dubuque regional humane society

dubuque regional humane society

begin with a dream. That s how every great thing gets started. Dreams turn into visions, which lead to missions, and then actions. When the Dubuque Benevolent and Humane Society formed in 1901 it faced incredible challenges, changing the perceptions of a community that viewed animals as property to be used and disposed of in whatever manner the owner saw fit. Through the actions of the people involved with the early humane society, perceptions changed, and now animals are viewed as companions to be loved and cared for. While times and names have changed, and over the course of years the words used to express it, the mission of the Dubuque Regional Humane Society has remained constant to protect and promote the well-being of all animals by fostering respect for their inherent dignity. Great progress has indeed been made, and now a new dream, and a new vision, call us to new action. it s not that far-fetched. dreams can become realities if enough people believe.

the vision a community where every pet has a permanent and loving home, every companion animal is spayed or neutered, and all pets are treated with respect and compassion. It sounds so simple. Blissful. So what s keeping our community from achieving human/animal Utopia? challenges Pet overpopulation more animals are in need of homes than there are homes available. Awareness many people simply aren t aware of the lifetime responsibilities involved in caring for a pet or how to treat animals with respect and compassion. Affordable veterinary care private veterinary care has become increasingly expensive and has become unaffordable for many otherwise responsible pet owners. Support local resources to encourage and facilitate responsible pet ownership are limited in scope or prohibitively expensive. Facilities no facility currently exists in our community that is capable of providing all of the above on the scale necessary to solve the problem. respect and compassion for animals

solutions Education promoting responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of animals, and the importance of spaying and neutering. Low-income spay/neuter and veterinary care program keeping animals in the loving homes they already have. Training and support services providing affordable opportunities to include animals in life activities and to correct problematic behaviors. A dedicated facility offering animals and their families a wide range of services and support. humane treatment comes with great education and training

say hello to the new animal resource center Adoption matching animals and people seeking companionship. Choosing a new family member is a complex decision. The design of the new Animal Resource Center gives each animal its chance to shine and put its best paw forward. Individual canine suites with visitation benches encourage visitors to spend time with their potential pet, avoids the possibility of a kennel mate interfering with the bonding process, and provides maximum living space for optimal animal health. The new cat condos recognize felines need private and social spaces, with both individual and interconnecting condos, large play rooms for socializing with other cats and potential new families, and a new air circulation system designed to prevent the spread of illness. An exotic/non-traditional area remembers our smaller furry and not so furry friends, and each area has been designed to include natural lighting, for healthier, happier animals. We re doing great things at DRHS. Imagine what else we could do with the tools to expand our current services. Veterinary medical care including vaccinations and spaying/neutering. A healthy animal has the best chance of adoption. With a state-of-the-art surgical suite, animal health takes center stage in the new Animal Resource Center. Individual examination rooms ensure each animal receives singular attention. A medical surgical room with separate canine and feline pre-operative and postoperative rooms provide as stress-free an environment as possible. An on-site laboratory will enhance the abilities of our staff to quickly and easily detect illness before it becomes severe. Most excitingly, the new Veterinary Suite provides the perfect way to expand DRHS s low-income spay/neuter program, helping to reduce pet overpopulation while keeping animals in homes they already have. And we ll be partnering with Iowa State University and University of Wisconsin s School of Veterinary Medicine, serving as a learning center for their Shelter Medicine Program.

Education promoting the human/animal bond. Significant and lasting change begins with constructing a new perception of the problem. The addition of a community classroom to the new Animal Resource Center will impact local minds by offering programs for various ages providing instruction on animal care, fostering empathy for animals and responsible pet ownership. With this new space, expanding Kids and Critters Camps and the Humane Heroes programs will reach more children every year, forming a lasting impression in the community s youth on the importance of animals in our lives. Located on the corner of Chavenelle Road and the Northwest Arterial, this 27,000+ square foot facility will dramatically improve the quality of life for all animals in our community. Support ensuring animals stay in the warm, loving homes they have. With a dedicated training and support center, the new Animal Resource Center will host obedience and training classes open to the community. By correcting behavioral issues which may lead to surrender, and providing families with advice and assistance after adoption, more animals will find permanent homes. Adding to the community s local offerings, the new center will also be the site of Hadley s Pet Park, a green space where families can allow their dog to run off leash. A member s only park, for an annual fee members will receive a card that allows them access to a wide range of walking trails and open areas for play. Surrender providing a refuge for lost, unwanted and abandoned animals. The new Animal Resource Center separates those dropping off an animal from those adopting. Private consultation rooms will provide a safe environment and encourage owners to talk to our staff about alternatives to surrender, such as training or assistance with care expenses, or give them the privacy they need to say goodbye. Also, the separated space allows for animals with contagious illnesses to be immediately isolated, ensuring the animals at DRHS are kept healthy and ready for adoption. hadley s pet park

