Newsletter of the Valley Animal Center Volume 14, Issue 1Valley Animal Voice Spring 2015
It’s time forPennies 4 Pets!
February 28-March 28, 2015Our biggest fundraiser of the year!
Donate now by texting PENNIES to 91999!
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Meet Our Veterinarians!
Skittles (pictured on front cover)
Dr. Yoshida performs exams and surgeries for our shelter pets and client animals. She has been a Vet for two years, and has been working and volunteering in the field for a decade. Here she treats cats and dogs, but as a vet in Southern California, she treated animals like squirrels, owls, and porcupines!
She had wanted to be a vet since she was little, but after working at an animal shelter, she was sure that was what she wanted to do. She completed her education as a vet in Ireland, at University College Dublin, where she also aquired her beloved cat Daithi (Irish/Gaelic for David), who loves to walk on a leash!
This is the first year that our clinic has been able to offer low-cost wellness exams to the public, treating issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and infections.
Dr. Yoshida states, “We are a great first stop for advice and guidance for more serious issues. If people aren’t able to afford all the treatment we discussed, we are able to have rechecks and monitor the progress of their pet’s illness. The generous donations from supporters allow me to provide services that are reasonably priced, which means we can serve more of the community, and more animals are getting the care they need!”
Dr. Magnuson also wanted to be a Veterinarian since a young age, as she grew up around animals. She has been a vet since 1974, and has been a part of the Valley Animal Center family on and off for many years. She was the original Veterinarian who was on our staff when the clinic was first born from a grant from Bob Barker’s DJ&T Foundation in 1998!
Dr. Magnuson has a wide variety of pets, including 3 horses and an entire flock of birds: emus, chickens, finches, and a cockatoo! At Valley Animal Center, she is in charge of spaying and neutering dogs and cats, but in the past she was also a relief vet at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and worked on a wide array of exotic zoo animals! In her years performing high-volume, low-cost spay and neuters at our shelter, Abby Pet Hospital, and the CCSPCA, she has altered more than 100,000 animals!
As our shelter was the lucky recipient of a grant from PetSmart Charities this year to provide clients with discounted spay and neuter surgeries, Dr. Magnuson laughs, “We did the $20 dog neuter promotion in January so it has been all giant dogs, large dogs, big dogs, medium-sized dogs, and a few small dogs! We do about 25-30 animals a day!” One of the dogs she mentioned was a mastiff weighing in at 112 pounds!
We are incredibly excited to introduce our two new Veterinarians to our supporters! Our clinician is Dr. Michelle Yoshida (pictured below left with Clinic Manager Ashley Rhodes), and our surgeon is Dr. Shirley Magnuson (pictured below)!
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Age: 1.5 years Sex: Male Breed: Pit bull mixAbout me: I’m a fun-loving boy who loves to play and be petted! I came in as an owner-surrendered pet from some good samaritans who had rescued me. They discovered that I was deaf and wanted me to find a good home. I am looking for a patient family who can help me learn hand signals and understand my special needs.
Dog Adoption Center (559) 233-8717Dog and puppy adoption fee: $175
Includes spay or neuter, DA2PPV, Bordatella and rabies vaccinations, de-worming, flea treatment
and microchip I.D. Open 7 days a week 10am-4:30pm.
Cat Adoption Center (559) 233-8554Cat and kitten adoption fee: $85
Includes spay or neuter, FIV and FeLV testing, FVRCP, rabies and leukemia vaccinations,
de-worming, flea treatment and microchip I.D. Open 7 days a week 10am-4:30pm.
Age: 8 months Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short HairAbout me: I am a wonderful teenager ready to go home to a fun family! I have been at the shelter for several months after having been rescued by a concerned citizen. I am outgoing, playful, and love belly rubs!
Adorable Adoptables!Age: 10 years Sex: Female Breed: Shih-tzu mix About me: I am a sweet senior girl who loves to go on walks and make new friends! I am quite a talker and get along well with the other dogs in my kennel. I came to Valley Animal Center as a rescue from a local animal control shelter and am looking forward to finding a new forever home!
