yard to enjoy and four grandkids that visit and enjoy
playing with her, too. She loves to play with her toys, run
in the backyard, go for walks, play ball and Frisbee in the
backyard, ride in the car to visit family and also enjoys an
afternoon nap cuddling with one of them in the recliner.
She is a sweet girl and everyone has quickly fallen in love
with her.
Thank you again for all that you do to help animals find
good homes!
- Lori
3
Butler County Dog Wardens:
The First Responders
Chief Julie Holmes. Deputy Tonya Henson. Deputy Julie Flanagan.
Deputy Kurt Merbs. These four individuals are the Butler County Dog Wardens. Together
they are an asset and a blessing to this community as they watch out for our animals.
When the news is on T.V. and one of their vans appears on the screen, ever notice how
everything you are doing comes to a screeching halt? Somewhere an animal rescue is
occurring and one or more of our wardens are involved. We are glued, watching anxiously
knowing that the animals are now in good hands. Their primary job is animal welfare,
public safety and enforcing the laws that provide for this. Always on the lookout, they are
true animal advocates and in this profession they are typically the first to respond and
rescue the never ending number of lost, abandoned, neglected and abused animals in
Butler County.
In order to provide a better understanding of what they do I requested to go on a ridea-long with Chief Julie Holmes. Their day starts at 8:30 AM in the wardens office which is
located at Animal Friends Humane Society, the anchor in rough seas for Butler County’s
animals. The answering machine is carefully screened for messages left during the night
by various residents with issues, mostly dog related. Referrals sent via email from police
departments are reviewed. Notes are duly taken. The wardens verbally exchange reports
taking into account who will be following up on which calls. As we climb into the van, Chief
Holmes instantly sums it all up: “A dog is man’s best friend and we are a dog’s best friend!”
She’s all smiles. She notes her love for Animal Friends Humane Society. We couldn’t do it
without them and they couldn’t do it without us. With reference to her fellow dog wardens
she shares her pride. She exclaims,“ I love my people. They are all so good at what they
do!” It doesn’t take long to figure out they are a tight knit crew; one that shares over 60
years of combined animal welfare work experience.
In December of 2011, Chief Holmes will commemorate 20 years as a dog warden.
Going back in time, she shares how she once worked as a nurse’s assistant in a nursing home and was attending nursing school. She good-naturedly confesses, “But then
one day I found a stray.” For Holmes, it was a life changing moment that led her down
a new career path involving her love and compassion for animals. In 2007, Julie was
promoted to Butler County Chief Dog Warden. She currently serves as secretary for the
Ohio County Dog Wardens Association. Through her expanse knowledge, expertise and
dedication with humane animal welfare she has made her mark with the OCDWA. She
has been voted President elect for 2011-2012, leaving her poised to serve as the next
President from 2013-2014.
For the animals, it was a slow day which was a good thing. Julie explains that spring
and fall are the busiest times for dog complaints because the weather is more conducive
to dogs having increased energy, kind of like having cabin fever and therefore, are more
likely to be found running at large. What follows is increased incidents of dog bites and
dogs being struck by cars. During winter and summer, when the elements are less forgiving, the problems most likely to be encountered are those pertaining to neglect; a lack of
protection from the heat or cold and no water or water that is frozen solid.
A call comes over the radio air wave from the wardens office. Chief Holmes responds in code, using numbers that indicate an officer’s locale and availability to handle
a crisis. A large black and white dog has been reported running loose in Trenton. Julie
drives to the reported address that has been provided by the dogs license tag. She approaches the front door where she is greeted by an elderly gentleman who is unaware that
his dog is loose. By coincidence, I recognize this house from a few years back when I was
taking Leland to an auto repair shop. I remember we stopped and stared in amazement
at this large dog that was standing on top of the garage as if to show who was really king!
Julie and I circled around back. No sign of the dog, but on the snow covered garage roof,
sure enough, were fresh paw prints from that morning. Julie pointed out how she thought
the dog was getting up there and then proceeded on with her search.
