Introduction
This newsletter covers the first quarter of 2011.
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Annual General Meeting on March 9th, 2011
AARF held its AGM on Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. at Roy's Bayside Grill, and was open to all interested people.
The purpose of this and all yearly meetings was to summarize the events and accomplishments of the last year, vote on new officers, and present awards for special people and accomplishments.
Besides the formalities, the AGM is also a great venue to meet board members, volunteers, friends of AARF, ask questions, give feedback and more.
2010 Accomplishments and Summary
With a core of dedicated volunteers and the support of so many members and donors, we are proud to highlight some key accomplishments for the year 2010:
We had a very successful year with 248 adoptions. This is a wonderful number considering the small population of the country. Out of the 248 adoptions, we had 134 dogs (54 male, 80 female) and 114 cats (51 male, 63 female). That's impressive because the tendency here is to want younger male animals, and dogs and cats surrendered to AARF are numerically biased towards females.
An even more interesting number is this: 25 of our adoptions went to the USA — to places like Chicago, Boston, Wisconsin, New York, Maine, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. That's a fabulous number and we would like to keep that up and even grow it. The more people realize how easy it is to adopt and take home the better, so any way to talk up how great our place is to get a pet really will help save lives and bring a lot of wagging tail happiness to different locales!
There were 184 spay/neuter surgeries, bringing our total since we began keeping records in 2003 to a whopping 1,425 spays and neuters! This at a cost of over $69,000 US dollars.
If one considers that one unspayed cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in 7 years and one unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce 4,372 puppies in that same time span you realize we are making a difference. Especially given that Anguilla has a land area of only 35 square miles (91 km2)!
AARF very carefully manages a budget over $30,000. This year we spent over $25K for our shelter/veterinary fees and the expenses of operating the clinic — of that almost $7500 was spent on boarding/feeding and close to $10K on spay and neuter surgeries. This is largely due to the fact that adopted animals must have mandatory spay/neuter surgery, and the surgery comes as part of the adoptions. Some 83% of this expense was affiliated with AARF adoptions; the remaining 17% were for those in need or requesting assistance, which is managed by Suzie Donahue who has managed the spay/neuter program since it began in 2003.
On the education front, a new project was started where a series of articles were published in the Anguillian. These articles, 21 of them (almost 2 per month) covered an array of subjects, including diseases and parasites, the importance of vaccinations and treatments, how dogs and cats communicate with people, why spaying and neutering is so important, things to consider before adopting, first aid and disaster preparation, how to handle a cat (the webmaster was in dire need of that one) and more. An article about dogs and goats living in harmony was even published!
The visits to primary schools continued as well, and these are popular with students and teachers alike. The school presentations all take a similar format. Students learn about "doggy communication" to read a dog's state of mind. Maggie the demo dog usually attends the sessions as a live prop so the students can put into practice what they have been taught (Maggie likes to be petted). Targeting children to appreciate dogs and to not fear them at the youngest age possible is the goal.
Finally, the Anguilla Community Foundation (ACF) gave a grant to AARF which has been used to produce a brochure and posters which illustrate the body language of dogs.
2011 Executive Committee
The following were voted on and accepted positions on the Executive Committee for the 2011 term:
- President — Lisa Thomson
- Vice President — Mark Baumwell
- Treasurer — Rebecca Taillon
- Secretary — Suzie Donahue
- Member at large — Gayle Enzel
- Member at large — Sally Baumwell
Committee Chairpersons and Trustees:
- Adoptions — Sally Baumwell
- Fundraising — Gayle Enzel
- Education — Penny Hope Ross
- Policies & Procedures — Rachel Atherton
- Shelter/Spay & Neuter — Suzie Donahue
- Volunteer and Membership — Judy Huzzey
- Communications — Mark Baumwell
- Trustee — Jackie Pascher
- Trustee — Joseph Norris Payne
To contact any one of these members, please go to our Contact Us web page.
Minutes from the meeting covering this past year (which was 2010) are available in Microsoft Word format.
Minutes from the previous year (covering year 2009) are also available in PDF format.
Volunteer of the Year Award for 2010
Sally surprised our Volunteer of the year with this presentation:
Our Volunteer of the Year does it all. I tried to see how I could describe her without giving away her name right away, but it's tough.
