Spayed and neutered:  914 cats, 270 of whom were feral.  Of the total number of cats, 523 were female and 391 male.  In addition, we spayed and neutered 110 dogs, of whom 62 were female and 48 male.  This brings our grand total of animals spayed and neutered in Tillamook County throughout 2011 to 1,024.  WOW!

Adopted: 211 cats and 8 dogs through the United Paws foster program.

Adoptions:  In February United Paws was faced with two potentially difficult adoptions.  Three ex-breeder dogs were surrendered to us in bad shape, the oldest being 12, and homes had to be found within 2 weeks.  What a challenge!  To find a home for an un-socialized 12-year-old ex-breeder female.  Nevertheless, with lots of media coverage and extensive networking, all 3 found great homes.  A woman died, leaving behind 3 adult cats who would have nowhere to go once her home was sold.  (Once again, United Paws urges everyone to write their pets into their will.  Pet Trusts have been legal in Oregon since 2006 … so what are you waiting for?)  Again, a challenge to find 3 adult cats homes in a hurry when we already had so many in foster care.  With much media coverage, the two Manx brothers were adopted together, leaving only one, a beautiful cat but not any special breed like the Manx brothers.  But in the nick of time she also found a good home.  Yet another situation involving 9 adult cats arose.  The lady who had been caring for them died, and again United Paws was given a 2-week deadline to find homes.  Somehow we managed, although one still remains in foster care.

United Paws really dislikes these sudden ad hoc, “You have to take these animals, or else” problems.  With a little planning, these situations should not occur ever.  If you love your pets, make sure they’re taken care of when you die by writing them into your will.  And if law enforcement would crack down on backyard breeders, who invariably are cruel to their animals; hoarders, who also threaten public health; people who abandon their pets, which is against the law; and other animal abusers, that would go a long way to helping ease our burden.  There simply is not a culture of taking animal abuse seriously in Tillamook County, despite all our years of effort in the community.

In June, we held our first Adoptathon in Garibaldi at the museum.  Thanks to museum staff for thinking of us!

Special events:  United Paws partnered with CARE in Project Homeless Connect.  (CARE is the county’s nonprofit that helps the homeless and financially disadvantaged.)  The event included pets of the homeless.  United Paws volunteers worked with veterinarian Dr. Johansen to provide exams, inoculations, and toe nail clipping.  United Paws set up appointments for spay/neuter and health care for up to 30 dogs and cats to be provided by local vets and paid for by UP.  Pet food was given to all thanks to UP funds, along with collars, leashes donated by the local sporting goods store, and even toys donated by United Paws. This was a successful and rewarding event that fulfills United Paws’ mission.  We plan on participating again in this event in 2012.

We started a new “A Trip to Snip!” program, whereby volunteers pick up and deliver back the pets of those who have no access to transportation.  Their pets are spayed or neutered and treated for parasites and inoculated, if necessary.  We received a substantial grant from a foundation to do this work.  We spayed and neutered 631 animals throughout the year under the “A Trip to Snip!” program.

In August a number of volunteers gave up a Sunday to journey south to Newport for an all-day seminar on how to make shelter animals more adoptable.  Only 15% of pets in U.S. homes are adopted, so the “Adoption Options” seminar, sponsored by United Paws partners PETCO Foundation and Petfinder.com, was held to help rescue organizations improve pet adoption rates.

After working its tedious way through the legal system for over a year, a bequest was finally handed over to United Paws in the form of the Helen Hunter Trust, which we now administer.  The deceased’s will was badly worded, so we had to prove to the executor (who had recommended United Paws receive the bequest), lawyers, and a judge that the deceased’s intent matched United Paws’ mission statement.  We did so successful, and funds have now been invested in socially responsible funds, avoiding animal exploitation, with TLC Federal Credit Union, Tillamook.  We are very grateful to the late Helen Hunter of Manzanita for her generosity toward the needy cats and dogs of Tillamook County.

Corporate sponsors:  In addition to the Tillamook TLC Federal Credit Union’s continued and much-appreciated support of United Paws, we welcomed Countrywide Media this year as a corporate sponsor.  (Countrywide Media owns the Headlight Herald newspaper and has also bought the North Coast Citizen, in both of which United Paws articles and Pets of the Week are regularly featured.)

TLC Federal Credit Union once again generously paid for our general liability and board insurance, thereby enabling us to spend donations directly on the animals.  TLC Federal Credit Union also sponsored advertisements in the Headlight Herald, helping us adopt more animals.

Fundraising:  In March, a young girl in Nehalem opted for gifts to United Paws for her birthday rather than more “stuff.”  She handed over food and cash for Tillamook’s needy animals.

