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In This Issue Thirty Years and Going Strong ............................. 1 From the President .................................................. 2 The Fantastic Five ..................................................... 3 GCSNAP Makes a Difference................................. 6 Foster Program .......................................................... 8 Tag! You’re It! ........................................................... 10 Adopt-A-Kennel ..................................................... 13 Sponsors ................................................................... 14 Gifts of Love............................................................. 15 I s s u e Tw o Shelter manager’s lasting legacy Thirty Years and Going Strong by Lou Ann Mitchell A dog may be considered man’s best friend, but for the past 30 years, Washington County SPCA Shelter Manager Paula Blower has definitely been returning the favor. Raised in the Tulsa and Bartles- ville area, Blower knew from an early age she wanted to work with animals. “I brought every stray animal home there was as a child; didn’t matter what kind of animal it was, I brought it home.” Original- ly hired by the Wash- ington County SPCA in 1980 as a part-time animal con- trol officer for Dewey and a part-time animal tech, Blower has since served in almost every position available. “It’s kind of an addic- tion. You get into it and the more you get into it the bigger the addic- tion becomes. It’s not trying to help every- body – no one person can save everybody – but it’s just mak- ing a difference. If I can talk to one person a day and change that per- son’s perspective on animal care or getting ani- mals spayed or neutered, I’ve helped.” Blower’s goal has been to help as many animals she can in whatever way pos- sible. “Being able to fill up our adoption board in the front of- fice, helping someone get their animal spayed Thirty Years –Continued on Page 4 Photo | Sherry Stinson | tylerdog.com Photo | Barbara Pearson | Southview Studio Seldom are Paula Blower’s arms empty when she’s at the shelter.
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Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

Mar 11, 2016

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News and adoption success stories from the Washington County SPCA in Bartlesville, OK.
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Page 1: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

In This IssueThirty Years and Going Strong .............................1

From the President ..................................................2

The Fantastic Five .....................................................3

GCSNAP Makes a Difference .................................6

Foster Program ..........................................................8

Tag! You’re It! ........................................................... 10

Adopt-A-Kennel ..................................................... 13

Sponsors ................................................................... 14

Gifts of Love ............................................................. 15

I s s u e T w o

Shelter manager’s lasting legacy

Thirty Years and Going Strongby Lou Ann Mitchell

A dog may be considered man’s best friend, but for the past 30 years, Washington County SPCA Shelter Manager Paula Blower has definitely been returning the favor. Raised in the Tulsa and Bartles-ville area, Blower knew from an early age she wanted to work with animals. “I brought every stray animal home there was as a child; didn’t matter what kind of animal it was, I brought it home.” Original-ly hired by the Wash-

ington County SPCA in 1980 as a part-time animal con-

trol officer for Dewey and a part-time animal tech,

Blower has since served in almost every position available.

“It’s kind of an addic-tion. You get into it and the more you get into it the bigger the addic-

tion becomes. It’s not trying to help every-body – no one person can save everybody – but it’s just mak-

ing a difference. If I can talk to one person a day and change that per-son’s perspective

on animal care or getting ani-mals spayed or

neutered, I’ve helped.”

Blower’s goal has been to help as many

animals she can in whatever way pos-sible. “Being able to fill up our adoption board in the front of-

fice, helping someone get their animal spayed

Thirty Years–Continued on Page 4

Photo | Sherry Stinson | tylerdog.com

Photo | Barbara Pearson | Southview Studio

Seldom are Paula Blower’s arms empty when she’s at the shelter.

Page 2: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

2 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

From the PresidentChange is good. Change

is exciting. For us, change means a chance at a better life for the furry friends we adore.

The board and staff at the Washington County SPCA are working diligently to develop and fine-tune the programs and services we administer in providing care for the thousands of animals who find their way into our care. From adoption events, to spay/neuter programs, to fundraising, our staff and volunteers are deeply involved in keeping our shelter moving in a positive direction – every day of the week (yes, even when the doors are closed to the public – we are still working behind the scenes).

There are changes and successes everywhere I look. Whether it’s the City of Bartlesville contract for impound services that was recently signed, the sale of City licenses at the shelter, an ever increasing number of transfers to other res-cues and shelters, or just simply the ability to keep animals until they find happy homes – changes are happening at warp speed and we are all the better for it!

Last Saturday was just another day in my life with the Washington County SPCA. I worked an offsite adoption event at Starbucks in the morning, carted nine cats from the shelter to PAWS in Eastland Center for another adoption event, attended a meeting with the precious ladies who help with our free roam-ing and feral cat sterilization program: Alley Cat, and most importantly – I land-ed back at the shelter for the highlight of my day.

Our former Executive Director, Richard, had made it back to the shelter with the cats from the PAWS offsite adoption event. I was helping unload the cats when a couple arrived looking for a new furry feline family member. They ex-plained that they specifically wanted an adult cat because they felt kittens were easier to adopt out and they wanted to give an adult cat a chance. They had my full attention.