She has been an active volunteer for many years even serving in the past as a board member.
She helps before the yard sale, sorting and pricing and gathering boxes and providing transportation to and from the container and Roy’s.
At the yard sales, she is always bustling around, making sure the merchandise is displayed to its best advantage.
She is a tireless shelter volunteer, encouraging adoptions, educating potential adoptees. And she never hesitates to do kennel cleaning duty.
She has fostered too many puppies to count over the years and was instrumental in the recent adoption of a puppy to New York — even getting a ride on a private jet for a kitten so she could also be adopted.
She has helped countless people and dogs in her neighborhood, gathering up puppies for adoption, feeding mama dogs when their people don't provide enough food for them, catching and bringing in dogs for spay and neuter surgery.
She is extremely patient and never gives up when an animal's welfare is at stake – just ask her about Lucky! She is always happy to help at membership drives and special events.
She is a joy to work with, an enthusiastic supporter with a husband willing to pitch in as well when needed. AARF has been blessed by her many, many contributions and we are very fortunate to have her as one of our very special volunteers.
I am pleased to give the Volunteer of the Year award to a great foster mom, past bingo organizer and yard sale “bull horn carrying” AARF member…Althea Turner.
Congratulations to Althea, who really deserves this honor!
Althea with award
Sally and Althea
Superstar Award for 2010
Suzie honored our second–ever Superstar award winners Jeanette and John Giemza:
“This year our Superstar award goes to a couple that many of you may not know. Since they are unable to be with us tonight, I would like to introduce them to you.
The winners of the award this year are Jeanette and John Giemza, who live in New Jersey and have a home at Long Bay that they visit frequently.
I met Jeanette several years ago when I was volunteering at Morlens Clinic — before we even had an actual shelter, when she gave a generous donation to AARF. And since that time Jeanette & John have continued to support AARF with substantial donations whenever they visit (at least 4–5 times a year) each time with no fanfare and expecting nothing in return.
We honor this couple tonight because they are passionate about saving those that we can’t find homes for — the not so cute, the older ones, the black ones, the not so lovable ones and that includes cats too — even though Jeanette is allergic to them!
Some of you may remember our first Mary — the crazy adult dog who ran amok in Sandy Ground, ate her foster mom’s shoes and kept getting into things! She was just not adoptable — but Jeanette and John gave her another chance.
Then there were the unwanted cats — Izzy and his mother Liz, Phil and Minnie. And the black female puppy with the huge ears, Lucy that we could not find a home for and most recently Elizabeth the adult cat that no one wanted even though she is extremely sweet — she too headed to a new home!
The Giemzas saved them all.
In addition, this couple has also placed several others who have run out of time with friends here in Anguilla — Shelia, Sebastian, another Lucy and, just this week, the two little black kittens from the shelter Manila and Tokyo - and I am sure I have forgotten more.
They have also adopted puppies and taken them back to friends in the USA as well as transported animals belonging to neighbors or friends here in Anguilla for surgery and vaccinations — all at their own expense.
We also have to take this opportunity to thank their caretaker Donald, who lives on the property. Donald happily accepts each new addition and gives them excellent care, attention, and love as they arrive literally at his doorstep. This wouldn't work without Donald!
And, in addition to the generous and frequent donations, and the adoptions of many of our “unadoptables”, and transporting of others to the states, Jeanette and John also donate items to our yard sales, buy raffle tickets, attend our Bingo nights, mail packages for AARF from the USA and bring items we need for our shelter.
And finally — they also foster when they are here if we have pups or kittens that need extra care — which they recently did in December — even paying for additional medical treatment that saved the puppy May’s life.
I could add more — but I think you get the idea — AARF’s Superstars for 2011 are incredibly supportive and are a shining example of what can be accomplished with a lot of caring and generosity.
So it is with much pleasure that we recognize and we thank you — Jeanette and John Giemza — AARF Superstars 2010!“
Wow. Our Superstar award, in only its second ever presentation, obviously went to the right people! We are only sorry they couldn't be there in person, so we stole a recent photo of them, and Suzie and Rebecca accepted the award for them.
Jeanette and John
Suzie presents award
Suzie and Rebecca
The Superstar award!
Thank Yous
We can't say enough good things about the many supporting people we have on Anguilla as well as all over the world.
All donations go 100% towards the welfare of AARF animals.
