Fall 2009 - DoveLewis | Emergency Animal Hospital
Transcription
Fall 2009 - DoveLewis | Emergency Animal Hospital
Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital 1945 NW Pettygrove Portland, OR 97209 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 1111 DoveLewis Strives to Maintain its Community Service Programs Despite Slow Economy What’s Inside? Page 2—Pet Loss Director Offers Support to Oregon Zoo Page 6—Legacy Society Member Profile Pages 7–10—DoveLewis Annual Report FY 2009 Page 14—Holiday Dangers and Pet Safety Tips Upcoming Events Dec 2, 9, 16, 23— Santa Paws—Pet Photos with Santa Dec 3—Service of Remembrance Dec 12—Michael Allen Harrison Benefit Concert Jan 10—Portland Trail Blazers DoveLewis Night Feb 4—Mutt Mixer April 9—Boutiques Unleashed Fashion Show DoveLewis is Portland’s Non-profit 24–Hour Emergency and ICU Animal Hospital, offering advanced veterinary care at two facilities, one in NW and one in SE Portland. DoveLewis also shares several 100% donor–funded programs with the community including one of America’s largest volunteer–based animal blood banks, an award– winning animal assisted therapy program, a nationally recognized pet loss support program offering five free group therapy sessions each month, 24–hour stabilizing care for lost, stray and wild animals and financial assistance for low income families and abused animals. DoveLewis is also a teaching hospital, offering continuing education to local veterinarians, one–year veterinary internships, externships and a three–year residency program. DoveLewis, like many other businesses both for–profit and non–profit, has had a rough year. But we’ve been able to keep our head above water because our community believes in us. We’re grateful that Portland is a city who understands the human–animal bond and takes action. More and more people are learning about all that DoveLewis has to offer the animals and people who love them. Our need is great. It has probably never been greater than it is right now. We’re fighting hard to make sure all of the community programs that make DoveLewis remarkable are maintained as the need for them soars. While our programs need more funding, we are seeing fewer patients, so donations help us keep our doors open around the clock— in the middle of the night, through the wee hours of the morning, and even during the holidays when you need us most. All the while, we’re working hard to pay down the final $3M of our building debt. We, like our supporters who know us well, understand the broad impact DoveLewis has every day in this community. Here’s just a glimpse of all that goes on under the roof of our main hospital in Northwest Portland, at one given moment: A Labrador Retriever, just hit by a car, is triaged in our emergency room. Our certified grief counselor is helping a woman whose Siamese cat just passed away work through her sadness and profound feelings of loss. Our animal assisted therapy director is coaching a volunteer and her standard poodle on the best ways to approach a hospital bed where a sick child is awaiting their cheerful visit. A good samaritan who has just found an injured owl along the side of the road is arriving in our lobby; earlier in the day, an emaciated stray cat was brought in with an injured front leg that had somehow gotten caught in his tight collar. A recently donated new SurgiVet ® Advisor ® Vital SignsMonitor helps our medical staff save a six–week–old puppy who can hardly breathe. One of our blood donor dogs, a three–year– old Golden Retriever, has just finished giving blood to our Blood Bank, and is choosing the toy he will take home as his reward. A low–income family is applying for our Velvet Assistance Fund to help cover the cost of their emergency visit; their two year old orange tabby has just been attacked by another animal. A group of local school children is arriving in the parking lot with several bags of towels and blankets they have collected to donate to our hospitalized patients. A staff member is arranging the community room in preparation for a free Pet First Aid training seminar. A technician, board certified in critical care, skillfully cares for a Boston Terrier in our ICU who has likely eaten something she shouldn’t have. portland business journal award DoveLewis has once again been recognized as one of Oregon’s most admired non–profits—a recognition bestowed upon us for an astonishing four years in a row! 2,000 CEOs throughout the state participated. We are honored to be recognized by Oregon’s business leaders. One of our surgeons scrubs in to un–twist a dog’s bloated stomach; a procedure that will save his life. Your support helps DoveLewis continue to offer all of these services and experiences for the animals and people of the Portland area. Thank you for allowing us to do all we do. Here’s to a brand new year full of peace and prosperity for all humans and animals alike! BE GREEN—When you are finished reading this newsletter, pass it on to a friend. DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter 1 Pet Loss Director Offers Support to the Oregon Zoo Left: Charlie the chimpanzee Photo provided by the Oregon Zoo. In September, Enid Traisman, DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program Director, offered grief support free–of–charge to the Oregon Zoo after the sudden passing of Charlie, the proud patriarch of the Oregon Zoo’s chimpanzees, a chimp that was beloved by zoo staff, volunteers, and visitors. their special experiences with the animal and to grieve in a safe environment. “Creating a memorial fitting for each individual animal offers the opportunity to honor their memory, celebrate their life and allow the zoo patrons of all ages to pay tribute to an animal they cared for as well,” says Enid. As an infant, Charlie was nearly killed as part of the bushmeat trade in Africa. He came to the United States as a pet and was given to the zoo in May of 1972. Charlie had been the mainstay of the Oregon Zoo’s chimpanzee exhibit for nearly 40 years, and aptly was regarded as the “Prince of the Zoo,” a title bestowed to him by zoo veterinarian Mitch Finnegan. The death of Charlie is just one example of the many times Enid has been there for the Oregon Zoo. Over the past few years, Enid has offered her services on numerous occasions. “It is a great honor to be called upon by the director of the zoo, Mike Keele and zoo veterinarians, Mitch Finnegan and Lisa Harrenstien, for assistance in supporting them, their zoo keepers, staff and volunteers after the death of one of their animals. In just the past three years I have had the opportunity to facilitate grief support groups and participate in creating unique memorials for Pet the elephant, Raja the tiger, Marcus the wolf and most recently Charlie,” says Enid. Charlie died suddenly on the afternoon of September, 17, 2009 while on exhibit. Enid offered grief counseling to Oregon Zoo staff the day after Charlie’s death. She also returned to the zoo on Monday, September 22 for Charlie’s Memorial Service. Afterwards, she provided one–on–one sessions and a group session for zoo staff and volunteers. Later that week, Enid again returned to offer her services as zoo staff and volunteers continued to grieve the loss of Charlie. “Grief support groups help those who care for the deceased animal gain a clear understanding of the circumstances around the death, an opportunity to share Shelter Manager Turns to DoveLewis in Life–Threatening Emergency Left: John Rowton and Lola. Most animal lovers have experienced a gentle nudge by a wet nose in the middle of the night for any number of reasons. It might be a reminder that it’s time to start a new day, or perhaps it’s hunger. Sometimes, though, our pets wake us up because they have urgent or even life–threatening medical issues. That was the case when Lola, a seven–year– old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, awakened