September, 2015 
Lakes Region Humane Society 
Fall Newsletter

Dear Friend,
 
You are receiving this newsletter from the Lakes Region Humane Society because you expressed interest in our non-profit shelter by: adopting a pet, requesting a newsletter, attending an event or making a donation. THANK YOU for your support and interest. Please enjoy this extended, special edition, newsletter!





Upcoming Events:

Saturday, October 3rd -  Barn Bash 2015. 
This event takes place in an 1860's dairy barn atop Wolfeboro's Cotton Mountain. It includes a bountiful dinner, silent auction and live folk music. Space is limited to 46 guests. This is a BYOB event. 

"Nolan's Waggin' Wednesdays"
On Wednesday evenings in October, Nolan's Brick Oven Bistro of Wolfeboro will be generously donating a percentage of their bar and food sales to the pets at LRHS. They will also be selling 50/50 raffle tickets for just $5 each for a chance to win cash. You do not have to be present to win the cash prize, but you DO have to be present to support LRHS. We hope you will join us for dinner at Nolan's! PS - take out orders count too!

"Back-2-School" Dog Training Classes - LRHS now offers a variety of year-round group and private dog trainings at affordable rates. The next wave of classes begins on Saturday, October, 24th.
Sunday, December 6th - Holiday Dinner at O' Bistro in Wolfeboro. This dinner is $55 per person and includes light appetizers, dinner, dessert, awards ceremony, live music, silent auction and raffle prizes.
The Sweet Paws Rescue Project 
 

On Friday, July 10th, Sweet Paws Spa and Inn/Sweet Tails Rescue was disbanded by the Ossipee Police Department. The woman operating the kennel and rescue was arrested and charged with animal neglect and abuse. LRHS was at the scene along with the New Hampshire Humane Society (NHHS), Conway Area Humane Society (CAHS), NH Disaster Animal Response Team (NHDART), NH Department of Agriculture and the Ossipee P.D. All organizations present agreed that the conditions observed were deplorable. We worked together to get the pets out of the kennel that very day.

CAHS took in 24 dogs and 8 cats, NHHS took in 12 dogs and, being the smallest of the shelters, LRHS took in 7 of Kennel Operator, Laurinda Miller's, personal dogs. The Sweet Tails Rescue Board of Directors signed over ownership of the dogs found inside the Sweet Paws Kennel to the NHHS and CAHS. Most of those lucky dogs have already been placed in fresh, new, forever homes.

On 7/17/15 all 7 dogs temporarily residing at LRHS tested positive for Giardia. They were treated and retested two weeks later. Four of the 7 dogs tested positive for Giardia a second time; all 7 were retreated, retested and are now medically cleared. LRHS is grateful to those who have assisted with donations and funding while the "Sweet Seven" are being held under protective  custody at LRHS on behalf of the Town of Ossipee.
 
Unfortunately for LRHS and the "Sweet Seven", their owner is  refusing to relinquish ownership of them which means they will remain at LRHS until a judge decides their fate. An arraignment was scheduled for September 2nd which we hoped would determine custody of these dogs; however, the owner waived her right to an arraignment thus prolonging the dogs stay at LRHS. At present, no trial date has been set. 
 
Being as small as we are, this mandatory hold is restricting our ability to take in our communities' unwanted and stray dogs who are in need of our help and care. We have the capacity to take  in some dogs in need but are more limited because the "Sweet Seven" now fill half our kennels. It is our hope that a court date will be set quickly so a decision can be made and we can get these poor dogs out from behind bars and into the cozy homes they  deserve. This rescue has been a strain on the "Sweet Seven" and on LRHS resources. The silver lining to this story was seeing our non-profit community services in action. Everyone collaborated to quickly remove these dogs from a terrible situation and give them a promising new future. LRHS is proud to be a part of this rescue process!


If you would like to make a donation to support LRHS in coping with the ever-growing costs of caring for these displaced dogs, please do so online at  www.lrhs.net.


President's Letter

The summer has proven to be eventful and our little shelter has been much in the news these days  after a joint rescue effort with local law enforcement and several other local Humane Societies.  We celebrated our 20 th anniversary as the Lakes Region Humane Society with friends, volunteers, donors, great music and food. Construction of our Multipurpose Room is complete and was dedicated to the memory of our long-time supporter and former Board Member, John Morgan, whose selfless dedication to the LRHS will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts and memories of all.

We have exciting plans to enhance our cat-rooms by adding "catios" and vertical climbing surfaces thanks to generous donations of time and materials by Winnipesaukee Lumber, Azek Building Products, Inc., George Provencal of Feng Shui Builders, and financial support from the Ahimsa       Foundation.
 
Thanks to our donors, we have established and are continuing to grow our "Saving Grace" fund which is used for animals who arrive with special medical needs, we now have the staffing to provide rehabilitative training to dogs who exhibit blatant or potential behavioral issues.
 
The Board of Directors, staff and animals who pass through the doors of "The Little Shelter with a Big Heart" thank you for all you do for us.
 
