Willamette Humane Society Strengthening the bond between pets and people

Enroll Now in Spring Behavior & Training Classes

Could your pup’s manners use a little polish? Spring is a great time to take your dog out and about, but if he needs a little improvement greeting other dogs, walking on a leash, or responding to your commands, enroll him in one of our behavior & training courses! WHS proudly offers Puppy Kindergarten, Dog 101,  and other classes. Private consultations are also available to help owners address specific concerns. All classes and consults are led by Certified Pet Dog Trainer Annie Ingersoll. Learn more and see the complete schedule of upcoming classes.

WHS Seeks Nominations for Humaneitarian Award

Willamette Humane Society is currently accepting nominations for our annual Humaneitarian Award. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, April 9. Nominees will be recognized at Willamette Humane’s spring benefit on May 6. The winner will also receive a hand cast bronze sculpture by artist Calvin Stinger.Download the nomination form.

Foster Homes Sought for Rescued Horses

Due to an increase in requests for help with neglected horses, Willamette Humane Society (WHS) is asking for additional volunteer help caring for and rehabilitating them.

Willamette Humane rescued 34 horses in 2009, compared to just 2 in 2008. “We’ve fielded many requests in the past few months – both from law enforcement and individuals. Our current horse foster care network has reached its capacity,” says WHS staff member BJ Andersen, who has been coordinating foster care and helping to find permanent homes for many of the horses and other livestock WHS has rescued in recent months. “Ideally, we are looking for people who live in Marion, Polk or Linn Counties, who have some experience dealing with untrained horses,” says Andersen. Most of the horses that WHS has rescued in recent months are in need of basic training. “We’re looking for people willing to provide some basic training and gentle handling, so that we can eventually place the horses in permanent homes.” WHS will help cover the costs of vet and hoof care for horses in foster care. Anyone interested in providing foster care for horses is asked to submit a Livestock/Equine Foster Application. If you have additional questions about foster care, see the foster care section of our website, or email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Four of the more than 30 horses WHS rescued last summer are still available for adoption. Learn more or read their profiles.

WHS Awarded Grant to Support Spay & Neuter Marketing Efforts in Targeted Neighborhoods

The Handsel Foundation has awarded Willamette Humane Society (WHS) a strategic grant to support the “Love Our Cats” project - a two-year study which will measure the effectiveness of spay and neuter messaging in targeted neighborhoods and provide 1,000 subsidized surgeries for cats from economically stressed households. WHS currently receives more cats than any other animal shelter in Oregon. With the opening of its new low-cost spay & neuter clinic in January, Willamette Humane hopes to reduce the number of cats that enter the shelter. The Handsel Foundation grant monies will be used to help further this goal by identifying the neighborhoods in Marion and Polk Counties that surrender the most cats and by supporting marketing efforts to reach those neighborhoods with spay/neuter messaging. The grant will also provide 1,000 subsidized spay/neuter surgeries to cat owners who live in the targeted neighborhoods and receive public assistance. “Our study will benefit our community as well as other organizations embarking on similar spay and neuter marketing programs,” said WHS Executive Director Susan Carey. “With this grant, we can develop best practices for reaching target audiences with spay/neuter messaging.” Established in 1990, the Handsel Foundation provides financial support to organizations with effective plans to reduce animal suffering through targeted spay and neuter programs. For more information about low-cost sterilization services available through Willamette Humane’s spay and neuter clinic, go here.

Rescued Horses Seeking New Homes

(Nov 11, 2009) - Six horses rescued from neglect by Willamette Humane Society (WHS) over the summer are now available for adoption. The adoptable horses were seized from the Early Rise Ranch in July due to starvation and neglect. For the past four months, these horses (and more than 20 others removed from the Ranch) have been in foster care with WHS undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. “Four months ago, most of these horses were starving and in such horrible condition, they could barely stand. Today, thanks to the incredible work of volunteers, staff, supporters who stepped up with supplies and monetary donations, and a $5,000 emergency grant from the ASPCA, all of the horses surrendered to WHS from this case were saved and are on the road to recovery,” said WHS Executive Director Susan Carey.

On October 15, the horses’ former owner, Kristina Early, pled guilty to multiple counts of animal neglect, first degree theft, and tampering with physical evidence. She was sentenced to 60 months probation, ordered to perform community service and pay restitution to Willamette Humane Society. She also cannot possess animals for five years.

The seven horses available for adoption range in age from two to 25 years and include Arabians, Quarter Horses, Pintos and Paints. The horses’ training and skill levels vary greatly. “All of the horses have had some handling. A few have experience under saddle,” said WHS staff member BJ Andersen, who assessed each horse’s skills to determine what types of new owners would be best suited for each of them. “They would all benefit from additional training,” she added.
Anyone interested in learning more about the available horses should to read each animal’s individual profile. Those interested in adopting should also download a Livestock Adoption Application and fax or mail the completed application to WHS. Staff will review the applications and contact potential adopters who meet the criteria.  A few of the horses are still in foster care. WHS appreciates all donations to help offset the cost of their continued care and rehabilitation. To make a secure, online donation, go here.

Volunteer’s “Dog Blog” Draws Rave Reviews; See Her Videos of Adoptable Dogs

A few months ago, WHS volunteer Martha Russell started blogging about the dogs she meets each week in her role as a volunteer dog handler. Not only was her blog recognized by the Statesman Journal as one of the best on their website, more than one dog has found a loving new home thanks to Martha. She also recently added video footage on YouTube; check it out!

Tune in to CCTV to Meet Adoptable Pets

If you subscribe to Comcast Cable, tune in to CCTV (Capital Community Television) Channel 23 to see adoptable animals featured at Willamette Humane Society. Each week, you’ll meet some of the terrific cats, dogs, rabbits and other small pets who are ready to find their new homes. New shows run each Thursday at 8:30 p.m.; Fridays at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 10:30 a.m; and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Don’t have Comcast? Go here to view the show on our website.