October 2004
 Busy, cramped humane facility in Dover has open house to show its needs
Posted Tuesday, October 19, 2004 by cvhsReprinted by Permission:
By DAMIAN J. TROISE
Democrat Staff Writer
DOVER — The Cocheco Valley Humane Society Saturday invited the public to see more than just the rows of eager dogs and meowing cats waiting for new home.
The facility, a century-old building with piecemeal trailer add-ons, is outdated and barely equipped to be a shelter, let alone the humane education center it needs to be, said executive director Elizabeth Fourar-Laidi.
That’s one of the reasons the society held an open house Saturday afternoon, letting the public learn more about how the animals are taken in and treated as well as giving information on how to adopt a pet and the many programs offered through CVHS. It was also an opportunity to tell the public of the CVHS future plans to one day build a more modern building and its need for funding to do it.
The building is a busy and cramped place. For example, over 1,200 cats moved through the place last year. Many are strays, while many are turned by their owners for one reason or another. Upon arrival, each cat must go through a series of tests.
The space issue impacts dogs the most. In one room there are 16 kennels, normally fully occupied with dogs pawing and barking, seemingly asking "pick me." But not every dog that makes it to the shelter is healthy.
"The most difficult thing impacting the animals is just not having enough space," Fourar-Laidi said.
A separate room in the back has several kennels for dogs being treated for both physical and behavioral problems. The room also houses the washer and dryer. Heavy smoke from a small fire inside a dryer three years ago forced the evacuation of every dog in the room, as well as over 75 cats in the adjacent room.
There is a small space outside of the property for the dogs to let loose, but no space for potential owners to hang out with the dog before making a decision. Instead, they have to take a walk with the dog along the road to get to know them. It’s the same road that wraps around the new county jail complex.
The new facility would have to be built sort of like a mini-hospital, meaning it would need to be easy to clean. The current facility actually traps bacteria in the wood. It would take place in four phases, first with a land fund, then a building fund. The building itself could cost up to $2 million.
Visitors on Saturday were also given information on the many volunteer projects at the shelter, including the Pet Care Project, where poster poodles Nolan and Nikki were on hand. Their owner died leaving them orphans. Money donated to this fund would help take care of animals in their situation. Nolan recently had a tumor removed.
Then there’s the foster home program, where families can take in animals to look after while they await adoption. The shelter just started a Humane Education program, where it will reach out to schools and the community to teach about pet care and safety as well as the role of CVHS.
For visitors who simply want to adopt any of the variety of McTabby’s or K-9’s, the staff will work to match owners with suitable pets. There is usually a one or two day waiting period.
The Cocheco Valley Humane Society is located at 262 County Farm Road and can be reached at 749-5322 for more information on adoptions and programs.
Democrat Staff Writer Damian Troise can be reached at 742-4455, Ext. 5310, or [email protected]
© 2004 Geo. J. Foster Company
Seeking Crafters for Craft Fair to Benefit CVHSPosted Monday, October 11, 2004 by cvhsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RUN TIME: October 4 – Oct 31
Contact:
Mary Lou Hendrick
Cocheco Valley Humane Society
Office: (603) 742-3519
Seeking Crafters for Craft Fair to Benefit CVHS
Exhibitors of handcrafted items are needed for the Crafters for Critters Fair to benefit Cocheco Valley Humane Society. The fair will be held on November 27 from 9:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church in Somersworth.
Proceeds from exhibitor space rentals and food concessions will go directly to caring for homeless pets at CVHS. Spaces will accommodate up to an 8 foot by 30 inch table and are $50 with or without electricity. Those interested in exhibiting may call Angela Elliott at (603) 755-3567 or E-mail [email protected].
Holiday decorations and gift-wrapping paper and ribbons are also needed. If you’d like to donate, please call (603) 516-0066. Donations of gift certificates and new items made of non-animal materials are also needed and can be dropped off at CVHS at 262 County Farm Road, Dover by November 15.
See you at the fair!
# # #
|
