“Dear Humane Society,

As President I want to say that we had a great time putting on this garage sale.  I love helping others and hope we can help you. My teammates were glad to help too.  Everyone always say “What’s your fav. animal?” and I say “I love them all!”.  Animals are a big part of my life.  I have a Whippet and 2 Chihuahuas. So that proves that!  Love Ya!  Your Friend, Summer Gray”

On behalf of the dedicated staff, volunteers and shelter guests, Thank You for your generosity and imagination.

Pictured L-R: Summer Gray, Mya Masden, Tatum Bracamonte with CEO Victoria Cowper.

Additional thanks to Safeway for helping out with some sandwiches and water to give to WAHS volunteers that participated in the event as well as unloading all of the donated food! We greatly appreciate all the efforts and the animals say thanks too!
Come by and visit anytime, Kennel hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm the office is always open 8 am to 5pm. We are located at 950 Buchanan Street in downtown Kingman, across the railroad tracks and follow the shelter signs.

Sometimes it all about timing.  Our business banker Amanda from Wells Fargo dropped by just say “hi” and behind the counter was Johnny, socializing for the day. Just the night before a good friend had posted on Facebook how much she missed her dog “Billy” who was a brindle, mastiff mix that came from the Western Arizona Humane Society and wishing that she could fill the void. Although smaller, “Johnny” was the perfect fit for her friends. 

A couple of cell pics later, Laurena was on the phone from Tennessee pleading with us to hold the dog until she could arrange transportation.  We completed the adoption counseling process via cell phone and email, gotta love technology.   No sooner had we managed to get volunteer transport to Phoenix, Laurena was en route (through the tornadoes in Texas no less).  She arrived late yesterday afternoon and it was love at first sight. 

We all have special moments with our companion animals, and special ways they come into our lives, each one a unique and heartfelt experience.  Thank you for all the support to the Western Arizona Humane Society that enables us to continue to find loving homes for our shelter guests.

Funds for the Fountain – Our group project is to purchase a three way drinking fountain, ADA Regulation, Pedestrian and Pet Friendly; have it installed on the island path across from the Site Six entrance, near a shaded bench, and completing the entire corner with xeriscape landscape and native plants. The fountain installation and maintenance will be provided by the parks department, the landscaping will be provided by fifty of our local freshman students, the development, planning, organization and fundraising will be completed by our three project partners- Lake Havasu Parks & Recreation, Western Arizona Humane Society and LHHS National Honor Society.

Join us for our annual celebration to find loving homes for animals, to provide a safe haven for lost and abandoned pets and elimination of pet overpopulation.  The four legged members of our community need your continued commitment for their welfare.  Your participation provides the ability to find forever homes for the shelter guests in our care.

We appreciate your support, and look forward to an exciting evening to celebrate and strengthen the human-animal bond. 

• $1,000  Gold Paw Sponsor: Reserved Seating Table of Ten, Media Recognition, 100 Raffle Tickets
• $750      Silver Paw Sponsor: Reserved Seating Table of Ten, Media Recognition
• $500      Bronze Paw Sponsor: Reserved Seating for 5, Media Recognition
• $250      Paw Sponsor: Reserved Seating for 2, Media Recognition

 Become Part of the Pack:

• Platinum Paw Sponsor:   Wells Fargo Bank
• Gold Paw Sponsors: Sam Scarmado, Robinson Automotive
• Silver Paw Sponsors:Bud Schultz, Lake Havasu Family Eye Center, Mohave State Bank, NPR Insurance
• Bronze Paw Sponsors: A&E Services, Connected Computer and Repair, Horizon Community Bank, Kelli Ward, Lake Havasu Valley Dental, Lake Havasu Phone Book, Law Offices of Kenneth Moyer, London Bridge Resort, Mansell Welding, Mohave Electric, PG Training & Consultants, Select Insurance & Financial Services, Stylecraft, De Wiernerschizel, Dr. Devin Cunning, College Street Brewery
• Paw Sponsors: AIS, Colorado River Communications, Culligan of Lake Havasu, Dr. Parker, DRL, Law Offices of Michael Frame, Mike Seifer & Associates, CJ & Bob Edmonds  Vincent Iannone Attorey at Law, Road Runner Automotive, State Farm-Alex Ross
• Contributing Corporate Sponsors:  Montana Steak House, Calvary Church

For more information, please contact Victoria Cowper at (928) 855-5083

We recently recieved request for information from concerned citizens.  Following is the most recent Tail News in regards to submitted questions.

