Adopt.Educate.

Love.

Forsyth Humane Society 2013 Annual Report

FHS MISSION STATEMENT�e Forsyth Humane Society is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to the

compassionate treatment of cats and dogs in our community. We are committed to:

• Maintaining an adoption center with a no-kill policy.

• Educating our community about responsible pet ownership.

• Preventing overpopulation of cats and dogs.

• Advocating for the well-being of animals, placing cats and dogs into loving homes

and enriching the lives of those in our community through animal companionship.

OFFICERS

Anna Marie Smith President

Julia Toone Vice President

Jon Alford Treasurer

Adam Duke Secretary

STAFF

Sarah Williamson Executive Director

Darla Kirkeeng Marketing & Development Director

Jill Kerridge Community Program Manager

Erin Ryan Adoption Coordinator

Jamie Bertman Volunteer Coordinator

Shari Harding Health & Wellness Manager

Rex Welton Public Relations Manager

Matthew Smith ReTail Manager

Melinda Mueller Finance Manager

B. Daniels Front Desk Staff

Matthew Wyatt Front Desk Staff

Kristin Hughes Animal Care Technician

Danny Rawley Animal Care Technician

Nicholas Rodriguez Animal Care Technician

Debbie Swank Animal Care Technician

BOARD MEMBERS

Donna Burke Kathleen Cannon

Amanda Creamer Jaymie Eichorn

Dennis Emerson Carol Gray

Katura Jackson Mary Kesel

Jose Lahargou C.H. McMahan

Robin Pfefferkorn Mitchell Spindel

Brian Stebbins Mark Uren

ADVISORY BOARD

Pamela Cook Allison Gong

Nan Griswold Susan King

Roseann Rush David Scruggs

Anna Marie Smith Nancy Young

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

Our members are essential to our work in the community, and are indispensable partners in

helping to end animal overpopulation. Members are champions of responsible pet ownership

and advocates for the humane treatment of animals. �ey act as a voice for the voiceless.

Membership sustains our programs, including our no-kill adoption center, our spay/neuter

assistance to low-income pet owners, our educational outreach to children and underserved

parts of our community, and our life-changing New Leash on Life program at the Forsyth

Correctional Center.

Milo (adopted from FHS) & Anna Marie

It was the winter of ’96 and I was driving along Miller Street on a sunny

Saturday afternoon. I don’t recall where I was going, but when I passed

the charming FHS facility, something drew me in. While there, I called

my husband, “Come meet me at the Forsyth Humane Society. I want

you to meet someone.” It was a bit sneaky. I admit it. My husband and

I were newlyweds and while we weren’t ready for kids just yet, I longed

for another furry friend.

Within a few days, we had our girl, a Walker Hound-mix puppy, home.

She sized us up quickly and it didn’t take her long to work her way into

not only our bed, but into our hearts. She was my girl … she was my

friend and she was … no doubt, family.

Over the years, Dixie was there for me at the most fragile of times when

people didn’t know how to be. She seemed to know when I needed her

soft nudges most and was not ever shy about telling me when I needed

to get my priorities in order. For 16 years, she was a second mother to our

daughters and my dearest friend. When we said goodbye to my girl last

year, I vowed that no dog could ever take her place. And while no dog

will ever replace her, our latest adoptee sure makes it easy to love again.

We are forever grateful to FHS and its volunteers, staff, donors and

partners. Through the good work of FHS, hundreds of animals every

year find their forever families. I’m sure glad you’re a part of mine.

Here’s to all the animal companions who support us in our life journey!

With gratitude,

Anna Marie Smith

President, Board of Directors

adoptions in 2013.�e Forsyth Humane Society's family grows every time

a puppy, kitten, dog, or cat arrives at our no-kill adoption

center. In 2013, 724 animals found their forever homes.724It was never a consideration to go anywhere else for a new addition to our family. When we wanted to adopt our first dog as a family

several years ago, FHS did not have exactly the dog we were looking for. But that didn’t stop FHS from helping. They searched through

their connections and found partners in another county who were able to provide us the perfect pet. When we lost our Bella to canine

lymphoma it was a hard decision to move forward and give our hearts to another dog. Finally after much prayerful consideration we

were ready. The Forsyth Humane Society was not only able to help us add our newest family member but they were sensitive to our

situation and provided excellent advice throughout the process. We adopted Olive Bacon as a puppy in December 2013, and 4 months

later we couldn’t be happier. — Jeff Bacon

Andrea, Buddy, Sam Robinson, Olive (adopted from FHS), Jeff, Morgan & Camden

All animals adopted through FHS are spayed

or neutered as a condition of adoption. Our

adoption fees are not a source of income.

The fees cover only the cost of basic medical

care, and the cost of the animal being spayed

or neutered.

Marvin, Milo (FHS foster - adopted) & Linda

During the 36 years we had dogs of our own we lived with 14 dogs.