It took them a while but they decided on “Cami” – a polydactyl Calico. I took the paperwork back inside and on my way I began to read – “Date of Arrival – 12/29/2009.” Yes, you read that correctly. Cami had been with us for almost seven months. The reality is that adoptable animals are kept until they find homes. Fortunately, this rarely takes ‘seven months’.

As the couple was completing the transaction, the shelter manager approached me. She had great news. Fifty dogs and puppies had been accepted for transfer to Boulder through the Rescue Waggin’ scheduled for the following week. Our first transfer with them was in September, 2009. By September, 2010 we will have transferred 500 dogs and puppies to homes in Boulder, CO in just one year.

How is that possible? It is possible only because the State of Colorado has spay/neuter laws that have proven to cut down on the overpopulation problem to such a degree that the shelters there are able to help organizations such as ours. I charge each and every one of you reading this today – help us become a commu-nity where pet overpopulation no longer exists.

•SpayandNeuteryourpets Encourage people you know to do the same. If you/they cannot afford it? Uti-lize one of our spay/neuter programs by calling the shelter (918) 336-1577.

From the President–Continued on Page 14

WCSPCA Board of Directors President Dawnette Brady

2 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

16620 State Highway 123Bartlesville, OK 74006-0040

(918) 336-1577www.wcspca.org

Shelter ManagerPaula Blower [email protected]

Programs DirectorLianne McKinley [email protected]

StaffCheri HarmsRandy HamiltonTheresa HeapeCheryl JacksonJordan RatliffOlivia SmithNatalie TaliafernSue Whiteturkey [email protected] Wood [email protected]

Board of DirectorsDawnette Brady, presidentLindy Kidd, second vice presidentSusan Coker, secretary / treasurerBryan Acker Heather Bibles Jan Castelli John Fress Bill Griffin Donna Gustafson Chris Hester Mike Teague Konda Walker

MissionThe Washington County SPCA is an open

access shelter whose mission is to protect

the welfare of the animals we come in

contact with, and to promote the humane

treatment and well being of these animals.

We serve the animals, citizens, and com-

munities of Green Country from our loca-

tion at 16620 State Highway 123, just north

of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

The Washington County SPCA is a 501(c)3 private, non-profit organization not affiliated with any other entity and receives no govern-ment subsidies or funds from the ASPCA or The Humane Society of the United States.

Newsletter designed by Sherry Stinson

Tyler Creative | www.tylercreative.com

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www.wcspca.org Washington County SPCA Issue Two | 3

solemnly swear to use my . . . knowledge

and skills for the ben-efit of society . . . relief of

animal suffering.” This is a section of the veterinarian oath that benefits the Washington County SPCA and lo-cal communities as well.

Yet, is the oath the only reason these animal doctors donate their time – to uphold a promise? Could it be because our lo-cal veterinarians truly care about the welfare of all ani-mals – even those forgotten, abandoned, and mistreated by humans?

The Washington County SPCA exists because of many volunteers, including a long list of local veterinar-ians. By definition, a volun-teer is “a person who ren-ders aid, performs a service, or assumes an obligation voluntari-ly.” Volunteers at the shelter include people who bathe and walk puppies and dogs; entertain cats and kittens;

foster animals before their journey to Colorado; work off-site adoptions hop-ing to find homes for great compan-ions and many other tasks. However, volunteers often overlooked because they work behind the scenes are the veterinarians. These professionals dedicate their time and services to provide much needed care to animals at the Washington County SPCA.

The five veterinarians who assist the shelter have over 50 years of com-

bined experience and dedicate more than 50% of their time serving the shelter animals. This time is spent performing surgeries, administer-

ing vaccinations, and treating ill-nesses and injuries. Dr. Craig Spence of Bartlesville Animal Hospital has been the acting shelter veterinarian for over 10 years. He visits the shel-ter at least once a week to treat sick or injured animals while offering ad-vice on medical services needed.

A low-cost spay and neuter pro-gram makes controlling the pet popu-lation affordable for the shelter and families alike. Time contributed by

Dr. Sarah Gordon, Dr. Jan Johnston, Dr. Charles Stites, and Dr. Carmen Williamson make this program pos-sible. A mobile clinic, offered by Dr. Gordon, is also a convenient way to obtain care for animals belonging to the elderly or busy individuals.

These veterinarians recognized a need in their local communities to primarily control a pet population that was already out of hand. With the help of these five individuals, the Washington County SPCA is striving to decrease the pet overpopulation by spaying or neutering all animals that leave the shelter and providing low-cost programs to families who need assistance in this area.

Mother Teresa once said, “In this life we cannot always do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Not only are these fan-tastic five sharing their passion and great love for animals, but by sharing their expertise they are doing great things for them and the Washington County SPCA. For that, we are eter-nally grateful.

