Senior Dogs at APS-FH
"Fetch" Grant
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San Juan County old dogs have something to wag their tails about this summer, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at Animal Protection Society-Friday Harbor (APS-FH) are among the winners.
The Animal Protection Society in Friday Harbor is one of 90 animal welfare groups chosen from 370 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs. The winning groups received $848,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.
The Grey Muzzle Organization grant will help Animal Protection Society-Friday Harbor (APS-FH) provide care and treatment for senior dogs in need, preparing them for their best next home.
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The grant will help many dogs like nine-year-old Princess, who came to APS-FH via an emergency relief transport flight from an overcrowded Louisiana shelter. At APS-FH, she was spayed, underwent several diagnostic tests, had multiple biopsies on mammary masses, was given treatment for parasites and ear infections, and received a thorough dental including many tooth extractions. After completing treatment and gaining 10 pounds, Princess was adopted into a wonderful home.
Grey Muzzle funding will also help APS-FH expand our “Community Pet Support Services” to keep senior dogs in their homes. New services include a fund to help low-income families afford lifesaving medical and dental care for their senior dogs, (at least) two annual Community Pet Wellness Clinics, and short-term emergency housing for the pets of families experiencing temporary transition or crisis. Services will be offered in collaboration with several local human service organizations providing referrals.
This grant will help us give senior dogs like 9-year-old Princess the veterinary and dental care they need so they’ll be ready to go to their forever homes. And will help us provide community pets with support services that will support keeping them in their homes and with their families. No one is more grateful or loving than an old dog, and we’re looking forward to helping more senior dogs get the second chance they all deserve.
Over the past 15 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided more than $4.6 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.”
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Princess is one of many wonderful senior dogs that receive care and are placed into loving homes by APS-FH. For more information, please visit www.apsfh.com or call (360) 378-2158.
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like Animal Protection Society-Friday Harbor make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs in the San Juan County are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of APS-FH”.
The national nonprofit The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide. For details, please visit www.greymuzzle.org. |
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Transporting Pets and
Home Furnishings in Style
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APS-FH would like to express deep gratitude to Hans and Cindy Koch for funding the fun and colorful new logo wrap (design by Anne Francis Web Design / application by image360 in Burlington) on our “Transport Van." A donation that was made in honor of their first of many rescue dogs (and cats), Tia Maria. Did you happen to see us proudly showing off our new van design in the Friday Harbor 4th of July Parade?
The APS-FH Transport Van is used to transfer pets from overcrowded and over impacted shelters and rescues across Washington State into the APS-FH shelter to be cared for medically and emotionally and then adopted into loving homes. In 2022, APS-FH transferred 49 dogs and 58 cats from other shelters and rescues – over 90% of them from Washington State. Compared to 2019, the number of pets entering shelters has decreased 17%, while adoptions decreased at an even higher rate of 20%, meaning more animals are staying in shelters now than before the pandemic. Transport literally saves lives by moving pets from areas saturated with pets in need of homes to places like San Juan County where availability of pets to adopt is lower and where these pets are highly sought after.
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APS-FH staff & volunteers in the 2023 4th of July Parade proudly show off our newly wrapped transport van.
Our transport van is also used to pick up (for a small fee) donations to be sold at the APS-FH Treasure Hounds store. Treasure Hounds is an upscale resale shop with home décor, furniture, and collectibles that supports the animal shelter by providing 24% of total annual income. At Treasure Hounds, your donations are lovingly cared for and happily rehomed. The store is staffed by volunteers and all items sold in the store have been donated.
Come shop with us Thursday through Sunday 11am to 4pm at 365-C Spring Street or call us at (360) 298-9058. Like us on Facebook to see the exciting new items that come in each week! https://www.facebook.com/APSFHTreasureHounds/
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As the summer sun beats down, it's natural to want to take your furry friend along for a ride in the car. However, it's crucial to remember that leaving your dog in a hot car, even for a quick stop, can have devastating consequences. Many people believe that cracking a window or finding a shady spot is enough to keep their pets cool, but the truth is far more alarming. In just 30 minutes, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket from 80 degrees outside to a staggering 114 degrees.
