News From Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter-March Update

Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter

1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501

www.alamedaanimalshelter.org

510-337-8565

March 2014

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FAAS met its financial goals

during its first full fiscal year

                        By Mim Carlson, FAAS Executive Director

 When FAAS took over responsibility for the Alameda Animal Shelter in January 2012, we took on a major financial challenge – to reduce operating costs and raise over $300,000 annually to keep the shelter operating at a lower cost to the city. Audited results of the 2012-13 fiscal year ending last July -- the first complete fiscal year the shelter was under FAAS management – are now available, and they demonstrate how quickly we have been able establish a firm financial foundation.

During the year, we supplemented the $300,000 contract with the City of Alameda with another $300,000 in individual, community and local business donations and corporate and foundation grants. We also generated over $100,000 from fundraising events and nearly as much in license and adoption fees. Along with other revenue, the total was just under $800,000. Of that, over $530,000 was spent directly on shelter operations, $42,000 on administration and just over $42,000 on fundraising expenses. A surplus of over $200,000 was put in reserve. What started off as a seemingly daunting task has turned out to be less onerous given the generosity of the community and the resourcefulness of our board, staff and volunteers.

The FAAS Annual Report, 2014-2017 Strategic Plan and 990 filing are all available for viewing at www.alamedaanimalshelter.org

Injured Dog is on the Mend: Polar Bear’s story is a great example of what can happen when good-hearted people come together. A year ago, the six-year-old pit bull mix, by all accounts a very active animal, suffered a knee injury that prevented him from enjoying the everyday pleasures of life -- running, jumping, even walking -- without extreme pain. Polar Bear’s owner could not afford the medical care that he needed and surrendered him to us.

Polar Bear was examined at Park Centre Veterinary Hospital where the veterinarians determined that he would need surgery on both knees because of damage that occurred while he was over-compensating for the sore knee. The cost to repair both knees was estimated at over $6,000.

The outcome looked grim. However, with the help of a large donation by the Humane Society, FAAS and the community, Polar Bear received the operation he needed on Dec. 10 of last year. After spending the first week recovering under the watchful eyes of the Park Centre staff, Polar Bear was transferred back to the shelter. He spent the next ten weeks recuperating, lovingly nurtured by the staff at FAAS. As of today, he is exercising daily and almost ready to go to his new forever home. Four families are interested in making him part of their lives.

FAAS has established the “Angel Fund” to provide the best care possible to help critically ill or injured abandoned animals. Donations from the community make this important fund possible so that we can help animals like Polar Bear live full and pain-free lives. Please consider making a donation today to help save an animal’s life. To make a donation please visit; http://www.alamedaanimalshelter.org/support/

“Tip a Cop” to Support Homeless Pets: Police Chief Paul Rolleri and several Alameda police officers will wait tables to raise funds for animals at the Alameda Animal Shelter from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at Otaez Mexican Restaurant, 1619 Webster St. The event is called “Tip-A-Cop” and all tips received by the officers will go to help the animals in our shelter. We hope you will come, have some great food and drink and “Tip a Cop.”

This event is one of many ways the Police Department and FAAS are partnering to help homeless pets in our city. We are very grateful to Chief Rolleri and his officers for their dedication to helping homeless pets and for giving their time to help this fundraiser be another big success for the animals.

March “Hare” Madness:  With spring approaching, many families want to bring a bunny rabbit into their home as a pet. On Friday, March 23, and Saturday, March 24, FAAS will be offering 50% off on all rabbit adoptions. Adopters will also receive a free bag of rabbit supplies.

It is hard to resist their incredibly cute faces, twitching noses and wonderfully floppy ears. They are just too adorable! Rabbits are extremely intelligent and respond when they hear their name. Just like your dog or cat, they’ll come running to greet you after a long day away hoping for a kiss, treat, or gentle stroking.

Rabbits instinctively groom themselves, wanting to stay clean and nice smelling. Just like our other companion animals, they love being stroked, brushed and talked to. It’s easy to understand why families who share their homes with rabbits quickly discover the charming companionship their new furry housemate offers. For a great resource on rabbit information, visit www.rabbit.org.

Shelter Essential Training (S.E.T.): Congratulations to eight dedicated volunteers who recently completed FAAS’s new Shelter Essential Training program, (S.E.T.). The training offers an opportunity for volunteers to learn the layout of the shelter, where to find supplies, how to assist with the never-ending pile of laundry and what it takes to keep a clean, sanitary, welcoming environment for our animals and the public.  S.E.T. is the first module of the new behavior and training program for volunteers. The benefits of completing the training will be well-informed trained volunteers working to improve our animals’ quality of life during their stay at FAAS.

Upcoming Mobil Adoptions:

March 15: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Alameda Outdoor Market, Alameda College parking lot

April 5:     1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Rabbit Adoption, Hayward Animal Shelter -16 Barnes Court, Hayward

April 12:   11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pet Food Express, 2661 Blanding Ave. #F, Alameda

April 13:   11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pet Food Express, 265 Davis St. San Leandro

April 19:   11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Alameda Outdoor Market, Alameda College parking lot

April 26:   10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Earth Day, Washington Park, Alameda

Other ways to help support FAAS

• License your pet

• Visit the FAAS Amazon Wish List for some great donation ideas.  Go to: www.amazon.com/gp/wishlist. Type in “Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter” to go to our Wish List.

• The FAAS Pet Food Pantry needs donations of cat and dog food which get distributed to low-income Alameda residents.  Bags of dry cat food are especially needed.

• Like us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FAAS09