For more information about the Fantastic Five, please visit page 7.

TheFantastic 5

by Teri Wickware

“I

Photo | Sherry Stinson | tylerdog.com

One of the many animals treated and saved by our group of fantastic veterinarians that includes Drs. Craig Spense, Sarah Gordon, Jan Johnston, Charles Stites, and Carmen Williamson.

www.wcspca.org Washington County SPCA Issue Two | 3

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4 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

Not content to let sleeping dogs lie, Blower may raise her goal for next year’s Rescue Waggin’ trans-fers – but just a bit. “I think 500 is very attainable. I don’t want to get too crazy, but I think we can reach a new goal of around 625 transfers in the next year.”

Blower also thinks Bartlesville will one day come closer to the successful spay and neuter rates seen by the Boulder area Humane Society. “I actually think we can get really close to that, I honestly think we can.”

In the meantime, she’s set her sights on other goals for the Washington County SPCA. “I am definitely looking forward to us getting into a new facility. I definitely would like to see more volunteers.” She says there’s no way the Washington County SPCA can do everything without them. “We lean heavily on volunteers. Whether that’s helping us do laundry, coming in for an hour and entering computer data, fostering a puppy or kitten – everything a volunteer does helps us tremendously.”

It’s not often that you see someone in today’s job market stick with a job for 30 years. Furthermore, it’s rare to find someone so dedicated to their job and willing to take chances to make progress and im-prove daily. Paula Blower is truly a superstar asset to the Washington County SPCA. Thank you, Paula, for your dedicated service and willingness to open your heart to help so many. Together – with employ-ees like Paula – we can make a difference.

Thirty Years–Continued from Page 1

Photo | Sherry Stinson | Tyler Creative

Washington County SPCA shelter manager Paula Blower and one of the shelter’s sweet pups.

or neutered, helping someone with a problem they have with a dog…it’s just [part of] the big picture.”

Three decades of service is not Blower’s only cause for cel-ebration. After only 12 months of participation in PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin’ Program, she and her staff are preparing to send their 500th dog to the Boulder Valley Hu-mane Society (HSBV) in Boulder, Colorado.

Rescue Waggin’, an animal relocation program, trans-ports adoptable dogs and puppies from shelters that are at capacity to areas of the country where they are in demand. The program is sponsored by PetSmart Charities, which do-nates temperature controlled trucks and supplies drivers to transport the animals. Washington County SPCA dogs are moved to the Humane Society in Boulder, Colorado (HSBV); because of its high adoption rates and the surrounding com-munity’s successful spay and neuter ordinances, the Boulder facility can quickly find homes for the Washington County SPCA dogs.

Blower said she is only a little surprised to have reached the goal of 500 dogs. “When I set that goal at the beginning of the year I thought if we really work at it, there shouldn’t be any problem. We can do it.”

It has not always been an easy task. “It’s a lot of hard work and it takes a lot of dedication on the staff’s part,” Blower says. Not only do she and her staff pick, evaluate and pre-pare the dogs for transfer, each dog also gets a 25-30 minute assessment and evaluation video. “They have to have all A’s and B’s; as long as the pass they are eligible to get on the Rescue Waggin’.”

Additionally, Blower requires all puppies to spend two weeks in foster care. “In a foster home they’re socialized, tak-en care of, they’re enjoying themselves and they’re not living in a kennel. Then they come back in and get ready for trans-fer and go north.” Each transfer averages about 25 puppies as well as a mix of small, medium and large-sized dogs.

Blower and her staff are able to watch the BVHS web site to track the adoptions. “We sent 52 dogs out two weeks ago – there are none left on their web site,” Blower says. The puppies move even faster. “Our puppies are gone in a couple of days.”

Since Blower started at the Washington County SPCA, things have changed a lot: “When I first started here people still referred to it as ‘the pound’” she said, “conjuring up im-ages of junk yard dogs. Today, more people recognize it as an animal rescue effort.”

Some things have not changed enough. When it comes to the number of animals the facility sees each year, Blower says, “The numbers have been pretty much the same. I’ve seen 2800 come in for the year, I’ve seen 3700.”

Fortunately, thanks to Internet Web sites such as petfind-er.com and the shelter’s own Washington County SPCA.org, and corporate involvement from companies like PetSmart Charities, Blower says adoption rates have increased sig-nificantly. Additionally, programs like Rescue Waggin’ free space at the Washington County SPCA facility, allowing them to help more animals.

Page 5: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

www.wcspca.org Washington County SPCA Issue Two | 5

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6 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

GCSNAP Makes a Differenceby Sandy Gibson

In the late 1990’s, many area residents had become in-creasingly concerned about the local pet overpopulation problem. Animals were entering the Washington County SPCA at a rate that far exceeded the number that could ever find adoptive homes. The euthana-sia rate at the shelter was around 70%.

