Special Olympics Oregon Rebuilding After Financial Woes

Special Olympics Oregon Rebuilding After Financial Woes

Portland, OR. We didn’t see images like these at the annual State Games in Salem last month, instead many Special Olympic athletes were sidelined, looking forward to fall and winter competitions. Now the Oregon nonprofit has announced both the fall and 2019 winter Special Olympics have been canceled over financial concerns. Special Olympics Oregon is auditing its financial statements to shore up resources, its reputation and the good faith of thousands of athletes who hunger to compete. Special Olympics Oregon also cancelled this year’s The Bite of Oregon, it’s biggest annual fundraiser, saying the event may return in the future.

According to the new CEO of Special Olympics Oregon who started on June 1st, Britt Oase, the organization had no other options. “Currently, we don’t have the funds available to pay for services we have used in the past, hindering our ability to carry out our 2018 schedule as planned…Please know that we are working diligently to return our athletes to the level of training and competition they deserve and that so many people are passionate about supporting.” 

The 2016 financial statements reported a net operating loss of $131,850 and a decline in total net assets of $269,156. This follows operating losses in 2014 and 2015. The organization’s 2017 annual report has not yet been filed with the IRS.

Summer State Games of the past have always been a community highlight. 

Until a new financial plan can be structured, CEO Britt Oase announced what community members can expect and how athletes can still train:

FALL AND WINTER TRAINING AND COMPETITION
We’ve had the opportunity to connect with Local Program Coordinators this week to share information and gain feedback. As we discussed with this group, Special Olympics Oregon continues to address our financial situation and we are unable to provide regional or state competitions for the 2018 Fall or 2019 Winter seasons. Training for Fall and Winter seasons may be provided and supported by our Local Programs if they are able to do so at no cost.

HOW WILL TRAINING WORK?

  • At the discretion of Local Programs, training can continue for Fall and Winter sports under a “no cost” format
  • Local Programs may train at donated facilities within their own communities
  • SOOR State office will continue to cover expenses related to mailings, storage, insurance and background checks for Class A volunteers
  • SOOR State staff will work with Local Programs on roster management, athlete registration management & other tracking systems
  • SOOR State staff will work directly with LPCs to support the creation, implementation and communication of Fall & Winter season training plans

Local Programs can also provide additional athlete engagement, inclusion and support through alternative activities such as hiking/walking clubs, health initiatives and other sport or fitness activities. Under the direction of its volunteer management team, each Local Program will be able to select its own sports and other activities offered, along with start and finish dates for the season. We are thankful for the critical support of our Local Program Coordinators as they lead these efforts and share plans with their programs in the near future.

The Special Olympics Oregon website will offer updated details as they become available: 

http://www.soor.org/

 

Tell us About Your Great Nonprofit Event Happening This Fall

Tell us About Your Great Nonprofit Event Happening This Fall

Portland, OR. There’s a plethora of terrific fundraising events that happen each fall in the Portland area. Last September, the Good Samaritan Foundation Fall Ball to support cancer services had guests like Barbara Young, Dr. William Johnson, Dr. Nathalie Johnson and Dr. George Brown, the CEO of Legacy Health. Other fall events included YouthBuilders’ Cornhole Classic, Bridge Meadows Annual IMAGINE Benefit, the LifeWorks NW Iron Chef fundraiser, The AIDS Walk, and “Red For Women” Luncheon. Those are just a few of the fundraisers happening in September!

Do you have a favorite nonprofit with a big event coming up this fall? We’d like to post details about the event on our Portland Society Page calendar. You can send us your information at [email protected].

While you’re at it…Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to stay up to speed on all of your latest nonprofit news. Your privacy and security are our top priority!

The Impact NW Garden Party has supporters like Dennis Peck, Marcia Westcott Peck, Liz Burns and Andy Nelson. This year the party is on September 22nd.

Jill Ramseier from Deschutes Brewery

The LifeWorks NW Iron Chef fundraiser will be at the Portland Art Museum on September 27th.

The YouthBuilders’ Cornhole Classic will be September 17th. In the past, event organizers closed the street at Castaway Portland in order for 56 teams to compete in the round robin cornhole tournament. 