Even in cooler weather, the inside of a car can be significantly hotter than the outdoor temperature. On a 70-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach a scorching 90 degrees. A shady parking spot, a bowl of water, or an open window simply doesn't provide enough relief to counteract the dangerous effects of these soaring temperatures.
Dogs are not as efficient at cooling themselves down as humans are, and once they overheat, they can suffer severe organ damage or even die. It's important to note that in Washington state, it is illegal to leave an animal unattended in a motor vehicle or enclosed space if the animal could be harmed or killed by exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of necessary water.
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To raise awareness about this critical issue, we have created a hot weather safety graphic, and we want to share some quick tips to help you keep your pets cool and safe:
- Never leave your pets alone in a hot car, as the internal temperatures can quickly become life-threatening. Even if you have a window cracked, pets are still at risk of heat stroke or organ failure.
- If you have air conditioning at home, use it to keep your pets comfortable. Fans can help to some extent, but an AC is more effective. You can enhance the cooling effect by placing a bowl of ice behind a fan to blow cool air. Consider setting up a "cooling station" in a shady spot with a fan, ice packs, and a bowl of water.
- Ice packs or frozen water bottles can provide a refreshing surface for your dog to rest on and stay cool. Kid pools are also a great option when hot dogs need a quick dip.
- When taking your pet for a walk, be mindful of the temperature of the asphalt. It can cause serious damage to their paws and will be hotter than the outside temperature.
- Keep in mind that flat-faced animals, such as Pugs and Persians, are more susceptible to heat-related issues, as they can't pant as effectively. Very young and senior animals, as well as those with heart and lung conditions, are also more vulnerable.
Be aware of the symptoms of overheating, which include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, stupor, collapse, seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and elevated body temperature.
If you come across an animal in distress on a hot day, please try to locate the owner or call 911 immediately. Stay with the animal until help arrives, as every minute counts in these critical situations.
Let's work together to keep our furry companions safe and cool during the dog days of summer. By taking these precautions and spreading awareness, we can keep our furry companions safe and cool during the dog days of summer.
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It may be the dog days of summer, but it is also kitten season, a time of year when thousands of homeless kittens flood animal shelters across the country. |
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Kitten season, also known as feline breeding season, is the time of year when unaltered (not spayed) female cats go into heat. If the female cat encounters an unaltered (not neutered) male cat, a litter of kittens is likely to be the result about 60 days later.
Kitten season takes place during the warmer months. Typically, in our area, kitten season runs from early April through late October/early November.
Unless you have worked in an animal shelter, it is unlikely you have heard the term. In our newsletter this month, APS-FH focuses on cats and how everyone in our community can help prevent unwanted litters.
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Help, I Found a Cat Outdoors! |
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Example: You come across a cat outdoors, perhaps in a parking lot, or behind your favorite local store, or even in your own backyard. You may want to act, but what do you do?
The answer depends on the cat! Cats can have unique needs based on many factors. In most cases, finding a cat outdoors is nothing to be concerned about. Cats have always lived outdoors, ever since the species Felis catus (domestic cat) came into existence, and they always will, even while some cats live indoors with us.
Cats fall into three categories: owned, stray and Community. Each category will determine what action should be taken.
As a side note, kittens, especially under four weeks of age, have special needs that differ from adult cats. Please call APS-FH, if you have found a kitten.
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Owned, Stray or Community? |
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The chart below will help you make the right decisions in the cat's best interest (click to enlarge). Please keep in mind, not all cats found outdoors need to be "rescued." If you are not sure, please call us (360) 378-2158. We are happy to walk you through the steps to help determine if the cat needs help. |
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The San Juan Island Community Foundation Giving Campaign |
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The San Juan Island Community Foundation will again be hosting their Campaign Giving program at the County Fair this year to support the many nonprofit organizations in our community. And again this year, the Grant Program will be offered both online and in person at the Fair.
APS-FH is excited to once again be participating. We hope to raise $10,000 to support our community Pet Food Pantry.
