The Newsletter of

HUMANE SOCIETY

Winter 2012

Mason

Blake

Smoog

Hazel

Angie

Maddie

Erie

Lilac

Diego

1820 Princeton Road • Hamilton, Ohio 45011(513) 867-5727

www.animalfriendshs.org

theAnimal Friends

Kennel Staff

ream TeamD If there is one thing to be said about Animal Friends Humane Society it is that they are a tight-knit and tightly run organization. With the best interests of the shelter animals at the forefront, new rules, ideas and regulations come into light with the intention of improving the standard of care while promot-ing and increasing the number of adoptions. It is a daily and never ending work in progress.

continued on page 4

Edgar the Cat (at left) is adopted by Megan Burt. Friends, Katie Bartolovich and Macy Torres of Fairfield Township, play with other kittens during the paperwork!

Char and Leonard Allen of Fairfield adopt Desmond as a companion for their other rescue.

First time adopter, Kelsey Koehler hugs Farrah...“I saw her on the Animal Friends website and fell in love!”

Portia (r), a yellow lab, is homeward

bound! She was adopted by

Shawn Hartman of Middletown.

Ryan Collins& Dingo

Aleshia Doughman

Tessy Sizemore Megan SamsRebecca Shrom Angela BowdenHolly Craig

Cindy Grossman

Scott Horbury

Tami WillisCindy Edens

Forever Homes

Animal TalesAnimal Tales

AFHSBoard of Trustees

Richard G. FoxPresidentFairfield

Gregory E. Hull1st Vice PresidentHamilton

Kendra Robinson2nd Vice PresidentHamilton

Dee ParraghSecretary, Fairfield

Jeremy TaylorTreasurer, Trenton

Jack ArmstrongHamilton

Robert T. BaeselHamilton

James FehringWest Chester

Walter J. LeapMiddletown

Nancy NichtingHamilton

Nancy PiperHamilton

Susanna Schwartz, DVM Diplomate ACVSCincinnati

Ronald C. ShortMiddletown

Be a voice for the animals... if you witness animal

neglect, cruelty or abuse, report it to the

proper authorities!

Domino

Gracie

When AFHS volunteer Barbara McClure recently moved into Renaissance Village off of Ohio State Route 122, she decided to ask the women who lived in the neighborhood to support the animal shelter. Her enthusiasm caught fire and she found several women who were animal lovers and wanted to help. They call themselves “Ladies of Renaissance” and in late November they filled a pickup truck with a variety of items including assorted toys and treats, bedding, a kitty bed, kitty litter, catnip, towels, latex gloves, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, hand soap, dish soap, cleaning liquids, laundry detergent, trash bags, bleach, distilled water, 70% alcohol, plug-in air fresheners, Febreeze, and batteries, plus recyclable items including newspapers, magazines, cardboard, 5 cell phones, and 3 toner cartridges. The rear of the truck was filled to capacity and the remaining items loaded into the front seat of the truck left just enough room for shelter voulnteer, Jim Wolfe, to drive the load to Animal Friends. It’s one of those ‘why didn’t I think of that’ ideas that is simple yet profound. People will donate if they are asked and organizing a neighborhood group is fairly simple and results in friendships. According to Barbara, the group hopes to accumulate items and send to the shelter every few months. “It’s easy to save newspapers and aluminum cans, and occasionally buying a Wish List item with groceries makes it effortless,” says Barbara. “I hope other neighborhoods will organize and follow our lead. All it takes is one enthusiastic person to let neighbors know that they can join together, organize, and support the animal shelter that is taking care of lost, stray, abandoned and sometimes abused dogs and cats.” Barbara regularly uses Kroger Rewards Cards to help AFHS and encourages others to do the same! UP FOR A CHALLENGE? “Ladies of Renaissance” hereby challenges your neighborhood/sub-division to match or surpass our donations to AFHS! Feel free to contact Barb McClure with any questions, (513) 217-7258.Donors pictured L to R: Joni Blackmore, Ann McAdroy, driver Jim Wolfe, Paula Oaks, Steve Leugers, and Barbara McClure. Missing from photo: Dayle Baxter, Phyllis Keffer, Steve Oaks, Sharynn Spencer, and Debbie Yurasek.