Regards,

Ivette

Ivette Babylon, President, LRHS Board of Directors
 
Below:  Flanked by LRHS Board Members, President, Ivette Babylon cuts the ribbon at LRHS's 20th Anniversary Event.


Pepper's Story 

I have experienced a long and tiresome journey in my quest for the perfect home. My first year of life was spent as a stray, fending for myself in South Carolina. I was captured and placed in a pound where I was given 2 weeks to find a home or else be euthanized due to the Town's lack of funding and overpopulation. Thankfully, a rescue group pulled me from the pound before my "final appointment with the vet" and placed me in a temporary foster home.

The Friends of Aiken County, a non-profit group, coordinated with a transport service called Fair Way Horse Transports to bring me on an arduous 30-hour commute from SC to NH. Upon arrival at LRHS in April of 2014, I was doing pretty well...all things considered. I enjoyed playing with the other dogs and had surprised myself by becoming tolerant of cats!
I was adopted and returned twice for growling and nipping at my new families. Both adopters said the same thing, "We don't know what happened, she was so loving 95% of the time but we are just too nervous to keep her. We hate to give her up but don't know what else to do. We hope you can find her a perfect home."

While back at LRHS, again, I was retested for Heart Worms and found to be positive, not unusual coming from the South. I endured painful injections to each side of my spine which made me ill for a couple of weeks. After some bed rest I began to feel like myself again.  Once I felt better, LRHS sent me to live with a dog trainer who had 4 other dogs. I loved playing with them and working on my "fear aggression" issues with my foster dad. I learned more than ever before, and after 3 months of living with him and my foster pack, he said I was ready for my forever home.

I had suffered turnover, turmoil and pain in my first 2 years but was young, healthy and newly educated, although a far cry from perfect. I was ready to relax into the  happy and free life that I believed all dogs deserve but I was starting to lose hope. That's when Mona and Peter came along...       

LRHS would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mona and Peter for giving Pepper a home bursting with understanding. The success of this particular dog took many people, a few organizations, veterinary assistance and a heart-full of hope. We were beginning to doubt that Pepper would EVER find a home...Peter and Mona are true dog people - they know how to train and don't let a little growling here and there deter them from their goal. They have spent hours upon hours working with Pepper and we are ecstatic to see that Pepper has finally met her match.

Left to Right: Adopter, Mona Hollenbeck poses with Pepper and LRHS Kennel Tech., Colleen Gibson on adoption day!
       
New Multipurpose Room 

LRHS's long time goal of transforming the attic into a usable space has been met! With the help of grants generously awarded by the Madelaine G. Von Webber Trust, Meredith Village Savings Bank and Cogswell Benevolent Trust, LRHS has begun renovations to the attic.

Following, before and after photos of renovations.

LRHS Celebrates 20 Years of Service, by Larissa Mulkern 

LRHS dedicated its new Multipurpose Room to former Board  Member, John Morgan, who is credited for working tirelessly and generously for many years. LRHS  held the dedication during its 20th anniversary reception and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 25.

The new room provides ample storage, a clean, finished open space for dog training, meet and greets with adoptive pet owners, dog exercising in winter, meeting space and an enclosed room where animals may play inside during bad weather. On the wall at the entrance is a plaque dedicating the room to John Morgan.

John Morgan joined the LRHS board in 2007. With a background in computer technology, John became the shelter's IT Man and Treasurer. "He was not the centerpiece of the collage, but the glue that held it all together", said Jane Milligan in her dedication presentation. "If John was our       multi-purpose guy, dedicating the Multipurpose Room to him is perfect",  said Jane. John  Morgan's son, Jeff, had flown in from Minnesota for the  ceremony. "He was passionate about the mission of the Humane Society", said Jeff. "He was a firm believer in 'count your blessings and give back whenever you can.' That's how he lived his life. This is a real touching occasion. I'm privileged to be able to see  everybody. My dad spoke often of this place", he said. "Once things settle down for us, we'll be involved to help carry out his mission", Jeff added. "One thing for sure, a love for animals runs in the family."

"It's been a very good year", said Director, Megan Fichter, whom Board Members credited for much of the organization's success. And she reciprocates, "Our Board is a hands-on Board, and our staff is tried and true. It's not just one person - it's all of us. The community is always supportive of anything we need", she said during a quick tour of the new room.

During the gathering, officials also recognized their top three volunteers,         Grace Barstow, Sue Wrightsman and Adam Whitehead, with gift certificates donated by Yankee Smokehouse owner and Ossipee Chamber of Commerce President, Joe Ferriera.

LRHS's 20th Birthday was  a time to give back to the adopters,  volunteers, donors and staff who have supported LRHS through the ups and downs. There were complimentary hot dogs, desserts, chips, beverages, music and party favors. LRHS offered  a special $20 adoption fee for cats and dogs to pre-approved applicants. Four pets were adopted the Friday prior to the event and 8  pets were adopted during the event. This set a new record for the most adoptions in one day at LRHS!
 