John Rowton, Multnomah County Animal Services (MCAS) Shelter Manager, at 2:00 AM on a Sunday morning, while he and his wife were vacationing far from Portland. John has had Corgis in his family since 1964, describing his Corgis as “sensible, reasonable dogs.” That night, Lola woke John because she was attempting to vomit. John noticed that Lola’s stomach was extra large and rock hard to the touch. Having worked with animals for many years, he knew immediately that she had an emergency condition referred to as ‘bloat’. This life–threatening condition requires immediate surgery. Bloat is more commonly seen in the larger, deep–chested dog breeds and in the giant dog breeds, but can occur in any breed of dog and very rarely in cats. John had worked with DoveLewis’ Critical Care and Stray Animal Program Director, Alicia Faggella, DVM, DACVECC, in coordinating the care of Multnomah County’s 2 DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter injured or ill stray animals who are brought to DoveLewis. As you likely know, DoveLewis never turns an injured or ill stray animal away, and wonderful DoveLewis donors help with the cost of treating and caring for these stray animals. As MCAS Manager, John was very familiar with the excellent emergency veterinary care provided by the DoveLewis medical team. Had John been in Portland when Lola presented with bloat in the middle of the night, he would have quickly rushed Lola to DoveLewis for confirmation of his suspected diagnosis. Time did not permit them to drive to Portland, so Lola had a surgical procedure in the early hours Sunday morning at an emergency clinic hours from Portland. Hours later, Lola was still having problems. John happened to have Dr. Faggella’s cell phone number with him, so he took a chance and called her directly. She told him to get to DoveLewis as soon as they could. By noon, John, his wife and Lola, were rushing to DoveLewis’ ICU. During the trip, Lola had an IV drip in place to minimize dehydration. She was resting on one of the heated car seats to keep her warm. They arrived at DoveLewis at about 7:00 PM that night. Dr. Faggella was there to greet them. Dr. Ashley Magee, one of the Board Certified Surgeons at DoveLewis, reviewed Lola’s case. Lola would have to have surgery again to determine why Lola’s condition was not improving despite intensive medical intervention. John visited Lola daily during her stay and by Wednesday, Lola was discharged. John felt Lola’s problem would never have been totally resolved if she had not had the follow–up surgery and two blood transfusions at DoveLewis. “I would call every day at 5:00AM, and they would tell me how Lola was doing and they encouraged me to come by and visit her, which I did every day while she was at DoveLewis,” John said. “I looked at the cost, but also looked at the exceptional treatment, service and care that Lola received at DoveLewis. The entire staff really seemed vested in Lola’s care.” John is happy to report that Lola is doing very well and back to enjoying her life with the Rowton family! A Challenging Year Sharpens Our Focus About this time last year we were just starting to see the beginnings of the economic slide that has occupied most of us this past year. Fortunately, we made a lot of good decisions during the year that helped us weather the huge impact the recession has had on DoveLewis. But even those good decisions were not enough to fend off of the realities of the slowdown. However, the year had many positive accomplishments and we need to recognize the great work that occurred under difficult circumstances. Foremost, we helped nearly 15,000 patients last year. That included nearly 1,400 stray animals and wildlife, up 7% over last year. Demand for every one of our community programs was higher than ever. For example, we were able to provide $10,000 a month in financial assistance. But that only allowed us to meet roughly one quarter of the likely demand for help. We must cap the Velvet Assistance Fund to manage the available money for the long term. During the worst economy in decades, we were able to exceed our annual fundraising target. While that is a great credit for our team, the true heroes of that result are the thousands of donors who supported us throughout the year. With an average gift size of less than $400 it takes a lot of gifts to raise more than $2M in one year. Due to that success, we were able to pay down more than $1.3M in debt and also take sole ownership of our main hospital building in Northwest Portland—now we owe just $3M. That was a great accomplishment during such trying times. In addition, we reorganized operations and reduced our overall expenses by nearly $600,000. We reduced administrative costs alone by 11%, or $130,000. The reality, however, was that our medical revenues were down more than $1M to our budget. For an organization our size that’s very difficult to overcome. DoveLewis must keep our hospitals open no matter what, so expenses can only be cut so far. That gap between what we could save on expenses and our drop in medical revenue meant that our net assets fell during the year. A result we hope not to duplicate again. I am guessing we are all surprised by the number of long–standing businesses, restaurants and stores that went out of business this past year. I can now see how that could happen. Businesses that are over–extended and have small cash reserves have little margin for error. Above: Ron Morgan and his dog Teddy Photo credit: Michael Jones Photography Studio DoveLewis achieved much this past year, but the storm that hit the veterinary industry and our organization will impact us for some time. As we begin a new year we know our margin for error is small. We need our community’s support more than ever! While we hope the economic winds change and start blowing in our favor, we will continue to work harder than ever to remain the best in our business. Our dedication to the longevity and viability of the organization has no bounds, but we can only control so much in an economy in turmoil. Your help and support is another piece of the puzzle that helps strengthen our odds of weathering the storm—securing our place in helping future generations of animals and people in our community. Ron Morgan DoveLewis Chief Executive Officer Michael Allen Harrison Benefit Concert December 12, 2009 The Old Church—1422 SW 11th, Portland Doors open 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM dovelewis.org COVER PHOTOS Left to right: ER triage of dog; comfort room; DLAATE therapy dog Orrin and a Read to the Dogs program participant; surgery in progress; cat transported for examination; stray injured dog poses for lost and found photo; client filling out forms in lobby; pet first aid workshop; Siena Shepard donates towels and blankets. DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter 3 UPCOMING EVENTS December Santa Paws— Pet Photos with Santa Wednesdays, Dec 2, 9, 16 Bridgeport Village—7455 SW Bridgeport Road, Tigard 4:00 PM –8:00 PM Bring your pet to Bridgeport Village for a photo with Santa! $2 of each photo package donated to DoveLewis. Packages start at $19. www.bridgeport–village.com Service of Remembrance—Dec 3 The Old Church—1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland Doors open at 6:00 PM, Service 7:00 PM –8:00 PM FREE event—RSVP is NOT required. Dignified Pet Services presents the Service of Remembrance in partnership with the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program. Please join us in celebration of the invisible yet undeniable bond between humans and our beloved companion animals. Together, surrounded by others who understand this bond, we will light candles in memory of those who are no longer here. www.oldchurch.org dignifiedpetservices.com Santa Paws in the Pearl—Dec 5 ASA Flats Lobby—1200 NW Marshall Street, Portland 10:00 AM –2:00 PM Bring your pet to the Pearl for a photo with Santa! Partners: Pearl District Business Association, DoveLewis, LexiDog and Dogstar. Pet Health Workshop: Toxins—Dec 10 DoveLewis Community Room 1945 NW Pettygrove, Portland, 2nd floor 6:00 PM –7:30 PM FREE event—RSVP required dovelewis.org/giftShop Toxins: The Myths vs. The Facts—Chocolate, raisins, onions, mistletoe—what really makes my pet sick? Guests must be at least 12 years old to attend. Pets welcome in spirit only. Thank you for understanding. 