The desire to stop the animals from entering the front door, only to exit by way of the back door – euthanasia – led a group of concerned citizens to meet, to brainstorm, and to create a program that has operated effectively since Oc-tober 2000 – Green Country Spay/Neu-ter Assistance Program – better known as GCSNAP. Dr. Scott Cochran took the lead in developing and underwrit-ing the program, and along with a handful of dedicated volunteers has worked to make this program succeed.

Washington County SPCA agreed to sponsor the pro-gram, and veterinarians throughout the area were in-vited to participate. Several joined the effort by reducing their regular fees to eligible applicants. GCSNAP is not a discounted program for the general public, but is de-

signed to serve low-income residents who need financial help to have their dogs and cats spayed and neutered.

For the first five years, GCSNAP was run entirely by volunteers who took applications and issued certificates at community agencies. But by October 2005, the program

had become so successful the group de-cided it would be more efficient for the certificates to be issued at the shelter, and the WCSPCA shelter manager and staff became an active part of the team.

Since the first certificates were writ-ten on October 10, 2000, GCSNAP has provided for the spay and neuter of more than 3,500 dogs and cats.

Last year the euthanasia rate at the shelter was 28.7%, due in part to the work of Green Country Spay/Neuter Assistance Program.

Dr. Cochran continues to underwrite Green Country Spay/Neuter Assistance Program, but tax-deductible do-nations are welcome, making it possible for the program to save more animals. The more pets we are able to help, the more we are helping the community reduce the severe pet overpopulation problem.

GCSNAP has provided for the spay and neuter of more than 3,500 dogs and

cats since October 2000

Page 7: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

www.wcspca.org Washington County SPCA Issue Two | 7

TheFantasticFiveContactInfoDr. Craig SpenceBartlesville Animal Hospital1055 NE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006(918) 333-1122www.bartlesvilleanimalhospital.combvilleanimalhospital@cableone.net

Dr. Sarah Gordon4 the Animals Mobile Vet Clinic(918) [email protected]

Dr. Jan JohnstonJohnston Veterinary Clinic111 S. John Dahl AvePawhuska, OK 74056-2517(918) 287-9990

Dr. Charles StitesDewey Veterinary Clinic13372 U.S. Hwy. 75, Dewey, OK 74029(918) 534-3150

Dr. Carmen WilliamsonCaney Veterinary Clinic501 N. Wood, Caney, KS 67333(620) 879-2267

Page 8: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

8 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

Foster ProgramHappy Beginnings Lead toMore Happily Ever Afters

by Lou Ann Mitchell

ooking for a way to help the shelter with-

out straying too far from home? Consider the Washing-ton County SPCA Foster Program. With over 260 animals coming in ev-ery month, the shelter is looking for additional families to help needy dogs and cats get ready for adoption. Cur-rently about 20% of all animals that come in to the shelter go into foster homes. Around 40% of incoming pup-pies and kittens spend time with a foster family.

The purpose of the Foster Program is to improve the chances that animals enter-ing the facility will be placed into permanent homes. There are a variety of rea-sons an animal may not be ready for adoption. “They could be excellent pets, once they are healthy, socialized, or just a little older,” said Lianne Mckinley, Programs Director.

One of the main reasons for placement is an animal is too young for adoption. Often un-derage kittens and puppies require special attention and care in feeding, socializing, and training. This is best accomplished in a home rather than a shelter environment.

Foster mom Belinda Foster joined

the program after the flood in 2007 forced the shelter to evacuate. Since then she has cared for 20-30 kittens. “I keep the kittens until they weigh 2 pounds. I’ve done a lot of bottle feeding.” Presently Belinda is car-ing for four kittens and two dogs. “If I haven’t had any for awhile I’ll call the shelter and ask. I really enjoy it. I’m going to do it as long as I can.”

Another reason for fostering pup-pies is to prepare them for transfer to other shelters. The Washington County SPCA is fortunate to have re-lationships with shelters in Boulder and Denver, Colorado and St. Paul , Minnesota. However, puppies need to

spend two weeks prior to their trans-fer to ensure they stay healthy for the trip. Right now the majority of foster homes are for puppies being trans-ferred.

Some animals need help with so-cialization or behavior training. The

better behaved the animal, the more quickly they get adopted. Foster par-ent Cheri Myers has seen firsthand the difference fostering can make in the life of an animal. “We’ve had pup-pies stay anywhere from 10 days to 3-and-a-half weeks, and within that time they are just completely differ-ent puppies when we give them back.”

The Myers family started foster-ing puppies this past spring. They learned about the foster program while volunteering at the shelter. Her two children take an active roll in the animals’ care. “It’s something the whole family can be involved in.

It’s something fun that we can all share.” Her daughter, 8, and son, 13, help with the care and feeding of the puppies. “It’s a wonderful program for our family, to see the progress that the puppies make. We love the fact we are giving the puppies the very best start they can get.”