Girl Scout Troop 45843Fourth grade girls, Junior level

in Girl Scouts, dropped off donations Novem-ber 19th. The founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low, was born on October 31, 1860. To celebrate the founders birthday, each year Troop 45843 does a community service project, giving gifts to an organization in recognition of Juliette’s birthday. This year, AFHS was the recipient!

Neighborhood Women Organize to Support Animal Friends

Ladiesof

Renaissance

by Carolyn Kramer

2

3

shared by

Meg Stephenson

Dear Animal Friends, In May 2011, my family had to say goodbye to our 11 year old Shih Tzu, Shorty who suffered from congestive heart failure. The loss was difficult for all of us, but a very wise woman told me that my beloved pet would send another beloved pet to me when the time was right. In August 2011, my daughter and I had stopped by Animal Friends Humane Society, where we immediately fell in love with a black and white Lhasa mix named Bronco. We picked him up the next day!!! Bronco (now Ollie) is happy as ever in his forever home with his two older Corgi sisters. Thank you, and God Bless! - The Gumm Family

great adoption updates...Left to Right:Zelda, Kyuubi, and Ollie An Angel

for Levi!I cannot tell you how amazing this dog is! Levi loves my niece

and nephew. We took him on a walk with

the gentle leader (it’s a halter, as opposed

to walking him on his collar) and he was

perfect. He didn’t pull at all and we encoun-

tered lots of dogs. He slept in the bed with me and was a

total cuddle bug! No accidents either! He is

literally perfect!

- Whitney SmithColumbus, Ohio

Dodger came to Animal Friends Humane Society around July of 2010. He was in foster care until I adopted him the last part of October. He has come a long way in the past year and has turned out to be a fabulous horse for me and for my dad, my personal trainer and horse whisperer. When we first got him he became extremely nervous and exhibited signs of mild colic, possibly due to the stress of relocating or his past history. We gave him the time he needed to settle in and get acquainted with our other two horses. He loves grazing out in the field and running and playing with his new buddies. Along the way, we also learned he had some trust issues. We devoted the winter months to earning his trust and worked on ground manners, feet cleaning and brushing, a routine referred to as sacking out. Our efforts paid off.

By spring, he had settled into his routine and we could ride him both bareback and with a saddle. He does great for the farrier and the vet. Our next step is to get him out on the trails. He is such a great horse! I have worked at Animal Friends for 3 years and Dodger is my second adoption from the shelter. - Karen Johnson

Horses Need Forever Homes, Too!

Levi is sleeping at far back.

He was a featured dog in the fall newsletter hoping

to be adopted.

Dodger gives “Cowgirl Karen” a ride!

Dodger hangs out with Dakota

Animal Friends Kennel Staff

ream TeamDthe

4

At the heart of all of this are the kennel staff, without whom none of this would be possible. First things first: the shelter cats, dogs, puppies, kittens and a bunny need to be cared for. All 200 to 300 of them. There are 11 individuals who are kennel staff and of that 11, 6 are scheduled to report to work each day, 365 days a year. Six people. Seriously? For those of us who have pets at home and even those who don’t, one can’t help but wonder how is this even possible? During the last week of November they graciously allowed me to follow them around. In this short time, the more I learned about them, the more there was to admire. It’s hard not to write about this impressive crew without putting them on a pedestal. In the eyes of upper manage-ment, that is exactly where each of them belong. It’s a crew deemed as “the best we have ever had”, according to Tara Allen, the shelter’s newly appointed operations manager. As the former kennel staff man-ager she is currently orienting newcomer, Jennifer Elliot for that position. Jennifer was the kennel manager for the Wyoming Veterinary Clinic, grew up with animals and has 25 years in retail experience. Tara beamed with pride as she spoke about the kennel staff. She notes that over the years there have been many excellent kennel staff who have worked for Animal Friends, but that there is something unique about this particular group. A surprising revelation was that many of them had no formal training with animals when they were hired. What got them in the door was their love for animals and their knowledge of animal welfare. What’s different about them, she notes, is that they are truly motivated and genuinely want to make a difference for the animals. “To them, it’s not just a job. They identify

needs and problems and bring new ideas to the table. They look for solutions. All of them are driven in wanting to bring forth change.” She denies that absentee-ism is a problem. “In fact, it is just the opposite because these individuals are very conscientious of the added burden it places on the others. If anything, management has had to send a sick employee home.” She acknowledges that the turnover rate is high in animal shelters due to the nature of the work, but this has not been the case for these animal caregivers. Allen concludes,“We couldn’t ask for a better team.” Every day begins and ends with them. They arrive during the wee hours of the morning before the shelter is open to the public. When the garage