Daren Parks, Regional Training Manager for 24 Hour Fitness lead the warm up. (photo Credit Mike Burt)

The AIDS Walk is September 8th. (Photo Credit Mike Burt)

That’s just a small sampling of what’s happening in September. Please give your favorite nonprofit a boost by letting us know about their big upcoming fall event. Later this summer we’ll be rounding up a list of seasonal benefits and nonprofit events you’ll love. To reach out and tell us about yours, send us a message at [email protected].https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/contact/

About us:

PortlandSocietyPage.com is a free public news source for nonprofits. Trusted, accurate and positive, we love our local charities and their vibrant events! We spotlight your luminaries and shine a well-deserved spotlight on outstanding nonprofits. With a free Sunday email, subscribers enjoy thoughtful information about positive and proactive movers and shakers in their hometown.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to stay up to speed on all of your latest nonprofit news. Your privacy and security are our top priority!
Seventh Annual BridgeTown Bash Raises Record $715,772

Seventh Annual BridgeTown Bash Raises Record $715,772

Milwaukie, OR.  The Vital Life Foundation, a 503 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, held its Seventh Annual BridgeTown Bash on June 22. The local nonprofit announced that this year’s event raised a total of $715,772 in donations – the highest number in the event’s history, and over $100,000 more than 2017’s bash. To celebrate the organization’s tenth year, The Vital Life Foundation’s 2018 BridgeTown Bash hosted 300 valued donors and guests in Oregon wine country. Dubbed “Wine Country Wonderland,” the event featured gourmet food, drink, games, live music and surprise entertainment from fire dancers. (Photo Credit, Tom Cook)

This annual fundraiser benefits The Vital Life Foundation, with all proceeds channeled towards its mission to support organizations and programs that provide meaning and vitality in the lives of seniors and staff members living and working in long term care.

This year marks the organization’s 10-year anniversary. Additionally, The Vital Life Foundation announced donations to five of its key charitable partners including:

• Alzheimer’s Association, $90,000

• Friends of the Children, $150,000

• Meals on Wheels, $125,000

• Ronald McDonald House, $75,000

• Wish of a Lifetime, $100,000

“As we reflect on these past ten years as an organization, we feel so grateful for the incredible support we’ve received – particularly at this year’s Bridgetown Bash,” said Ann Adrian, executive director of The Vital Life Foundation. “We’re thrilled to have raised a record number of donations this year. Through these generous donations, we can continue to support our key charitable partners and create opportunities for seniors and staff members to stay vital within their communities.”

For more information on Bridgetown Bash, or how you can donate to The Vital Life Foundation, please visit: http://www.vitalifefoundation.org ABOUT THE VITAL LIFE FOUNDATION The Vital Life Foundation is a non-profit foundation that supports causes and resources that help seniors. Created by Marquis Companies, a long-term care, assisted living and home health care company, and its sister company that provides pharmacy, rehabilitation and PACT consulting to the long-term care community, Consonus Healthcare. The Vital Life Foundation has been in operation since 2008.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

  • ACP
  • AllyAlign Health
  • Alphagraphics
  • Capsa Solutions
  • Cardinal Health
  • CB Two
  • CIBC
  • Columbia Roofing
  • Consonus Healthcare
  • Cubex
  • Direct Supply
  • Emerio Design
  • EmpRes Healthcare
  • First Quality
  • Frontier Management
  • HBE West Inc.
  • Hub Northwest/BCI Group
  • Inspired Results
  • Integra LTC Solutions
  • Isler Northwest
  • JEA Senior Living / ECC
  • Joe Hekker Construction
  • JP Morgan
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  • KeyBank
  • KPD
  • Kronos
  • Lockton Insurance Brokers
  • LTC Properties
  • Marquis Companies
  • MedCall
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  • Metro West Ambulance
  • MHA/Navigator
  • MidCap Financial
  • Mission Senior Living
  • Mountain West
  • Office Depot
  • OHCA
  • One Source Office Interiors
  • Optima Healthcare Solutions
  • PDG Construction
  • Point Click Care
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  • Softwriters, Inc.
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  • Steinberg Investment Group
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  • The Laue Team Realtors
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  • US Bank
  • Walter E Nelson
Local Farmers’ Markets Help Feed Low Income Families and Seniors

Local Farmers’ Markets Help Feed Low Income Families and Seniors

Lake Oswego, OR. The Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market in Millennium Plaza Park boasts an average of over 80 vendors each week. Many take “Farmers’ Market coupons” which are used by low-income families and seniors. The government program is aimed at helping farmers and offering fresh local food to help feed local women, infants and children (WIC). Statewide, 476 farmers’ markets and roadside stands accept the coupons. It’s part of the Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program.

