From your friends at
Giving Them Another Chance
Spring/Summer 2009
In This Issue
The Kids Are Alright!
Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . page 2
By Shannon Chase and Kevin Metz
Fundraising—Help TVAR
Help the Animals . . . . . . . . . . . .page 2
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) welcomes help and donations from children
and teens who care about homeless animals.
2009 Crabfeed was an
Incredible Success . . . . . . . . . . . page 2
Working alone or in groups, many kids ask neighbors and friends for donations
of supplies needed to care for the 1,000+ animals TVAR rescues
each year. This was the case for Margaret MacLean, who
dropped off grocery bags along with TVAR’s wish list
at neighbors’ homes and then returned later in the
week to collect the donations. Margaret collected 94
items! Annalise from Pleasanton organized a
donation drive at her elementary school for TVAR.
She talked to students about the needs of homeless
pets and even offered an ice-cream party to the
classroom that brought in the most donations. She
n
ended up with an SUV full of needed items.
An
to
Donor Appreciation . . . . . . . . . page 6-7
Volunteer Kudos . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8
Happy Endings . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9
Woman’s Best Friend . . . . . . . . page 10
TVAR’s Wish List . . . . . . . . . . . page 10
nali
se from Ple asan
TVAR receives monetary donations from kids who
have saved up allowances, gifts or earnings from
babysitting or chores. Kids, such as seven-yearold Rachel from Danville, ten-year-old Madison
Maas and eleven-year-old Lauren Shohfi.
Pets Available for Adoption . . . .page 11
Featuring pets in need of loving homes
Go to tvar.org to see over 100
adoptable animals!
Groups, such as the Girl Scouts, have
donated items and TVAR worked closely
with one Girl Scout troop in helping them
earn their silver award through teaching pet
responsibility to younger kids.
Some kids want hands-on experience with
the animals and we have several options for
them as well. Our Teen/Junior program offers
VA
R
T
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue is a local East
Bay, nonprofit animal rescue group, run
solely by volunteers. We do not have
payroll or lease expenses, so the money
raised goes directly towards saving
homeless animals. With your help in
2008, TVAR gave over 1,144 animals
another chance! Please use the
enclosed donation form and envelope
to renew your TVAR support.
a
It’s Time to Renew Your Support!
Rachel presented her $50 donation on a sunny
Saturday in Pleasanton at the TVAR Farmers
Market adoption event. She had saved the
money for over a year to buy food for the
animals. Madison and Lauren donated $116
nd
La
earned
from chores and a lemonade stand. Way to go
ure
n Shohfi
girls! A big thank-you to all the kids who donated to
TVAR – you have wonderful giving spirits, and
TVAR and the animals appreciate it.
as
Ma
on
Madis
Thinking of adding a bunny to your
family? Learn all the details, such as
the lifespan (between 9–12 years), importance of spaying/neutering, food
and necessary bedding (Timothy hay)
at www.rabbit.org. Once you’re ready,
be sure to adopt your bunny from a
rescue or shelter – East County
Animal Shelter often has
gorgeous bunnies to adopt!
h
el
TVAR Animal Adoptions . . . . . . . page 3
Pr e
siden
t Lisa Heal
th
y wi
c
Ra
COVER STORY continues on page 4
I
v
L pcoming
EVENTS
Adoption Days
Pleasanton Farmers Market
W. Angela & First Streets
• Cat and dog adoptions
Saturdays:
9:30 AM – 1
PM
PetSmart
6960 Amador Plaza Road, Dublin
• Cat adoptions
Saturdays:
12 – 4 PM
Sundays:
1 – 4 PM
F Hue l p nT V AdR Hre lap t ih e sA nii mna l sg
Vehicle Donation Program:
It’s tax deductible
Let TVAR and homeless animals
benefit from donation of your old
car, truck, van, trailer, RV or boat.
It’s tax-deductible and easy. Call All
Bay Vehicle Donations, at 1-877700-4483 and ask for a free pick-up.
They handle all the paperwork. Let
them know that you want the
proceeds to benefit Tri-Valley
Animal Rescue. If you have
questions, contact Vehicle Donation
Coordinator Jeri Behymer at
[email protected].
Choose TVAR for eScrip
Pet Food Express
609 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville
• Cat adoptions
Saturdays:
11 – 2 PM
Fostering a Homeless Pet is Rewarding
and . . . You’ll be Saving a Life!
For more information about fostering cats
and kittens, contact Lisa Galliani at
[email protected]. Potential dog fosters
should call Patricia Oliveira at 925-787-5825 or
[email protected].
Mark your calendars for That’s Amore
2009, taking place on October 17th.
Volunteer Orientations
New Volunteers are always welcome! TVAR
volunteer orientations now take place on the 3rd
Saturday and alternating 3rd Sunday of each
month at East County Animal Shelter (ECAS),
4595 Gleason Dr. in Dublin, from 1–2:30 PM. For
more information, contact [email protected] or
925-803-7043.
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
Participating merchants include:
• Safeway
• Gene’s Fine Foods
• Whole Foods • Pet Food Express
• Office Max • Big 5
• Gap
• Old Navy
• Best Buy
• Circuit City
• Target
• Verizon
• Buy.com
• Home Depot
• Eddie Bauer • Payless Shoes
• Big O Tires • Sponges Car Wash
• Baja Fresh • Carl’s Jr.
• Round Table • Budget car rental
• Carrows
• Barnes & Noble
For more merchants, please check
the online list.
Buyforcharity.com
TVAR
is
registered
at
Buyforcharity.com, a website that
gives a percentage of sales to
nonprofits. Go to the site, signup and designate TVAR as your
nonprofit beneficiary. Then you
can shop at over 350 stores, such
as Barnes & Noble, Gap, Office
Note that escrip.com recognizes our Max, 1-800-Flowers, REI, Orbitz.
group name as Tri-Valley Animal Up to 35% of your purchases will
Rescue, not “TVAR.”
benefit TVAR. It’s easy and you’ll
find great discount coupons too!