In April, we raffled off 3 gorgeous prizes donated by local supporters: a quilt, a hand-crafted pottery bowl, and a cat photograph.

June saw us benefiting from Yappy Days, a fun time for dogs at Cape Kiwanda, with proceeds split between United Paws and TAS.  The publicity in south county was particularly beneficial, and we thank the Inn at Cape Kiwanda for thinking of us for Yappy Days.

The annual Muttzanita at Manzanita celebration of dogs having fun at the beach was held again in August and again was a great success – United Paws made more new friends and much-needed funds, thanks to Four Paws on the Beach, Manzanita.  This year a new event featured a “decorate your own dog bowl” contest, which enabled us to partner with the vibrant local artist community of north county.

We were present at the Tillamook Farmers’Market, thanks to Wilson River Pottery who had a booth there all summer.  They showcased a handmade pottery bowl and a quilt donated by a supporter, both for raffling to benefit the needy cats and dogs of the county.

In November United Paws once again took advantage of the local utility company’s offer to place an envelope-sized flyer about our work into their bills.  We pay only the cost of printing, not postage, and reach 17,500 PUD customers in this way.

United Paws again participated this year in the “Alternative Christmas Fair” in Manzanita.  Another chance to make new friends and receive generous donations.

December saw Santa Paws having his photo taken with good pets at Four Paws on the Beach.  Once again the proprietors of this up-market pet boutique in Manzanita support United Paws by donating all proceeds from the photo op to United Paws.  One dog visited from North Carolina, so United Paws can say we’ve gone national now!

Media coverage: North Coast Citizen (NCC), Jan 27-Feb 9, featured the very first north county feline Adoptathon on its banner on the front page.  A huge article appeared inside.  Our thanks to veterinarian Dr. Matt Didlake for providing the venue for this event in his new, gorgeous clinic on the river in Nehalem.  Other media made much of this new north county event and the long awaited arrival of a veterinarian to north county.

A new pets column writer at The Oregonian proved a good friend to United Paws.  In her March column, she listed groups that could help with the pets of the homeless; all other groups listed were Portland-based except for United Paws of Tillamook !

In July, we were featured again on OregonLive.com when a cat with cancer was adopted by a local couple who had survived cancer themselves.  Chuck the cat turned up in a feral cat colony, but United Paws volunteers soon realized he was no feral.  He had a hideous growth on his neck.  Examination at the veterinarian’s revealed this was cancer.  The cat was probably around 7 years old, and his legs were bowed from arthritis.  Now what saint would adopt such a cat?  Enter a couple who’d already adopted from us before and said Chuck just looked like their other cat – could they be long-lost relatives?  When the couple discovered Chuck also had cancer, that clinched the deal because they, too, were cancer survivors and adopted him as their Relay for Life mascot.

In December, the Oregonian website picked up United Paws’ warning about salmon disease, published by our local media.  Salmon disease, or poisoning, is a fatal disease dogs in the north-west can succumb to by merely slurping up a fluke contained in the blood of any fresh water fish.  Salmon are particularly dangerous because of their die-off after spawning.  Not all fish have the disease, but if you visit beautiful Tillamook County and a week later, your dog seems unwell, get him or her to a veterinarian immediately.  Your vet may never have even heard of salmon disease because it occurs only along the northern Pacific Coast from California to Alaska.  Tell the vet to check for swollen lymph glands in the back legs and high temperature.  This could be salmon disease.  A good dose of antibiotics (Tetracycline) should fix the dog; if left untreated, the dog will most likely die.  United Paws would like to see notices about salmon disease at all state parks and in all rental agencies and homes that allow pets.

In January, United Paws re-launches the pet emergency fund, renaming it “Annie’s Fund.”  United Paws first established this pet emergency fund in 2007 to care for Lieutenant Dan, a cat whose paw had to be amputated after being caught in a steel-jaw leg-hold trap.  At that time, we offered any business or member of the public the chance to name the fund if they donated a certain amount.  At last a generous donor came forward and requested that the fund be named in memory of her mother.  Throughout 2010, Annie’s Fund spends $9,000 on the emergency treatment of animals who would have suffered in pain without our help.

The Wheeler Dealer store closes and generously donates all leftover merchandise to United Paws.  Volunteers stage successful rummage sales in several towns.

In April U.S. Bank of Tillamook holds a car wash to benefit United Paws.  In addition, home bakers put together tasty human and dog treats for sale at the car wash.  All proceeds totaling $510 go to the animals.

The Neuter Scooter returns to Tillamook in May and spays/neuters 48 cats and kittens in one day.

In the middle of the year, a new volunteer with graphics expertise re-designs our logo!

A generous supporter offers a matching grant of $3,000 in June, as long as United Paws can match this amount from donations during June and July.  Our supporters not only match this, but exceed it by $8,773!