Eligible participants receive $4 checks, specifically to purchase locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables directly from authorized farmers at farm stands and farmers’ markets from June 1 to October 31.

In 2017, Oregon farmers earned approximately $1 million in Farm Direct sales to seniors and WIC families. 

For more information on Oregon Farm Direct: http://myoregonfarm.org/

The Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays, May 19-October 13, 2018

At Millennium Plaza Park
200 First Street
From 8:30am-1:30pm 

More info at: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/lofm

Move Over Downton Abbey, Pittock Mansion Is All About Table Manners Too

Move Over Downton Abbey, Pittock Mansion Is All About Table Manners Too

Portland, OR. Ever wonder what it was like to eat and drink in the late 19th century? Pittock Mansion‘s latest exhibit – Dining in the Gilded Age – will immerse you in the manners and culture of a bygone era. For the next four months you can explore the gadgets used to prepare foods and feasts circa 1900 and the specialized china and silverware used to serve them. As cooks and hostesses responded to a new abundance of tableware, tools, utensils, and foodstuffs, American dining customs reached elaborate new heights, unmatched before or since.

Gilded Age dinners featured a style of glass for every type of beverage as well as specialized decanters, pitchers, and punchbowls.

Grand centerpieces and serving dishes demonstrated a household’s wealth and sophistication

Etiquette rules played a prominent role in Gilded Age parties including dressing for dinner.

The exhibit will also feature a new Hands-On History artifact cart, Kitchen Gadgets and Gizmos, that will allow visitors to get a feel for what it was like to use some of the innovate tools behind those elaborate Gilded Age dinners–with the help of Plah-Doh, of course.

Dining in the Gilded Age is on view July 14 – November 11 and is included with general admission. Admission for adults is $11.

Key themes of the exhibit:

1) The Gilded Age is defined by massive industrialization across America with economic focus shifting from agriculture to industry.

2) The Gilded Age was a time of innovations and inventions.

3) While the Gilded Age had a tendency to focus on the disparities between the wealthy and the poor, the era also saw the rise of the middle class who aspired to a higher level and often demonstrated their success by owning and displaying decorative objects as well as the latest in kitchen gadgets and dinnerware. 

PITTOCK MANSION | With picture-perfect views of rivers, forests, bridges, and mountaintops – and 23 treasure-filled rooms – no other place in town offers a more breathtaking view and more revealing glimpse of Portland’s past. Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock built Pittock Mansion in 1914 and it now stands as a living memorial of the family’s contributions to the blossoming city of Portland and its people. Situated on 46 acres of land almost 1,000 feet atop downtown Portland, the Pittock celebrated its centennial year in 2014.

Inaugural Oregon Croquet Classic Raises Funds for Local Nonprofits

Inaugural Oregon Croquet Classic Raises Funds for Local Nonprofits

Portland, OR. The inaugural​ ​Oregon Croquet Classic​, presented by Classic Wines Auction, took place at Stoller Family Estate on July 21st and raised nearly $38,000. Net proceeds will benefit five local nonprofits: ​Metropolitan Family Service​, ​YWCA Clark County,​ Friends of the Children​, ​New Avenues for Youth​ and ​Unity Center for Behavioral Health​. 

The object of the game is to hit your ball through the course of wickets in the right sequence and finish by hitting them against a centre peg.

Classic Wines Auction and related events have raised more than $46 million for local nonprofits since the organization’s inception in 1982.

Brian & Johnathan are social media influencers known as The Gay Beards. 

Heather Martin, Executive Director of the Classic Wines Auction and Director of Development, Lisa Bergeson

Storm Large

Mercedes-Benz of Portland was a sponsor.

With more than 300 guests in attendance, the event included a BBQ lunch prepared by Stoller’s Executive Chef Becca Richards, live music by the Pete Krebs Trio and Jen Bernard, wine tastings by local wineries, and tasty treats from local purveyors. Guests also learned the finer points of croquet from local experts and played other games including bocce.

Throughout the year, Classic Wines Auction hosts a number of events in support of its nonprofit partners, including seasonal Winemaker Dinners and urban tasting events. The 35t​h​ annual Classic Wines Auction will be held on March 2, 2019.

