Animal Friends of North Central WV Newsletter

     October 2007                                                                      Volume 3 Issue 2
Inside This Issue:
   Howl-o-ween Costume Party       Vera Bradley Bingo       AF Wish List       AF Membership Form       Splash Bash
   In Memory       Georgia's Bake Shoppe       Thank You's To Our Angels       Lucky's Attic Shoppe Plans Ahead
   Support Animal Friends by Shopping       Great Advice       Shelter Update       Cash Bash       Caring for Your Pet
   Cash for Critters       Quilt Raffle       Cat Treat Recipe       Generator Needed at Shelter       Our Mission       Pet's Bill of Rights

dog picture

Howl-O-Ween Costume Party

The Howl-o-ween Costume Party/Contest will be held on Sunday, October 28th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Mountaineer Mall, lower level. There will be contests and refreshments but no singing contest. We will be playing music. Contests will include scariest, most original, etc.

picture of luggage bag

Vera Bradley Bingo

Bingo is on October 21st at The Elks Lodge on Chestnut Ridge Road beginning at 1:00 pm. The doors will open at noon. We will feature Vera Bradley bingo prizes. Twenty games for $20.00; twenty-first game is extra. A raffle will be offered at $5.00 per ticket and will be for a piece of Vera Bradley luggage and matching cosmetic bag valued at $275.00.

AF Wish List

Below are items from the AF Wish List. Call (304) 290-4PET to arrange a pick-up or drop items off at Lucky's Attic.
DO NOT NEED FOR NOW: dog cookies, cat treats, collars, bowls, blankets, towels
a cat peeking out of a pot
  • Tide detergent
  • Bleach
  • Plants - low light/silk greenery
  • Grow light bulbs (60 watts)
  • Clumping cat litter - Tidy Cat/Scoop Away          
  • Oxyclean type cleaners
  • Paper towels
  • Garbage bags
  • Latex gloves
  • Very sturdy mops
  • Disposable disinfectant wipes
  • Wee-wee pads
  • Litter scoops
  • Syringes
  • Envelopes
  • Stamps
  • White copy paper
  • Avery Labels #5162
  • Kitten food
  • Chewy treats for dogs

AFNCWV Membership Form

Choose One: __New Member __Renewal Membership

Choose One: __Individual ($20/year) __Group/Family ($30/year)
Make checks payable to Animal Friends of NCWV.

Contact Information:

Name: _____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _____________________________________

Home Phone: _______________________________________

E-Mail Address: _____________________________________

Family or group membership (list names): ________________

Please send me more information about:

           ____ Volunteering            ____ Working at Lucky's            ____ Fundraising            ____ Fostering

           ____ Shelter Work                      ____ Other            ____ Transporting/Rescue

All members will receive the newsletters as well as notification of upcoming events.
Would you like to receive this information via (choose one)       ____E-Mail       ____US Postal Mail
(Please note that by choosing "e-mail" you can help us keep our postage costs down.)

Please send membership form and dues to
Animal Friends of NCWV, PO Box 1244, Morgantown, WV 26507.

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Splash Bash

dog cartoonpicture of dog in the pool at the Splash Bash The 7th Annual Splash Bash "A Dog Day in the Pool" was a great success. Although the day started out a little dark and dreary it didn't take long for the sun to come out and along with it came the dogs. Big dogs, little dogs, young dogs and old dogs all looking for a tail wagging good time! Homemade dog biscuits and canine ice cream topped the menu at the concession stand. Music was provided throughout the day by Charlotte Johnston and Brent Armstrong served as emcee and led the games. Prizes were awarded for the best pet trick, dog/owner look alike, celebrity look alike, fastest swimmer, longest dive, and would you believe we did the limbo?? Thanks to all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors for their continued support of Splash Bash - hope to see you next year!

In Memory

Animal Friends extends deepest sympathy to the families and friends of Ann Lynn Ballard and Margaret Peterman. Ann dearly loved her dogs Rocky and Charlie, and Margaret was a passionate advocate of spay/neuter reform. The families of both requested donations be made in their memory to Animal Friends.


Georgia's Bake Shoppe

Celebrate your dog’s birthday with its own dog bone shaped birthday cake. All ingredients are dog safe. A two week advance notice is needed. Call 292-7901 (leave message) for information or to place order. Homemade Dog Biscuits - Fresh weekly. Sold at Lucky's Attic Shoppe. Shop hours are Thursday & Friday from 12:00 -7:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. My dogs are in charge of taste testing and quality control. If they don't like them, we don't sell them.
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Thank You's To Our Angels

painting of an angel

We continue to have angels that pop up with support for Animal Friends in amazing ways just when we need it. We couldn't do it without them! And our heartfelt thanks go out to each.

Big thanks to Mon County School board for donating the used fencing from Morgantown High School's football field. With support posts and a lot of muscle, we will have a significant part of the fencing we need at the Sanctuary.

Imagine our surprise when Just Say Coupon called to say we had been chosen as one of three local nonprofit groups to receive free advertising from them. Be sure to look for their ads around town at places like your favorite restaurants or your doctor's office. Thank you, Just Say Coupon!

Not all angels are nearby. We received a wonderful note from Penny Whiting of Cedar Rapids, IA, who heard that we were wishing for warm blankets. The note was tucked in a big box of soft, warm blankets that Penny collects year round from garage sales, etc. Our hearts were warmed by this gift as much as the kittens and puppies will be. Thanks to Penny for long-distance love.


Lucky's Attic Shoppe Plans Ahead

picture of a wedding gown

Lucky's Attic Shoppe, the thrift shop which provides the major portion of our fundraising, continues to thrive. We currently have a huge stockpile of Christmas items and promise to have our largest and most amazing holiday season yet. Don't miss it!