To protect internet privacy, we choose to use initials.
Thank yous go to:
Laurie A., Celeste B., Deborah B., Eliza B., Gene and Kathy B., Donald and Fiona C., Jane C., Katherine C-N., Jaime D., Sue D., Louis E., Jeanette G., Joe G., Judy G., Mr. and Mrs. Myron G., Mary H., Sue and Ray H., Vanessa H., Celia J., Sue J., Billy K., Crystal K., Jan K., Madeline K., Will K., Debi K., Jennifer L., Mark and Monica L., Rose L., Susan L., Kathleen M., Dr. Allison N-D., Sophia P., Elizabeth P-W., Jason R., Marcia R., Susie R., Susie and Len S., Gerry and Norm S., Kate and Jim S., Jeffrey S., Heidi T., Judy T., Laurence V., Michelle V-O., Ashley W. and Kathy W.
AARF Announces its Viceroy Raffle Winner
Lucky Sheila Allan will enjoy a fabulous day at Viceroy, after being chosen as the winner in the Valentine’s Day drawing.
In November of last year, Viceroy donated a wonderful prize to AARF: a night’s stay at Viceroy for two with meals. It was decided to hold a raffle for it, with the drawing to be held on February 14th.
And so, on Valentine’s Day, a small crowd gathered to witness the drawing at the Morlens Veterinary Hospital. The winning ticket (073) belonged to Sheila.
AARF sends a very special thank you and appreciation to Viceroy for helping AARF in its quest to provide happy, healthy animals, to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats on island, provide education and to promote the welfare of the dog and cat population on Anguilla.
Sheila gets her prize from Suzie
Suzie and Rebecca draw the winner
Membership Drive
Suzie at the Post Office
At its annual membership drive at the Anguilla post office in February, Membership & Volunteer Committee Chair Sally Baumwell was assisted by Althea Turner and Suzie Donahue. In addition to accepting new and renewal memberships, the team sold adult and kids' tee shirts, caps, bottle bags, and Viceroy raffle tickets.
It was a busy day and almost $900 was raised for AARF's programs. The team and all of AARF want to thank all of you who stopped by for your support.
Membership dues are a very important component of AARF's fund raising. As an all-volunteer organization, all of the proceeds go directly to our animal welfare programs.
By becoming a member, you are helping with spay/neuter, vaccinations, rescue and adoption, medical care, shelter boarding expenses, and other needs of Anguilla’s cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies.
If you are not currently a member, please consider becoming one; membership forms are available. Or stop by the shelter where you can visit with our volunteers and see our shelter animals and join up or renew your membership. If you aren't sure if your dues are current, send an email to our Volunteer Chairperson and we will get back to you.
New AARF Fund in memory of "Whiskey", beloved Sandy Ground Dog
Whiskey with long time friend Kari
In early 2011, a new AARF Fund was established in memory of "Whiskey", the well known Sandy Ground Dog.
Many visitors and locals fondly remember Whiskey, who lived on Sandy Ground all of his life. He was taken care of by regular Anguillian residents and visitors, who even arranged to have him neutered. Sadly, he passed away late last year.
Some of Whiskey's devotees started a fund in remembrance of him to be used for animals or situations in need in Sandy Ground. Already in fact, Leo and Judy R. have left a donation to help the first dog that has been identified as a needy animal.
To contribute to this fund, simply earmark your donation as going to the Whiskey Memorial Fund.
Whiskey appears twice in past newsletters, in 2005 and again in 2008.
Happy Tails
More and more, we are getting visitors, new and repeat who find Anguillians they want to adopt. Since we only do dogs and cats, that's what we hear about, but we like it! Finding local homes or far away homes makes no difference to us.
And sometimes, after some time has passed, we get updates on how things are going, and we like that too.
Read on for this quarter's stories.
Jack and Ruby
Nap time
Curling up with a good book
Making sure all is OK
Getting comfortable
Jerry and Laurianne adopted eight years ago. After they lost two dogs in a month's time, they said "no more dogs".
That lasted a month.
Then they went to Puppy Angels, but for just one dog — and came home with Jack and Ruby. As they say, they couldn't dare separate them.