door goes up they are instantly greeted by the dogs with a ruckus of bark-ing and baying, music to one’s ears, letting the staff know it’s been a long night and mother nature is calling. The animals stir about in their kennels happy to see the staff, many craving human affection more than food. The shelter includes 10 separate kennel areas, each designated for different

purposes. To name a few: there are separate cat and dog receiving areas for the animals initially brought in. There is a cat room for adoptable cats, a large kennel area for adoptable dogs and another for the stray dogs. There are rooms for kittens, rooms for puppies and a separate section with several rooms for animals with medical issues. There are animals from one end to the other and all points in between. The assignment board in the staff kitchen indicates which staff will be covering these areas. Cindy Grossman and Scott Horbury are assigned to the stray dog kennel. This area is basically their turf, although on occasion, they are rotated with the rest of the staff for the hands-on exposure to the other shelter animals. “Cleaning is the first order of the day. Dogs don’t like to eat where they have soiled,” explains Cindy. She and Scott divide the work, each taking an aisle: disinfect-ing, scrubbing and hosing each kennel. Everything gets cleaned thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease, particularly Parvo. Cindy stooped down to scoop up hair balls from the grate. It was such a “mom” thing to do and she laughed in agreement. The only thing missing was a toothbrush. Cindy is nothing if not thorough and has been with Animal Friends for 2 years. Prior to that, she worked as a pet-sitter for 8 clients. She is full-time and admits she is a happy camper here at the shelter. She exclaims, “ I love coming to work every day because it makes me smile when I am here!” The love she has for the animals is obvious. Her advice to the public about pet ownership: “Dogs are not lawn ornaments. They need attention, time and love.” When cleaning was com-pleted, she and Scott pushed carts from kennel to kennel, removing bowls and providing clean ones filled with fresh food and water for each dog. They work in unison, gentle and quiet as they move about, each assessing the dogs as they go along. Scott has been with the shelter 8 years, the lon-gest of all the kennel staff. Scott has a full-time job as a tool and die maker. He also happens to work part-time at Animal Friends because he loves dogs. He grew up with dogs and currently has 3 rescues at home. He states, “I am never without dogs.” Something else Scott loves is Christmas. He is known throughout his neighborhood for going off the deep end with the decorations. Even his truck has a wreath on it! He tells me that his license plate reads: XMAS FRK. He lights up just talking about it. Comforting a puppy, Scott spoke of how hard it is not to get attached to the dogs. His advice to pet owners: “Treat them like family.” He and his wife share their bed with the dogs at night. With energy and experience to burn, Scott is always on the go, focused on the work that needs to get done. He lugged 2 large bags of dog food over his shoulder and like Santa, himself, went on his merry way to unload them into the bins. Megan Sams and Ryan Collins were assigned to the care of all the cats and kittens. In the cat adoption room, the cats were vocalizing and purring, all too happy to be released from their cages to roam, mingle and stretch their claws on the scratch-ing post. Some playfully pounced on unsuspecting others while the rest batted at toys that had been dispersed for their entertainment. It is an endearing and joyful sight. Megan and Ryan bring in a large trash pail and two carts, one with cleaning supplies and the other with food and water. Cage by cage, litter boxes are changed, general clean up is done and then food and water replenished. They point out the funny nuances of some of the cats, petting and loving on

By Nancy Bender

...continued from page 1

Scott cleans kennel in the stray dog area.

Cindy and Scott - “Chow Time!”

Megan and Ryan start with the cat condos.