The annual Netarts rummage sale returns this year, netting almost $2,000 for the animals of Tillamook County.

Following on from the first annual Muttzanita at Manzanita Festival (voted by the North Coast Citizen as one of the top 10 stories of 2009), the second Muttzanita Festival is again organized by Tillamook County’s best friends of dogs and cats, pet boutique Four Paws on the Beach, Manzanita, with the invaluable assistance of North Tillamook Rotary.  This year’s event is an even greater success than before, and United Paws receives more than $2,500.  An added bonus is a visit from Duke, formerly Roan, the Viszla-mix dog found starving and terrified near Netarts beach, whom United Paws, with the veterinary skills of Dr. Henkel, Tillamook, saved from death.  Adopted by a Portland couple with a home also in Manzanita, Duke came to say “Hi-Woof!” at the Festival.  Standing proud and with flesh on his bones, Duke was a far cry from the cowering, emaciated dog United Paws had rescued at the end of 2009.

United Paws is sickened when a cat is found in August shot through the eye, the bullet exiting her mouth.  A United Paws volunteer, expert in humanely trapping cats, rescues the animal and rushes her to Dr. Cameron, Pioneer Veterinary Clinic, who finds maggots in her mouth, indicating that she must have been shot days before.  The cat could neither eat nor drink, and we sadly authorized her euthanasia.  United Paws doesn’t take euthanasia lightly.  If any animal can survive and enjoy a quality of life, we do all we can to save her or him.  But this cat’s torment and agony had already been too much for too long, and it was judged to put her back together again would cause unacceptable pain and distress.  United Paws hits the headlines when, in no time at all and thanks to the outrage of our supporters and partnership with the Humane Society of the U.S., we offer a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter(s).  While some members of the public are disgusted by such a high reward for a stray cat – “not even a pet cat,” they protest — United Paws on the other hand is heartened that so many people are willing to put up so much money to ensure justice for a friendless stray.  We make Portland television news and hope our message is heeded – that just because an animal has nobody to defend her does not mean some sick person can use her for target practice, which is illegal in all 50 states.  In fact, it is precisely because she is defenseless and unloved in life that we do all we can to ensure she is not forgotten in death.  Unfortunately the shooter is still at large.

A suicide-murder tragedy in Manzanita in September nevertheless has a happy ending for the couple’s cats.  When the residents of Manzanita notice a local shop stays closed over Labor Day weekend, law enforcement is alerted and finds the couple dead in their Manzanita home, apparently a murder-suicide.  Officer Jamie Broome cannot catch the cat he spots in the house, so calls upon United Paws for help.  One of our most experienced trappers soon catches Miz Allie and takes her to another volunteer to foster.  We then hear that the couple had 2 cats!  So the hunt is on for George, one of those cats who hides when company comes.  While neighbors are looking outside the house for George, United Paws wonders if George could still be inside.  Concerned Officer Broome gets permission from the family to re-enter the house, and sure enough there is George.  Miz Allie and George are reunited in one of our best foster homes, where they recuperate from their trauma.  A special appeal for a new home is launched.  A neighbor from the couple’s Portland neighborhood reads about the cats in the Headlight Herald and contacts United Paws.  Long story short – George and Miz Allie are back in their old stomping grounds in Portland together in a super home.

United Paws is nominated for the Oregon Governor’s Volunteers Award.  Letters of recommendation come from Commissioner Tim Josi, TLC Federal Credit Union, the Pioneer Museum, and local veterinarians.

The Headlight Herald’s yearly “Women of the North Coast” supplement features a United Paws volunteer along with 7 other women.

A United Paws volunteer attends the “Imagine No Violence” conference in Tillamook, sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center and takes every opportunity to alert all attendees to the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.  Several out-of-state detectives and police officers highlight the fact that animal abuse is a major indicator of domestic violence.  No longer can society tolerate the good ol’ boy attitude of “boys will be boys” when it comes to cruelty to animals … because “boys will be men.”

Three supporters make generous donations of a quilt covered in colorful crazy cats, a hand-made clay bowl, and a professionally framed photograph of free-roaming cats to help United Paws raise vital funds for spay/neuter.  We shall be holding the drawing to coincide with National Spay Day, February 22, 2011.  The Headlight Herald again features a United Paws’ volunteer’s article about the necessity for this raffle as its guest commentary.

United Paws is again asked to participate in the Fred Meyer sidewalk sale.

In December, United Paws is featured in the “No More Violence” ad campaign by the Women’s Resource Center, highlighting the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.  The ad runs in many publications along the coast.  United Paws is hopeful more residents of Tillamook County will report animal abuse to law enforcement.