4 Michael Allen Harrison Concert—Dec 12 The Old Church—1422 SW 11 Ave., Portland Doors open at 7:00 PM, Concert begins at 8:00 PM Reservations available at dovelewis.org th Join DoveLewis and Michael Allen Harrison for a memorable evening of beautiful holiday music. Michael Allen Harrison’s music is best described as a genre of its own. His cutting edge, classical contemporary style carves a distinct niche of timeless music which far exceeds the scales of his Steinway keyboard. www.oldchurch.org www.mahrecords.com January Portland Trail Blazers DoveLewis Night—Jan 10 Join the Portland Trail Blazers for DoveLewis Night vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers! Special priced tickets are available. A portion of each ticket benefits DoveLewis! DoveLewis Benefit Tickets Available Dec. 16 White Section (100 level) —$180 per ticket Yellow Section (200 level) —$70 per ticket Red Section (300 level behind basket) —$30 per ticket Corporate ticket packages available To purchase tickets: Contact Paul Rothschild at: 503.963.3963 or paul.rothschild@trailblazers.com OR visit http://tickets.blazers.com/deals and type in special code: DOVE Understanding Your Dog—Jan 28 DoveLewis Community Room 1945 NW Pettygrove, Portland, 2nd floor 6:30 PM –8:00 PM FREE event—RSVP required dovelewis.org/giftShop Animals speak to us. We’ll teach you how to understand what he or she is saying! Does a dog yawn really mean he’s tired? What does it mean when he won’t look you in the eye? Get the answers to these questions and more. Workshop led by Heather Toland, MAEE, CVT—DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy & Education Director. Guests must be at least 12 years old to attend. Pets welcome in spirit only. Thank you for understanding. February Pet Health Workshop: Dog Nutrition—Feb 4 DoveLewis Community Room 1945 NW Pettygrove, Portland, 2nd floor 6:00 PM –7:30 PM FREE event—RSVP required dovelewis.org/giftShop Learn about nutrition for dogs and what foods are best for your dog’s health. Guests must be at least 12 years old to attend. Pets welcome in spirit only. Thank you for understanding. DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter Spot Magazine & Hotel Monaco Mutt Mixer—First Thursday Event, Feb 4 Hotel Monaco—506 SW Washington at 5th Ave., Portland 5:00 PM –7:00 PM Spot is partnering w/ Hotel Monaco to present special “Mutt Mixer” events on First Thursdays. Meet a great bunch of pets and their people. Enjoy a bite and a beverage. Kick off First Thursday with us! FREE! Complimentary cocktails, beer and wine! Enid Traisman, M.S.W., DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program Director, will be guiding guests through a pet valentine art project. www.spotmagazine.net www.monaco–portland.com Pet Health Workshop: Cat Nutrition—Feb 25 DoveLewis Community Room 1945 NW Pettygrove, Portland, 2nd floor 6:00 PM –7:30 PM FREE event—RSVP required dovelewis.org/giftShop Learn about nutrition for cats and what foods are best for your cat’s health. Guests must be at least 12 years old to attend. Pets welcome in spirit only. Thank you for understanding. March Therapy Animals: Who, What, Why? —March 11 DoveLewis Community Room 1945 NW Pettygrove, Portland, 2nd floor 6:30 PM –8:00 PM FREE event—RSVP required dovelewis.org/giftShop Do you think you and your pet have the right stuff to get involved with animal assisted therapy work? This workshop is your best first step. You’ll learn DoveLewis’ criteria, screening and training process to become a certified team. We’ll also show you what types of places you and your pet could visit after certification. Guests must be at least 12 years old to attend. Pets welcome in spirit only. Thank you for understanding. April DogtoberfesT® Wet Nose Soirée® rocked Smooth Like Velvet Dogs and their owners came from near and far to celebrate the 15th Annual Dogtoberfest at the Lucky Lab Brew Pub in SE Portland on Saturday, September 26. Local celebrities including radio and tv personalities and an energetic clan of DoveLewis volunteers did the dirty work as owners noshed on Lucky Lab grub and enjoyed a cool pint. The Beth Willis Duo and Back Porch Revival rocked the stage, while vendors offered an opportunity for some retail therapy. All the while, Beth Caldwell of Tall Grass Photo snapped photos of the lively scene. What a night! DoveLewis’ most swanky event of the year was a huge hit. More than 400 people, dressed to the nines and packed the Nines’ ballroom to celebrate DoveLewis and score some exciting auction items. Michael Allen Harrison entertained the crowd while MC Ann Schatz shocked everyone with her surprise live report from DoveLewis’ hospital floor! Velvet the therapy dog, the namesake of our Velvet Assistance Fund, touched everyone’s hearts. And most importantly, our guests generously helped us raise a much needed $440,000. The warm fall day helped make Dogtoberfest a huge success; 550 dogs were washed and just over $10,000 was raised for the DoveLewis Blood Bank. Mission accomplished! Thank you to our major sponsors: Thank you to all the volunteers and supporters who came out to support the DoveLewis Blood Bank—and special thanks to the Lucky Lab for 15 years of unrelenting camaraderie! Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Clear Channel Magaurn Video Media Thank You Witham & Dickey Stems Floral New Deal Vodka PortlandPicks.com Oldies 106.7 fm K103 fm Maloy’s Jewelry Workshop Barefoot Wine & Bubbly Top: Ann Schatz, Matty McDermott and Velvet photo credit: Erik Schultz (flickr.com/radphoto) Above: Dogtoberfest dog wash, photo credit: Tall Grass Photography (tallgrasspdx.com) And thank you to all of you who supported this event. See you all next year! 2010 DoveLewis Wet Nose Soiree 2010 SAVE THE DATE: November 13, 2010 Calendar SAVE THE DATE—April 9 Boutiques Unleashed: Fashion for Both Ends of the Leash on sale NOW The Tiffany Center—1410 SW Morrison Come see the hippest hounds and humans around on the runway at Portland’s premier fashion event! Boutiques Unleashed offers a fun and sometimes hilarious look at the latest styles from local boutiques for people and pets. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres & cocktails and mingle with some of Portland’s stylin’–est dogs and people. boutiquesunleashed.com Thank you to our friends at Clear Channel Radio of Portland—K103fm, Z100, 1190 KEX, Oldies 106.7fm, The Brew, and KPOJ for their amazing support. From sponsoring the 2010 DoveLewis Calendar and countless events to washing dogs at Dogtoberfest, Clear Channel is always there to lend DoveLewis a helping hand. We are so very appreciative for their support. Thank you to our calendar sponsors! This year’s calendar features furry friends in our community and is sponsored by several fabulous local businesses. For only $15, this beautiful, high–quality calendar makes a perfect gift! One–hundred percent of sales benefit DoveLewis. Only a limited number of calendars are available, so don’t delay! Pick up your copy today—available for purchase on dovelewis.org, at Powell’s Books, and select stores at Bridgeport Village including Oblation Papers & Press and LexiDog! DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter 5 Legacy Society Member Profile Family dogs owned by Janet Gluck and Doyle Nicodemus—Clockwise from top: 1. Stretch and Hershey, 2. Hershey, Stretch and Stella, 3. Stella An Interview