ROGUE VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY

After the loss yesterday of our little Yorkie Beau, I felt compelled to donate dog food to a local animal shelter.  I reached out to the Rogue Valley Humane Society located at 429 NW Scenic Drive in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

As I turned into the shelter I noticed several dog pens in an open field on my left.  They were created with a chain-link type of fencing and each included a white igloo style dog house.  Most of the runs seemed to be occupied. I was later told these were the fire rescue animals. 

Entering into the main office you are confronted with a check-in counter.  I was surprised by the number of employees behind the counter in this relatively small facility.  I inquired if the facility accepted dog food donations and was assured they did. 

Accompanying me to the facility was my daughter Sandi, grand-daughter Danielle  and great grand-daughter Alyssa.  Alyssa loves cats so we asked if we could go to the viewing area.   

In order to view the cats you must first sign a register and wash your hands with a sanitary sterilizing soap. There were 4 separate rooms for just cats, some older, some sick, some kittens.  A couple of the rooms are equipped with viewing windows and have an employee inside for assistance. 

While Sandi, Danielle and Alyssa were enjoying their visit with the cats, I was introduced to Margaret Varner, Executive Director of the facility.   I enjoyed listening to her enthusiastically talk about the facility, their employees, both paid and volunteer, and the goals and vision for this non-profit organization.  I was pleased to learn that Rogue Valley Humane Society is a ‘no-kill’ facility and Margaret drove this point home by relating a story of a dog named “Honey” that was in their facility for 5 years before being adopted.  This warmed my heart. 

Just through the back door of the office is the small dog area.  Each dog has an individual pen with a common area for interaction and play time.  A volunteer, or paid employee, was sitting in the common area interacting with the dogs.  I noticed that 2 of the pens were closed and locked with the dogs still inside.  When I inquired if they were “in time out” I was told that they did not associate and interact well with other dogs so they had separate play times. 

I was impressed with the overall feel of the facility and it’s cleanliness.  If I were looking for a dog or cat I would certainly consider the adoption route offered by the Humane Society.  

They produce a newsletter titled “Paw Prints” which features a Kanine Kronicles and Kitty Korner section, along with other useful and informative information.  You can sign up to receive the eNewsletter at the Rogue Valley Humane Society website.  

The organization is non-profit so funding is from grants, donations, adoption fees and fund raisers.  On Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Tom Pearce Park from 2-7pm you can enjoy “Blues, Brews and Barbecue”.  Tickets are $25 and are available at the Humane Society office.

If you are looking for an affordable alternative to veterinary services, check out VetIQ.  Just opening on June 23^rd of this year, they offer rabies vaccines for $20, nail trims for $20, smart start puppy packs for $65 and microchip pet ID for $20.  No appointment or exams are required.  For further information check out VetIQ Pet Care.

The RVHS Thrift Store is located at 119 Redwood Avenue, phone 541-955-3367.  The Humane Society is located at 429 NW Scenic Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, phone 541-479-5154.  For more information, to donate or to volunteer visit them on facebook or at www.roguevalleyhumanesociety.org or www.RVHS-OR.org.