“I smile when I’m here.” - Cindy

5

them as they go. When this room was completed they moved on to the other two. Megan has worked part-time for AFHS for 1 and 1/2 years. Before this, she worked in restaurants. At home there are 4 dogs and 2 cats, all of them rescues. She is emphatic about her love for working with the animals at the shelter. “I love my job! It’s not just a job. I love being here and making a difference. I love saving lives by helping with adoptions.” What she does not love is the frustration she feels when adopters return dogs for “being dogs.” Hence, her advice regarding pet ownership: “Pet ownership is a huge responsibility. All dogs are bred for a specific purpose. Do your research and respect the breed and the purpose for which it was genetically bred.” If you have a canine companion that was bred to be a herding dog don’t be surprised if it tries to corral the family pets and children when it’s time to go to bed. It is merely doing the job it was bred to do. It is in their DNA. The kennel staff are available to answer questions about the animals to help ensure successful adoptions. As Megan pointed out, homework first! Ryan Collins is a full-time kennel staffer who rotates between working the office out front and the kennels. It’s a job for which he has been primed since he was 12 years old. He was at the shelter every chance he could get when pre-teens were allowed to volunteer. He lost his mother to cancer when he was 8. He sought refuge in caring for the animals and they, in turn, took care of him. He was a born natural with them and everyone, including Ryan, saw his potential with the shelter. One day, the staff affectionately rewarded his dedication with a sign taped to a door, ‘Mr. Collins’ Office.’ Part of his job duties now includes doing humane euthanasia. He wants the public to know that when you adopt, you are truly saving a life. He notes an increase in adoptions he attributes to the new shelter. “Adoptions have increased due to our new location. It is more centrally located. Also, more of the public is now willing to come see the shelter animals, knowing that the animals are in a healthier, happier environment. They don’t leave feeling depressed. In fact, they often leave with a new pet.” His advice to all pet owners: “Make sure they are wearing their collar and current tags at all times. Get them microchipped and keep the information updated on this and their tags,

otherwise the microchip and tags become useless.” Ryan continues to fundraise for the shelter with an annual yard sale. Most days, when Ryan comes to work he is accompanied by his canine side-kick, Dingo, his rescue from AFHS. Dingo must have been bred to do retail, because she loves her job as the so-called Walmart greeter for the shelter! In the dog adoption area are Rebecca Shrom and Aleshia Doughman, busily clean-ing and then feeding all the dogs. Rebecca has been with Animal Friends for 7 months. During high school, she worked as a kennel tech at a veterinary clinic and later earned her BS in biology at the University of Findlay. She demonstrated additional duties of the kennel

staff including temperament testing, which is performed daily on each dog in the afternoon and on an as needed basis. Medications are dispensed as prescribed by the veterinarians. This full-time worker smiles sweetly as she reflects on the joy of seeing animals go to their forever homes. Along with joy, there is hidden sorrow. As professionals, the staff must stifle their basic human feelings and responses to the emotional landmines that come with the job. Among those landmines is the constant exposure to the cruel and inexplicable harm done to animals. A story and a photo of a starved pit bull at AFHS was published in the December 20th issue of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The poor abandonded dog, later named Audrey, was a

skeleton covered with skin, alive, yet unable to move. The photo was a telling example of the thousands of mistreated and neglected animals the kennel staff care for. Personal opinions, anger and tears are reserved for behind closed doors. While servicing the public they must maintain their composure, bite their tongues, smile and carry on. It is falsely assumed that they are somehow immune and have grown accustomed to such at-trocities. In truth, they never get used to it, but because of their extraor-dinary compassion for animals, their resolve is strengthened and they do all they can to help them. Humane euthanasia is another emotional landmine and the list goes on and on. From day to day, hour to hour, they never quite know what to expect. This is the hard reality of shelter work. To help herself cope, Rebecca resorts to her creative outlets which include sketching and writing. Her advice to pet owners: “Get your pets fixed and microchipped.” Aleshia Doughman has an exuberance about her that is hard to miss. She got her start with AFHS a year and a half ago and has been cheerleading for the shelter ever since. Her attitude is remarkable. She has boundless enthusiasm as an animal welfare advocate, exercising hope and determination. Like her peers, Aleshia goes the extra mile to give the ani-mals every opportunity to get adopted. She takes the time to welcome and thank the volunteers. She tells me in no uncertain terms that she loves the animals, loves her job and loves her co-workers. Her advice to pet owners: “Get your Butler County dog licenses and microchip your pets!” Cindy Edens has worked part-time for 3 years. She works primar-ily with the cats and on occasion, in the clinic. Over the last 4 years, she and her family have fostered “ an easy couple hundred animals for the shelter, including a ferret.” She is married and has several children; three of them have two legs, but the majority have 4. The family dog, 4 cats and a turtle came from Animal Friends. When not at the shelter, she serves as a substitute cafeteria worker for the Edgewood School district and is the assistant treasurer for the Edgewood band. Twenty years ago, she was employed as a receptionist at a veterinarian’s office. She shares how the staff monitor the animals that are not feeling well and provide docu-mented up-dates for continuity of care and to ensure follow up from the veterinarians. Cindy assisted Tara Allen in evaluating which cats to rotate to and from PetSmart. They partner with AFHS by providing temporary housing for some of the cats. This helps increase their exposure to the public to enhance their chances for adoption. And sometimes, many times, it is done due to lack of space. The Animal Care Center also does this for the shelter and takes in some of the dogs, as well. Cindy explains that this rotation process is done every Wednesday and Tara and Director, Meg Stephenson take care of transporting the animals. Cindy enjoys the diversity of her co-workers, noting that they have a lot of fun together. She has 3 simple words for pet owners: “Spay and neuter!” Angela Bowden has been work-ing part-time with the shelter for 8 months. She also works at a paintball field. A few years ago, she attended Cincinnati State Community College with the goal of obtaining a degree as an interpreter for the deaf. Due to financial set backs she was un-able to complete her education. She says her signing skills are rusty, but what remains very much intact from childhood is her love for animals. She shares memories of bringing home stray animals and her parents, in turn, took them to the shelter. She has fos-tered kittens and puppies and has an adopted Pit Bull mix. Angela claims, “My grandma always predicted I would end up working with animals. I love the people I work with. We all support the same cause.” Her advice to pet owners: “Get your Butler County dog tags. Make sure your pet also has a current ID tag and get it microchipped.”