with Janet Gluck and Doyle Nicodemus Consolidated Statement of Activities How long have you been donating to DoveLewis? Since 2001. July 2008—June 2009 Revenue & Support How long have you been a Legacy Society member? Since 2008. How many animals do you have in your household? Three rare breed dogs: Hershey, Stretch and Stella. The breed is formally called Xoloitzcuintle (pronounced: show low eats quint lee) but people call them “Mexican Hairless.” Stretch and Stella are both rescues! Have you had any experiences with DoveLewis? On two occasions we’ve used DoveLewis in the middle of the night for doggie emergencies: Hershey woke up one Christmas morning at 3:00AM with a swollen muzzle and in discomfort (we think spider bite, but not sure), and Stella, our seven pound terror, once took on a 25 pound raccoon in our yard. That little altercation earned her an overnight stay at DoveLewis and no more nighttime backyard privileges at home. Both times our normal vet wasn’t open. We raced down from Hillsboro to your clinic and our kids received the finest care possible. For that, we are eternally grateful. What inspires you to support DoveLewis? As you can probably tell, our dogs are our family and we would do anything for them. We are grateful that we live in a community that has a place such as DoveLewis and want to help continue its survival. Why did you decide to include DoveLewis in your will? We included DoveLewis in our legacy planning because we greatly value the services they provide. DoveLewis has been there for us for several canine emergencies and we want to be there for them (via 6 DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter Assets Medical Fees $7,418,519 72% Cash & Investments Donations $2,559,025 25% Short–Term Receivables Event & Other Revenue $335,225 3% Total Revenue & Support $10,312,769 Expenses donations and a legacy). Our dogs are family, and if they are hurt or ill we want them to receive the best care possible, at any time of day or night. DoveLewis provides this trusted service for us, and for that we are grateful. Thank you Janet and Doyle for your special future gift. Becoming a Member Just as the DoveLewis founders had a vision that would create a vital community resource honoring the human–animal bond, so do the members of the Dr. Richard Werner Legacy Society. Individuals who support DoveLewis with a planned gift are invited to join the society. It is strictly honorary in nature and involves no dues, obligations or solicitations. If you have provided for DoveLewis in a planned gift but have not yet informed us, give us a call or send us an email. You will receive a letter welcoming you into the society, be invited to special events and receive society news and updates. We are grateful to members of the Dr. Richard Werner Legacy Society for carrying on a vital tradition of support. Contact us to learn more. Lori Warner–McGee at 503.535.3382 or GiftPlanning@dovelewis.org $1,656,409 $223,407 Property & Equipment (Net) Long–Term Receivables $368,952 Other Assets $254,767 Hospital $9,350,547 $8,061,758 80% Other Programs $668,012 7% Liabilities and Net Assets General & Administrative $249,303 3% Current Payables $396,094 Fundraising $679,635 7% Current Payroll Liabilities $440,138 Building $295,349 3% Mortgage Payable $4,348,206 Long–Term Leases Payable Our most recent estate gift—a house! Total Expenses $9,954,057 Change in Net Assets Loved ones of the late Theron G. $6,847,012 $358,712 Net Assets Beginning of Year $3,633,862 Net Assets End of Year $3,992,574 $173,535 Net Assets $3,992,574 $9,350,547 Ayles say he had a great respect for life in general and simply wanted to give something that would help DoveLewis continue to offer emergency medical care to animals. Mr. Ayles left one of the most special assets of his estate—his residential home—to DoveLewis. He felt that in this way he could be helpful for a cause he fully believed in. At his memorial service, a picture was displayed of him at age seven, DoveLewis Vision Statement DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital’s vision is to provide the best available emergency and critical care for companion animals, and to support our partner veterinarians and the Hospital Operations Total Patients FY 2008 FY 2009 Gross Revenue $7,996,995 $7,704,446 Hospital Expenses $(7,892,803) $(8,000,020) Event & Program Expenses $(387,995) Change in Net Assets $(283,803) $(71,867) $(367,441) FY 2008 FY 2009 NW Hospital 11,304 10,509 SE Hospital 4,560 4,211 15,864 14,720 Total animal–loving community. clutching his beloved puppy, Bob. He also loved the outdoors and spending time with fish and birds. DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital is recognized as a charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible as allowable by law. Federal Tax ID No. 93–0621534. DoveLewis Annual Report FY 2009 DoveLewis Staff & Volunteers >> Blood Bank >> Pet Loss Support FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2008 >> Animal Assisted Therapy & Education >> Stray Animal & Wildlife Fund FY 2009 FY 2009 FY 2008 >> Velvet Financial Assistance Fund FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2008 FY 2009 DoveLewis is proud to be here for you and your pet whenever you need us. Medical Revenue $129,960 $132,567 Restricted Revenue $121,755 $99,953 Restricted Revenue $51,763 $33,402 Restricted Revenue $125,416 $101,794 Restricted Revenue $105,945 $225,465 Our staff of 101 is dedicated to practicing the best medicine possible, and to celebrating the human/animal bond at every opportunity. The DoveLewis family includes: Restricted Revenue $12,084 $15,276 Program Expenses $(100,074) $(98,202) Program Expenses $(82,757) $(101,224) Program Expenses $(216,882) $(210,237) Program Expenses $(94,570) $(111,225) Program Expenses $(136,816) $(145,020) Event & Other Expenses $(62,877) $(44,332) Event & Other Expenses $(4,858) $(6,403) $(201) $(1,295) $(4,352) $(6,045) Change in Net Assets $(42,581) Change in Net Assets $(35,852) $(74,225) Event & Other Expenses 24 DVMs We attract top notch veterinarians from around the world. Our advanced medicine and non–profit mission are especially important to doctors who are the best in both high tech and high touch. Change in Net Assets 6 Specialists Our DVM staff includes two critical care specialists, two surgeons, a radiologist, and a cardiologist. 2 Veterinary Interns, 3 Critical Care Residents and Dozens of Externs (fourth year veterinary students) These students gain hands–on experience from our experts as part of our teaching and education program. The purpose of the program is to mentor the next generation of veterinarians and provide challenging cases for those pursuing a career in specialty veterinary medicine. 27 Technicians Veterinary technicians are like nurses in human medicine. Five DoveLewis technicians are board–certified in emergency and critical care—a distinction held by only 200 technicians across the globe. Pet Loss Support Useage Blood Bank Information FY 2009 Canine Donors 225 129 Feline Donors 12 14 Units Donated 366 343 Transfusions Given 635 496 10564 SE Washington Street Portland, Oregon 97216 Phone: 503.262.7194 Mon—Thurs 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM Fri 6:00 PM —Mon 8:00 AM DoveLewis Annual Report FY 2009 Group Attendees Phone Conversations DLAATE Volunteers FY 2008 FY 2009 436 470 1,565 1,561 Emails 300+ Memorial Art Workshop Attendees 192 We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors Community Foundation The Meyers Foundation Donations Eli & Jill Morgan Chris Rogers Nestlé Purina PetCare Anonymous SE Hospital Change in Net Assets $(100,344) $(167,877) Event & Other Expenses Change in Net Assets $ 11,174 $ 112,945 DLAATE Teams Facilities Visited DLAATE Volunteer Hours >> Charlie Fund for Abused Animals Number of Strays Treated FY 2008 FY 2009 175 160 175 184 9,537 10,340 Total Strays Treated Non–Audubon FY 2008 FY 2009 1,290 1,375 887 880 FY 2008 FY 2009 Restricted Revenue $8,604 $4,673 Program Expenses $(7,279) $0 Change in Net Assets $ 1,325 $4,673 Net losses in our community programs and hospitals are funded with unrestricted donations. 