SHELTER ON THE HILL: A Humane Society Winter 2019

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NEWSLETTEROh The Weather Outside is Frightful …As the days get shorter and the nights get longer temperatures are dropping and it is important to remember that our pets need some extra attention and protection during this time.Know your pet’s limits. Some are more susceptible to the cold than others. Short-coated, thin, elderly, or very young animals get cold more quickly – so adjust the amount of time they stay outside. Hypothermia and frostbite pose major risks to animals in winter, so remember, if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet.Give them shelter. If your pets must be outdoors for any length of time they need shelter from the elements and insulation against the cold. Provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them stand and lay down comfortably, but small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with thick blankets, cedar shavings, or straw. The shelter should face away from the wind and the doorway covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Also, pets who spend a lot of time outside need more food to replace energy lost from trying to stay warm. Use plastic food and water dishes instead of metal – when the temperature is low enough, your pets’ tongue can become stuck to metalCheck your car before starting it. Cats often sleep in the undercarriage of cars during the winter months to keep warm. Prevent injuries by banging loudly on your hood or honking the horn before starting your car. This will wake up the cat and give it a chance to escape before starting the car.Wipe their paws. Pets walking in snowy areas can get large ice balls between their toes, causing pain and frostbite. Paws can also pick up toxic chemicals such as salt and antifreeze, or de-icers. Only use pet-safe de-icers for your home.Keep them leashed. More pets become lost in the winter than any other season because snowfall can disguise recognizable scents that would normally help them find their way home. Just in case you are separated from your pets, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information and they are microchipped.Be seen. Shorter days may mean you are relegated to walking your dog in the dark. Keep yourself and your dog are safe by wearing reflective gear (clothing, leash, collar, etc) and keeping your dog close when walking on the street.And most of all be prepared! Winter brings extreme weather that can cause power outages. Have an emergency plan and make sure it includes your pets. Have an emergency kit with enough food, water, and medication to last at least five days. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but if you do, you will be thankful you planned ahead!

The first snow of the season at the Animal Care Center in Lebec. Many thanks to all the volunteers who bundle up and shovel out and get to the shelter in any and al weather to take care of our

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Mission StatementShelter on the Hil l : A Humane Society, (SOTH), is a private, non-profit, donor suppor ted , o rgan izat ion whose purpose is to operate a haven to rescue, reunite and re -home los t and abandoned companion animals, the promotion of animal welfare. And the extens ion o f humane education.

Animal Care Center (661)248-5018

879 Lebec Road in Lebec.Hours:

Th & Fri 10 am to 4 pm First Sat of Each Month

And By Appointment

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED

Rescued Treasures Thrift Store(661)245-1436

3536 Mt. Pinos WayFrazier Park.

! Hours:Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm

We are grateful for all yo u r d o n a t i o n s b u t p l e a s e re m e m b e r to bring them only during business hours. ! Thank You!

Board MembersCandace Huskey

PresidentRobert Stowell Vice-presidentNathan Keith

TreasurerKaryn Newbern

SecretaryPhilip Slater

At Large

Dr. & Mr Peter PorazikLebec

John & Sharon McShaneFrazier Park

Clifford &Malinda NelsonLebec

Sharalyn & David AndrewsPortland, ME

Frazier Mountain Internet ServicePine Mountain

Matt & Robin ShieldsLebec

Rosalie & David KoskenmakiFrazier Park

Lance & Patricia MaillisLebec

Joanne KleinBakersfield

For the STAR Fund

Susan KussSherman Oaks

Norma HowardFrazier Park

Lance & Beverly AndersonOroville

Joan & Rodney SpearsSierra Madre

Susan OptonTarrascapes Design

Needham, MA

Laura WhittakerBakersfield

Deborah & Ken CaverhillFrazier Park

Rita BernardsFrazier Park

Maggie Van OstrandPine Mountain

In Honor of Trapper

Stepanie EslaLos Angeles

In honor of Abby

Arne HaalandFrazier Park

In Honor of Noah

Heidi & Andrew KrauseLebec

In Honor of Annie & Emily

Anita HigginbothamPasadena

In Memory of Dean Allen

Friday Night CLA ClubPasadena

In Memory of Dean Allen

Friday Night CLA ClubPasadena

In Honor of Marilyn Allen

Steve & Dena KiousesLebec

In Honor of Buster & Sparky

Lance & Bev AndersonOroville

In Memory of Lalo

Gail & Gary BiggerstaffFrazier Park

ForAll the Kittens

Suzy GoulartIn Honor of Jessica

Andrew & Connie MalcomPine Mountain

In Honor of Karma

Rosaleen & Gerry ZischSan Jose

In Memory of Maya

Mike & Kate Howsen Pine Mountain

In Honor of Finn

John A. BreeRedondo Beach

In Honor of Lil Lulu

Jane & Andrew SeoBakersfield

In Honor of Jandi

Fran FreelandWaynesville, NC

In Memory of Eileen & Peter Brimble

Candace & Larry BrownFrazier Park

In memory of Lalo

Laurie PincusIn Memory of Pete & Eileen

Gifts, Honoraria & Memoria - Special People & Loving PetsWe thank our generous donors and those who have honored or memorialized a beloved person

or pet with a gift to Shelter on the Hill.