What is the status of the cameras that were donated by the yacht club?
The London Bridge Yacht Club hosted a golf tournament to benefit WAHS in September, 2011 whereby all proceeds where to go to benefit WAHS.  There was no upfront specification and/or discussion to designate these funds to a specific use.  The board of directors received a letter in early January that stated the Yacht Club had $5,000 from the proceeds of the golf tournament and that the donation was to be used specifically for cameras and “it is also our (the Yacht Club’s) understanding that a local veterinarian will be reviewing the tapes from said cameras to better the quality of care for the facility”.  Although the potential of installing security cameras was a minor recommendation from Dr. Egar’s investigative report, the Board of Directors has elected not to install cameras at this time, as there are many higher priority items that directly relate to animal care needs and overall shelter operations at this time. We have met with representatives from the Yacht Club at our facility and will be presenting alternative needs for the use of those funds they so graciously raised for the animals
Are the flaps that were installed in the front building temporary?
No they are not.  The particular materials that were used to install the flaps were recommended from a shelter architect that had used these in other shelters with great success.  They are working exceptionally well and we are satisfied with their function, durability and ease of installation.
Are flaps going to be installed in the back building?
Flaps have been installed in the back building since early January, 2012. .
Is WAHS authorized to purchase euthanasia and pre-sedation drugs?
WAHS is authorized and has the necessary DEA permits and documentation to purchase euthanasia and pre-sedation drugs directly from suppliers.  The policy was changed in August to codify in the procedures manual what had been regular practice.  The modified policy required pre-sedation meds to be made available prior to all euthanasia procedures to ensure all available tools necessary for technicians in their work were at hand.
What are the plans to climate control the buildings and kennel areas as indicated by the Connecticut report?  
We will be discussing climate control issues and plan development at the Board of Directors meeting.  The report from Learned Design contained suggestions for heating and industrial air conditioning both buildings to a rate of approximately 1-ton per 125 s.f. of building space along with environmental return filtering adequate for the increased airflow and airflow speed, to catch both bacterial and viral contaminants.  To accomplish this, the WAHS will first need to upgrade its electrical service to handle the 250-350 additional amps.  The engineered drawings are in production and will be put out for bidding in March or April, in time for construction to be completed prior to the summer heat.  Contingent on the findings, the board will discuss the capital expenditures plan of action and determine how to raise funds for this important improvement.  The electrical upgrades are expected to cost $30-$50,000 and the additional AC equipment, structural building improvements and installation may be from $35-$60,000 additional.  Obviously, this is more involved than simply adding even more residential quality AC units which are clearly inadequate.   In fact, the electrical system is already so overtaxed it could not handle the additional of even a single small AC unit.  An expense as large as $75-$110,000 plus the enhanced electric bills are something the board will study extensively.
What are the term expirations for each WAHS Board Members?
We will be discussing the most efficient way to disseminate information concerning Board  business at the Board of Directors meeting. When terms expire or when it is determined that vacancies need to be filled, a committee is formed to determine the near-future needs of the WAHS.  The committee then reviews applications and narrows the findings for the board to discuss and recommend as new members.  For example, the WAHS has been and will be expanding its role in northern Mohave County – and therefore may be interested in advertising the vacancy(s) in the Kingman area for additional ‘local knowledge’ instead of relying only on the LHC residents. Each individual board member position is a three year term with a maximum consecutive term limit of two terms.  The vice president and president of the board positions are for two consecutive years, irrespective of the length of time already served in the board member’s term.  No board member is eligible for re-election to the board without a one year minimum absence from the board.   The WAHS bylaws state that the board will be comprised of 3-13 members.  Currently 11 are seated.