23 Business and Programs Staff This group includes our accounting staff, our marketing and fundraising team, our program directors, hospital administration and our CEO. 1945 NW Pettygrove Portland, Oregon 97209 Phone: 503.228.7281 24 hours / 7 days FY 2008 Made between July 1, 2008 & June 30, 2009 NW Hospital $(8,878) $(59,434) $(3,222) $876 13 Client Services Representatives These incredibly talented people talk to clients over the phone, and as they arrive in our lobbies. Their compassion and professionalism help make a visit to DoveLewis as smooth as possible. 505 Volunteers who worked 13, 512 hours in FY 2009 Without these people, we simply would not be who we are. Volunteers help with office work, events, community outreach, and community programs. $(41,196) Event & Other Expenses $10k+ Molly B. Butler & Robin Manning Soper Family Trust Sylvia VerMeer Living Trust Elaine Wilderman $5k+ American Industries Inc. Ellyn Bye Bank of America Foundation Combined Federal Campaign Colleen D. Breniser Dignified Pet Services Dream Envision Foundation Bill & Joyce Furman Hedinger Family Foundation Jeanette Heinz & Greg Roderick Ray Hickey Foundation The Estate of Daniel L. Howell Philip & Penny Knight Milt & Bobbi Lampros Carolynn & Jack Loacker The Lucky Dog Fund of The Oregon Sherida & Sydney Brown Jillian & Ron Cain Thomas Costello Deacon Charitable Foundation R. L. J. Ericksen Family Charitable Fund Gramark Company LLC Frederic Helm, MD & Janice Helm Keane Family Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation Michael Keefe Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation Nike Employee Matching Gift Program Northwest Sign Supply OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation Frank & Nancy Riebe Sather Byerly & Holloway Craig & Mary Schwartz United Way of the Columbia– Willamette $2500+ Catherine B. Brinkman & Beto Dantas Carisbrook Technology Services, LLC Randy Corby Abby & Ken Crouch Donna & Steve Deacon Gina & Todd Delahunt DeTemple Plumbing, Heating & Air Co., Inc. Richard & Margaret Drake Leslie G. Ehmann Trust Equity Foundation, Inc. Robert Fernandez Martha & Harry Sherin Connie & Chris Bentley Becky L. & Wayne Graham Dr. Storm Floten & Theresa Floten The Standard Employee Giving Campaign Brian E. Boyle Charitable Foundation Dr. Douglas A. Gribskov, DVM Fournier Group Ken Stephens Chet & Marie Britten Cynthia & Steve Harder Stephanie Fuhrman Elaine Streger Donald Carbonari Gene Heinle Wayne & Michele Garcia Dr. Mitchell Streger Gayle & Scott Carda Marc Herzfeld Lynne A. Styles Jane & Gary Hibler Moreland Veterinary Hospital Good Sport Promotion, Inc. Dan Thenell Castor & Pollux Pet Works Norman Transeth Chez Joly Michele Houck & Joel Eledge Tiffini D. Mueller Ann & Rick Hjemboe Janice Vavison Diane Hogan Whole Foods Market Laurie E. Christensen & Colin Ma Scott Asphaug & Ann E. Fitzsimmons IDEXX Laboratories Inc Intel Volunteer Grant Program Jake’s Famous Crawfish Java Jacket Inc. Barbara & Stuart Larson Monqui, Inc. Kristen & Tim Phillips Poplock Family Foundation Inc. Portland General Electric The Regence Employee Giving Campaign Susan Rosenthal Ann L. Schatz & Lisa Hunefeld Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt PC Jon Andrew Howe Isis Foundation Bette & Mark Manulik John Ryan Emily Martin Louise & Timothy Saponas Tricia Maynard Daniel J. Medin & Kori Barnum The Harry A. Merlo Foundation Lynn & Bob Moses Timothy Munjar, DVM, DACVS Crosswhite Enterprises Inc. James & Nancy Iwasaki Ellen Nusblatt D.A. Davidson & Co. Amie Jamieson $1k+ Dr. Marcia Darm & Bruce Berning JEZ Foundation Office Products Northwest 23rd & Flanders, LLC Maria & Jim DeClusin Annette & Christian Joly Linda & Ron Olshausen Curtis & Ardine Williams Witham & Dickey Lee C. Nusich Activate, Inc. Delahunt Homes Inc. The Adams Foundation Jill Karmy Nancy Parr DeLap White Caldwell & Croy, LLP Perkins Coie An Anonymous Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation Gordon & Katherine Keane Jess & Wanda Dishman Jamie & Michael Anderson Entercom Portland, LLC Auctionpay Bank of the West Robert & Phyllis Barker Behrends Animal Clinic, P. C. Margaret & Miles Ellis Pat & Mary Jo Evans Evergreen Pet Supply Alicia M. Faggella, DVM, DACVECC Anonymous Riccardo & Robbyn Foggia Won Kim Jerry LaDuke Jack Pessia & Chrys A. Martin Lakeside Bicycles Carol Peterkort & Richard Gibson, MD Deborah Sather Beverly & Fred Saxonberg Robert S. Simon & Magdalena Cynkuntis–Simon Steven F. Skinner, DVM, DACVIM & Ann Skinner Tom Sobon Mardi & Tom Spitzer Starbucks Coffee Company Partner Giving Programs Clara & Brad Arnston Jane Ault & Robert Trexler Karen Bahus The Baron/Gilbert Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation Georgie Barum Ann Baynton Beaver Creek Cooperative Telephone Company Rachel E. Bertoni & Lisa Turley Neal Thompson & Susan Cassady Sharon Bors Susan K. Thompson Curtis & Suzanne Brandt Elizabeth Tilbury Rule Brand U.S. Bank William Buchanan Robert D. Varitz & Gertrude K. Allen Bullard Law Vera L. Smith Charitable Foundation Douglas Lilley Judith E. Pitzen Jan & Dick Lindsay Joan & Roger Porter Dave & Patti Loverink Portland Trail Blazers Carole W. Lower Roylene Read Sharlene & Leonard Ludwig Michael Remsing & Randy Tjaden Sheri G. Morris, DVM & John Maddigan Jack Rickli Mark Allen Stephanie & Joel Rubenstein Rona & William Amadon Candace Manuel Anderson Roofing Co., Inc. Alice Weaver Wildwood $500+ Ann Akre Tammy Burke Brett E. Burmeister The Campbell Foundation Louis Carlton Janet Champ & Rick McQuiston Rebecca & Gene Chao Christine Choffin Susan H. Clarke DoveLewis Annual Report FY 2009 Kevin W. Clausen Board of Directors Kingsley & Shirley Handley George & Cherie Miller Karen Strand Todd & Debbie Cleek Matthew Clemens Patti Hanson Deidra Miner Comcast Spotlight Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation Beverly Minty The Symonds Foundation Jean & Terry Morgan Tektronix Foundation Treasurer—Rebecca Graham, CPA Beth Morse Susan Terry Tracy Hawthorne Gail & Ron Murray Dolores K. Thompson Secretary—Barbara Wegner Providence Health Systems, Retired Joan Hayward Cherie L. Nelson Liz Healy Kay Doyle Nicodemus & Janet Gluck Kathy & Terry Dahlgren Lisa & Roger Davis Cynthia L. Davis & Elaine Scott Lynn Davis & Alan Mitchell Fay L. Harrison & R. Scott Enochs Dee & David Deatherage Phyllis & Daniel Herinckx Brian Dees & Jennifer Reyes Ken Hick & Cheri Cooley-Hick Andrea K. Oncken, DVM, DACVECC Teresa M. Delorenzo Linda Hickey Melody & Malcolm Dennis Gordon Hillesland Cindy & Gerald Pedersen Harold Hoffman PetArtByAnna.com Julie Desousa Anne M. Houseal Richard Dixon Kathryn N. Hummel Kevin & Tara Phelps Robert & Deborah Dollen Kendra Hynes & Dermot Maty Patty Dost Cecil W. Drinkward Sandy Japel & William Siggelkow Jennifer Dunn Schelly Jensen Naomi Pollock & David Bugas Sarah Edmonds Kevin & Marina Johnson Portland Veterinary Medical Association Barb & Chris Jones Rebecca Prentice Stuart & Janet Jones Michelle Rand Kathleen Junker Ransom Blackman LLP Pat Erstgaard Kathleen Keenan, DVM Catherine Ertmann Savannah Kent Lori & George Rede Marsha & Douglas Estudillo Jeanne & Darby Kilmer Jeffrey Feiffer & John C. Briggs Kailee A. Kinney Marilyn & Harris Felton Kristin Kolasinski Andrea Lange Erin Ferguson Rhonda Laycoe Richard Fisher Philip Lehman Rian Flad Dionne T. Madigan Dennis & Judy Fleck Kelly Mantione P. and K. Ehrensing Diane L. Elliot, MD Amy & David Epperson George & Donna Fogg Ellen M. Foley Ian Ford Conrad & Judy Fornia Patricia A. Gardner, MD Catherine Garrison & Dr. Henry Garrison Albert Gentner GirlBand Susan J. Goudy Marilyn K. & Hans H. Grunbaum, DVM Nancy & James Gunter