The National Animal Control Training Academy is one such institution that provides
officer training. In Ohio, what is required to become a Humane Officer is a 20 hour certification course in humane officer training. “Every agency does their own training,” Julie
pauses, “and most of the training is on the job experience.” She clarifies, “All dog wardens are considered officers of the law. They have full powers of arrest, but only in the
performance of their own duties involving animal welfare.” Chief Holmes is astonishingly
versed in animal welfare law and she adamantly points out, “Every facet of what we say
and do is governed by law.” She recalls the old image of ­a dog catcher with a net. “Yepthose days are long gone!” Now the requirements of the job include a working knowledge
base of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. She lists a host of other expectations:
“We are animal behaviorists. We are part prosecutors, part detectives. We are our own
crime scene investigators and crime scene photographers. We are part psychologists.
We function as social workers and teachers.” In a potential prosecution case involving
an animal, evidence is critical. Evidence is everything. Warnings must be delivered, often
4
By Nancy Bender
repeatedly and documentation, mounds of it
must be done. All I’s must be dotted, all T’s
crossed. Animals that cannot be signed over
and removed for evidence or safekeeping (to
prevent further pain or suffering) must be repeatedly monitored by the officer. It is a stepby-step, law abiding all consuming process.
It can take months on end to get a case seen
by a judge, and as for the ruling? There are
no guarantees. Sometimes it all comes down
Chief Julie Holmes
to who is holding the gavel, but ultimately it is
“One day I found a stray...”
the laws & legislations that prevail.
The most challenging aspect of being a
dog warden has less to do with canine issues
and more to do with human issues. Some animal behaviors such as aggression can be a
symptom of something that has gone awry in
the household. Where there are animals suffering, whether from neglect or abuse, strife
can often be found in the form of strained relationships, domestic violence or substance
abuse. How well we all know the established
connection between animal abuse and child
abuse. When a child is observed abusing
an animal an immediate red flag should go
up. The wardens can usually discern when
animal neglect is intentional or unintentional;
Deputy Julie Flanagan
the latter of which can result from any number
“Patience is key.”
of reasons including financial, psychological
and / or medical hardship. Dog wardens are sometimes faced with having to deal with
irrational members of society; criminal elements who feel they are above the law; people
who have difficulty with authority figures and those who simply have no regard for lifehuman or animal. Deputy Julie Flanagan has been a dog warden for 26 years. She has
never been injured on the job and prides herself on being able to rely on her verbal abilities and empathy with people who are difficult or uncooperative. Chief Holmes credits
Deputy Flanagan as being extremely competent in capturing frightened or aggressive
dogs. Both of these officers are also trained Equine Abuse Investigators. An animal
lover all of her life, Officer Flanagan states, “Patience is key.” She is, without question,
a seasoned and highly skilled professional. Empathy alone may not always be enough
and so, early January of this year, all of the Butler County Dog Wardens were trained by
the Ross Police Department in the use of tasers and now carry them on their person.
Bottom line: Wherever they go and whoever they meet, they are there first and
foremost as advocates for the animals. Sometimes what prompts an investigation is a
phone call from an individual who has witnessed an act of cruelty towards an animal.
The wardens, along with Animal Friends Humane Society strongly encourages people to
do this. Without your phone call, an animal can suffer unmercifully in the wrong hands.
ALWAYS report animal cruelty or neglect! In the meantime, if you can accomplish this
without putting yourself in harms way- take pictures, lots of them, or take video and
write down your observations, including dates and time. This will be an enormous help
to the responding officer. All of the officers know their legal boundaries, when they can
remove an animal from the premises and when they cannot. Sometimes, as in the case
of animal hoarding, multiple animals, living and deceased are removed and taken to
Animal Friends Humane Society. When the rescue involves livestock like horses, goats,
chickens-you name it- they enlist the help of community members who have farms and
the necessary resources to take care of these animals until other provisions can be
made. Not all rescue attempts end well. Burn-out, PTSD, and compassion fatigue are
some of the occupational hazards of the job (the same applies to those who work in the
shelter). Taking care of one’s own mental well being is a high priority. This is yet one
more reason why community support is so important and always appreciated.
