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Blogs:
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Cat-loving chihuahua suckles seven abandoned kittens
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For your Saturday entertainment …
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Hitchens leads Zips in second-half comeback
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Seven players added to Tribe’s 40-man roster
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Holmgren expresses interest in Browns position
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Kent State blown out in second half, loses to Temple 13-47
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Gameblog: Cavs vs. Philadelphia 76ers
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OSU – Michigan college football rivals meet in Baghdad
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Headed For Disaster
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Will Health Care Reform Pass?
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Federal Judge Declares DOMA Unconstitutional
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Silverdome Potentially SOLD!
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Colloquium at University of Akron
Akron Gamer:
Nintendo's Mario endures even as games come and go
By Kathy Antoniotti
Akron Beacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 08:02 p.m. EST, Nov 08, 2009
Volunteers for the Humane Society of Greater Akron took a pure white cat to Canal Park for the Save the Animals Imagine the PAWSibilities telethon hoping to find the senior feline a home.
The telethon was broadcast live Sunday afternoon from the ballpark in downtown Akron on Time Warner's Channel 23.
'' 'Gillett' has a great story,'' said Suzanne Meckert of Hudson, who has volunteered at the shelter for five years with her daughter, Alyssa, 18.
''He went home in our senior-to-senior program after he was at the shelter for a year,'' she said. ''He was returned because he was too active.''
The program allows seniors to adopt cats 6 years and older for a nominal fee. The idea, Meckert said, is to match the energy levels of humans and their feline companions.
''Why would a person adopt a 10-year-old cat? Because they have a heck of a lot of life in them,'' Meckert said, laughing.
There were as many success stories as sad ones. Families with ''happy endings'' waited to go on stage with dogs and cats waiting for ''forever homes.''
Rachael and Anthony Grandstaff and their two daughters, Irulan, 4, and Ellasyn, 20 months, of Wadsworth brought their newest family member, Peggy, a tiny black 6-month-old kitten, to the telethon.
''We adopted two cats in August and when we went back a month later to drop off some food we saw this kitten,'' Rachael Grandstaff said.
Peggy, who came to the shelter with a crushed left front leg, gets around just as well on three legs as her house mates, Daphne and Velma, named for Scooby-Doo cartoon characters.
The Humane Society's temperament evaluation helped them choose all their pets, she said.
''We needed a cat that would get along with our children. We wanted a cuddly cat that would sit on our laps and wouldn't run and hide all the time,'' Rachael Grandstaff said.
WONE-97.5 radio personalities Christi Nichols and Tim Daugherty hosted the event, along with Billy Soule, assistant to Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic for community relations, and Humane Society Executive Director Karen Conklin.
Proceeds from the telethon, topping $10,400 at the sound of the closing bell Sunday, will go to operating expenses for the facility, Conklin said.
Shelter officials had hoped the first telethon would raise $80,000 toward the facility's $1.4 million budget.
The Humane Society will move to a larger facility owned by the Summit Port Authority in Twinsburg Township in December.
The group currently is housing about 400 animals in a building that originally was configured for 125 animals, Conklin said.
Last month, the Port Authority agreed to lease the building to the Humane Society for $3.4 million.
Port Authority President Chris Burnham and his wife, Maryellen, of Bath, attended the event with their 6-year-old daughter, Baleigh, and Murdock, a beagle-border collie mix the family adopted from the Humane Society in April.
''I think part of the deal was adopting the dog,'' Burnham joked before he, Baleigh and Murdock were featured in a segment on the show.
U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Copley Township, was interviewed on the show and delivered the first large check of the day: a $500 donation from her husband, Doug Corwon.
''The very first dog that I ever got was from the Humane Society of Greater Akron,'' Sutton told the television audience.
Time Warner Cable Inc. donated the on-air time for the telethon. Director of Community Relations Tish Biggs said the company started partnering with the HSGA in October to feature adoptable animals on its free on-demand Channel 501.
