Insider Report - March 2016

Insider Report

- March 2016 -

Board Report

by Sharon Sherman, Chairman of the Board

The Board of Directors wants to begin this month's column with a sincere and heartfelt "Thanks!" to Corinne Mitchell who designed our previous website and served as its webmaster for many years. When Corinne stepped up to take on that position, not one other PAWS volunteer had the skill to do it. And, truth be told, she really did it alone for ages: created the format, wrote the articles, posted to Facebook...all of it.

Corinne did the job masterfully, giving literally hundreds of hours of her time each year to make sure PAWS' information and activities were prominent on the Internet. As our website is one of the primary ways potential adopters first meet our animals and apply to adopt them, it is fair to say that without Corinne's talent and generosity of time, it would have taken months longer for almost all of our animals to find their forever homes.

But times change, PAWS has grown, and the Board felt it was time to move the web design and maintenance tasks from an individual volunteer position to one that is handled by a Board of Directors committee. The result of this decision is the new PAWSofCoronado.org website. The Board hopes you like the new look. Take the website for a spin, see how you like its navigation. Also, check out the posts on our Facebook page and jump right into a thread. And know that even though things might look a little different, both our website and Facebook page will still focus on our wonderful animals looking for their forever homes and families.

More thanks are in order. Our newest Board member, Susan Hupka, was tasked to interview website design companies, advise who to hire and then work along side them in creation of the new website. It was a long, complicated and extremely technical job. Not only was Susan's time commitment to the endeavor enormous, her ability to keep the Board committee on task and to facilitate the creative design process was really quite marvelous to watch.

Susan was helped immeasurably by Board member, Beth Good, with content and navigation issues. One of Beth's greatest skills is getting the details right and, as you imagine, her plate was chock full of details which cried for her attention.

Another Board member of the committee, Karen Martin who would roll her eyes when the techno-talk began, added design and aesthetic input which can be seen throughout the new website. She also graciously hosted many of the Committee meetings with much needed coffee and her delicious home baked goodies. And s he even brought her husband, Phil, and his camera along. You can see his contribution to the new site in the wonderful photographs of our volunteers and friends.

New job titles you might like to know about: Beth is the Dog Editor of the new website, coordinating articles, photos and adoption information about our canine friends. Our "Cat Whisperer," Corinne, is still part of the team, giving her time and effort as Cat Editor of the new website, responsible for all things feline. Susan and I are the General Interest Editors, keeping you apprised of PAWS activities and news. Do you have an idea for an article or a piece of news to share? Please let us hear from you.

Times do change, job descriptions do change, but one thing stays the same here at PAWS: It is, and always will be, about the animals. Each of us will continue to work our hardest on behalf of Coronado's lost, stray and abandoned animals. And we know that you, our friends and supporters, will be right there beside us.

Jose with Oscar

Spotlight on Kennel Attendant, Jose Gonzalez

by Kim Johnson

One often hears, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." This old adage definitely applies to Jose Gonzalez. Fostering furry friends has been a way of life for his family. His mother, Margaret Lawson, has never hesitated opening their home to animals in need. It's safe to say that years of being a part of that process have influenced Jose's love for animals.

When this college student was given an opportunity to work at the Coronado Animal Care Facility (ACF), he knew it would suit him perfectly. His gentle way and positive energy are key ingredients for helping our friends build the confidence and trust needed to bond with their new families. Jose admits, he is especially fond of the Chihuahuas, as is noticeable when you see him spending time with Oscar. It has been a special treat to watch a member of our next generation emulate the teachings of his elders. PAWS up to an animal lover who makes a difference in the world of animal rescue.

2016 Coronado Canine Mayoral Race -

Meet our "Caninedidates!"

Bailey

Byron

Chief

Chloe

Eevee

Gracie Lou

"Caninedidate"	Breed	Slogan	Campaign Manager(s)
Bailey	Mastiff	Gentle Giant	Norma Hall
Byron	Rescue	Friendly Friend	Rich Giglio
Chief	Lab Mix	Keeping Coronado Great!	Ryan & Stephanie Asquith
Chloe	Parsons Russell Terrier	TBA	Harry Jackman
Eevee	Corgi Mix	Equal opportunities for pure breeds and mixed breeds alike.	Roger Collier
Gracie Lou	Terrier Mix	Gracie for Mayor: PAWSitively PAWSome for Coronado!	Elizabeth Clark

Best wishes to all, let the campaigning begin!

