Our 3rd West Virginia Conference on Animals was another successful attempt to unite the various animals factions throughout the state. Alley Cat Allies was one of our keynote speaker for this conference. We assembled an excellent array of speakers on a variety of topics relating to the welfare of animals in the Mountain State. Awards for contributions to animal welfare in West Virginia were given.

Awards went to Lisa Phillips and Emily Sanders owners Exotic Jungle for their contribution to spaying and neutering cats in the Morgantown area. Call them for all of your pet needs since a portion of that money goes to assist with the cat sterilization program! They are located in Morgantown 1716-D Mileground, Morgantown, 26505 www.exoticjungle.com. Phone number is 296-8552.

Another award went to Donna and Jim Spencer for their tireless efforts with their low cost spay neuter clinic, TRACS. They also operate the mobile van for the southern part of WV. Their continued success contributes to the notion that we want one of these in north central WV. Keep up the good work, Donna and Jim!

Laura Goff Davis of Clarksburg received recognition for purchasing the West Virginia mobile van. We need more people like Laura who care enough to do this! Thanks Laura from all of us.

Dorothea Sloan of Fairmont received an award for her efforts in cat rescue. She has been working for years to rescue, spay and neuter and place cats in suitable home. Just as an example of how one person can make such a difference! Way to go, Dorothea!

2001 FOHO Conference On Animals
Co-sponsored by
Clarksburg Knight’s of Pythias
Grafton Lion’s Club
May 19th - Holiday Inn/Bridgeport/8:30-4:30

Our 3rd West Virginia Conference on Animals encouraged us to again think about planning our next one. Alley Cat Allies was one of our keynote speaker for this conference. They discussed their TNR program for controlling feral cat communities.

Our second keynote was Charlotte Grimme, Development Director from the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society which is progressing toward becoming a "No Kill" shelter. She discussed More Care, More Space, More Lives Saved: A responsible explanation of the "No Kill" effort in saving animals. How a shelter progresses toward a "no kill" solution in animal control. We assembled an excellent array of speakers on a variety of topics relating to the welfare of animals in the Mountain State.

The "TRACS" WV mobile spay neuter van offered tours throughout the day. Additional sessions included humane education, alternative medicine for animals, operating a low cost spay neuter clinic. We are also offered another very successful afternoon workshop entitled "Defining ‘Proper Standards for Animal Care’ – A Community Perspective" and an opportunity to chat with legislators at our legislative roundtable.

Senator Sarah Minear, Delegate Barbara Warner and Assistant Mayor Kathy Folio joined us for our legislative session. Senator Minear received recognition from FOHO as one of of the sponsors of HS 2555 which prohibits the shooting of dogs at local facilities as a form of routine euthanasia. Combine this with an excellent continental breakfast, vegetarian luncheon buffet, an exciting bucket auction with excellent items, and door prizes and this was a day to remember.

Agenda:
8:00-8:30 Registration, Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:00 Welcome and introduction of guests

9:00-11:00 First General Session
The ABC’s of TNR - presented by Donna Wilcox, Exec. Director of Alley Cat Allies a nonprofit organization promoting non lethal feral cat population control through the trap/neuter/return method, placing sterilized feral cats back with caretakers in their supervised sites.

11:00-11:15 - Morning Break /Buy tickets for bucket auction and great prizes!

11:15 – 12:00 Second General Session
Legislative round table: A discussion of current animal welfare laws with a look at any current legislation. Also how to successfully promote a positive legislative agenda using local effort.

12:00-1:00 Lunch Buffet /Buy tickets for bucket auction and great prizes!

1:00 – 2:00 SECOND GENERAL SESSION:
More Care, More Space, More Lives Saved: A responsible explanation of the "No Kill" effort in saving animals. How a shelter progresses toward a "no kill" solution in animal control presented by Charlotte Grimme, Development Director of the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. Check out their web site: www.wpahumane.com

1:00 – 4:00 - Afternoon Workshop
Defining ‘Proper Standards for Animal Care’ – A Community Perspective : A round table discussion presented by a variety of authorities i.e. Shelter Director, Prosecuting Attorney, Conservation Officer, Animal Control Officer and Law Enforcement Officer /Attendees will receive a certificate for this three hour training/workshop. Great session for County Dog Wardens, Animal Control Officers, Prosecutors, Shelter Workers, Humane Officers, State Police Officers, County Commissioners. State Code 1920-12 indicates enforcement shall be the duty of all officers.

2:00 –2:15 - Break /Buy tickets for bucket auction and great prizes!

2:15 – 3:00 Concurrent Sessions: Choose One of the Following Sessions:
1) Spay Neuter Clinic /Taking the show on the road : The challenges of operating a successful spay/neuter clinic in WV - presented by Jim & Donna Spencer (HFA/TRACS spay neuter clinic)
2) Humane Education on a Limited Budget : a look at educational programs that promote animal welfare and are currently being used in the Marshall County Public School system presented by Barbara Scanlon, Humane Education Officer - Marshall County Animal Rescue League. This group has received recognition from HSUS on the merit of this program.
3) Alternative Treatment for Animals Natural health care options are increasingly popular. Take a closer look at the holistic approach to caring for animals by Diane Schaughency of Earth Bounty in Wheeling, WV.
4) Conflict Resolution: Dealing with the difficult Public: Arm yourself with the necessary skills needed to relieve tension and hostility in difficult situations.

3:00 – 3:15 Break w/Afternoon Refreshments/ last change to buy tickets for bucket auction and great prizes!

3:15 – 4:00 Concurrent Sessions: Choose One of the Following Sessions:
5) Alley Cat Allies: Focus on Ferals
6) Tour the West Virginia Mobile Van : Take a closer look at this wonderful mobile facility operated by TRACS
7) Alternative Treatment for Animals Natural health care options are increasingly popular. Take a closer look at the holistic approach to caring for animals by Diane Schaughency of Earth Bounty in Wheeling, WV.
8) Conflict Resolution: Dealing with the difficult Public: Arm yourself with the necessary skills needed to relieve tension and hostility in difficult situations.

4:00 –4:30 Wrap up and bucket auction prizes!!!

And much more.  Mark your calendars now!

Return this registration to address listed below or call for registration information:

_______Conference Registration - $35.00 by May 1, 2001

(Registration includes continental breakfast (fruit, muffins, bagels, etc.), lunch buffet (vegetable lasagna, vegetable stir fry, etc.), morning and afternoon breaks and all handouts.

_______Conference Registration + FOHO membership - $45.00

_______FOHO membership only - $10.00 /Not able to attend conference

Pre-Registration is Required:
Please indicate session interest when registering for conference - You will not be locked into those sessions, but it will assist us in planning for adequate seating arrangements.
Circle sessions of interest - choose two ( 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ) OR _____I plan to attend the three hour workshop

Anyone Interested in Animals Will Want To Attend! Register Now!

Holiday Inn is located at 100 Lodgeville Road, Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330 –FOHO attendee (use code FHO for making room reservations rate $62.00 - 304 842-5411/ room reservation by April 18th)
Directions to Holiday Inn - From North or South, take Clarksburg exit #119 off Interstate 79, make right at light (make left at light from North) go toward Bridgeport ¼ mile on Rt. 50 and make left at next light. (2 hrs. from Pittsburgh or 1 ½ hours from Charleston, WV to the Holiday Inn – easy access from Interstate 79.

Call 304-265-4731 or 304-845-6306 for more details

Mail registration to attention:
Federation of Humane Organizations of WV
P.O. Box 662
Mineral Wells, WV 26150