Dave Hale Kimberlee Hamilton Bill & Carol Kinnune Michelle Marcyk Lee Marsden Dr. Kerri E. Marshall Jessica McCallum Brian & Heidi McCloskey Isabel McDonald Stephanie McDougal Lisa & Jim McGarvey Suzanne & Bernard McGrath Jeff & Anita McKey Clark Melva Karen Memory Robert Merrill Bob Merrill Patricia Merrimon DoveLewis Annual Report FY 2009 Oga Northeimer Jaime Phifer Theresa & Torie Phipps Phyllis Reynolds Charlene Rhyne & Billie Bell James Robbins Alan & Kathleen Rose Rachel Rosenbloom Alise R. Rubin & Wolfgang Dempke Richard & Deanne Rubinstein Russell Colgate Fund, Inc. Frank Santell & Jo Ann Storms– Santell Sandra Santoro Mary Schick Jean Schifferns & Steve Nussbaum JoAnna Sering Reba Silverthorne– O’Leary & George O’Leary Skyline Interiors, Inc. Sid Snider Larry Snyder Douglas N. Sparks Gregory Stamm Sally Seifert Standard Supply Duncan Strang David & Terry Taylor Chief Executive Officer—Ron Morgan President—Doug Gribskov, DVM Aloha Dog and Cat Hospital Sara Thurman PVMA Representative—Craig Quirk, DVM Rose City Veterinary Hospital Tice Electric Company Board Personnel Jennifer Tobin Adrianne Fairbanks, DVM Laurelhurst Veterinary Hospital Jacqueline Thompson Robert & Nancy Turner United Way of South East Pennsylvania Audrey Valls Pieter & Hannelie Vermeulen Vitality Home Realty Jerry Walker & Mary Jaeger Chris Holenstein, DVM Gresham Animal Hospital Timothy Munjar, DVM, DACVS, Surgeon Veterinary Referral Center of Portland Mark Norman, DVM Bethany Family Pet Clinic Larry Peetz, DVM Planning Resources Corporation Shannon Ward & Mark Adamski Julie Poduch Regence Lori Warner–McGee & William McGee Michael Remsing Owner, Dignified Pet Services Johnna Wells Steven Skinner, DVM, DACVIM Oregon Vet Specialty Clinic Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking Linda Werts William W. Wessinger Clifton & Patricia White Lorie & Ash Wigle Tracy Williams Lawrence & Vanessa Wilson Scott Winkels & Candice Coleman Jeffery Wright Lynnette Xanders IN–KIND GIFTS Dozens of individuals and businesses have contributed nearly $250,000 worth of in–kind gifts during this fiscal year. DoveLewis appreciates the budget relief and looks forward to our continued partnerships next year! David Symes Attorney, Perkins Coie Lynette Xanders Wild Alchemy Ambassador Board Chair Catherine Brinkman—Schwabe, Williamson, and Wyatt Membership Chair Adina Flynn—Ameriprise Secretary Gina Delahunt—United Employers Association Fundraising Chair Kristin Kolasinski—Portland Trail Blazers Board Personnel Gretchen Alley Seth Alley—Sylvan Chiropractic Clinic Tommy Austin—Clear Channel Ilana Barash, MPA Ellyn Bye—Dream Envision Foundation Maia Chase—Northwestern Mutual Financial Todd Cleek—Kivel & Howard LLP Stephanie Fuhrman—Tilbury, Ferguson, and Newburg, Inc. Stacy Larsen—Principal Financial Group Jack Pessia—President, Oregon State Bar (retired) Stephanie Rubenstein—Wet Nose Soirée ® Event Committee Chair Deborah Sather—Sather, Byerly & Holloway, LLP Miles Ueoka—Regence Memorial Art Workshops: Healing through Art The DoveLewis Memorial Art Workshops, a free community service sponsored by Dignified Pet Services, was launched in 2006 as an extension of the Pet Loss Support Program. Enid Traisman, the founder of the innovative program, came up with the idea as another tool to help grieving people heal. Enid herself is an artist; in fact, her glass work decorates the hospital lobby and exam rooms. As a certified grief counselor, Enid knows and regularly tells grieving people that one of the best ways to navigate grief after the death of a pet is through memorializing. Creating memorial art is one way of memorializing that is very meaningful and encourages healing. Research shows that art and healing come from the same source. In fact, it is now known that when a person is creating art or is healing, he or she emits the same brain wave patterns. Art and healing is so powerful that human hospitals are even incorporating art into patient care. Participation in artistic activities can have measurable physiological results such as reducing stress, improving the immune system, and easing pain. Creating art uses the emotional and intuitive aspects of a person, which in turn, supports the healing process. Each month brings a different memorial art project. The DoveLewis Community Room is transformed into an art room for the hour and half workshop, set up with supplies needed to complete the project. Enid provides examples of the finished item and provides instructions on how to create it. When people sign up online, they are instructed to bring in meaningful photos and mementos to include in their project to personalize it. In addition to each month’s memorial art project, every month during the 3:00 PM adult session, Enid provides the materials and instructions for people to create “cremated remains memorial keepsakes.” These are items created with beautifully colored glass with a bit of cremated remains placed between the layers of glass, which is then fused in a kiln. The cremated remains are permanently sealed in the glass and can be carried as a pocket stone, worn as a pendant, or placed on an alter. “The memorial art workshops are fabulously rewarding. It is amazing to see the beautiful items people create in memory of their beloved pets and the healing process that takes place as art takes shape. Each item crafted is truly unique and special in its own way,” says Enid. Clockwise from top: Memorial art for Fleur the cat; Charles Noble and Heather Blackburn display their work in memory of their cat Gizmo; A memory box for Dakota. Testimonials: “Thank you again and again! The support group and the memorial art therapy have helped me so, so much! Sunday I left feeling in a meditative state and it has carried over into the week. I really enjoyed doing art therapy and appreciate the chance to get you know you better; you are amazing!” “Thank you for firing the glass pieces I made a couple of weeks ago in the DL pet memorial project. I picked them up last Sunday and they are just beautiful….I love them!! The pendants are quite a conversation piece. People are just fascinated when I tell them about what I did!” “Thank you, Enid, I really appreciate the work you do! I felt not–so–sad after my time with you and the others making art on Sunday. I’m thinking about attending one of your group meetings and will definitely be back for more art time.” “My grief over Katie is slowly subsiding. Both the art project and the journal you gave me have been of great help. I really appreciate that DL has this community outreach program. I had referred many people to it over the years and now I have a first hand experience of how helpful it truly is. Thank you for all that you do.” ”Enid, Thanks so much for all the wonderful work you do! Our family has really benefited from the release of grief through art. You Rock!” DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter 11 Can your dog become a blood donor? Ideal canine blood donor candidate: Volunteer Spotlight Superheroes Dealer & Molly Both Dealer and Molly are rescued goldens from the Golden Bond Rescue. They give back to the local canine community by donating blood through the DoveLewis Blood Bank. Dealer joined the program on January 29, 2004 and has donated 24 units of blood to–date. Kid sister Molly joined soon after on December 16, 2004 and has donated 21 units of blood. Molly is referred to as the little clown of the family—always keeping everyone smiling. She is six years old and has been donating for four years now. Blood donor dogs are always rewarded for their donation—they get to select a toy from the toy bin. Molly always goes for the squeaky tennis balls; they are her favorite and she usually needs a new one by the time she donates again. Left to Right: Dealer and Molly after a romp in the water Changes in Transfusion Medicine Leads to Increased Demand for Blood Donor