From Classic Wines Auction:

Consistently r​ecognized as one of the top ten charity wine auctions in the country by ​Wine Spectator,​ theClassicWinesAuctionhasraisedmorethan$46millionforlocalnonprofit partners since its inception in 1982. ​Based in Portland, Ore., Classic Wines Auction, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing the Classic Wines Auction and related food and wine events to raise funds for local organizations benefiting children and families, including: Metropolitan Family Service (MFS), New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland, YWCA Clark County and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. The organization recently received – for the third consecutive year – a four star rating from Charity Navigator recognizing exemplary performance in accountability, transparency, as well as strong financial health. ​Mor​e at www.classicwinesauction.com​.

 

Grand Ronde Tribe Members Start Annual Canoe Journey

Grand Ronde Tribe Members Start Annual Canoe Journey

Olympia, WA. Members of the Grand Ronde Tribe have started their annual Canoe Journey and this year it’s called “Power Paddle To Puyallup.” The event is a Native American traditional canoe gathering with singing and dancing that takes place along the west coast of Oregon, Washington & Canada. 108 tribes are registered to participate.

The paddler’s journey began July 19th when they started practicing in the canoe.

The first stop for the Canoe Family is in St. Helens, where they will be joined by two Māori representatives from the Tauranga district in New Zealand, Tamahau Tangitu and Te Kerekau Nicholas. The Canoe Journey exchange with Grand Ronde has been ongoing since 2009.

The group will practice paddling in the Columbia River for three days to become adept at navigating before they begin the miles of paddling starting from Samish, Wash., and ending in Puyallup, Wash.

Stops are scheduled to occur at Swinomish, Tulalip, Suquamish and Muckleshoot.

This year’s Canoe Journey is hosted by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and has the theme, “Honoring Our Medicine.”

Landing day will be Saturday, July 28 in Tacoma, Wash. Protocol began Sunday, July 29 in Puyallup and run through Saturday, Aug. 4. The order of protocol is the Tribe which travels the furthest to attend goes first.

Canoe Journey was designed as a family-friendly event to familiarize northwest Tribes with the trade routes used by their ancestors and to promote a healthy lifestyle free of substance abuse.

 
Mission:
The Tribe’s vision is to be a Tribal community known as a caring people, dedicated to the principles of honesty and integrity, building community, individual responsibility and self-sufficiency through personal empowerment, and responsible stewardship of human and natural resources; a community willing to act with courage in preserving Tribal cultures and traditions for all future generations.
 
 
Pat Reser Pledges $13 Million to Beaverton Arts Foundation

Pat Reser Pledges $13 Million to Beaverton Arts Foundation

Beaverton, OR. The Beaverton Arts Foundation announced a $13 million dollar pledge from Pat Reser, through the Reser Family Foundation, to help fund a new center for the arts in Beaverton. Chris Ayzoukian, Jordan Schnitzer, Lani Faith, Pat Reser, and Mayor Denny Doyle were on hand for the announcement on July 17th. It brings the private fundraising goal down to a little over $9M. With this news also came the announcement of the official name of the facility, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Patricia Reser poses with the sign stating that the official name of the facility will be the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.

Geno Biggi and Beaverton City Councilor Mark Fagin

 

Mark Reser, David Vernier, Christine Vernier, Francesca Kim, Julie Vigeland, Roy Kim, Bill Westphal

Vocalist Julianne Johnson with Mayor Denny Doyle and the ACMA Jazz Band

A large crowd gathered to hear the announcement

 

Here’s more information about the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts;

The Vision

Art has the power to transport us and inspire our imaginations—it enables us to imagine the unimaginable.

Art connects us to the past, the present and the future, sometimes simultaneously.

Art lets us see ourselves and our own community through a different and more compassionate lens.

Art dares us to dream.

Beaverton has always been a city where anything is possible and for years, our community has dreamed of a dedicated performing arts center in the heart of the city—a world-class destination that makes the arts possible for all and celebrates a thriving arts community.

With thought-provoking performances, stunning visual arts, educational programming and unique multicultural expression, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be a breathtaking leap forward for our entire community. 

The Concept

As a state-of-the-art facility, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will present the best in local, regional and national concerts and touring productions. The center will welcome all and serve as a catalyst for personal, cultural and economic growth, as well as increased civic pride and engagement.

