The Haven News Spring Summer 2022

SPRING/SUMMER 2022

THE HAVEN

News

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE HAPPY TAILS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 2021 FISCAL YEAR IN REVIEW

559 S. Section St. • Fairhope, AL • (P) 251.929.3980 • www.havenforanimals.org

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Making a Difference

The businesses, organizations, and schools in the area of any nonprofit can make a substantial difference in its mission and success. This is especially true for The Haven for Animals, which has enjoyed support from many sources. Three outstanding examples are highlighted for caring enough to take action on behalf of The Haven.

Tractor Supply Manager Monty Nichols

Rockwell Elementary Students Creating Haven Adoption Packets

Petco Cat Care Group Volunteers

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Tractor Supply, located in Daphne, on Highway 98, has supported The Haven since opening three years ago. They have presented The Haven with generous gift cards, which have been used to purchase much-needed items such as outdoor dog kennels with covers. According to Michael Graham, Executive Director of The Haven, “The kennels allow the dogs to get outside safely, where they can enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Volunteers and staff use the kennels to interact with the dogs and to provide them with basic training. The outside environment reduces stress and fast tracks their way into a loving home.”

Tractor Supply Manager Monty Nichols remarked, “Supporting animals is vital to the core of our company. Every time they have called us with a need, we have tried to help. They are a wonderful organization. We want to support them in any way we can. It brings us joy that cats and dogs are being adopted.”

Petco has been a long-time supporter of The Haven through the Pet Adoption Satellite Center. “Having the ability to showcase up to four adoptable cats at our local Petco store in Daphne provides the opportunity to place more felines into loving homes,” says Mr. Graham. “It brings awareness of our cause to the community, while also providing additional space to save even more cats.” Volunteers care for the cats during the week while Petco staff are very supportive and helpful. Petco store manager Mr. Kimberly Miller remarked, “When it comes to The Haven, it’s wonderful that we have no-kill shelters and are dedicated to placing cats into loving homes. I love cats, so it’s a perk to me to pet the cats at work.”

Another supporter is Rockwell Elementary School in Spanish Fort. The 4th and 5th graders have taken on a special project, decorating The Haven’s adoption packets with unique, colorful, and personal art. The project is led by 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Tiffany Roten, who partnered with a Haven employee to accomplish it. Mrs. Roten was given 180 plain adoption envelopes, on which the students put their personal touch. Mr. Graham remarked, “The project helps to educate the future of tomorrow about the importance of pet responsibility and the support of local causes in the community, such as The Haven.”

Before embarking on the art, the students were informed about the shelter and its mission. One of the students had adopted a pet from a shelter and spoke of her experience. Mrs. Roten added, “The students were excited about the project. Some looked up pictures of cats and dogs to help them draw. We plan to present the envelopes to The Haven next week.”

The Haven thanks its community partners for their generous and enthusiastic support. Any other company, agency, or school interested in partnering with The Haven is encouraged to call 251-929-2494 or email mgraham@havenforanimals.org

Happy TAILS ATHENA

NEIL

Athena was a stray, pregnant kitty when she arrived at The Haven. After she had her kittens in a safe environment and they became old enough, they were all adopted. When Athena was healthy and ready to be adopted herself, she found a wonderful home.

Neil was a happy-go-lucky dog at The Haven and would get very excited whenever he saw someone. “Because he was going to grow up to be a large dog, he was often overlooked. Large breeds are in less demand than smaller breeds in our region, but we think love comes in all shapes and sizes,” said Michael Graham. He was a big puppy at heart, not aware of his size.

Athena’s adopter, Alyssa Lee, says, “We love Athena! She sleeps with my daughter, Jenny, every night! She enjoys neck rubs and lets us know when we’re not rubbing her enough by running her teeth gently across our hands. It’s the cutest thing. Athena’s personality drew me close to her and convinced me she was meant to be part of our family. She is the sweetest girl and deserves to have people who love her.

We’re so happy we added Athena to our family!”