Holly dispensing medications to strays.

Teresa cleaning up in the adoption area.

Rebecca does temperament testing - no food aggression noted.

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Holly Craig found her way into the shelter almost a year ago, taking a part-time position she thought would be fun. It did not disappoint. She loves seeing the animals get forever homes and enjoys be-ing around her

co-workers. Holly has a bachelors degree in telecommunications she obtained from Ball State University. She laughs at her failed attempt to foster a cat for the shelter saying, “I just had to adopt it!” Holly was tending to the end-of-day details in the dog adoption area: last minute mopping, ensuring that each dog had a clean kennel, food and water for the night. Beds and some large towels are distributed. Dog doors are lowered and secured and kennel latches are double checked. Her advice to potential adopters: “Spend time with the animal you want to adopt so you know you are a good match.” Assigned with Holly was Teresa Sizemore, or as she is known around the shelter, Tessy. While she can seem like a no nonsense, all work and no

play kind of gal, she has a great sense of humor which helps her and her peers get through the day. Tessy is a single mom of three and works full-time in the kennels. When she was a little girl, she wanted to be a “dog catcher” when she grew up. At home, she has one dog she adopted from Animal Friends. Tessy is trained and certified to do humane euthanasia. She bows her head in silence and shares, “Some days are harder

than others.” Her heart goes out to the animals who are victimized by a life they did not choose. It takes a special kind of person to work in this profession. It takes people like Tessy and all of her co-workers who truly have a love for animals. She refers to the staff as being like family. “I love em’ all.” Her advice about pet ownership: “Make sure you are ready to commit to your pets. They are forever.”

for adoption. They get in there and help us with scanning the animals when we bring them into the receiving area. They help any way they can.” Executive Director, Meg Stephenson has nothing but high praise for this exemplary group. Hmm. Where to begin? “ On so many levels they are deserving of accolades more than anyone. They do an amazing job in a challenging environment where the kennels continually refill, even with all the adoptions. I can honestly say they are all 100% dedicated to animal welfare. They are a commendable team and we are blessed to have them.” Meg’s advice about pet ownership: “Pets are four legged children. Be pre-pared for the unexpected, like illness and be willing to commit to them for their lifetime. They are not disposable.” At closing time, every kennel staff does an ani-mal inventory and final assessment before locking up. The kennels are quiet, the animals tuckered out from the play and exer-cise the volunteers provide. The staff bid them good night, leaving each to their own dream that “maybe tomor-row will be the day I get adopted to a forever home.” It is the stuff of which storybooks are made. For the animals in the shelter, a forever home is their happily ever after. As children, we wanted our stories to have happy endings which is something we never quite grow out of. The devoted kennel staff of Animal Friends Humane Society spend their professional and personal lives pursuing those happily ever afters for the animals. Individually, each of them is making a difference. As a group, it’s how they roll.