Looking for a FREE and easy way to
help TVAR raise funds? Simply go to
www.escrip.com,
register
your
grocery loyalty and/or credit cards
and participating businesses will
contribute 2-5% of the value of your
purchases to TVAR.
2009 Crabfeed was an Incredible Success!
Thank you to all who attended our 4th annual
Crabfeed fundraiser. With 360 in attendance,
we raised a net total of $15,000 and all of this
money will go directly to giving homeless
animals in our community another chance.
We are truly lucky to have such a great group of volunteers who make
this event happen. Our fearless leader Cindy Ferrin once again planned
a memorable night of food and fun. She was assisted by many, including
the Crabfeed Planning Committee: Jim Walker (MC), Larry Stein
(Bar), Nazy Moradkhani and Shannon Chase (PR), Leslie Haas
(Decorations), BJ Baker and Susie Newton (Raffle/bar tickets), Lisa
Williams (Raffle Baskets), Barbara Tiner (Food
Preparation), Aki Lewis (Crab Preparation), Susan
Ruxton (Registration), Ginny and Bob Nacamu
(Servers), Dale Spelman (Volunteers). Other
committee members included Lisa Healy, Liz Boyd,
Melissa Lok, and Dale Stone.
We also want to thank the mother and daughter
members of the National Charity League, along
with several volunteers from Foothill High School’s
Teens Reaching Out Program and all the wonderful
TVAR volunteers.
2008 TVAR Animal Adoptions
From President Lisa Healy:
In 2008, TVAR volunteers found forever homes for 1,144 homeless
animals – that’s 99 more than in 2007! This is an incredible number, especially considering that TVAR is a 100%
volunteer organization. Thank you for your continued support.
TVAR Cat
Adoptions
TVAR Dog
Adoptions
TVAR 2008
Total
1st Qtr. 2008
148
46
194
2nd Qtr. 2008
236
67
303
3rd Qtr. 2008
287
64
351
4th Qtr. 2008
225
71
296
2008 Totals
896
248
1144
Month
Seated from left to right: Susan Ruxton, Leslie Haas, Cindy Ferrin, Sue James, Ros Simon
Standing from left to right: Lisa Healy, Patricia Oliveira, Lisa Williams, Larry Stein, Dawn McKeown, Terri Duncan, Terri Gregory
Welcome to new 2009 Board of Directors!
Our new Board of Directors members have experience in many areas of animal rescue:
Terri Duncan is Cat Program Coordinator, Cat Medical
Coordinator and a cat foster.
Terri Gregory is a dog foster and interviews prospective
adopters at outreach events. She has been a previous TVAR
Board member.
Cindy Ferrin is Pawprints Volunteer Newsletter Editor,
Volunteer Coordinator and Crab Feed Chairperson, and
has been a previous TVAR Board member.
Patricia Oliveira fosters dogs, while also being a Dog
Foster Coordinator and Adoption Day Coordinator.
Returning Board members:
Leslie Haas, Sue James, Lisa Healy, Dawn McKeown, Susan Ruxton, Larry Stein and Lisa Williams.
2009 Officers:
President: Lisa Healy, Vice President: Leslie Haas, Recording Secretary: Ros Simon, Treasurer: Susan Ruxton.
Much Thanks to TVAR ’s 2008 non-returning Board Member Tricia Bregman.
Welcome to TVAR’s new officer, Secretary Ros Simon, who is a cat foster and 2008 East Bay Stand Down
participant.
3
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
COVER STORY continued
the opportunity for kids ages 10-17 a chance to socialize cats and dogs on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at East
County Animal Shelter. The animals at the shelter enjoy the walks and time given by these kids – and it’s safe to say
that the kids feel pretty good about it too.
This past year, 164 teens participated in TVAR’s Teen/Junior program. While
some teens begin volunteering to fulfill school requirements, many stick around
long after their service obligation has been met.
Scott Needham
Many teens like to spend time with dogs, like 15-year-old Scott Needham, who
impresses everyone with his enthusiasm and work ethic. “I really like the program
and working with the animals here to get them adopted,” says Scott. His most
memorable experience so far has been with Sullivan, a very large, 80-pound
labrador mix. Scott walked this large dog and helped him get adopted too.
Other teens, like 15-year-old Omsri Bharat, focus on socializing the cats, which means spending time with them so
they get accustomed to people. Omsri spends time with cats like Yodie, a white-and-black male stray who came to
the shelter scared. "It can take a long time to socialize a cat," says Omsri, but the cats who are socialized have a
much greater chance of getting adopted. Omsri found TVAR’s Teen/Junior Program online. "I just wanted to
volunteer at an animal shelter and so I went online and did some research," says Omsri. "This program seemed really
organized and it seemed like the best program for kids.”
If Tuesday and Thursdays won’t work in your busy teen or junior’s schedule,
he or she can volunteer anytime the shelter is open, if accompanied by an adult
who has attended a volunteer orientation. This flexible option is a great way
to spend time with your teen. Many adults find that volunteering with their
junior or teen is a great way to connect. Ed Burkart and his grandson, Mitchell
Jensen, enjoy spending time together walking dogs. “It is really fun, because
when we are walking the dogs, we get a chance to
talk to each other,” Mitchell said.
ly G
E mi
Ten-year-old Emily Grace Skillman and her
mother Laura Lee enjoy socializing dogs, Ed Burkart and grandson Mitchell Jensen
cats and bunnies. "I love volunteering because it helps the animals get ready to
be adopted," says Emily Grace. By far, her favorite
memory was visiting a puppy named Sparkle. “It
was just awesome,” she recalls.
eS
rac
Emily Grace’s mom has spread the word about
the program to others. "Anytime we have
m
an
talked about the program to people, they have
an
dh
been
very impressed that there is a place where
e
er m
other Lau ra Le
children as young as ten can volunteer with
something that makes such a
difference,” says
e
l
l
i
nv
Da
Laura Lee.
m
l
kil
fro
An
ge
la
Pl
es
an
ton
s
n
bi
ob
R
s
Katie and Chri
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer
Winter 2008/2009
2009
4
Nadia
d
Chiaradia an
f
is
La
m
ro
About Our Teen/Juniors
How Old Are They?
Where do they live?
