By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

Julie- Long of Leg; Long on Love

This statuesque beauty is Julie, a beautiful 2-3 year old Collie/Shepherd mix. She is thin and tall and has a body a lot of movie stars would envy!

Julie is energetic and active, but is also very bright, and will listen intently when our staff is giving her instructions. After hours, when the shelter is quiet, one of our workers, who has grown very fond of this sweet girl, lets her out and Julie follows the worker as she cleans. Then, quite often, Julie will come along side her staff friend, and give her little, gentle dog kisses on the hand.

Julie would make a wonderful companion for a single person, and would probably make a very good family dog, as well.

Come see this golden beauty today!

Kittens, Kittens, Still Kittens!

Even though the normal “kitten season” should be almost wound down, we still have some wonderful kittens for adoption. Usually, people looking for holiday kittens are often disappointed, because we simply don’t have any! Not this year!

We anticipate still having some beautiful and playful kittens by Christmas, but hope adopters will come and give them a home for the holidays. Remember, two kittens are twice as much fun as one!

Shelter Wish List

We would be very grateful to receive Purina Kitten Chow, adult cat dry food, and adult dry dog food, either Pedigree or Kirkland. Spread the holiday cheer and help feed the needy pets at the shelter. Thank you so much for the support.

I thought I’d give you the update on Koda, the nice guy who was named “Jasper” in your shelter.

It’s been almost 5 months and Koda is fully in the center of family life. We found out his limping was due to a torn ACL. We ended up giving im a TPLO operation (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) to fix it. It was a hard decsion to make because it was very expensive. But the recovery is nearly over and I can go for longer walks with him, which is great for both of us. I was born to have a dog at my side. And the kids get SO much out of having him in their lives; his happy and loving nature soften the hard edges of getting bossed around by adults and having to wake up early for school. How lucky we are, to know that animals make us more human!

Thanks for fighting on the front lines of animal rescue. The rest of us, luxuriating in the background with our furry love-objects, owe you so much for all you do. I only hope I am repaying my debt in other ways.

Take care and say hi to the other good people at the Humane Society!

Karen C.

Cody is such a sweet boy. Growing everyday. He is up to 89 pounds and just a big bundle of joy and love. He goes to the dog park about 4 times a week and has made lot’s of friends.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Say hi to everyone for us.

Thanks.

Donna, Hal and Cody

By Cory McKeown with photo by Melanie Epping
No Such Thing as a “Perfect Storm”

For pets left outside in bad weather without shelter, there is no such thing as a “perfect storm”- only perfect misery… Even the woolliest “beachdog” can get chilled to the bone if they get wet- the water ruins the loft of their fur that traps air and helps to keep them warm. Imagine how it must feel to be wet and cold day after day after day…

This year, we are hoping to help some of these pets that have no shelter by having a “Shelters from Santa” drive. Often, when folks lose a dog or people move, good doghouses are left unused. We are asking that if you have a good, weather tight, portable doghouse that is not being used, that you donate it to the shelter so we can give it to a needy pet. If you are particularly filled with holiday cheer, we would also be thrilled to receive new doghouses purchased for this worthy cause!

If you have a house to donate, please call the shelter at 643-1180. Medium to large and even extra large houses are particularly needed. We can even arrange to pick up doghouses if transport is a problem.

Owners needing shelters for their pets should call us so that we can provide them with doghouses as we (hopefully!!) get them.

When a pet passes away, it is sad for the owners to look out and see an empty doghouse. If that house can be put to good use giving a needy pet a dry place to sleep, it should help lift some of the sadness. Please consider helping us give these animals a better life.

Remember the Second Annual Champagne Holiday Brunch

This very enjoyable, elegant, and delicious fund-raising event is back by popular demand for the second year. The brunch will be held Saturday, December 1st, at the Peninsula Senior Center. The social will be from 11:00-11:30 AM, and the tasty brunch will be served from 11:30 to 1:00 pm.

The brunch was very well-attended last year, and seating is limited, so get your tickets now. Tickets are $25.00 per person, and can be purchased at the Humane Society, 330 Second St. NE, or by calling Western Coastal Mortgage at 642-8034, or Jill at 665-6395.

Pictures with Santa

Long Beach Pharmacy is sponsoring pictures with Santa from 7-9 pm Saturday, November 24, during their annual holiday night sale. Participants will receive a free photo with Santa with any donation to the Humane Society.

You knew me as Joey there at the shelter. Not to worry I like my new name.

Wow what a castle I live in I get a fenced big back yard to run and play in squirrels to chase out what fun. Indoors I have a comfy basket bed with a fluffy soft pillow and blanket for sleeping and quick naps.

