NORTH COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
WELCOMES SHELTER ADVISOR JOANNE SCHOCH
Monday, June 22, the North County Humane Society will welcome Joanne Schoch, Executive Director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast in Brooksville, Florida. Ms. Schoch and Paul Montante, Vice President of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, have been serving as long distance advisors to assist the North County Humane Society through this difficult economy.
Ms. Schoch is donating a week of her vacation to assist with strategic planning and developing long term financial stability for the North County Humane Society. Strategy meetings will be held throughout the week with staff and board members, as well as a Shelter tour and facility evaluation.
Several years ago, the Humane Society of the Nature Coast faced many of the same challenges now facing the North County Humane Society. Through dedication and strategic planning, the Humane Society of the Nature Coast has risen from the verge of closing their doors to achieving local, state and national awards with the support of their community.
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ATASCADERO NEWS ARTICLE FEATURES NCHS
To view the complete article click here: NCHS Committed to Survival of Shelter
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REACHING ACROSS THE NATION
The economic crisis is again taking a toll on the North County Humane Society. After several years of difficulties the North County Humane Society has reached out to the Humane Society of the Nature Coast in Brooksville, Florida for support and guidance. Working with our new board of directors, along with established board members, steps are now being taken to implement a strategic plan to insure the long-term financial stability of the North County Humane Society. With the community’s continued support the North County Humane Society is determined to survive in these difficult economic times.
Staff members have been temporarily laid-off due to our restricted finances, but the care of our animals will continue with the support of volunteers. This is a temporary situation that was a difficult decision, but necessary for the time being.
We want to thank everyone who has offered their unwavering support this past year and while progress has been made, finances are strained in this unfortunate economic climate. Without the support of San Luis Obispo County’s, residents and businesses we could not have weathered this past year. The North County Humane Society is proud to serve a county so committed to the welfare of our furry friends in need.
After attending an educational conference sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, we are formulating our plan for the future of the homeless, neglected and abused animals of our community. Executive Director, Joanne Schoch and Vice-President, Paul Montante of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast have agreed to serve as volunteer advisors to the North County Humane Society in the coming year, and beyond if needed, as a strategic plan is formulated and implemented. The Humane Society of the Nature Coast faced many of the challenges now facing our local shelter and have not only survived in these difficult economic times, but are thriving and planning their expansion. The Humane Society of the Nature Coast finished 4th in the United States in the Zootoo Shelter Makeover competition this year and Ms. Schoch was the instructor of “Successful Programs on a Small Budget at the Humane Society of the United States Animal Care Expo in Las Vegas last month.
The staff, volunteers and board of directors of the North County Humane Society are committed to the survival of your animal shelter and will continue serving the animals of SLO County through this economy and beyond. Education and community support will be the keys to growth and stability for your Humane Society.
Check the North County Humane Society website for upcoming events and how you can help the animals in our care at www.slonchs.org Additional volunteers are needed at this time, so please contact Jill Fletcher at 805-466-5403 X12. Please send donations to the North County Humane Society, 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA 93422. or use our secure online donation form.
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GOLDEN GLOBE WINNER KYRA SEDGWICK JOINS THE HILL’S SCIENCE DIET SHELTER NUTRITION PARTNERSHIP TO OFFER FREE CAT ADOPTIONS AT NORTH COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
New York (January 15, 2009) – On January 24, Kyra Sedgwick, Golden Globe winner, animal lover and owner of an adopted dog, Paulie, will team-up with the Hill’s Science Diet Shelter Nutrition Partnership for Change a Pet’s Life Day – a national free adoption drive, to help transform the lives of shelter cats and dogs by giving them a second chance for love. Pet lovers eager to open their hearts and homes to a shelter pet will also receive a starter kit that includes free premium pet food and tips to give their adopted cat or dog the best start in their new life.
To join Kyra Sedgwick and the Hill’s Science Diet Shelter Nutrition Partnership in reducing the number of homeless pets, visit www.feedingisbelieving.com for a complete list of participating shelters across the country.
“I’ve been fortunate to have experienced the unconditional love of shelter cats and dogs my entire life so pet adoption is a cause that is very close to my heart,” said Sedgwick. “Each year, more than eight million cats and dogs enter shelters and they truly need our help to find loving homes which is why I’m thrilled to help Hill’s raise awareness for Change a Pet’s Life Day.”
Pet lovers that aren’t looking to adopt can still make a difference in the life of a cat or dog by visiting www.feedingisbelieving.com and entering the Three Bag Challenge Sweepstakes for a chance to win a five thousand dollar donation to a shelter of their choice.
(Free adoptions are limited to the first 10 adopters at North County Humane Society, 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA 93422)
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NORTH COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP DRIVE CELEBRATES 32 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE
The North County Humane Society is celebrating 32 years of service to the public and the animals of San Luis Obispo county.
Over the years, the North County Humane Society has saved thousands of animal lives in our community. The non-profit shelter is home to 200 cats. Although located in north county, the NCHS services all of San Luis Obispo county, providing shelter to homeless cats, assistance with adoptions, low cost spay/neuter certificates, and a Pet Bereavement Support Group.