Age: 2.5 years Sex: Male Breed: Pit bull mixAbout me: I am a sweet, loving boy who loves to go on walks and play with other dogs! I came to Valley Animal Center very thin with scars on my neck from being chained by my previous owner. In spite of my past, I am a friendly, handsome guy looking for a great home!
Age: 10 years Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short HairAbout me: I am a gentle and cuddly girl with the most soulful eyes! When I first came to the shelter, I became depressed and began grooming myself compulsively. After medication and love, I am now healthy (but on an allergy-free diet) and ready to go to a family with adults or older children.
Age: 6 months Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short HairAbout me: I am a staff and volunteer favorite! Originally from a litter of four, I am quite a mischievous little girl! I love to hide behind objects and play hide-and-seek with visitors to my condo. You can find me in the Featured Friends room!
Lily
Juliet
Gem
Hendrix
Skittles (pictured on front cover)
Duke
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Saying Goodbye to Mr. Magoo It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our most famous and beloved shelter residents, Mr. Magoo.
Mr. Magoo was surrendered to our shelter many years ago after going blind from an untreated upper respiratory infection. He was tied to a porch to prevent injury, but the emotional trauma of this left him with an unusual side effect: he would spin in circles when feeling heightened emotions.
At our shelter, he spent the majority of his time in Room V, and quickly became a staff and volunteer favorite. In spite of his special needs and his unfortunate past, he had so much love to give!
He loved to greet visitors to his condo and had many friends who would come in and spend hours holding and petting him. Though blind, he was able to get around his room without incident, even jumping onto shelves above him that were too high for him to touch!
Mr. Magoo: The Blind Cat That Paints
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfFlmZNSuL4
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Inspiring the Next Generation
Mr. Magoo will be sorely missed by all who knew him. If you did not have the pleasure to meet him, we encourage you to watch his Youtube video at the web address below and spread the word about his story.
We have also set up a special memorial fund for Mr. Magoo. Donations to this fund will help pay for his cremation, a nice urn, and a plaque. Any extra donations will be used for the care of other special needs pets. For more information, please contact us at (559) 233-8690. Thank you.
A few years ago, Mr. Magoo’s story achieved international fame when we discovered that our special boy was an incredible artist. As part of a shelter-wide enrichment campaign and fundraiser, we had many well-known shelter residents make “Paw-Casso” paw print paintings. With the other dogs and cats, we had to help them stamp their paws in the paint. With Mr. Magoo, he amazed us all by walking through the paint and spinning his distinctive circles on the canvases without our help. We made a video of him creating his paintings and posted it on Youtube. Since that day, viewers from as far away as Australia have commented, shared his story, and inquired about his unique and beautiful paintings.
Approximately 8 months ago, our staff noticed that Mr. Magoo was losing weight. After some tests were done, we discovered that Mr. Magoo’s kidneys were failing. A month later, he was placed in a permanent foster home with an amazing family who came in daily for many years to spend time with him in his condo. He blossomed in their loving home, spending his days snuggling in their bed and on their couch. They fed him his special diet, gave him IV fluids, and brought him back for routine check-ups. Within the last week or so of his life, Mr. Magoo’s foster family noticed he was having trouble using the litterbox. They brought him to our veterinarian, who discovered his colon was no longer functioning. To ease his pain, it was determined to be in his best interest to be humanely euthanized.
He spent his last day surrounded by his foster family, our staff who loved him, and he was able to have one final session of what he loved most... painting. After making some of the most beautiful pieces he has ever created, Mr. Magoo crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the arms of the people he loved around 5pm Friday, January 30th, 2015.
Mr. Magoo: The Blind Cat That Paints
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfFlmZNSuL4
Mr. Magoo touched many lives along his journey, and was an ambassador and a voice for special needs pets everywhere. He has also inspired a new generation of blind cat artists, brothers Ray and Charles (pictured at below right), who are currently in foster care.
