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STATE OF THE ARK
Celebrating 41 years of rescuing, housing and
adopting homeless animals
July, 2009
Volunteer of the Quarter - 2nd Quarter 2009: Rachel Szyszka
Congratulations to Rachel Szyszka, our Volunteer of the Quarter! Rachel has been committing her
time to HSFC since 2002. When asked what inspired her to choose HSFC, Rachel responded “I was
looking for a way to help animals and I started looking at local organizations. HSFC appealed to me
and from the first visit to the farm I was hooked. I think that one dog in particular, Twister, turned
on the charm and I knew this was the place for me. All of the animals I have meet have brought me
great joy throughout the years. I have also enjoyed meeting the wonderful people that share my
interests in helping animals. Some people go to yoga every week to find inner peace, but I go to the
humane society farm.” (Rachel, there are many volunteers who share this feeling with you!)
Rachel has been married to Thomas Serone for six years and they now have one son, Derek, who
will be one year old in August, 2009. They also have two rescue dogs, affectionately known as “The
Girls”. Sadie was adopted in 2003 and Molly was adopted from HSFC in 2006.
Rachel, who works as a Clinic Research Administrator for
Inova Fairfax Hospital, also spends time taking The Girls
on car rides and walks (pictured right), spending time with
Tom and Derek, and in all of her SPARE time, enjoys
playing drums, reading, swimming, traveling, and finding
bargains at yard sales!
Rachel, thank you for all you have done for us and the
animals in our care over the years. We are so glad you made
that decision years ago to give HSFC your time, dedication
and talents!
Adoption Statistics - 2nd Quarter 2009
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As you review these numbers, please know that your volunteer efforts played a major role in our
success. Thank you for your efforts!
Adoptions through 6/30/2009: * may include July adoptions
Dogs:
77
Guinea Pigs: 4
Cats:
57
Birds:
4
Rabbits:
8
Ferrets:
1
Community Members Helped through 6/30/2009:
36 as scholarships (not to be paid back)
20 loans to help community members meet their pets’ needs
66 families have used the AniMeals pantry services thus far in 2009
Trap/Neuter/Return Program Support through 6/30/2009:
57 cats/kittens trapped, neutered and returned
Thank You, Volunteers!
Many wags, purrs, whinnies and snickers to our volunteers for their tremendous support over this past quarter!
On April 25, an unseasonably blistering day, several volunteers supported a Doggie Trick and Talent Show Fundraiser to help GMU
students earn an “A” for their class! Thanks to Shawn Bennett for bringing the dogs to Leesburg after a morning full of barn chores;
Lisa Millican (and Sandy) and Betsy Thompson for judging the tricks; and Bonnie Elliott, Dan and Kelly Larivey, Monica Kelson, Jeanne
Taylor, Brock Taylor, Mary Kendall and Tim Tuggle for their on-site support!
Workday Volunteers who spent a lovely day in May getting the farm in tip-top shape for the season: Cheryl and Jennifer COnner,
Karen Sokol, Hillary Richardson, Jill Kamienski, Sara Tessel, Lisa Kiernan, Amy Toman, Seong Hwang, Michele Murphy, Lance Hedrick,
Thanh de Montebello, Kristine vonBrook, Betsy Thompson, Monica Kelson, Jennie Sunner, Ernie Cooper, Lisa Cooper, Mary O’Baidy,
Shawn Bennett and Vicki Kirby.
MicroPact volunteers for scheduling a farm workday with us as part of a new volunteer service program.
MITRE Corporation in McLean, especially MITRE employee Glenda Affolder, who organized an adoption awareness event in June, and
to our volunteers, Kelly Larivey and Jack and Jeanne Taylor, for their on-site support of this event. MITRE also collected boxes of supplies which were then donated to the farm and the AniMeals pantry.
BIG KUDOS to Marlene Hammer for organizing and managing a fundraiser with Whole Foods in Falls Church. On July 1, Whole Foods
donated 5% of their sales to HSFC! Special thanks to Marlene Hammer, Mary Obaidy, Monica Kelson and Deb and Mike Siluk for their
efforts and for garnering $3,220 in donations!
Betsy Thompson and Shawn Bennett for their traveling road show where they visit local schools upon request and offer presentations
about proper care of and kindness toward animals, adoption vs. purchasing pets, etc. Thanks for raising awareness of these important
issues!
Thanks to the following generous donors at the SEC who donate treats and food, and blankets/towels/comforters to keep our animals
well fed and comfy!: Julie Hinely, Sharon Sheehan, Pam Herbert, Suzanne Eckard, Lana Swann, Susan Wenzel, and Chris Dear.
Deb Siluk for covering the thrift store at the last minute.
