4th Annual Cats in the Canyon & Hounds in the Hollow Sponsorship Opportunities

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Would you like to help the Humane Society of Ventura County help animals in need throughout the county? Please consider sponsoring our upcoming event Cats in the Canyon & Hounds in the Hollow. Because we are a private, non-profit organization the entirety of your contribution goes right back into helping not just the animals here at the Shelter, but throughout the county.

To Become a sponsor please complete the following document and return it to the Humane Society of Ventura County at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, CA 93023. Or you can fax it to 805-646-6651.

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Humane Society Breaks New Ground

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Article By Logan Hall of the Ojai Valley News and Photos By Greg Cooper

Imagine being abused and tormented, and being unable to reach out for help. Imagine if, in the time of your greatest need, you couldn’t communicate with anyone around you. This is the life that abused, neglected and sometimes tortured animals throughout the world have to endure every day.

The ground-breaking ceremony took place outside the shelter’s front entrance where the new Visitor’s Center will be built. After a prayer and blessing from Bishop Bill Downey from the Liberal Catholic Church, shelter president Cyndy Treutelaar thrust the shovel into the earth and marked the official start of construction.

Also present at the ceremony was Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., who spoke to the crowd and praised the good work that the Ojai Shelter has accomplished. “My greatest pleasure is helping make these things happen,” said Gallegly, who is an outspoken animal rights activist. “There are lots of fine people in this community. This is an example of how Ojai is ahead of the curve.”

Imagine being abused and tormented, and being unable to reach out for help. Imagine if, in the time of your greatest need, you couldn’t communicate with anyone around you. This is the life that abused, neglected and sometimes tortured animals throughout the world have to endure every day.Thanks to organizations like the Humane Society of Ventura County, animals not only have a voice, they have genuine help from dedicated HSVC staff and volunteers. The HSVC Ojai Shelter has recently boosted its ability to aid animals in need by breaking ground on their new expansion project. Thanks to a $2.3 million donation from Harry Valentine who died before seeing his vision come to fruition, the project will update the aging facility that has served the Ojai Valley since 1982. The ground-breaking ceremony took place outside the shelter’s front entrance where the new Visitor’s Center will be built. After a prayer and blessing from Bishop Bill Downey from the Liberal Catholic Church, shelter president Cyndy Treutelaar thrust the shovel into the earth and marked the official start of construction.While including a new Visitor’s Center and renovations to the administration building and parking lot, the main focus of the project will be the expansion of the shelter’s existing spay and neuter clinic. According to the HSVC, there is currently an eight- to 10-week waiting period for people who need to bring their pets to the clinic. The expansion will help reduce that waiting period by increasing the number of surgeries veterinarians can perform from 17 a day to about 28.The ground-breaking ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, was a chance for Humane Society staff to officially move forward on the plan and  express their gratitude to everyone involved with the project. “We have a lot of volunteers that help out our staff,” said Ojai Shelter President Cyndy Treutelaar as she addressed attendees of the ceremony. “Our staff and volunteers are absolutely the backbone of this shelter.”Also present at the ceremony was Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., who spoke to the crowd and praised the good work that the Ojai Shelter has accomplished. “My greatest pleasure is helping make these things happen,” said Gallegly, who is an outspoken animal rights activist. “There are lots of fine people in this community. This is an example of how Ojai is ahead of the curve.”The Ojai Shelter seems to be unique in that much of the staff has been with the shelter for many years. Shelter director Jolene Hoffman read a list of staff and volunteers and the time they’ve been with the shelter. Treutelaar has been with the shelter for about 20 years. Linda Allison has been on staff for 22 years, and Hoffman herself has been with the Ojai Shelter for 28 years. All hold a passion for their positions and the animals at the shelter.

Also present at the ground-breaking was project contractor John Johnston who was on hand to answer questions about the project design and show people where the construction will be taking place. Johnston, like the others who work for and with the Humane Society, thinks of the project as much more than just a job. “The Humane Society here is such a great group of people with great ideas,” he said. “The thing I found most compelling was how the people here need the animals as much as the animals need them. Everyone really cares.”

“He has spent many hours at the site,” said shelter executive director Sherry Brockus on Johnston’s involvement. “He has really done an excellent job.”

One point that was emphasized at the ceremony was the need for more donations from the public. While costs of the expansion and renovation are covered by funds from the late Valentine’s estate, things like food for the animals and maintenance of the facility are covered solely by donations. “We rely totally on our donations to keep the doors open,” said Brockus on the HSVC web site. “These funds (from Valentine) are designated and restricted. They must be used specifically for Mr. Valentine’s wishes.”

The project is scheduled to be completed mid-2011 and the shelter will remain operating as much as possible through the construction process. Log on to hsvc.org to donate to the Humane Society.