Toys! I have lots of toys, tug-a-war ropes, fuzzy squeakers, and rubber balls all are my favorites. The food here is gobbling good, every morning and evening – plus I get chewy bones to help with my teething.

I made friends with an 11-year old cat named Katie who liv

es here she’s not so bad she thinks I’m okay too. My new owners remind me not to jump on her or chase her so at a distance I show off my leaps and circles she likes that. We are a happy pack.

Anyway, just to let you know I love my new home-digs and that my owners are good to me they like me a lot. They tell me I’m a good boy every day and I work hard to keep it that way.

Woof,
Dillion

p.s. – a word from mom and dad …
It’s been 2-weeks today since we picked up (Joey) at your shelter in Long Beach. Dillion is a real trooper fitting into our daily routine so full of life showing off his bounty of playfulness and mischievous antics. We really enjoy having Dillion as a family member. His training continues as we fine-tune his manners and social attitude. Dillion is a very smart dog and learns things fast; he does have the ‘housetrained’ part down good and we’re grateful for that. We’ll all drop by for a visit sometime on one of our many trips to Ocean Park. See you later.

Rick and Brenda Hughes
Vancouver, WA

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

Trinity- Not a Ratty Couch or Junk Car

Unfortunately, when some irresponsible people move, they leave behind things they consider garbage. Old clothes, smelly furniture, or cars that haven’t run for years. Sadly, sometimes they also leave behind their pets.

This is exactly what happened to “Trinity”, a sweet, well-mannered dog. Not only did her heartless owners drive away and probably leave her without so much as a look back, they also abandoned a beautiful four-month old calico kitten.

Both these poor creatures must have been very bewildered- wondering just what it was they did so wrong that the people they depended upon left them to fend for themselves. Trinity huddled under the porch, and for a while, kindly neighbors fed her. The little kitten didn’t fare so well. Shortly after being abandoned, she was mauled by two of the neighborhood dogs. Neighbors rescued her, but not before her leg was shattered in the jaws of the dogs. On a happier note, she was taken to Oceanside Animal Clinic, where she received the expert veterinary care and TLC she needed. She mended well, and has been found the kind home she so deserves.

Now it is Trinity’s turn for a better life. The property owner brought her to the Humane Society, and she is safe, warm, and well-fed. She has become a staff favorite, and it is easy to see why- she is very good-natured and would make someone a wonderful companion. We are going to make sure that for Trinity, a new home will be her forever home. She more than deserves it.

We beg people who are planning a move to consider their pets ahead of time. Moving, for most people, is a process, taking days to weeks. It usually doesn’t happen overnight…

As soon as people make the decision to move and know they are unable to take their pets, we urge them to try to find the animals good homes with friends or relatives. If this isn’t going to work out, call the Humane Society to see if we have room for the pets. There might not be room immediately, but the pets can be put on a waiting list for intake to the shelter when space becomes available.

Please don’t wait until the last minute if you can’t take your pet with you. Plan ahead.

Not only is it illegal in Washington State to abandon a domestic animal, imagine how horrifying and upsetting it must be for young children to watch their parents heartlessly leave behind the family pets. An experience like this just can’t help children grow up to be the caring and compassionate adults parents hope they will be. Humane issues are human issues…

Shelter Wish List

We are entering the time of holiday giving, and hope people will remember the animals this year. At the Humane Society, we strive to keep our administrative costs extremely low, which means the lion’s share of the monetary donations received goes directly to help the animals. When planning end of the year donations to non-profit organizations, please consider supporting the shelter and the needy animals in our care. Together, we can make life better for them. Thank you.

By Cory Mckeown with photos by Melanie Epping & Merry Scharfe

Harry- 123 days and Counting

Readers might remember Harry- he was our featured dog in a column done several months ago. This poor young dog is living his life in a shelter, all because of a “crime of passion”. What is this horrible crime that has sentenced him to a caged life day after day? Harry’s “crime” is that he loves people so much, that when people approach his cage, he “comes off like a nut dog”, as one of our staffers laments. He wiggles, he barks, he whines, he jumps, and he wags, wags, and wags his tail when someone stops by his kennel. What people often misinterpret as “just an out-of-control dog” is actually a dog that adores people so much, he practically turns himself inside out with sheer exuberance when he sees someone he hopes might pet him, play with him, or take him for a walk. And maybe, just maybe, take him home….

Harry would be a wonderful companion for another active, non-aggressive dog. A dog close to him in size and energy level- a dog that would appreciate his youthful enthusiasm and good nature.

