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Oct. 15, 2009

Story Contact(s):
Kelsey Jackson, JacksonKN@missouri.edu, (573) 882-8353

COLUMBIA, Mo. Does part-time dog ownership offer the same benefits as full-time ownership? A new University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicines Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) program will recruit older adults to foster shelter dogs until the dogs are placed in a more permanent home. The new grant funded by The WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, a division of Mars Incorporated, and the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) will allow researchers to study whether older adults benefit from fostering shelter dogs.

Studies show that people of all ages who own pets are more likely to exercise and to be more involved socially, said Rebecca Johnson, director of ReCHAI and associate professor for the MU Sinclair School of Nursing and College of Veterinary Medicine. However, older adults often are hesitant to adopt dogs because they are afraid they will outlive them, because they travel too much or they dont want the commitment or responsibility. In this study, we will partner these older adults with shelter dogs and determine if the foster owners receive the same benefits as those who own dogs.

The study, which partners ReCHAI with the Central Missouri Humane Society and Second Chance animal shelters, will match older adults with dogs waiting to be adopted. Foster owners will be provided with a pet ownership orientation, dog food, veterinary care and a 24-hour hotline to answer questions they may have about taking care of their new dogs. The shelters will arrange dog care if the foster owner must go out of town or be hospitalized. During the study, researchers will measure health variables, such as the physical activity level and mood of the participants.

Fostering gives the dogs a home environment and makes them more adoptable, Johnson said. Foster owners provide a halfway house that helps the dogs transition from living in a shelter environment to living in a permanent home. Shelters are very stressful environments for dogs and moving into a home can be an adjustment for some dogs.

WALTHAM also is awarding ReCHAI another grant to study the effects of owner visitation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of veterinary hospitals. The study will measure the dogs blood pressure and pain levels, monitoring changes before and after owner visitation.

Owner visitor policies in the ICU of veterinary hospitals vary greatly, Johnson said. When peoples pets are in the ICU, they have very similar experiences and want to be there as they would if their human loved ones were in the ICU. Veterinarians opinions vary on whether the owners presence helps or hurts the animal. Hopefully, this study will determine what is best for the animal.

Representatives from WALTHAM and ISAZ will present the grant to ReCHAI during the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) and Human-Animal Interaction Conference on Oct. 20- 25 at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. ISAZ aims to promote the study of human-animal interactions and relationships by encouraging and publishing research, holding meetings, and disseminating and exchanging information. For more information or to register for the conference, visit http://www.rechai.missouri.edu/isaz_hai09.htm.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Media should contact Kelsey Jackson at 573-882-8353 or JacksonKN@missouri.edu to obtain media credentials for the conference.

Mission: The Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1943 to prevent cruelty to and alleviate the suffering of all animals. We are committed to responsible pet ownership and elevating the welfare of all animals through adoption, education, and intervention programs.

Vision: The Central Missouri Humane Society envisions a time when no animal is homeless or neglected.

• Operated by CMHS, the Marguerite Doe Memorial Shelter is an open-door shelter that welcomes all homeless dogs, cats and other animals. CMHS is managed by Executive Director Patty Forister and governed by a volunteer board of directors. The board meets monthly and invites public comment on a quarterly meeting timetable.
• CMHS averages a weekly intake of approximately 100 animals.
• The current CMHS annual budget is $876,500 and is generated primarily by donations, adoption fees, veterinary income (low cost spay-neuter/ vaccinations/micro-chipping), grants, and contractual services.
• The City of Columbia does not have a municipal shelter and so contracts with CMHS for $101,718 to care for dogs picked up as stray by Animal Control (cats are not covered by City ordinance and are not considered as stray). Animal Control transferred 401 animals to CMHS in the past year. Residents of Columbia brought in 2,666 dogs, cats and other animals directly to the shelter as strays or “relinquished by owner” in the same time period.
• An additional 3,630 animals came to the shelter from outlying cities and counties; they were supported by funds from those municipalities or from the shelter’s own income. No public funds from Columbia support these animals.
• CMHS finished 2008 in the black and projects a similar conclusion to 2009. The Society had budget deficits in 2005 ($127,000), 2006 ($248,000) and 2007 ($98,823). The firm of Gerding, Korte, and Chitwood prepares the CMHS financials on a monthly basis; the books are audited every other year (most recently by Marberry, Miller and Bales) and are currently undergoing an audit. The board now requires an annual audit.
• During negotiations with the City of Columbia related to the Animal Control contract, the City was provided with three years of financial reports and a copy of the last audit.
• The Zootoo contest win is a shelter renovation worth up to $1 million in goods and services. A committee of the board is working with Zootoo CEO Richard Thompson on a project plan for the shelter. The original Zootoo application is posted on the CMHS Web site for anyone to review.
• The board has begun a strategic planning process that will address future operational, facility and resource needs.
• CMHS works with the MU College of Veterinary Medicine: Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound; a senior foster care project; CPE exams and spay/neuter by students.
• CMHS partners with Columbia Second Chance and with numerous rescue groups across the country.
• SCORE, an organization of retired business executives, has worked with CMHS to improve business practices and review resource allocation. MBA students from MU have conducted benchmarking studies with other shelters and an image study.
• CMHS Friends for the Animals (CFA), which operates under the auspices of the Society, is a membership organization that hosts events and raises private funds for the shelter; their most recent donation was $17,000. Dues are $65 annually.
• The CMHS family of adopters, donors, foster care providers, volunteers and staff thank the community for its support and ask everyone to PLEASE PUT THE ANIMALS FIRST.