We are also looking ahead to spring with a very special February event. We received 30 stunning new bridal gowns and many beautiful silk bridal floral arrangements. They are so lovely they deserve a special showcase to introduce them to spring brides. We are planning a Sunday afternoon (date to be announced) bridal party for February to be held at the Mountaineer Mall Community Rooms. We hope to include some special information tables for the brides such as wedding jewelry designers, photographers, and wedding cake bakers. To volunteer to help with the fun or for more information, call Lucky’s at 291-5825.


Support Animal Friends by Shopping!

Animal Friends is now a Kroger Shopping Card participant. The cards are being sold by Animal Friends for $5.00, which is the face value of the card. The cards can be taken to the service desk and any amount of money can be placed on the card for future use. The cards are not disposable - they can be used over and over again. Animal Friends will receive 5% of all monies placed on the card.

The cards are a great gift idea for the upcoming Holidays and an opportunity to support Animal Friends throughout the New Year by reloading the card for all your future purchases at Kroger’s. Cards are available by calling 319-1883 or 282-4052.

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Great Advice!

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

     When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
     Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
     Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
     When it's in your best interest, practice obedience!
     Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
     Take naps.
     Stretch before rising.
     Run, romp, and play daily.
     Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
     Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
     On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
     On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
     When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
     No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
     Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
     Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
     Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
     If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
     When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Author Unknown

Shelter Update

The shelter is running more smoothly after working out a few kinks, which is normal with any new endeavor. First, the roof had a major leak. But March Westin pulled us through that blunder with buying us a whole new roof!

With the outpouring generosity from the community, we were then able to pay the vet bills for "Sparky", the poodle with the 2 broken legs. He has recovered as much as possible, and has been adopted into a wonderful home. Of course, all of our animals have a "story", so every penny went to good use.

Kitten season was a real overload, to the point of having a "buy one, get one free" adoption sale. It worked out for everyone involved, mostly the kittens who will share a lifetime companion from childhood on.

With the influx of phone calls we receive a day we were pretty much forced to change the message on our service. Many folks do not understand that we DO NOT TAKE PETS FROM THE PUBLIC. As many times as that has been stated, many still continue to call to ask us to take their animals, anyhow. So, we have provided the message with as much information as possible for the most asked questions. This allows staff to take care of the task of caring for the animals instead of answering the same four questions. It was not meant to be rude, only an efficient way to save time. If anyone has taken offense to the message, we apologize. Feel free to call 290-4PET during our hours of operation, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm, and we will be happy to assist you, unless you want us to take your stray/old cat/old dog/litter of puppies, etc . . .

AND, as always, we need scoopable kitty litter; Tidy Cat or Scoop Away is preferred.

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Cash Bash

picture of a large dollar sign We are in the process of planning Animal Friends 5th Annual Cash Bash. The date will be April 5, 2008, but as yet we have no further information. We will let you know as more information becomes available.

Cash for Critters

woman holding a cat We still take part in the Cash for Critters. With this program we accept all used ink cartridges and used cell phones. We return them to a company that sends us money for the cartridges and we use these funds for our animal medical bills. And believe me there are many. The cartridges and cell phones can be dropped off at Lucky's Attic or at the Shelter.

Caring For Your Pet

Remember, cold weather is coming so make sure that you pet has a warm place to get out of the cold when it is outside. Always check its water bowl to make sure it is fresh.

Also remember that with the holidays coming, to keep all candy away from your pets. IT CAN BE DEADLY. Some plants can also be harmful to them so make sure they can’t reach them.

Another good safety tip is to never let your dog ride in the back of a pick up truck. It is very easy for a dog to get thrown from the truck if you stop suddenly or are in an accident.

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cat

Cat Treat Recipe

4 eggs
2 1/2-3 cup milk
2 TB vegetable oil
2-15 ounce cans mackerel undrained or 3-6oz cans tuna in oil
8 slices whole wheat bread, crumbled

Blend eggs, milk, and oil together.
Add mackerel and bread and mix well.
Bake in shallow dish at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Can be cut and frozen for later use.

Quilt Raffle

We have a beautiful quilt to raffle, thanks to Pat Frisby. She created “Sissy’s Quilt” in memory of her beloved dog Sissy to benefit Animal Friends. Twin sized, it features adorable dog faces in warm brown prints with bright red tongues and button noses.

Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. The drawing will be held December 10th. Call Lucky’s Attic at 291-5825 to find out where it is currently traveling so you can see it. It’s just too cute to miss!

picture of the quilt

Generator Needed At Shelter

With winter fast approaching Animal Friends will be purchasing an emergency generator to supply power to the Shelter in case of an electrical outage. With the location of the Shelter an automated emergency backup is essential. The estimated cost of the unit required and installation will be in excess of $10,000.00.
If you would like help support this purchase please mail your (tax deductible) donation to
Animal Friends, P.O. Box 1244, Morgantown WV 26507. Thank you for your continued support.
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Our Mission

Animal Friends business card

Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia intends to create a high quality, non-profit shelter and foster program, providing refuge, aid and care for unwanted, abandoned and abused animals free from the threat of unwarranted euthanasia. We provide rescue, placement, and spay/neuter for dogs and cats.

Pet's Bill of Rights

  1. We have the right to be full members of your family. We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
  2. We have the right to stimulation. We need new games, new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
  3. We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish . . . or fat.
  4. We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable all the time.
  5. We have the right to quality health care. Please stay good friends with our vet.
  6. We have the right to a good diet. Like some people, we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you.
  7. We have the right not to be rejected because of your expectations that we may be great show dogs or show cats, watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
  8. We have the right to receive proper training. Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife - and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.
  9. We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
  10. We have the right to live with dignity... and to die with dignity when the time comes.
Author Unknown

animal pawprints
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