Imagine being abused and tormented, and being unable to reach out for help. Imagine if, in the time of your greatest need, you couldn’t communicate with anyone around you. This is the life that abused, neglected and sometimes tortured animals throughout the world have to endure every day.Thanks to organizations like the Humane Society of Ventura County, animals not only have a voice, they have genuine help from dedicated HSVC staff and volunteers.The HSVC Ojai Shelter has recently boosted its ability to aid animals in need by breaking ground on their new expansion project. Thanks to a $2.3 million donation from Harry Valentine who died before seeing his vision come to fruition, the project will update the aging facility that has served the Ojai Valley since 1982.The ground-breaking ceremony took place outside the shelter’s front entrance where the new Visitor’s Center will be built. After a prayer and blessing from Bishop Bill Downey from the Liberal Catholic Church, shelter president Cyndy Treutelaar thrust the shovel into the earth and marked the official start of construction.While including a new Visitor’s Center and renovations to the administration building and parking lot, the main focus of the project will be the expansion of the shelter’s existing spay and neuter clinic. According to the HSVC, there is currently an eight- to 10-week waiting period for people who need to bring their pets to the clinic. The expansion will help reduce that waiting period by increasing the number of surgeries veterinarians can perform from 17 a day to about 28.The ground-breaking ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, was a chance for Humane Society staff to officially move forward on the plan and  express their gratitude to everyone involved with the project. “We have a lot of volunteers that help out our staff,” said Ojai Shelter President Cyndy Treutelaar as she addressed attendees of the ceremony. “Our staff and volunteers are absolutely the backbone of this shelter.”Also present at the ceremony was Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., who spoke to the crowd and praised the good work that the Ojai Shelter has accomplished. “My greatest pleasure is helping make these things happen,” said Gallegly, who is an outspoken animal rights activist. “There are lots of fine people in this community. This is an example of how Ojai is ahead of the curve.”The Ojai Shelter seems to be unique in that much of the staff has been with the shelter for many years. Shelter director

Posted in News |

WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!

Friday, July 16th, 2010

We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us care for the rescued horses.

Shelter Director, Jolene Hoffman

Humane Officers Tracy Vail, Alina Hoffman, Jeff Hoffman

Animal Services personnel

District Attorney’s office, Wendy McFarlane, Karen Wold, Christine Mitchell

Ventura County Sheriff’s Department

Mr. David Murdock, temporary corrals – portable shelter before we had the Mare Motel

Mr. Ed Hogan, feed and water containers

Veterinarians:

Marta Granstedt DVM

Craig Koerner DVM

Joan Winter DVM

Ellice Rubin DVM

Charles Liskey DVM

Beth Stolzy DVM

Kevin Smith DVM

Attending Farriers:

Christopher Windisch – Coast Farrier Services

Hernando Sierra – Sierra Horseshoeing

All the people who transported the horses to the Humane Society

Feed Stores:

Longhorn Supply

Ventura Hay and Grain

Surrounding feed stores in and outside of Ventura County

April Horowitz – Heart of a Horse

Individuals that donated feed

Fence Factory

Patti Perry

Kathy Jenks

Polly Bee

The City of Ojai

From the beginning many individuals have been a part of the rescue and care of these neglected horses. We here at the Humane Society would like to extend our gratitude to the men and women of Frazier Park and Lockwood Valley for their part in the rescue of these horses.

Above and Below: Residents of Lockwood Valley and Frasier Park lift their hats in celebration after helping with the rescue. Above: (back row) Chris Doyle, Mary Gridley, Clifford Wallace, Ross Clay, Ted Reed, Dawn Beban (front) Fred Beahm, Tina Jaskiewicz, Marlena Meigs, Darlene Francis and Patty Wallace.

Three employees who worked directly with the horses: Becky Holder; Melissa Henderson; and Patti Neal.  Our OUTSTANDING  “horse ladies”.

For every single one of you that donated funds to feed these horses, help pay for the veterinarians, etc. – Thank you.

For everyone that came to the Shelter to help feed, water, muck stalls, help socialize horses,  – Thank you.

For every one of you that had a vested interest in these horses from day-one forward -  the Humane Society would like to acknowledge you, honor you, and thank you!

Last but certainly not least, I must add our staff at the shelter that worked with the horses every single day in some capacity, giving love and attention.

Linda Allison, Arlene MacSween, Heather Balaam, Heather Rowe, Kate Nelson, Suzanne Soprano, Jennifer Davidson, Ericka Meister, Cheryl Brown, Jennifer Foster, Aimee French, Rhonda Williams, Tami Brown, Lia Creager, Jennifer Davidson.

I feel extremely grateful to work with every member of this staff.  I am so proud of them.

Most sincerely

Sherry Brockus

Executive Director

Humane Society of Ventura County

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Ojai Valley Geocachers Make the Shelter a Beautiful Place

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

On June 27, 2010 the Ojai Valley Geocachers generously donated their time to the Humane Society of Ventura County in honor of their third anniversary. The cachers, led by Jimmy Harvey, trimmed trees, pruned roses, pulled weeds, refinished benches, spread woodchips, shoveled sand into dog runs, built shelters for the dogs and filled in holes. Jimmy along with his wife, Carrie Eller recruited volunteers from not only Ojai but the entire state.