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How Does Shelter On the Hill Promote Animal Welfare? Shelter on the Hill: A Humane Society, (SOTH), is a private, non-profit, donor supported, organization so it’s reasonable to ask how the organization spends those donations. Our by-laws state that the purpose of SOTH is to operate a safe haven to rescue, reunite, and re-home lost and abandoned companion animals, the promotion of animal welfare, and the extension of humane education. As a humane society Shelter on the Hill takes into consideration several areas of animal welfare.

The “safe haven” that SOTH operates is the animal care center in Lebec and requires the major amount of the funds raised through donations and the thrift store in Frazier Park. Thanks to a dedicated cadre of volunteers that facility feeds, shelters, and loves as many as two hundred lost and abandoned cats and dogs each year.

We understand that “the promotion of animal welfare” can mean different things to different people. At SOTH we endeavor to enhance and preserve the quality of life of animals by providing access to necessary medical care. We want to prevent a pet-parent from having o make the heartbreaking decision to surrender a four-legged companion to a shelter due to financial inability to obtain medical care. Our PASS program (Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender) provides financial grants for animal owners who are unable to cover the

cost of their ill/injured pet's emergency or critical veterinary care. The PASS program includes sponsoring multiple vouchers for the mobile spay/neuter clinic several times each year.

In addition the Special Treatment And Recovery program (“STAR”) provides financing for animals that need unusually expensive veterinary care which in other locations would have to be euthanized.

We strive to promote humane educate by an active web siteshelteronthehill.org and through social media. The “Shelter Onthehill” FaceBook page communicates daily with friends and supporters far and wide as does Instagram.

Asilomar Accords Category 2018 2019 Since

Inception

Dogs Adopted 64 39 536

Cats Adopted 63 66 358

Returned to Owner 36 32 234

Died in Care 0 0 6

Euthanized 2 2 11

Transferred 6 7 21

Total 171 145 1021

Live Release Rate 99% 98% 98%

“Petro” 2014 - first recipient of STAR

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The 16th Wine & Cheese Fundraiser and it was another

“better than ever!” event! And an outstanding party it was - fun to be there and ever so nice to hear the positive feedback from the community in the days after. i’ve heard from many attendees that they are already planning for next year. I especially like the ones who said “I didn’t get to go but I hear it was great - for sure I’m going to be there next year!" And several of the generous sponsors have already agin committed for next year.There was another outstanding array of cheeses done this year by Michelle Walker. The wine choices were fascinatingly yummy and the dessert table to die for. And once again an extraordinary array of gift baskets and auction items. Thanks again to Sue and Michelle and Pam and Carla for their days of planning and preparation and thanks to all of of the volunteers who worked all day on set up, execution, and clean up - great job done by all.. As for next year, SOTH is already brainstorming for another "better than ever!” event !

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The Official Provider of DSLFor Shelter on the Hill !

Smile When You Shop (Smile.Amazon.com, that is!)Remember the critters when you shop Amazon! Did you know that a portion of your purchases can automatically go to Shelter on the Hill? I’t’s simple, just log in at smile.amazon.ctom and the AmazonSmile Foundation will automatically donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to your charity of choice. Choose “Shelter on the Hill” as your charity and help support the animals at the shelter in Lebec. This year we have received over $300 in donations from purchases made by our supporters. Thank You!

Monthly Donors Who Sustain the Shelter

Shelter on the Hill is so grateful for a select group of dedicated individuals who form the Silver Paw Society. These individuals make regular monthly gifts to SOTH of $20 or more. Their donations provide a consistent and reliable income stream, allowing SOTH to plan ahead ordering supplies such as vaccines and medications, and generally support the Animal Care Center’s daily operational procedures. Each donor selects their own method of giving such as automatic withdrawals from a checking account or PayPal account, or through employer plans such as United Way. All of us at SOTH deeply appreciate this support and send special thanks to our 2017 donors:

Steve & Alonna Wentland. LebecEmilie Wainright, Lebec

Lloyd Lydon, Grants PassDick & Lee Kirkland, Westlake Village

Mindy Stowell, Frazier ParkCandace Huskey, Frazier Park

HOME 4 the HOLIDAYSPET ADOPTION EVENT

SOTH ends the year with a 3-month drive that saves the lives homeless pets and raises awareness about the importance of of adoptions during the holiday season.