Other (8)
4%
18yr. (5)
3%
17yr. (21)
13%
10yr. (6)
10%
11yr. (12)
7%
16yr. (17)
11%
15yr. (22)
13%
Danville
(23)
14%
12yr. (9)
5%
San Ramon
(29)
18%
13yr. (32)
20%
Pleasanton
(65)
40%
Livermore Dublin
(21)
(18)
13%
11%
14yr. (30)
18%
Several kids have shown a talent for fostering animals
in their own homes. Thirteen-year-old Olivia Pipitone
has been a wonderful foster caretaker for cats and
kittens who need to build confidence. Olivia has taken
more than one shy cat from East County Animal
Shelter, and through patience and care, she was able to
turn them around and find them forever homes.
TVAR holds several fundraiser and adoptions events
during the year and we appreciate enthusiastic junior
and teen volunteers. For the last several years the
mothers and daughters from the National Charity
League volunteered at our Claws for Paws fundraiser
and That’s Amore. This group of teens and moms also
volunteer regularly at the shelter walking dogs and
socializing cats.
Margaret MacLeanʼs donations
Helping homeless animals can be a wonderful hobby that lasts a lifetime – just ask any of the adult volunteers
in our all-volunteer organization. Yet, beyond a hobby, many of the kids involved with TVAR find they discover
an interest in pursuing a career with animals, such as Emily Grace, who dreams of becoming a veterinarian or
Scott Needham, who is considering working with the Border Control canine units or canine search and rescue.
Volunteering can open up a whole new world to a child and – in the case of animal rescue – can provide a whole
new life for an animal as well.
For more information about our Teen/Junior program, visit tvar.org and click on “volunteer.”
5
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
D O N AT I O N S
In Honor of People
Alison Bischoff by Debra & Kevin Zollinger
Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center by Victoria Forest
Bruce Henry & Family by Gillian Harvey
Charles Thompson by Brent Cullimore
Cindy Ferrin by Mickey and Doreen Wall
Client Partners by Cecily Tippery
David & Traci Moyot by Helen & Jerry Moyot
Dawn McKeown by Connie & Gary Horstkorta
Erin Ferreyra & Daniel Robinson Wedding
by Sean and Erica Clancy
Erin Ferreyra & Daniel Robinson Wedding
by Kelly Clancy & MJ
Erin Ferreyra & Daniel Robinson Wedding
by Shawn Ferreyra
Erin Ferreyra & Daniel Robinson Wedding
by Carol Lee Lacina
Erin Ferreyra & Daniel Robinson Wedding
by Carrie and Jon Marsh
Erin Ferreyra & Daniel Robinson Wedding
by Janet McCleary
Erin Ferreyra & Daniel Robinson Wedding
by Wendy Welsh
Erl Hansen by Irene Boyens
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Kerry Beyer
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Michael & Tricia Bouchard
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Elizabeth Harris
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Michele Haubert
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Michelle Legins
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Anna Atayde-Martin
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Helen Melgoza
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Dana & Jerald Ogden
Liliana's 9th Birthday by Irene Padnos
Liliana's 9th Birthday by J.S. Rodriguez
Mary Stadler & Susan Savich by Carmen Jung
Regina Adams by Andrew Wissink
Sandy Gray by Silver Lake Technology
Sue & Steve Springer by Richard and Judith Davies
In Honor of Animals
Ernie by Andrea Hessel
Herbie by Barbara Bloom
Holly Curtin-Shockney
by Judy & Kathy Leonard
Jaz by Elizabeth Storey
Jewel by Robyn Hegarty
The Bear by Ann Bennett
Tigger by Stella Martinson
Zoe by Gerry Silverfield
In Memory of People
Claude Smith by Stephen and Nancy Patton
Claude Smith by William & Virginia Loewe
Dolores Horner by Albert and Zita Choves
Dolores Horner by Christine DaSilva
Dolores Horner by Gregory Gomes
Dolores Horner by John Silva
Dolores Horner by Peggy & Jim Pearson
Dolores Horner by Theresa DaSilva
Dolores Horner by Whitney Scott
Holly Hayden by Christine Tonkin/
Holly Hayden Animal Foundation
James Enos by Sherrie Sivaraman
John Patrick Burns by Danielle DeMeyer
Karen Vida's mom by Diana Martin
Pam King by Joyce Eveleth
Shirley Mick-Kobel by Dave & Pam Crowfoot
Tyrone Joseph Lavin
by Santa Rita Employees Association
In Memory of Animals
"A-Bai" by Jessie and Brian Wade
"CA" by Joy Furtado
Ashes by Susan Simms
Bam Bam by Karen & Gene Moirao
Cassidy by Anonymous
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
Chewey by Ralph & Darlene Cloud
Dixie by Linda and John Adiletti
Eddie by Diane Goldin
Eddie-beloved kitty of Jim & Barbara Holden
by Marlene Barrett
Freeport by Brenda & Marty Patrick
Freeport by Margaret & Stephen Ng
Gus Curtin by Tina Ya
Jilly by Tony, Pam, Kristy and Nikki McCants
Maggie by Brenda & Marty Patrick
Mike by Ralph & Darlene Cloud
Missy & Madonna by Jamal Farkhondeh