For the second year, volunteers once again staff the United Paws booth at the Christmas Alternative Fair on December 5 in Manzanita, bringing in more needed dollars and meeting new friends.

Four Paws on the Beach organizes a photo op for all good dogs and cats with Santa on December 18, all proceeds going to United Paws.

The Hope Chest, Nehalem, and the Eugene Schmuck Foundation, Manzanita, both donate much needed funds to the United Paws’ cause.

Last, but never least, TLC Federal Credit Union once again pays for United Paws’ liability insurance for the year.  United Paws is deeply grateful for the support of local enterprises.

But, here are some of the highlights of 2009.

Statistics

United Paws spays and neuters 1,027 cats and dogs, bringing our grand total to 3,410.  2009 is the first year we reach 1,000 animals spayed and neutered.  These are animals who would not have been spayed or neutered without United Paws, because we target 1) economically disadvantaged residents who cannot afford this vital operation for their pets and 2) colonies of free-roaming cats whom compassionate residents wish to care for daily.  For many of these 1,027 cats and dogs, their spay/neuter visit to the veterinarian is the only time they will ever visit a vet.

United Paws pays $47,500 to local veterinarians for spay/neuter surgeries, for emergency care of abused and rescued cats and dogs, and for medical care of pets in our foster program.

We give 145 abandoned, homeless cats and dogs a “second chance” through our foster program and monthly Adoptathon afternoons in the Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 East Third Street, Tillamook.

Volunteers and friends of United Paws supply more than $4,000 in pet food to the county’s economically disadvantaged pet owners.

Neuter Scooter Returns

Following the 2008 success of our first sponsorship of the Neuter Scooter, a MASH feline sterilization unit, naturally we invite this veterinary team to return to Tillamook to continue the good work.  In February, the Neuter Scooter spays and neuters a record 134 cats and kittens in one day; we ask them to come again in June, when they again sterilize over 100 kitties in one day.  Then they suggest they visit one more time in September – we had very little notice to alert Tillamookians – nevertheless 95 cats and kittens are sterilized that day.  We’ll be asking the Neuter Scooter to come as often as they can throughout 2010 … and as long as we have funds to foot the bills of those in need.

Highs and Lows of 2009

After a life of hell, Roan lands on a velvet cushion

The high spot of the United Paws’ year has to be Roan.  The terrified young dog was seen for a week on Netarts Beach, evidently starving.  Finally he made it to someone’s garden, but was convulsing with diarrhea and vomiting so badly, that the man whose garden he showed up in wonders if he should shoot the poor dog to end his misery immediately.  Instead, Roan ends up at Tillamook Veterinary Clinic, where he’s diagnosed with a terrible disease starving dogs pick up from eating garbage.  Within a day of being given the right medicine, Roan is on the mend.  Bloodwork reveals he’s riddled with parasites, but his vital organs are functioning.  While Roan is nursed back to health, puts on weight, and slowly loses his terror of humans, especially men, United Paws sets about finding him the best home we can – and do we ever succeed!  After an unbearable life, Roan now lives it up in the lap of luxury, commuting between Manzanita and Portland.

Cat shooting continues

The low spot of United Paws’ year is the shooting of Justine, a free-roaming cat cared for at the Port of Tillamook Bay.  Justine is the third cat in this semi-feral colony to be shot.  She was only 2 years old and friendly.  As her caregiver said, “Justine would have just sat there and let you shoot her.”  Because United Paws paid for Justine’s spay out of donations from supporters, in a way she “belonged” to all of us.  A United Paws supporter offers a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.  KTIL-KMBD interviews Justine’s caregiver about the shooting.  United Paws places reward ads in the Headlight-Herald and Tillamook County Shopper, and the Headlight-Herald follows up with a prominent article about this illegal shooting of a beloved United Paws’ cat.  Our thanks to the Sheriff’s department for stepping up patrols in the area.

Cats rescued from domestic abuse

While United Paws’ mission does not include animal abuse cases, nevertheless we have to confront it almost daily.  A woman has to flee her home, leaving behind 3 cats the “man of the house” threatens to shoot (shooting cats is illegal).  The woman can’t take the kitties where she’s escaped to, but, while the man is in jail, she returns every day to care for them.  Meanwhile she desperately seaches for a haven for her pets.  The older cat finds a home with an 85-year-old lady, who says, “We old ones have to look out for each other.”  The two younger cats, a year old yet still petite as kittens, find temporary refuge in foster care.  United Paws spays the little ones and ensures they’re in good health.  A neighbor of their foster Mom visiting from Portland spots the tiny pair, tumbles head-over-heels in love with them, and adopts them.