For Tami Willis, working at Animal Friends Humane Society is a dream come true. Hired last May, her full-time duties alternate between work-ing the office out front and doing the kennels every weekend. Prior to this, Tami worked in retail for 14 years. She has a 12 year old son and her family shares her passion for animals. They have 3 dogs, a cat and a rabbit and all but one of the dogs came from Animal Friends. Tami states, “I have always dreamed of working with animals.” From the time she was 3 years old, she recalls rescuing helpless animals, squirrels and birds - and “drove my poor mom crazy!” At one point, she was going to school to become a veterinarian technician, but due to financial reasons was unable to finish. “I want to learn anything and everything about animals!” Tami’s firm advice to all pet owners: “Spay, neuter and license.” Of no surprise, each of the kennel staff echoed the same wish for the shelter animals: forever homes for all of them. Many of the staff know every animal they work with by name. Pick an animal, any animal, and Ryan can tell you why it was brought to the shelter. Butler County Dog Warden, Deputy Merbs commented, “We’ve got a great group here. Solid. Dedicated. They are team players and really fight to give the animals a chance

Aleshia, Tessy, Ryan & Angela enjoy our 2nd Birthday Paw-ty!

Cindy Edens assists veterinarian, Dr. David Corfman with a physical exam.

“I am never without dogs.” - Scott

Dream Team.And this, folks, is what makes them the

AFHS welcomes new Kennel Staff Manager, Jennifer Elliott,

scrubbing dog bowls (r) - Jennifer is unafraid to do

anything she would ask of the kennel staff - “yep, that’s me!”

Tara Allen was promoted to AFHS Operations Manager on May 15, 2011. Congratulations!

Check Important Updates, Volunteer Orientations & Events...

For the most current info, please go to OUR NEW LIVE WEBSITE: www.animalfriendshs.org

to find events, micro-chipping and Pet-Mobile schedule for off-site adoptions

- Powder Laundry Detergent (Urgent)- Deck Scrub Brushes (Urgent)- Stamps- Liquid Laundry Detergent- Hand Sanitizer- Disinfecting Wipes and, of course... goodies for our hard working staff!

ourWish List

Hearts that Care...

513 737-PAWS • 513 738-PETS

$5 OFF YOUR FIRSTGROOMING

5534 A Eureka DriveFairfield Township, Ohio513 737-PAWS

4421 Hamilton-Cleves RoadRoss, Ohio 45013

513 738-PETS

Celebrate Our Second Location!

IN HONOR OF DONATED BYThe Dream Team: Scott Horbury, Cindy Grossman, Megan Sams, Ryan Collins, Rebecca Shrom, Aleshia Doughman, Cindy Edens, Holly Craig, Tami Willis, Angela Bowden & Teresa Sizemore . . . . . . . . Nancy & DeniseTigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally KoesterKennedy Carrington Torge - shih tzu 12th birthday Venis TorgeOxford Veterinary Hospital 25th Anniversary . . .Jenny PresnellTutti & Tigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derek & Karen ConklinMissi, Chloe, Mister Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tim & Tammy HallBucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James & Sandra KearseNora & Tom Pendergrass . . . . . . . . . . . Ronald & Janet SchehrMary Cooper’s Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra LocherKathy and Greg Munafo for Christmas . . . . . . . .Joan HaydockThe Ream Family for Christmas . . . . . . Ronald & Janet SchehrThe Sampson Family for Christmas . . . Ronald & Janet SchehrStephen Ream and Girls for Christmas Ronald & Janet SchehrPaula Hutton for Christmas . . . . . . . .Tina McDonough-LeighSkip Wyatt for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth BrownGary & Dianah Eyler for Christmas . . Roger & Tarri DeHavenLinda Schuck for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wayne McDaniel

IN MEMORY OF DONATED BYWalter Pague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dwight Neill, Doris HeffronTom & Lucy Melville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter MelvilleCaesar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diana RosenalMuggsy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim & Donna KaufmanSadie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan & Linda MartinCharlie - beloved by all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeanne Stricker,