Myles-beloved Zen kitty of Debi Graves
by Marlene Barrett
Nelly by Scott & Chris Peters
Nikki-beloved dog of Kathie Peterson &
Russ Sears by Ralph & Darlene Cloud
Nino_Jo & Waldo Silver by Kim Woody
Our beloved Stowe by Alisa and Rob Sakowitz
Penny by Kathleen Athan
Pepper & In Honor of Ken Skulina
by Janet and David Skulina
Pretty Kitty by Patricia Crumpley
Ram by Ralph & Darlene Cloud
Riplee by Ralph & Darlene Cloud
Rudy-beloved dog of The Marc Rivera Family
by Donald & Marianne Wood
Sadie by Karen Knox
Samantha Jo (cat) by Brenda & Marty Patrick
Shadow by Jennifer Thayer
Smokey & Timber by Laurie & Richard Snitzer
Snickers by Robyn Hegarty
Sweetie by Judson & Rosi Kuehn
Sweetpea II by Deanne & Stan Jackson
Willie & Tootsie & Pokey
by Marlene & William Robello
Gifts of Hope
TVAR would like to thank the following generous
donors who have made contributions to TVAR from
September 2008 – February 2009:
Kathryn Abdalian
Susan & Carlvan Alger
Nancy Amini
Gayle Andersen
Lynda & Steven Antes
Mitra Ara
Veronica Archuleta
Sharon Arnold
Drucilla Ashley
Laura Bakanoff
Jo and Joseph Balch
Jacqueline Barnett
Devon Barrington
Sarah Bates
John & Mindy Baum
James Bell
Gregory Beltran
Debbie Benetti
Denise Benger
Germaine Bento
Rene Biel
Paula & Robert Bielby
Elina Blazhiyuska
Nancy & Ray Blount
Konstantin Boudnik
Carole Brabender
Lisa Brandt
Kaarin Brown
Carol Bruton
Helene Buchman
Leah Burns
Santoch Butani
Tom Byrd
6
William Cabot
Mary Callesen
Delacia Camancho-McDaniel
Kim Cantacessi
Cheryl Capes
Brian Carlson
Carvacho Family
Kristy Cassedy
John & Karen Cerilli
Uei Chen
Richard & Karen Childs
Amanda Clark & Joe Tormos
Mara Coniglione
Robin & Robert Costa
Denise Cotton
Joseph Cowles
Donald & Jean Crocker
Patricia Crumpley
Nancy Zoe Curry
Allan Dahlquist
Jan & Dean Darwin
Jennifer Delintt
Cathleen & Vic Deornelas
Joan & Garry Deuel
Kathryn Dewakt
Jacqueline Ditmer
Terri & JD Duncan
Norman Dunstan
Cindy Ehnes
Dee & Howard Ellis
Maria & John Ennor
Traci Enos
Jessica Escobedo
Bonnie Escoto
Galina Etinberg
Laura Fahnlander
Linda Ferris
Pamela Fisher
Brandi Foscalina
Mark & Janet
Franusich
Jill Freitas
Mildred Freitas
Holly Frick
Joy Furtado
Raul Garza
Chris Gattuso
Andreas & Stephanie Gianopoulos
Joanne Gilbert
Deanna & Thomas Graves
Lisa Green
Sherri Gump
Patricia Hall
Aryella Hallmark
Jehna Han
J K Hatchie
Judy Mary Hayes
Lisa Hirsch Healy
William & Pojchana Hearne
Scott Heilig
Kirsten Helm
Carole Hilton
Debbie Hirsch
Janice Hoang
Patricia Hood
Libby Howard
Kirstin Hunken
Debbi Ivarson
Pat Jacobson
Sue & Mike James
Elizabeth Jaren
Jeffrey Jarvis
Karen Jefferson
Kenneth Johnson
Michaelene Johnson
Judith Johnstone
Alyson Kaye
Vickie Keller
Lawrence & Kathleen Kenna
Katherine Kirby
Kathryn & Eric Kramer
Nancy Kurahashi
Donald Kurtz
Steve Laffin
Allison Lai
Laurie Lane
Michelle Lara
Steve Lawton
Marla Lesley
Sabrina Leung
Herman Lewis
Ivy & John Lo Gerfo
Robert Lowery
Robert & Shari Lukas
Claudia Luke
Ellen Lynn
Gay Maestas
Judith Ann Mahan
Kathryn Mangan
Craig & Fran Mansfield
Celeste Martinez
Carol & Ronald May
R. J. Mayman
Patricia Mayo
Janine McBride
Laurese McCullough
Diane McDonough
E. B. McLaughlin
Jacqueline McLaughlin
Gail McNamara
Terry McQueen
Angelo Meola
Tracie Metcalf
Rich & Nancy Metz
Laurie Miller
Carol Moberg
Kathleen Montgomery
Tracey & James Montoya
Nancy & Dennis Moore
Sherri Muller
Gayle Nelson
Rowena Newman
Stephen & Susie Newton
Debra Nordgren
Ed & Sharon Nowak
Beatrice O'Brien
Dolores Olness
Christie O'Shea
Sue Park
Nancy Parkison
Robert Patton
Kellie Perfetto
Patricia Peters
Dana Peterson
Susan E. Peterson
Dorothy Philipovitch
Lucy Ponte
Penelope Profumo
Michelle Pualuan
Linda Punzo
Sherri Qualls
Belvina Ramus
Emily Ready
Mark Reedy
Relationship Technologies
Christianne Resinger
Linda & Dusty Rhoades
Georgeanne Riecks
Joanne Rivero
Deanna Rizzo
Teri Robinson
Rosemary Rodd
Donald & Patricia Roof
Marilyn Rosenburg
Carol Rudy
Linda & Paul Salsgiver
Morgan Sampler
Dolores Sanchez
Dee & Russ Schatzinger
Ingeborg Schoening
Caroline Schutta
Landen Scott
Jean & D'Arcy Selwood
Cetin Seren
Bernard Shaw
Nancy Shriver
Janet Silverman
Mary Ann Skrivanich
Marcia Slakoff
Kristin Smiley
Wayne Smith
Sandra St. Dennis
Carol Stafford
Mary Steward
Jewel Stoddard
Amanda Strickhouser
Deborah Tacker
Anthony Tapia
Gina Tavares
Jennifer Thayer
Sherri Twyman
Elizabeth Vallerga
Emily Varner
Elisabeth Venturini
Frances Vigus
Margaret and Thomas Ward
Weidner Family Fund
Patricia Weisenberger
Susan Wenner
Lisa Williams
Hathily Winston
George Withers
Pamela Wong
Laurie Woods
Denise Woodward
Joy Woodworth
Malinda Zuckerman
Barry Zuckerman
Workplace-Giving/
United Way
Campaigns
John Pinnella
Robert Steiger
Janet Tilander
Lauren Wise
CLOROX
Marcey Bothe
Steven J. Tomkins
COMMUNITY HEALTH
CHARITIES
Dawn & Victor Argula
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Rebecca Bolce