Often shelter workers can tell which dogs have come from the My-ers’ home, thanks to the leash train-ing their daughter provides. “It’s a great way to teach responsibility” Cheri adds, and her children know that when the puppies leave they are headed to their forever homes. “They know they are doing something for someone else. We feel good there’s a family that’s going to benefit.”

Animals that have been in the shel-ter for long periods of time or have difficulty adapting to shelter life also benefit from time spent in a home en-vironment. “For a lot of animals that come in, our shelter is a huge im-provement over the conditions they

L

8 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

Photo | Robin Naylor

Foster pup, Stan, relaxes with his foster sibling, Yeso.

Page 9: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

www.wcspca.org Washington County SPCA Issue Two | 9

were used to, but for some who have been loved and spoiled house pets, the shelter is a shock and they are de-pressed and lonely, and in some cases stop eating,” says McKinley.

One reason fostering works out well for families is the short-term commitment. One of the reasons the Gilliams feel the foster program works for them is that it is compat-ible with their schedule. They enjoy the dogs while they have them, but use the time between fosters caring for their own animals, working, doing upkeep on their barn.

“It’s kind of like having grandchil-dren! You get to play with them and then take them back,” said Don Gil-liam. Don and his wife Cindy have been fostering pregnant dogs and young puppies for over 3 years. “You get to watch them being born, grow teach them to be good little animals, but it is work, not all fun and games. There’s a lot of joy to it but it’s hard work,” adds Cindy.

Cindy still remembers fondly the first dog she and Don fostered. “She was a beagle with four puppies. She was the snappiest, snarliest dog!” Af-ter a week of love and affection from the Gilliams, she was much calmer and was used to people. “It stuck in our hearts, even now.” But both Don and Cindy say the work is worth it.

www.wcspca.org Washington County SPCA Issue Two | 9

Opening one’s home to provide temporary care for a cat or dog is a tremendously rewarding experience for both the foster parent and the foster animal. “I would definitely tell people to do it.” says Belinda Foster. “You can help a homeless animal.”

The biggest requirement for foster families is the desire and ability to

Photo | Robin Naylor

Foster pup, Ty, is all tuckered out from playing with his foster siblings.

Photo | Robin Naylor

Foster pup, Stan, poses for the camera before his trip to Colorado and a new home!

give TLC to a furry friend. For dogs, a yard with a fence is preferred but not required. In homes without a fence, dogs outside need to stay leashed. Cats need an indoor home.

To become a Foster Program vol-unteer call the shelter at (918) 336-1577; applications are also available online at wcspca.org.

And a little child shalllead them…Six year old Wyatt Watson has been coming to the Washington County SPCA for two years with his grandmother, Christy McCabe, a volunteer and participant in the foster program. Wyatt’s love for the animals shines through during his recent stint as a helper during an “All Creatures Great and Small” photo shoot.

Photo | Sherry L. Stinson | tylerdog.com

Page 10: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

10 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

Recent changes have been made to the Bartlesville animal control ordinance which requires the licensing of dogs, cats and ferrets. Washington County SPCA has now been authorized to sell Bartles-ville pet licenses and will be allowed to keep $2.50 for each $10 annual city li-cense tag sold at the shelter. Licenses now expire a year from the date of purchase instead of Dec. 31, as was previously provided by the ordinance.

Pet licenses can be pur-chased at the Bartlesville Police Department or the Washington County SPCA Animal Shelter. But only those licenses that are bought at Washington County SPCA will result in a portion of the fee stay-ing with the shelter. The Bartlesville ordinance pro-vides that the original li-cense number, assigned at the time of initial applica-tion stays with the animal when the tag is renewed in subsequent years. Washington County SPCA will be offering beautiful tags engraved with the permanent city license number and the pet owner’s contact information.

This ordinance change is good news for Washington County SPCA, for pet owners and for pets.

Bartlesville had adopted a licensing law as part of the original animal control ordinance, which came into existence in the early 1960’s. The law was changed in 1973 to give free licenses for pets that were spayed or neutered, and to raise the fee for intact animals, to encourage pet sterilization. The cost of keeping records on an increasing number of sterilized animals, for which licenses were free, was cited as the reason the licensing law was repealed in May, 1990. Following a spate of citizen complaints of dog attacks in 2005, a new license law was adopted that year (effective as of Jan. 2006.)

There are several noteworthy benefits to having a municipal pet license ordi-nance. A lost animal with a city tag at-tached to its collar can easily be returned to its owner and is often returned by ani-mal friendly citizens, who know from the tag, that the animal is somebody’s pet. As animals cannot be “tagged” without

first having an up to date rabies vacci-nation, more animals in the community are kept updated on rabies vaccinations. And under the Bartlesville Animal Con-trol Ordinance, before a city license tag can be issued, the owners of pets that are not spayed or neutered, must also pur-chase an intact permit. Thus pet owners

have an added incentive to get their pets spayed or neutered!