The shelter continues to accept donations at http://www.summithumane.org or by calling the shelter at 330-657-2010.
Kathy Antoniotti can be reached at 330-996-3565 or kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.
Volunteers for the Humane Society of Greater Akron took a pure white cat to Canal Park for the Save the Animals Imagine the PAWSibilities telethon hoping to find the senior feline a home.
The telethon was broadcast live Sunday afternoon from the ballpark in downtown Akron on Time Warner's Channel 23.
'' 'Gillett' has a great story,'' said Suzanne Meckert of Hudson, who has volunteered at the shelter for five years with her daughter, Alyssa, 18.
''He went home in our senior-to-senior program after he was at the shelter for a year,'' she said. ''He was returned because he was too active.''
The program allows seniors to adopt cats 6 years and older for a nominal fee. The idea, Meckert said, is to match the energy levels of humans and their feline companions.
''Why would a person adopt a 10-year-old cat? Because they have a heck of a lot of life in them,'' Meckert said, laughing.
There were as many success stories as sad ones. Families with ''happy endings'' waited to go on stage with dogs and cats waiting for ''forever homes.''
Rachael and Anthony Grandstaff and their two daughters, Irulan, 4, and Ellasyn, 20 months, of Wadsworth brought their newest family member, Peggy, a tiny black 6-month-old kitten, to the telethon.
''We adopted two cats in August and when we went back a month later to drop off some food we saw this kitten,'' Rachael Grandstaff said.
Peggy, who came to the shelter with a crushed left front leg, gets around just as well on three legs as her house mates, Daphne and Velma, named for Scooby-Doo cartoon characters.
The Humane Society's temperament evaluation helped them choose all their pets, she said.
''We needed a cat that would get along with our children. We wanted a cuddly cat that would sit on our laps and wouldn't run and hide all the time,'' Rachael Grandstaff said.
WONE-97.5 radio personalities Christi Nichols and Tim Daugherty hosted the event, along with Billy Soule, assistant to Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic for community relations, and Humane Society Executive Director Karen Conklin.
Proceeds from the telethon, topping $10,400 at the sound of the closing bell Sunday, will go to operating expenses for the facility, Conklin said.
Shelter officials had hoped the first telethon would raise $80,000 toward the facility's $1.4 million budget.
The Humane Society will move to a larger facility owned by the Summit Port Authority in Twinsburg Township in December.
The group currently is housing about 400 animals in a building that originally was configured for 125 animals, Conklin said.
Last month, the Port Authority agreed to lease the building to the Humane Society for $3.4 million.
Port Authority President Chris Burnham and his wife, Maryellen, of Bath, attended the event with their 6-year-old daughter, Baleigh, and Murdock, a beagle-border collie mix the family adopted from the Humane Society in April.
''I think part of the deal was adopting the dog,'' Burnham joked before he, Baleigh and Murdock were featured in a segment on the show.
U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Copley Township, was interviewed on the show and delivered the first large check of the day: a $500 donation from her husband, Doug Corwon.
''The very first dog that I ever got was from the Humane Society of Greater Akron,'' Sutton told the television audience.
Time Warner Cable Inc. donated the on-air time for the telethon. Director of Community Relations Tish Biggs said the company started partnering with the HSGA in October to feature adoptable animals on its free on-demand Channel 501.
The shelter continues to accept donations at http://www.summithumane.org or by calling the shelter at 330-657-2010.
Kathy Antoniotti can be reached at 330-996-3565 or kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
Akron, OH
Posted 10:45 PM, 11/08/2009
So sorry to see that this was a flop. Wonder if donors are sending a message. I used to support the Humane Society, but year after year there were empty promises of a new facility. Then I learned where the dogs were housed. In a delapidated cold barn. I immediately withdrew donations because I could see the Humane Society of Greater Akron was seriously mismanaged, which obviously went on for decades.