KAISER PERMANENTE
Nicole Gouldthread
Dawn Hasemann
TVAR is also grateful for
LLNL 2008 HOME
the following companies CAMPAIGN
Mark Accatino
for sponsoring workplaceJoanna Allen
giving or United Way
Josanne Altman
campaignes, and for the
Sharon Alvarez
Jennifer Aquilino
generous employees who
David Bader
contribute to them:
AT&T
Diana K. Bednar
Christina Bowers
Colleen Bullard
Stephen C. Ellis
Cindy Ferrin
Leslie Foreaker
Christie Gillison
Eric Gouldthread
Pamela Justin
Lois Kraus
Alan Lewellyn
Renato Maloles
Karen Mann
Lorie McGuinness
Cynthia Mendieta
Sue Mikla
Carol Mingst
Lori Nevarez
Glenda Tonkin
Katherine Vandermeulen
Renee Warsaw
Mary Jo Wollesen
Jane M. Wong
CHARLES SCHWAB
Nancy C. Allen
CHEVRON
Kathryn Abdalian
Harry-Todd Astrov
Robert Babb
Gregory Brehm
Robert Campbell
Joan Chapel
Mary Ciminello
Jo Eisen
Cathie Frye
Tracy Hazen
Jeanette Huneke
Patricia Hurst
Kimberly J. Kempton
Judson S. Kuehn
Rusty Lincoln
Cleone Pink
Gabriel Balazs
Kathy Balhorn
Tracey Barnes
David Barron
Lisa Belk
Wendy Bishop
Anastasia Bookless
Thomas Brengle
Nancy Bridge Foster
Kimberly Budil
Tammy Carlson
Steven Chan
Gayle Christiansen
Debra Christy
Lucinda Clark
Terry Contreras
David Counts
Bruce Crawford
Janna Daly
Shannon Damanti
Sheri Ann Dante
Margaret Dempster
Edna Didwall
Rebecca Failor
Lawrence Ferderber
Dixie Finley
Robert Foerschler
Karen Foscalina
Hugh Gregg
Roger Grimm
Jeffrey Hagerty
Edward L. Hartouni
Heather Harvey
Stephen Hatchett
Van Henson
Hope Ishii
Rachelle Jeppson
Kent Johnson
Jim Kapsales
Charlotte King
David Knapp
Keenanne Knapp
Arthur Kobayashi
Scott Kohn
Barbara Koyama
Mary LeBlanc
Stephan Letts
Robin Lowell
Charalynn Macedo
Kathy McCullough
Bonnie McDonald
Randall McEachern
Mary McInerney
Larry McMichael
Michael Merritt
Candace Miranda
Nicole Molau
Nancy Montgomery
Cherry Murray
Daniel Nikkel
Cynthia Nitta
Mike Ong
Philip Pagoria
Pamela Passanisi
Laura Phair
Brenda Pobanz
Jane Randolph
Timothy Rau
Joyce Ray
Donna Raziano
Elizabeth Reid
David Richards
Desiree Rigdon
Gregory Rogowski
Gary Ross
Robert Schmidt
John Scott
Lynda Seaver
Barbara Seymour
David Shaughnessy
Michael Shaw
Michael Sheaffer
Rea Simpson
Kenneth Skulina
Brian Spears
Susan Springer
Anne Stark
Ann Stephens
Linda Stuart
Bruce Tarter
Alison Terrill
Suzanna Townsend
Amy Trenchak
Brenda Turtletaub
Kenneth Turtletaub
Lauren VanMaren
Antoinette VanStavern
Paul Wegner
Samuel Weir
Janet Williams
Janis Winfield
Arthur Wong
Michelle Yelkes-Paul
Daina Charland-Sulaver
Rod Parame
Debra S. Rasmussen
REI
Beatrice Wang
SANDIA SHARE 2008
Christy Turner
UNITED WAY CALIFORNIA
CAPITAL REGION
Anonymous
WELLS FARGO
Stacey Howard
CORPORATE DONATIONS
Animal Eye Care/Deborah
Friedman, DVM
Bayer Animal Health
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Chevron
Clorox Company Foundation
Crow Canyon Cat Club
Goodsearch
Kaiser Permanente
Lynnewood United
Methodist Church
Maddie's Fund
Murphy's Paw
Network for Good
Peet's Coffee & Tea
Pet Food Express
PetSmart Charities
ProAction Foundation
REI
Stellablake, Inc
Zazzle
YOUTH DONATIONS
6th Grade Quest, Thomas S.
Hart Middle School
Lauren S. and Madison M.
Jackie G.
Rachel T.
Mrs. Burak's 6th Grade Class,
Harvest Park Middle School
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue
also greatly appreciates the
participation of sponsors
and attendees at events such
as the Claws for Paws Crab
Feed and That's Amore,
and donations received
anonymously !!
MACY'S WEST
Sara Fenus
Maha Mojaddidi
Michael D. Reppucci
NATIONAL
SEMICONDUCTOR
Patricia F. Johnston
Theresa White
NUMMI
Brian Myers
PG&E
Jennifer Burrows
If you would like to share a poem or short story about the life of a pet that inspired your In Memory Of donation, contact Shannon at
[email protected].
7
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
Kudos
TVAR Volunteer Kudos
Joanne Rivero
by Erika Shaffer
And then there are the videos, where can I begin on those
wonderful videos? I don’t think many people know the hours
she spends on her home computer, creating and posting the
adoption videos.
Joanne Rivero is involved
in nearly every aspect of
TVAR's rescue efforts. She
began volunteering for
TVAR at the East County
Animal Shelter (ECAS) in
February 2008. With her
Two of Joanne's lucky fosters
extrovert personality and
relax poolside.
real sincerity, Joanne quickly
became a star at matching the right person with the right
dog. She has been involved in so many ECAS adoptions
that we have lost count. Her heart is with the big dogs
that have a harder time finding good homes.
I bet she will be a little embarrassed when she reads
this article, but even our unsung heroes deserve
acknowledgement! We appreciate Patricia’s vast knowledge
and the value she brings to this volunteer group. Oh, and
did I mention she walks, gives affection, and now bathes
dogs too!