Greg Friedrich for spending a huge amount of time helping at the farm with his wife, Susi, and also for his patience and support of
Valentino - Greg is Val’s first true man-friend and we couldn’t be happier with the progress Val has made with Greg!
Hannah Mosios who collected dog treats and grooming supplies and many items for our pet pantry as her bat-mitzvah project.
Avanthi Gopallawa for her recent donations to the HSFC dogs in memory of her special girl, Angie, and for her continued support of
Starsky.
Dr. Janet Foley-Kocen for her house-calls to the office to tend to our cats.
Lisa Schroeder for all of her help transporting dogs from areas shelters to us so they will have a chance at a forever home.
Duane Martin for the donation of 80 bales of quality hay which our horses love!
Jennie Sunner for always keeping our dogs supplied with puppy pads during their housebreaking training.
The ACAT Van drivers who support the outreach and adoption program.
Felix and Oscar’s Pet Food ... Naturally for continuing to serve as a drop off site for our pantry donations and for their own generous
donations to the pantry.
Wylie Wagg, Falls Church for their generous donations to HSFC and the pantry.
AND ... To our amazing veterinarians and regular donors on whom we rely so much; our regular volunteers at the farm, office and
thrift stores without whose consistency and dedication, our success would not be possible; our dedicated ACAT and feral cat program
volunteers; and our foster families, we THANK YOU!
HSFC Volunteer News | July, 2009 | Page 2
Volunteer Hours - 2nd Quarter 2009
TICK-TALK
In 2009, we began tracking service hours of our volunteers so we could determine where we were well-staffed
and where we had gaps in coverage.
Have you ever wondered if that tick you pulled off of
yourself can transmit Lyme disease? Most doctors and
hospitals do not test. However, the Fairfax County
Health Department does. It accepts specimens for
identification by mail and provides an answer (if it is a
Lyme carrying species) within hours of receipt.
In the second quarter of 2009 (April/May/June) we
tracked 100 volunteers who gave us more than 1,500
volunteer hours over the three-month period! Thank
you! In our last newsletter, a goal was set to increase
the number of registered volunteers who are actively
participating to 99. SCORE! We beat this by ONE!
This does not include the hours of service performed
by Board members, which approaches an estimated
collective 350 - 400 hours per month of commitment
with general volunteer duties (such as animal care) plus
spending time daily communicating, corresponding, attending meetings to manage the affairs of the organization, and making administrative and financial decisions
that will ensure our continued success!
Visit the Fairfax County website (www.fairfaxcounty.
gov) and click on Health Department / Lyme disease,
ticks or mosquitos to see what lurks in your garden
and yard.
To arrange for tick identification, call Ms. Ada Garcia
(703-246-8726). Dr. Jorge Arias heads the office,
assisted by biologists and a team of field workers.
Excerpted from July 2009 Potomac Appalachian Newsletter
MAKING A DIFFERENCE ...
There is the story of a writer who is vacationing in a hotel on the coast and decides to take a break from his work
by strolling along the sandy beach. In the distance, he spies a person whom he believes, at the time, is dancing,
and is so intrigued he investigates further. As he approaches the “dancer”, he realizes it is a young man and he is
not dancing, but throwing objects from the beach into the ocean. He gets closer still and discovers that the man is
picking up starfish from the beach, where thousands have been stranded by low tide, and is throwing them back,
one by one, into the ocean.
The writer asks the man why he is undertaking such a task and the
man replies that if he does not, the starfish will certainly die.
At this, the writer scoffs and informs the man that there are miles and
miles of beach and tens of thousands of starfish and he can’t possibly
believe that what he is doing will make a difference.
The young man pauses and gives thought to this observation. Then,
picking up another starfish from the beach, he tells the writer as he
throws it back into the water…
“IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO THIS ONE.”
Courtesy of Animals Voice Magazine
Email: [email protected] | www.hsfcvolunteers.org
HSFC Volunteer News | July, 2009 | Page 3
Our Staff
Carol Relkin
Office Manager
Debra Otto
(Part-time)
Office Manager
Elisa Botero
Thrift Store Manager
Marlene Hammer
Asst. Thrift Store Manager
Shawn Bennett
Farm Manager
Centreville
•••
Our Board of Directors
Upcoming Events or Meetings
August 9
BARK BOWL (Flag Football Tournament and HSFC Fundraiser)
Event runs from 8am to 6pm - Volunteers needed from
9am to 3pm, two shifts. Sponsors would be great too!
Contact Jeanne Taylor or visit www.hsfcvolunteers.org for more
information and to download the event flyer
August 23
Caring Hands Open House
Need volunteers to staff an information table, collect donations,
etc. Email [email protected]
TBD
Movers Needed! We’ll be needing volunteers to help move the
inventory from the Thrift Store to the building just next door.
Stay tuned!
