Feeding your Canine Companion

2005 Annual Report
Please click here to view the Sequoia Humane Society's 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Vets who support SHS Spay/Neuter Drives Sunny Brae Animal Clinic 900 Buttermilk Lane Arcata, CA 95521 822-5124 Eureka Veterinary Hospital 4433 Broadway, Eureka 442-4885 Animal Health & Surgery Center 1257 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna 725-6154 Myrtle Avenue Veterinary Hospital 2715 Hubbard Lane, Eureka 443-8686 Ferndale Veterinary 1140 Van Ness Ave., Ferndale 786-4200 McKinleyille Animal Care Ctr 839-1504

Mitzy and Tammy were brought to the Sequoia Humane Society after their owner sadly passed away. Tammy, a spunky, white toy poodle - was adopted quickly. Mitzy, however, was a little more difficult to place. A 9-year old black toy poodle with cataracts, Mitzy was mostly blind and experienced separation anxiety due to the loss of her former owner. The staff at the Sequoia Humane Society showered Mitzy with love and attention, but she remained listless and unresponsive.

That same week board member Nancy Courtemanche brought her 85-year old mother, Lavina Carlisle, to the SHS Pet Adoption Center. Lavina had experienced a stroke in December, which took away her speaking ability and left her wheelchair-bound. In addition, Lavina lost her husband suddenly in March, and had recently re-located from her home in Southern California to St. Luke's Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Fortuna. The Sequoia Humane Society staff immediately recognized the potential for a perfect match.

Molly Cook, Customer Service Manager, introduced Mitzy to Lavina. "Mitzy immediately became more animated than she had been since she came to us, and a big smile broke across Lavina's face when Mitzy licked her chin." Molly said.

Nancy recalls, "I watched my mother's face light up when Molly placed Mitzy in her lap, then I looked around and saw tears in everyone's eyes. It was like we were all experiencing a magical moment. I knew then that they were meant to be together."

Nancy is certified through the Delta Society in a program called "Prescription Pets", which advocates the use of Animal Assisted Therapy ("AAT"). AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning through human/animal interaction. We have all experienced that sense of well-being when we pet a cat or dog, or the joy when an animal looks up at us with trust in their eyes that says, "You are my person and I love you more than anything in this world!"

The presence of animals in our lives affects us on a physical, mental and emotional level. Studies have shown that stroking an animal actually lowers a person's heart rate and can reduce anxiety. Many people adopt a pet for companionship, or take their dog for a walk as an excuse to get exercise. Animals enrich our lives in so many ways, not the least of which is their ability to heal with the lick of a tongue or the deep rumble of a purr.

"When my mother first moved into St. Luke's she was eating only one meal a day" says Nancy. "Since Mitzy came into her life her strength has increased, her speech has improved, and she's eating a full 3-meals a day!"

The circle of healing started with Lavina and reached out to encompass all the staff and residents at St. Luke's Rehabilitation Center. Many residents who were withdrawn come to life when Lavina and Mitzy pass by. Everyone wants to pet Mitzy, which promotes more socialization among the residents and engenders a sense of community and belonging.

Mitzy was destined to be a canine angel, touching so many lives and creating an emotional connection with people who had distanced themselves from the world and its many tragedies. How many other animal spirits are out there waiting to share their love and joy? At the Sequoia Humane Society Pet Adoption Center each and every animal awaiting adoption is special - and they are waiting for that special person who wants to share a lifetime of memorable experiences. Could that person be you?

Sunday, September 7th, 2008 10am - 5pm at Halvorsen Park in Eureka, CA

Make a Donation

Visit the SHS Forever Friends Memory Garden

Send us your Feedback!

Holiday gift certificates are now available. It can be used towards the purchase of adoptions, spay/neuter vouchers, microchips and Tailwaggers thrift shop.

Great gift idea! Woofstock 2007 t-shirts are on sale for $10 each. Sizes are limited.

 

HSUS - Feral Cats

National Animal Poison Control Center

Plants for Pets: Hazardous and Safe

Small Animal Poisons (AVMA)

North Coast Legacy By leaving a legacy through a gift in a will, your commitment can continue.