Within the first couple of weeks, they were at the vet for a three day stay with Parvo. But they made it through as you can see. Now, eight years later, Jerry has this to say:
Jack is the bigger dog and the food hound; Ruby is the smaller dog and the picky one. Ruby is more protective and Jack is more lovable, (he just doesn't realize that he weighs 45 pounds when he is in your lap).
We get compliments on them no matter where we are. Even the Vet enjoys their visits, and Jack loves going there because they have free cookies for him there.
They are very well behaved and know four commands of sign language. They also LOVE to get their nails done with the Dremel tool; they hear it and come trotting in.
We love them very much and we get the same in return.
Thank you to Puppy Angels and the Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation for doing what you do, with out YOU, we wouldn't have the two best dogs anyone could ask for.
Check out all the pictures: these are happy and spoiled dogs who return lots of love back.
P.S. We are told that they get a double cheeseburger for their birthdays on Feb 14th!
Katouche
Katouche
Katouche
Katouche
Katouche
When choosing a honeymoon spot, animals were already on my mind. After traveling in Asian countries, I have learned that there is nothing worse than the helpless feeling of finding an injured animal and not being able to do anything to help. When my husband suggested Anguilla, I googled “animal shelter,” found AARF and said “let’s book it!”
That said, we had no intentions of adopting an animal. But sure enough, our first night in Anguilla, we found a pup on the beach. We were walking past Elvis’s Beach Bar and James said “there are dogs over there, are you sure you want to go?” I said I would be fine.
Within five minutes, I had adopted a dog. Katouche had shown up at the beach bar a week before. He was starving and covered in fleas. I could barely pet him, because he was so scared. I sat in the sand, and he walked up to sniff me, but when I reached out to pet him, he ran. He was just as afraid of being alone, so as soon as I turned around, he would sneak back to lay beside me. It was love at first sight.
A nice couple told me he was going to be picked up by the shelter the next day. I gave them my email address and asked them to pass it along to the shelter staff. I spent a lot of time sorting details and was quite sure my husband would divorce me before we made it home from our honeymoon, but Katouche soon stole his heart as well.
Suzie bent over backwards to help me get Katouche home and we couldn’t have done it without her. She made sure he had the proper vet work and papers for his trip.
Katouche was so skittish and skinny when we first met him on the beach. He has gained 12 pounds (in the belly!) and is the happiest, goofiest animal I have ever met. He brings so much joy and laughter into our lives, we can't imagine life without him.
We could have brought home a tee shirt, like normal people, but I can’t think of a better souvenir to remind us of Anguilla than our furry baby!
I'm so glad I was able to meet both Suzie and Rebecca and am grateful the island has wonderful people like you looking out for the four legged ones!
Ah, but we really appreciate the abnormals who would rather take a Katouche rather than a tee shirt! And Katouche is really living it up now!
On a Lighter Note
Finally, let's have some inspirational and clever quotes about dogs and cats.
We'll start with cats. They insist.
Cats
A cat pours his body on the floor like water.
A cat's rage is beautiful, burning with pure cat flame, all its hair standing up and crackling blue sparks, eyes blazing and sputtering.
Any household with at least one feline member has no need for an alarm clock.
Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose.
Drowsing, they take the noble attitude of a great sphinx, who, in a desert land, sleeps always, dreaming dreams that have no end.
If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer.
If cats could talk, they would lie to you.
It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens.
Kittens are born with their eyes shut. They open them in about six days, take a look around, then close them again for the better part of their lives.
Most beds sleep up to six cats. Ten cats without the owner.
The cat does not offer services. The cat offers itself. Of course he wants care and shelter. You don't buy love for nothing.
The real measure of a day's heat is the length of a sleeping cat.
There are no ordinary cats.
When the tea is brought at five o'clock
And all the neat curtains are drawn with care,
The little black cat with bright green eyes
Is suddenly purring there.
Dogs
Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window.
Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that is how dogs spend their lives.
I named my dog Stay so I can say, "Come here, Stay. Come here, Stay."
A dog can express more with his tail in seconds than his owner can express with his tongue in hours.
A dog is not "almost human" and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such.
A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of.
Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear.
Ever wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled back on the leash?
If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.
Labradors are lousy watchdogs. They usually bark when there is a stranger about, but it is an expression of unmitigated joy at the chance to meet somebody new, not a warning.
No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.
The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.
The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog.
The pug is living proof that God has a sense of humor.