Features include:

  • Modern, well-equipped multipurpose theatre
  • Classrooms, meeting and conference rooms
  • Art gallery and exhibit space
  • Café
  • Outdoor plaza
  • Lobby and gathering areas

Visit the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts page on the City of Beaverton’s website to learn more.

The Location

The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be nestled adjacent to The Round, between SW Cedar Hills Boulevard and SW Hall Boulevard, accompanied by a public parking garage and just steps away from light-rail transit.

Why Now?

Greater Beaverton is an ethnically diverse area with so much to share, truly an international community poised to be the artistic and cultural jewel of Washington County. That’s why building a modern performing arts center is a key component of the Beaverton Community Vision action plan — and it’s why various partners and stakeholders have been planning for the Center for the Arts since 2004 (see The History below).

Together, we’ve created a vision that values connection to the arts and healthy collaboration, community access — so that every resident feels ownership — and excellence in design, amenities and impact. The time to make it happen is now.

The Campaign

A unique public-private partnership was created to fund the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, and 80% of the funding has already been secured. The Beaverton Arts Foundation is proud to serve as the project’s private fundraising partner, leading the drive to secure $9.6 million in remaining private capital needs. Ready to be a partner with us?

 

Oregon Humane Society Offers Tips to Help Pets Keep Cool as Temperatures Soar

Oregon Humane Society Offers Tips to Help Pets Keep Cool as Temperatures Soar

Portland, OR. This stretch of hot weather can not only be uncomfortable for people, it can be dangerous for dogs, cats and other pets. The Oregon Humane Society urges animal lovers to follow these simple tips to keep their pets safe:

  • Keep drinking water bowls full of cool, fresh water.
  • Provide shaded areas where a pet can rest if outdoors.
  • Keep an eye on pets around water—not all pets are natural swimmers.

If your pet is overcome by heat exhaustion, immediately immerse or spray the animal with cool running water (avoid cold water as that could cause shock) and continue until the body temperature lowers.  Give your pet water to drink and consult your veterinarian right away to determine if additional treatment is needed.

Utilize a kiddie pool for dogs to splash and relax in.

Use a misting hose to provide a cool area for a pet while outside.

  • Do not leave pets unattended outside when it gets hot; bring them inside.
  • Leave your pet at home when you are running errands – never leave your pet in the car when the weather is warm. Download an infographic that shows how hot a car can get.
  • -colored pets can sunburn—check with your veterinarian before applying sunblock to your pet’s nose.
  • High energy dogs will likely not have as much energy on a hot day, so lowering the normal level of activity is very important. Walk or exercise your dog when the temperature is cooler in the early morning and late evening.
  • Brain work such as using puzzle toys and teaching a new trick can be a good way to keep a dog busy in an air conditioned environment.
  • Making sure your dog stays hydrated, especially during exercise. Reduce activity and give your pet frequent breaks to rehydrate.
  • Be aware of your pet’s specific needs based on age, level of fitness and breed.

Many dogs enjoy playing in a kiddie pool to keep cool.

More information about heat hazards for pets can be found on the OHS website.

If your home isn’t cool enough for you and your pets, options might include visiting a friend or family member, finding a doggie daycare for the day, or checking with your veterinarian or local animal services to see if they offer cooling stations. Plan ahead: know where you can go with your pets or arrange to have them stay during the heat. 

If you see an animal in distress because of the heat, please take immediate steps to help, in addition to calling local police.

Provide the pet with a bowl of cool water; create a shady area where the animal can relax; set up a water sprinkler for the animal; knock on the doors of neighbors to see if anyone has access to the animal’s house. If possible, bring the pet indoors.

OHS and your local police agency typically can respond only to calls about pets who may not survive without immediate help.

If the animal is locked in a car, please see the section below about pets in vehicles.

Hot Weather Safety Advice

Cars and Other Vehicles »

Heatstroke: Know the Signs »

Hot Pavement »

Heat and Sun Safety: Quick Tips

Fleas: Summer is also the worst time of year for fleas. If your dog or cat gets them, their whole environment must be treated, including the yard. Diatomaceous earth is a natural way to treat fleas in both indoor and outdoor environments, and can be found at most grocery stores. If your dog or cat and their environment are not treated, your pet may eat fleas, which could cause internal bodily harm (including tapeworms). You may want to contact your veterinarian to determine the best way to treat your pet for fleas directly.