Cat Program Kudos
by Terri Duncan – Cat Program Coordinator
The first dogs Joanne ever walked at ECAS were two pit
bull pals named Buddy and Mama who were surrendered
together. Buddy was adopted, but Mama lingered in her
kennel at ECAS, and became increasingly depressed.
Joanne took Mama in as a foster (she later adopted
Mama), and her career in the TVAR foster program
began. With the help of her husband, Brent, she next took
in four pit-bull puppies. If you've ever tried to keep one
puppy out of trouble, you might imagine how much work
four puppies are! The puppies all found good homes, and
when the last one, Samson, recently went to his forever
home, Joanne was tearful but happy and ready to take in
the next foster.
Many willing hands make the work lighter! Thanks to all
who have come forward to help when there is a need in
the cat program, but a special thanks to:
Lisa Galliani, who helps new fosters with their
questions and issues. Lisa is the main "go to" person for
new fosters who are just getting started. Lisa is also the
liaison between the SPCA spay/neuter clinic and TVAR.
Liliana Santos has offered assistance in getting pictures
and bios posted to the TVAR website. She's a blessing
to those of us who are "technologically challenged.”
Additionally, she'll make sure that our adoption numbers
are tracked accurately so that they can be used to
continue TVAR's funding, a huge undertaking with
nearly 1,000 cats and kittens coming through our
program each year!
Joanne is a tireless advocate for dog rescue and her can-do
attitude is inspiring.
Patricia Peters
by Anna Hogan-Carstensen
She signs herself in simply as "Peters," and she is one of the
many quiet, unsung TVAR volunteer heroes. I’ve come to
know Patricia over the months that she has volunteered at
ECAS, and I greatly envy her uncanny ability to quickly
ascertain what is most needed at a particular moment, and
then meet the need. Common sense, intelligence and
compassion are all rolled into one unassuming person –
what a gift.
Again, many thanks to all who continue to give of their
time and talents in support of TVAR's cats and kittens.
So many of our furry friends would suffer if it weren't for
all of you. I'm proud to serve with such a quality groups
of volunteers!
While she is a volunteer who flies under the radar, she often
thinks of other volunteers. She will notice who has been
sitting the longest with a dog outside the shelter and offer to
get them a drink or give them a break by sitting with the dog.
She has quietly warned me when she has seen Mouse-the-Cat
outside when I am handling a big dog (thank you). When all
has been taken care of, she moves on to help another animal
or person.
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
8
Happy Endings
Come and share your happy endings at the first Tri-Valley Animal Rescue Reunion on May 17th
from 1–4 at the Memorial Dog Park in San Ramon.
The Zach and Zeke Brothers
ever NOT a part of their family. The couple also has two
cats. A couple of days after Stella went to live with them,
the woman found Stella and one of the cats curled up on
the bed together. Stella really got her happy ending!
By Adopter Kristi Miller
Eight years ago, I
brought home a nineweek-old Siamese kitten
from Tri-Valley Animal
Rescue named Merlin. I
renamed him Zeke, but
I call him Zekey. That
same day, I also brought
home a 16-week-old flame point kitten from the Fremont
Animal Shelter and named him Zach. My two new furry
baby boys (Zach & Zeke) became close brothers.
Gucci Given a Second Chance
By Linda Damonte and Adopter Moira Gray
In July 2007, Harry, now
named Gucci, came into
TVAR foster care as a shy,
stray kitten from Dublin.
He bit the person
who caught him, so he
was on bite hold at the
shelter, but we knew from
our evaluation that he was a
sweet kitten who had just
been frightened by a stranger.
Zekey is a super-sweet, quite shy boy with so many
adorable personality traits. He's a huge love bug and has a
purring motor that must have a turbo-booster on it! He
loves to play with his feather duster wand and sneak up on
his brother to pounce on him and then run through the
house. Even at eight, he still acts like a feisty kitten. I love
him to pieces. Thanks for my wonderful, adorable son!
He was adopted at six months of age, yet soon had
“marking” issues due to the smells of another cat. Adopter
Moira Gray worked with foster-mom Karen, and they were
able to get Gucci back on track. Moria recently wrote that
Gucci was doing wonderfully and had stopped marking:
“We are very happy that we worked through our
differences and selected him to be part of our family. We
have since named him ‘Gucci’ and he is still very attached
to my daughter Ashley. He is very playful and full of energy
and follows us around the house all the time and is in
no way aloof!” After a rough start, this kitten definitely
deserved his second chance!
Stella
By Cindy Ferrin with info from Patricia Oliveira and
Erika Shaffer
Stella was dropped at East County
Animal Shelter in Dublin just
after she could be taken away
from her puppies. She was still
lactating and her body was not
ready for adoption. She was a
soft, sensitive soul so she did
poorly at the shelter. A decision
needed to be made to either
foster her or humanely put her out
of her misery. Patricia Oliveira was
instrumental in pulling Stella from the shelter and turning
her over to volunteer Erika Shaffer, who fostered Stella for
a month before she was adopted.
Toby Our Big and Happy Lab
By Joanne Peterson
Toby is doing splendidly! I was beginning
to think he was too
perfect when I found
he'd gotten into the
garbage can. My fault
though, I didn't close
the lid – who could
resist that? We had him off leash in the front yard and he
was ... perfect ... again! He stayed close to us and when he
wandered off, I called him back with "kisses" and he came
running. What I adore most about him is how gentle he
is with my young son. Adam is only 15-months-old and
Toby seems to know he needs to take it down a notch
when Adam is near. Toby never jumps up on Adam and
his biggest offense is a lick in Adam's face, which only
makes Adam giggle endlessly. We couldn't have hoped for
a better dog!
Stella was underweight, and with Dawn McKeown's
advice, Erika got Stella's weight up near where it should be
and Stella's coat became soft and shiny again. Dog trainer
Janice Tan gave Erika and Stella obedience lessons and
Stella learned quickly because she was a gentle dog who just
wanted to please.