To volunteer to assist with any upcoming event, please let us know! We
always need knowledgeable, personable representatives to give the public
our best paws forward!
Vicki Kirby
President
Mary Kendall
Vice President/Treasurer
Marlene Hammer
Corresponding Secretary
Jeanne Taylor
Recording Secretary
Volunteer Coordinator
Board Update - 2009 - 2011
The HSFC Annual Membership Meeting was held Wednesday May 20, 2009. Vicki Kirby,
Mary Kendall, Marlene Hammer, Jeanne Taylor, Dan Larivey and Debra Otto stood for reelection and were unanimously voted in by Members in attendance. At the Board’s July,
2009 meeting, Officers will be determined for the current term.
Dan Larivey
Director
Debra Otto
Director
•••
FUTURE ISSUES OF STATE OF THE ARK
Anyone wishing to include an article in the next issue of State of the Ark should submit
content in writing to the Administrative Office, Attention, Jeanne Taylor, or by email
to [email protected] by October 15, 2009.
www.hsfc.org
Tel. 703-385-7387
•••
4057 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax VA 22030
www.hsfcvolunteers.org
HUMANE SOCIETY MISSION
The Humane Society of Fairfax County, Inc. (HSFC) is a non-profit, private organization established in 1968. The mission of the Humane Society of Fairfax County, Inc.
is to promote humane education; to prevent all forms of cruelty to animals, both
domestic and wild, by every legitimate means; and to assist the community with all
matters pertaining to the welfare of animals.
HSFC Volunteer News | July, 2009 | Page 4
Success Stories (otherwise known as “Why We Do What We Do” ...)
My husband and I adopted two cats from HSFC in December 2007. They were formally known as Pete (now Ripley) and
Smokey (now Roman). They can be very mischievious, but they’re also a lot of fun. Ripley likes to kiss and Roman likes to
head-butt to show his love. They’re very bonded and love to wrestle and clean one another.
Denise Q.
We adopted Gene and Roger in January of this year and they
have been such a joy to our family. They quickly adjusted to
their new forever home and have given much love to all five
of us. They were renamed Boots (short for Puss in Boots) and
Midnight. They love their treats and enjoy playing with their
human “sisters”. We went to the beach for a week and had
to leave them here in the care of a friend. She just fell in love
with them and we enjoyed all the love when we returned. As
much as I wanted a “lap cat” neither one is such. They come
for love on their terms which is fine because they love with
gusto! Then they go about their business. They have their
favorite sleep spots, Midnight sprawled on the couch and Boots
in a bean bag chair. They are simply adorable. We are looking
to adopt a dog now to complete our family unit. Whatever dog
we adopt must like cats because they are a part of our family.
We all agree on that! Thanks for all you do for the pets who
need you.
Debi P.
I adopted Samantha back in November when my Kititwo was sick. I
absolutely adore her. She is now sleeping on her pillow at the head
of the bed. She is so funny, she ignores our chocolate lab Dusty and
attacks playfully our orange cat Scooby-doo (daughter’s childhood cat)
then runs screaming and meowing from him even though he’s not
chasing her. I can’t thank you enough for all you did for me during my
difficult time. You made it easy to go with the flow mourning my loss
along with celebrating my new addition to my family.
Choco and Christi
HSFC Volunteer News | July, 2009 | Page 5
HSFC BECOMES A FOUNDING
SHELTER FOR THE SHELTER ANIMAL
REIKI ASSOCIATION (SARA)
HSFC was saddened to learn of the
passing of Jerry Nye, friend of HSFC and
significant other to long-time volunteer
Kendal Moore. Jerry was a true animal
lover and had donated his time over the
years supporting the organization
alongside Kendal.
Jerry passed away after a long illness
and ultimately succumbed to Multiple
Myeloma. Our condolences to Kendal
Moore and the Nye family.
HSFC has signed on as a founding shelter of the
Shelter Animal Reiki Association - visit
www.shelteranimalreikiassociation.org
for more information on this newly developed
service organization.
In May, 2009, several volunteers interested in Reiki
attended a two-day workshop at the farm offered by
Janet Dobbs and earned their Reiki Level I Certification. Ms. Dobbs waived workshop fees in exchange for
the students agreeing to performing a certain number
of Reiki treatments on the HSFC animals.
Congratulations to Reiki Level I Practitioners: Shawn
Bennett, Liz Early, Diane Hale, Monica Kelson, Vicki
Kirby, Patty Miller, Lisa Millican, Lynn Nelson-Paretta,
Mary O’Baidy, Debra Otto, Eleanor Rebollar,
Deborah Rombouts, Darby Schlaht, Jennie Sunner,
Betsy Thompson, and Tim Tuggle.
Our animals look forward to the Reiki treatments, and
we look forward to hearing about the progress SARA
continues to make in achieving its mission.