Critics will say that only responsible pet owners license their pets. The real-ity is that nobody calls animal control to complain about responsible pet owners. They call reporting animal neglect, dogs that bark constantly and dogs that turn over trash cans, chase bikes or behave aggressively toward people. It is the own-ers of those animals that animal control officers have contact with. There are no plans for canvassing the city to check for licensing, but animal control officers can

enforce the law on point of contact. Now consider a dog that lives a miser-

able life, perhaps a dog that is chained 24/7. In many such situations, the ne-glect will not rise to the level of felony cruelty under the state law, but the dog suffers nonetheless. It is almost guaran-teed those dogs won’t have vaccinations

or licenses and more-over, the owner will not be willing to spend the money required to vac-cinate and license the dog, especially if the dog has not been steril-ized and also needs an intact permit. When faced with the legal re-quirements of pet keep-ing, including a license, neglectful owners of-ten decide surrender-ing the dog is the best course of action. Over-all, a city license law

tends to elevate the level of care for pets in a community.

With the latest change to the existing license law, we can provide increased support for Washington County SPCA while we see people and pets reap the benefits of a municipal license law. It is one more tool we can use to help our animal friends, our dedicated animal control officers and the caring staff of Washington County SPCA.

Now that you know about the positive changes in the local licensing ordinance – Tag! You’re It.

This is just a sample of tags now available at the Washington County SPCA. Along with issuing City pet licenses at the shelter, you can put the license number on these new decorative tags with your name and number instead of the generic City tag.

Tag!You’re It!

By Clova Abrahamson

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ConocoPhillips Matching Giftsand Volunteer

Grants ProgramConocoPhillips strives to improve the well-

being of the communities in which their employ-ees live and work. They support programs that encourage and support employee involvement in local non-profit organizations. The Washington County SPCA is excited to be eligible to receive both the Matching Gifts and the Employee Volun-teer Grants. Details of these programs are below:

Matching Gift – The matching gift program will match employee gifts to eligible 501(c)3 orga-nizations dollar-for-dollar, up to $15,000, and re-tiree gifts dollar-for-dollar, up to $7,500 annually.

Employee Volunteer Grants “Dollar for Hours” – ConocoPhillips will donate $500 for ev-ery 20 hours an employee or retiree volunteers with an eligible 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Additionally, teams of four or more employees or retirees may apply for a team grant of $1,000 to an eligible organization.

Please contact ConocoPhillips for the necessary paperwork.

For those who are not employees or retirees of ConocoPhillips, please check with your employer to see if there is a similar program where you work. Together we can make a difference!

Shelter ready to break ground on ‘phase one’ of new facility and clinic

The Washington County SPCA is ready to break ground on phase one of our new shelter: a garage/storage building with a low cost spay/neuter clinic. We’re anxious to get this building completed as it will be our emergency evacuation site, allowing us to save over $4,000 a year currently spent to rent a facility “just in case” of flooding.

Even more exciting, the new building will house a spay/neuter clinic, enabling us to expand efforts to im-pact our county’s critical pet overpopulation problem. To kick-off this new phase, we’re looking for donors to help purchase surgery equipment and start us on the path to a better facility for our animals.

Equipment List for Spay/Neuter ClinicV-Top Surgery Table, Hydraulic or Heated V-Top Surgery Table . . $2,200 or $3,008Feline Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$294Canine (Floor) Scale with Corded Remote Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$954Narcotics Safe, Large . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$300IV Track Ceiling Mount System (Qty.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . each $199 Mayo Stand/Medical Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$149Cages, 8 units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,424Autoclave, 6 gallon EZ10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,905Multi-Purpose Tub Table, 60” long with accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,995VMS Anesthesia Machine (Vaporizer not included) (Qty. 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,563Isoflurane Vaporizer or Sevoflurane Vaporizer (Qty. 2) . . . . . . each $1,095 or $1,550Exam Light - Ceiling Mount with Extension Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,512Surgery Light - Dual Ceiling Orbital Mount One 20”, One 16” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,979Oxygen Manifold System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$972Oxygen Outlet, Recessed DISS (Qty. 5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . each $204Anesthetic Gas Scavenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$684Scrub Sink Package with accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,637Oster Golden Turbo A5 Clipper (Qty. 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . each $164Ceiling Mount Cable Cord Reel (Qty. 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . each $191

Architectural drawings of the future Washington County SPCA low cost spay/neuter clinic and storage facility.

Page 13: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

www.wcspca.org Washington County SPCA Issue Two | 13

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Adopt-A-KennelThe Washington County SPCA’s Adopt-a-Kennel

program is a fabulous way for individuals and busi-nesses to show their support for the homeless ani-mals of Washington County, while at the same time helping to provide us with the resources we need to care for the thousands of homeless animals we re-ceive each year.

