The Tattle Tails- Winter 2019

A publication for the friends of the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA

Winter 2019

BARK BARK to the

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The Tattle Tails

You are invited to our Spring Fundraising Event!

to purchase tickets

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’s

Featuring the Ultimate 80’s Tribute Band

The Reflex

Sponsored by Saturday, April 6th 7 - 11 pm at Spotswood Country Club

$40 ticket | live music, snacks, beer and wine Visit rhspca.org/events to learn more!

DEAR FRIENDS I would like to introduce myself to you as the new Executive Director of the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA. After 22 years of dedicated service, Anne Anderson retired at the end of 2018.

Board of Directors Dr. Darnice Pettigrew President Brandon Howdyshell Vice President Brenda Long Treasurer Anngela Gibson Secretary Michael Sharp Justin Bridges Sheri Brown Nina Smith

Staff

Having grown up in Virginia, I have fond memories of visiting friends in Harrisonburg and exploring the Shenandoah Valley. I couldn’t have dreamt of a better opportunity to give back to this community than getting to serve as the Executive Director at the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA. My experiences in sheltering have shaped my views on the needs of animals in shelters as well as those of their human companions. Animal populations in shelters are reflective of the needs of the community residents and a proactive approach to sheltering requires us to not only meet the immediate needs of the animals in our care but also those of the pets (and their owners) in our community.

Huck Nawaz Executive Director Maggie Rucker Shelter Manager Lauren Watson Humane Educator/Volunteer Coordinator Emily Eby Development/Fundraising Manager Amber Nesselrodt Canine Manager Emily Oblinger Feline Manager Melody Huffman Customer Service Manager Joan Montalvo Dumeng Receptionist

We are fortunate to have so many organizations and individuals working to improve the welfare of animals in our community. I look forward to us exploring opportunitiets to partner with these organizations and individuals to maximize our impact by working collaboratively.

Animal Care Technicians Connie Delemater Lisa Delemater Candra Hisey Ashley Williams Charlotte Wylie Allison Stidham Ashley Worely

Sincerely,

Contact

540-434-5270 info@rhspca.org www.rhspca.org 2170 Old Furnace Rd.

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We participated in Spay Day on February 26 with Anicira, where 15 shelter animals were spayed as part of a joint effort to make the animals ‘adoption ready’ and to raise awareness about the need for altering our pets. We also recently developed a transfer partnership with the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA to transfer animals from our facility to theirs in a join effort to find permanent placement for the animals.

I appreciate the warm welcome that I have received to the area and am blown away by the support and offers of assistance. I am eager to continue working closely with our staff and volunteers to improve upon the lifesaving work that we perform while developing new partnerships to maximize the impact of that work. I’d love to hear your ideas and get your input. I can be reached at execdirector@rhspca.org.

Huck Nawaz Executive Director

Huck’s dog, Opie.

Huck Nawaz got his start working as a dog trainer for Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, UT. He left Best Friends to start a behavior and retention program at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach, FL. His most recent position was VP of Operations at the Humane Society of Charlotte where he supervised an annual intake of 3,100 animals, and developed training programs which reduced intakes of owner surrenders. He holds a B.S. in Animal Sciences from University of Maryland, College Park.

MEMORIALS (November 10, 2018 - February 24, 2019)

In Memory Of Our Friends In Memory of Floride Canter Eddie Ney and Margee Greenfield-Ney David and Jane Francis In Memory of Sammie Dreschler Janice Drechsler In Memory of Lucille La Flamme Staff at Kennametal Inc. In Memory of Ed, Sarah, and Jeffrey Forrest Debbie Forrest In Memory of Jimmy Garber William and Crystal Whitmire In Memory of Shirley Heatwole Beverly and Terry Eye In Memory of Jamie Hedrick Bruce and Betty Hedrick In Memory of Shirley Hevener Vivian Hevener In Memory of Anne Hoard Dorothy and Frederick Stoltz Sr. In Memory of Linda Light Marcia and John McGrath In Memory of Albert “Catman” Milander JoAnn Milander In Memory of Greg Painter Patricia Whitmore In Memory of Sarika Palocsay Jack Gowan In Memory of Victor Panzik Allan and Alice Fuller

Kimberly Landis-Hamner Sue Swanhorst In Memory of Brenda Morris Patten Jonathan Hilbert In Memory of Mary Prichard Dennis Chan Bud Roberts Debra Reed Juanita Smith and Karen Snyder Homer and Patricia Sacra S. Dale and Phyllis Smith Kreider Machine Shop Inc. Vickie Belcher Debra Pelikan Staff at Waterman Elementary School In Memory of Mable Rennie Josephine Wagner In Memory of Robert Sellers Andre’ T. Sellers In Memory of Elaine and Jay Strawderman A.L. Strawderman In Memory of Polly Taylor Eddie Ney and Margee Greenfield-Ney In Memory of Maryann and Donald Warner Danny Hales In Memory of Willis Whetzel Janet Whetzel In Memory of Fred Whitmore Patricia Whitmore