John Holbrock, Trudy Marcum Tinker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mel & Anneliese LessSqueeky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mel & Anneliese LessCharlotte Click . . . . . . Miss Gill, Anna Lawson, the Long FamilyAnna Mae Beer . . . . . . Michael & Marcia McCutchan, Don BeerLillian Beer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don BeerPat Sword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael & Marcia McCutchanEloise Courey . . . . . . Barbara Jackson, Mrs. Zona Courey, Donna

De Bolt, Charles & Delores Rau, Louis Davis, Jr., Ray & Roberta Moore, Scott Thomas Family,

Paulette McCandless, Laura RothfussPaul Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Smalley & Ron SmithBernard Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Smalley & Ron SmithCharles & Irene Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Kelly GriffinDan Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teresa WongAmy Jett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tami HornungBandit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derek & Karen ConklinBear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathy PetersAlan Nordvig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deborah BroylesJim Huggard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Susan KempMarilyn Louise Wiehe . . . . . . . . Carla Hoopingarner, Richard &

Marcella Meyers, Mr. & Mrs. Robert SpelmanJohnny Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim & Donna KaufmanMacTavish Norton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara ErnestBeloved dog, Tawney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristi RobertsHer Westie, Mollie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret McKillopSweetie Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judi & Dave Boyko, Lily, Linus,

Forever Chester & BeanieAle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Timothy MeeksMuffin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evelyn WestBerniece Apple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred & Joan WillseyJasper & Mitzi Rosfelder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. BlomerDorothy Middleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron & Donna PenningtonStephanie Ballinger . . . . . . Lisa & Bryan Holbrook, Deana Flynn,

Dave & Tara Downie, Mason School Transportation Dept.Moose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lisa & Bryan HolbrookJoan Lorance . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phyllis Flick, Constance Fisher, Butler

Family, Mrs. David Wittman, Daphne Blackburn, Helene Fahner, Patricia Stocking, Maryellen Johnson, Dorothy Brown,

Ann McCormick, Mildred Elberfeld, and the Fairfield FirefightersSissy Kitty for 19 years of friendship . . . Linda Martin & Jeff CameronSimon Millikin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trudy Marcum

Ron Morgan for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy MorganLisa & Dave Creelman for Christmas . . . . . . Mary Sue WentzelMichelle Miller for Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .James MillerMia, Tara, Manny, Jag, Penny, Rudy, Scout . . . . . Rachel WoodsMike Abner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AnonymousKiley - best dog ever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holly GoeddeCaitlin, Megan and Brian Qua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca Klein50th Wedding Anniversary of Jim & Jean Weickert . . . . . . . . . . .

Neil & Mary GamstetterDr. Lamont & Mrs. L. Jacobs . . . . . . . . . . . Marti MiddlebrookDebbie Lehman Cohen . . . . . . . . . . Roberta Oshell HoltermanDebbie Hyde . . . . . . . . . The Current Events Club of HamiltonCarrie Turk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine StranskySue Frazier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary EvansPam & Dennis Deahl . . . . . . . Dr. William & Cornelia BrowneNelda & Marshall Clark . . . . . Dr. William & Cornelia BrowneDolly & Jim Thomas . . . . . . . . Dr. William & Cornelia BrowneKatie & Punki, her “grand cats” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June PierceAlex, her black German shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . Lois Medecke

Zoe Carruthers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trudy MarcumLittle Rascal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy KnipperGrizzy, a beloved mastiff . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. & Mrs. John EgelhoffSophie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kris HartkemeyerHilly & Dat, 2 cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rhonda Lynn BohannonButtons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan ThompsonAndrea Sefton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friends of Ursuline ‘91Marilyn Sebastian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rita ConnellDr. Timothy Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Allegra Brown DuffSam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan HaydockByron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Megan LodderRudy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Curtis JunckerSammy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynda SmithPoo & Poo2 (beloved cats) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ken & Betty SchraySammy, 19 year old terrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pat & Virginia JenkinsBeloved dogs, Mindy & Pepper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naomi CarrTiger Lily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rebecca L. EvansBubbles, Snoopy, Smokey & Biffy . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl ThomasPhyllis Schroeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walter SpurgeonEdwin “Sid” Vinnell . .McLane Foundation,Wilhelmina McLanePati Fox, Ed Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick FoxGeneva Ewen, George Ewen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick FoxPets: Peaches, Goldie & Link, Co-Co, Mitzi, Nikki, Snoop & Taffy . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick FoxZack and Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AnonymousHelen Neffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan PhillipsRoxanne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard WalburgKatherine St. John. . . . . . . Steve & Susan St. John, Christie Foster,