After the last one died in 2008 we took a couple of years off to travel.

After we got the travel out of our systems, we wanted to have dogs

again. However, we realized that we were too old to guarantee that we

could care for a dog throughout its lifespan. Fostering seemed to make

sense, and we took in our first foster dog in March 2010.

We currently have numbers 57 and 58 living with us now. Each one

finds a special place in our hearts and we have learned that although

each has its own unique personality, they all need love and security.

Our reward comes from knowing we have provided some respite for a

dog on its journey to it’s “forever” home. In some cases we have been

able to help a fearful or insecure dog learn to trust again. That is

especially rewarding. — Linda & Marvin Scherl

The Forsyth Humane Society, a small no-kill shelter with a big heart, has become our home away from home over the years. Much is done

with little funds to provide shelter and care for many cats and dogs while we work to unite them with their forever homes and humans.

Over the years I have witnessed countless staff and volunteers give it their all and go the extra mile to provide love and care to neglected

and forgotten animals. We help them learn to trust again, while they wrap their little paws around our hearts. — Bob & Sylvia Biskeborn

volunteers. In 2013. FHS volunteers logged over 13,000 service

hours which is equivalent to 7 full-time employees.

Volunteers are essential to the daily work of FHS,

and we could not run without them. Volunteers range

in age from twelve to eighty and represent all genders,

races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.1,000

Syliva, Robert & Bailey (Tailer decided not to attend photoshoot)

During the 36 years we had dogs of our own we lived with 14 dogs.

After the last one died in 2008 we took a couple of years off to travel.

After we got the travel out of our systems, we wanted to have dogs

again. However, we realized that we were too old to guarantee that we

could care for a dog throughout its lifespan. Fostering seemed to make

sense, and we took in our first foster dog in March 2010.

We currently have numbers 57 and 58 living with us now. Each one

finds a special place in our hearts and we have learned that although

each has its own unique personality, they all need love and security.

Our reward comes from knowing we have provided some respite for a

dog on its journey to it’s “forever” home. In some cases we have been

able to help a fearful or insecure dog learn to trust again. That is

especially rewarding. — Linda & Marvin Scherl

Chase, Riley (adopted from FHS), Miss Chiff (adopted

from FCAC) &Truffles (adopted from Raleigh SPCA)

HOW FHS VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Foster Volunteers

Dog Walkers

Cat Socializers

Animal Care, Laundry & Cleaning

Dog Training & Obedience

Customer Service

Adminstrative Assistance

Outreach Program Support

Humane Education

Fundraising & Special Events

Photography

Technology Assistance

Marketing & Design

Public Relations

We have had animals – cats, dogs, turtles, fish – all my life. All of

our cats and dogs have been rescue animals from shelters like the

Forsyth Humane Society.

When we adopted our cat, Miss Chiff, from Forsyth County Animal

Control, a volunteer there helped us greatly and inspired me to

volunteer. I was too young to volunteer there, so they referred me

to FHS. I am so glad they did. We connected almost immediately

with the animals and other volunteers and we do our best to try

and find the animals homes. I wasn’t old enough to volunteer alone

and my mom was required to volunteer with me. She has enjoyed

it so much that she continues to volunteer with me even though

I’m old enough to be there on my own.

When my Eagle Project came around, I wanted to do something

for the Humane Society. With the help of my troop and my family,

I was able to raise the funds and recruit workers to replace the old

sign with a new one, remove bushes obstructing its view, add

fencing and improve the “Blue Kitty Trail.”

The Forsyth Humane Society shares the value we have for life by

providing animals with a safe place to live until they find their

forever homes. My family is very happy to play a small part in that.

— Chase Cunningham

spay/neuter surgeries.In 2013, FHS provided over 1,100 spay/neuter surgeries with generous

funding from PetSmart Charities, the Forsyth Spay Day Coalition, and

The Winston-Salem Foundation's Sturmer Fund. At 5 kittens or puppies

per litter, this reduced our potential animal population in one year by

5,500 animals.1,100 The

Tucker, Duke (adopted from Almost Home),

Messi (adopted from FHS) & Cayce

The Forsyth Humane Society is an amazing organization of compassionate, selfless people. My wife Cayce

got “Jai” as a kitten from FHS just after her mother passed away in 1997. I was raised with Dachshunds,

and found my best buddy at Almost Home rescue for Dachshunds in March 2007. Duke was two years old,

little, and perfectly “runty.” Years later when Cayce and I moved in together we were worried

about the clashing canine and feline dynamic. We were delighted to find they loved each

other as much as we loved them. In October of 2010 we lost our beloved “Jai Byrd”

after a long battle with kidney failure. We miss him every day.

After we married in September of 2013, we decided it was

time to rescue a new fuzzy friend. In December of 2013

I went back to FHS and found a beautiful seven month old

white Siamese mix little girl that we named Messi. Messi

immediately became a contributing member of the family.