Each kennel we “adopt” provides the shelter with resources to feed and vaccinate the shelter animals – over 2,500 animals last year alone. Kennels are sponsored on an annual basis.

Each year-long Adopt-A-Kennel sponsorship costs $1,000 and receives the following benefits:

• Customized Plaque• Your choice of kennel based

on availability• Quarterly bio updates about the pet currently

housed in sponsored kennel• Logo/Name on WCSPCA.org Web site• Annual Partner mention in newsletter (circu-

lation 5,000)• Subscription to Washington County SPCA

newsletter• Authorized logo use• Tax deductible receiptFor more information, contact Programs Director

Lianne McKinley at [email protected].

CurrentAdopt-A-Kennelsponsorsinclude• Shoemake Law Office • TylerDog Greeting Cards & Pet Portraiture• Danielle Weaver-Reiss, State Farm• Dr. Scott Cochran• Dawnette Brady, b2 Design & Construction

Mutual Girls Club visits shelterThe Bartlesville Mutual Girls Club recently visited the

Washington County SPCA to learn about possible career paths. Speakers Dr. Sarah Gordon, owner of 4 the Ani-mals Mobile Veterinary Clinic; Sherry Stinson, owner of Tyler Creative and TylerDog Cards; and Rita Harvey, Bartlesville Animal Control officer shared helpful career information to the lively group of girls and they even had a chance to participate in a mini “photo shoot” with one of the shelter dogs.

Page 14: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

14 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

D&QPest Control, Inc.

Dr. Scott Cochran

Earnest Heating & Air

“Unique Pet Greeting Cards”

Washington County SPCA SponsorsMany thanks go out to the various businesses that support the Washington County SPCA. Please patronize these

wonderful vendors. In the interactive version of the newsletter, all logos are active links to their respective Web sites.

P.A.W.S.Unique Pet Boutique

Tulsa Hills

•Adoptyournextpet We get all shapes and sizes. If it’s a pure bred dog you seek? You wouldn’t believe the number of Schnauzers, Black Labradors, Great Pyrenees, Black Labradors, Corgis, Black Labradors, Pom-eranians, Black Labradors, Jack Russell Terriers, Yorkies, etc. that enter our adoption program (did I mention Black Labradors?).

•Volunteeryourtimeandtalentstohelpus Whether your forté is doing laundry, training dogs, plumbing,

mowing, accounting, filing…we can use you!

•Contributefinancially Sponsor a kennel, a spay/neuter surgery, or a day’s wages for a staff member. Bring your lunch to work one day a week and donate the cost of your lunch to the shelter. It’s easy and we provide a variety of ways for your conve-nience. Simply mail in a donation using the enclosed envelope or bring a donation to the shelter at 16620 State Hwy. 123. We also accept online donations at: Paypal – http://ht.ly/2EqiJ PrestoDonate – http://ht.ly/2EqlB

To each of you – many thanks for your dedication to our cause!

With all the successes and chang-es we have come through in the last 18 months there is one thing that remains a constant – Paula Blower. Paula has been with the shelter for 30 years. Ever so humble, she has been the ‘steady’ that has seen our shelter through many a crisis and victory. She is truly one of the most intelligent, dedicated, organized and truly caring individuals I have ever met. She blows me away daily!

Thank you, Paula, for all that you have done and all you continue to do. Moreover, thank you for just being you.

From the President–Continued from Page 2

Page 15: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

www.wcspca.org Washington County SPCA Issue Two | 15

Gifts of LoveThanks to our generous supporters for Contributions and Special Gifts

Special Recognition• PetSmart Charities,• City of Bartlesville• Bridgette Laramie• Tracy and Mark Ohlinger• Montie and Carolyn Barham• Ellen Holteclaw• Jean Ann Poore• Sabina Pugh• Don and Jerrie Brady

In Memory of (People)• Yvonne Clementson from Charles

and Carolyn Selman, Lee and Barbara Anderson, Jerry and Orene Hooten, Phyllis McWilliams, Betty and Jack Perryman, Ronald and Sandra Thorson, Dennis and Janet James, Frank and Bonnie Korblick, Grady and Lori Allums, Jo Ann Payne, Bill and Paula Blower, John and Jan Castelli, Bruce and Velma Peterson, Clova and Lyle Abraha-mson, George and Charlotte Gray, Paul and Claudia Dick, Dennis and Marie Cubbage, Robert and Patricia Graham, Eugene Riling and Kay Riling, Jack and Judy Maddux, Mandy Stewart

• Nancy Hanks from Robert and Connie Kirkpatrick, Orva Lee Brown, Bobby Quibodeaux and Pat Henderson