Gayle Witte, Sue Rapp, Beverly Gutknecht, Mark & Pam Nintrup, Carole Sponseller, Douglas Harlan, Bob & Cindy

Briggs, Nancy Horujko, Julia Weitzel, DeHaan & Bach, LPAMarie Whitus and Tillie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don & Bev WhitusPete Jensen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grace JoyThomas E. Hall, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin & Lois GleasonJames A. Denney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Family of Robert Denney, Sr.Jeanette Lovely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Letecia AgostonOtis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry and Betty FultzSue Frazier’s dog, Bobby . . . . . . Dr. William & Cornelia Browne,

Mary EvansCazbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon and Beth WellerChrissy, Crane’s shih tzu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn SoupeneAmber, Charlie & Gretchen . . . . . . . . . . Tony & Sandy AndrewsLouie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nancy WenningPatches, a cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill Fultz & Jane YoungEmily Shay, a sweet cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Blueball Veterinary Clinic, Ingrid Marien, DVMRoberta Kay Morris, who loved cats . . . . . . . . . . . Gregory MorrisCasey, my mom’s Golden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy & Denise

7

Are you looking for an easy way to support Animal Friends Humane Society?

We have the perfect program for you!

We have Kroger rewards program cards on sale for only $1. Here’s how it works... Take your rewards card to the service desk at your local kroger and

load it like a gift card. When you shop at Kroger, use the rewards card in-stead of cash to pay for your groceries. Animal Friends Humane Society gets 4% of whatever money you put on the card. This program is really easy and has been generating quite a bit for us! We receive payments quarterly. Keep reloading your card and help us save more lives! Please call and we can mail you a card, or stop by and ask the front desk for your Kroger card today!

Do you shop at Kroger regularly?

More information at www.animalfriendshs.org

- Bob Needs A Home - Bob is 2 1/2 years old & originally came into the shelter as a stray in January, 2010. He was adopted in June and then brought back in March, 2011 because they said

that he always hid in the house and wasn't social with them.

He has been with us ever since.

Our Humane Society was established in 1952...Our mission is to promote humane principles, to protect lost, homeless, abandoned and mistreated animals, and act as advocates for animals in our communities.

Shelter Hours...Mon-Tues-Fri-Sat-Sun...11-4:30Wed-Thurs...1:00 - 7:00 pm

HUMANE SOCIETY

1820 Princeton RoadHamilton, Ohio 45011(513) 867-5727www.animalfriendshs.org

The oldest,largest,non-profit animal adoption agency in Butler County,Ohio

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCincinnati, OHPermit #967

It’s Winter....

Remember...Too Cold For You?Too Cold for THEM!

A

NIM

AL FRIENDS

Bark’n’PurrBALL2012

H

UM

ANE SOCIETY

SAVE THE DATE!

March 17, 2012Saturday

More information at: www.animalfriendshs.org

Live Auction features...Signed limited edition print

Roll ing Stones

Authentic FULLY

Autographed Fender

Stratocaster Rolling Stones

Guitar

Movie Poster 27”x 39”

autographed by full cast...

Two sided Poster with letter of authenticity.Conservation

Framing by Square Framer Gallery

To 13 year old Jake Varley and his Boy Scout Troop 725, as well as the Ladies Lakota Auxiliary for outfitting our play yard with outdoor carpet/turf. We want you to feel free to take a dog into the play yard and let them have some fun! There are a few rules that come with this play yard:

1. No dog is to be left unsupervised in this play yard. If you need to leave for any reason, please put the dog back in its kennel. 2. Do not allow the dogs to chew, pull, or tug at the turf. 3. This rule applies to all play yards and walking trails - please be sure to pick up after your dog right away if they go to the bathroom. 4. Volunteers approved to have two or more dogs in a play yard must see Meg or Tara to discuss guidelines for multiple dogs in the turf yard.

We are so excited to have a weather-resistant play yard to use year round! No more mud! Woo Hoo! Enjoy!

IT’S THAT TIME!

All dogs 3 months and older must be licensed by 1/31/12

2012 Butler County Dog Licenses on Sale NOW!

$14.75 at the sheltera portion of sale benefits “Dog & Kennel Fund”

for Butler County Animal Control