Humane Society Finds Home for 11,000th Pet of 2018

Humane Society Finds Home for 11,000th Pet of 2018

Portland, OR. A tiny three-year-old Chihuahua named Nelson set a milestone for the Oregon Humane Society today by becoming the 11,000th pet adopted in 2018. Nelson is going to a new home with the Grenfell family of North Portland where he will join two cockatiels and a bearded dragon. This is the earliest date that OHS achieved this milestone in the new shelter. This is the ninth year in a row that OHS has reached this milestone, and they are now setting 12,000 adoptions as the year-end goal.
 
Nelson, a dog transported to OHS from California, was in the shelter before the wildfires began and was moved out of the area to free up resources for displaced pets. “Each year, we set a goal of finding homes for 11,000 pets, and it warms my heart to know that we will be exceeding the goal this year. It’s wonderful to see people opening their hearts to shelter animals,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO.
 
Nelson’s adopter Brittany Grenfell said she came in on Sunday and fell in love with Nelson when she saw him in his kennel. Nelson was made available for adoption this morning and Grenfell was first in line to adopt him today. “I knew that he would be adopted by someone else if I waited until the end of the day, I couldn’t take that chance.”
 
The large number of adoptions makes OHS one of the busiest shelters in the nation. OHS adopts more animals from its shelter on NE Columbia Blvd. than any other single shelter facility on the West Coast. This feat is especially remarkable because OHS never puts a time limit on how long a pet remains available for adoption and has a save rate that is among the highest in the nation.
 
The Oregon Humane Society is asking the public to open their hearts to the 114 dogs, cats, small animals and two horses who are also looking for a “Home for the Holidays” this December. For every animal in the shelter on December 1,  OHS seeks to place them in a “Home for the Holidays” by December 31. Some of these pets have been awaiting adoption for just a few days; others have been waiting for weeks.
 
 
Portland’s Next TopDog Model Benefits Oregon Humane Society

Portland’s Next TopDog Model Benefits Oregon Humane Society

Portland, June 27th, 2013. Dog of all ages, shapes, sizes and personalities competed for the coveted title of Portland’s Next TopDog Model. Finalists walked the runway and the judges selected one Large Dog and one Small Dog TopDog Model. Tail wags of congratulations to Barley, Portland’s Next TopDog Model (Large Dog), on the left and Sachi, on the right who won the titles of Portland’s Next TopDog Model. “Portland’s Next Top Dog Model” won prize packages with goodies valued at over $1,000 and will be invited to special events and TV appearances to represent the Oregon Humane Society in the community.

The audience also got to select their favorites.

Fan Favorite (Small Dog): BOBO Bobo is an 8-year-old Maltipoo A dog’s life should be filled with: Snuggles, belly rubs, friendly laps, toys to carry upstairs and pile onto the big bed, car rides, feline sisters to chase and wrestle, doggie play groups, sandy beaches, post bath crazy running sessions, and bacon treats.

Fan Favorite (Small Dog): BOBO
Bobo is an 8-year-old Maltipoo
A dog’s life should be filled with: Snuggles, belly rubs, friendly laps, toys to carry upstairs and pile onto the big bed, car rides, feline sisters to chase and wrestle, doggie play groups, sandy beaches, post bath crazy running sessions, and bacon treats.

Fan Favorite (Large Dog): NOAH  Noah is a 6-7 year old Great Pyrenees/Maremma Sheepdog/Giant Schnauzer  A dog’s life should be filled with: Belly rubs, a king-sized bed, car rides for napping, and bananas, apples, and turkey.

Fan Favorite (Large Dog): NOAH
Noah is a 6-7 year old Great Pyrenees/Maremma Sheepdog/Giant Schnauzer
A dog’s life should be filled with: Belly rubs, a king-sized bed, car rides for napping, and bananas, apples, and turkey.

 

 

This annual event is a benefit for the Oregon Humane Society.

Doggie contestants desiring to become Portland’s Next TopDog Model are divided into two categories: small dogs (under 30 lbs.) and large dogs (30 lbs. and over). Judges select 12 small dog finalists and 12 large dog finalists from the entries received. During the finale judging event, one dog from each group will be selected as the big winner and earn the coveted title.

The Finalists were:

Small Dogs

  • Bobo, Maltipoo, 8 years, Parent: Erin
  • Bruno, Cockapoo, 2 years, Parent: Lauren
  • Coco, Miniature Schnauzer, 1 year, Parents: Karla & Nancy
  • Finian (Finn), Terrier-Pug-Chihuahua-Spaniel, 2.5 years, Parent: Darcy
  • Finnegan, Jack Russell Terrier Mix, 2 years, Parent: Chandra
  • Posh, Yorkie, 3 years, Parents: Mike & Kristan
  • Milo, Long-haired Chihuahua mix, 1.5 years, Parent: Laura
  • Miss Sadie Mercedes, Beabull (beagle/English bulldog), 6 years, Parent: Ryan
  • Sachi, Mini Aussie/Sheltie, 1.5 years, Parent: Jennifer
  • Tucker, Chihuahua mix, 3 years, Parents: Heidi & Devon
  • Tully, French Bulldog, 3 years, Parent: Kris
  • Zelda, pug, 1 year, Parent: Jaime