Contact Us: 
 
Lakes Region Humane Society 

P(603)539-1077  

F(603)539-1012


 

www.lrhs.net  


 
PO Box 655, Ossipee, NH 03864

11 Old Rt. 28, Ossipee, NH 03864 


Kitten Promo Event held at 
Winni Paw Station 

On Friday, August 7th, LRHS Board Members partnered with Diane Mullen, owner of Winni Paw Station pet supply shop, to bring Wolfeboro residents KITTENS!  
 
Four adorable kitties from LRHS were available for snuggles and adoption from 11-2 pm that day. Three of the four kittens returned to the shelter with complete adoption applications and went to their forever homes that week.
 
LRHS extends its thanks to Board President, Ivette Babylon, and Diane Mullen for coordinating this promotional event. 
LRHS Wish List
  • Bleach     
  • Pedigree Chopped Chicken 
  • Canned Dog Food        
  • String Mop Heads
  • Mr. Clean Magic Sponges   
  • Friskee's Chicken Pate  
  • Canned Cat Food                        
  • Paper Towels
  • Dawn Dish Soap                 
  • Laundry Detergent                   
  • Toilet Paper
  • Dish Sponges                         
  • Dryer Sheets 
  • Scratching Posts
  • Instant Rice 
  • Baby Food-Poultry Based 
  • Contractor trash bags
The Pets Thank You!
Marketing Opportunities 

LRHS is accepting advertisements for the 2015 Fall Newsletter. $100 entitles you to a business card size ad in 1 issue, $175 entitles you to a business card size ad in 2 issues. These newsletters are printed and mailed to over 2,500 local animal lovers.

 

The eNewsletter is sent via Constant Contact, shared on the LRHS Facebook page and Website and is seen by thousands of pet owners!            

                                                                

Contact Megan at 603-539-1077 or mfichter@lrhs.net to inquire about advertising opportunities. 

 


LRHS Offerings: 
 

Dog Training - Year round group or  private consultations just $60-$150

 

Nail Clippings - $12

 

Microchipping - $30

 

Low cost pet carriers/crates

 

Haveaheart Trap Rentals

- $30 refundable deposit

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

Pet Library - "check out" our     educational library - it's free! 

 

Military Discount

- $20 off dog and $10 off cat adoptions for veterans.

 

Senior-to-Senior Discounts

- If you are 65+ years of age and adopt  a  cat or dog 7+  years of age, you will receive $20 off a cat adoption, or $40 off a dog adoption.
 




 





Pet Education Station

Low Cost Spay/N euter Program
Rozzie May is a non-profit organization that specializes in low cost spay, neuters, and vaccinations in the state of NH and in Western ME.
 

Ask Your Vet About...Flea and tick preventives such as Frontline, Vectra or Revolution which are key in providing your pet extra protection against pesky, disease carrying, ticks and insects.

Reports of Lyme Disease in people and pets has been on the rise in NH. Ask your Vet about the Lyme Disease Vaccination for your dog! Sorry owners, this vaccination is not available to humans, yet. 

Heartworm pills should be administered orally each month, all year round. These pills can be obtained from your Vet. Mosquitoes carry Heartworms, and a simple bite can transmit the Heartworms to your pet. 

General Pet Care & Cost    

ASPCA Dog Care Guidelines         

ASPCA Cat Care Guidelines

LRHS Board of Directors
 
Ivette Babylon - President
Susan Raser, Co. V.P.
Joanna Fuller, Co. V. P.
Karen Coan, Treasurer
Katie Adjutant, Secretary
Carla Copeland
Holly Williams
Joanne Walsh
Linda Pacheco
Lindy Viscio
Carole Hunt
 
Advisors to the Board

Linda Williams
Jim Allan
Jane Milligan
Judy Lawless
Barbara Schmidt
V. Richard Ward Jr., Esq.
Successful Rabies Clinic
 
On Sat., Aug. 15th, LRHS partnered with Dr. Susan Haley of the Kindness Animal Hospital to host a Low Cost Pet Care Clinic at LRHS. Perks included: $15 rabies vaccinations, administered and donated by Dr. Susan Haley; $10 nail trimmings, conducted and donated by Beth Burke of Burke's Dirty Dawg's Grooming Service; and $15 microchips administered and provided by LRHS.

Not only was this clinic helpful to those in need of low cost pet care, but all proceeds went directly to  medical care for the LRHS shelter dogs and cats. We are grateful for the many volunteers and Board Members who were in attendance to help with check in and clean up. We are looking forward to holding another clinic in the Spring.
Below, LRHS Vet. Tech. trims nails at the clinic. 

LRHS Seeks PT Employee
 
LRHS is has an opening for a part time, 40-hours-per-MONTH, Maintenance Person. Duties include: general facility repairs and upkeep, landscaping, snow removal, roof shoveling and raking, snow blowing, snow shoveling, weekly trash removal, plowing, painting and light construction.
 
Hours are flexible except for days when snow removal is required.
Please share this posting with any responsible/reputable person you think may be interested in this position. Pay rate is based on skill set. 

If interested, please submit a resume and 3 professional references to: mfichter@lrhs.net.