April 10th through April 16th is National Animal Control Appreciation Week. This
Fall, Chief Holmes will be going to Olathe, Kansas, home of the National Headquarters
of the National Animal Control Association. She will be attending a dedication for a
newly erected NACA Memorial Wall and Gardens that honors fallen animal control officers. It will be a tribute to remember and honor dedicated animal control officers whose
lives have been lost in the line of duty. In 2010 alone, six lives were taken.
Another call radios in. A woman in Liberty Township has been struggling to get
her cattle dog to come to her for the past 6
hours. It is bitter cold and she is pleading
for help. We find ourselves in a trailer court
with our eyes peeled for the loose dog. The
owner had finally succeeded in retrieving her
dog and approached Chief Holmes for advice. They had a friendly discussion about
canine behavior training, dog parks and the
need for current dog licensure.
On a personal note, we are lucky in
more ways than one to have Chief Holmes
with us. Two years ago, the die-hard Cyclone fan was inadvertently thrown from her
horse (a horse she had saved from a life of
abuse). The resulting CT scan revealed an
Deputy Tonya Henson
unknown malignancy growing on one of her
“It was my calling.”
kidneys. With her life spared by her horse,
the rescue mission had come full circle.
Day Two: Not quite 24 months old, Addalyn Merbs mimics the sound of a barking
dog when asked where her daddy works.
Addy’s father is Butler County Dog Warden
Deputy Kurt Merbs, now in his fourth year of
tenure. On February 23rd, Chief Holmes assigned me to do my 2nd ride-a-long with him.
Temps now in the 40’s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of calls concerning dogs running loose just as Chief Holmes
had explained. The day had only just begun
and already it seemed Deputy Merbs had a
full agenda. It’s amazing how much there is
to learn, all while flying by the seat of your
pants. It is what Officer Merbs deems ‘an
average days work.’
Deputy Kurt Merbs
By personal choice, he patrols the
“We need more happy endings...” Hamilton area and has done so for the last 3
1/2 years. He knows the area like the back of his hand. Which dogs are new and which
aren’t. He cruises all the side streets making his presence known. For those who have
received citations from him the van is not necessarily a welcome sight. Some dogs that
were running in the yard suddenly disappear into the house. People peek through their
blinds. They know Deputy Merbs is watching out for the animals. Some people offer a
rare friendly wave. A man strolls down the sidewalk with a healthy looking Pit Bull on a
leash with current license tags visible. Kurt points and says, “That’s what I like to see.”
As we move along, he shares the story of Patches, a Boxer that was owner surrendered to Animal Friends Humane Society. The dog was skin and bones and suffering from dehydration. The owners claimed to feed her, but something about their story
did not sit well with Kurt. There is video of the dog scarfing food and water provided
by the shelter staff. In a weeks time, her weight and overall health was dramatically
improved. She looked like a completely different dog. Deputy Merbs instincts took over
and he decided to pay a visit to the home where Patches came from. He discovered that
Patches had been sharing a single food dish with another dog. The dogs were tethered
separately out back and whereas the one dog was able to reach the food, Patches could
not. As a result, Patches developed food aggression which frequently stems from having
to compete for food. Deputy Merbs served a citation to the owners for animal cruelty
based on failure to feed the dog and failure to seek medical attention. Animal cruelty
is considered a first degree misdemeanor in Ohio and a court case was pending early
March. The good news: Patches is going to her new forever home tomorrow! Deputy
Merbs states, “We need more happy endings like this.” A year ago, Deputy Merbs was
involved in a court trial related to felony charges he brought up against a Pit Bull owner
resulting in a 16 month prison sentence for the perpetrator. He has zero tolerance for
animal cruelty and his love for animals has been lifelong.
He grew up on a farm in Michigan where he was always surrounded by cows,
horses, pigs and dogs. When he was 14 years old, he instinctively knew what to do
when he found one of the pigs undergoing a difficult labor. He saved the momma and all
her piglets. To this day, he is still saving pigs as he rescued a black pot bellied pig that
was wandering in an alley in Hamilton (see front page photo). Prior to becoming a dog
warden Kurt was working in a steel factory, a job he absolutely hated. One day, he sat
down to take a break and lying on the floor in front of him were the classifieds from the
local newspaper. What got his attention was an ad for animal control training. He “ took
it as a sign from God”, completed the program, and is now doing what he was born to do.