Cat hoarding is against the law

United Paws’ volunteers are asked to rescue about 3 dozen cats from a hoarder.  All the animals are in wretched condition.  The house they’re rescued from is so disgusting, it has to be burnt to the ground.  Even though United Paws’ volunteers wear masks, they gag uncontrollably as they search the house for kittens and cats.

United Paws’ foster volunteers nurse the animals back to health and adoptability.

Because Tillamook County statutes cover only dogs, many believe the law does not apply equally to cats, but this is erroneous.  Cat and dog hoarding are both illegal under Oregon Statutes, and by law hoarders must be prosecuted for animal abuse.

Two Welcome Firsts for United Paws!

Muttzanita at Manzanita

For the first time ever, a Tillamook County enterprise puts on a fundraiser to benefit United Paws.  The proprietors of Four Paws on the Beach, Manzanita, organize with North Tillamook Rotary a day of doggie frolic on Manzanita Beach in August 2009 to aid both United Paws’ spay/neuter program and Rinehart Clinic’s child wellness project.  KMUN/KTCB, Coast-105, and KTIL-KMBD local radio stations devote entire programs to Muttzanita; print media coverage is too extensive to list here – from The Daily Astorian and its Coast Weekend supplement to The Oregonian – and, as ever, local Cable TV helps us advertise this grand event.

At the end of a great day, the city of Manzanita then presents United Paws with another check in appreciation of all the work we do for the county’s dogs and cats.

Muttzanita promises to become a fixture in the summer calendar of happenings you can’t miss at the coast.

PETCO Foundation’s in-kind donation

While PETCO Foundation has been generous to United Paws over the years by donating funds toward our spay/neuter efforts, we decide to write a grant asking for an in-kind donation of pet food because, throughout 2009, we receive more calls for help from needy folk to feed their pets.  PETCO comes through with a large donation of dry and canned cat and dog, kitten and puppy chow and kibbles for us to distribute to those Tillamook County residents struggling during the recession to feed their beloved pets adequately.

More purrs ‘n’ wags

United Paws partners with Bay City Arts Center to put on a successful fundraising art show.  Thank you to all gifted artists who contributed their work!

In April, we invite Tillamook Animal Shelter (TAS) to join us at our Adoptathons to showcase dogs turned in by Animal Control to TAS.  We also offer assistance to TAS to help advertise and place the dogs.  United Paws looks forward to continuing this relationship with TAS to help all Tillamook County’s companion animals find good, “forever” homes they so richly deserve.

A beautiful cat-themed quilt created by Barbara Trout of KTIL-KMBD raises more welcome funds for United Paws.

United Paws continues to receive local support in the form of grants from Nehalem’s Hope Chest, the Eugene Schmuck Foundation, Nehalem Bay Garden Club, among others.  And once again, TLC Federal Credit Union, Tillamook, donates the cost of our liability insurance and pays for full-page ads of United Paws’ animals for adoption in the Headlight-Herald.  TLC Federal Credit Union is a truly generous supporter.

We renew our membership with the Tillamook Bequest Coalition.

We continue speaking engagements, such as before Tillamook Rotary, to “educate” more residents about how we help the community.

United Paws again takes advantage of the People’s Utility District’s offer to mail appeals for funds in one of their monthly bills, which go out to 17,400 customers.  All we have to pay for is printing, which is more than covered by donations in response.

Volunteers staff a booth at Tillamook County Fair.

In July we buy a digital frame to showcase cats and dogs for adoption, which proves to be a great asset at all tabling events.  Pictures of our animals pass across the screen continuously and are a sure talking-point.

Volunteers staff a booth at the Christmas Alternative Fair in Manzanita.  Rather than buy unwanted plastic gifts for friends and relatives, alternative fairs encourage visitors to donate in a friend or relative’s name to a worthy cause.  United Paws raises much needed cash, makes more friends for the animals, and decides this is well worth doing again next year and every year.

2010

We look forward to another successful year in 2010.

Our grants and awards were close to $14,000 in 2007; in 2008, we received $21,968 in grants and awards.  Nearly half of our income came from out of county, but some undoubtedly from people owning second homes in Tillamook County.

Expenditures

Less than 5% of our income went toward administrative costs (our liability insurance is reimbursed by TLC Federal Credit Union) since this is an all-volunteer grass roots organization. Not only are we not paid, most of the United Paws volunteers pay out of their pocket for many expenditures.

Nearly $41,000 was paid out last year to local veterinarians, thus boosting the county economy, much of these dollars coming from out of county.

Spay / Neuter Program

The spay/neuter program is maintained by one person who responds to a hotline call for assistance. The spay/neuter volunteer negotiates every single authorization; while this may seem inefficient compared with other groups, such as Feral Cat Coalition that has set policies, we feel it is vital in our small community – if UP were to insist that every client pay a set amount, many animals simply would not be sterilized.