Dogs Over the last decade, transfusion medicine has assumed an increasingly important role in the life support of companion animals. The use of blood products in treating critically ill animals has drastically soared. For this reason, the need for complete blood typing, as well as adequate testing of donors for transmissible diseases has become the forefront of the blood–banking industry. Just as in human medicine, all blood donors need to be screened for appropriate or desirable blood types, as well as any possible transfusion–transmissible diseases. The goal is to ensure the safest and most successful transfusions possible. Just like humans, dogs have species–specific blood types. New laboratory procedures have recognized more blood types in dogs than ever thought possible. With over a dozen blood types now isolated and confirmed, our theories and practices for transfusion medicine have changed remarkably. There are now only two different blood types that are considered appropriate and are used by blood banks for transfusion therapy in dogs. Dealer is the more “serious” thinker. He is mellow, has good instincts, and has a quite wisdom about him. Dealer just turned eight, has been donating for almost six years, and hopes to donate 30 units before he “retires.” Dealer prefers the stuffed toys. He always fishes one out of the toy bin after his donation. He loves to pull the stuffing out reveal- “Red blood cells from a dog can be either posiing the squeaker that he quickly chews up. tive or negative for each blood type (comparable to the Rh factor in humans),” says Kristen Dealer and Molly aren’t the only ones in Keener, DoveLewis Blood Bank Director and their family supporting DoveLewis. Human board–certified critical care technician. A mom, Erin and human sister, Devon are true “universal” blood type does exist in dogs. two amazing DoveLewis volunteers. This However, roughly only one in 15 dogs possess mother–daughter duo volunteer at many this blood type. It’s all genetic and “luck of the community outreach events acting as comdraw” to be a universal donor. There are cermunity awareness advocates, promoting the tain breeds, such as Greyhounds and German organization and a program that’s very dear Shepherds that tend to be a universal blood to their hearts—the DoveLewis Blood Bank. type; however, it can vary to any breed and DoveLewis thanks Dealer, Molly, Erin and particularly mixed breeds. Devon for ALL they do for DoveLewis and the community! 12 DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter • Healthy • • • 1–6 years old to start volunteering Current on vaccines At least 55 pounds • Has never been pregnant or had a blood transfusion Easy–going • If you think your dog meets these criteria, call the blood bank at 971.255.5920 or send an email to bloodbank@dovelewis.org. The search for desirable blood types is not the only problem that faces the world of transfusion medicine; transmissible diseases are also extremely and equally as important. There are at least 14 different diseases considered transmissible by blood in dogs. Most of them are transmitted by ticks, which every dog has the potential to encounter in everyday life. “The Pacific Northwest has been naively considered a relatively ‘tick–free’ place to live; however, the screening of more and more dogs that have become positive for a tick–borne disease in this area has hopefully enlightened the general public,” adds Kristen. Between the relatively low frequency of universal blood types and the extensive disease screening process, the need for more canine blood donors is always a concern. With these recent advances in transfusion medicine, more and more canines are considered no longer appropriate to be blood donors. Coupled with the demand for transfusion therapy becoming greater, more and more dogs are recruited to join the blood donor program. “Blood is a life–saving product. It needs to be donated by healthy dogs for other critically ill dogs. Unless more people allow their pets to become volunteer donors, the blood supply unfortunately, cannot and will not keep pace with the growing demand,” says Kristen. We call our donor dogs “Superheroes” and for good reason. We are always looking for more lifesaving dogs to join our program. If you and your dog would like to give the gift of life to another canine, contact the DoveLewis Blood Bank today. To schedule a blood typing appointment call 971.255.5920 or email bloodbank@ dovelewis.org. Ronald McDonald House of Portland in Partnership with DLAATE Program The DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy & Education (DLAATE) program is proud to now be working with the Ronald McDonald House of Portland— which provides a “home away from home” for families and their seriously ill children who travel far to receive treatment at Portland hospitals—on a pilot program to see how animal assisted therapy works in such a setting. Currently, the DLAATE program is the only animal organization permitted to work on–site with animals at Portland’s Ronald McDonald House. We know our DLAATE teams have brought countless smiles to children and families enduring some of life’s grave challenges, and we are proud to be able to provide a moment of joy and relief to these brave families. -----Original Message----From: BART Sharon Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 2:11 PM To: ‘htoland@dovelewis.org’ Subject: Kudos The Sellwood–Moreland Library is one of the many branches of the Multnomah County Library system that hosts the Read to the Dogs program. Last week, I received a beautiful homemade card and letter from Elizabeth Harris, a library patron. She said in her letter that she is a retired school teacher. Here is a bit of what she wrote: “When I taught, I wanted to give, besides the subject matter, something of a lifetime use. This (Read to the Dogs) is what your program of reading does for these children—the gift— several gifts in fact of a lifetime use. I am proud of you.” Thank you for all the wonderful work you do and for sharing Read to the Dogs with all the children in our community. Sharon Bart, Branch Administrator Sellwood–Moreland Library All Photos: Therapy Dog Orrin visits Mrs. Gloria Mathews’ 1st grade class at Elk Meadow Elementary School Read to the Dogs Program Receives Literary Award The DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy Read to the Dogs Program is the proud recipient of the Walt Morey Young Readers Literacy Award. We are so very honored to be bestowed an Oregon Book Award that recognizes a person or organization for their noteworthy contributions to the development and cultivation of young readers in Oregon. “A man who created deeply loved books for young readers, Walt Morey (1900–1992) is known worldwide for his book, Gentle Ben. Other books include Home is the North, Kavik the Wolf Dog, Runaway Stallion, Gloomy Gus, Year of the Black Pony, Scrub Dog of Alaska and Deep Trouble. The Walt Morey Young Readers Literary Legacy Award is presented to a person or organization in recognition of significant contributions that have enriched Oregon’s young readers.”