In Memory of Person:Michelle Barth from Amber Hoover
Sal Rey from Bob and Margaret Simmerman
Salvador Rey from Alberta Steitz
Felice Plain from John and Dovey Plain
Richard Soares from Marcia Forsblad
David Loper from Colleen Loper
Philip Farina from Susan Bluestone
Jim Bohner from Joan Bachant
Jim Bohner from Denver Schutz
Jim Bohner from Bill and Sandy Henrichs
Jim Bohner from Bridget Fornaro
Jim Bohner from Sandra Siroonian
Jim Bohner from Robert and Suzanne Johnson
Jim Bohner from Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Cavalli
Jim Bohner from Jake Bane and Jeanne Eastman
Jim Bohner from Gary, Reggie, Jimmy, and Carrie McLean
Jim Bohner from JPF, INC.
Jim Bohner from Richard and Carol Baskin
Jim Bohner from Monte and Kim Schutz and Schutz Farms
Jim Bohner from Casey and Phyl Kooyman
Jim Bohner from Mario Fox
Jim Bohner from Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Cavalli
Jim Bohner from Dan and Sandy Olsen and Family
Wayne Evans from Joyce Evans
Rose Barrett from P.J. Barrett Henderson
Earle Bassett from Dr. Susan Smits
Rose Barrett from Ms. P.J. Barrett
Ed and Joyce Benzler from Diane Benzler
Teresa Failla and Angie Gavella from Rea and the girls
John Les Walter from Joanne Boyajian
Erika Hess from Sandra Morris
Liz Darnell Ellerbe from Ray Darnell
Harvey and Edna Stohl from Dennis Sniffin
Jolene Harautuneian from David Harautuneian
Aunt Mae from Mary Cunha
John Masiello from Sharon Kraemer
Craig R. Smith, DDS from Gwynn Smith
Kathy Robinson from Robert Robinson
Fred Blaswick from Richard Walters
Mamie Ramos from Christina Howell
Richard Soares from Jill Johnson
Wade Johns from Jill Johnson
Marjorie E. Olinger from Alma Eischen
Maria Rita DeMelo from Virginia Bachant and girls
Roxanne Mendoza from Lisa Marie Wicks
Gerald Sprayberry from Nancy Sprayberry
In Honor of Person:Fellow animal lover Missy Bennett from Mary Esther Shekoyan
David Lee from the Fresno County Women’s Chamber Of Commerce
Missy Bennett from Thomas Shekoyan
Kathy Diebert from Thomas Shekoyan
Ed and Barbara Fairbanks from Christopher Biddy
John Waste and Nina Tonnu from John Salazar
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Maria and Hunter Comstock from Nancy Sadler
Isabelle Kabrielian from Jo Rambaud
John and Dovey Plain from Janet Bancroft
Carol and Art Pimentel from Janet Bancroft
Margaret and Max Brown from Janet Bancroft
Bob and Linda Marsoun from Mary Lou Cancio
BJ O’Brien from Mary Eberle
Maria Falany and Hunter Comstock married 12/14/14 from Tom and Kathy McLaughlin
Chris and Tammy O’Conner Lockett from Gina Barrios
John and Irene Leach from Karen Ikemoto
Mary Salisbury from Jean Thompson
Stephanie Davie from Robert Haven
David and Barbara Archer from Laura Fulton
Jenny McKinsey from Nancy Carver
Claudia Robinson from Kayce Ann Wolcott
Janet Gobel from Don Slayton
Mike and Michelle Conrotto from Gary and Leslie Knutsen
Giana Brock- Birthday gift from the heart, L.A. Pinkerton
Giana Brock- Birthday gift from the heart, Michael Der Manouel
Irene Wilson from Amy Hance
Carmen and Grant Collie from Ashlee Soine
Jenny McKinsey from Nancy Carver
For the union of Lisa and Angela Vincent from Colleen McKenna
Gifts of Love
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Gifts of Love are donations made to the Valley Animal Center in memory or in honor of a
person or pet.
If you would like to make a gift in honor of someone important to
you, please contact the Administrative Office at (559) 233-8690 or email [email protected].
The above donations were made from
11/4/2014 to 1/29/15.
