Thanks to the generous support of our community, Animal Friends has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2001. The dream of creating a sanctuary for unwanted animals is finally a reality. We will once again look to our community to continue to support the operations of Animal Friends Sanctuary.
How can you help? There are many volunteer opportunities; you can become a foster parent, you can do your shopping at Lucky's Attic Shoppe located at the Mountaineer Mall, or volunteer to work in the shoppe.
Remember, we cannot do it without you!
The 5th Annual AFNCWV Splash Bash was held on August 27, 2006, at Marilla Park. Attending were 292 dogs and their humans and all had a great time. Vendors in attendance were: Mark Jones (Animal House), Cheat Lake Animal Hospital, and Cliff Harvey (Dog Tags).
In addition to all day swimming, prizes were given for oldest and youngest, biggest and smallest, dog and owner look-alike, and best pet trick. We also held swim heats for the athletic hounds in the crowd.
The concession stand helped people beat the head with drinks and ice cream for humans and canines. Hot dogs, pepperoni rolls, sloppy joe's and Boca burgers (the newest addition to our menu) rounded out our selections.
Target, Cheat Lake Shop and Save, Towne Center Giant Eagle, Sabraton and Suncrest Krogers, Food Lion, Wal-Mart and Mountaineer Mall Giant Eagle all donated to make our day a success. Many thanks to all of our donors.
A special thanks to members of our fundraising committee Ronda Smith and Kathy Orosz. The proceeds from the event will go to fund our animal rescue efforts. An estimated $1,850 was raised at the Splash. Thanks to all who helped out and attended.
You can find angels everywhere these days - in stores, that is. There are lapel angels, bookmark angels, angel charms and jewelry, and even specialty figurine angels for such areas as wisdom, friendship or remembrance.
At Animal Friends, we now have our own . . . our Angel of Inspiration. We learned of our good fortune in August when we received a generous and unexpected donation. As usual, we were delighted with the monetary support. It would be put to immediate good use. Our expenses had been higher than usual with last-minute bills at the Sanctuary, plus the costs of caring for the Star Ridge babies.
But this contribution came with a heart-warming story that made an even greater impact. It represented one-half the summer earnings of a college sophomore who wanted to give it to help support our work. It is simply impossible to explain how that lifted us up when we were almost totally exhausted in both body and spirit. Our fatigue and frustration were forgotten rather quickly as we shared the story again and again of this student and her incredible gift. She became our Angel of Inspiration. Her generous spirit will certainly continue to move us all as we open the doors of the Sanctuary.
We have kept our promise; the Sanctuary is opening. After entering the beautiful deck and inviting entrance, the main adoption area is filled with oak cabinetry, designed specially for long term housing of cats. A built-in fireplace, basketry, plants, and antique Mission Style furniture will insure the home environment. The dog room will have only 8 - 10 dogs but they will be crate trained and socialized during the day. This will help with the housebreaking process. The kitten room has walking tracks along the ceiling and glass covered stainless steel cages to insure the isolation of health issues. A small sitting area will allow guests the opportunity to sit comfortably while watching the kittens play safely all the while listening to soft, classical music in the soft scent of aromatherapy.
Volunteer Walker Guffey completed a major component for us as a part of his Eagle Scout Project. It is a self-contained feral cat condo, made of PVC pipe and wood with a door and nesting shelves. It’s incredible! The idea is to house feral (untamed) kitties in a social setting where the sounds of people and other animals are a constant. Once they get used to “normal” sounds and daily handling they will eventually become adoptable. This is going to be a very warm and cozy environment for all of the animals. This will be the Sanctuary we have always dreamed of. These animals will be almost home, until they come to yours.
Animal Friends would like to invite you to the opening of the Sanctuary on November 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Sanctuary is located at 252 Brewer Road which is off the Grafton Road.
Brewer Road is 6.7 miles from the stop light at the new Wal-Mart or past the Ramada Inn on Grafton Road where the 4 lane road becomes a 2 lane road. Take a left on Brewer Road and the Sanctuary is 0.6 miles on the right.
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__Volunteering __Working at Lucky's __Fundraising __FosteringPlease send membership form and dues to: Animal Friends of NCWV, PO Box 1244, Morgantown, WV 26507.
Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia has scheduled its 4th Annual Cash Bash on Saturday, April 14, 2007, at the Elks Lodge on Chestnut Ridge Road.
The Cash Bash had previously been held at the VFW in Westover. Our event has continued to grow over the years and we were forced to look for a larger venue. Many thanks to Bob Doyle, Bobbie Doyle, and the staff of the VFW for all their help and support with our past events.
For those of you new to the Bash scene we draw a ticket every 15 minutes starting at 6:00 pm with dinner to follow. Each winner receives $200.00 and the final drawing will be at 9:00 pm for the grand prize of $1,000.00. Doors will open at 5:00 pm.
Oh, and the best thing about the Bash: NO ONE IS ELIMINATED. That's right, you have more than one chance to win.
Tickets will be $25.00 and will be available by February 20, 2007. To purchase tickets call 598-9367 or 292-5511. They will also be available at Lucky's Attic.
Yes, it is almost a year since we moved to our new, larger location, still within the Mountaineer Mall but for us a big move "around the corner." It is wonderful to report that it has been a very good year. Our sales have been higher each month and we continue to get many wonderful compliments on the shop. We are still known for being friendly, clean, inexpensive, and having attractive arrangements throughout the store.
One of the next goals is to open more days. We hope to begin by opening on Wednesday soon. That should be especially helpful in the Christmas season.
Our "needs list" reads the same each issue but is here again in hopes of inspiring YOU to help out with this, the largest of the Animal Friends fundraisers. Ask any current volunteer and you will be told that the payoff is great - we have a wonderful time working together and making new friends in the bargain!
We need MORE volunteers to work a 3 - 4 hour shift about once a week, MORE donors of great items to sell including furniture and we are always desperate for STRONG, MUSCLE MEN who can lift the heavier items. (Muscle men are only being asked to volunteer their time once a month!) Tell your neighbors & friends - or put a note in your church bulletin!
On July 1, a few board members and volunteers from AFNCWV helped in the seizure of 164 animals at Star Ridge "Rescue" in Hazelton, WV. After waiting 3 hours at the Preston County Pound we suited up in hazmat suits, gloves, masks, and boots and proceeded to assist the State Police, County Sheriff, and DogWarden in capturing these animals.
We will never be be the same. The animals were kept in various "pens" filled with feces and decay. There were no visible signs of food or water. One by one we brought them out to Dr. Kelley Owen for a general assessment, photographed, and catalogued each and every baby. Most were strving and covered in filth with a smell so pungent it was hard to breathe at times. At least 34 had to be euthanized on the spot due to various health issues, many covered in maggots.
AF took 21 animals to a temporary shelter (what a stinky ride home THAT was!) then fostered most of them out after 2 weeks of intensive de-working, grooming, nutrition, and socialization. Several were moved to another temporary shelter which will be the garage/storage area at the Sanctuary. All but 2 have been adopted into very special foreverhomes where they will never have to worry about food, water, or love.
We thank all of the volunteers who courageously assisted in this effort. It was probably the most haunting task we will ever have to do. It was devastating to our spirits, and I know we will never be the same.