Duke now has a new baby sister/best friend.

We are honored to support FHS. It’s an important

part of our community. Thank you for your work.

— Tucker Tharpe

4,000pounds of donated pet food.Community partners like Second Harvest Food Bank

allow us to share pet food each month with low-

income families at FHS and through collaborative

partners including Senior Services, Animeals, Crisis

Control Ministries, and Ardmore United Methodist

Church Food Pantry.

Daisy (adopted from FHS) & Danny

�e New Leash On Life program changed my life. �e trainers taught me how

to train dogs with patience, confidence, and compassion.

The moment you earn a dog’s trust, he gives you his unconditional love and

it is amazing. Every dog I trained helped me to better value my life, and they

have a special place in my heart.

I am now employed at FHS as an Animal Care Technician and living a dream

come true. I am happy to have given so many dogs a new leash on life, and

now, my new life has begun. — Danny Rawley

Education and Outreach programs are key to fulfilling FHS’

mission. A variety of educational programs for children and

young adults are taught through area schools, summer camps

and religious organizations; emphasizing responsible pet

ownership and pet safety awareness. A New Leash on Life is

an innovative program in partnership with the NC Department

of Correction at the minimum-security, Forsyth Correctional

Center. Homeless dogs are paired with qualified inmates and

receive socialization, crate training, basic obedience skills

and agility training. Following a ten-week program, dogs

trained under inmates are available for adoption. Pet Therapy

is provided to the community by FHS pets and volunteers as

they visit assisted care facilities, nursing homes, and

community groups.

100%INCOME

Public Support 62%

Service Revenues 18%

Special Events 9%

Other 11%

EXPENSE

Programs & Services 76%

Management & General 21%

Fundraising 2%

community funded.The Forsyth Humane Society is a local, independent, non profit

animal welfare organization funded solely by donations and

service fees. FHS in not affiliated with the Humane Society of

the United States or any other animal welfare organization and

receives no funding from other humane societies, government

or tax revenue agencies. We are able to serve as the leading

animal welfare agency in Forsyth County because of the

generosity of our donors, partners, and community support.

When I sat down to plan for the future — and specifically, a future when I'm no longer here — Forsyth Humane Society

immediately came to mind as an organization I wanted to honor and remember in my estate planning. My bequest,

and those of other supporters, will enable FHS to continue their good works for generations to come.

I feel strongly about the work that FHS does to find forever homes for pets and as a result, enriching the lives of their

forever families. One cannot have a pet and be untouched by the love and friendship they bring. It only takes a few

minutes with our pets at the end of the day to feel the stresses and worries fall away.

FHS impacts and benefits our community in numerous ways beyond adoptions. New Leash on Life, spay and neuter

programs, education about responsible pet ownership ... they strive to make our community better.

FHS has also touched my life in a more direct way — introducing my husband Geoff and me to “Seth” and “Sam.” We

adopted our boys — 10-week old kittens at the time — a few months after losing our longtime feline friend of 16 years.

They brought laughter and new life into our house, and we soon couldn't imagine life without them.

I'm making provisions for FHS to receive a portion of my estate so they can continue their efforts. Animals benefit,

people benefit, and my bequest will hopefully help them continue what they do, long after I'm gone. — Elizabeth Wood

Tuxedo & Elizabeth

community funded.The Forsyth Humane Society is a local, independent, non profit

animal welfare organization funded solely by donations and

service fees. FHS in not affiliated with the Humane Society of

the United States or any other animal welfare organization and

receives no funding from other humane societies, government

or tax revenue agencies. We are able to serve as the leading

animal welfare agency in Forsyth County because of the

generosity of our donors, partners, and community support.

Dear Friends of FHS,

�is past year has been a year of change for FHS. With your help we

changed the lives of over 700 animals, embracing them as our own and

caring for them until they found their forever homes.

Those beloved cats and dogs, in turn, changed forever the lives of their

families. And the larger FHS family grew and was changed by every one

of these families.

In September with the help of Wells Fargo’s Week of Caring we changed

the organization of our adoption center and our living quarters for our cats.

We opened up our first ever cage-free cat room, making room for 12 more

adoptable cats, and giving visitors a view of cats sleeping in window

perches along our second story.

This past fall, with the support and generosity of Hanes Mall management,

we opened our first ReTail store featuring gently used and donated new

pet-related merchandise. �is opportunity has strengthened our outreach

and visibility to new audiences in Forsyth County.

One of the many great pleasures of serving FHS is how often people like

you tell me how much their companion animals have changed their lives.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of that powerful and loving change.

With warm wishes,Sarah Williamson

Executive Director

Sarah & Frankie

61 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27104

Phone: 336-721-1303

Website: www.forsythhumane.org

Photography: Lucky Pup Photography

Design: �e Mill