Since January 1, 2009, United Paws has approved 193 cats and dogs for spay/neuter. United Paws (UP) sterilized 848 animals in 2008; throughout the whole of 2007 we sterilized 656.  Our total number now stands at 2,562 (2/20/09).  This number does include the 110 cats spayed/neutered by the August 2008 Neuterscooter mobile clinic and the 134 cats spayed/neutered at the clinic’s February 2009 event.  We helped 172 needy residents of Tillamook County to spay and neuter their companion animals; we assisted 157 residents, many of whom are the economically disadvantaged, to sterilize feral cats they care for; and we spayed and neutered 71 animals adopted from our foster program

Rescue / Foster / Adoption Program

This is the program which fluctuates a lot with volunteers, increasing, then decreasing their time commitment. It was never the original goal of the two United Paws “founders” to take on such an ambitious program; while rewarding it is a stressful burnout situation as there are no county resources for volunteers to fall back on. It knows no boundaries and the requests for help are endless. It takes a lot of creativity to come up with hopeful solutions for animals in crises. Somehow, the answers seem to come for the most part. This year 163 animals were adopted. Of this number 10 were dogs.

The adoption program is formalized, with foster guidelines, applications to adopt, references checked, adoptathons held, adoption fees applied to cover spay/neuter, inoculations/worming/fleas/mites.  With no foster homes available, self-fostering is the offered option, which includes spay/neuter, various advertising, and the live adoptathon. Additionally, volunteers will screen applicants for self-fostered homes, although the home has the last say where the animal will go.

2009 & Beyond

UP intends to continue offering financial assistance for spay/neuter, because clearly need continues; and, given the economic situation everyone is facing, we can expect more cries for help.  We are committed to feral cats and will continue to do everything we possibly can for them, they are so friendless and endure such harsh lives.  We shall continue to respond to emergency situations involving companion animal suffering as we are able.

The future for United Paws?  This all volunteer, grass roots organization has grown beyond all expectations. It has proven that a few people can make a difference in a county where before, there was no real resource for its cats and dogs. The message of spay/neuter continues to spread. People who once picked up a free kitten at the grocery store now are willing to pay small adoption fees.

United Paws depends solely upon private donations, grants, awards for its existence. In this very difficult global and national economy, can United Paws survive?  We are hopeful!

United Paws of Tillamook Income for 2008 exceeded 2007 Income. In 2007, we brought income in of $45,022 and this year we outdid ourselves with income of $58,787, even as the economy has gone “south.”  From this standpoint, United Paws continues to be successful.

Our grants and awards were close to $14,000 in 2007; in 2008, we received $21,968 in grants and awards.  Nearly half of our income came from out of county, but some undoubtedly from people owning second homes in Tillamook County.

Expenditures

Less than 5% of our income went toward administrative costs (our liability insurance is reimbursed by TLC Federal Credit Union) since this is an all-volunteer grass roots organization. Not only are we not paid, most of the United Paws volunteers pay out of their pocket for many expenditures.

Nearly $41,000 was paid out last year to local veterinarians, thus boosting the county economy, much of these dollars coming from out of county.

Spay / Neuter Program

The spay/neuter program is maintained by one person who responds to a hotline call for assistance. The spay/neuter volunteer negotiates every single authorization; while this may seem inefficient compared with other groups, such as Feral Cat Coalition that has set policies, we feel it is vital in our small community – if UP were to insist that every client pay a set amount, many animals simply would not be sterilized.

Since January 1, 2009, United Paws has approved 193 cats and dogs for spay/neuter. United Paws (UP) sterilized 848 animals in 2008; throughout the whole of 2007 we sterilized 656.  Our total number now stands at 2,562 (2/20/09).  This number does include the 110 cats spayed/neutered by the August 2008 Neuterscooter mobile clinic and the 134 cats spayed/neutered at the clinic’s February 2009 event.  We helped 172 needy residents of Tillamook County to spay and neuter their companion animals; we assisted 157 residents, many of whom are the economically disadvantaged, to sterilize feral cats they care for; and we spayed and neutered 71 animals adopted from our foster program.

Rescue / Foster / Adoption Program

This is the program which fluctuates a lot with volunteers, increasing, then decreasing their time commitment. It was never the original goal of the two United Paws “founders” to take on such an ambitious program; while rewarding it is a stressful burnout situation as there are no county resources for volunteers to fall back on. It knows no boundaries and the requests for help are endless. It takes a lot of creativity to come up with hopeful solutions for animals in crises. Somehow, the answers seem to come for the most part. This year 163 animals were adopted. Of this number 10 were dogs.

