South Pacific County Humane Society has received a $4,000 grant from the Wyss Foundation of Portland, Oregon.  The Wyss Foundation has long supported SPCHS with annual grants given to support a variety of projects and general operating costs.  This year’s grant will be used to complete the new Meet & Greet service area.  The Meet & Greet area is designed to provide a private area for potential adopters and adoptees to interact and assess their mutual compatibility.  When not in service for adopter introductions, the area will serve as a recreational, socialization and training area for our shelter pups.  The ability for shelter canines to receive regular exercise and socialization outside of the normal shelter environment, is crucial is maintaining physical and mental well being.

The receipt of the Wyss funds represents the final grant needed to begin work on the Meet & Greet service area.  Work on the area began this week and is expected to be completed by the end of April, 2011.  Other support of this crucial project has been provided by the Templin Foundation, Herbert M. Zahl Foundation, SPCHS board member Cal Middleton, and SPCHS donors.

While SPCHS has received the bulk of funds needed to complete the project, more support is needed to prevent use of SPCHS reserve funds.

IF you would like to help SPCHS complete this project, please feel free to donate online or mail your support to, SPCHS, PO Box 101, Long Beach, WA 98631.  Please put “Meet & Greet” in the memo field of your donation.

A big WOOF! of appreciation to the Wyss Foundation and supporters of the Meet & Greet project!

Here are pictures of Rasha after her 1 year anniversary with us.  She goes every day to run and play at the off leash dog park.  Hope things are well and not too busy for you and the staff.  Best to all, Robb

Lonely India needs a loving person to turn her life around

This young lab mix has spent the last six months with us after her owner had to surrender her. When she first got here, she was very shy and acted out her fear by barking and leaping at anyone who stopped by her cage.
Gradually, we realized that she was “all bark and no bite” and started working with her on her “cage manners”. Over time, she began to realize that she was safe, and her true personality began to emerge.
Now, she is a staff favorite, and volunteers like to go in her run just to cuddle with her- and cuddle she does! She has gone from fearsome barking to a much gentler girl that loves to play and give soft nuzzles and kisses.
India has a short, shiny, easy-care coat, and has a wonderful energy level. She seems to really enjoy some of the “boy” dogs at the shelter, but can be leery of other girls. She is definitely the kind of dog that is very anxious to please, and has quickly picked up on some basic commands.
If she were just given a chance, India would truly be someone’s best friend. She just needs a gentle person who will take the time to get to know her. If you are her special person, please come and meet her and give her the love and attention she so longs for. Spending six months in a cage is breaking her heart…

Shelter Wish List
We are running drastically low on some essential supplies for the shelter and are hoping we can call on our supporters for help. We need 13-gallon garbage bags, paper towels, and canned dog and cat food. Also, it is rapidly coming upon kitten season, and we would very much like to receive donations of Purina Kitten Chow for the little guys soon to come. Thank you so much!

Through their “Building Community Immunity Grant”, the Petfinder Foundation has awarded SPCHS free vaccine for our shelter pups against Canine Influenza.

Emerging in 2004, Canine Influenza is a relatively recent addition to the threats against our four legged friends.  The flu was originally transferred to canines from the equine population and has adapted to the canine biology to become a regular and widespread threat.

Although the virus spreads readily from dog to dog, there is no evidence to support that it can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

Through their collaboration with Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, the makers of Nobivac Cainine Flu N3N8 vaccine, Petfinder is making up to 1,000,000 doses available to local shelters.  SPCHS has been awarded 428 doses, enough vaccine to treat 214 animals.  We are grateful to Petfinder for their continued support of the shelter community and the animal-welfare cause.

Thanks Petfinder!!!

MARCH 17-18-19:  St Pat’s Lucky Cats.  Contact the Shelter: 360-642-1180

MAY: The BIG Raffle kicks off Memorial Day weekend, along with our Grrrrarage Sale.  Contact Mike Litawa 360-642-4414

JUNE 12: Fore! The Furrballs Golf Tournament.  Contact Cheri Diehl 360-642-3325

JUNE 25: Doggie Olympic Games.  Contact Mike Litawa 360-642-4414

JULY 23: Sand Flea Pet Parade at Sandsations.  Contact Merry Scharfe 360-642-1052 or 360-642-5005

AUGUST 20:  Find us manning the information booth of the Washington State International Kite Festival.  Contact Merry Scharfe 360-642-1052 or 360-642-5005