To help celebrate their many years of service to our community, the Shelter is offering a “ONCE IN A LIFETIME” membership special. In return for a one-time donation of $500.00, individuals will receive a lifetime membership, regular communication about the Shelter’s programs, services and upcoming events through an e-newsletter, discounts on activities and products, and a lifetime membership card and certificate.
Jan Jones, Director of Operations, says of this special Membership Drive, “Members provide the bedrock of financial support that is needed to run our programs and services. Members are much needed spokespeople and advocates for the animals in our care. Additionally, members provide leadership and direction to our Board of Directors and staff which helps us all do the very best we can for the animals and people we serve.”
For those unable to take part in this “once in a lifetime” membership special, regular memberships are still offered by the Shelter.
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K-9's for Felines Success!
This past weekend, canines strutted their stuff around Atascadero Lake Park in order to raise money for their feline cousins at the North County Humane Society. From all of the wagging tails, it was clear that the dogs had a great time! The “K9's for Felines” fundraiser brought in $2,130.00 for the shelter which will be used towards the care of the more than 200 cats at the shelter.
Shelter staff and board members would like to thank the members of the community who took part in this event and made it such a success! We hope to have further events of this nature since everyone had such a good time this past weekend.
The Shelter would also like to thank the 15 local participating and supporting businesses. It is through the support of businesses in the community, that the shelter has been able to offer support to homeless animals in our community for over 32 years.
Atascadero Feed & Pet Supply
Atascadero Pet Center
Central Coast Casualty Restoration
Clippity Doo Spa
Deep Steam Carpet Cleaning
Department of Animal Services
Dress Ur Collar
El Camino Veterinary Hospital
Hart Impressions
Ice Tees Custom Screenprinting
Lemos Feed & Pet Supply
Paulita's Pet Shop
Petco
Rabobank
Short n' Sweet Dog Rescuev
Sniffer Snacks
Specialty Pet Supply
Taylor Rental
The Pet Department
Veterinary Medical Center
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YOUTHS SUPPORT SHELTER WITH BAKE SALE SUCCESS
Almost a dozen local youth raised $203.05 for the North County Humane Society on Sunday, April 26th, by holding a bake sale at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero.
The youth, representing various local high schools, including Atascadero High, Templeton High, and North County Christian School, were participating in the 21st annual Global Youth Service Day. Many of the youth were dressed in orange in observance of "Animal Abuse Awareness Month."
The day before, these same youth spent several hours at the Shelter helping to clean the Dome House and petting and playing with the cats. The unofficial leader of the group appeared to be Alexandrea (Alex) Helms, who was working at the bake sale with her mother, Yvonne Helms. Alex has been a volunteer at the NCHS for 8 years, and plans a career working for non-profits.
Just a month ago, Alex attended a free seminar and workshop in San Francisco given by "DoSomething.com." The organization offered a total of 12 classes for youth on fundraising for non profits. Through her attendance at these workshops, Alex learned about Global Youth Service Day, which motivated her to organize the bake sale and service hours at the Shelter.
Alex said that the bake sale was going well. "We're getting alot of business, some random donations, and have had several big orders. Everyone is a cookie fiend."
Alex has established her own web site to encourage other youth to participate in and support their communities through volunteer work. It can be reached by going to: "DoSomething.com" and then linking to: "SOS-SaveOurShelter."
Alex and her friends next plan is to hold a fundraiser to support our local "Zoo to You" organization, which recently lost their building due to an electrical fire. In addition to her mother, Alex's co-workers included: Ashley Gerber, Dylan Lounder, Zoe Ford, Alyssa Stember, Chris Minser, Emily Hooper, Cameron Ellis, and C.J. Tinsley.
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SWEET PEA SUPPORTS RELAY FOR LIFE
Relay for Life Thoughts and Reflections
By Priscilla Herzog
August 22nd, I had the incredible experience of participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at the River Oaks Spa in Paso Robles.
I chose to participate in order to raise awareness that animals face cancer too. One of my favorite cats at the North County Humane Society is Sweet Pea, who is a 3 year survivor of intestinal cancer. Sweet Pea is often found sitting at the desk, or on the pony wall, immediately as you enter the Reception area and always warmly greets me on my arrival at the Shelter.
I arrived at the Relay at 8:30 a.m. in time to watch the Survivor’s Walk. This was very moving. The highlight for me was seeing how many family members participated in support of their loved ones.
I was scheduled to walk from 9-10 a.m. I was relieved to find that I was not the only handicapped individual walking and that it didn’t matter how fast I walked, or how many times I made it around the course.
I had made t-shirts before-hand for my husband, friend, and me to wear with Sweet Pea’s picture on them. I also printed off a number of 8x10 enlargements, which we displayed at our team’s booth and one which I carried around the Relay course with me.
Maybe it’s because I was walking so slowly, but I was surprised at how many people stopped to ask me about Sweet Pea, and to tell me stories about cats and dogs they had that either survived cancer or passed away from it. One woman, a cancer survivor, broke down into tears as she told me about “Alley Cat” who passed away from cancer several years ago. Alley Cat was named for the alley behind the Paso Robles Pet Center where this cat had been rescued.