In Memory Of Our Pets In Memory of “Alias”, beloved pup of Kristen Lucas Brenda Long In Memory of our three cats “Baxter,” “Benny,” and “Erik” Robert Gilmer and Susan Gier In Memory of “Bee” Trent and Julie Brumback In Memory of “Bear Cub” Sarah Cheverton

In Memory of “Bubby” Jesse Nancy Whitmore In Memory of “Callie” and “Sunny” Kenneth and Karen Lohr In Memory of “Charlie,” beloved cat of Becky Wilson’s Terri Denton Nancy Harrison (continued on page 4)

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In Memory Of Our Pets (c0ntinued) In Memory of “Champe,” Jerry,” “Kitty,” “Mandie,” and “Midnight” Mary Addy In Memory of “Chica” Patricia Benninghove In Memory of “Chimo” Janet Macarthur In Memory of “Deedee,” beloved black lab of Calvin Nichols Frank and Jean Gearing In Memory of our beloved Scottie, “Emma Lou” Susan Schuckman In Memory of “Fritz,” beloved dachshund of Rebecca Crown Dayton Animal Clinic In Memory of “Gatorade,” “Kona,” and “Sherpa” Andrew Koch In Memory of our little poodle, “Ginger” Russell and Sharon Horn In Memory of “Grant” Jean Murray In Memory of “Happy Sam” and “Prissy Missy” Nancy Whitmore In Memory of “Hermie,” “Miss,” and “Tucker” Richard and Pam Wilkins In Memory of “Jack,” beloved canine friend of Alice and Steve Cosby Frank and Jean Gearing In Memory of “Jeb,” my best friend Jennifer Sampson In Memory of “Josie” and “Sadie” Jim and Barb Shifflett In Memory of “Kenzie” Whit Grandle In Memory of “Kiyla” John Rossheim

In Memory of “Lee” Maryanne and Bradley Akers In Memory of “Magpie” Traci Zimmerman In Memory of “Max” Pam and Stewart Mason In Memory of “Midnight” Denise Whitman In Memory of our dog, “Milia” Charles and Carol Bowden In Memory of my sweet friend and beloved kitty, “Mochie” Matthew and Heather Dowdy In Memory of “Ms. Maddie” Thomas Dunham In Memory of “Oliver,” beloved friend and companion of the Shiflet Family Donald and Ginger Usry In Memory of “Ophelia,” our beloved dachshund Jon and Sara Ritchie In Memory of “Owen” Courtland and John Meyer In Memory of “Prinsie” Donald and Suzanne Criss In Memory of “Sassy,” Laura Ruple’s first dog Dana Cornett In Memory of “Sawyer,” my cocker spaniel Brenda Wilkinson In Memory of “Skip” Carolyn Henry In Memory of “Snickers,” beloved cat of Kay Gooden Donna Robinson In Memory of the 14 furbabies I have had the honor of sharing in their lives from Hotterman to Sheera Tammy Oldham

Thank you to all the adopters who opened their hearts and homes to animals

during our Home for the Holidays adoption event. 51 animals were adopted! An extra special thank you to our local area veterinary practices who provided over 35 free spay and neuter surgeries! These practices include Ashby Animal Clinic, Broadway Veterinary Hospital, Dayton Animal Clinic, Green Meadows Veterinary Services, Harrisonburg Animal Hospital, Heartland Veterinary Clinic, Maple Lane Veterinary, Massanutten Animal Clinic, New Market Veterinary Clinic, North Fork Veterinary Hospital, and Valley Veterinary Hospital.

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In Honor of Our Friends In Honor of Anne Anderson Jack and Pam Alexander Dixie Arbogast In Honor of Dixie Arbogast Denise Whitman In Honor of Nikki Corley Paula Maxwell In Honor of Terri Denton Elaine and Joseph Behl In Honor of Kirby Downey’s birthday Edward and Betsy Craun In Honor of Frank and Jean Gearing Elaine and Joseph Behl In Honor of Mike and Valerie Harvey Elaine and Joseph Behl In Honor of Terry Looney St. Jacob’s Spaders Lutheran Church In Honor of Jon and Sara Ritchie Lucy Deyerle In Honor of Butch Strawderman John Crist

In Honor of Judy Macarthur and Keith Wilcox Janet Macarthur In Honor of David and Janice Whitehead Elaine and Joseph Behl In Honor of Mathew Wright and Jessica Walters Samuel Wright In Honor of Maupin and Mary Wilson Stewart Elaine and Joseph Behl In Honor of the Wed. Bridge Club Clinton Bennett In Honor of my siblings agreeing to give instead of exchanging gifts Catherine Crummett In Honor of our children Jean Murray Merry Christmas to Randy and Donna Harper and Family Bryan, Blair, Brady, Bailey, and Baby Bridget pets Parker and Mack Harper Scott, Whitney, and Rhylan Martin and pet Tucker Harper from Danny Hales

In Honor of Our Pets In Honor of “Annie” and “Emily” Carolyn Henry In Honor of “Barney” and “Herman” Russell Nichols