“I love what I do” insists Deputy Merbs adding, “there is nothing else I would rather do,
not now or ever.” He shares his excitement over the anticipated birth of his son, Gage,
due to be born on March 7th. He values family and friends and relates that the support he
receives from his wife, Renee, enables him to be able to cope with the stress and horrors
attached to the job.
Deputy Merbs is radioed directly to the Hamilton Police department and he listens
for humane calls, those that require his intervention. He makes several stops and with
the exception of two or three, no one answers their door. He posts notices and warnings
on the doors. Failure to have a dog currently licensed is the single most frequent offense.
That same afternoon, an owner complied with Officer Merbs notice and obtained a license
from Animal Friends Humane Society. We circulate through all parts of Hamilton including
a poverty stricken section laden with spray painted gang graffiti, garbage, fire damage and
boarded up windows. It is a sad sight. An area unfit for life- human or animal and yet, it is
home to both. Kurt is hypervigilant as he searches up one alley and down another. There
are dogs secured with chains that look heavier than the dogs, themselves. It is from this
neighborhood where Deputy Merbs rescued the Pit Bull with hyperthermia last summer.
Kurt points out which dogs have been at Animal Friends. We encounter a home with four
Pit Bulls in the backyard. From two houses over, the ribs are visible on two of them. Kurt
dispatches Officer Henson for back up. Within moments, Tonya turns the corner and
the officers survey the situation while two other Pit Bulls lunge at the wire fence barking
viciously. Deciding not to open the gate, Deputy Henson leans from an incline at the side
of the house, pounding to get the owners attention. No sign of anyone. Before leaving
the premises, the wardens discuss how best to intervene and in the next moment it’s
raining dog biscuits as Officer Henson showers the dogs with lots of treats! They quickly
eat them and appear genuinely surprised by this unexpected show of kindness. The next
morning, Deputy Merbs e-mailed me with their follow up. He and Deputy Henson returned
to the house and met with a man who claimed to be house sitting. All of the dogs were
impounded. They were able to track that the house was being rented to this man and he
was served, in all, a total of 12 citations.
In the course of 6 hours, 2 deceased dogs are recovered, the cause of death different
for each. One, found by Deputy Henson, had been left in an alley in a dog food bag. Also
retrieved were two labs reported by the Hamilton Police to be running loose. The dogs
had escaped through an electric fence and traveled nearly a mile and half from home.
They were micro-chipped, but no one was home leaving Officer Merbs no choice but to
leave notice and put them in the van. One of the messages screened this morning was a
report of an alleged dog theft from someone’s yard. These are prime examples of why pets
should never be left in the yard unsupervised.
Last pick up, a loose Chihuahua with no tags and no collar. The scared little guy
was quick on his feet. Deputy Henson uses what is called a snare pole and succeeds in
capturing him, but not without first tumbling over a childs big wheel! To her credit, Tonya is
a clever gal. Maybe it was all a part of her strategy to distract the dog. Either way, it gave
the wardens a good laugh, much needed medicine in this line of work. Deputy Henson
has served as a dog warden for 11 years. She is a small woman, but clearly a force to be
reckoned with. She is a no-nonsense animal advocate and when asked what led her to
become a dog warden she replied, “It was my calling.”
Clearly, not enough good can be said about these four wonderful officers with regard
to their endless dedication to the animals and the depth of knowledge, fortitude and professionalism that is required of each of them. Their compassion for the animals is genuine.
In part, it defines who they are as people and it serves as the driving force behind what
they do as professionals. Along with their regular duties, the wardens provide support and
assistance when animals are involved in circumstances requiring the following agencies:
The DEA and local law enforcement during drug raids, SWAT stand-offs, fire departments,
E.M.T.’s, and EMA (handling displaced animals secondary to car accidents, fire or natural
disasters). In all of these cases, the wardens have a dual purpose of protecting the animals as well as safeguarding people (i.e. fellow officers) from the animals. They intervene
with the coroners office when a found deceased owner has pets left behind with no one
looking after them. Sheltering is provided at AFHS until family members can make other
provisions. The dog wardens also participate in community events, fairs and parades to
promote humane education and to build public relations.
