under one roofnews from

Issue 3

Each month – like clockwork – Napa Humane receives a donation from Dorothy Curry of Napa. When asked how long she has been supporting Napa Humane, she smiles and says “it’s been years” and “if I could do more, trust me I would.”

Dorothy is a spritely 76 years young and is the proud mom of Carly, a black Yorkie-Poodle. Carly is named after Dorothy’s favorite person “in the whole world” Carlos Santana. True story – on the night Carly was born, Dorothy was enjoying Carlos’ music at the Concord Pavillion. You may see Dorothy and Carly on their daily walks at Kennedy Park – on rainy days, look for Carly in her yellow slicker.

Dorothy’s generous spirit is shared with those of the human sort with her volunteer work at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Napa. She also supports emergency housing for women and children in our community.

We’re so fortunate to have the support of wonderful donors like Dorothy. Her consistent generosity lifts the spirit of those of us working day to day to serve homeless animals as well as beloved companion animals and their people – and we are most grateful.

If you would like to support Napa Humane with a regularly scheduled monthly gift please call Jane Albert at 707.255.8118 x201.

thank you, dorothy!

In our last issue we reported that Napa Humane benefactor, Lisa Laudeman, was the high bidder on a one-of-a-kind lot at our “Cause for the Paws” live auction in July – the opportunity to craft and bottle your own barrel of wine.

Leading the way with this incredible gift was Freemark Abbey, and legendary Freemark Abbey winemaker, Ted Edwards, has been acting as Lisa’s “consultant” as her wine takes shape. The grapes came from Spring Mountain where Lisa and Ted walked the vineyard several times taking samples and testing for readiness. Lisa reports “having a blast” with this special experience, and recently announced plans to donate one of her cases back to the “Cause” in appreciation and support of Napa Humane.

Bravo to our good friends at Freemark Abbey for their generous donation of fruit, processing, barrel aging and barrel storage, blending, bottling, licensing, and labeling. Thanks for the lot also go to Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage, for the contribution of the barrel, Demptos Glass for bottles, and Tapp Technologies for label design and production.

Napa Humane donor, Lisa Laudeman, and Freemark Abbey winemaker, Ted Edwards,

crushing what Lisa hopes to use in her blend

celebrating the harvest! an update…

Dorothy and Carly Curry

December 2008

At times, life circumstances can challenge us beyond any person’s normal realm of experience – and sometimes those circumstances involve a pet.Napa Humane’s “Companion Connection” program offers guidance directed toward helping individuals develop knowledge and insight to empower them to make the best decision for their pets when faced with complex issues.We provide personalized support for pet owners, responding to a wide range of incoming calls. Here are just a few examples:

A couple expecting their first child in a month has concern about their adult dog. He has bitten in the past and does not do well with change. They know that they can never allow their dog to be near the baby, but don’t know what to do. Giving the dog up would “rock his world,” and, “how do you re-home a dog that has bitten someone?” They need help in determining the best way to manage the situation between the dog who has always been their “baby” and the human baby that is on the way.

A young man recently received a job transfer out of state and his new living arrangement does not allow pets. He has two adult cats that he absolutely cherishes and does not want to give them up. He is at a loss as to what to do.

An elderly woman recently adopted a kitten that is “the best pet she has ever had,” but her skin is quite fragile and the kitten is tearing her “to shreds.” She fears she won’t be able to keep her kitten if she continues to get scratched so badly. She wants to know if she should have her kitten declawed.

A young couple is in danger of foreclosure. They have two dogs and a cat and are likely going to have to move in with the woman’s parents until they get back on their feet. Her parents will allow them to bring the cat but not the dogs to their home. The couple has asked all of their friends and coworkers to watch their dogs on a temporary basis but no one is able to help. They can’t afford to pay boarding fees.

A single mother of two got a bunny for her school-aged children. As the bunny grew up he started to urinate all over the house – even on the children. She is now insisting that the rabbit stay in his cage at all times because she is tired of having to clean the carpets and cannot afford the expense. Knowing that caging the rabbit 24/7 is not humane, she called asking for advice on how to handle her “problem bunny.”

A young woman and her cat just moved into a new home. Her cat is allowed outside during the day but comes in at night. Recently her cat came home with a large wound on his head and she since found out that her neighbor’s cat is “beating up her cat.” She called to learn what she could do to “keep her neighbor’s cat from coming into her yard.”

A part of having a pet is sometimes facing tough and complicated situations. Napa Humane is here to provide caring counseling during difficult times. To reach “Companion Connection” call 707. 255.8118, option 4.

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napa humane’s “companion connection”providing a steady shoulder in difficult times

With each newsletter we share with you the story of a Napa Humane Hero. These are businesses, individuals, or families who go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of companion animals in the Napa Valley. We are deeply thankful for our heroes and look forward to introducing you to them – this issue our spotlight is on our good friends Chet and Lorrie Carter at Imports Unlimited.

napa humane heroes

Post Office Box 695Napa, California 94559

Return Service Requested

unlimited generosity

NAPA HUMANEBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Clay Gregory, PresidentKathryn Fowler, Vice President

Mark Freund, TreasurerAmy Kramer, Secretary Belia-Eugenia Bennett

Jennifer ByramDiane Murphy Dunn

Ken QuiriciDiane ShimshakWendy Wickwire

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAID

Napa, CAPermit No. 148

For years, we’ve relied upon Imports Unlimited to keep our little orange van in tip top shape. Owners Chet and Lorrie Carter are devoted cat lovers and have graciously provided automotive service gratis so our orange van is ready to transport animals from the Napa County Animal Shelter scheduled for surgery to and from Napa Humane’s Spay/Neuter Clinic.Our van is a Chevrolet…so why take it to a garage with “Imports” in the name? According to Chet, “there’s no such thing as a purely domestic or imported car anymore.” He goes on to say that most domestic cars contain a high percentage of imported parts and vice versa. “There’s no doubt about it, it’s a global market when it comes to cars,” says Chet.Imports Unlimited has been taking care of Napa’s cars and trucks since 1972. All the mechanics at Imports Unlimited are skilled Master Technicians. They are highly trained and perform many types of automotive services and repair, and specialize in preventive maintenance. Just give Chet and Lorrie a call to schedule an appointment. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Chet and Lorrie have provided a loving home to many Napa felines. At one time, the couple cared for 23 cats! Luckily, they live in a country setting with plenty of room. During the early 1990s, Lorrie began working with the Napa Humane Spay/Neuter Clinic TNR program (trap, neuter, return) for feral cats. Lorrie’s dedication to the program helped reduce the feral cat population in her neighborhood.Currently, Chet and Lorrie are down to one cat, LB, who was the only survivor of a feral litter found on their property. LB now lives a life of leisure with lots of love from his pet parents.When it comes to the generous spirit of Chet and Lorrie, Lorrie sums it up well, “Everyone needs to take care of everybody, animals included.”

The Imports Unlimited team (from left to right): Chet Carter, Colby Hamilton, Mike Brauer, Lorrie Carter, Scott Carter

IMPORTS UNLIMITED2350 Stockton Street • Napa, CA 94558

707.255.6155