Parked Cars and Other Vehicles

18_heat_infographic
Pets in Hot Cars – OHS Infographic

The Oregon Humane Society encourages you to leave your pet home and inside when you dash to the store or another errand. The inside of a car heats up very quickly. On an 85 degree day, a car’s interior temperature can climb to 120 degrees in 20 minutes, even with the windows slightly open.

What to do if you see a pet alone in a hot car:

Write down the car’s make, model and license plate number.

If there are businesses nearby, notify their managers or security personnel and ask them to make an announcement to find the car’s owner.

If the owner can’t be found, call the non-emergency number of the local police and/or animal control and wait by the car for them to arrive.

Can you break a car window to save a life?

The public, as well as police, can now break a car’s window to rescue a pet or child in imminent danger without fear of being sued for damages. The new law, which took effect in June of 2017, protects people from criminal and civil liability if they break a car window to save a child or animal who is left alone and appears to be in imminent danger. Breaking a window is a last resort: before a Good Samaritan chooses to break a car window, law enforcement must be contacted (call police or 911 in an emergency). Rescuers must stay with the animal until first responders arrive or the owner of the car returns. Be mindful that a dog or cat may feel protective of their space or even run off when faced with a stranger.

Download a version to print and put on windshields »

Heatstroke and Other Heat Emergencies

Symptoms of heatstroke include: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue or gums, vomiting, lack of coordination or even collapse, and an internal temperature over 104° F.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice these symptoms. Quick action could save your pet’s life.

Help your pet cool down: First, get your pet out of direct heat. Check for signs of shock and take your pet’s temperature if possible. Offer water to drink. Then: use a fan to blow cool air on the pet; place water-soaked towels (or running water) on the pet’s head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen; rub isopropyl alcohol (70%) on a dog’s footpads for cooling (do not allow dog to ingest). Do not use ice-cold water or ice—use cool water to avoid shock.

Safe cooling and consequences of heatstroke: “During a heat crisis, the goal is always to decrease the animal’s body temperature to 103° F in the first 10-15 minutes. Once 103° F is reached, you must stop the cooling process because the body temperature will continue to decrease and can plummet dangerously low if you continue to cool the dog for too long.

Even if you successfully cool your pet down to 103° F in the first 10-15 minutes, you must take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because consequences of heat stroke will not show up for hours or even days. Potential problems include abnormal heart rhythms, kidney failure, neurological problems and respiratory arrest.” – from the American Red Cross

Highly susceptible pets: Animals with flat faces, like pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. Note that a dog’s or cat’s normal body temperature is between 101 and 102 degrees.

If you see an animal in danger: If you suspect an emergency situation has developed and an animal (not your own) is in immediate danger from the heat, first consult the owner if possible and then contact your local animal control agency or local police department.

Hot Pavement

Pavement, asphalt, metal, and even sand that have been heated by the sun can burn dogs’ paw pads. Remember: if the surface is too hot for your bare hand or foot, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet.

Post-Swim Sensitivity: Pads can be soft and more sensitive after swimming, so take heed if your pup refuses to walk on the pavement after a swim.

Some ways to avoid pad burns:

  • walk your dog early or late in the day, out of the heat
  • walk frequently when it’s cool to build up callus on the pads
  • walk on the grass when hot surfaces are unavoidable
  • moisturize your dog’s pads daily with paw balms or creams
  • lay down a wet towel for your dog to stand on when grassy areas are not available

Signs of burned pads include: limping or refusing to walk, licking or chewing at the feet, pads darker in color, missing part of pad, blisters or redness on the feet.

First aid for burned pads: keep the foot area cool and clean. Immediately flush with cool water and a gentle antibacterial such as betadine. Get the dog to a grassy area or if possible, carry him/her. Keep the dog from licking the wounds. For minor burns, spread the area with antibacterial ointment and cover with a loose bandage.

For serious burns, take the dog to your vet for further treatment. This is important to prevent infection and further damage.

Another concern is dogs riding on uncovered pickup beds. The sun heats up the metal truck bed and can burn your pet’s pads. Have Rover ride in the cab with you, put him in a secure crate, or please leave him at home and inside a cool place.

Generally speaking, keep your dogs off of hot surfaces whenever possible.

From OHS:

OHS is the largest  humane society  in the Northwest, and adopts more animals from its Portland shelter than any other single-facility shelter on the West Coast. OHS puts no time limits on how long animals remain at the shelter—a pet stays available for adoption for as long as needed to find a loving home. If a pet in the care of OHS needs medical attention, the OHS veterinary hospital provides the pet with same level of care you would want your own pet to receive.