It was on a very special day that Neil’s future changed. He had entered The Haven without much hope, but the caregivers had given him hope, which was fulfilled by being adopted. Recent Fairhope residents Melissa and John Brennan met him and fell in love. They had discovered him on The Haven’s website, thought he was “super cute,” and had several meet & greets with him before adopting, because of their toddler. She said, “We wanted to make sure our family was the right fit for Neil, as well as Neil for our family. He’s a great dog, great temperament, and super sweet with our 2-year-old, Dominick.”

Neil has his furever home with his furever family. He finally has his

dream — a perfect loving family he can call his own.

Let’s Get Ready to Go Outside!

As the days get longer and warmer it is time to have outdoor fun with our dogs. Long walks, beach days, and car rides are all part of the fun. A little preparation for the warmer temps will help keep our pets comfortable and safe.

When enjoying outdoor time with your pets you can help them beat the heat: Fill a child-size wading pool for your dog to cool off in.

Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle on a hot day.

The temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in 20 minutes.

Provide plenty of cool, fresh water.

Avoid exercising dogs strenuously.

Take walks in the early mornings or evenings.

Avoid exposing your dog to hot pavement or sand for prolonged periods; it can burn paws.

On extremely hot days the best thing for our pets is to stay inside with air conditioning.

We also need to have a plan for our pets when severe weather strikes. Some of the items to have ready for hurricane season: Food and Water Bowls Litter/Box/Waste Bags Food & Water for Recent Photo Five Days Medications Vet Records Toys Leash/Harness/Carriers Blanket Our pets are sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights, and chemical smells. Fourth of July fireworks also cause pets to react in fear. Keep pets comfortable at home and don’t bring them to firework displays. Consider turning on soft music in a room away from windows.

With a little planning, we can ensure that our fourlegged friends enjoy the summer just as much as we do.

Volunteer Spotlight: Rosemary Chesser Rosemary Chesser is the ultimate animal rescue volunteer. A 40-year volunteer, she has helped numerous animals and organizations. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, she helped Best Friends Animal Sanctuary with its rescue efforts in Louisiana. Fortunately for The Haven, the Foley resident started volunteering locally a year ago. A former business owner, she brings to the non-profit her many talents and skills.

“To me, volunteering my time to help the animals is probably the most rewarding thing you can do in life.” When help was needed in the office, Mrs. Chesser stepped in. On the day a week that she volunteers, she says, “I do anything that needs to be done around the office, including helping with the donor database.”

She also helps with the Canine Enrichment Program by making special, healthy treats of brown rice, green beans, and other good things, which she stuffs into Kongs. The dogs love them! She also fosters dogs at her home. In thanks, Michael Graham says, “Rosemary is a pleasure to work with and fills in wherever needed. Her support is helping to save more lives.”

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H AV E N F O R A N

2021 FISCAL YEAR IN REVIEW

349 Pet Placements

605 Cats & Dogs Provided Medical Care and Nutritious Food

998 Health Exams

98 Families Reunited

200 Spay/Neuter

138 Sent to Foster Homes

Surgeries

9,123 Pounds of Pet

Food Provided

ADOPTION SHELTER LOCATION 559 S. Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 (P) 251.929.3980 www.havenforanimals.org

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ADOPTION SHELTER HOURS Mon - Tues: 10am - 4pm Wed: Closed to the Public Thurs - Fri: 10am - 4pm 4th Sat of Each Month: 10am - 1pm Sun: Closed to the Public

with Pets

16,992 Volunteer Hours

SHELTER ON WHEELS Off-site pet adoptions are paused at this time due to the pandemic. Safety of our staff, volunteers, and community are of utmost importance. We look forward to returning to these events in the coming months.

CONNECT WITH US

Please see changes in hours and services on our website due to COVID-19.

The Haven is a no-kill, 501(c)3 non-profit who shelters and finds adoptive homes for abused, neglected, and homeless animals, treating them with love, respect, and medical care. Through education and volunteer programs, we promote community awareness of pet overpopulation and responsibility.

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