Also deserving of recognition and appreciation are the Animal Control Officers who
work exclusively for the following areas: Officer Liz Lucas (Middletown), Officer Chuck
Geurin (Fairfield) and Sheriff Holly Fuller (Sheriffs Animal Control). They utilize Animal
Friends Humane Society for sheltering of their rescues, as well.
Although the Butler County Dog Wardens and Animal Friends are two separate entities working under the same roof, they work as one to support the mission of the shelter.
On a rotating basis, there is a dog warden available 24/7. For after hour EMERGENCIES
ONLY you must contact your local police authorities and they contact the warden on call.
Try as they might, the wardens can’t be everywhere, all the time.
As a community we can help them by being their eyes and ears.
More importantly, we can help the animals by being their voice.
Namaste,
...Nancy
5
Memorial
Bricks
Leave a Permanent Legacy . . .
Recent Article Draws
Readers Comments
‘What Part of Humane
Do You Not Understand?’
What a difficult subject - seamlessly written.
It needed to be put out there. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberty Township
Great
Gift Idea...
See our website or phone 513-867-5727
Check Important Updates,
Volunteer Orientations & Events...
Phenomenal story. I got choked up reading it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trenton
WOW! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairfield
What I didn’t understand about the Humane Society before, I
certainly understand now. Having recently visited Animal Friends,
I was thorougly impressed with the facility and the staff.
They should all hold their heads high. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dayton
Thank you for writing that beautiful story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairfield
Anyone who refuses to learn and understand the truths behind the
disturbing realities shelters face is truly in denial of the situation at
hand. Thank you for speaking out about this publicly. I have
gained a whole new respect for shelter workers. . . . . West Milton, Ohio
Hopefully now people will understand. . . . . . . . . . . . Fairfield Township
It can’t be repeated enough. It is an ongoing problem and
there will always be people who don’t “get it”. . . . . . . . . . . Middletown
The story made me grateful the shelter is there. . . . . . . . . . . . West Chester
If people would spend just an hour there (AFHS), they
would see and understand the love and compassion
everyone out there has. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairfield Township
I had no idea how much work was involved being the director of
an animal shelter. Butler County is fortunate to have such a
committed staff caring for the homeless animals. . . . . . . . . . . . . Mason
Awesome news article! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canada
I had no idea the shelter gets hate mail. Makes me sad. . . . Middletown
With respect to your article, I didnt know the no-kill shelters were
selective about who they take. That was an eye-opener. I also had
my eyes opened regarding all the decisions that have to be made
regarding euthanizing the animals. That has to be so difficult for
those who work there. They are there because they love animals,
and yet part of that love is to have to put some of them down
because of space and the economy that we are all a part of.
I never realized how long some of the animals are kept there
waiting to be adopted. You are all doing God’s work! . . . . . . . Cincinnati
The story served to remind me of why I am continually amazed with
the staff at AFHS. People need to know the hard reality of the shelter
process and then maybe they will think twice before going to a breeder.
Having once volunteered for a no kill shelter I felt moved to share an
experience. There were two dogs of great concern because they were
beyond rehabilitation and considered totally unadoptable. Not knowing
what to do, a meeting was held and a representative from the Trenton
shelter was there upon request. The people who attended left in tears
following a recommendation that the dogs be humanely euthanized.
It was their first time to have to do this, but it must be done. It would
not have been in the dogs best interest to force them to spend the
remainder of their lives in their condition in a shelter. Bless all of the
employees and volunteers at Animal Friends Humane Society for all
that they do for the animals.
6
For the most current info, please go to
www.animalfriendshs.org
to find events, micro-chipping and
Pet-Mobile schedule for off-site adoptions
Upcoming Events!
April 23... Easter Egg Hunt at the Shelter
May 21... Pounds for Pets Dog Walk
proceeds from
fundraising events
go to AFHS
at Joyce Park, Fairfield
June 4... Candy’s Dog-O-Mat Car Wash Fundraiser
June 18... Dog Wash Fundraiser at
Biscuit, Bath, & Beyond... Liberty Township
August 20... Second Birthday Paw-ty at the Shelter!