Founded in 1868 by noted humanitarian Thomas Lamb Eliot, OHS is the third-oldest humane society in the nation and the oldest in the Northwest. Eliot initially established OHS to stop the neglect and abuse of draft animals. The mission expanded to include companion animals and, until 1933, orphaned children.

Community Services

  • OHS finds homes for more than 11,000 pets each year
  • OHS Humane Officers rescue neglected and abused animals, investigating approximately 1,000 cases annually
  • The OHS medical team provides free and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for thousands of pets owned by low-income families
  • OHS educators reach more than 12,000 youths and about 2,000 adults annually through humane education programs
  • The OHS Second Chance program brings more than 6,000 pets annually to OHS from other shelters around the region
  • In the state capitol, OHS is the driving force behind efforts to improve laws that protect animals and punish offenders

Funding

  • OHS receives no tax dollars
  • OHS does not receive any portion of dues or donations paid to national organizations
  • OHS is an Oregon nonprofit that relies on donations
  • OHS operates independently of any other shelter group
  • Financial information, including annual reports and audited statements, can be found here »

OHS Mission

To foster an environment of respect, responsibility and compassion for all animals through education, legislation and leadership. To care for the homeless, to defend the abused and to fight with unrelenting diligence for recognition of the integrity of all animals.

Special Olympics Oregon Team Excels at 2018 USA Games

Special Olympics Oregon Team Excels at 2018 USA Games

Seattle, WA. The 2018 USA Games are in the books and Team Oregon returned home with eleven gold medals. Champions were crowned in 14 sports during the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games July 1st-6th in Seattle. 4,000 athletes from across the country participated. In swimming, Shawn Hinz won both the 100-meter individual medley and 100-meter breaststroke. 

Shawn Hinz taking off from the starting block at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

Kimberly Forrer took two golds: 100m Free and 100m Backstroke.

Megan Patrignelli, Hayley Ruck and Molly Muir.

Gold Medal Winners at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

  • Molly Muir: Shot Put
  • CJ Billings: 50m Backstroke
  • CJ Billings: 50m Free
  • Victoria Peckerman: 25m Backstroke
  • Victoria Peckerman: 50m Backstroke
  • Victoria Peckerman: 50m Free
  • Kimberly Forrer: 100m Free
  • Kimberly Forrer: 100m Backstroke
  • Shawn Hinz: HP 100m IM
  • Shawn Hinz: 100m Breaststroke
  • Dominic Flesey-Assad / Colin Herring: Bocce Unified Doubles

Silver Medal Winners

  • Hayley Ruck: 1500m Walk
  • Molly Muir: 400m Walk
  •  Jonah Carrasquer: 200m
  • Jonah Carrasquer: 400m
  • CJ Billings: 25m Backstroke
  • Micah Webb: Bowling, Singles
  • Kenneth McLoughlin / Kortni Vaughn: Bowling, Doubles
  • Kenneth McLoughlin, Kortni Vaughn, Christina Williams, Micah Webb: Bowling, Team
  • Zachary Herrmann: Golf, Level 4

Bronze Medal Winners

  • Hayley Ruck: 400m Walk
  • Kimberly Forrer: 200m Free
  • Kortni Vaughn: Bowling, Singles
  • Elisabeth Groves / Kaci Linton: Golf, Level 2

Special Olympics Oregon:

Thank you to Microsoft at Pioneer Place for sending our athletes off to Seattle in style! On June 30, Microsoft warmly opened their doors to host the Team Oregon delegation and its community of supporters. From adaptive gaming controllers to VR, several interactive stations were set up to celebrate Microsoft’s dedication to inclusive design. A giant “good luck” sign, inspiring speeches and a tunnel of high-fives created an atmosphere of community support for these truly amazing athletes.

A very special THANK YOU to the parents, grandparents, family, friends, community businesses and more who helped raise over $13,000 in support of Team Oregon. Also, thank you to Nike who provided uniforms, Microsoft for its sponsorship and hosting the Sendoff Party, NW Navigator for providing transportation to and from Seattle, Jersey Mike’s & Papa John’s for providing meals and many others who helped Team Oregon succeed at the 2018 USA Games.

Your donation will help Special Olympics Oregon athletes reach their full potential on and off the field for years to come.