Boomer, a PAWS Alum

by Donal Hill

Boomer in Anza-Borrego

My wife, Barbara, and I adopted Boomer (formerly Cuervo) from PAWS in 2003 when we lived in Coronado. He passed away last summer in Flagstaff, AZ where we have retired.

I spotted Boomer one afternoon at the farmers' market where Louise Shirey, PAWS Founder, encouraged me to walk him. When we first adopted him, he was anxious in his new surroundings and needed about five walks per day. Ultimately, he sensed he was home for real and became our dog. He was rarely outwardly affectionate with licks and so on, but I could tell we had bonded because he always stayed with me in my home office while Barb was working at Coronado High School. Given the chance he would follow me everywhere.

Boomer loved to go to Coronado's dog beach and loved to run along the fence line, splash in shallow water as well as gallop along the wet packed sand at the water's edge. He would run until he got sore. At the beach he always believed himself to be the alpha male, and behaved accordingly. When other dogs wanted to play with him or if they failed to observe proper respect toward him, he would let them know in uncertain terms who was in charge with a couple of well timed growls and snaps. He never bit or attacked another dog, but he let them know who was boss. I disliked this behavior and would reprimand him, but it was too ingrained into his nature.

Boomer loved to be free of the leash and loved back country trips, whether in San Diego County or here in Flagstaff, where he could run free and hang out with us, the human members of his "pack."

We miss Boomer and our house seems empty. We particularly sense this when we come home after being out several hours and Boomer, despite his painful arthritis, almost never failed to greet us. We are very grateful to PAWS for saving him from euthanasia and ultimately introducing us to him, and will always remember the kind folks who helped us to adopt him.

Adoptions, Adoptions, Adoptions

by Karen Dwinell, PAWS Board Member & President

During the last six weeks we have had the privilege of finding wonderful homes for two blind dogs. The interest in these two dogs was more than we ever imagined.

Joy

Joy came to us as a stray. She is a soft white Poodle mix, ten years old and blind. She is a happy girl. When you call to her, she comes running and stands on her hind legs as if to say, "here I am." A number of people came to the Coronado Animal Care Facility to see her, but a retired couple seemed just right for Joy. Their home is perfect for Joy to navigate. In addition, she has easy access to a small back yard. Everyone in the neighborhood knows Joy and finds it hard to believe she is blind as she merrily walks along. Joy is aptly named.

Iggy

Ziggy

Iggy and Ziggy also came in as strays. Iggy (now "Buster") is a one-year-old Westie/Maltese mix. Ziggy (now "Sunny") is a one-year-old Spaniel mix. They came in together and are bonded. During a home visit with a couple that was interested in Joy, it was determined that there were too many stairs for Joy in their home. This couple has a lovely, large back yard. We immediately suggested they meet Iggy and Ziggy. These two dogs captured this couple's hearts and off they went to their new home. We heard that Buster and Sunny are having a super time running around in that big yard.

Tina

Due to the wide interest in Joy's adoption, one of our affiliates contacted us for help in finding a home for Tina, a ten-year-old stray Wheaten Terrier mix who is also blind. Tina is a gentle, loving girl. She spent one night with us. The next morning one of our volunteers, her husband and two resident dogs came to meet Tina. They took her home to see how she would do in their home. For the most part, all three dogs are friendly. She loves running with her new siblings at the dog park. After her adoption, Tina (now "Rose") paid a visit to a friend of her new family in a nursing home. She quietly sat with him, and the man was so happy to be interacting with a dog. Other residents wanted to meet "the blind dog" so the nursing home asked if she could return. Looks like Rose has a new home and a new career.

The common link to this story is Joy. Due to the kind people who wanted to help her, four dogs found forever homes. Those who adopt older cats and dogs are special people who are rewarded with animals that know they have been rescued and build incredible bonds with their new families.