Large Dogs

  • Barley, Mixed-Up Pup, 3 years, Parent: Elma
  • Bourbon Boudreaux “Bubba”, Chocolate Lab, 8.5 years, Parent: Kim
  • Casey, Australian Labradoodle, 5 months, Parent: Jen
  • Gomer, St. Bernard, 2 years, Parents: Julia & Kerry
  • Henry, Great Dane, 1.5 years, Parent: Jane
  • Lowell, Yellow Lab, 2 years, Parent: Kim
  • Luna, Siberian Husky, 1.5 years, Parents: Mercedes & Zahne
  • Noah, Great Pyrenees/Maremma Sheepdog/Giant Schnauzer mix, 6-7 years, Parent: Terry
  • Raven, Border Collie, 4 years, Parents: Shawna & Angel
  • Rogue, Doberman, 2.5 years, Parent: Sarah
  • Samson, Golden Retriever, 7 years, Parent: Ann
  • Sophie Bear, Chow Chow, 6 years, Parents: Bill & Matthew

The panel of celebrity judges for the final competition includes Betty Norrie, member of the OHS Board of Trustees; Helen Raptis, host of AMNW on KATU; Kimberly Maus, anchor for KPTV; Mitch Elliot, host for 105.1 fm The Buzz; and Sheryl Stewart, host for 105.1 fm The Buzz. Andy Carson from KPTV will provide plenty of laughs as emcee of the event.

Prizes, Titles, and More for the Winners

All finalists received gift bags valued at over $100, and the two dogs named “Portland’s Next Top Dog Model” won prize packages with goodies valued at over $1,000 and will be invited to special events and TV appearances. Two Fan Favorites were also selected from the participants, and these competitors also received prize baskets.

The seventh annual contest is sponsored by LexiDog Boutique & Social Club and the Hotel Monaco to benefit OHS.

The mission of the Oregon Humane Society is:

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.

Oregon Humane Society Diamond Collar Hero Awards Sparkle

Oregon Humane Society Diamond Collar Hero Awards Sparkle

Portland, February 27th, 2013. The highlight of the 2013 Heroes Luncheon was  the presentation of the Diamond Collar Awards.  Sydney Knab had a chance to hold Bella, a rescue dog which was adopted by Janet McQuiston. The Oregon Humane Society spotlighted heroic people and pets and the benefit luncheon raised $160,000.

Matt Zaffino congratulating Max Foster on her Diamond Collar win. Max save her four cats from a house fire.

Matt Zaffino congratulating Max Foster on her Diamond Collar win. Max
saved her four cats from a house fire.

Animal heroes can be those pets who have acted to save a human or animal life in peril, who have performed services within the community with undying loyalty, or who have overcome incredible odds to survive. Human heroes can be those who have had a positive impact on the lives of animals, exhibiting courage and compassion in the pursuit of animals’ well-being in Oregon.

From left emcee Matt Zaffino with Diamond Collar Hero Winner Sgt. Jesse Knott and his cat Koshka the he rescued from Afghanistan with OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon cheering him on.

Emcee Matt Zaffino with Diamond Collar Hero Winner Sgt. Jesse Knott and the cat he rescued from cat Afghanistan, with OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon cheering him on.

OHS volunteers were on standby to introduce Diamond Collar guests to pets available for adoption.

OHS volunteers were on standby to introduce Diamond Collar guests to pets available for adoption.

Bob Wentworth was one of the valued sponsors at the event which was held at the Multnomah Athletic Club.

From the Oregon Humane Society:

Our mission is 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.

The Oregon Humane Society’s “Portland’s Next TopDog Model” Winner has Rasta-poodle Dreadlocks

The Oregon Humane Society’s “Portland’s Next TopDog Model” Winner has Rasta-poodle Dreadlocks

Portland, June 29th. Amidst a competitive field of adorable and talented dogs, two were crowned Portland’s Next TopDog Models. Moby, the white standard poodle who won in the large dog category, sports “elegantly goofy Rasta-poodle dreadlocks.” (Photo Credit, Leslie Zemenek) He’s helping to Keep Portland Weird with his unique style and energy. The sixth annual “Portland’s Next TopDog Model” at Hotel Monaco, on S.W. Washington  is a benefit for the Oregon Humane Society and drew a sellout crowd of over 200 people cheering on their favorite dogs. 

Here's a snapshot from the fun event!

Here’s a snapshot from the fun event!

Andy Carson emceed this quirky contest. Honored judges were Mitch Elliott, Sheryl Stewart, Helen Raptis, Kimberly Maus, and Betty Norrie. From the 24 finalists, the celebrity panel of six judges also selected Dexter, a 10-year-old Dachshund/terrier-mix and Oregon Humane society alumnus, as the winner of the small dog category (Dexter is pictured at top left). 

The finalists, chosen from more than 200 applications, were judged on style, personality, and runway attitude as they strutted along the “dogwalk” at the Hotel Monaco. 

Each dog also had to answer a series of lifestyle questions. Dexter, a handsome Dachshund/terrier mix with endless love for his toys, goes by the motto, “Keep calm and carry a tennis ball.” Dexter is determined to enjoy an active lifestyle throughout his golden years. Dexter appeared at the 2011 TopDog Model event, not as a competitor, but as an adoptable dog visiting from OHS. Dexter’s now-forever-family saw him at the event and adopted him shortly after, making this TopDog a double success story.

The event raised an estimated $7,000 for the animals at OHS.

The event was sponsored by LexiDog Boutique & Social Club and the Hotel Monaco.

Story submitted by Rebecca Ramach for OHS.