AFHS is solely dependent on private donations
for its day to day operation. It is BECAUSE of your
donations that the shelter is able to live up to its mission
and provide shelter and care for the 7,000-8,000
animals that come through yearly. All donations are
greatly appreciated and remember,
NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!
We recycle for $$$ for the shelter!
Please bring your newspapers and aluminum
cans (no glass, etc.) to the collection receptacles
located at the far end of the parking lot.
Now you can bring your old cell
phones and inkjet cartridges
to the shelter for recycling
and fundraising. Please
drop off at the front desk.
Sign up for our “E-Newsletter” at
[email protected]
Hearts that care...
IN MEMORY OF...
DONATED BY
Anna Mae Beer. . . . . . . Don Beer, Michael & Marcia McCutchan
Stuff and Duchess. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carole & J. B. Little
Lacee and Satin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha & Othell Hand
Bandit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derek & Karen Conklin
Dawson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Roney
Courtney and pups, Chubbie and Berniece. . . . . . . . . Joan Willsey
Maxwell, a mastiff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melinda Caporossi
Rounder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill & Jennifer Kokos
Chloe, a cat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James & Linda Helton
Bo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melissa Trent
Snuffy and Snickers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat & Virginia Jenkins
Bogey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. & Mrs. Donald Alford
Kramer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy Adkins
Annabelle Cheek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daryl & Carol Cheek
Wonderful husband, Walt & his dog, Tug. . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Ferrell
Lawrence Brookshire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constance Locker
Jackie House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Godbey Family
Jerry McCandless . . . . . . Paulette McCandless, Tony & Judy Elieff
Carol Hankins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Payton
Oscar Flannery . . . . Rich & Kerri Mathews, Kirk & Sandy Brown,
Bob & Rica Heflin, Joanne Scott
Timothy Ray Sorrell.Nikki, Jeff & Adam; Jane Akers, Neil & Mary
Gamstetter, Austin & Lois Gleason, Deb Morrison
Joy Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. N. Deserisy, Douglas Boyd,
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Back, Beth & Dick Heil, Sandy Little
Joseph Caruso. . . . . . . . . . . . Rosetta Quattrone, Jacqueline Leahy,
Rick & Susan Allen, Tony & Lois Contino, Mr. & Mrs.
William Hawkins, Nancy Glaskin, Kenneth & Kathy Rieser, B.
James Lowe, Mary Lundberg, Mr. & Mrs. Roy Huffer,
Carol Thomas, Carla Stevens, Roger & Judith Bennington,
Diane West, Barbara Dorff, Marjorie Thornton, Donald Gregory,
Mike & Bev Oscar, Mr. & Mrs. Karl Koett, Sr.,
Todd & Kathleen Ford, Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Harlow
Donna Robicheaux. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Robert Gifford
Donald Brindle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim and Phyllis Cochran
Dora Scheffler. . . . . . . . Stan Scheffler, Betty Barr, Marty Jiminez,
Jim & Linda Wilson, Clifford Harpold, Joan & Ralph Crawford,
Michael & Teresa Pachan, John Mericle & two anonymous
Christine Rafferty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katha Hildebrand
Terri Hodges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty at St. Charles Borromeo,
Cynthia & Joseph Focke, Thomas and Susan Focke
Paul Menchen . . . . . . . Rosemarie Truster, Glen and Mitzi Truster, .