why now and why drhs? The current DRHS facility at 175 N Crescent Ridge was designed to care for at most 3,600 animals per year. Last year DRHS cared for over 5,000. The ever increasing need for services has already outstripped our capacity, and without a significant investment in new facilities, the problem will only become worse until services become compromised and the community is left without the resources it needs. Our current facility simply can t meet the need. For example, a person surrendering an animal currently stands at a counter and has to endure the situation publicly. Our veterinarians currently perform all care, including surgeries and evaluations, out of a room not much bigger than a closet. Our education and training classroom is up a flight of stairs, preventing people with physical challenges from receiving critical services they need to forge strong bonds with their pets. Our most difficult challenge is that we re landlocked, with absolutely no room to expand. Since its founding in 1901, DRHS has been answering the needs of animals in our community. Today, we are the only animal shelter in the tri-state area providing refuge to all animals in need, regardless of species, breed, age, health or temperament, with no time limits on how long an animal stays up for adoption. We are the only shelter offering assistance to struggling families of animals with a low-income spay/neuter program and sharing of donated pet food and supplies. We are the only one with veterinarians and animal cruelty investigators on staff, and we are the only one that spays or neuters all animals before they leave the shelter, ensuring our animals are not adding to pet overpopulation. board of directors Chair: Anne Benda Vice Chair: Kim Tully Secretary: Chad Richardson Treasurer: Nancy Troester Past President: Flint Drake Craig Beytien Jennifer Clemens-Conlon Marilynne Field Diann M. Guns Michael McDonald Joe Mulgrew Nan Smith Dan Walsh DRHS is positioned to answer these challenges, with our unique offering of programs and services strategically designed to provide solutions, the outstanding leadership of Jane McCall, a well known champion of animals, and the oversight of a committed board of community leaders.

a belief Quite simply, we believe this is the right thing to do. Animals have needs and feelings, just as we do. They deserve to be treated compassionately, with respect for the inherent dignity of all living creatures. 2010 Operating Financials Of every dollar donated, $0.87 went to animal care services, education and outreach. Animals used to be intimately entwined in our daily lives, from pulling our plows and wagons to protecting our livelihoods and families. As society has become less dependent on them, it s also lost some of the ingrained beliefs of how important they truly are and how they deserve to be treated and managed. We recognize that the problems they have are not of their own making. The animals can t solve these problems, so it s up to us, now, to do it for them. It s not far-fetched, it s a dream. And if enough people believe, it will become reality.

where do you see yourself something incredible! in this dream? Be a part of You can today. By contributing to the new Animal Resource Center, you will personally change the lives and living conditions of over 5,000 animals every year. Each and every time you hear about the great things being done by DRHS, you will know that you made it happen. Let s talk now. For more information or to make a gift, please contact Jane McCall, President and CEO, at (563) 582.6766 or at humanejane@dbqhumane.org. over 5,000 animals need your help!

Here s how you can become a part of the mission and take action. To make the dream of a new Animal Resource Center a reality, DRHS must raise $5,000,000 to purchase the land and retrofit the existing building. Yes it sounds daunting, but many hearts believing in the same dream will make it happen. Here s what it will take: Gift Range # of Gifts Sub Totals $500,000 1 $500,000 250,000 2 500,000 143,000 5 715,000 107,000 5 535,000 72,000 5 360,000 50,000 10 500,000 36,000 12 432,000 15,000 12 180,000 7,000 15 105,000 500-5,000 335 $1,117,300 Total: $5 million do you see the vision? $5 million

staff President/CEO: Jane McCall Director of Operations: Pete Murphy Director of Marketing and Development: Amanda Kisting Community Outreach Coordinator: Alissa Riegler Shelter Veterinarians: Naomi Sprank, DVM, and Myra Momot, DVM Offsite Adoption Coordinator: Tara Miller Office Manager: Nick Gleason Mall Manager: Aimee Dix Veterinary Technicians: Jessica Patters and Jenna Steiner Customer Service Rep: Kristina Roehm Foster Coordinator: Carol Tjaden Animal Care Technicians: Anna Arenz, Megan Bauer, Shelby Duve, Sean Keller, Tara Miller, Dennis Payne, Lincoln Stewart, Fred Wernke, Jayne Winger, Vicky Xicon, Lisa Brimeyer, Cody Clancy, Anna Prien, Katie Nechodom, Nick Mihalakis and Janet Kraai Maintenance: Dick Hess shelter information Address: 175 N. Crescent Ridge, Dubuque, IA 52003 Phone: 563.582.6766 Fax: 563.582.0140 Email: info@dbqhumane.org Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM Tuesday/Thursday: 9 AM to 7 PM Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM Sunday: Noon to 4 PM Kennedy Mall Adoption & Retail Center 555 John F. Kennedy Road Dubuque, IA 52002 Phone: 563.564.0087 Hours: Kennedy Mall Animal Adoption Center is typically open during Mall hours except during the holiday season.