Employee Spotlight!

If you know Dr. Jennifer Choate from our Spay/Neuter Clinic, you’re familiar with her infectious laugh and that her passion for animals knows no bounds…

BUT, do you know what’s on her bucket list or how she got started in the veterinary field? Read on for some fun tidbits!

❓What's on your bucket list?

🔹I'm saving for a telescope to see Saturn’s rings, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Horsehead Nebula.

🔹Overcome my fear of heights and ride in a hot air balloon

🔹Pay off my house!

❓Where would you like to travel?

🔹I would love to see the Grand Canyon and ride the train around it.

🔹Exploring the beauty of Alaska on a cruise or train would be amazing!

🔹I have a trip planned to the Redwood Forest next summer!

❓How did you get started in this field?

🔹I've always wanted to be a vet. My mom kept all my childhood creations, including a note written on "special" three-lined paper that said, "I want to be a veterinarian." In high school, I volunteered with wildlife rescue but I couldn't resist working with dogs and cats because of the affection they show.

❓Do you have any advice for newcomers?

🔹Be sure to learn as much as possible, and enjoy teaching others. Communication is crucial, especially in pet care. I spend a lot of time educating pet owners about medical issues with their pets and how and why we do things in a certain way to vet assistants.

❓What do people misunderstand about your job or the clinic?

🔹Our clinic (not including the rest of HBPets) receives about 100 messages daily, and our small team works hard to respond. Volunteers often call in the evenings from personal phones, which aren’t always answered. We do our best to reach everyone and appreciate your patience!

❓Do you have pets? (silly question, we know😂)

🔹I have two Australian Cattle Dogs. Blueberry, my oldest, is smart and loves to talk - her favorite command is "speak"! Taz, short for Tasmanian Devil, used to spin on the bed like a tornado as a pup. Now, she follows me everywhere and naps under my desk at work.

Thanks, Dr. Jen, for sharing a bit about your world with us!

SAVE THE DATE!

Our 5th Annual Virtual Auction, Paws for a Celebration is happening September 18-22! It’s your chance to get ahead on holiday shopping (or treat yourself 😂) while supporting local dogs and cats.

To register to preview items, and bid when the event begins, visit BetterUnite.com/HBPets.

Our small team works hard to ensure each animal is safe, healthy, and loved, but we can't do it alone. Your donations and winning bids help us provide medical care, nutritious food, enrichment, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccines, microchips, safe shelter, and LOTS OF LOVE to our animals as we search for their new, loving families.

We have over 100 carefully curated auction baskets/items from local businesses and community members - here's a sneak peek!

🛍️gift cards: restaurants, boutiques, groceries, and more!

🛠️handyman services, power washing, and carpet cleaning

🌴vacation rentals (Palm Springs, OR coast, and more!)

🖼️art, jewelry, and photography sessions

🏖️sushi and beach baskets, and kits for margaritas and root beer floats

🚁helicopter tour, hot air balloon ride, and wine country tours

⛳golf, paintball, Wildlife Safari, and San Juan Islands kayaking tour

🍷wine tasting, bed & breakfast stays, and bottles of wine

🏀Portland adventures: Blazers suite, ballet, Japanese Garden, OMSI, and Art Museum

🎣fishing trip, ropes course, and paddle board/kayak classes

😺pet photography, equine vet services, and pet goodie baskets-galore

💅massage, hair, nails, laser skin renewal, tattoo, and piercing services

⚠️Don’t forget to register: BetterUnite.com/HBPets.

We’ll "see" you there!

It's not a treat, but we'll beg if we have to. 😂

WHY IS A NEW SHELTER NEEDED?

30 SECOND CLIP #1

30 SECOND CLIP #2

6 MINUTE VIDEO

Our new animal shelter is going to be PAW-SOME! We've raised 72% of our goal and we're confident that with your help, we can close the gap on the last $1.26M.

A new facility means healthier animals, more adoptions, lower costs, and a safer, happier staff and volunteer team. We can’t wait to welcome you to our new and improved space!

There are a few ways to support this new building project:

MAKE AN ONLINE DONATION

CHECKS CAN BE MAILED TO: HBPets PO Box 8, McMinnville, OR 97128

(memo: Capital Campaign)

MAJOR GIFT PLEDGE SHEET

If you've already donated, thank you for your generosity and kindness; we mean it when we say this isn't possible without YOU.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come:

-top-notch HVAC for clean, odor-free air

-sloped floors with individual drains

-kennels arranged to keep dogs from seeing each other (reduces stress)

-large outdoor dog run for safe and spacious exercise

-friendly and inviting lobby and conference rooms

-isolation kennels and bright, spacious “meet & greet” rooms

-free roam catteries with adjustable lighting for a low-stress vibe

If you're ready to speak up for local dogs and cats, there are a few ways you can donate.

ONLINE DONATIONS, CLICK HERE

CHECKS CAN BE MAILED TO: HBPets PO Box 8, McMinnville, OR 97128 (memo: Capital Campaign)

MAJOR GIFT PLEDGE SHEET

What a good girl!

We think this pretty girl is the perfect package! Gemma is full of life, very friendly, intelligent, and goofy. She's about 2 years old and as loyal as they come. She's protective of her friends and loves meeting new people and furry friends.

Gemma loves games and puzzles - she's very intelligent and a quick learner. She's ready to be your best friend, confidante, hiking buddy, and protector.

If she seems like the perfect fit for you, please click here to answer the questions in her profile and send them to shelter@hbpets.org.