September 30, 2009

Message from Central Missouri Humane Society Board of Directors

(COLUMBIA, Mo.) September 30, 2009 – The Board of Directors of the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) met last night in a special session.  During the meeting, the board received a September progress report, discussed a strategic planning process, and reviewed concerns related to the shelter that have been raised by supporters and via the news media.

Executive Director Patty Forister reported on the society’s most successful September to date, which included over $17,000 from CMHS Friends for the Animals (proceeds from a fundraising event); $37,000 in bequest contributions; and $10,000 in memorial donations honoring a beloved shelter supporter.  Board members are in the beginning stages of strategic planning.  This process, among other things, will assess the current CMHS business model to determine how well it is serving the increasing homeless animal population as well as the health and safety of the community.  Mandated by the board, the shelter also has overcome a history of deficits that previously totaled $127,000 for 2005, $248,000 for 2006, and $98,823 for 2007.  CMHS finished 2008 in the black and projects a similar conclusion for 2009.  An outside firm prepares the society’s financials on a monthly basis; the books are audited every other year and will be audited every year henceforth at the board’s request.  During negotiations with the City of Columbia related to the animal control services contract, the City was provided with three years of financial reports prepared by an independent firm and a copy of the last audit.

Meeting attendees also discussed recent concerns that have been reported in the media.  “We were very surprised to suddenly learn of these issues,” said Maria Furey, president of the board.  “We are engaged in a very positive process related to our Zootoo makeover; our original application to Zootoo will be posted on our web site (see below) for public review.”  She added, “We continue to be very grateful for Zootoo CEO Richard Thompson’s vision and commitment to building community support for shelters as well as for the leadership of Amanda Huhman and Libby Burks who were instrumental in winning a makeover worth up to $1 million in goods and services.”  A committee of the board is working with CMHS staff and Thompson on a renovation plan for the shelter; Thompson recently visited Columbia to discuss the makeover.  The CMHS strategic planning and fundraising processes also will factor in future shelter facility needs that will better serve the animals and the community in the future.

“Our board and the management of CMHS welcome public questions,” Furey said.  “We are so thankful to our donors, foster families and volunteers and appreciate every opportunity to say thank you on behalf of the animals.”   CMHS placed 179 animals in homes or with rescues during September and 1,946 year to date.  “That’s what it’s all about,” concluded Furey.

Donations to help the animals can be made to Central Missouri Humane Society,
616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO  65202, by phone at (573) 443-7387, or at www.cmhspets.org.

Original application to Zootoo (Click Here to download)

* * *

Contact: Patty Forister CAWA

Executive Director

Central Missouri Humane Society

(573)443-PETS

Patty@cmhspets.org

“Working with Angie, Liz and the girls to win the Zootoo.com Shelter Makeover contest has been a wonderful experience,” said Patty Forister, CMHS Executive Director. “We are so grateful for the time they have devoted to the shelter and the animals will definitely see an improved quality of life thanks to them.”

While specific concerns remain a bit unclear, CMHS submitted a completed application and all documentation by the required deadline as requested by Zootoo.com for review by contest representatives.

“CMHS has made some amazing accomplishments thanks to the community, Zootoo-ers, volunteers, staff, and board members,” said Patty Forister. “The organization has a bright future if we can all focus on the needs of the animals. They have to be our number one priority.”

Donations to help the animals can be made to Central Missouri Humane Society,  616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO  65202, by phone at (573) 443-7387, or at www.cmhspets.org.

* * *

Contact: Patty Forister CAWA

Executive Director

Central Missouri Humane Society

(573)443-PETS

Patty@cmhspets.org

Congratulations to Halley Taylor! She has been with us for just about a year and has been promoted to Shelter Relations Coordinator. She brings great enthusiasm, fun and finesse to shelter events and fundraising. We are thankful to have her leading our Public Relations department.

You can still reach them at their current email addresses:
Heather – src@cmshpets.org
Halley – volunteer@cmhspets.org

I’m sure they would be happy to address any questions about their new departments. CMHS thanks you for your continuous support.

Patty Forister
Executive Director
Central Missouri Humane Society
616 Big Bear Blvd.
Columbia, Missouri 65202
573-443-7387
573-875-6155
Putting Pets with People

COLUMBIA — The Central Missouri Humane Society met Tuesday night at Fairview United Methodist Church in Columbia to host a town hall meeting to discuss its Zootoo makeover plans.

“We’re hoping to gain ideas from what the community thinks is important,” said Heather Duren Stubbs, the society’s shelter relations coordinator.

Read more…