More photos: http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9119393

What a shame that this young dog that adores people has lingered in a cage for more than 4 months. What a shame that no one has taken the time to get to know him to see the love and loyalty that is in his heart. How sad it is that he has been at the shelter so long. Over 123 days now, but hey, who’s counting?? Harry is counting…

Callie is Helping Pick the Winners

This darling calico kitten is “Callie”, just one of the wonderful shelter kittens awaiting adoption. Here she is seen helping us draw the winners of our annual raffle.

The lucky winner of the first prize was Kenny Jones of La Center, Katie Horton of Beaverton won second prize, Kay Drenth of Vancouver won third prize, and Angie Bradley of Ocean Park won the fourth prize.

We would like to thank everyone who supported this fundraiser which raised over $2,500 much-needed dollars for the homeless animals in our community. We are also very grateful to the Breakers Long Beach, Depot Restaurant, Port Bistro, Inn at Harbour Village, Funland, Peninsula Golf, World Kite Museum, Lost Weekend Clothing Company, Anna Lena’s, and Barbara Dunn for donating the wonderful raffle prizes.

Hooowlerween was a Howling Success

Over Halloween time, several of our dedicated volunteers set up tables at the three local supermarkets, and were thrilled to receive donations to the shelter from generous shoppers. The animals got great gifts of food and treats, and the shelter received needed supplies and monetary donations. Thank to everyone for the hard-work, and to our supporters for the generosity!!

Our 5th Annual SPCHS Raffle drawing took place at the shelter today. Thanks to everyone who came, and to everyone who bought, and sold, tickets! Mostly, thank you to the businesses and individuals donating the great prizes. We exist because of you!

And the winners are….

4th Prize: A denim, button-front shirt from LOST WEEKEND CLOTHING COMPANY, embroidered with our own SPCHS logo, goes to Angie Bradley of Ocean Park, Washington.

3rd Prize: An original acrylic painting by BARBARA DUNN, valued at $175, two tickets to the WORLD KITE MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME, and one pound of ANNA LENA’S famous fudge, goes to Kay Drenth of Vancouver, Washington.

2nd Prize: A 2-night stay at the INN AT HARBOUR VILLAGE and dinner at the PORT BISTRO, both in Ilwaco, along with a round of lazer tag at FUNLAND in Long Beach, goes to Katie Horton of Beaverton, Oregon.

1st Prize: A 3-night stay at THE BREAKERS LONG BEACH, Dinner at Seaview’s DEPOT RESTAURANT and 18 holes at PENINSULA GOLF in Long Beach goes to Kenny Jones of LaCenter, Washington.
Congratulations, winners!

Two lucky sevens just waiting to roll!

By Cory McKeown with photos by Melanie Epping

“Betty” is an adorable, bouncy long-haired Chihuahua, and “Vanessa” is a gorgeous white kitty with beautiful sea-green eyes. Both are seven years old, a wonderful age for someone looking for a more mature pet, but one that still has energy and a zest for life.

“Vanessa” is very sweet and easy-going, and gets along well with other cats. She is affectionate, and would make someone a beautiful lap cat.

“Betty” is also very loving, but might tend to get jealous if she had to share her beloved new owner with another dog. She would be an ideal pet for an adopter who had the time to dote on her – she thrives with attention, and would bring her new owner a lot of love in return.

Come and see these two “lucky sevens” – they both would love to “roll” into new loving homes.

Second Annual
Humane Champagne Holiday Brunch

This very enjoyable fund-raising event is back by popular demand! The brunch will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Peninsula Senior Center. The social will be from 11:00-11:30 a.m., and the delicious brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The brunch was well-attended last year, and seating is limited, so get your tickets now. People are still talking about the delicious menu items, such as the wonderful Swiss cheese blueberry strata!

Tickets are $25 per person, and can be purchased at the Humane Society 330 Second St. NE, or by calling 642-8034, or 665-6395.

The elegant brunch promises great food, and will bring together great friends for a great cause.

… to Sid’s IGA in Seaview and to Jack’s Country Store and Okie’s Sentry in Ocean Park for letting us use their stores for Howlerween.

… to the many people who made donations of cash, food, litter, toys, paper towels and other supplies, bought raffle tickets or joined the shelter on Howlerween!

… to volunteer Mary Peterson for organizing the event and to her team of volunteers who made it happen: Patricia Cruse, Barbara Dunn, Jane Holeman, Laurel Kirsch, Marie Maulden, Bob Peterson, Arleen Rackhamp, Merry Scharfe, Rod Vetter, Verna Vetter. (And Sasta Peterson, too! woof, Sasta!)

We exist because of you. WOOF! MEOW!