Eagle Scout Project
Special thanks are due to Joe Hall, an outstanding young man who assigned HSFC as the beneficiary of
his Eagle Scout project. Joe collected donations for our animals and arrived with two van loads of treats,
beds, handmade cat trees, handmade dog platforms, crates, food, towels, linens, thrift store donations,
toys and medications.
We, and the animals, thank you, Joe!
Joe Hall (center) proudly displays his
homemade cat trees
(pictured with unnamed associates!)
HSFC Volunteer News | July, 2009 | Page 6
Follow the Leader by Betsy Thompson
Many dogs are turned into shelters around the country due to behavioral problems. The majority of these issues ,
for the most part, could have been avoided from the start if the dogs had stable leaders to help guide them. Dogs
need clear and consistent leadership and if the humans aren’t providing it, the dog will take over that role. In our
world, dogs are ill-equipped to be stable leaders. It is amazing to see a dog’s transformation when their human
assumes the leadership role. There are several things we can do to demonstrate our leadership and return order to
our packs. Not only is being a leader essential with your pack at home but with also the dogs at HSFC.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Act calm and confident. These are two key qualities of a leader.
Be consistent with your rules and boundaries. Inconsistency causes much confusion.
Teach your dog basic commands such as sit, down, stay, come and leave it.
Not only will these help you be a leader but they will help you keep your dog safe and healthy.
How many times have you seen someone who is being walked by their dog? When walking your dog, you
are the leader which means your dog goes where you want them to go and not the other way around.
Your dog should be at your side or behind you.
Don’t allow your dog to exhibit behaviors that are annoying such as jumping on people and inappropriate
barking.
There should be no “free lunches”. Your dog should earn his food, treats and other things that he finds
valuable. This can be done as simply asking him to do something (like a sit or down) to earn each one.
Keep your communication with him clear and direct. Also, tune into your dog’s body language so you can
read cues he is giving to help him make good decisions.
Never use physical corrections or force to establish your leadership – a strong leader doesn’t need to use
physical force and certainly shouldn’t be a bully. Not only is it inhumane, but it is unnecessary and interferes
with the establishment of a positive relationship between you and the dog. Things like alpha rolls should
never be used because they do nothing to assert your dominance and will damage the trust and respect the
dog has for you. Additionally, when used on a dominate dog, it can lead to aggressive behavior and for the
already submissive dog, it can lead to submissive urination, fear biting and loss of trust.
Establishing leadership isn’t difficult and the rewards are enormous. It can lead to a wonderful relationship with
your dog and provide you with a companion who will “follow” you anywhere! Watch for more information coming
soon about a leadership presentation by Lisa Millican, HSFC’s primary dog trainer (visit www.doggonesmart.org for
general information about Ms. Millican and her program).
Volunteers who may be interested in
handling our adoptable dogs during a weekend
class should speak with Shawn Bennett to coordinate
schedules, review requirements, etc.
Thanks!
HSFC Volunteer News | July, 2009 | Page 7
HOURS AND INFORMATION
HSFC Administrative Office
4057 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax
703-385-7387 (PETS)
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday 10-5
Saturday 10-4; Sunday - Closed
Second Chance 1 - Thrift Store
4057 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax
703-385-7387 (PETS)
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-3; Sunday - Closed
Cat and Small Mammal AdoptionsAdministrative Offices 4057 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax
703-385-7387 (PETS)
Adoption hours:
Monday - Friday 10-3
Saturday 10-3; Sunday - Closed
Second Chance 2 - Thrift Store
929 W. Broad St. Falls Church
703-533-9268
Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-4; Sunday – Closed
HSFC Farm
Centreville VA
All visitors must call ahead - 703-385-7387 (PETS)
Dog and Horse adoptions - by appointment only
HSFC Outreach Cat Program
Cat Adoptions held at area PetSmart and Wylie Wagg
stores - schedules posted to www.hsfc.org /
call 703-385-7387 (PETS)
United Way Campaign #
8734
CFC # 93406
CVC (Virginia) # 8030
EMERGENCY SERVICES
South Paws Emergency Clinic - Fairfax, VA
703-752-9100
VA/MD Vet Emergency Services - Alexandria
703-823-3601
Hope Center for Advancement of Vet. Medicine /
Emergency Vet Clinic of Northern Virginia - Vienna
703-281-5121
Fairfax County Animal Shelter
703-830-1100
703-691-2131 (Warden)
Prince William Emergency Vet Clinic - Manassas
703-361-8287
Wildlife Assistance Hotline
703-440-0800
Leesburg Emergency Animal Hospital - Leesburg
703-777-5755
Springfield Emergency Vet Clinic - Springfield
703-451-8900
HSFC Volunteer News | July, 2009 | Page 8