Dear OPHS Supporter and Animal Lover,
75 years ago Harry Truman was President, gas was .15 cents a gallon, the 1st bikini went on sale in Paris and our local Soroptimist Club was looking for a project to support that would require a small investment. Mrs. George (Lucelia) Wiltse suggested that the town needed a Humane Society. The idea was approved and the project received a donation of $25. With this money and the hard work of thirteen ardent volunteers, the Humane Society was born with the goal of protecting homeless, helpless and suffering animals in Clallam County.
These were very humble beginnings. The first actual shelter building was located at 16th and “D” Streets in Port Angeles. The next shelter was built in 1956 on West Highway 101, on a 100 X 100 foot donated lot and was eventually remodeled in 1983. Because of its age and lack of room for expansion, the building was in desperate need of replacement. The property at 1743 Old Olympic Highway, was acquired and a new, 5,500 sq ft., state-of-the-art Bark House was constructed in 2016 on the 9.5 beautiful acres where it resides today.
Fast forward to March of 2021 and OPHS expanded again with the purchase of a 7,200 sq. ft. building on 3 acres for the new, soon-to-open, McKay Kitty City in Sequim. We've come a long way from those modest beginnings!
|
|
It hasn't necessarily been an easy journey, and this is especially true over the last year or two while the world suffers from the effects of COVID. The beginning of 2022 proved to be the biggest challenge I have seen since taking on the role of Executive Director. A total of ten of our 18-person staff members were quarantined, some more than once. Enter the winter weather that covered our grounds with thick ice that needed removal and a "boil water" order from PUD due to a pipe break in the area. We hauled 20 water cooler jugs of water from a staff member's home to the shelter for the animals as boiling water for over 100 animals was unrealistic. And then there were the animal abuse/hoarding cases. We received 12 dogs involving criminal cases. Every year there are over 250,000 animals that are victims of hoarding. These creatures are typically malnourished, have serious medical issues, dental and eye illnesses, and psychological distress. Nothing breaks our hearts more than this. But, healthy staff from all departments rallied and cared for all the animals without missing a beat. As you can see, we lived through some very challenging times!
So what keeps us going and inspired? Finding loving, forever homes for the animals, of course!
|
|
2021 At A Glance
Animals Stats
- OPHS sheltered 1150 new animal intakes in 2021 - receiving the equivalent of 4 1/2 animals for every day we were open.
- 932 animals were adopted or returned to their owners (came in as strays).
- We saved 113 animals from high-kill, out-of-state shelters
- Maintained a very high save rate of 96% (no-kill shelter average is 90%)*.
- The percentage of stray dogs that were returned to their owners was 92%.
- Stray adult cats are the most common intake we receive at 16% of the total intake.
- Second most common intake: owner-surrendered cats, owner-surrendered dogs, and all stray and surrendered kittens (15% of total intake each).
- "Other" species such as guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, etc. only make up 4% of the total intake we receive.
Programs
- We launched a new foster support program to help move some of the animals into stress-free environments so their real personalities could shine.
- A new robust volunteer training program began that allows the community to help train the dogs in our care
- A new enrichment program was created
Operations
- Purchased a new Kitty City MacKay Campus building in Sequim, added on an 18' x 24' addition (for bunnies and small critters)
- Raised funds from the community to renovate the new building including the inclusion of a surgery suite to offer low-cost spay/neuter surgeries in the near future.
As the fresh paint is drying in the new McKay Kitty City Campus in Sequim, we very much look forward to moving and starting some new community initiatives in 2022. I have no doubt the next 75 years will be amazing!
And remember, if you have love in your heart to share, please consider helping some of our animals get a much-needed break from the shelter by fostering.
Luanne Hinkle
OPHS Executive Director
|
|
We are expecting a large kindle of kittens soon. You can help us get prepared! |
|
Click the picture above for our Wish List |
|
Happy Moments and Families: |
|
Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club awarding OPHS $1,200 in December |
"Noodle came to me 2.5 months ago weighing 48 pounds. He now weighs 71.5 pounds and he's full of energy. He loves his chew toys and loves both his older dog brothers. So excited to have him in my family. He's always playing and being goofy and absolutely loves chasing a laser pointer and playing tug of war." Recent Adopter
|
WOW! A combination of 46 cats and kittens were adopted in January! This included 10 senior cats ready for a warm lap and lots of cuddles. |
"We love our Singe, now Cedar kitty!! She is so sweet and has fit in seamlessly! She is keeping our 2 dogs in line!" Recent Adopter
|
Medical Corner
Fear Free Eye Treatment
|
Your vet has prescribed eye drops...now what? This short video helps give you a few clues to get the job done in a stress-free way for you and your pet! For more helpful hints visit our Animal Resource Page HERE.
|
We sincerely thank the animal lovers of Clallam County for allowing us to do the work we do to save lives.
We are most grateful.
Luanne Hinkle
Executive Director, OPHS
|
|
Betty White was known for her lifelong love for animals. Throughout her career, White supported numerous animal welfare and conservation efforts. After the actress' death on Dec. 31 at age 99, fans quickly started an online movement called the Betty White Challange as a way to remember the star. The challenge encouraged people to donate to local animal shelters, rescues, and other animal welfare organizations on Jan. 17, which would've been White's 100th birthday. OPHS received $8,000 in donations in honor of Ms. White. Now that's a legacy of love, one we are sure would have made Betty very proud.
|
"It's been over a week now since we Banchee came home. She is such a sweetheart and is adjusting well. It has taken a little time for Felix and Banchee to warm up, but as you will see by the pictures, they are doing well." Recent Adopter
|
"The adoption process was amazing and we want to thank you for all you have done. We appreciated being able to talk with Mintuu’s foster mom, Patti, before we drove out there and hearing her insight and experiences. She is so kind and what a wonderful job she did as a foster!
We were so sorry we were late getting to the shelter last Friday but your staff was incredibly understanding. On a chilly, dreary wet afternoon they let us spend as much time as we needed with Mintuu and were so helpful with all our questions. We never felt rushed. We only felt the love and belief in the potential of Mintuu your staff felt for her.
You were all so kind and informative even though it was getting late and your shelter was about to close.
We were blown away by the thoroughness of the adoption folder. That night we were fixated reading her owner surrender papers and learning about her past, viewing the vet records, and all the adoption information.
Thank you for everything. Mintuu is a doll and we love her to pieces. We still don’t have a name for her and have been calling her Minty until she lets us know what she wants to be called. So far Betty White seems to be a winner." Recent Adopter
Editor's Note: You may remember Mintuu (now Betty White) from our last newsletter as she received bladder surgery funded by a generous OPHS donor. Another life saved and happy!
|
The shelter is open by appointment to the public:
Monday: 11 am to 6:30 pm
Tuesday: 11 am to 6:30 pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11 am to 6:30 pm
Friday: 11 am to 6:30 pm
Saturday: 11 am to 6:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