Kate Nelson, Volunteer Coordinator for the Humane Society stated, “They were a well organized, hard working and comical group. From the moment they drove up our tree lined driveway they had smiles on their faces.” The group arrived with two full truckloads of tools and a mission in mind. Within 6 hours they had accomplished an unbelievable amount of work.

Jolene Hoffman, the Shelter’s director said, “Wow! Everything that we could not get done in the last few months was done in half a day. Thank you so much for supporting the Humane Society and the staff. Its great to see how many caring, devoted people are out there. It makes our job much easier.”

Jimmy Harvey said of the experience, “You come away feeling like you did something for someone. We were tired, but we really felt like we had done something for a great cause.”

Geocachers at the event were Jimmy Harvey, Carrie Eller, Mary and David Welch, Sue and Mac Mckinney, Malanie and Tracy Boulton, Bill Widger, Cindy and Randy Wagner, April and Mitch Moerch, Don Jager, Kathy and Keith Manion, Richard Armerding, Catherine Bourne, Matt Maxel, Jennifer, Renee, and Alan Slater, Colin and Maureen Horner, Ron Fisk, Greg Johnson, Ceri, Cali and Terry Baker, Jason and Carissa Hiser, Debbie and John Mallon and Brian O’Connell.

To learn more about the Humane Society of Ventura County or volunteering please call Kate Nelson at 646-6505. To learn more about geocaching visit geocaching.com or learn more about the Ojai Geocachers by visiting the Ojai Valley Cachers on yahoo groups.

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Humane Society to Expand and Remodel

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

The late Mr. Harry Valentine was a wise man with a great vision.  His vision was to improve our shelter, specifically our spay and neuter clinic.  He knew that controlling the overpopulation of animals in Ventura County was the answer.

These funds are being managed by Ventura County Community Foundation with Mr. Hugh Ralston as President and CEO.  It was in June of 2008 when we were informed of Mr. Valentine’s generosity, beyond our wildest dreams.

“I would like to make it very clear to all our wonderful, generous donors, that these funds are designated and restricted.  They must be used specifically for Mr. Valentines wishes” said Sherry Brockus, the Executive Director of the Humane Society.  “I can’t even buy dog food or cat food with these funds. We rely totally on our donations to keep our doors open. None of these funds are allowed to go towards maintenance.”

We need to clarify, due to the current economy our donations are down a little more than 40%, whereas our needs are up.  “There a lot of people out there that have lost their jobs, and possibly their homes.  They have to make that very difficult decision to give up their pets; it’s not an easy thing to do! To a lot of us our pets are family. I refer to them as the voiceless victims” Brockus said.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1932. We receive no direct financial assistance from city, county, state agencies or national animal welfare organizations such as The Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA. Fundraising events, grants, bequests, investments, supporters and your very important donations are our only sources of income. We truly appreciate your love, concern and support for our Shelter animals and the community outreach services the Humane Society provides. Approximately 95 percent of the contributions we receive are spent on programs and services that directly benefit the animals of Ventura County.

As of June 16, 2010 HSVC has the approval of the Planning commission of the City of Ojai to go forward with our plans to build our new construction of the “Harry Valentine Visitor Center” a one-story building next to the existing facility at 402 Bryant St.

The construction of this building will be phase one of the project.  When the new building is completed in approximately 11 months after the ground breaking, we will move all the employees, except the Humane Officers into the new Visitor Center. This will free up space to do the CORE GOAL of remodeling and expanding the existing spay and neuter clinic.  We hope to have that ground breaking in approximately 10 weeks and it is expected the new construction will be completed in about a year.

The new building will house administration, adoption counselors, a conference room, and employee spaces. We will have more efficient office space and have space for education programs.

Jolene Hoffman, who has worked at the shelter for 28 years and who is familiar with the day-to-day challenges, said the donation has been a “blessing.” Built in 1982, the shelter is home to about 60 dogs and 35 cats on any given day. The expansion also is expected to allow veterinarians to increase the number of surgeries from about 17 a day to roughly 28.

“This is going to give a larger area for staff, customers and the animals,” Hoffman said. “We’re overcrowded.”  Even though the shelter has been dealing with cramped quarters for several years, the recent recession has amplified the problems.

When we do the remodel on the existing building, we will be able to add, separate recovery rooms for the animals, increase the surgery prep room size, and add a much larger Cattery with inside and outside access.  We will be able to have an isolation room and other features.

Our long term goal is to be able to increase our number of surgeries greatly in the spay and neuter clinic. Our veterinarian, Dr Lewis, is now working 5 days a week to help decrease the 8-10 week waiting time to bring your pet in to be spayed or neutered.  Another key element of our plan is that we can remain up and running the entire time we complete our projects.

“With our low cost clinic we always have a waiting list.  We are grateful to partner with the Herman Bennett Foundation to provide free spay/neuter services to those who might not be able to afford them”.  Brockus said.

For everyone involved it’s the same goal, it’s always about the animals.

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