Portage Lakes, OH
Posted 08:15 AM, 11/09/2009
I also used to faithfully donate to the Humane Society until a few years ago when it was being seriously mismanaged and I too found that there were occassions when it was not to "Humane" as the name suggests. I also heard they are no longer a no-kill facility.
I had adopted my first puppy from there just to get it out of those living conditions.
Posted 10:35 AM, 11/09/2009
I am truly sorry the first two commentators have a dim view of the Humane Society of Greater Akron. The Humane Society is not mismanaged, their goals for a new facility were compromised by the recession. I adopted my dog, Bear, from there and I can tell you they really took good care of him and raised him to be a very good dog. When he sees Tish and Stephanie he gets really excited so I know they really took good care of him while he was there.
barberton, oh
Posted 10:40 AM, 11/09/2009
DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE STRAY CATS !! Oh if you catch them and bring them to us we'll take care of them.
And keep your nose out of our farmers business !!!
Posted 10:49 AM, 11/09/2009
There wouldn't be stray cats if the human idiots on this planet would spay/neuter their pets and people would stop dumping their unwanted pets in the neighborhoods. The stray cats are a problem caused by irresponsible humans.
akron, oh
Posted 10:50 AM, 11/09/2009
I really hate people who get on here and badmouth an organization for doing all that they can. Did you even read the article? They are trying to get a larger facility - hence the reason for the fundraisers that they do CONSTANTLY. Do you know how much it costs to run a place like that? Really? If people would spay and neuter their animals we would not even have this problem. yeah.. and then people think they are not doing enough, so they stop donating.. because THAT helps! derrrr. No wonder they are struggling.
Kent, Oh
Posted 11:15 AM, 11/09/2009
Just the state of the economy.
akron, oh
Posted 11:38 AM, 11/09/2009
If people can not afford to fed their families, why adopt or purchase a pet? That seems to be the problem. I don't blame the animals, but I do blame the past owners!!!!
oıɥo 'uoɹʞɐ, ㏊㏊
Posted 11:48 AM, 11/09/2009
"Obviously" TinaB has a hidden agenda.
Posted 11:55 AM, 11/09/2009
I agree MaryAnn. If you can't afford to feed your pets and provide them with necessary and decent veterinary care, you shouldn't be allowed to have one. And everyone should be required by law to spay and neuter all their pets. Poor animals don't stand a chance with so many stupid people.
Hudson, Oh
Posted 12:51 PM, 11/09/2009
Tina B, what a meanspirited comment. HSGA gets no funding outside of private donations except for a very small grant. It is disheartening to see the facility but what is hopeful are the many caring people that give their time & money. Before making critical statements of mismanagement you should get your facts straight or at least have some.
Akron, OH
Posted 01:09 PM, 11/09/2009
Hidden agenda? Hardly. Just a fed up donor, tired of being lied to over and over.
Akron, Oh
Posted 01:25 PM, 11/09/2009
Tina B Heather "animal neglect convict" Nagel.
Akron, Oh
Posted 01:26 PM, 11/09/2009
Oops...I meant
Tina B = Heather Nagel
Akron, OH
Posted 02:17 PM, 11/09/2009
Nicky G: I was wondering when someone was going to try to change the subject. Nice try. The Humane Society is being exposed for what it truly is, and you don't like it. We donors spoke out loud and clear on Sunday.
Akron, OH
Posted 02:18 PM, 11/09/2009
================
U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Copley Township, was interviewed on the show and delivered the first large check of the day: a $500 donation from her husband, Doug Corwon.
================
Why didn't Betty take her husband's last name when they married?
Akron, Oh
Posted 02:43 PM, 11/09/2009
TinaB, how come you are not outraged by this???
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=33641
Richfield, OH
Posted 02:58 PM, 11/09/2009
If they really wanted to raise money they need to create a sense of urgency.