The adoption program is formalized, with foster guidelines, applications to adopt, references checked, adoptathons held, adoption fees applied to cover spay/neuter, inoculations/worming/fleas/mites.  With no foster homes available, self-fostering is the offered option, which includes spay/neuter, various advertising, and the live adoptathon. Additionally, volunteers will screen applicants for self-fostered homes, although the home has the last say where the animal will go.

2009 & Beyond

UP intends to continue offering financial assistance for spay/neuter, because clearly need continues; and, given the economic situation everyone is facing, we can expect more cries for help.  We are committed to feral cats and will continue to do everything we possibly can for them, they are so friendless and endure such harsh lives.  We shall continue to respond to emergency situations involving companion animal suffering as we are able.

The future for United Paws?  This all volunteer, grass roots organization has grown beyond all expectations. It has proven that a few people can make a difference in a county where before, there was no real resource for its cats and dogs. The message of spay/neuter continues to spread. People who once picked up a free kitten at the grocery store now are willing to pay small adoption fees.

United Paws depends solely upon private donations, grants, awards for its existence. In this very difficult global and national economy, can United Paws survive?  We are hopeful!

2010 Federal Tax Return & State CT-12 Form

2009

2009 Federal Tax 990 Narrative (PDF)

2009 Federal Tax 990 Narrative (DOC)

2009 Federal Tax Return (PDF)

2008

Click here for our IRS 990 for for tax year 2008.

2007

Click here for our IRS 990 form for tax year 2007.

Meet some of our volunteers & staff

Patricia Bumgarner, Co-Founder, Board Member & Operations Officer

Work experience:  Since retiring from an administrative position with the nonprofit Oregon Dairy Products Commission and Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, she has, until 2011, voluntarily worked fulltime for United Paws of Tillamook, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, that she co-founded with Christine Watt in 2003.  While in Portland, she was also a volunteer for 2 years at the Cat Adoption Team (C.A.T.), Sherwood, Oregon, a non-profit no-kill cat shelter. During that time, she not only worked hands-on within the shelter and with the cats, helping to design and create a better less stressful physical environment for the animals, but also set up its first mailing list, printed and sent out its first newsletter and sat on the inner council setting policy and procedures.  It was here that she and others became acutely aware of the urgent need for spay/neuter to deal with cat over-population, as well as the high veterinary costs a shelter or group can incur in its efforts to succeed. Shelters simply “fill up!” Before that, she was a buyer in high-tech manufacturing and worked for the City Council of San Diego. Experienced in administration, print & MRO purchasing, event planning, marketing, policy & procedures, and non-profit organizations.

Education: B.A., Sociology, University of California San Diego . Post graduate classes from U.C. Berkeley.

Personal:  Born, Seattle; grew up, Idaho, 15 years in southern California, 10 years Portland.  At present, two very beloved rescued cats and one very beloved rescued dog share their home with her and with her husband. Quilting, book club, walking.

Cate Mayer, Board Member & Treasurer

Work experience: TLC Federal Credit Union, Executive Vice President of I.T. – 2007 to current. Public Relations, Compliance, Manager, 1998-2007.  First Interstate/Wells Fargo Bank, Fraud Investigations, Loan Processor, Operations and Branch Manager, 1972-1998.  As a board member for United Paws, Cate has proven invaluable both with her strong banking and computer experience and her long-time connections and ties with Tillamook County’s most influential residents and businesses.  Cate also serves on the Tillamook Pioneer Museum Board.

Education: Attended University of Idaho and Oregon State University

Personal: Having been an “animal person” all of her life, she has fostered many cats and dogs and has made a commitment to do whatever she can to help animals lead a better life.  She and her husband enjoy their pets, music, and biking.

Ed Armstrong,  Board Member

Work Experience: Taught Biology at Tigard High School from 1975-1978, CEO of Culligan Water Treatment from 1978-1985, Owned and Operated Landscaping Business from 1985-1990, Washington County ESD: 1990-1991 Alternative Education Program (OYCC), Forest Grove School District :1991-1995 Alternative Teacher/Biology/Credit Recovery, Tillamook School District: 1995-2000  Regional Coordinator/ Director of Tillamook Education Consortium, Canby School District: 2000-03 Research and Development Director, Tillamook School District: 2003-Present  Grants and Foundation Director, Served on Forest Grove School Board from 1985-1990

Volunteer / Professional Service: State OYCC Board of Directors : Current Board Member, President of Tillamook Chamber of Commerce  1998-2000 , 2004-2006, Past President of Oregon Community Education Association 2004-06, School Board Member for Forest Grove School District: 1985-2000, School Board Member for Nestucca Valley School District: 1997-1999,Tillamook Futures Council, Member of NWACT (State Transportation Committee),Member of Kiwanis, Past President of Oregon Association of Alternative Teachers, Ford Family Foundation Leadership Program, Vice president of Oregon Ag in the Classroom Foundation, Board Member of Tillamook Hoquarton Slough Linear Park, Board Member of Tillamook Visioning Committee, Served on a variety of Statewide and National Committees for Service Learning and Educational Reforms

