| Last Fall we celebrated on 10th anniversary as a humane society, and it was with a sense of accomplishment we reviewed our programs and campaigns past and present that have not only saved but enriched the lives of so many of our animal and human friends. It was with dedication and sizable effort that we won a new municipal animal shelter for the Tri-City area in its centralized location. With equal commitment, and again an all-volunteer undertaking, we successfully acquired and renovated the old shelter for the OHS wildlife rehabilitation program. Now with the new millennium before us we have turned our focus on the future and a new and exciting undertaking. With a track record of tenacity and success, we have chosen to move forward to the next logical plateau. The OHS Board of Directors has unanimously voted to intensify its campaign toward its goal of having the Tri-City area join the ranks of communities moving toward a "No-Kill" status with our own private adoption and humane education center. This will be a place of sanctuary and hope for adoptable companion animals not previously chosen at the city animal control shelter. As we join the movement that is catching fire across the country and as we look to ways to eliminate the continuing waste of precious lives, we realize this will only be effective it, in addition to saving existing lives, we proactively reach out to the community,especially youth, teaching responsible and compassionate attitudes towards all animals.The proposal sent to Fremont, Newark and Union City in December of 1999 for establishing an Ohlone Humane Society Educational and Adoption Center included plans for a "state of the art" facility for humanely housing companion animals. |
The proposal projected programs such as socialization for dogs and cats, expanded outreach programs for seniors, symposiums on subjects such as living with wildlife, obedience training for dogs, educating landlords on the benefits of renting to families with companion animals, summer day camps for students on animal care and responsibility, a pre-adoption class for first time companion animal guardians, and a program for those whose second language is English. We would continue in our efforts to increase public awareness on issues that cause people to abandon their companion animals, actively support legislation to decrease the number of animals born. Our vision is for a centrally located facility with open space and a pavilion-type design that would allow for future expansion. Included would be indoor/outdoor accommodations for the animals, a "get-acquainted" area, a humane education meeting room and library. As the need grows, we hope one day to have in close proximity an expanded wildlife rehabilitation and education center. In working with the Tri-City Animal Shelter, as many humane societies work in partnership with municipal animal service agencies, we see a time when adoptable/treatable companion animals that presently continue to be destroyed, will find a haven and a time for healing before they are permanently and carefully rehomed. A project of this magnitude requires the support of our membership, local government, business and the community. Moving forward, we have presented a proposal outline of our intentions to the cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City asking their support for the project. |
As the Tri-City population continues to grow, so will the necessity for a facility of this nature. We ask your support and recommendations as we take this significant step toward a "No-Kill" community. |