If we inadvertently failed to acknowledge your donation, please
conatact us.
In Memory of Pet:Toby from Linda Donaldson
Pinto and Chico from Ramona Irigoyen
Columbus Lewison in loving memory from your friend at Camp Nina.
Cookie from Ann M. Semar
Christy from Catherine McGovern
Shamu from Annette Bauer
Butterball from Alice Ramirez
Remix from Andrew and Larisa Walk
Cozy from Karen Minet
M. Theo Thermopolis Kitty and Mr. Magoo from Shannon and Jeff Escobedo and pets
“Bulie” cat companion for her dear friend Mrs. Gertraud
Max and Millie from Donna Holstein
Freckles from Jeannette Kowalczyk
Tiger and Lady from Elizbeth Zuraek
Buffy from Nanci Squier-Beem
Zaphod and Ubik from Dr. Monica Y. Almanza
Tootsie from Mary Vaux
Angel from Fred and Challys Pearlman
Kody and Jilly from Carolyn White
Baby from Gay Spierer
Morgan, Lillie, Herbie, and Petey from Paul and Maribeth Horton
Shad and Levi Shupe from Heather Shupe
Rescue from Mary Trude
K.C. and Austin from Kathy Ferguson
Dottie from Dennis Schroeder
Fairie and Patsy from Carol Ramsey Pooka Marie from Dr. Judy Champaign
Jericho from Nancy Chin
Max from Billie Jean Ferguson
Maggie from Karen Myers
Shyla who brought companionship and delight to my friend Joy Thompson from Saundra Stubblefield
In Honor of Pet:“Our Wonderful Model Dog Thunder” from Sharon Dragner
Carrol from Annette Bauer
Our “Baby Girl” cat Mattie from Ed and Diane Mytych
Grace, Babe, Tony, Tuffy, and Bitty Boop from Patricia Daniels
Peabo from John and Dovey Plain
Friday from Terry Peyton
Buddy from Linda McQueen
Mr. Hemmingway from April Asher
Spring Break Kid’s Camp!
Register online atvalleyanimal.org/camp
Camp hours: 9am-4pm daily,Extended care available from 7:30am-5:30pm
for $15 extra per day.For more information, call (559) 233-8690.
“Are you my mother?”
March 30-31 for Ages 5-9VAC Volunteer Pricing: $60 per camper
Regular Pricing: $70 per camperApril 1-3 for ages 10-14
VAC Volunteer Pricing: $90 per camperRegular Pricing: $100 per camper
Campers will learn all about foster care at our shelter! From taking care of infant puppies and kittens to care of the aging, the ill, and the injured, our foster program is a vital part of our organization. Students will learn what it takes to care for foster pets through workshops, hands-on animal interaction, and a variety of special guest speakers!
Valley Animal CenterP.O. Box 706Fresno, CA 93712
Non-ProfitU.S. Postage
PAIDFresno, CA
Permit #1475
Valley Animal Voice Spring 2015
Administration [email protected]
Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events!Home and Garden Show at the Fresno Fairgroundswith our Mobile Adoption and Rescue Caboose Friday, March 6th 11:00AM-7:00PM Saturday, March 7th 10:00AM-7:00PM Sunday, March 8th 10:00AM-6:00PMYard Sale and Bake Sale at the Valley Animal Center Sunday, March 15th 8:00AM-2:00PM Call (559) 233-8690 to donate items to sell!Spring Break Camp at the Valley Animal Center For ages 5-9: March 30th-31st 9:00AM-4:00PM For ages 10-14: April 1st-3rd 9:00AM-4:00PMVolunteer Orientation at the Valley Animal Center Tuesday, April 7th 5:30PM-7:00PM No prior sign-ups required. Bark in the Park at California State University, Fresno Saturday, April 25th 6:00PMSuper Adoption at Valley Animal Center Saturday, May 30th 10:00AM-3:00PM
Cat Adoption Center559.233.8554Dog Adoption Center559.233.8717
Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park559.233.8708Spay, Neuter, & Vaccine Clinic559.233.8706