• Robert Harvey from Kathleen Martinovich, Abe and Clova Abra-hamson

• Karen Ogden O’Brien from Sher-ry Conger, David and Claudean Greene, Susan Sprague, Lee and Nancy Winton, Phyllis McWil-liams, Ruth Portell and Family, Kent and Paula Kurtz and Family, Carol and Leroy Acridge, Glenda Garrison, Helen and Paul Curd, James and Dana Keirsey, Glenda Garrison, Frances O’Brien Erhard, Juanita O’Brien Spencer, Roy and Norma O’Brien, Janice and Dee Dee O’Brien, Furley and Debbie Noel,

• Fred Esser from Jack and Lou-ise Howarth, Daniel and Carolyn Wieder, Janice Presnell, Office Staff of District Attorney, Vicki Sousa, Nancy Worten

• Stan Summers from the office staff at Holland and Robertson

• Lisa Gilbert from Michelle

Swaney, Treasurer-Bartlesville Desk and Derrick Club

• Marino Greg Leonetti from Sharon Leonetti, Celebration Bells (Woodland Christian Church)

• Rosemary Langston from Paula and Randall Eggert

• Ruby Line from John and Theresa Wurtz

• Tom Irwin from Norma Irwin, Abe and Clova Abrahamson, Betty Fowler

• Betty Gailey from Overlees-Woods Lumber Company, Floyd and Donna Moody

• Alice and Henry Daigle from Patricia Ashe

• R.R. Harvey from M.E. Bentley • Ruth Massey from Mitchell and

Constance Cox, Patricia Sibley, Jerry and Linda Jarrell

• Katherine Hughes from D.L. Wells Gotwals

• James Daigle from Patricia Ashe, Timmons Sheet Metal, Inc., Jim Rourke and Jack McClarnon, Resn-ick family

• Leonard La Duke from Mrs. L.M. La Duke

• Dr. Nolan Gross from N.L. Gar-rett Trust

• Marie Mildren from N.L. Garrett Trust

• Virgil Gaede from A.E. and Ann Basinger

• Don Anderson from Lyle and Clova Abrahamson

• Jo Ann May from Bob May• Cary Townsend from Robert

and Tracy Young In Memory of (Pets)• Randy from Sharon Davis• Mayhem from Jo Ann Payne• Bear from Nan Buhlinger• Dewey from Mark and DeeAnne

Blair, Norma Hornback, Scott and Sandy Jones, Kathryn Ayres

• Babe from John and Theresa Wurtz

• Heidi and Guinness from Charles and Janis Feazel

• Mollie from Nancy Stewart• Chester Bear from Sheila Che-

noweth• Keepsake Candle’s Max and

Shora from Jean and Todd Abshire

• Charlie from Jay and Teresa Davis• Sunny from Ted and L. Jean

Jabara• Diamond from Stephen and

Cynthia Smith• Boo and Tigger from Ron and Sue

Kendall• Tiffany from David Koble• Bruce from Kathleen and Edgar

Wilson• Duke, Jonah, Perky, Millie from

Jerry and Marilou Bork• Starlight from Mary Evans • Good Old Sam from John and

Shirley O’Connor and Glenda Garrison

In Honor of (People)• Scott Buhlinger’s birthday from

Nan Buhlinger• Don Rufus from L.F. Sumpter• Connie Brandon’s birthday from

Sharon Davis• Ted Jabara’s birthday from Ron

and Kathleen Brosi• Don and Doris Myers 60th an-

niversary from John and Diana Allen, Julie Habegger

• Jan and Jim Spear from Mike and Katy May

• Jim and Bucky Leihr from Doug and Penny Quinn

• BillandKatieGriffin from James Leihr

• Bo Wilson’s birthday from Dawnette Brady

In Honor, Support or Appreciation of (Pets)• Sunny from Ted and L. Jean

Jabara• Chance from B.W. and Karen

Lowe

To give a Gift of Love, send your contribution of $50 or more to the Washington County SPCA, 16620 State Highway 123, Bartlesville, OK 74006. At your request, the memo-rial or honorific gift will be printed here. Contact Programs Director Li-anne McKinley at (918) 336-1577 or [email protected] for more de-tails.

Page 16: Washington County SPCA Newsletter Issue 02

16 | Washington County SPCA Issue Two www.wcspca.org

Non-ProfitOrganization

U.S. PostagePAID

Bartlesville, OKPermit No. 94

16620 State Hwy. 123Bartlesville, OK 74006-0040

Return Service Requested

www.wcspca.orgPhoto | Sherry Stinson

I want to make a difference!YES! I am happy to help homeless animals on their way to a happier life. Please accept my tax deductible dona-tion to the Washington County SPCA in the amount of:

$20 $40 $50 $75 Other $________

Name: _________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City: ___________________________________________________

State: ________________ Zip Code: ________________________

Email: __________________________________________________

mail to: Washington County SPCA16620 State Highway 123 | Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006-0040

Donate Electronically! http://www.wcspca.org/donations.php