The Federation of Humane Organizations of
West Virginia held their first annual conference on Sept 27th, 1997
at the Holiday Inn, Bridgeport. Thanks to the Holiday Inn, Bridgeport
for their treatment and care during the day. The food and service
was terrific! They even catered to our canine companion "Katie"
brought by Johanna Pratt of Foster Parenting of Morgantown. Katie
was Johanna's first rescue and the inspiration for the Foster Parenting
Program. Katie spent the day as our special guest!
After a look at FOHO's new home page, the morning general session
was shared by HSUS and Spay USA, we were off to a great start!Planning
for animals in disaster in your community : a plan for survival
for your pets and other animals: presented by the Humane Society
of the United States: Sandy Roland.
Reducing the surplus of companion animals : an overview of national
programs since 1990: Esther Mechler, Spay USA: there was much discussion
of a mobile unit which helped to get the interest in our mobile
unit moving in high gear!
We would like to thank the following presenters for taking their
time to make this a very informative and fun day for all animal
lovers in attendance. The only regret is that we did not have more
time!!
The following concurrent sessions were held throughout the day.
Spay Neuter Clinic: Opening and operating a spay/neuter
clinic from the West Virginia perspective - presented by Donna (director
of TRACS spay neuter clinic) & Jim Spencer (Financial advisor
for TRACS) and Kelly Pinkston, DVM.
Grant Seeking: from prospecting to proposal - this session
will cover grant seeking basics including how to research grant
funding sources; how to write effective proposals and various aspects
of grant management presented by Marion Clowes - Parkersburg Community
Foundation.
Feral cat communities: the reality and the myth of dealing
with them - an inside view on the feral cat community in Morgantown,
WV and the determination of one person to make a difference - presented
by Deb Cupelli.
Fund raising issues facing local humane groups: Discussion
led by the Harrison Co. Humane Society.
Purebred Rescue: The promise and the problem - presented
by Susan Hunter of the Morgantown Kennel Club.
Public Relations: the relationship between the media and
the local humane society - presented by Rae Lynn Cupp, Public Relations
for the Charleston Travel Bureau, with media rep. Judy Alley from
Channel 5 News.
Equine Abuse: Rampant in the backyard: educating the public
on the laws and statutes to protect equines from abuse presented
by Patsy Poore, Director of Southern WV Equine Education & Protection,
Inc.
Building support for humane education: a method for working
with teachers in school systems to develop humane education: 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. - Marshall County Animal League
Foster animal care: An overview of a successful foster parenting
program : tips on designing and implementing an effective program
such as the one now in existence in Morgantown, WV, Johanna Pratt,
Director of Foster Parenting Program.
An overview of "Early Spay Neuter": Reducing pet
overpopulation through early spay neuter presented by Sylvia Shafer,
Exec. Director of the Kanawha/Charleston Humane Association who
will cover the benefits to the shelter and to the animals. Co-presenter
will be Dr. Paul Gunnoe, DVM, who will provide the specific information
from the veterinarian's perspective on the effects to the animals.
The World Wide Web comes to the rescue of animals: a new
paradigm for animal welfare. Plus we will take a look at FOHO's
new home page and other hot, new animal sites on the internet. Presented
by Steve Harron, WV Web and Theresa Bruner.
We topped off the day with a round table discussion with area legislators
and county officials. The dialog was lively and informative! We
were very pleased that these persons took their time to listen to
our issues. We know that we need to have a spirit of cooperative
to improve the plight of animals in West Virginia. We must all work
together!
Thanks to the following for being in attendance!
Del. Robert Beach - Monongalia County
Del.Michael Caputo - Marion County
Del. John Overington -Berkeley County
Del Ron Fragale - Harrison County
Jim Harris -Office of County Commission in Harrison County
Esther Mechler, Spay USA graciously consented to moderate
Many thanks to those who donated door prizes, calendars, etc.
Marguerite Stewart for the beautiful collector plates.
Help for Animals for the cat vest.
Marshall County Animal League for the cat pen.
Linda Testa "Four Footed Friends Calendar" We are sure
you enjoyed the copy of the calendar in your packet. Linda donated
70 of those to us.
Webmasters: Jana & Maurice Ragogna for designing and putting
this webpage together.
FOHO for everything else!
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