Home 4 the Holidays is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of choosing pet adoption over supporting puppy mills and backyard breeders. SOTH is part of a collective group of more than 4,000

pet adoption agencies, facilities, and rescue groups which have saved more than 14 million pets since inception in 1999.Join us this season and promote pet adoption by using #ChoseToRescue on your social media posts with you and your furry family. Special discounted holidays adoption fees at SOTH are $49 for cats and kittens, $99 for dogs, and &89 for senior dogs.Home 4 the Holidays is sponsored by Blue Buffalo and the Helen WoodwardAnimal Center and kicked off October 1 and ends January 31st. In 2018 SOTH placed 18 pets in adoptive homes during Home 4 the Holidays. Please spread the word about our terrific adoptable animals and help us get more pets into their forever homes in 2019.

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! Trending Now: Are Essential Oils Dangerous to Pets?Essential oils have long been used for maladies such as nasal congestion, anxiety, sore muscles and more. And with the popularity of oil diffusers—an easy way to release oils into the air—there is more alarm about how oils may affect animals. The ASPCA Center has some useful information on the use amd misuse of these substances:Q: What are essential oils and how are they often used?Essential oils are the natural aromatic compounds that give plants their individual scents. The oils are extracted from plants and distilled, and their potential uses and touted health benefits are wide-ranging.They can be used to make your house smell better, repel mosquitos, improve sleep, boost moods or even help alleviate nausea. For pets, they are most commonly used for repelling fleas and helping with separation anxiety.Due to their hydrophobic nature, essential oils are absorbed well both through mucous membranes and the skin. There are either excreted unchanged or may be metabolized by the liver prior to excretion.  Q: Are essential oils toxic?The answer, as we so often see, is slightly more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no” since there are various factors that come into play.First, there is variability with the toxicities of different oil types. Second, the oils can be found in a wide range of concentrations.Products containing essential oils—such as fragrances, shampoos and medicinal products—often contain from 1-20% essential oils. However, there has been an increase in popularity of more concentrated essential oils, some going as high as 100%.An important third factor is species sensitivity. For example:" " Cats may be more sensitive with dermal exposure due to their increased risk of oral exposure from grooming" " The same concerns apply to pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters" " Birds are more likely to suffer respiratory affects than other animals to a diffuser due to their specialized respiratory systemOf course, animals with underlying health issues may also be at higher risk if they are unable to metabolize the oil, have respiratory disorders, or have broken skin which can allow increased absorption of dermally applied essential oils. Q: What symptoms should you look for? The most common clinical signs with dermal exposure seen by APCC include ataxia, muscle weakness, depression and behavior changes. In severe cases, hypothermia and collapse may occur. With oral exposure, vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system depression can be seen.In severe cases, seizures and rarely liver injury has been reported with pennyroyal and melaleuca oils. If inhaled, aspiration pneumonia may occur. Q: What advice should pet parents be given?" " It is best not to give or apply highly concentrated oils to pets" " If a pet has an underlying health problem, particularly a respiratory issue, it may be best to avoid use of essential oil diffusers in the household" " Do not use essential oil diffuser in the house if there are birds present" " If using a diffuser or warmer make sure they are out of reach of pets and that pets can leave the area if the smell is getting too strong for them" " Don’t keep a diffuser in the same room (or use a strong concentration) for animals who groom themselves

SHELTER ON THE HILL: A Humane Society Winter 2019

BE RESPONSIBLE: SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!

YES, I’LL HELP OPERATE A HAVEN FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS IN THE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES -

Yes! I want to help operate the shelter for lost and abandoned pets with a gift to Shelter on the Hill: A Humane Society, of $15 $25 $50 $75 Other$______

Charge to Visa/Mastercard /Discover Card #__________________________________Exp _________! ! ! ! Signature ____________________________

NAME________________________________________E-MAIL________________________________ADDRESS_____________________________________!! DAY PHONE____________________CITY__________________________STATE___________________ZIP___________(Also mark my additional donation as “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” _____________________and send an acknowledgment to: ! Name______________________________________________ ! Address_____________________________City_____________State______Zip___________

Complete above and mail with check, money order, or credit card information to Shelter on the Hill, P O Box 275, Frazier Park, CA 93225. Thank You!

SOTH is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Address Correction Requested

Cartoon copyrighted by Mark Parisi, printed with permission.