Stella was adopted by a couple in Gilroy. When they looked
online and saw Stella, they called Erika right away – they
had already planned to name their new dog Stella! The
woman works from home and goes hiking with Stella every
day. She wrote Erika that they cannot believe that Stella was
9
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
Woman’s Best Friend
I can’t say Woman is perfect,
or even close. She’s not very
coordinated and somewhat
prone to dropping things,
but I’m devoted to her
anyway. It isn’t on account of
the fact that she’s much more
considerate than my previous Person
who left me to starve, alone in a junkyard, nursing six
babies. I’ve met many nice people after that, the lady who
coaxed me into her car and brought me to Tri-Valley
Animal Rescue, for instance. The person who fostered
me along with a vast collection of other furry critters,
nursing me until my skin no longer hung loose with
ribs poking out. I’ve met plenty of others, but there is
only one Woman.
I chose her when she came to visit with the two Little
Women and Husband. I could see the grief in her eyes
from her last friend, who was no longer with her. So, I sat.
And when the Little Women offered me milk bones, I took
them ever so gently, easing them out of their small fingers,
so as not to scare or scrape. Then I looked at Woman with
my brown eyes.
“I am not fancy,” I told her with my look. “I am not wellbred or extremely intelligent. I will not fetch or roll over,
but if you let me choose you, I will love you and your
people with all that I have. I will be faithful, oh so very
faithful, until my dying breath.” She looked back at me,
with her green eyes, and took me to our home.
It was not easy. The house was a cacophony of loud noises,
girls in scary dress-up clothes, and a frightening monster
called The Vacuum. People moved about in unexpected
ways and threw balls which they did not seem to be able
to retrieve. And there was the problem of the floor. It used
to be a lovely, spotted, raggedy carpet until they put in a
By Dana Mentink
wood floor instead which gave me no traction and caused
me to fall down. But it is all okay now, because I am here
to do a job, to take care of Woman.
So I keep her in my line of sight when she works, when she
eats, when she talks. It takes a great deal of effort to follow
her up and down the hallway and wait at the window when
she goes away, always rushing back and forth. Woman is
somewhat dense, I fear. She does not know about
important things, like sitting in the last beam of autumn
sunlight, smelling the clean morning air or running
through the grass with children.
Woman is not perfect in other ways too. She gets angry
when I dig holes in the yard because she has never had a
bone to bury, poor thing. When I am on alert, frightening
away Man With Mail she does not appreciate it. And the
hysteria I exhibit when going to the vet exasperates her
because she does not understand the fear, the feeling of
being left where there are cages and strange people, the
terror of being separated from Woman forever. But I
forgive her when she scolds, because that’s what a best
friend does and she needs me.
She needs me to wake her in the morning for our walk in
the quiet hours when it’s cool and the fog still drapes the
hills. She needs me to pick up the bits of food dropped by
the Little Women and keep an eye on them when they are
outside. And when Woman cries, she needs to lay her
hands on my soft head and tell me her grief. And I am
there. To tell her again with my eyes, “I love you, Woman.
I will always love you, until my dying breath.”
Dana Mentink writes Christian fiction, accompanied
by her canine darling Nala, a TVAR rescue. Dana’s
daughter Emily volunteers for TVAR at the East County
Animal Shelter. You can reach Dana via her website
at www.danamentink.com.
TVAR’s Wish List
Donations of the following items may be dropped off at East County Animal Shelter, 4595 Gleason Drive in Dublin, open
daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thank you for your donations.
Cat Items
• Cat litter (any kind)
• Cat litter scoops
• Cat litter pans
• New cat beds
• New cat toys
• Small scale to weigh kittens daily
• New scratching posts
Dog Items
• New dog beds
• New dog toys (chew bones,
squeak toys, balls, pull toys, etc.)
• Dog pens
• Frontline or Frontline Plus Flea
Medicine
• Grocery store roll of clear plastic bags
• Big plastic watering cans
(to fill outside dog bowls)
• One inch nylon or leather leads and
heavy choke chains in various sizes
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
10
General Items
• Cash donations for medical supplies
• Pet, retail, or supermarket gift cards
• Laundry detergent
• Simple green cleaner
• Office supplies
• Paper towels
• Wet wipes (anti-bacterial sheets)
• Color copier paper to make flyers
• Postage stamps
sa
t
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p
v
l
b
a
l
ai
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ado
pti
on
Visit tvar.org to see over 100 adoptable animals!
DOGS
Miley What a sweet dog! Miley is a
mellow dog who will adore you. This girl
walks well on the leash, loves to ride in the
car and has the most beautiful smile. She gets
along well with other dogs, but prefers to be
with people.
CATS
For more information, contact
Patricia at 925-787-5825
[email protected]
Emma loves to play. She is shy at first,
but then once she knows you, she
becomes a lap cat. Sadly, Emma's owners
dropped her off at the shelter when they
got a dog. Emma’s fur is soft as a rabbit’s
and she would probably do best in a
home with no small children.
Rocky
For more information, contact
Dorothy at 925-735-0208
For more information, contact
Susan at 925-337-4946
[email protected]
is a young Chihuahua,
approximately 12 lbs. He is shy at first, but
quickly makes friends with everyone. He is
playing with the resident dog at his foster
home, but chases the cat. Rocky is crate
trained and will need to continue that to
become fully house broken.
Nellie is beautiful tuxedo cat with long
white whiskers. She has a great purr. One
thing though—she doesn’t like to be held,
but enjoys being hugged and petted.
Nellie can be a little feisty. She would
prefer to be an only cat. She is spayed,
vaccinated, dewormed, FeLV/FIV negative,
and flea free.
For more information, contact
Karen at 925-829-3583,
or 925-548-3583 (cell)
Shadow was brought into the East
County Animal Shelter as a stray and was
a shelter favorites because of his gentle
way and friendliness. While at the shelter,
this loving cat was always at the front of
the cage, reaching out with his paw to get
people's attention. He was rescued by
TVAR after being at the shelter a long
time. TVAR made sure a benign tumor
was removed, and he is now ready for his
forever home. He is FIV+, which means he
needs to be an indoor cat. Shadow is very
playful and loves to play with his toys.
