As one fiscal year ends and another begins I would like to thank everyone on their contributions for making 2011 a good year for our animal shelter. To recap the year statistic wise: We took in 1546 animals (up 86 animals from previous year). We adopted 683 animals (up 83 from the previous year) – or 44%! And we euthanized 304 animals or 19% (down 14% from the previous year) – yay! And we achieved NO KILL STATUS for the month of September – this is the 3rd time this year. In the animal shelter world this is what we strive for. The definition of “No Kill” is euthanizing less than 10% – we euthanized 16 animals (or 9%) for the month. A huge thank you to our staff for being vigilant with sanitizing and disease control – we didn’t let our guard down this year and it paid off – no major disease outbreaks!

We made lots of shelter improvements in 2011 all paid for with donation money. We completed installation of retractable shade awnings for all the dogs on the adoption side, installed a misting system (thanks to John Ball), had the shelter painted (goodbye salmon color), installed fans in dog kennels, got a new washer & dryer, made a community cat room (play room for cats). The Friends of the Georgetown Animal Shelter bought us a hydraulic surgery table with fundraising proceeds.

We started a new training program with our dogs called the “Working Minds Program” and it’s made such a huge difference in the way the dogs behave, as well as how it calms the shelter. Than k you to all the volunteers that really embraced this program, and helped make it a success.

We provided the community with 4 free spay/neuter clinics for outside cats. Thank you to our staff and volunteers that helped with these free clinics. We did see many less cats coming into the shelter this past cat/kitten season and I feel these clinics certainly attributed to that.

We started temperament testing our dogs – ensuring we are putting dogs into our community that are safe.
This was the first year that The Friends of the Georgetown Animal Shelter took over all our fundraising events. The Friends hosted 2 open houses, had a dog walk, sponsored the garage sale, did a cookbook fundraiser (cookbooks are still available for x-mas gifts), hosted a wine tasting, and helped the Rotary with a beer/wine tasting at their annual golf tournament. All very successful events – with the biggest event, Art for Animals coming up in 2 weeks. Thank you so much to the Friends board of directors and members for all your hard work and dedication to the Georgetown Animal Shelter.

ART FOR ANIMALS – October 23rd – 2pm til 5pm, Community Center, San Gabriel Park

Art for Animals 2011 – A Chocolate Affair is one event you won’t want to miss. Where else can you eat all the chocolate you can hold for only $5.00 admission price. Art for Animals is a success because the community has really embraced it, and donated over 300 items (all kinds of art as well as gift certificates, etc) which will be available in either the silent or live auction. The silent auction begins at 2pm and closes at 3:30pm. The live auction begins at 3:30 and ends by 5:00pm. Throughout the live auction we will also be having a raffle drawing giving away lots of restaurant gift certificates and at the end of the live auction we will raffle off a $250 Walmart certificate (must be present to win). The live auction will consist of approximately 30 items from fabulous art, wonderful quilts, handmade pottery and a weekend getaway at a bed and breakfast in Brenham. Mystery gifts and t-shirts will also be sold. Advance ticket price is $5.00, and tickets can be purchased at the Animal Shelter, Visitors Center, Framer’s Gallery or Wonderful Things. Tickets at the door will be $7.50 per person.

HELP WITH ART FOR ANIMALS – we could never pull off this fabulous event without you – our wonderful volunteers and supporters. We need lots of volunteers to volunteer to help with this event. Please email me if you can help – we need at least 50 people on Sunday.

On Saturday, October 22nd we need volunteers to help us with set-up. We will begin at 10am and should be done by early afternoon. We need strong helpers starting at 9am to help set up the tables. Again, please email me to help on set up day.

HELP US FIND A HOME FOR ANGEL – Angel is a sweet Pit mix girl that has been at the shelter since early July and desperately needs a home. The staff and volunteers love her and she would be your loyal buddy if you could fit her into your home. Angel came to us from a miserable home that neglected her so badly that her collar was embedded into her neck and had to be surgically removed. So for a couple of months Angel wore a harness while her neck healed. This didn’t spoil her sweet nature and loving spirit. Angel gets along with most dogs and walks well on a leash after she settles down. Come meet Angel and see if you don’t fall in love with her!

November 5th – Animal Shelter Open House hosted by Friends of the Georgetown Animal Shelter – 1pm to 4pm – refreshments will be available.

Tails From The Kitchen – cookbooks for sale for $15.00. Need a x-mas gift for the hard to buy for person, get them a cookbook. In the cookbook are “tried and true” family recipes that will certainly appeal to all.

ANIMAL SHELTER VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION X-MAS PARTY – Mark your calendar for December 13th @ 7pm for our annual volunteer appreciation x-mas party. This is our way of saying thank you to all for all you do for us all year. You can start looking now for that perfect white elephant gift that everyone will want to steal! Location and more to come in later emails.