Barbara & Peggy Truster, Ed & Toni Truster & Family
Reba Howard . . . . . United States Postal Service, Rossville Branch
Lady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacqueline Clingan
Abby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Joyce Hayes
Baby alpaca and all mistreated animals. . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Arnold
Dorothy Grimm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Robert Gallagher,
Jacqueline Holton, Doris Louiso
Babe and Esther - Percheron horses . . . . . . Jane Young & Bill Fultz
Nikki, a German shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Kimball
Toby and Daisy, cats over 15 years old. . . . . . . . Pam & Gary Jursik
Pacco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debra Garvin
Beloved cat, Ellie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marty Shea & Dick Grund
Bubbles, Snoopy, Smokey and Biffy. . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Thomas
Koko's pet, Daisy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cathy Pierce
Scootie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Griffin
Her cats: Pumpkin, Gremlin,
Socks, Tuxedo, Callie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dianne Thomas
Dorothy Gabbards' cats: Honey Bear & Frisbie. . . Dianne Thomas
Beloved pet, Lola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John & Ruth Honaker
Beloved Roxanne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. & Mrs. Richard Roser
Cats: Poo & Poo II, &
"grand-dog" Cinnamon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken & Betty Schray
David Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. & Mrs. Richard Nelson
Polly Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan Witt, Anne McAdams,
Ellen Flegal, Marjorie Newton
Bob Burton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Burton
Kevin Roettger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob & Whitney Rodriguez
Mitzi Rosfelder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Blomer
Thomas Hall, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lois Gleason
Kelly Rags, Tramp, Trouble, Tiger, Timmy. . . . . . . . . Lois Gleason
Saloma Burer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Wenning
Pati and Ed Fox, Geneva and George Ewen. . . . . . . . . . . Rick Fox
Peaches, Goldie & Link, Co-Co, Mitzi,
Nikki, Snoop and Taffy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick Fox
Adopted dog, Cocoa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Spurlock
Sparky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Stafford
Lonesome, a cat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loren Schumacher
Joan Harbin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred & Joan Willsey
Frank Brinker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred & Joan Willsey
Deva Baldwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred & Joan Willsey
Lola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John & Ruth Honaker
Howard Lenehan, Master Feline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellen Bryant
Rusty, beloved dog. . . . . . . . . . . . . Miriam Salzarulo, Adele Flower
Davey Davidson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family of Senator Barry Levey
Sassy and Zac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Shearer
Steve Northcutt. . Susan Myers, Sam Marshall, Carl & Joan Crane
Ruth Logsdon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David and Leora Dennis
Michael Risner . . . . . . . . . . Walter and Judy Beatty, Jeanne Smith,
OEM Sales & Customer Service Dept. at Connector Mfg., Co.
Arzella Wilson . . . . . . . . . Derek, Karen, Tutti and Tigger Conklin
Jerry Worsham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sherry Schmidt
Max and Abbey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeanne Luse
Lady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Rexroad
Phyllis Schroeder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walter Spurgeon
Kinsor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dick & Ervena Weingartner
Tiny Tim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Young
Bill Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irene Jones
Doris Duba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank & Jan Vabic
Chuck Fiden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank & Jan Vabic
Alice Crawford & her dog, Angel. . . . . . . . . . . Juanita O'Donohoe
Cecily, a cat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl & Joan Crane
Barbara Holbert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melvin and Annaliese Less
Bob Giese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melvin and Annaliese Less
Robert Davis. . . . . . . Martha Brown, Mary Eisele, Nancy Layman,
Samantha Lee, Mike & Martha (Ritter) Lansaw, Robin McKee
Beloved dog, Mindy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron & Naomi Carr
Wheaton terrier, Toby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paulette McCandless
Lucky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan Potter-Summer
Murph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol & David Thomas
Rokse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phyllis Kadle
Ramrod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phyllis Kadle
Shari Vinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridget Burkart
Paco Simmons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridget Burkart
Carolyn Baker Kelechi. . . . . . . . . Family of Carolyn Baker Kelechi
Jerry Braun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald Stewart, Jr., Joan Witt, Beatrice Rice, Tom and Suellen Stretch, Pamela Sue Cook,
S. Caldwell, Bob Schlensker, Hamilton Boat Club,
Daryl Calvert, Dr. Jim & Emily Scott, Mrs. Rosemary Stapf,
Jill Gaynor, Kelly Jane Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. William Patterson
Jeanne Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Williams, Betty-Jean Logan,
Janet & Jim Douds, Alan & Keiko Williams, Katherine Szmaj,
Ray & Jeanne Franz-Huseman, Keith McDonald, Kathy Menke
our
Wish
List
IN HONOR OF...