Honors and Awards: Tillamook County Educator of the Year: 2007,Oregon Alternative Educator of the Year: 1994-5
Tillamook County Citizen of the Year: 2005, Ford Family Leadership Program:2006, Honorary FFA Degree: 2003
Volunteer of the Year: 1998, Business Education Partnership Award: OACE  2002-03,Forest Grove Citizen of the Year: 1993

Hobbies: Own and operate : Armstrong’s Three Rivers Nursery: Specialize in Rhodendrons, Hiking/Kayaking,Gardening with my wife

Beverly Trover, Board Member

Work Experience: She worked as a public information officer in radio broadcasting for the Executive Branch under both California Governors Ronald Reagan and Jerry Brown Jr.   Following her government stint, she was an assistant editor for Sacramento Magazine before assuming the role of director of communications for the California Community and Junior College Association.  Served as a public information officer for the California Department of Health Services, before garnering the position of Media Communications Director for the Dairy Council of California.  In that role, she oversaw media tours and special nutrition press conferences for state and national food and health writers.  She also designed, wrote and edited newsletters as well as nutrition education programs targeted to health professionals and the public, as well as elementary and middle school children. Moving to Oregon in 1989, she continued as a consultant with the Dairy Council of California for many years.

From 1998-2000, she volunteered with the Cat Adoption Team (CAT) in Sherwood, Oregon, the first week the organization opened its doors.  Helped with the day-to-day operations of CAT, overseeing volunteers, veterinary staff, consulting on budget issues, and providing hands-on care of the animals – feeding, medical care, and cleaning.  Was head adoption counselor and assisted in training others in adoption policies and interviewing techniques.  Beverly was the first media relations person for CAT, resulting in television and print media coverage of the shelter’s many feline residents. She also volunteered for the Portland Animal Welfare Team, which holds health clinics and gives away free pet food and supplies for the pets of Portland’s homeless and very low income population.  She has served informally as a consultant to United Paws Tillamook for several years, assisting with writing and editing newsletters and posters, and other written communications for UP. Beverly is also active as a resource to provide information on animals in need or animal welfare programs to her many contacts in realms of animal welfare and rescue.

Education: B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Personal: Beverly adopted 7 cats from CAT, and many others have since found their way to her doorstep.  She has recently completed an innovative “cat suite” for her beloved cats, including a fenced-in area which allows them to go outside and still be safe from predators.

Brian Cameron, Board Member

Native of Tillamook County, son of Dr. Dan Cameron, veterinarian, Tillamook.  He graduated from Tillamook High School in 2000. His photographs have been shown in several shops and galleries throughout Portland and the Oregon Coast.  He currently lives in Netarts, Oregon where he has been active in the Friends of Netarts Bay, a non-profit environmental education volunteer group. They recently received a $10,000 grant from the Salty Dog Fund, administered by the Oregon Community Foundation. The money will be used to provide educational kiosks about shellfish and Netarts Bay as well as public restrooms and litter pick up. The group has also hosted an arts/crafts event in Netarts and the Netarts Oyster Festival.  Brian brings youth and enthusiasm to United Paws.

Education: Attended Art Institute of Seattle

Melissa Josi Sexton, Board Member & Secretary

Work experience: For the past 5 years, she has managed the family Market and Deli in Netarts. Breast Feeding Educator & Postpartum Doula. Strong background in Tillamook County 4-H. Started the official Rescue/Foster/Adoption program for United Paws and is coordinator for that program

Education: Graduated Tillamook High School, 2000.  Took college art classes at Tillamook Bay Community College and Portland Community College. Graduated from Aviva Institute.

Personal:  Enjoys gardening, live music, and art.  Plans to stay involved with and committed to animal rescue for the rest of her life–especially fostering and supervising others to foster–because it is so rewarding.

Christine Watt, Co-Founder, Public Relations, Public Awareness  & Grants

Work experience:
Published fiction and nonfiction author;  Coordinator, European Coalition
to End Animal Experiments (Brussels);  executive committee, British Union
for the Abolition of Vivisection (London);  Information Services
Executive, International Fund for Animal Welfare (England);  legal writer,
Prentice-Hall (New Jersey);  language and reading editor, CTB/McGraw-Hill
(California);  bilingual secretary, DuPont de Nemours International, S.A.
(Switzerland).

Education: Royal Society of Arts and
London Chamber of Commerce business diplomas, 1972;  London University,
B.A. Honours degree (history), 1971