In Honor of “Fluffers” and “Little Kitty” Linda and Kurt Magalis In Honor of “Lady,” our rescue golden Paul and Marsha Rexrode

In Honor of “Bear,” “Bradford,” and “Bear” Sue McDaniel In Honor of “Charlie,” our best friend Walter and Doris Whitmore In Honor of “Charlie” and “Peppi” Patricia Benninghove In Honor of “Cleopatra” and “Thor” Loretta Frantz and Kathy Starick In Honor of our dog, “Diogi” Roger and Lenore Stallard

In Honor of “Molly” Julia Ritchie In Honor of “Missy” Donnie and Jane Shifflett In Honor of “Remington Blue” Bradley and Leslie Intermann In Honor of “PEHR” and “Rosie” Eileen Nelson In Honor of “Sam” James and Pat Messner In Honor of “Willow” Peter and Elizabeth Martens

In Honor of “Dusty,” our sweet kitty girl Judge Marvin and Grace Hillsman Jr.

DONATE

SHOW YOUR LOVE

GIVE

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Kitten Season is Coming The term “kitten season” sounds like something out of a children’s book ― a magical time when tiny purring fur-balls sprout like blossoms beneath rainbows in dew-kissed meadows. But to animal rescuers and shelters, the mere mention of it can make them snap to attention and double-check their preparations. While big-eyed baby cats are irresistibly cute, hundreds of them can roll in all at once, makes kitten season the most challenging time of the year in shelters around the country.

In most places across America, animals mate and give birth in spring. This phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as longer days, better weather and more access to food, which means higher survival rates for the offspring of many species. Unlike other animals, though, cats can keep on reproducing, having litter after litter right up until the weather turns cold again. In 2018, The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA took in 799 cats from May to September.

How can you help?

Become a kitten season hero this year.

Everyone reading this can become a hero this kitten season, no matter what your age, ability or resources are. In fact, it can take as little as five minutes to help save lives. You can foster a litter of kittens, donate old towels and blankets, or share a post on social media of our adorable kittens to help us find adopters.

Come volunteer at the shelter, take pictures, and share them with your friends. Fostering just one litter of kittens is more like the magical time of purring fur-balls like mentioned before and you can do your part to find them loving homes. With the amount of intakes during kitten season, foster homes are a very important asset.

“Send in $10 or $20, and you’ve just vaccinated a litter of kittens, or maybe you can throw a virtual kitten baby shower at work to purchase supplies off our Amazon wish list. There’s not a person out there who can’t help,” says Emily Eby, Development/ Fundraising Manager. “Community involvement is really what it takes to help the cats and kittens in our community.”

So, while kitten season isn’t an enchanting fairy tale with fluffy baby cats sliding down rainbow arcs, it doesn’t have to be an annual saga of epic floods either. We all have the power to help change the forecast.

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Why work for the R-H SPCA? The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA is looking for motivated, and teamoriented individuals to join our team.

Do you love caring for animals? Do you like helping them find forever homes? Working here takes good people-skills and animal-skills. It is roll-up-your-sleeves hard work but when you see precious, little, fluffy faces find the family of their dreams - you will know you are in the right place.

Calendar of Events MARCH

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Adult Volunteer Orientation 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA Sign up at www.rhspca.org/volunteer.

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

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Closed for Staff Training. Sorry for any inconvenience.

APRIL

6 “My favorite part about working here is giving dogs a second chance in life, which includes fostering the ones who need extra TLC.” - Ashley Williams, Animal Care Technician.

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“My favorite part about working here is socializing the animals and caring for them in the best way I can. I like working with shy guys and helping them reach their full potentional before finding a loving home.” - Allison Stidham, Animal Care Technician If you are interested in joining our team, please email a resume to sheltermanager@ rhspca.org or drop one off in person.

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Bark to the 80’s Fundraising Event 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Spotswood Country Club It’s time to breakout the teasing comb and dust off those Members Only jackets cause we’re going back in time for some like totally rad, pawsome fun. The ultimate 80’s tribute band, The Reflex, presented

by LD&B Insurance and Financial Services, will be transporting us back to the era of energetic anthems, big hair, neon colors, and epic guitar solos. Find your leg warmers, should pads, muscle shirts, and parachute pants and come ready to dance!$40 tickets include live music, snacks, beer and wine.

Great Community Give 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Great Community Give is Harrisonburg and Rockingham County’s online, community-wide giving day hosted by the Community Foundation. It is a time to give back to the local community by supporting your favorite charitable causes! Last year we raised almost $3,000 on this day. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on the latest news about the Great Community Give.

Adult Volunteer Orientation 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA Sign up at www.rhspca.org/volunteer.

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Harrisonburg, VA Permit No. 9

2170 Old Furnace Road P.O. Box 413 Harrisonburg, VA 22803

Please join us in thanking our extraordinary Pet of the Week Sponsors!

Harrisonburg Towing & Storage 137 Towman Lane Harrisonburg, VA 22802 Heavy duty towing, recovery and heavy hauling