DONATED BY
Tutti & Tigger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derek & Karen Conklin
Janet Schehr’s Birthday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Jimmie Wissing
Patty Pechiney 20 years with Ingram. . . . . . . . . . Ingram Company
Shelby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Becca & Byron Stowe
Cuddles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walter & Barbara Bailey
Brenda Price for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Her staff at AurGroup
Financial Credit Union
Ruth Brown for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connie & Skip Wyatt
Lisa & David Creelman for Christmas. . . . . . . . Mary Sue Wentzel
Lisa & David Creelman for Christmas. . . Debbie & Steve Wentzel
Mary Sue Wentzel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debbie & Steve Wentzel
Dennis & Pam Deahl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William A. Browne, M.D.
James & Dolly Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . William A. Browne, M.D.
Sue Frazier. . . . . . . . . . . William A. Browne, M.D., Mary L. Evans
Marshall & Nelda Clard. . . . . . . . . . . . . William A. Browne, M.D.
Bud the cat for his 15th birthday . . . . . . . Harold “Andy” Anderson
Her “grandcats” Katie and Punki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Pierce
Gary Eyler for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tarri DeHaven
Connie & Skip Wyatt for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Brown
Sue Frazier for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janice Frazier
Carol Willer Monson for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Monson
Lori, a Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Her staff
Ron Morgan for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Morgan
Michelle Miller for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Miller
Donald E. Alford, DVM. . . . West Side Animal Clinic Employees
Steve & Leah Joos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Bolling
Jane Loewenheim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lori Smith
Danniele Evans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paula Hutton
Derek and Karen Conklin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally Koester
Sweet Josey, adopted Aug. 2001. . . . . . David and Wilma Edmonds
Dogs: Molly, Morgan & Petie and
Cats: Missy, Murphy, & Sambo. . . . . . . . . . . Beatrice Phillips
St. Francis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra McDaniel
Joanne Williamson, in honor of her
dedication to her students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Milders
Paula Hutton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie McDonough
Cheryl Brockman for Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackie Bowling
Ben and Belle Shaver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Kemp
Caitlin, Megan & Brian Qua for Christmas. . . . . . . . . Becky Klein
Denise Spurlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Spurlock
Rhonda Bohannon’s Birthday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David McDaniel
Penny Peters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous
Dee Parragh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tekland, Inc.
Ron and Jessica Axt Wedding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous
Gloria Hendrickson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judge & Mrs. Hendrickson
Shirley & Robert Hill’s 60th Anniversary. . . . . Joan & Carl Crane
1) XXL Garbage Bags
(55 Gallon)
2) Paper Towels
3) Toilet Paper
4) First Class Stamps
5) Disinfecting Wipes
6) Gift Cards to Walmart, Office
Depot, Home Depot & Menards
7) Gas Cards for PetMobile
8) Ziploc baggies (gallon size)
9) Foam Squeegees
10) Canned Cat Food
and, of course...
goodies for our hard working staff!
7
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
HUMANE SOCIETY
1820 Princeton Road
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
(513) 867-5727
www.animalfriendshs.org
Cincinnati, OH
Permit #967
Our Humane Society was established in 1952...
Our mission is to promote humane principles, to protect
lost, homeless, abandoned and mistreated animals, and
act as advocates for animals
in our communities.
Shelter Hours...
Mon-Tues-Fri-Sat-Sun...11-4:30
Wed-Thurs...1:00 - 7:00 pm
The oldest,largest,non-profit animal adoption agency in Butler County,Ohio.
Staff Members,
Ryan Collins & Becky
Ryan, Office Manager,
celebrate Becky’s Tenth
Anniversary with Animal
Friends Humane Society
- January, 2011
c
Thanks!
Parting glances between Donna Ponder &
foster, “Bella”... adopted a week later.
Renee & Drew Willis adopt “Rochelle”.
Sean & Kathleen Daughtridge volunteer with the PetMobile
Charles & Judy Calvert of Trenton adopt 5 year old “Katie”
“Zeeka” is adopted by Shawn Winkler &
Amanda Mattingly from West Chester
Lynn Kolbert of Liberty Township adopts “Kylie”
Donna Allen
of Liberty
Township
adopted
“Fiddle”, a
dachshund from
AFHS. The next
day, she picked
up her second
new addition,
a Rhodesian
Ridgeback.
The Isaacs Family from Fairfield adopt “Shadow”