The Virtual Giving Campaign will run
Wednesday, August 16 through Saturday, August 19
Please watch for more information as we get closer to the event!
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Announcing...
A New Title for a Familiar Face
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As APS-FH has grown and expanded our programs and services, Beth Anderson, our Shelter Manager has outgrown her position title. Today, we are proud to announce Beth’s promotion to APS-FH Program Manager.
Beth Anderson began working at APS-FH as a part time Animal Care Team Member in 2018. In 2019, she was promoted to full-time Shelter Manager and over the past five-years has played an integral role in helping to develop and expand the community support and outreach services we offer today, as well as refining and improving the quality of care provided to pets in the APS-FH animal shelter.
Beth studied at the Evergreen State College with a focus in Zoology/Environmental Studies, graduated from small animal massage school at the Northwest School of Animal Massage, and was formally a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in WA State. Beth has held a wide variety of animal related jobs. Before working at APS-FH, she worked at Tails-a-Wagging Daycare and Training Center as an Attendant, a Zookeeper at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and a Seasonal Rehabilitator at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Beth has two cats and two dogs at her own home but has held a lifelong passion for working with animals and works diligently to provide the best care and opportunity to every animal that comes her way.
As Shelter Manager, Beth has numerous responsibilities that include: hiring and managing the Animal Care and Medical Team staff members, monitoring the shelter’s capacity for care and making decisions about animal intake, overseeing shelter and clinic operations and the care provided to all pets that come through our doors, coordinating Foster and TNR Volunteers, maintaining records and reporting statistics, and developing, writing, and assuring adherence to literally hundreds of shelter policies and procedures. Whew! Her role is complex, and she often handles sensitive, difficult, and even life-threatening situations – she does it all with exceptional skill and a deep commitment to care for the animals, staff, volunteers, and customers of APS-FH and people with pets in our community.
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The 29th Annual Doggone Good Dinner Left Our Tails Wagging |
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APS-FH’S 29th annual Doggone Good Dinner - our major fundrasing event - was held on Monday, May 15th at Duck Soup. Sixty five people attended and enjoyed an evening of wining and dining in support of their local animal shelter. Through the years, this event has helped support general operations of the shelter and our capital campaign to build our current home, of which we are so proud of.
This year, proceeds from this benefit support our medical clinic and the medical services we provide to the community. It was held in honor of longtime APS-FH supporters Bob and Lissa McDowell who have generously, significantly, and sometimes creatively, been helping APS-FH since 2004.
After dinner, we got down to business. Executive Director, Cristin Felso, talked about all that is happening at APS-FH: shelter statistics, new programs and services, and the great work being done by the shelter and clinic staff. We showed a video highlighting one of our many success stories - a tragic and triumphant story of a dog named “Tori” (Victorious) who was fortunate to find his way into our shelter and then a happy new home - click here to watch the video. We heard from Special Guest Speaker, Dr. Merriss Waters, DVM, our veterinarian, who talked about our medical and clinical services and the importance of what the dinner was supporting this year.
When we collected the pledge cards, we found ourselves completely wowed by the generosity of our guests.
We can’t say “thank you” enough for helping us reach and surpass the evening’s fundraising goal. We are deeply honored by your incredible support!
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Furry Factoid
Did you know that August is National Dog Month?
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What better time to celebrate our canine pals than right in the middle of the dog days of summer.
We all know that dogs hold a special place in our hearts, and it's no wonder why they're the most commonly owned pets on the planet. They bring so much joy and happiness to our lives, and there's scientific proof that being around our “pawsome” companions actually makes us happier, less stressed, and more optimistic.
So celebrate National Dog Month with your furry companion in any way you can. Take them on an extra-long walk to explore new places together or play fetch until their tails wag with delight. But don’t forget about their well-being too. Schedule a veterinarian appointment to ensure they stay healthy and strong.
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Our Amazon Wish List is another meaningful way for you to support us by purchasing needed items for us directly. Just click here to go to our Wish List, add items to your cart, and check out – it's that easy. |
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