For example, if we don't raise $1,000 this half hour, we will have to euthanize this cat.
animal rights, oh
Posted 04:15 PM, 11/09/2009
Nicky G: TinaB, how come you are not outraged by this???
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=33641
hahah i agree Nicky! how could you say anyhting about the HSGA'S barn after seeing those pics!! Please, atleast the barn in cleaned and Warm/Winterized!!! People need to get some facts before speaking *cough* *cough*
akron, oh
Posted 04:15 PM, 11/09/2009
Spirit of Reagan, great idea. Have a string of cats lined up alongside a microwave oven, then ask for the cash every half hour. If no cash, when they return back to the telethon there's one less cat. Reality TV, go for the shock value!
Kinda like a cross between the Public TV telethon, the daily Ernest Angley beg-a-thon, and Halloween. Brilliant!!
somewhere near you, CA
Posted 04:26 PM, 11/09/2009
Great comments folks, too bad they won't last with the thin skinned censors.
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 05:11 PM, 11/09/2009
Ive got to wonder if Sutton is telling the truth or not..hmmm
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 05:13 PM, 11/09/2009
@Villaine,
Maybe they should make that a free service then.,and in the long run it would save a ton of money.
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 05:16 PM, 11/09/2009
@overtaxedvoter,
I personally have a hard time with woman who have to have 35 last names...If they get married why dont they take the husbands name,?why hypenate? I dont get it..I think they think ,it makes them look important.It makes them look ,,well I'll be nice and not say how I think it makes them look.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:45 PM, 11/09/2009
This story is about the Humane Society. Straying from its facts only makes it look worse .. like a coverup.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:34 PM, 11/09/2009
TinaB
Weren't you one of the folks that was defending the hovel that the "Heaven Can Wait" shelter ran?
Rittman, Oh
Posted 01:29 PM, 11/10/2009
My dim view of the Humane Society turned into total darkness when they refused to allow me to adopt a dog into my household when I had casually mentioned I was looking forward to having the dog as a hunting companion. I also found it was less expensive to purchase a dog from a private kennel than pay all their adoption fees and subject yourself to privacy invasive home and background checks. We have had our beloved dog for 8 years now, courtesy of Stark County dog pound. Go in, pick the dog, if its been unclaimed for a certain amount of time, you pay a small fee and take your new pet home. County pounds are one of the few government run institutions that perform better than the private sector operations run by emotional do-gooders with good intentions, but who lack simple logic in their reasoning
Copley, OH
Posted 01:52 PM, 11/10/2009
I too, had issues with the Humane Society. It is easier to adopt a child than to adopt a pet from them. The staff is not welcoming and put you the defensive.
Kent, OH
Posted 05:53 PM, 11/10/2009
Really, now?
I had a wonderful experience adopting my cat from this organization.
Rosa was in fine condition, and is a loving companion. She is healthy and content in her new home.
akron, oh
Posted 07:06 PM, 11/10/2009
I think they'd raise more money by raffling a car or something. People would pay $5-$10 bucks for a chance at a car (or cash prize). But many people are generally too broke to donate to a charity. Love the animals but can't afford another mouth to feed.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:59 PM, 11/10/2009
I didn't know it was even going on. Maybe if they would spread the word, more people would have partaken?
:0(
Akron, OH
Posted 09:49 PM, 11/10/2009
Lower donation requests usually result in more donations. I wish them well.
Akron, OH
Posted 04:01 AM, 11/11/2009
I didn't know that Akron had an humane society. I just assumed all the stray cats and dogs were given to the local Chinese restaurants.
ProChoice, OH
Posted 07:06 AM, 11/11/2009
Bravo to the local Humane Society of Akron. Anyone who works w/animals is NOT in it for the money but to help pets who have been abused or abonded by irresponisible pet owners. As for some of the sick comments on here, if people received YEARS in jail instead of days, animal abuse would probably end & be taken more seriously.