For more information, contact
Stella at 925-484-0289
Newman is a 6-month-old DSH
brown tabby neutered male. He came to
TVAR as a terrified little guy that would
huddle in the back of his cage. After
spending the first two months of his time
in rescue watching from the sidelines, his
confidence began to grow daily! It may
take Newman some time to adjust to a
new home, but we are confident that he
can do it. He gets along well with other
cats of all ages, and shows no fear of his
foster family's pit-bull.
For more information, contact
Terri at 925-487-7179
[email protected]
Bella gave birth to seven puppies the day
after she was dropped off at the animal
shelter. TVAR took her into a foster home
where Bella has blossomed. Her puppies are
adopted, and now it’s Bella’s turn! She is not
rude or jumpy and is not a barker. She
welcomes everyone into her life and if given
the chance she will lay in your lap for a nap.
Bella is currently working on curbing her
separation anxiety, so she will need to
continue building her confidence. Bella is great
with kids and little dogs.
For more information, contact
Patricia at 925-787-5825
[email protected]
Willem is a male, shor t-haired
Dutch shepherd about one-year-old.
He’s currently in a foster home with one
other dog and three cats. Willem is very
sweet, intelligent, inquisitive and active.
He is good with kids and wants to be
around people all the time. He will be a
wonderful companion for an active and
calm-assertive family or individual. He
has been crate trained and is about 99%
potty trained at this point. He loves to
play fetch, hide-and-seek, go on walks/
hikes or go to the dog park.
For more information, contact
925-413-9780
[email protected]
TVAR Lifeline — Spring/Summer 2009
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue
P.O. Box 11143
Pleasanton, CA 94588
NON-PROFIT
ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PLEASANTON
CALIFORNIA
PERMIT NO. 229
Phone: (925) 803-7043
www.tvar.org
Tax ID# 94-3156937
Please check this box
and return this cover
page if you do not wish
to receive Lifeline, or
let us know your new
address.
2009 Officers and Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Lisa Healy
VICE PRESIDENT
Leslie Haas
(925) 355-9039
[email protected]
(925) 216-2569
[email protected]
TREASURER
Susan Ruxton
(925) 337-4946
[email protected]
SECRETARY
Rosalyn Simon
[email protected]
Leslie Haas
(925) 216-2569
[email protected]
Lisa Healy
(925) 355-9039
[email protected]
Sue James
(408) 202 6708
[email protected]
Dawn McKeown
(925) 362-0798
[email protected]
Susan Ruxton
(925) 337-4946
[email protected]
Larry Stein
(925) 461-4347
[email protected]
Lisa Williams
Terri Duncan
Terri Gregory
Patricia Oliveira
Cindy Ferrin
(925) 216-1621
[email protected]
(925) 487-7279
[email protected]
(925) 417-1180
[email protected]
(925) 787-5825
[email protected]
(925) 828-8664
[email protected]
Susan Ruxton
(925) 337-4946
[email protected]
(408) 202-6708
[email protected]
Sue James
SHELTER DOG PROGRAM
Sue James
(408) 202-6708
[email protected]
SHELTER CAT PROGRAM
Samantha Laffie
(925) 577-6789
[email protected]
LIFELINE NEWSLETTER
Shannon Chase
(925) 998-8038
[email protected]
MEDICAL COMMITTEE - CATS
Terri Duncan
MEDICAL COMMITTEE - DOGS
Dawn McKeown
MEMBERSHIP RECORDS
Danielle DeMeyer
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Nazy Moradkhani
DOG FOSTER COMMITTEE
Patricia Oliveira
Lisa Healy
(925) 200-3766
[email protected]
(925) 787-5825
[email protected]
(925) 355-9039
[email protected]
(925) 362-0798
[email protected]
(925) 846-1106
[email protected]
(925) 381-1872
[email protected]
SHELTER ORIENTATION
[email protected]
TEEN/JR. PROGRAM
Nancy Metz
TVAR NEW VOLUNTEERS
Cindy Ferrin
FUNDRAISING
Jim Walker
(925) 462-9679
[email protected]
(925) 828-8664
[email protected]
(925) 397-4300
[email protected]
Committee Members
CAT FOSTER COMMITTEE
Lisa Galliani
(925) 487-7289
[email protected]
Important Numbers
ANIMAL SHELTERS
East County Animal Shelter
Fairmont Animal Shelter
Contra Costa Animal Shelter
Hayward Animal Shelter
Tracy Animal Shelter
Tri-Cities Animal Shelter
(925) 803-7040
(510) 667-7707
(925) 335-8300
(510) 293-7200
(209) 831-4364
(510) 760-6640
ANIMAL CONTROL/LOST & FOUND PETS
Danville
(925) 335-8300
Dublin
(925) 667-7763
Livermore
(925) 371-4848
Pleasanton
(925) 931-5100
San Ramon
(925) 335-8300
LOCAL RESCUE GROUPS
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue
(925) 803-7043
Lindsay Wildlife Museum
(925) 935-1978
Oakland SPCA
(510) 569-0702
Persian Cat Rescue
(415) 388-7925
San Francisco SPCA
(415) 554-3000
Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue
(925) 256-1273
Tri-Valley SPCA
(925) 479-9670
Valley Humane Society
(925) 426-8656
PET ASSISTANCE
Del Valle Dog Club Classes
(925) 455-4158
Del Valle Dog Club–Help Info
(866) 335-8355
Tri-Valley SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic
(925) 479-9674
Contra Costa County Spay/Neuter Clinic (925) 646-4484
San Francisco SPCA Behavior Help Line (415) 554-3075
Alisal Pet Clinic
(925) 462-0677
ABC Pet Clinic
(925) 855-8195
Animal Medical Center
(925) 456-8387
Bishop Ranch Vet
(extended hours)
(925) 866-8387
ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center
(888) 426-4435
TVAR ’s Mission
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) is a nonprofit, all
volunteer organization whose mission is to end the
unnecessary euthanasia of homeless animals. TVAR
cooperates with area shelters and rescue groups, primarily
the East County Animal Shelter, to provide homeless
animals with socialization, foster homes, medical care and
the opportunity for another chance.