It’s amazing how sharing stories of our beloved pets binds us to one another.* By the time I left for home, I had shared in some very intimate moments. One young volunteer talked with me about his courageous sister who died of cancer at the age of 9, and I shared with him information about my younger brother’s death at the age of 10.
Today’s experience is going to stay with me long after my feet stop hurting! I hope all of you will join me next year as I continue to walk on....
 UPDATE: October 7, 2009
Sweet Pea Loses Her Battle
When one of the cats at the North County Humane Society passes on, we recognize that it is not just a loss for the members of the staff, but for board members, volunteers, and the public as well. One of our better known cats has been Sweet Pea, the black cat that often sat at the pony wall and greeted visitors as they entered the shelter.
We have felt very privileged to have had Sweet Pea for as long as we have, as three years ago she battled intestinal cancer. At the time, she was given only two to six months to live. But Sweet Pea, gentle as she was, was also a “fighter” and showed us all how brave and strong in spirit she was.
Our gentle, sweet soul gave up the battle in September and she will be missed by all, although not forgotten. When her time came, a member of the shelter staff who loved Sweet Pea as much as any could, accompanied her to the vet where she was gently laid down. Her sweet soul is now laid to rest, but her strong spirit will be with us forever. Thank you Sweet Pea for gracing us with your presence for all of these years.
*Our Healing Hearts Pet Bereavement Support Group meets the last Thursday of each month at the shelter.
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CAL POLY STUDENTS CREATE AWARD WINNING DESIGNS
Second year Landscape Architecture students from Cal Poly shined on June 1st as their designs for a public memorial garden were on display at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion.
The 64 students, in the classes of Professor's Gary Clay, Christy Edstrom O'Hara, and Dave Watts, were asked by the North County Humane Society of SLO county to design a garden that could be used by the public as a place to relax and meditate, or to mourn the loss of a beloved pet. The future garden is to be located on the grounds of the North County Humane Society at 2300 Ramona Road in Atascadero. It is anticipated that the site will have multiple uses.
The Landscape Architecture program at Cal Poly is a rigorous 5 years, culminating in a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) degree. The students noted that "this is the first project that we have worked on that will be implemented by a real client."
To prepare for the June 1st design presentations, the students toured the Shelter site on April 29th. They then spent class time reviewing slides of other memorial gardens worldwide. The students were then asked to each develop an "inspiration board" from which grew "concept diagrams." Their professors reviewed these and made recommended changes, resulting in the finished projects being presented to the public and the Shelter on June 1st.
At the Pavilion ceremony, a distinguished panel of judges selected the three top designs from the 64 reviewed. Placing third for his design was Brandon Taylor. Second place went to Craig Cousins. The winning design was created by Bryan Agbayani. Each of these students received a monetary gift for their efforts.
Judging the designs were: Dave Wesolowki, the president of Sprinkler King, Inc. and an award winning designer and conservation consultant; Cheryl Driesbach, a Certified Master Gardener and a specialist in Watershed Rehabilitation projects; Megan Hall, Nursery Coordinator at Growing Grounds Nursery; Carolyn Gilman, part owner of Bay Laurel Nursery and Garden Center, and a consultant and designer of gardens; and, Sally Knight, a Regional Planner.
The design presentation and ceremonial event was organized by Ruta Casabianca, a consultant to non profits; Sandy Rakestraw, a local business owner; and, Lezlie Labhard, a Professor Emeritus at Cal Poly. The event was sponsored by an anonymous donor.
The judges employed four criteria in selecting the winning designs: 1) Sense of place, which takes into account artistry and relaxation; 2) Functionality, which takes into consideration the possible uses for the site by small and large groups; 3) Innovativeness/Environmental, which takes into account ease and care of maintenance and water usage; and, 4) Accessories, which includes such items as lighting, water elements, trash receptacles, and windchimes.
The student designs were creative and many focused on the animal Shelter as the design recipient. For example, one student showed how grasses could be grown and shaped to look like a paw print and a cat's tail. Another student designed a bench in the shape of a dog bone. Designs provided for a dog run, a cat walk, a bird habitat for the cats to watch and enjoy, and, a cat toy sculpture. Other students provided for a mausoleum and a meditative setting to "mourn those pets who have left paw prints on our hearts." One student placed a sundial in his design to "remind all how important time spent with loved ones is."
As one student put it, "this area will allow people to reflect on the special connection they share with their pets." If you would like to help NCHS continue to plan for the future and serve the community please contact us by email or phone 466-5403.
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CATS HELP KNIT HATS FOR COATS FOR KIDS
 Terrance, a friendly, sociable, one year old male resident at the Shelter, displays how handsome he is in one of Vickie's knit creations.
Vickie Moore has been furiously knitting away during her short break times from her work administering medication, food and water, to the felines under her care at the cat shelter in Atascadero. Vickie says that she enjoys knitting, but this has been a challenging project as the cats kept wanting to play with her yarn! The hats have been made in assorted colors and sizes so that when the cold weather hits, they can be distributed to needy men, women and children. Although Vickie normally works with homeless cats, she says that she’s glad to have had an opportunity to help people as well.
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