Fireworks and other fanfare are often frightful experiences for dogs. The loud noises can hurt their sensitive ears.

Frightened dogs have different reactions: some tremble at their owners’ feet, others retreat to a hiding place, some try to run off (traveling for miles), and others display bizarre behavior. According to behavior specialist Dr. Elizabeth Shull, low-frequency, percussive noises such as fireworks and summer thunderstorms trigger wild fear in about 20% of dogs. Under such circumstances, ordinarily well-behaved pets may become aggressive, destructive and/or unpredictable.

Here are some precautions you can take to help your pets:

* Make sure all pets always are wearing well-fitted collars and securely fastened ID tags. Microchips and tattoos are great ID techniques, too. Even a back-firing car or shot in the woods can be enough to incite a dog to run off, so avoid taking any chances.

* Don’t take pets to events with fireworks.

* If fireworks are being set off nearby, or if you’re having guests over for a holiday celebration, find a quiet, secure place to keep your pets. Darkening the room can help. Crating is also a good idea — place the crate in the quietest part of the home. Make sure you put safe chew toys in the crate to occupy and distract the pet during the event. You can close the curtains and turn up the radio, CD player or TV to drown out noise.

* Do not leave pets outside, even in a fenced yard, anytime when fireworks might be set off in the distance.

* Rather than cuddle a frightened dog, try to distract the dog from the disturbing noises with physical activity such as playing ball.

* Remember that scolding or coddling a scared dog will not help. Scolding will scare and confuse the animal, and coddling serves to reinforce fearful behaviors. Instead, assume your pack leader role and act confident and unbothered by the noise and activity outside. You can give your pet a gentle massage, or use Tellington Touch techniques (see the T-Touch Dog Tip on the PAW website) or even just place your hand calmly on the pet’s head.

* If the sounds and lights of fireworks frighten your dog, here’s an innovative technique from the most recent issue of “Unleashed! The Pet Care Forum’s Newsletter for Dog Lovers” (www.vin.com/PetCare/Dogs.htm). Make an “anxiety wrap” using an adult or children’s T-shirt. Put the dog’s front legs through the arm holes, then knot the hem over the dog’s back. This technique is related to the massage and Tellington Touch therapy approaches. Wrapping fabric around an animal can give the pet a feeling of greater security.

* Vets can prescribe tranquilizers for frightened dogs. Also, some people find that non-prescription remedies such as Rescue Remedy or Serene-um calm their dogs.

* If you’re going out of town for the holidays, entrust the care and feeding of pets to an adult friend or a boarding kennel you know very well.

* If you know someone whose pet escaped, advise that they call the Western Arizona Humane Society at (928) 855-5083 and file a lost pet report.  If it is after business hours, please contact police dispatch at 855-4111.

Join us for our annual celebration to find loving homes for animals, to provide a safe haven for lost and abandoned pets and elimination of pet overpopulation.  The four legged members of our community need your continued commitment for their welfare.  Your participation provides the ability to find forever homes for the shelter guests in our care.

We appreciate your support, and look forward to an exciting evening to celebrate and strengthen the human-animal bond. 

Featured Image “Wishing on the Moon”-original acrylic painting on canvas and banana leaf paper.  This is Ms. Reinke’s fifth donation to the shelter and will be featured at the Art of Adoption live auction. Other exciting items include:

• 4 tickets to taping of Chelsea Lately along with other E Entertainment goodies
• The Refuge Golf Package
• Restaurant Package

We will also feature silent auction items and live entertainment.

Tickets are only $65.00 per person, and since seating is limited please RSVP by April 11, 2012.

For more information, please contact Victoria Cowper at (928) 855-5083