—Literary Arts BE GREEN—When you are finished reading this newsletter, pass it on to a friend. DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter 13 Holiday Dangers & Pet Safety Tips Many memories are made during the holiday season and DoveLewis wants your memories to be only the best. Because the holidays can pose dangers unique to the season, it is important to mindful during this time of the year. Thanksgiving Food for Thought Thanksgiving weekend is always a busy time for the staff at DoveLewis. Often, animals get sick because of visitors who perhaps covertly feed pets under the table. Distracted or careless pet owners on Thanksgiving Day and the days that follow can also make deadly mistakes. Most of the problems are gastrointestinal and can be prevented. Keep away from your pets: Turkey Bones (They are hollow and splinter easily into sharp pieces. The splinters can lodge in your pet’s throat or intestine or cause punctures to the intestinal tract and create blockages) Turkey carcasses (parts may be undercooked and infected with Salmonella) Fatty meats and gravy Baked Goods Alcoholic beverages—wine is especially hazardous to dogs Garbage containing any leftovers (don’t forget your outside garbage) Alternative ways to celebrate: Add a teaspoon of white turkey meat or broth to your pet’s food to share the “Thanksgiving experience” with your animal. Treat pets to goodies and gifts made especially for them. Spoil them with an extra hour of brushing or a quiet walk; both of you will appreciate the reprieve from noise and relatives! Read My Story Cami Yuletide Dangers by Abby Crouch, DoveLewis Donor Relations Be Careful When Decking the Halls Late one afternoon while working at DoveLewis, I heard about a small female dog in our emergency room, who had been brought to DoveLewis by a Multnomah County Animal Services Officer. I went downstairs to briefly meet her. As I arrived, this little girl had just been given a complete evaluation by the DoveLewis hospital staff. She was tiny, thin and covered with fleas. She had fur on her head and legs only, but was otherwise mostly devoid of fur, with rough, thickened, scaly skin that appeared more like a reptile’s skin than a canine’s. She immediately was given treatment for her severe flea infestation. From a side view, she looked like she had a full face mask of fur on her head, as she had no fur on her neck. She had a large tumor on her stomach. And she had very sweet, soulful, sad brown eyes. Though she was at DoveLewis, where she was very safe and loved by the staff, she shivered continuously. She stole my heart. DoveLewis provided overnight supportive care for her, and she was transferred to Multnomah County Animal Shelter the following day. DoveLewis partners with local county animal shelters to help stray animals who would otherwise have no hope. From decorations to holiday treats, there are dozens of temptations luring your pet in during the holiday season. Chocolate Santas, mistletoe, tinsel, and even batteries for toys and gift gadgets, pose significant harm to your pet. Decoration Don’ts There are several plants festive to the holidays that can be very toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of mistletoe are toxic and holly leaves and berries can cause gastrointestinal irritation, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Even some evergreens such as balsam fir and pine can cause minor irritation if ingested. Tinsel poses another threat if munched—gastrointestinal blockage. Cats especially seem to be drawn to the shiny tantalizing strings. Once swallowed, tinsel can become entangled in the cat’s intestines and can create a life–threatening obstruction. Ribbon used in holiday gift–wrapping and decorating can also be problematic. Like tinsel, ribbon can cause blockage in the intestines. Candles are often used during the holidays for the ambiance they create with their smell and glow. Keep candles high and away from curious noses and wagging tails. Glass and plastic bulbs of holiday lights and their electrical cords can pose a danger to pets who like to chew. Glass and plastic that is eaten could cause intestinal obstruction, and chewed–through cords could result in an electrical shock or even fire. Keep a close eye on pets around the holiday tree. Many pets may think ornaments are toys and try to swipe them off the tree. Broken glass from broken ornaments can cut paws and if ingested, foreign bodies can cause an obstruction in the intestines. Food Fouls Ingestion of large amounts of onions and garlic can cause severe red blood cell damage. Cats are especially sensitive to these common ingredients. 14 DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter Macadamia nuts used in many holiday treats can cause short–term hind–limb paralysis. If eaten before baking, raw bread dough can expand rapidly and can cause ethanol poisoning. Make sure that chocolate Santa is out of reach and the fudge is put away. A common ingredient in chocolate is theobromine, a chemical that can affect the heart, kidneys and central nervous system. Higher concentrations of theobromine are found in dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate. Many sugar–free gums and candies contain the sugar–substitute xylitol which is highly toxic to pets. Xylitol quickly dissolves in the blood stream and can lead to rapid decrease in blood sugar and possible seizures. Party Foul The hustle and bustle of the holiday season leaves many pets stressed out. Try to keep the same routine as possible with your pet and should you have guests over, consider keeping your pet in a room away from the commotion. Rock salt and other products used to clear ice and snow, keeping your walkway clear for holiday guests, can be hazardous to your pet. Rock salts containing calcium chloride and chemical laced de–icers can irritate your pet’s paws. Be sure to wipe off your pet’s paws after trips outdoors. I had previously filled out the necessary paperwork at Multnomah County Animal Shelter, and had completed an interview to become a ‘medical foster’ for a small dog. I contacted the person in charge of the foster program at Multnomah County Animal Shelter about fostering her. She would need to be in a foster home for recovery following surgery to remove her tumor, dentistry to remove her bad teeth and for time to heal her skin condition. My fostering her was approved, and she joined our family of four older rescued dogs, which consisted of two one–eyed Shih Tzus, a one–eyed Yorkie, and a small black dog. Tentative at first, ‘Cami’ as we started calling her, quickly settled in to our family, loving her frequent baths to make her skin softer, and the food and environment we provided for her in our home; she was gaining confidence daily! Dr. Meghan Romney, the staff Veterinarian at MCAS, scheduled surgery to remove Cami’s tumor, extract eight badly diseased teeth, and spay her. Cami did great in her post operative recovery period, coming to work with me every day at DoveLewis, where the staff frequently stopped by to say hello, see how she was doing, and give her love and treats! Cami was getting used to sleeping quietly in my lap as I worked, and she did not want me to leave for work in the morning without her! Left: Cami gets lots of love from her new Mom and co–workers at DoveLewis. Just as Cami was nearing the end of her foster period with us, Gumbo, one of our dear Shih Tzus, was seen at DoveLewis over the July 4th weekend because he suddenly developed some difficulty breathing at night. Following a CT scan that was done at DoveLewis, he was found to have an advanced intranasal tumor, with a poor prognosis for recovery. We gave him lots of love, day trips to the beach, new toys and chicken dinners during his last month with us, but we recently said a final goodbye to Gumbo at DoveLewis when he let us know it was time. Ken and I were so grateful for the kindness, compassion and expertise the entire DoveLewis staff showed our dear Gumbo and both of us during that difficult month. We miss Gumbo terribly, but Cami must have come into DoveLewis and into our lives when she did for a reason, as we have now adopted her into our family. NEW WEB SITE dovelewis.org We’re not buying the theory that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, because this old dog has learned a whole lot of new tricks! Soon you will see the product of our latest project—an overhaul of dovelewis.org. Coming soon, take a spin around the new website! It is the same web address, but a whole new feel and functionality. Thank you experts at NetRaising, who helped us save money and create a better website. DoveLewis Fall 2009 Newsletter 15